And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
Luke 9:30-31 (ESV)
It was not uncommon for Jesus to withdraw from everyone and spend time in prayer. But this time, as he did, he took Peter, John, and James with him (Lk. 9:28). And it appears that they fell asleep while Jesus prayed (Lk. 9:32).
But as Jesus prayed, the appearance of his face was changed, and his clothes became dazzling white (Lk. 9:29). This would seem to be a taste of his glory as God. And Moses and Elijah also joined him. And they also appeared in glory. This would be quite the sight to wake up to.
Why Moses and Elijah
But why did Moses and Elijah appear on the mount with Jesus? And what were they talking about? This second question is the easiest to answer. Luke tells us that they were speaking with Jesus about his coming departure.
Jesus was on his way to the cross, fulfilling the Law and the prophets. And so the representatives of the law and prophets, Moses and Elijah had come to discuss it with him. We do not know beyond that what was said. But it does lead us back to the more important question. Why were they there?
I believe it was primarily for the benefit of Peter, John, and James. This was something that they needed to experience. While they did not understand it then, it became a powerful memory for them in the years to come.
In 2 Peter 1:16-18, Peter declared they were not promoting cleverly invented myths when they proclaimed the resurrected and glorified Jesus as Lord. But they were eyewitnesses of his glory revealed on the mountain and heard God’s declaration of who he was. Apart from his resurrection, this was Jesus’ most vivid sign to them of who he was, the one pointed to by the law and the prophets, the Son of God.
