Commentary on Matthew 17:3

Bible Verse: Matthew 17:3 - "And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with Him."

Introduction

The transfiguration of Jesus is a profound event illustrated in Matthew 17:1-9. Verse 3 captures a critical moment wherein Moses and Elijah appear, symbolizing the Law and the Prophets. This commentary seeks to unpack the implications of their appearance, drawing from a variety of public domain commentaries to offer insights useful for pastors, students, and theologians.

Context and Significance

This event occurs shortly after Jesus predicts His suffering and death, making it a significant encouragement to His disciples. The appearance of Moses and Elijah serves a dual purpose: it reaffirms Jesus' mission and demonstrates His fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

The Characters: Moses and Elijah

Moses: The great lawgiver, Moses represents the Covenant of the Law. His presence signifies that Jesus fulfills the Law, affirming His role as the Messiah.

Elijah: The prophet Elijah embodies the prophetic tradition of Israel. His appearance points to the prophetic nature of Jesus’ ministry and the continuity between the Old Testament and New Testament.

Theological Implications

Revelation of Christ’s Glory

As highlighted by Matthew Henry, the transfiguration serves to reveal the divine glory of Jesus to His disciples, strengthening their faith. The presence of Moses and Elijah confirms His status as the Messiah who fulfills both the Law and the prophets.

Continuity of Divine Revelation

According to Albert Barnes, the meeting of Moses and Elijah with Jesus indicates the continuity of God’s revelation throughout scripture. It illustrates that the Old Testament figures were pointing towards Christ, thus underlining the unity of Scripture.

Encouragement for Disciples

As the disciples witnessed this event, it acted as a powerful affirmation of their faith and a revelation of Jesus’ divine authority. In this moment, Adam Clarke emphasizes how Christ appears alongside these key figures to strengthen and encourage His followers before they would face His impending crucifixion.

Practical Applications

• Affirmation of Christ’s Role: Believers should recognize Jesus not just as a teacher, but as the fulfillment of the entire Jewish expectation.
• Understanding of Scripture: This passage invites deeper exploration of how the Old Testament points to Christ, stimulating theological studies.
• Encouragement in Trials: The transfiguration assures believers that Christ's glory is present even in moments of confusion or suffering.

Conclusion

Matthew 17:3 profoundly encapsulates the intersection of the Old Testament law and prophecy with the life and mission of Jesus Christ. The theological richness of this verse speaks to various audiences, providing pastoral encouragement, academic inquiry, and deeper faith for all believers. As we reflect on this passage, may we be inspired to see Christ's glory in our daily lives and the continuity of God's message throughout history.