Matthew 17:2-3, Moses and the Transfiguration of Jesus
There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
//This is Jesus being “transfigured” on the mountain. But what do Moses and Elijah have to do with this story? Well, I don’t know about Elijah (except to say that many Jews expected both of them to return to earth to inaugurate the age of the Messiah, which they seem to be doing here) but Moses’ appearance may be a subtle hint, meant to make an analogy more obvious. The analogy is this: have you ever compared the story of Jesus’ transfiguration in the New Testament to that of Moses in the Old Testament? Note especially this verse:
And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. –Exodus 34:30
Here, then, are some parallels to get you thinking:
1. Jesus’ face shines like the sun, just as Moses’ did.
2. Jesus’ disciples are terrified, just as the people were afraid of Moses.
3. Jesus took three people up the mountain with him (Peter, James, and John). Likewise, Moses took three people up the mountain with him (Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu).
4. Moses’ transformation was a result of coming into the glory of God. Jesus is transfigured by his own glory, transcending Moses.
5. A cloud envelopes the mountain where Jesus stands, just as it did Mount Sinai, where Moses stood.
Fantasy Football, Anyone?
Put on the whole uniform of the Team, that ye may be able to stand against the blitz of oncoming linebackers. Don the hip pads of truth, the shoulder pads of righteousness, the cleats of preparation. Don’t forget the facemask of faith and the helmet of salvation. Then clutch the pigskin with much Spirit, for that is what the Play Book of your Coach in Heaven demands.The River of Life
Twice before Lee Harmon has written about Christian topics, once on the gospel of John and once on the book of Revelation. But the question people keep asking him is this: As a liberal Christian, why do you care so much about the Bible? Others wonder whether he is truly a Christian at all.
The Way It Happened
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| Revelation: A love story gone awry. | The Gospel: A love story set aright. |
What really happened 2,000 years ago? How did a persecuted minority of end-time believers known as Christians, with their dreams of Armageddon and a conquering Messiah named Jesus, evolve into the largest religion in the world? Author Lee Harmon explores the period in which the New Testament was written in his books about John's Gospel and Revelation.
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The God Show
Lee Harmon interviewed on The God Show about the History Channel's miniseries The Bible and Lee's latest book, John's Gospel: The Way It Happened.
About Lee
Hello! I'm an author, historical Jesus scholar, book reviewer, and liberal Christian, which means I appreciate and attempt to exercise the humanitarian teachings of Jesus without getting hung up on any particular supernatural or religious beliefs.
The Bible is a magnificent book that has inspired and spiritually fed generations for thousands of years, and each new century seems to bring a deeper understanding of life’s purpose. This is true of not only Christianity; through the years, our age-old religions are slowly transforming from superstitious rituals into humanitarian philosophies. In short, we are growing up, and I am thrilled to be riding the wave.
I avidly read all thought-provoking religion titles. New authors: I'd love to read and review your book!
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About Leslie
Hi! While Lee writes the articles and reviews the books, I edit, organize, and maintain the blog. The views expressed here are Lee's but I'm his biggest supporter! :-)
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