”Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground. Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus. As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” Then his disciples asked him, “Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?” Jesus replied, “Elijah is indeed coming first to get everything ready. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, but he wasn’t recognized, and they chose to abuse him. And in the same way they will also make the Son of Man suffer.” Then the disciples realized he was talking about John the Baptist.“
Matthew 17:1-13 NLT
This passage begins with the phrase “Six days after…” the first thing that readers should notice is a direct link between the prophecy that Jesus gives at the end of the previous chapter and these events. That prophecy stated that some would not die until they see the coming of “the Son of Man in his kingdom.” Here we see a miraculous event outlined. First, Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus. Second is that Jesus is transformed. The presence of Moses and Elijah is interesting given that, in Jewish lore, they are the major players for the Law and the Prophets. Jesus extensively taught that these two things point directly to him and looked toward the Jewish Messiah. It must also be noted that their deaths were somewhat miraculous in nature. Elijah didn’t die and Moses’ burial plot is in contention. Either way, it would appear that they were both whisked away from their place in space and time to witness the coming of the Son of Man and his kingdom, and to confer with him before his final acts. This is particularly poignant for Moses who finally stood in the promised land, though his emotional outburst initially removed that honor from him. Secondly, it should be noted that Jesus was affirmed in a second and third way. Beyond the miraculous presence of the Law and Prophets, God the Father spoke again about being pleased with Jesus. This was followed by a physical change. This is reminiscent of the change that happened to Moses after he was in the presence of God. It is why this event is called the transfiguration. It is an interesting occurrence because unlike Moses, Jesus’ change could still be hidden to some degree. It seems that the change only happened briefly, like a passing ray of light through a cloud. Regardless, we should take this to be confirmation of Jesus rightful place among the Law and the Prophets and in God’s will. It wasn’t right for him to be worshipped, as there was work yet to do. But it is important to know that he belongs among the Law and the Prophets and he is the pleasing Son.
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