My Daily Journal:
Today’s section has two major questions:
1. Why Moses and Elijah?
2. How did Peter, James and John know who they were?
There are lots of thoughts about Moses and Elijah. Moses representing the law and Elijah the prophets, the 2 sections of the Jewish scriptures of that day. Elijah had been taken up in the chariot of fire, Moses’ grave is unknown.
But, I take a simpler view. The purpose of this event was to bring comfort to the man, Jesus. Angels had brought comfort to Jesus after his spiritual battle with Satan, the temptation in the wilderness. But the challenge faced now is human, suffering and death.
Moses and Elijah were there because they could comfort Jesus in the challenges he would face. Both of these prophets had faced physical suffering in their mission for God. Both had been taught to rely on God for their strength and substanance, specifically for the food they ate. My food, said Jesus, is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work. Both Moses and Elijah physically experienced connection with God: seeing Him from the cleft in the mountain, carried in a chariot of fire.
These two humans were the best equipped of men in history to provide the comfort needed by by the Son of Man.
How did the apostles know who they were?
BSF nametags, of course!
My Answers:
6.
a.
They came to comfort Jesus. Both had been through difficult situations in their calling for God. Both had messages to deliver to a unlistening people. Both had suffered physically in their mission. Both had seen God pass by.
b.
They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem
c.
They were present to be a support and comfort, and encouragement – not an obstacle or one who added burden
7.
a.
As shrines to honor them
b.
Jesus is not on the same level, they came for Jesus not the apostles, they were done (did not need shelter)
c.
Listen to Him. This is my Son, whom I love, in Him I am well pleased.
8.
a.
He was sent as a prophet, one called to repent and be baptized to make the paths straight (Matt 3)
b.
He was murdered for speaking the truth
c.
future tense – Elijah comes and will restore all things. Gift is available, death is defeated, but Earth is not restored
The Notes are Good 