Meet the Finisher

It was the day the Law and the Prophets met the One who finished it all... 
So Jesus takes his closest disciples up a mountain.  Peter, James, and John were to be eyewitnesses to a meeting for the centuries.  When they reach the appointed spot, Jesus’ clothes suddenly become radiant white.  This radiance was so intense that Mark in his gospel could only explain it this way, and I paraphrase - “ain’t nobody got bleach like that.”  Then Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus, and they are talking together. Talking!  What are they talking about?!  I want to know, but no explanation is given. 

So here you have a meeting of some powerful figures.  Moses, leader of the Jewish people out of Egypt and carrier of the Law of God written in His power on stone tablets and Elijah, a prophet of God who called down fire from heaven and who himself was taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire.  These two representatives, one for the Old Testament Law and the other for the Old Testament Prophets, were talking to Jesus.  

Of course, Peter could not control himself.  Although “terrified” and not knowing what to say, he blurted out a goofy suggestion.  “Rabbi, it is good that we are here.  Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.”  Ok.  I will try not to be too hard on Peter here.  Imagine what that was like being on a mountain with Moses, Elijah, and Jesus the Messiah!  That would be awe-inspiring to the extreme.  But Peter’s untimely blurting got the attention of someone else.  

Mark goes on to tell us that a cloud overshadowed them all and a voice came out of the cloud - that would be God - and said: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” (emphasis added and probably not needed).  Thank God for Peter.  If there hadn’t been someone foolish enough to talk during this event, we might not have gotten the ultimate instruction.  Listen to Jesus.  

God delivered the Law through Moses. He delivered His words through the prophets, including Elijah.  And He delivered His Son to finish it all.  In Him, Jesus Christ, we have the completion of that which came before and the disciples needed to understand this, as we also need to understand it.  The Law was not the end, nor were the prophets.  But Jesus, the Son of God, was the end of it all.  Listen to Jesus.  Give weight to what He says.  Follow His commandments.  Do as He instructs.  Look at His life for direction and guidance.  Listen to Jesus the beloved Son of God.  

Mark 9:2-8