From Matthew 17:1-8 / Listen to Him!

Having already commented on this event as it appears in Mark, let but reiterate what was written there, and note but one or two things in addition.

From Mark’s account: It is at this point religion and Christianity part ways. If we miss this, we miss the most important of all distinctions and truths. Jesus was not, IS not another Moses. Moses, was merely a “type” (picture of someone else ahead of time) of Jesus the Christ.

Jesus was not, IS not another Elijah. Elijah was merely another “type” (a picture ahead of time) of Christ.

While Moses represents the giving of the Law upon Sinai, Christ IS the holiness (the very nature of God) the Law is based upon. He is the substance of which the Law and Moses and Elijah are merely the shadows of.

While Elijah represents the prophets, Christ IS the Word. He does not come to give a new word from God, He comes to BE that which all of what God had said to date was pointing to and saying.

It is confused thinking on this point that leads to syncretism with other religions.

If we merely see Christ as a new lawgiver, we can syncretize or blend Christianity with the Jewish religion. If we see Christ as merely a new prophet, we can syncretize blend Christianity with Islam and a host of other false religions and cults as well.

Jesus Christ must be seen as He truly is – GOD. If He is any less, if He is marginalized in any way – we lose the very essence of Christianity. Christians are those who worship Jesus Christ as God. They are not only that, so as to prevent us from over simplifying – but we are at LEAST that from our foundation.

“This”, is God’s “beloved Son.” Whatever else we’ve heard, whomever else we have heard – we must give precedence to and listen to – Him. In fact, we can only truly understand what any of the others have said when we have Christ in His rightful place. As “Truth” – He is what interprets all things. Unless Christ Jesus is at the center of everything, nothing truly makes complete sense. It can have order or coherency on some level, but not ultimately. ^“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” Ephesians 1:7-10 (ESV)

Here is one of those sweeping statements of cosmic and eternal focus in God – that God has “as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him.” The statement is not such that it admits of no other features – as though God could not have multiple ends in view. It does not say “as THE plan” – but certainly this is at the very core.

As our culture grows increasingly multi-cultural and as the distinctions between religions are blurred in the interest of fusing mankind together in some sort of composite “spiritual” soup – Christians must continually champion the cause of Christ above all, and Christ ALONE above all (His Father excepted – 1 Cor. 15:27 preserving the trinity).

If one had never heard the “law” as given by Moses; if one had never heard a single one of the Old Testament prophets – yet Christ is to be preached as Paul did at the Areopagus. Christ, and Him crucified for the sins of men. The One who is appointed to come and judge the living and the dead – and who alone can reconcile us to the Father through the blood of His cross.

Note first: What an astounding, divine rebuke to Peter’s suggestion. The Father will not tolerate putting anyone else on the same footing as Jesus – even Moses or Elijah. He is to be heard above all else. No wonder then the Disciples were terrified when they heard it.

Note second: And then – to have the practical application of that, in that in spite of the vision, the appearance of Moses and Elijah, and the divine rebuke: Jesus’ words of comfort are to be received above all. How gracious He is. If we are His, we need have no fear though the Heavens themselves rebuke our sin.