Matthew 17:1-8
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
Jesus is the only one transformed in this experience. They glimpse the divine majesty of the man they know as Jesus.
Moses and Elijah then join Him on this mountain. They represent the law and prophets of the Old Testament. We are not told here what they talked about, but everything revealed previously was in preparation of the coming of Jesus and His salvation of grace.
The passion of Jesus was yet to come and the Holy Spirit has not been given. The disciples have yet to realize the passing of the old covenant and coming new covenant.
They hear the voice of God the Father blessing and confirming His Son. He directs the disciples to listen to voice of the Son, who only speaks the words of the Father. In fact, Jesus is the Word.
They fall down in terror at the voice of the living God. Then the Word comes to them and touches them. He speaks tenderly to them to rise and fear no more. When they look up they only see Jesus.
The two witnesses have disappeared. They were used by God to pave the way for his Son. Like John the Baptist, they fulfilled their purpose and now defer to the head of all creation: no one but Jesus only.
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