Hebrews 1:1-4 and the Transfiguration

Here’s the full context of the “transfiguration” passage I referenced at the end of 2/22's sermon, which helped us see how the law (represented by Moses) and the prophets (represented by Elijah) have faded to the background now that the person they pointed to is here: Jesus Christ, God’s greatest and final Word to mankind, the fulfillment of all things.

Matthew 17:1-8 1 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 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.” 5 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.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

Note especially that although Peter acknowledges all three of them, God the Father acknowledges the Son as the one to, ultimately, listen to. May we live our lives as though the greatest thing God ever “spoke” into history was the life, death, and resurrection of his Son. May we listen to God through the gospel.

And what has Jesus said? Many things, one of which is: “No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:13-15).

Chris