Moses and Elijah came to speak with Jesus about his upcoming journey to Jerusalem (see Luke 9:31), to go to the cross, in only six months. These two representatives of the old dispensation speak with Christ as witnesses of Israel’s guilt and God’s grace. In Jesus’ transfiguration the unity of old and new, of prophecy and fulfillment, reveals his glory, even in his humiliation. Not only angels, but also blessed ones from heaven, come down to him, showing his messianic and divine glory: the men speaking not with the apostles, but only with him. He is at the centre.
Moses and Elijah came to speak with Jesus about his departure, which he would soon thereafter accomplish at Jerusalem (see Luke 9:31). At this point the cross was only about six months away.1
These two representatives of the old dispensation speak with Christ as witnesses to Israel’s guilt and of God’s grace. In the transfiguration of Jesus the unity of old and new, of prophecy and fulfillment, becomes evident in that these two coming down reveals the glory of the Messiah, even in his humiliation. Not only do the angels, but also blessed ones from heaven come down to him. That is the splendour of the Son of God: the men do not speak with the apostles, but only with him. He stands at the centre. Moses and Elijah spoke with Jesus concerning his suffering (Luke 9:31).2
3 Et voici, Moïse et Elie leur apparurent, s'entretenant avec lui.