Speaking of His Departure

Scripture: Suddenly, two men were talking with him—Moses and Elijah. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem. Luke 8:30-31

Observation: During the transfiguration, when Moses and Elijah appear with the glorified Jesus, the topic of their discussion is described in this way ... "speaking of his departure". This departure would be completed in Jerusalem, and obviously it refers to the events of holy week. However, there are three events that could be considered Jesus' "departure":

-- His death by crucifixion (departure from life)

-- His resurrection (departure from death)

-- His ascension (departure from earth)

These all make sense, however which of these would have best involved consultation with Moses and Elijah? In my personal opinion, it isn't the crucifixion, as this form of departure seems unlikely to warrant council unless it is context of the other two events. While Elijah might be able to discuss ascension based on first-hand experience, I feel this "departure" best fits with resurrection.

It was resurrection that would be unique to Jesus, as Jesus would be dead and then be raised back to physical life, fully restored. It was also during the act of resurrection that Jesus would accomplish his true mission ... proving victory over death through faith and thus the forgiveness of sin, which he himself had been sacrificed to atone for. In addition, it was this same act that would involve the final trial of evil, and the salvation of all those before and after Jesus who had/have faith.

Crucifixion was something many had experienced, and ascension was miraculous but not complex ... resurrection is the "departure" that transforms every aspect of human existence for eternity, and is unique to Jesus.

Application: This event - the transfiguration - is one of those mysteries that is so interesting yet confusing. Three eyewitnesses testify to it, but are seemingly overwhelmed to the point of never being able to fully describe it. This one nugget - what Jesus, Moses, and Elijah discussed - isn't even quoted ... they just vaguely state the topic of discussion.

Is it possible that Peter, James, and John heard the entire plan of salvation, and couldn't ever process or understand it? Or did the Lord simply prevent them from revealing the conversation on earth? Or in their state of mind did they not hear it well enough to be certain?

There are times I wish I understood scripture better, so I could definitively understand things like this passage. Then there are times when I recognize that ... the answer about what was being discussed here simply isn't knowable. Any biblical scholar who says otherwise is either guessing, or had received spiritual information independent of the bible. I can do both of those, but not with authority or true understanding.

Prayer: Lord, we are in fact in "holy week" this week, when we remember your great sacrifice, but mostly we celebrate your resurrection and thus salvation given to us. For all time, you knew your plan for redemption of corrupt people like me. Thank you for your great love. Amen.