0627. The Transfiguration, the Empty Tomb, and the Olivet Mount

The Transfiguration, the Empty Tomb, and the Olivet Mount

"They talked of His decease" (Luk_9:31).

"He is not here, but is risen" (Luk_24:6).

"This same Jesus * * shall so come in like manner" (Act_1:11).

We have before us three scenes–one of them took place on the Mount of Transfiguration; one of them occurred at the empty tomb and the third was enacted at the Mount of Olives.

In each of these scenes two men, or "shining ones" appeared. In the Transfiguration, the Scriptures bear witness that the two were Moses and Elias; at the empty tomb and at Olivet the Scriptures merely state two men.

1. The two men, Moses and Elijah, who appeared with the Lord on the Mount of Transfiguration, talked of Christ’s decease, which He should accomplish at Jerusalem.

This is one of the striking scenes of the Bible. Christ was transfigured; Christ was standing on the very brink of Glory, with but a step into the other world; yet, Christ was discussing His decease with two men, who, in olden days, had been His faithful witnesses.

Surely they must have talked not merely of the fact of His death but also of the meaning of His death; of the far-reaching results of the atonement. In that discussion all the redeemed, of all ages had a share; for all saints were the objective, of the coming death on Calvary.

2. The two men at the empty tomb spoke the memorable words: "He is not here, but is risen indeed." Thus witness was born to the resurrection of Christ. Two men had spoken of His death at the transfiguration; now two men speak of His resurrection. Apart from resurrection, the death had meant nothing. Had Christ not been raised from the dead, our faith would have been vain, and our witnessing false, and we would have been of all men the most miserable.

3. Two men at the Mount of Olives talked of His coming again. "Ye men of Galilee this same Jesus shall so come again in like manner." The ones who have gone beyond, and those who are over there, proclaim a threefold Gospel. Should not men and ministers down here do the same?

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR