The Greater Exodus

Read: Luke 9:28-36

Behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

Luke 9:30-31, ESV

IT WAS A DRAMATIC SCENE, surely part of what impressed John to write, “We have seen his glory” (John 1:14). Jesus had taken three of his closest disciples to a mountaintop, and the visible layer of this physical realm was peeled back to reveal the dazzling image of the Son and two holy heroes of ages past, Moses and Elijah. The revelation of glory was undeniable in that moment, and the scene was loaded with significance. Two of the greatest figures of Hebrew history were conversing with the Son of God. What were they talking about? According to Luke’s Gospel, they were discussing the departure—literally, the exodus—that was about to take place.

Most translations of the Bible assume the topic to be Jesus’ own exodus from this world, which would certainly pique the interest of Elijah, whose departure was far outside the norm (see 2 Kings 2:11-12). But an even more meaningful translation suggests that Jesus was talking with Moses and Elijah about the exodus he would soon accomplish on behalf of God’s people—an exodus that would connect him with the mission of Moses, who led Israel out of Egypt, across the Red Sea, and to the edge of the Promised Land. It was a nation-defining Exodus that revealed God’s glory to Israel many centuries earlier. But the exodus that would soon take place in Jerusalem would be global in scale and would reveal God’s glory in an unprecedented and eternally unique way to realms both physical and spiritual. The first Exodus, as miraculous and dramatic as it had been, was only a picture of the one Jesus would accomplish. These key players in God’s plan certainly had a lot to talk about.

The radiance of God’s glory had shone on Moses’ face and appeared at Elijah’s ascension. Now that same holy radiance shone through Jesus at his resurrection and ascension, signaling the ultimate victory of the new creation. Glory would no longer grace a few scattered heroes as a hint of something new. It would fill the bodies, hearts, minds, and spirits of all who believe. The Resurrection was not an exclusive event; it was the first fruit of things to come.

Jesus has accomplished an exodus for you. It is not an escape from the world, but it is certainly an escape from the world’s captivity. You live now as a citizen and ambassador of another realm, bringing heaven’s environment into earth wherever and whenever you can. And you, too, will appear with him in glory.

PRAYER

Father, may your radiance not only shine on me, as it did with Moses, but shine through me as it does with Jesus. The exodus of Jesus has set me free; may I live freely indeed. Amen.

REFLECTION

In what ways was the Exodus led by Moses a foreshadowing of the exodus led by Jesus? What symbolism is common to both?

Further reading: Hebrews 3:1-6

It was a strange and dreadful strife

When life and death contended;

The victory remained with life,

The reign of death was ended.

“CHRIST JESUS LAY IN DEATH’S STRONG BANDS,” MARTIN LUTHER