Friday, September 4, 2020

Marion G. Merkley on the Date of Jesus' Birth and Moses and Elijah (not Moses, Elijah and/or John the Baptist) Appearing on the Mount of Transfiguration

 

The following are some insights taken from:

 

Marion G. Merkley, The Message of the Master: Course 14 For Sunday Schools of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City: Deseret Sunday School Union Board, 1957)

 

Jesus Born in 4 B.C. Not April 6, A.D. 1

 

The probable date for the birth of Jesus was 4 B.C. (p. 11)

 

Moses and Elijah (not Moses, Elijah, and John the Baptist or Moses and John the Baptist) appeared to Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration

 

Jesus stood transfigured before the apostles. Talking with Him were two heavenly personages: Moses and Elijah (called Elias in the Gospels) had returned to help prepare Jesus for the next phase of His ministry. The apostles listened in awe while Jesus spoke with His visitors of His approaching crucifixion which should take place in Jerusalem in fulfilment of the law (represented by Moses) and the prophets (represented by Elijah), and of which Jesus had forewarned them.

 

Peter spoke in bewilderment, saying, “It is good for us to be here.” Then he proposed that they build three tabernacles there, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. Peter had not yet learned the meaning of the experience on Calvary. Jesus could not be relieved of His responsibility as Moses had been on Mount Nebo; neither could He be taken into heaven like Elijah, thus escaping death. He must go to Jerusalem and be crucified between two thieves.

 

Moses and Elijah departed, but the vision was not ended. For suddenly a cloud of bright light overshadowed them, and a voice out of the cloud declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” (Matthew 17:5). The apostles fell to the ground and hid their faces in fear; but soon they raised their heads and gazed all around them. The bright cloud had passed; the vision was complete; they were alone with Jesus. (Luke 9:28-36). (p. 55)