Luke 9:30

Jesus’ association with Moses and Elijah probably should have suggested to the disciples Jesus’ continuation of the redemptive work of the Exodus to its eschatological consummation. Moses was the original redeemer of God’s people. Elijah was the prophet whom God predicted would turn the hearts of the people back to Himself in the future as he had in the past (Malachi 4:4-6; cf. Deuteronomy 18:18). The facts that no one could find Moses’ corpse (Deuteronomy 34:5-6), and that Elijah ascended into heaven while still alive (2 Kings 2:11-12; 2 Kings 2:15-18), intimated Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. However, Moses and Elijah had not undergone transfiguration as Jesus had. Luke described them as "men" (Gr. andres). This fact suggests Jesus’ superiority to the two greatest men in Israel’s spiritual history. I base this evaluation on the fact that Moses established Yahweh worship in Israel by giving the Law, and Elijah preserved Yahweh worship in Israel when the nation was closest to abandoning it. Even though John the Baptist was in one sense the greatest prophet, he did not have the lasting effect on Israel that Moses and Elijah did.