The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-04-16
Matt. XVII, 10.

OF Moses and Elias Is briefly stated.
They Conversed with Jesus concerning
His decease at Jerusalem luke tx, 81,
the very theme over which Peter had
stumbled, as related in our last lesson
Matt, xvi 22). The lawgiver and the
great prophet of Israel esteem that a
subject of chief concern. 1t had been
so held I'm their writings Luke xiv, 4D,
which had been strangely msinterpreted
by the Jewish doctors. Now they show
that, while separated by many centuries
they are i'm full accord on this momentous
topic, which is destined to become funda-
mental in the new dispensation (Col. /, 23:
Rev. V, l2. After such prominence given
to 1t who will speak lightly of the
cross? tGal. vi, A..
PETERS PROPOSAL.--Prio to the
TRANSPORTATION the apostles fell asleep
duke tx, 32D Hence, some have inferred
that it was night time. The slumber may
have been induced by supernatural in
huences, as on other occasions OF the Di-
vine presence (Cien. ii, q; Dan. viii, iS).
But they awokc i'm time to see Jesus in
the glory which lie had taken on GEN.
| xiii IS; Isa TX, /; John /. 1D, also to see
Moses and Elias. probably to hear the
| latter parts of their conversation. How
| thCy were recognized we are not in
formed. The apostles had missed much
| as sleepy Christians do, who enter a
meeting at a late hour. Awakening in the
| midst of this unearthly splendor, Peter
| cried out: "It is good for us to be here" "
and proposed with Christ's approval, to
| make three tabernacles, one for Him and
| one for each guest CvCrse A.. This was
| the spontaneous outburst of enthusiasm
and bcwilderment lie desired to proong
| the visit and the blessing psalm iV, 81
| kill, 2-J). But the proposition was i'm
proper Jesus might have answered Pet
er as He did previously (Matt. xvi. 23).
| Unfortunate man! lie was Il dun pupil in
the school of Christ. speaking when he
| might better have been silent, and cher
| ishing feelings out of harmony with his
| Masters plans. This was not the time
| for heavenly rest. but for labor and saCrl-
| flee. Eight days before Jesus had de-
| clared His sufferings and death. Moses
and Elias have affirmed the same. And
yet the fisherman apostle would build
booths and keep his Lord from His mis-
sion and the guests from their home. Ills
| religion, like that of many now, CEN
! tered in personal enjoyment. Peter must
be delivered from such notions. But
| how?
HEAVENLY MESSAGE.-While the
| words were on Peters lips a cloud over
| shadowed the company. By this manner
on several occasions Gods approach had
been announced. (Ex xiv. 1920; lisa. xix
u. His unveiled presence could not be
: endured. out of the cloud came a voice
| saying: This is my beloved son in whom
I am well pleased, hear ye Him" (verse 81
| Here is a proclamation of Christs divln-
| ity, as it had been taught in Scripture
psalm ii, q, as Jesus Himself expressed
| it Uohn iii, 16). and as Peter confessed
it Matt xvi. l0. The expression of ap'
proval was the same as that given at the
baptism (Matt. iii, 10. But this was pre-.
lminary to the injunction to hear Jesus
| The design was to set Him forth as the
authoritative teacher in sacred things
promised aforetime Deut. xvii, 1919, su'
perior to Moses and Elias QIeb. ill., j-6)