Philip Dampier's Blog

Covenants Part Three

The three apostles who accompanied Jesus up on the mountain had some difficulty in understanding the need to forget Moses and the Prophets and concentrate on Jesus. On the mountain the Law and the Prophets were represented by Moses and Elijah. This is a pivotal point in the ongoing education of the disciples of Jesus. They wanted Jesus but they also wanted to hold on to Moses and the Prophets.

Peter thought the entire scenario was wonderful. Shrines for all three leaders were called for. But something had changed and the apostles were about to learn what. According to God’s plan He was finished with the Law and the Prophets. He had something better in mind in the coming of Jesus to establish a new covenant. He had made that clear when Jesus first appeared on the world stage. “This is my beloved son.” The son had been promised and they had been expecting him but they failed to grasp what God said at Jesus’ baptism. Now he will repeat it and clarify it in regards to covenant language.

Three gospel writers include the message: “This is my beloved Son, listen to him.” (Matt. 17; Mark 9; Luke 9) Moses and Elijah will leave but Jesus will stay. The Law and the Prophets are no longer under consideration on the mount as God plans to replace them with a new law giver and prophet. All that was in the old is now in the new. Law giver, prophet, high priest. The Son is all three.

In case we missed the message, the Hebrew writer makes sure we get it. Look at Hebrews 1:1-2. “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”

Where do we find Jesus’ words? Where do we find the apostles retelling Jesus’ words? In the New Testament, right? Then where should we be studying? Where should the majority of our scriptural seeking take place?

Task for Today: Renew your knowledge of the New Testament. Immerse yourself in the instructions of Paul to the churches. Become a New Testament scholar. It is in the New Testament that you will find the words of life. Remember what God said, “This is my Son, hear Him.”