In the Bible mountains stand as a backdrop for many stories.
Among these, the experiences of Moses on Mount Sinai and Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration shine as pivotal moments that guide us from the Old Covenant to the New, illustrating the journey from law to grace.
Moses’ ascent to Mount Sinai is a cornerstone in the story of the Israelite people. Amidst a backdrop of thunder, lightning, and a dense cloud, Moses meets with God. It is here that he receives the Ten Commandments.
Moses descends the mountain bearing tablets of stone, his face aglow from his divine encounter, yet veiled. This veil symbolizes the gap between God and the Israelites under the Old Covenant—a gap bridged only by strict adherence to the law.
The New Testament presents a contrasting mountain experience with Jesus on a high peak, transfigured before Peter, James, and John. This event is unparalleled, revealing Jesus’ divine nature and glory in full display. His face beams like the sun, his clothes dazzle with white, and standing with him are Moses and Elijah, symbolizing the Law and the Prophets.
A divine voice breaks through the clouds, affirming, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” Matthew 17:5
This declaration not only confirms Jesus as God’s chosen one but also marks the transition from the Old Covenant of the Law to the New Covenant of grace and truth.
The contrast between Moses’ and Jesus’ mountain encounters underlines a crucial shift from law to grace. Moses represents the Law—a guide for living a holy life, yet with a barrier between God and His people. Jesus, conversely, represents a direct, personal relationship with the Divine, without the need for a veil.
While Moses’ experience emphasizes the necessity of obedience and the holiness of God, Jesus’ Transfiguration unveils God’s desire to live among His people, highlighting grace, love, and the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
This transition is not to undermine the Law but to fulfill it. The Law, as our schoolmaster, serves to reveal our shortcomings and lead us to Christ, highlighting our need for a Savior.
Embracing Our Journey
These mountains invite us to reflect on if we living in the shadow of the mountain, adhering to a law that leads to death or are we walking in the light of Jesus, embracing the freedom and grace He offers?
The Law was given to show how far we fall short and to guide us towards Christ. It’s in recognizing our inability to fulfill the Law on our own that we come to understand the need for Jesus’ sacrifice and the grace He offers.
Through Moses, we learn the importance of divine guidance and the seriousness of sin. Through Jesus, we are invited into a relationship based on love, grace, and forgiveness. It’s a journey from the mountain of Law to the mountain of Grace, each step drawing us closer to the heart of God.
As we aim to grow spiritually, let us remember the purpose of the Law as a stepping stone, guiding us to recognize our need for Jesus and the grace He freely gives.
