Why did Moses and Elijah visit Jesus?

A:In the gospels Jesus took Peter, James and John up into a high mountain, where his appearance changed, and they saw him talking to two strangers. Somehow, the disciples knew without question that the strangers talking to Jesus were Moses and Elijah.

Read literally, the sole reason for this journey was to let the three disciples see Jesus talking to Moses and Elijah, yet they learnt nothing from the experience and were even instructed to tell no one. In spite of this life-changing event, and its absolute proof that Jesus was the Messiah, Peter went on to deny Jesus. If the Transfiguration ever happened, it must be that the disciples were less sure of who the strangers were than is suggested in the gospel story. Why they even thought the men were Moses and Elijah is not stated.

Another Answer:

Although Peter had been inspired to answer the question Christ asked as to whom do the people say I am and replied by the Father's inspiration, 'the Christ,' the apostles still needed reassurances that Jesus would eventually triumph. This is just our human nature.

So after 6 days (number of mankind), Jesus took the 'leadering' Apostles, Peter, James and John up on a mountain overlooking Caesarea Philippi, where Peter made his confession of Jesus being the prophecized Christ in Mark 8:27-29. This transfiguration deeply affected John and Peter, who mention it in their writings (John 1:14; 2 Peter 1:16-18).

As Jesus transfigured before them, His clothes becoming shinny - exceedingly white like snow which no launderer on Earth could match, Elijah and Moses appear talking to Jesus. Elijah is the 1st of the great Prophets who prophecized the future coming of Christ (Malachi 4:5; 6). This was why the people had been asking John the Baptist if he were Elijah (Mark 1:21). Moses was the lawgiver and liberator. Their presence confirmed the reality that Jesus is the Messiah of Peter's confession.

The voice of God the Father was heard as well telling the 3 Apostles to 'Hear Him.' Yet with all these things, the Apostles abandoned Jesus at His greatest time of need. This is again our human nature. They had not received the Holy Spirit which would enter into them on Pentecost and would strengthen them to complete their ministries and even die a martrys death (most).

Jesus instructed the 3 Apostles not to speak of this event until after His resurrection. The Jewish people had a misunderstanding of the role of the Messiah in His first coming and would be even more confused if they heard of this prior to His resurrection - the greatest proof of His Godhead.