More than a Teacher | February 3, 2018
More than a Teacher – February 3, 2018
Introduction: Following Jesus -> Peter, James, John -> Transfiguration (Jesus’ identity)
Big Idea: Jesus is more than a moral teacher.
Scripture: Luke 9:28-36 (ESV)
Luke 9:28-31 (ESV)
Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
Point One: Jesus Fulfills the Law and the Prophets
- Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain to pray (while they were there, Moses and Elijah show up, and they got to see Jesus in His glory)
- Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets, which shows that Jesus is the promised Messiah of the Old Testament
- The conversation is about Jesus’ upcoming death, resurrection and ascension (the dazzling light is a preview of both Easter morning and the second coming)
- Whatever you are praying for, recognize that Jesus is the answer
Luke 9:32-33 (ESV)
Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”— not knowing what he said.
Point Two: The Difference Between Awe and Fear
- Not knowing what to say, Peter suggests they build three tents (either to memorialize or extend the occasion)
- Awe inspires us while fear cripples us (awe points to the future while fear traps us in the past – Jesus’ miracles were meant to spur us into action)
- Fear of the unknown is one of the biggest things keeping people from coming to Christ (many people don’t want face what they can’t understand)
- The difference is rooted in love (Jesus wants us to know Him because of His love for us as shown through both His compassionate miracles and His sacrifice on the cross)
Luke 9:34-36 (ESV)
As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.
Point Three: Jesus Is the Son of God
- A cloud appears, and God speaks (just like at Jesus’ baptism) – this confirms who Jesus is (see v18-20)
- This whole section of Scripture is about establishing Jesus’ identity as the promised Messiah and the Son of God
- Most religious founders write their own holy books and didn’t have eyewitnesses during their key revelations (Jesus does)
- If Jesus truly is the promised Messiah and the Son of God, then it changes everything!
Discussion:
- What are some of your favorite Old Testament passages that refer to the promised Messiah?
- In what ways has your faith inspired you to overcome fear?
- In your opinion, what sets Christianity apart from other religions? Why did you decide to follow Jesus?
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