Seeing the Glory of Christ April 26

Think About It … What is the most spectacular event you have ever witnessed? Today we look at a spectacular event experienced by the disciples … Jesus included them to impress upon them who He really was.

Listen for how Jesus’ appearance was changed. Luke 9:28-29 (NIV) About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. [29] As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. … Mt 17:2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.

See His Glory Revealed What happened to Jesus while He was praying? If you had been with Peter, James, and John, how might you have felt? Note the disciples knew Jesus as a man – walked and talked with him daily How do you think this experienced strengthened the disciples’ faith in Jesus?

See His Glory Revealed In what ways does God reveal Himself to us today that can strengthen our faith? Note the word “transfigured” – comes from Greek word metemorphothe – matches English word metamorphosis – view video of Monarch butterfly metamorphosis – caterpillar undergoes a permanent change … first internally, then visible externally Suggests Jesus underwent an actual physical change

See His Glory Revealed Note the same word used in Romans 12:1-2 (NLT) And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? [2] Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.

See His Glory Revealed According to these verses what must happen in order or you to be changed, transformed? What will be the results when you allow God to transform you? Jesus demonstrated by His transformation who He really was – In the same way your spiritual transformation should be a revelation to others – They should see the saving power of Christ and His Word

Listen for a further miraculous occurrence which happened on the mountain. Luke 9:30-33 (NIV) Two men, Moses and Elijah, [31] appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. [32] Peter and his companions … saw his glory and the two men standing with him.

Listen for a further miraculous occurrence which happened on the mountain. [33] As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.)

Immerse Yourself in His Presence Who suddenly appeared, and what did they do? How did Peter react to the amazing scene? In describing Peter’s suggestion about the shelters, why did Luke say, “He did not know what he was saying”? Note the subject of their conversation – Jesus’ departure and the “coming of fulfillment” of His purposes in Jerusalem. What are some synonyms of “fulfillment”?

Immerse Yourself in His Presence So what does “bring to fulfillment” imply about Jesus’ departure? What would have happened to bringing “fulfillment” if it were possible to stay on the mountain with Moses and Elijah?

Listen for God the Father’s message to the disciples. Matthew 17:5-8 (NIV) While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" [6] When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. [7] But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid." [8] When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

Worship Him and Obey His Commands What happened while Peter was speaking? What does this passage tell you about the relationship between Jesus and God the Father? What does the timing of the voice from the cloud say to you? What might God want to say to us about Jesus today?

Worship Him and Obey His Commands Note their response of falling to the ground in awe, reverence, and worship. How is obedience connected to worship? How does our worship and obedience reveal the glory of Christ to others?

Application Jesus was transformed – according to Romans 12:2 you are to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. – Allow God to renew your mind – Make proper choices as to what your mind will be filled with – When you do this you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Application God the Father told the disciples “listen to Him” – how can you make an effort to listen to Jesus this week? – Pay attention to preaching, teaching … take notes to help you – Read God’s Word each day – Talk to Him each day and ask Him to speak to you through His Word

Application What could you do today to give Christ the glory He deserves? – Tell Him today of your love and devotion – Thank Him for what He has done – Tell Him of your appreciation each time you see nature’s beauty around you – Give Him glory by obedience

Seeing the Glory of Christ April 26