March 14, 2010 MW
“On the Mountain Top with Jesus” series #3/6
Stockwell Road MBC
THE MOUNTAIN OF TRANSFIGURATION
Luke 9:28-36
INTRODUCTION:
A. A supernova is the brightest spectacle in the universe. It is a glorious, powerful occurrence. A star which goes supernova outshines its entire galaxy for eons of time. One writer said that it is the closest thing he could wrap his head around to imagine Jesus in all of his glorious, infinite brightness. This idea of brightness is conveyed of Jesus in Hebrews 1:3, “Who being THE brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”
B. This was how Peter, James and John saw Jesus on this occasion. High atop Mt. Hermon, just outside of Capernaum in the northern most part of Israel, Jesus led these disciples. As he climbed to this snow capped summit, which today is the only place in Israel where people can snow ski, he began to pray. The disciples huddled together and after a difficult climb fell asleep. As Jesus prayed his countenance was changed and began to glisten and he became white that was brighter then human ability. He even made the snow seem dull compared to brightness. Then Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus about his death. During this conversation Peter, James and John woke up. They were dumb founded! Notice the words of v. 33, Peter spoke without even realizing what he was saying. He was just awestruck at the sight! I don’t think Peter fully understood what was happening but he knew it was good! He found himself in the midst of a great experience! This experience had an effect on Peter, James and John…II Peter 1:16-18!
C. When we climb to the mountain top with Jesus we will experience things that exceed our wildest expectations. We will stand in awestruck wonder at the goodness of God, the glory of God and the grace of God. When I realized that serving God was the greatest adventure man could ever go on it transformed my Christian life. It will change yours too. Ephesians 3:20, reminds us of this simple truth! Serving the Lord is being in a good place…are you in a “good” place? God wants to take you places you have never been and do, through you, things that you have never done. Ask yourself, as you climb with Jesus, “Am I in a ‘good’ place?”
BODY: You know you are in a “good” place when…
I. YOU CAN SEE HIS GLORY vs. 28-29
Note: We need to stop and see the glory of God more often…when we do…we know that we are in a good place! These disciples caught a glimpse of His glory and it caused them to realize that they were in a good place!
A. A Special People See His Glory
--the inner circle—today God is no respecter of persons
B. A Special Place of His Glory—Peter called it a holy Mount!
C. A Special Presentation of His Glory—He was transformed—momentarily his glory was revealed—George Strait, “I Saw God Today”
II. YOU CAN WORSHIP HIS GREATNESS vs. 30-35
Note: When Isaiah saw the glory of God in Isaiah 6…he humbled himself and worshipped the Lord! We see Jesus’ preeminence on display! We know Jesus is our friend and our Savior but He is much more than this! This story exalts the greatness of Jesus!
A. The Heavenly Visitors
1. the men—Moses and Elijah
2. the message—his exodus from this life
3. the meaning
B. The Heavenly Voice II Peter 1:16-18
--the supremacy of Jesus’ Words
--the supply of Jesus’ Words
III. YOU CAN ENJOY HIS GRACE vs. 36
Note: What a sight! What a scene! These men beheld something no other has ever seen and look at the wording? When they looked up…they saw Jesus alone! We need to see Jesus and nobody else! When we do we will know we are in a good place and enjoy the all sufficient grace of Jesus!
A. Enjoying the Grace of His Peace
B. Enjoying the Grace of His Presence
CONCLUSION:
Are you in a “good” place this morning? Are you where you can see the glory of God, worship the greatness of God and enjoy the grace of God? If not…climb the mountain with Jesus today!
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