Sermon On the Net

THE TRANSFIGURATION

 

Luke 9: Jesus sent the apostles on a missionary journey. He told them not to take any provisions with them and to stay in homes that welcomed them. They did as He instructed, preaching and healing, and when they returned He took them to Bethsaida. When the crowd learned of their presence they came to Him and He preached and healed them. Late in the day Jesus fed the crowd of about 5,000 men with 5 loaves of bread and 12 fish and they all had plenty to eat and 12 baskets were left over.

 

One time Jesus was alone with the disciples and He asked them who people thought He was. They said various people of long ago and then He asked them who they thought He was. Peter said He was the Christ and Jesus told them not to tell anybody. He then told them of the events that would soon take place but they didn’t fully understand what He was saying. This is the passage where Jesus said in verse25, “What good is it if a man gains the whole world and loses his soul?” Jesus also said one should be willing to give up everything for Him. Those that deny Him will be denied by Him on judgment day.

 

Eight days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him up onto a mountain to pray. As He was praying His appearance changed, becoming extremely bright and His clothes turned as bright as a flash of lightening. Two men appeared, Moses and Elijah, and began talking to Jesus concerning His departure. The disciples were very sleepy and when they woke up they saw Jesus and the two men. They were glad they were there and wanted to build a shelter for them, but while Peter was speaking a cloud came upon them and a voice came from out of the cloud saying in verse 35, “This is my Son whom I have chosen; listen to Him.” When the cloud lifted Jesus was alone. The disciples decided to tell no one what they witnessed.

 

The next day a large crowd met them and a man asked Jesus to heal his son of a very bad demon, which He did. While the crowd was marveling at what He did, Jesus told His disciples that He would soon be betrayed. They did not understand what He was telling them.

 

Later, an argument occurred among them regarding who was to be the greatest. Jesus knew their thoughts and took a child and had him stand beside Him and He told the disciples in verse 48, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For who is the least among you all—he will be the greatest.” 

 

This chapter concludes with Jesus telling them that nothing should prevent a true follower of His from following Him.

 

My friends we read of a continuing demonstration of Jesus’ compassion and love; the reason for His presence on earth. Compassion when He heals, love when He is crucified.

Could we heal a people who want to kill us? I think not. Could we suffer and die a horrible death for a people who want to kill us? I think not. But Jesus did exactly that.

Those of you who have not accepted Jesus as Savior are living under the rule of Satan. This is a strong and bold statement I know, but it is a fact. You can change your destiny by a simple request of Jesus, asking Him to be your Savior, telling Him you are a sinner and lost; and you will be found. Jesus promises that. He will accept all who come and at any time. Praise the Lord! Someone once told me that praising the Lord was more important than prayer; read the last 5 Psalms.