Listen To Jesus Series

Keys of a Courageous Faith:

Listen To Jesus

Mark 9:2-8

Introduction

In the month of February we are affirming that Courageous faith always finds its strength in knowing the presence of Christ, hearing his Word, and following his example. Last week we looked at two miraculous stories as Jesus fed the 5,000 with a few loaves and fishes and then walked on water and stilled a storm. Both of these situations required courage from the disciples. Both of these situations required the disciples to grow in faith. As we see them growing in their faith, let’s join them in the journey of growing a courageous faith!

There are many amazing stories that surround the life of Jesus, but this event is one that teaches us about having a courageous faith by listening to Jesus.

Mark 9:2-8, ESV

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.

The Transfiguration of Jesus is an amazing teaching moment. Platt: “It’s as if a curtain were pulled back so that the disciples could see Christ’s glory in a greater way.” This event comes at an important time - the disciples were

about to face one of the most traumatic events of their lives: they would see Jesus arrested, beaten, crucified.

Mark 8:31-32a And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly.

They needed to have courage to face that situation and that courage would have to come from beyond themselves.

How does this event help us to grow in our faith in Jesus?

1. Courageous Faith Listens to Jesus Above the Crowd

Mark 8:27-29 And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.”

We live in a world crowded with opinions about Jesus.

-Islam teaches that Jesus was a prophet, but deny that he was God or the Son of God. Islam denies that Jesus died on the cross, but they do believe he ascended into heaven and will come again.

-Judaism regards Jesus as a respected miracle worker who was crucified but did not raise from the dead.

-Hinduism regards Jesus as a holy man and wise teacher. They believe that he is “a god” among many gods. Many see him as a symbol of what humans can attain, rather than a true historical person.

-Buddhism regards Jesus as an enlightened man and wise teacher, but not divine.

What did God say on the mountain? “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” (MK 9:7)

Here he appears with Moses and Elijah - the representative of the law and the prophets. Two of the greatest men in Israel’s history had some common experiences….

Both met with God on a mountain.

Both were led through very difficult situations as they followed God.

Both of them died mysterious deaths.

Both of them were great leaders of Israel, powerful and faithful.

The presence of Elijah and Moses affirms the eternal existence of God’s saved people. A glimpse of our future!

Above two of the greatest figures in the OT, Jesus reigns. Peter would later write 2 Peter 1:16-18:

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.

2. Courageous Faith Follows Jesus Above All

On the mountain Peter blurted out a request to build three tents / places of honor for Moses, Elijah, Jesus. God spoke and said to follow Jesus alone!