An Unforgettable Moment Series

Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road

He kept on asking asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?” So they answered, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But all of you, who do you say that I am?”

Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.” Then He strictly warned them that they should tell no one about Him.

Mark 8:27-30

An Unforgettable Moment

Mark brings us to a crucial time in Jesus’ ministry. The disciples had experienced many astonishing miracles which defied human explanation. For several years, they travelled the dusty and dangerous roads of Israel together. Now Jesus asks His disciples two probing questions concerning His identification. Who is He? And now you are asked, “Who do YOU think He is?” Read Matthew 16:13-20 and Luke 9:18-21 to complete the entire conversation.

Introduction – Insight, Marital

Jake was 92, and Jessie was 89 when they found each other and decided to get married. They were so excited. One day they were strolling along discussing their wedding plans, and on the way, they passed a drug store. Jake said, “Let’s go in here,” and Jessie followed.

He walked to the rear of the store and asked, “Are you the owner?” He said, “Yes, I am.” Jake said, “Well, we’re about to get married. Do You sell heart medication?” The pharmacist said, “Of course we do.” “How about medicine for circulation?” “All kinds.” “Medicine for rheumatism, scoliosis?” “Definitely.” “Medicine for memory problems, arthritis, jaundice?” “Yes, a large variety.” “What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for Parkinson’s disease – any of that?” “Absolutely.” “You sell wheel chairs, walkers, and those scooter chairs?” “Yes, all speeds and sizes,” said the druggist.

“That does it. We’d like to register for our wedding gifts here.”

Charles Swindoll, Wit and Wisdom: Chuck’s Homespun Prescriptions for Love and Marriage, “Jake and Jessie,” Compact-disc (Plano, TX: Insight for Living, 2004).

A Time of REFLECTION 27a

Caesarea Philippi towns; On the road

Around Pagan influences

Jesus never avoided unclean places/live in polluted world

Away from Public pressures

Resisted publicity for popularity/stress & pressure in our lives

Toward Personal deliberations

Are you discouraged in life/where are you spiritually

Illustration – Discouragement

The doctor told Marsha Mark and her husband they needed to accept the fact they would never have biological children.

Amid the discouragement, Marsha clung to a friend's words: "Somehow, Marsha, God is going to use your struggle with infertility for his glory." Marsha began to pray for a glimpse of that glory. In her words:

I'd asked everyone I knew to pray. One 5-year-old gave God suggestions: "Dear God, please send Marsha a baby. Maybe someone could give her one, or she could just find one on the street. Amen."

My husband stopped praying when we realized that I was beginning menopause. Being a scientist, Tom had seen all the facts. And in his lifetime, he'd never seen prayer change facts.

Six months later, I made an appointment for some tests including one more pregnancy test.

They looked at me with pity and said, "No. You haven't had any cycles for seven months. Asking for another pregnancy test indicates you are not accepting things as they are."

I begged for the extra test and finally convinced them. The test came back positive. Over the next 14 days, I had four more pregnancy tests and three more sonograms at the hospital's request. I think this time they were having trouble dealing with the facts.

My full-term pregnancy was uneventful unless you count every day bathed in praise for the answer to our prayer.

On October 22, 1996, Amanda Joy was born. We call her Miracle Mandy.

Marsha Marks, "Special Delivery," Christian Reader (Sep/Oct 2000), pp. 15-17

A Question of PERCEPTION 27b-28

John the Baptist was known for his powerful Preaching (Adultery is sin; wages of sin is still death; but there is hope in repentance in X)

Elijah was known for his powerful Prayers

(No rain for 3 ½ yrs; fire out of heaven to consume sacrifice)

The prophets were known for their powerful Pathos

(Sorrow, grief but boldness of heart & life)

Noah/Building ark for rain; Moses/Pharaoh in Egypt; David/Goliath; Jeremiah/tears for 40 yrs & no decisions; Hosea/love; Daniel/faithfulness in adversity lions den; Peter/statement on Jesus

A Statement of CONFESSION 29-30

Some say He’s a Legend...never happened, no consequences!

Some say He’s a Liar...a deceiver, a good man but not God

Some say He’s a Lunatic…a poached egg, nut job

Some call Him Lord willingly…our Redeemer!

Jn 5:17-18; 8:58-59; 10:30

The resurrection confirmed who He was, is and shall be! Your belief’s & behavior reveals your conviction @ Christ & Your behavior proclaims your inner character