05_Who_Changes_Us.pdf

of the Sermon**

This sermon, centered on the awe and wonder of Jesus, explores the story of Christ’s transfiguration as told in Luke 9:28-36. The message challenges us to move beyond a casual or distant relationship with Jesus, urging us to awaken our hearts, eyes, and ears to His true glory as the Son of God. The transfiguration is presented not as a change in Jesus’ nature, but as a revelation of who He has always been—God in the flesh, fulfilling the Law and the Prophets. The sermon draws a parallel between the exodus from Egypt and Jesus’ “departure” through the cross, emphasizing that Christ leads us out of slavery to sin into the hope of eternal life. Ultimately, the call is to respond to Jesus’ glory with repentance, faith, and a life of devotion, not just as a one-time decision but as a daily, enduring walk in the light of His love and power.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Awe and the Fear of the Lord: True transformation begins when we recover our sense of awe and reverence for Jesus. The fear of the Lord is not about terror, but about humble submission, gratitude, and contentment in every circumstance. When we hold the fear of the Lord above our fear of suffering, we find peace and hope that transcends our present troubles. This posture opens us to the fullness of God’s presence and power in our lives.
• 2. The Unchanging Glory of Christ: The transfiguration reveals that Jesus’ identity as the Son of God is not dependent on our recognition or understanding. Whether we are spiritually awake or weighed down by slumber, His glory remains constant. Our belief does not make Him who He is, but when our eyes are opened, we are drawn into worship, repentance, and transformation. The call is to “wake up our souls” and fix our gaze on the unchanging Christ.
• 3. Exodus from Sin to Life: Just as Moses led Israel out of slavery, Jesus leads us out of bondage to sin through His own “exodus” on the cross. This journey requires a death to our old ways so that we can fully live in the freedom and hope He offers. Repentance is not just a moment but a continual turning away from what separates us from God, and a turning toward the life Christ has secured for us. The cross is both our rescue and our invitation to a new way of living.
• 4. Hearing and Following the Son: The Father’s command from the cloud—“This is my Son, the Chosen One; listen to Him!”—reminds us that discipleship is rooted in attentive obedience. Jesus’ teachings and commands are not restrictions, but the pathway to true life, peace, and unity with God. To listen is to trust that His way, though it may require sacrifice, leads to forgiveness, love, and joy that the world cannot offer. Our ears must be open to His voice above all others.
• 5. A Life of Enduring Devotion: Faith in Jesus is not a one-time declaration or a seasonal resolution, but a daily surrender to His lordship. It is marked by repentance, faithful endurance, and a willingness to put our lives in His hands, even when it costs us comfort or pride. The invitation is to live in the light, not hiding in darkness, so that our lives bear witness to God’s work in us. Each day is a new opportunity to respond to His call with awe, wonder, and wholehearted devotion.

1. Who did Jesus take with Him up the mountain, and what were they doing when His appearance changed?
2. What did Peter, James, and John see when they became fully awake?
3. Who appeared with Jesus during the transfiguration, and what were they talking about?
4. What did the voice from the cloud say, and how did the disciples respond?

1. The sermon says the transfiguration was not a change in Jesus’ nature, but a revelation of who He has always been. Why is it important to understand that Jesus’ glory is unchanging, even when we don’t see it?
2. The passage mentions Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus about His “departure” (exodus). What does this connection to the Old Testament exodus mean for how we understand Jesus’ mission?
3. The Father’s command is to “listen to Him!” How does this shape what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, according to the sermon?
4. The sermon talks about the “fear of the Lord” as humble submission and gratitude, not terror. How does this kind of fear lead to transformation in a believer’s life?

1. The sermon challenges us to move beyond a casual or distant relationship with Jesus. In what ways do you find yourself keeping Jesus at arm’s length? What is one step you could take this week to draw closer to Him?
2. The disciples were “weighed down by sleep” and almost missed seeing Jesus’ glory. Are there areas in your life where you feel spiritually sleepy or distracted? What would it look like for you to “wake up your soul” and fix your gaze on Jesus?
3. The message draws a parallel between Israel’s exodus from slavery and Jesus leading us out of sin. Is there a specific “old way” or sin that you sense God calling you to leave behind? What would repentance look like for you in this area?
4. The Father says, “Listen to Him!” What is one teaching or command of Jesus that you find challenging to obey right now? How can you take a practical step to listen and follow Him this week?
5. The sermon describes faith as a daily, enduring walk, not just a one-time decision. What are some habits or routines that help you stay devoted to Jesus day by day? Is there a new practice you want to try to help you live in the light of His love and power?
6. The “fear of the Lord” is described as holding onto God’s presence and power above our fear of suffering. When you face trouble or hardship, what usually wins out—fear or faith? How can you remind yourself of God’s glory and hope in those moments?
7. The sermon calls us to live in the light, not hiding in darkness. Is there an area of your life you tend to keep hidden from God or others? What would it look like to bring that into the light and let God’s love transform it?