Jesus: The Ultimate Prophet and Our Guide

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth that Jesus Christ is the greater prophet, surpassing all the prophets of old. This understanding is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that impacts our daily lives. We began by examining the context in which Jesus declared Himself greater than Solomon and Jonah, highlighting His unique role as both king and prophet. This declaration was made in response to the religious leaders who sought to discredit Him, yet it revealed His divine authority and mission.

We delved into the significance of the prophetic role, which is to represent God before humanity, complementing the priestly role of representing humanity before God. The prophets of the Old Testament, such as Moses and Elijah, were raised by God for specific purposes, delivering messages of deliverance and discipline. However, Jesus embodies the fullness of these roles, being greater than any single prophet or all of them combined.

The transfiguration event, as recorded in the synoptic gospels, provided a glimpse into the divine glory of Christ, witnessed by Peter, James, and John. This moment revealed the deeper reality of Christ's nature, beyond what is visible and tangible. It underscored the truth that there is more to reality than meets the eye, a reality that is accessible through faith.

We also reflected on the historical figures like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, who were uniquely positioned for their times, drawing a parallel to how God raises leaders for His purposes. Yet, even these great leaders pale in comparison to the greatness of Christ, who is the ultimate deliverer and guide.

In conclusion, the message challenges us to live with the awareness that Christ is the greater prophet, whose teachings and life offer us a fuller reality. We are called to listen to Him, to trust in His provision, and to live in the light of His resurrection and promised return. This understanding should transform how we perceive our circumstances, knowing that there is always more to the story than what we can see.

Key Takeaways:

1. Christ as the Greater Prophet: Jesus is not just a prophet among prophets; He is the culmination and fulfillment of all prophetic voices. His life and teachings reveal the heart of God, offering both deliverance and discipline. This understanding invites us to see beyond the immediate and trust in His divine purpose. [37:00]

2. The Transfiguration's Revelation: The transfiguration event reveals the deeper reality of Christ's divine nature. It reminds us that there is more to reality than what is visible, urging us to live by faith in the unseen and eternal truths of God's kingdom. [47:44]

3. Historical Parallels and Divine Purpose: Just as God raised leaders like Moses and Elijah for specific times, He continues to work through individuals today. However, Christ surpasses all, offering a greater deliverance from sin and guiding us through life's challenges. [52:25]

4. The Role of Faith in Understanding Reality: Faith allows us to engage with the unseen realities of God's kingdom. It challenges us to trust in God's provision and promises, even when circumstances seem dire, knowing that He is greater than any situation we face. [55:33]

5. Living Between Resurrection and Return: As believers, we live in the era between Christ's resurrection and His promised return. This reality calls us to live with hope and expectation, knowing that Christ's ultimate victory assures us of His presence and power in our lives. [01:16:29]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:01:00] - Introduction to the Series
- [00:05:00] - Jesus Confronts Religious Leaders
- [00:10:00] - The Role of a Prophet
- [00:15:00] - Historical Leaders and Divine Purpose
- [00:20:00] - The Transfiguration Event
- [00:25:00] - Moses and Elijah's Significance
- [00:30:00] - Christ's Greater Role
- [00:35:00] - Faith and Unseen Realities
- [00:40:00] - Living Between Resurrection and Return
- [00:45:00] - Christ's Teachings and Miracles
- [00:50:00] - The Power of Deliverance and Discipline
- [00:55:00] - Conclusion and Call to Faith
- [01:00:00] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Mark 9:2-8 - The Transfiguration of Jesus
2. Matthew 12:41-42 - Jesus speaks of being greater than Jonah and Solomon
3. Hebrews 1:1-3 - Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God

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Observation Questions:

1. In Mark 9:2-8, what significant event takes place on the mountain, and who are the key figures involved in this event?
2. According to Matthew 12:41-42, why does Jesus refer to Himself as greater than Jonah and Solomon? What does this imply about His identity and mission?
3. How does Hebrews 1:1-3 describe Jesus' role in relation to the prophets of the Old Testament? What does this passage say about His nature and authority?
4. In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the significance of the transfiguration event for Peter, James, and John? [47:44]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the transfiguration event reveal about the nature of Jesus, and why is it significant that Moses and Elijah appear with Him? [47:44]
2. How does the pastor draw parallels between historical leaders like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln and the role of Jesus as the greater prophet? What does this comparison teach us about divine purpose and leadership? [52:25]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that faith allows believers to engage with unseen realities of God's kingdom? How does this perspective challenge our understanding of reality? [55:33]
4. How does the pastor explain the concept of living between Christ's resurrection and His promised return? What implications does this have for how believers should live their lives? [01:16:29]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced a situation that seemed overwhelming. How can the understanding that Jesus is the greater prophet and deliverer change your perspective on that situation? [57:40]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to Jesus' teachings. What practical steps can you take this week to ensure you are actively listening and responding to His voice in your daily life? [01:04:30]
3. Consider the historical leaders mentioned in the sermon. How can you identify and embrace the unique role God has for you in your current context, knowing that Christ surpasses all earthly leaders? [52:25]
4. The pastor speaks about the role of faith in understanding unseen realities. What specific area of your life requires you to trust in God's provision and promises, even when circumstances seem dire? [55:33]
5. How does the concept of living between Christ's resurrection and His return influence your daily decisions and priorities? What changes might you need to make to live with hope and expectation? [01:16:29]
6. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing that there is more to reality than what is visible. How can you cultivate a mindset that is open to the unseen and eternal truths of God's kingdom in your everyday life? [47:44]
7. Reflect on the pastor's call to live with the awareness of Christ's ultimate victory. How can this assurance impact the way you approach challenges and opportunities in your life this week? [01:14:26]

Devotional

Day 1: Christ as the Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of all prophetic voices, embodying the heart of God through His life and teachings. Unlike the prophets of old who delivered messages of deliverance and discipline, Jesus surpasses them by being the culmination of their roles. His declaration of being greater than Solomon and Jonah highlights His unique position as both king and prophet, revealing His divine authority and mission. This understanding invites believers to see beyond the immediate and trust in His divine purpose, knowing that His teachings offer a fuller reality. [37:00]

"For Moses truly said to the fathers, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you.'" (Acts 3:22, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively listen to and apply the teachings of Jesus in your daily life, trusting in His divine purpose for you?

Day 2: The Transfiguration and Divine Reality
The transfiguration event, witnessed by Peter, James, and John, offers a glimpse into the divine glory of Christ, revealing the deeper reality of His nature. This moment underscores the truth that there is more to reality than what is visible and tangible, urging believers to live by faith in the unseen and eternal truths of God's kingdom. The transfiguration serves as a reminder that faith allows us to engage with the unseen realities of God's kingdom, challenging us to trust in His provision and promises. [47:44]

"And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem." (Luke 9:29-31, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper faith in the unseen realities of God's kingdom, especially when faced with challenges that seem overwhelming?

Day 3: Historical Leaders and Christ's Supremacy
Throughout history, God has raised leaders like Moses and Elijah for specific purposes, yet even these great figures pale in comparison to the greatness of Christ. Jesus surpasses all, offering a greater deliverance from sin and guiding believers through life's challenges. This understanding encourages believers to recognize the divine purpose in their own lives, knowing that Christ is the ultimate deliverer and guide. [52:25]

"By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin." (Hebrews 11:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt guided by God through a challenging situation. How can you rely on Christ's guidance in your current circumstances?

Day 4: Faith and Unseen Realities
Faith is the key to understanding and engaging with the unseen realities of God's kingdom. It challenges believers to trust in God's provision and promises, even when circumstances seem dire. This understanding transforms how believers perceive their circumstances, knowing that there is always more to the story than what is visible. By living in faith, believers can experience the fullness of God's kingdom and His divine purpose for their lives. [55:33]

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you struggle to trust in God's unseen work. How can you begin to cultivate a deeper faith in His promises today?

Day 5: Living Between Resurrection and Return
Believers live in the era between Christ's resurrection and His promised return, a reality that calls them to live with hope and expectation. This understanding assures believers of Christ's presence and power in their lives, encouraging them to live in the light of His resurrection and promised return. By embracing this reality, believers can experience the transformative power of Christ's ultimate victory, knowing that He is greater than any situation they face. [01:16:29]

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." (Philippians 3:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: How can you live with a greater sense of hope and expectation, knowing that you are in the era between Christ's resurrection and His promised return?

Quotes

Week two of a series entitled, Something Greater is Here, and this is a passage, those words came right out of the mouth of Christ when he was being confronted by the religious leaders because his ministry was becoming so popular. The reason it was popular is because of the things he was doing. It wasn't popular because people really at that moment knew who he was or anything to the depth of that we know today, certainly, but he was really beginning to gain an audience and so it began to annoy the religious leaders and on this day he had cast out a demon from a man and it drew a massive crowd and so the Pharisees decided that what they would do is try and discredit him and the method that they used to discredit him was by saying the only reason evil spirits listen to him is because he himself is an evil spirit and that he is the son of Beelzebub because Beelzebub's son would listen to Beelzebub and then of course Jesus looked at him and said, you know, that doesn't make any sense if you really stop and think about it because if a house divided against itself will surely fall, then Satan certainly isn't casting out Satan. And then he began to teach them that what they were seeing was something greater that had ever been seen before and he said, I am something greater than Solomon is here and something greater than Jonah is here and there's a reason why he used those two, but certainly king and prophet, a greater king, a greater prophet, but we know throughout the ministry of Christ he's referred to, as we saw last week, the greater priest. Today we're going to see the fact, what does it mean that he's not just a great prophet, not just that he's the greatest, he's the greater prophet, as he himself said. Next week we'll look at greater king. And so the interesting thing about these messages is hopefully not just some theological understanding, but you will see how practical it is when you understand Christ is the greater priest and today he is the greater prophet. [00:30:57] (123 seconds)

And so, I think what you're going to see today, you already contextually comprehend that if you were to look at the Bible and its history, God chose and raised up these individuals for a unique time, like Esther, for such a time as this, and did extraordinary things through them, never to be replicated nor duplicated, hard to even conceive it could be exceeded. But the truth of the matter, can you just imagine if we were to find somebody in our nation that was George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, FDR, and Reagan all in one? That he was, and not any one person was greater than any one of them, but there was somebody that was greater than all of them simultaneously. Who would you, who would that be? Right, it's Greg Farrell. I know it's on, right, see, it's possible, right? When we think about that in the Bible and you start thinking about the prophets, you know, Abraham, believe it or not, is the first prophet. Then we have Moses, the epic. He is the prophet of Israel while there's more. And then you have people like Elijah and Elisha and Jeremiah and Daniel and Ezekiel. Think about the prophets. Imagine if you could get one person, right, who could exceed any one of them. Can you imagine if you had one person exceed all of them simultaneously? That in one person, you saw everything God ever did in every prophet he had before. Who would that person be? Jesus Christ. They not only pointed to him and indicated who he is and what he would do, he actually is greater than all of them combined. [00:36:08] (111 seconds)

Now, the role of a prophet was to do two things. First, it was kind of the complement of being a priest. Remember last week, we saw the priest would represent man before God. The prophet would represent God before man. It's just the other side of the coin. It's kind of the continuum of communication. You can't just have us talking to God. We got to have God talking to us, and that was the prophet. Much of the prophetic work is speaking for God. Very little of the prophetic work is speaking forth God. You know, what's going to happen? Future telling, not fortune telling. Very little of the prophetic office did that when you really look at, you know, the office of the prophet in the Old Testament. But they did both. They spoke about what God wanted people to hear, but they also told people what God said about what's about to happen, what will eventually happen, what might immediately happen, okay? Those are the two offices. Today, you're going to see two men who represent that office, which is really extraordinary. So, here we are. We're going to look at Mark 9, okay? This story is told in Matthew 12, Luke 11, and Mark 9. So, with all three of the synoptic gospels recording it, it must mean it's important. So, here we go. After six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him and led them up a high mountain where they were all alone. So, the scene, if you have just even a little bit of Old Testament history, you've probably seen the movie Ten Commandments with Charlton Heston. And, you know, Charlton Heston would get his greatest revelations. He would have his greatest experiences with God on top of Mount Sinai. That's where God would give him the instructions. That's where God would give him the Ten Commandments, the law. That's where God told him what to tell the people so that when they moved out of Egypt, well, they were already out. When they moved into the promised land, they would have the instructions they needed to live as promised people. And basically, what God was saying through Moses is, a promised life without the principles of God is not a promised life. It's a problem, okay? And so, Moses had an experience high up on that mountain. Now, there's another guy you're going to see in a moment in this story. His name is Elijah, okay? Elijah had two powerful experiences with God, one alone and one with a massive crowd of foreign worshipers. And on that mountain, God would demonstrate himself powerfully publicly, but the private moment was so compelling. [00:38:19] (160 seconds)

And what you'll see in Matthew's gospel today will seem kind of mysterious, seem kind of ethereal, like we should have a lot of smoke blowing right now. But it's not. It's extraordinarily practical. Just follow through. It's really like nine verses, I think, maybe eight verses of a very powerful moment in the life of Christ and the ministry of Christ. But there's so much more to the moment than, if you will, the moment. And that's the whole reason. So today, as we look at Christ as the greater prophet, it isn't just that he's greater than anyone. He's greater than all of them at once. And that is the key to who he is, right? We can experience a fuller reality because Jesus is the greater prophet. [00:45:53] (45 seconds)

And when we see the reality that he overcame his own death you got to understand there's got to be something more to reality than what is just measurable tangible touchable seeable and knowable that you know what you look at Israel and the Gaza Strip and that conflict. And you know what we're supposed to know? It could be otherwise. There's a reality that we do not see. But we know it exists. We may not know it. But we know it's there. And it doesn't have to be that epic. It could be a family. Who's battling cancer. We don't see everything in the midst of the drought. But we know. We know. Because we follow the greater prophet. The prophet who proved by raising himself from the dead. [01:13:43] (72 seconds)

And what's so compelling is christ is a prophet declaring now he's not just teaching he's now declaring something that's going to happen in the future he's in that prophetic office now and you know what happens to a prophet who declares something that's going to happen that doesn't happen you kill him he's like don't tell anybody until i've validated the reality that i'm a prophet so say nothing of what you've seen here until you see me alive again in fact it's so much more dramatic than that because in this text probably not in matthew but mark makes a point of it it see it says had risen not had been risen which would imply someone else raised him from the dead which we know the bible ascribes that to god the father and the spirit but this again is in the active voice in the greek he's basically saying don't tell anybody until i raise myself from the dead it's when the subject and the object are the same thing he wasn't just saying don't tell anybody till i'm resurrected what he said through mark is don't tell anybody till i raise myself from the dead [01:11:29] (79 seconds)

and we know what happened he raised himself from the dead and now we like like peter james and john stood between the transfiguration and the resurrection we now stand between the resurrection and the second coming our eyes too have seen something that is indescribably miraculous but it wasn't on top of a mountain it was at the mouth of an empty tomb [01:13:10] (32 seconds)

And He overcame the darkness, plague of death for you. He is the greatest teacher. He is the one who's able to take a complicated law and not abolish it, but praise God Almighty, fulfill it. The law no longer stands against the follower of Jesus Christ. You're not above it, but you're not beneath it. It now becomes a boundary of protection, rather than a system of punishment, if you should violate it. So you and I now know when Christ could take thou shalt not kill and say, but you've heard it said, thou shall not kill. But I say unto thee, if you get angry in your heart, it is as though you already have, because he knows. If you can control your anger, you're never going to murder. He's the one who can drill it down to the simplicity of, thou have heard it said that you should not commit adultery. But I say unto thee, if you have lust in your heart, it's as though you already have. Because if we can control our eyes and our lusts, we're never going to violate the relationships of our life. It's a little bit easier to understand and comprehend what God wanted, because we have the great teacher that explained it. [01:04:30] (76 seconds)

And the heart of God through Christ is revealed. He's greater than Elijah. You're never going to run out. There's never going to be a day when you hit the spiritual well and find that it has run dry. You're not. The well runs deep. You have the Spirit of God in you. Jesus said, those of you who drink from me shall never thirst. Now, sometimes we start thirsting for the wrong things and Christ has got to get our attention, send a little drought to dry up those things so that you'll go back to the one pure well. Yep. The brook that Elijah drank from. But as there was bread in the widow's house, so there shall be sustenance in your soul. I am the bread of life, Christ said. Elijah just provided a feeding miracle. And Christ himself is the miracle. There's always a greater alternative on the tower, on Mount Carmel. When Christ, when Elijah is having to battle with the prophets of Baal, there's 600 of them. It's 600 against one. And Elijah's the one who called him out. He said, all right, big boys, it's competition day. You get all of you against me. 600 of y 'all, one of me. So they go up on Mount Carmel. And it is go time. It's kickoff. And so they got to set the rules. And Elijah says, let's do this. You get an altar, I'll get an altar. You sacrifice all, whatever you're supposed to do to your gods, I'll sacrifice to my God. And then we'll pray. And whichever altar is consumed by fire, that is therefore evidence of who the one true God is. And the prophets of Baal are like, you got it big boy. And so Elijah's like, oh really? You go first. I'll kick off to you. So he kicks off and there they are. And they spend 12 plus hours like begging a God that didn't exist to send fire. And of course, Elijah being much like, he's my kind of guy, he starts trash talking. And he literally says at one point, is your God on the toilet? I mean, where is he relieving himself? And literally he says that. And they start beating themselves with sticks. They're now flagellating themselves to the point of blood because they can't get their gods to respond. And that's the reason because they don't exist. And Elijah finally said, okay, second half, my turn. And when he gets the ball, before he ever says a word, he tells all the servants, go get his mother. [01:07:19] (167 seconds)

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Transcript

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