Listening to Jesus: Embracing Transformation and Our Crosses

 

Summary

The Transfiguration of Jesus is a profound moment that reveals the glory and divine nature of Christ. As we gather today, we reflect on this pivotal event where Jesus took Peter, James, and John up the mountain, and His appearance was transformed, shining with divine light. This moment is not just a historical event but a spiritual revelation that calls us to listen to Jesus, the Chosen One, and to understand the significance of His mission and sacrifice.

The Transfiguration is a reminder that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, represented by Moses and Elijah. It is a confirmation of His identity as the Messiah, the one who would bear the cross for our sins. This event invites us to consider the crosses we bear in our own lives and to understand that following Jesus involves embracing these burdens with faith and trust in His promises.

In our daily lives, we are often distracted by the voices of the world, whether through media, podcasts, or our own internal dialogues. Yet, the voice from the cloud during the Transfiguration commands us to listen to Jesus. This is a call to prioritize His teachings and to let His words guide our actions and decisions. It is a reminder that true transformation comes from aligning our lives with His will.

As we journey through life, we experience both mountaintop moments and valleys. The Transfiguration assures us that Jesus is with us in all these experiences, offering His light and presence. The Holy Spirit, symbolized by the cloud, continues to dwell within us, guiding and comforting us. We are called to be witnesses of this glory, sharing the love and grace we have received with others.

In this season of Lent, let us open our hearts to the transformative power of Christ. Let us carry our crosses with the assurance that we are not alone, and that through His sacrifice, we are forgiven and redeemed. May we listen to His voice above all others and live as faithful disciples, reflecting His light in the world.

Key Takeaways:

- The Transfiguration of Jesus is a revelation of His divine nature and a confirmation of His identity as the Messiah. It calls us to listen to Him and to understand the significance of His mission and sacrifice. [25:50]

- Embracing the cross is an integral part of following Jesus. The Transfiguration reminds us that Jesus Himself bore the ultimate cross, and we are invited to carry our own burdens with faith and trust in His promises. [29:39]

- In a world filled with distractions, the voice from the cloud during the Transfiguration commands us to prioritize listening to Jesus. His teachings should guide our actions and decisions, leading to true transformation. [32:00]

- The presence of the Holy Spirit, symbolized by the cloud, assures us that we are not alone in our journey. Jesus is with us in both mountaintop moments and valleys, offering His light and presence. [39:45]

- As we enter the season of Lent, we are called to open our hearts to the transformative power of Christ. By carrying our crosses and listening to His voice, we live as faithful disciples, reflecting His light in the world. [41:44]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [07:14] - Opening Prayer and Confession
- [18:57] - Hymn and Reflection
- [23:10] - The Gospel Reading
- [25:50] - The Significance of the Transfiguration
- [29:39] - Embracing Our Crosses
- [32:00] - Listening to Jesus
- [33:53] - The Voices We Hear
- [35:02] - The Enemy's Distractions
- [37:23] - The Three Mountains
- [39:45] - The Presence of the Holy Spirit
- [41:44] - The Call of Lent
- [49:19] - The Lord's Prayer
- [01:00:03] - Benediction and Sending Forth

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Transfiguration of Jesus

Bible Reading:
1. Luke 9:28-36 (The Transfiguration)
2. Exodus 34:29-35 (Moses' face shining after speaking with God)
3. 2 Peter 1:16-18 (Peter's account of the Transfiguration)

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Observation Questions:

1. What significant event took place on the mountain with Jesus, Peter, James, and John? How did Jesus' appearance change during this event? [23:10]

2. Who appeared alongside Jesus during the Transfiguration, and what is their significance in the context of the law and the prophets? [25:50]

3. What did the voice from the cloud say during the Transfiguration, and why is this statement important? [29:39]

4. How does the presence of the cloud during the Transfiguration symbolize the Holy Spirit? [39:45]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the Transfiguration confirm Jesus' identity as the Messiah and the fulfillment of the law and the prophets? What does this mean for believers today? [25:50]

2. In what ways does the Transfiguration challenge believers to listen to Jesus above all other voices in their lives? [32:00]

3. How does the concept of carrying one's cross relate to the Transfiguration and Jesus' mission? What does this mean for personal discipleship? [29:39]

4. How does the presence of the Holy Spirit, as symbolized by the cloud, provide comfort and guidance in both mountaintop experiences and valleys? [39:45]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "mountaintop" moment in your faith. How did it impact your relationship with Jesus, and how can you carry that experience into your daily life? [39:45]

2. Identify a specific distraction in your life that prevents you from listening to Jesus. What steps can you take this week to minimize that distraction and prioritize His teachings? [32:00]

3. Consider the burdens or "crosses" you are currently carrying. How can you embrace these challenges with faith and trust in Jesus' promises? [29:39]

4. In what ways can you be a witness to the glory of Jesus in your community? How can you share the love and grace you have received with others? [39:45]

5. As you enter the season of Lent, what specific actions can you take to open your heart to the transformative power of Christ? How can you live as a faithful disciple, reflecting His light in the world? [41:44]

6. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence in your life, especially during challenging times? What practices can help you stay connected to this divine guidance? [39:45]

7. Think of a person in your life who may be struggling with their faith. How can you support and encourage them to listen to Jesus and embrace His teachings? [32:00]

Devotional

Day 1: The Divine Revelation of Christ's Identity
The Transfiguration of Jesus is a moment of divine revelation, where His true nature as the Messiah is unveiled. This event is not merely a historical occurrence but a spiritual insight into the glory of Christ. As Jesus stood with Moses and Elijah, it symbolized the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, confirming His identity as the chosen one who would bear the cross for humanity's redemption. This revelation calls us to listen to Jesus and understand the profound significance of His mission and sacrifice. In our journey of faith, we are invited to recognize Jesus as the center of our lives, guiding us with His light and truth. [25:50]

"And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." (2 Peter 1:19, ESV)

Reflection: How can you make space in your daily routine to listen more attentively to Jesus and recognize His presence in your life?


Day 2: Embracing Our Crosses with Faith
The Transfiguration reminds us that following Jesus involves embracing the crosses we bear in our own lives. Just as Jesus bore the ultimate cross for our sins, we are invited to carry our burdens with faith and trust in His promises. This journey is not without challenges, but it is through these trials that we grow in our faith and reliance on God. By embracing our crosses, we participate in the redemptive work of Christ, finding strength and hope in His sacrifice. As we reflect on our own struggles, we are encouraged to see them as opportunities for spiritual growth and transformation. [29:39]

"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one burden you are currently carrying, and how can you invite Jesus into that struggle to find strength and hope in His promises?


Day 3: Prioritizing the Voice of Jesus
In a world filled with distractions, the voice from the cloud during the Transfiguration commands us to prioritize listening to Jesus. His teachings should guide our actions and decisions, leading to true transformation. We are often bombarded by the noise of the world, whether through media, podcasts, or our own internal dialogues. Yet, the call to listen to Jesus is a reminder to align our lives with His will and to let His words be the foundation of our choices. By prioritizing His voice, we open ourselves to the transformative power of His love and grace. [32:00]

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to reduce distractions and focus on listening to Jesus' voice in your life?


Day 4: The Presence of the Holy Spirit in Our Journey
The presence of the Holy Spirit, symbolized by the cloud during the Transfiguration, assures us that we are not alone in our journey. Jesus is with us in both mountaintop moments and valleys, offering His light and presence. The Holy Spirit continues to dwell within us, guiding and comforting us through life's challenges and triumphs. As we navigate the ups and downs of life, we are called to be witnesses of His glory, sharing the love and grace we have received with others. This assurance of His presence empowers us to live boldly and faithfully as His disciples. [39:45]

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily life, and how might this awareness change the way you approach your current circumstances?


Day 5: Opening Our Hearts to Christ's Transformative Power
As we enter the season of Lent, we are called to open our hearts to the transformative power of Christ. By carrying our crosses and listening to His voice, we live as faithful disciples, reflecting His light in the world. Lent is a time of reflection and renewal, an opportunity to deepen our relationship with Jesus and to embrace the changes He desires in our lives. Through His sacrifice, we are forgiven and redeemed, and we are invited to share this message of hope with others. As we journey through this season, let us commit to living out our faith with authenticity and love. [41:44]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God calling you to change or grow during this season of Lent, and how can you take a step towards that transformation today?

Quotes

"Almighty God, we have seen your glory in the transfiguration of Jesus. Your only begotten Son. We join the lineage of the prophets and the apostles believing in the glory of the cross of Jesus. Crucify our sins on the cross. Enveil us in the light of his glory. In these words, I forgive you all your sins. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." [00:09:26]

"Because the gospel for today has a great message for us. Sometimes we take for granted what the transfiguration was all about. And look what it says, okay? Let me read it to you a little bit so we can get a little context of what's happening. And it says, about eight days after this conversation, he took along Peter, John, and James. James, who? P -J -J, right? They went with him. They went up to the mountain to pray." [00:23:18]

"See, it's not just about the kingdom, but it's also about you taking up the cross. And if you were to ask today to pick up a cross, if Jesus was in a room with you, and he has all these crosses on the wall, what kind of cross would you pick? What kind of burden do you, okay, you know what, I can handle this. I can handle, you know, 85 degrees all year round. I can handle this cross." [00:24:30]

"So we can come only Sunday and just do this once a week or twice a week? Look what Jesus says. Then, knowing what he was saying, not knowing what he was saying, Peter, while he was saying this, a cloud appeared and overshadowed them. They became afraid as they entered the cloud. Then, a voice came from the cloud saying, this is my son, the chosen one. Listen to him. See, the cloud in the Old Testament, it was also a symbol of the Holy Spirit." [00:27:44]

"And as I was praying, my wife was practicing her voice, and I go, wow, this is just perfect for today. But I couldn't put it in the PowerPoint. We had so many things going on. But you see, the cloud, the moment represents that the Holy Spirit was there present. And who else was there? Jesus. And who else was there? God. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It's another Trinity moment, a Trinity event." [00:28:34]

"Because we create that distortion. We create that. And you know why we create that? Because we too don't listen to the Word as much as we listen to the other things in the world. So people cannot distinguish. Oh, he has a color, but is he a Christian? Roman Catholic? What is he? Is he an Episcopalian or what kind is he? So I need to speak. Hey, I know that you look at my color." [00:33:21]

"And in the transfiguration, it's a good picture of three mountains. Mount Sinai. And you know, when Moses went to the mountain to speak with God and God gave him the Ten Commandments, who broke the most commandment in life? In the history of the church? Who broke the most commandments? You know? Moses. But I'm sure that you're guilty about it. You're guilty about breaking the commandments." [00:36:32]

"Because we went from Mount Sinai. We saw the Transfiguration. We saw the moment when God says, He is the Chosen One. He is the Messiah. So your sins will be forgiven. So the promise is coming to fulfill. He is the One. If God didn't confirm that, we would be still wondering, Who's the Chosen One? But God Himself made this Transfiguration. He is the One." [00:37:03]

"That's why the Transfiguration is so great because that Transfiguration confirms that Jesus is the One, the Chosen One. And if He is the Chosen One, then your sins are forgiven indeed. Listen to Him. Don't listen to yourself. Don't listen to the world. Yes, you've got Martin Luther like to preach with the newspaper on one side and with the Bible on the other. Yeah. That's what I'm trying to do." [00:38:34]

"And until we see Him face to face, we hope to continue to see that glory. And those moments of top of the mountain experiences. And not only there, but in the valleys too. Everywhere we go, we hope to see that because He promised to be with us always. not just in the mountains, not just in the valleys, but everywhere all the time. So I pray that this is your consolation because of the Transfiguration now you can see God clear." [00:39:35]

"The Spirit that made that cloud there is the Spirit that is now inside of you. whether you can hear the voice of God saying, Jesus is the one who saved you and relieved you. And hear Him here too as He says, this is my body which is given Save me. Save me. It's given for me. That's why I'm here to remind you of that. And if you get this cloud cloudy days, remember that no matter what you see, He's here." [00:40:18]

"So this is the Transfiguration moment that was for you and that's for me to be confirmed and to say your sins are forgiven because my Chosen One has done what you couldn't do. when I ask you to carry your cross. I'm going to help you to carry your cross but you have to rely on me. And it's so hard when we are Colombians, when we are Germans, when we are Mexicans, when we are Irish because we have a way to do in self -waste or self -motivations." [00:41:01]

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Transcript
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