Revelation, Redemption, and Restoration Through Jesus
Summary
The sermon begins with the speaker emphasizing the connection between the Old and New Testaments, highlighting how the prophets and men of God were pointing to Jesus. The speaker refers to Peter's writings in 2 Peter 1, where Peter confirms his confidence in Jesus based on his personal experience of witnessing Jesus' glory on the Mountaintop. The speaker also mentions John's account in John chapter 1, where John affirms that they have seen the glory of the Father's one and only Son. The overall message is that the intention of God's revelation through the prophets was to build confidence in Jesus.
The speaker then transitions to the topic of the sermon, which is the Transfiguration of Jesus as described in Luke chapter nine. They highlight the significance of this event, as it allowed the disciples to witness Jesus in his full glory. The speaker mentions that there are three main themes to learn from the Transfiguration: Revelation, Redemption, and Restoration. They then read verses 28-36 from Luke, which describe the Transfiguration and the appearance of Moses and Elijah.
The speaker discusses a vision that John had while he was on the island of Patmos. John hears a voice and turns to see who is speaking to him. He sees seven lampstands and someone who looks like the Son of Man, which is how Jesus identifies himself. This vision reminds John of the Transfiguration, where Jesus' face was transformed and his clothes became dazzling white. When John sees this vision, he falls at the feet of the person and is reassured by Jesus, who tells him not to be afraid and declares himself as the first and the last, the living one who died but is now alive forever and holds the keys of death and the grave.
The speaker then discusses the significance of Jesus becoming flesh and dwelling among us. The speaker mentions how Peter wanted to build a memorial on the Mountaintop, but Jesus explains that the presence of God is no longer confined to a physical space like the Tabernacle. Instead, the presence of God is now accessible through Jesus himself. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus is not only with us during Mountaintop experiences, but also during the journey up, the journey down, and in the day-to-day ministry. The speaker reminds the audience that Jesus promised to be with us always, to the ends of the earth.
The speaker concludes by emphasizing that God is a redeeming God who reveals and restores. They explain that Jesus' first coming as a baby in the Nativity was not the second coming, which will occur when Jesus comes again. The speaker quotes John 17, where Jesus prays to the Father, expressing that the hour of his death has come and asking for glory to be given back to him. Jesus acknowledges that the Father has given him authority over everyone and that he gives eternal life to those who know the one true God and Jesus Christ. The speaker highlights that Jesus took off his crown to be crucified for humanity and gave up his glory to complete the work the Father had given him. Jesus' sacrifice was driven by love, as he suffered and died a horrific death that we deserved. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus wants us to believe in him, be changed, and be saved, as everything is pointing to him. They conclude by mentioning that Jesus is coming back wearing the crown and will restore creation, removing evil and sin from our presence.
Key Takeaways:
- The Old and New Testaments are interconnected, with the prophets and men of God pointing to Jesus. This connection was revealed by Jesus to his disciples, deeply impacting them and building their confidence in him. [28:40]
- The Transfiguration of Jesus is a significant event that allowed the disciples to witness Jesus in his full glory. This event teaches us about Revelation, Redemption, and Restoration. [01:53]
- Jesus' presence is no longer confined to a physical space like the Tabernacle. Instead, the presence of God is now accessible through Jesus himself, not only during Mountaintop experiences but also during the journey up, the journey down, and in the day-to-day ministry. [32:23]
- Jesus' sacrifice was driven by love, as he suffered and died a horrific death that we deserved. He gave up his glory to complete the work the Father had given him. Jesus wants us to believe in him, be changed, and be saved, as everything is pointing to him. [36:20]
- Jesus is coming back wearing the crown and will restore creation, removing evil and sin from our presence. This is the hope that believers have in his return. [36:53]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 9:28-36 (NIV)
> About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.) While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.
2. 2 Peter 1:16-18 (NIV)
> For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
3. John 1:14 (NIV)
> The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
### Observation Questions
1. What significant event did Peter, John, and James witness on the mountain according to Luke 9:28-36?
2. How does Peter describe his experience of witnessing Jesus' glory in 2 Peter 1:16-18?
3. In John 1:14, how does John describe the incarnation of Jesus and what did they witness?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the Transfiguration was such a pivotal moment for Peter, John, and James? How might this event have impacted their faith and ministry? [04:54]
2. What is the significance of Moses and Elijah appearing with Jesus during the Transfiguration? How do they represent the Law and the Prophets? [07:22]
3. How does the voice from the cloud during the Transfiguration affirm Jesus' identity and mission? What does this tell us about the relationship between Jesus and God the Father? [24:25]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a "Mountaintop experience" in your own life where you felt particularly close to God. How did that experience impact your faith journey? [22:03]
2. Peter wanted to build memorials to remember the Transfiguration. How can we balance remembering significant spiritual experiences without becoming stuck in the past? [20:53]
3. The sermon emphasized that Jesus is with us not only during Mountaintop experiences but also in our daily lives. How can you cultivate an awareness of Jesus' presence in your everyday activities? [34:05]
4. Jesus' sacrifice was driven by love, and he gave up his glory to complete the work the Father had given him. How can you demonstrate sacrificial love in your relationships this week? [36:20]
5. The sermon mentioned that Jesus is coming back to restore creation and remove evil and sin. How does this hope influence the way you live your life today? [36:53]
6. The speaker highlighted the importance of listening to Jesus. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are hearing and following Jesus' voice in your life? [25:38]
7. Reflect on the idea that the Old and New Testaments are interconnected, with the prophets and men of God pointing to Jesus. How does this understanding deepen your appreciation of the Bible as a whole? [28:40]
Devotional
Day 1: The Interconnectedness of Scripture
The Old and New Testaments are not separate entities, but rather a continuous narrative that points to Jesus. The prophets and men of God in the Old Testament were preparing the way for Jesus, and their teachings deeply impacted the disciples, building their confidence in Him. [28:40]
Isaiah 53:5 - "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
Reflection: Reflect on a passage from the Old Testament. How does it point to Jesus and how can it deepen your understanding of Him?
Day 2: The Glory of Transfiguration
The Transfiguration of Jesus is a significant event that allowed the disciples to witness Jesus in His full glory. This event is a powerful revelation of Jesus' divine nature and serves as a reminder of His redemption and restoration. [01:53]
Matthew 17:2 - "There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light."
Reflection: How does the Transfiguration of Jesus deepen your understanding of His divine nature and mission? How can this understanding impact your daily walk with Him?
Day 3: The Presence of God in Jesus
God's presence is no longer confined to a physical space like the Tabernacle. Instead, God is now accessible through Jesus Himself, not only during mountaintop experiences but also during the journey up, the journey down, and in the day-to-day ministry. [32:23]
John 1:14 - "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Reflection: How can you seek and experience the presence of God in Jesus in your daily life, not just in mountaintop experiences but also in the mundane?
Day 4: The Sacrificial Love of Jesus
Jesus' sacrifice was driven by love, as He suffered and died a horrific death that we deserved. He gave up His glory to complete the work the Father had given Him. Jesus wants us to believe in Him, be changed, and be saved, as everything is pointing to Him. [36:20]
Philippians 2:8 - "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
Reflection: Reflect on the sacrificial love of Jesus. How does this understanding of His love impact your relationship with Him and your interactions with others?
Day 5: The Hope in Jesus' Return
Jesus is coming back wearing the crown and will restore creation, removing evil and sin from our presence. This is the hope that believers have in His return. [36:53]
Revelation 21:4 - "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Reflection: How does the hope of Jesus' return and the restoration of creation impact your perspective on current struggles and challenges? How can this hope encourage you in your daily walk with Jesus?
Quotes
"He shows them the New Testament explains the Old Testament how the Old Testament is pointing to the New Testament now they may not have talked about it it said that they were quiet but years later it was impacting them still you couldn't experience something like this and not be changed." ([28:40])
"Because of that experience we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets...you must pay close attention to what they wrote for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place until the day Dawns and Christ The Morning Star shines in your heart." ([30:29])
"The Transfiguration is going to show us about Revelation, about Redemption, and about restoration." [01:53]
"If you want to be around the presence of God, you just got to be around the person of Jesus. He's no longer confined to a shelter or a tent or a tabernacle. He's right here, he's around." [31:48]
"We have those Mountaintop experiences, we're not alone, he's there. But he was also with them as they journeyed up the mountain, he was with them on the mountain top, and then he was with them on the journey down, and then he was with them in the day-to-day Ministry, the work, the demands of the people, the needs of the people. He was with them, he's with us." [34:05]
"This is like the Old Testament talking to the New Testament and what are they talking about? Jesus's Exodus, Jesus's Redemption of the people of God's people, of the work he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem which was his crucifixion, his death, and his resurrection back to life. This would be the ultimate Exodus, this would be the ultimate and Final Redemption, this is it, no more sacrifices, it's Faith, it's faith in Jesus, it's believing who he is and what he did and why he did it." #!!12:14!!#
"I brought you glory here on Earth by completing the work you gave me to do now father bring me into the glory we shared before the world began... Jesus gave up his crown to Bear our cross... Jesus came to be our perfect sacrifice... the work that God gave him to do and was all driven by love because he loved us." #!!34:53!!#
"He defeated death on our behalf and he says listen I'm telling you who I am I'm showing you who I am I'm not hiding who I am I just want you to believe it believe it be changed and be saved why are you struggling with this it's so simple it's all pointing to me that's what he keeps saying it's all pointing to me someday he's coming back and he's wearing the crown now and he will restore creation and evil and sin will be removed from our presence there will be no power no temptation anymore." #!!36:53!!#