The Point of Our Focus Luke 9:28-62

Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 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. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen. On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and shatters him, and will hardly leave him. And I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astonished at the majesty of God. But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying. An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.” When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. And they went on to another village. As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

-Sleeping while His Glory was revealed- the hard work of ministry

-Looking for our own glory- results based thinking, want a piece of the glory 9:32

-Given authority, but missed the point.

-I was looking for the top, and Jesus pointed me to the bottom

-Life’s better together, unity.

-His Kingdom is not of this world, if it was we would be fighting for it.

-In God’s kingdom, our eyes need to be firmly fixed on Jesus, not the Glory behind, we really like to flaunt what we’ve done. Jesus’ challenge for us is to look forward. At His finished work. It really is all about Jesus. nothing else.

-arching theme’s: Wake up- Live under authority, know His authority, separate it from your own. Are you happy under Jesus?

-You can live under Jesus’ authority, or another but you are all going to choose to live under something. The hope of the gospel is that Jesus is that in the seeing of Jesus, everything we left behind is nothing in comparison.

-Bitterness: You can live a life looking behind you in several ways, seeing everything that it cost you to follow Christ, and begrudging every step behind the plough.

-Pride: Maybe you look behind and you are so proud of the straight tracks youve made, its all you can see, and you are consumed with your own

When you follow Jesus, you do not need to check behind, because His work is complete

-Shame: Also you can look behind and see a sea of mistakes, and feel the weight of your own unworthiness, and take take your hands off the plough in you rown shame and giult of past sins.

Luke 9:28–62 NASB95

Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah, who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions had been overcome with sleep; but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him. And as these were leaving Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles: one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not realizing what he was saying. While he was saying this, a cloud formed and began to overshadow them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent, and reported to no one in those days any of the things which they had seen. On the next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met Him. And a man from the crowd shouted, saying, “Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, for he is my only boy, and a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly screams, and it throws him into a convulsion with foaming at the mouth; and only with difficulty does it leave him, mauling him as it leaves. “I begged Your disciples to cast it out, and they could not.” And Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” While he was still approaching, the demon slammed him to the ground and threw him into a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy and gave him back to his father. And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. But while everyone was marveling at all that He was doing, He said to His disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears; for the Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this statement, and it was concealed from them so that they would not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this statement. An argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest. But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side, and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great.” John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you.” When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem; and He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. But they did not receive Him, because He was traveling toward Jerusalem. When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” And they went on to another village. As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.” Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Thanks so much Bailey for reading the Word! Hello and Welcome to Westpointe Community church, it is good to be in the house of God this morning. If you haven’t noticed yet, there has been a focus on our Youth ministry this morning. We have set our hands to many different ministries here at Westpointe and God has been doing many great things, and so we celebrate what God is doing.

Two weeks ago we took 20 young people to YC, which is a Youth conference in Red deer. It was the prayer of our youth ministry team that those on the outside would be drawn in, and those on the inside would be drawn deeper. God moved and 5 of our young people gave their heart to Jesus, 3 for the first time, and 2 recommitted their lives to Christ.

Our

Two weeks ago we took 20 young people to YC, which is a Youth conference in Red deer. It was the prayer of our youth ministry team that those on the outside would be drawn in, and those on the inside would go deeper. God moved and 5 of our young people gave their heart to Jesus, 3 for the first time, and 2 recommitted their lives to Christ.

We prayed for them as a youth group and it was a rich experience. I asked the one of the young men after. “Why did you do it? what made you stand up and trust Jesus for the first time?” and He said; “Its never too late to change your life.”

I was so blessed by that because the speaker that night hadn’t even phrased it that way, it was just the work of the Holy Spirit in him that He was ready to surrender. It was beautiful.

Today marks the day of Pentacost. We aren’t going to spend a lot of time there this morning but I do want to take a moment thank God for sending His Spirit in power.

I was so blessed by that because the speaker hadnt talked a ton about

its says in Acts ch. 2:1-2

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The rushing and mighty wind of the Spirit is blowing over His people and He is moving in the hearts and lives of those who are ready, “for a life change.” and so lets invite Him here this morning.

2 things: Creating oppertunities, and Drawing people into community.

Lets pray

Lift up your hand this morning if you grew up on a farm, or are currently farming? Okay!! So we have a few here, and thats great.

Lift up your hand this morning if you grew up on a farm, or are currently farming, or maybe even want to but cant?? okay so we have a few here, and thats great.

I grew up on a small farm, we had 40 acres. And at that time and that was just big enough to grant us “farming status”. My Dad wanted us kids to grow up with the routine and work ethic that comes with living on a farm. What it means to pick rocks, pick roots, feed animals, regular chores and to… WORK THE LAND.

And WHEN working the land, we had to use some very old, but effective methods on how to strike out across a field. This is pre-GPS, pre-navigation. I was talking to my Dad this week and he recalls His father before working the land in the fall, he would drive from his starting point and go to the far side of the field, close to a mile down. And he would bring a piece of bright flanel and put it up high, sometimes on a stick, or even in a tree so that from a ways off it was clearly visible... And he would drive back to the other side, and with His eye fixed on that piece of bright flanel, he would strike out across the field. My Dad said it was always as straight as a die, dead on. And this was the same method we used on our little farm growing up.

I remember discing one fall after harvest, and I employed this method. I remember thinking, this is gonna be a breeze!!And then starting into it, even blinking was enough to cause slight waivers. Once I started down I had to know exactly where I was going and what I was working toward. I needed to know a few simple things, and set my mind to see it through.

Before GPS or other navigation instruments, when

It was old enough that you could use it horse drawn or by tractor. And when it was time to break land, there was no GPS, If it was your first row, you would strike out across the field, and you would set your eye on a far point. Eyes fixed would would set and even taking yours eyes off for a moment, it was easy to loose that point of reference. IT was no use to look behind to see if you had a straight row. That was achieved by looking ahead.

-In this life we need to know some truths absolutely before we set out. We need to know who we work for (Under Jesus authority (transfiguration, demons 9:1), the purpose that we work (v55), and we need resolve these things in our own hearts (Jesus’ resolve v. 51, our own resolve 62).

elisha burned the oke and slaughtered the cows and went after God

Because Jesus said in Luke ch. 9 v 62

“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

-In ch. 9 v 28 Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain to pray. Up to this point Luke the physician has been very clear in detailing when and where Jesus was going, And all you detail oriented people are just LOVING IT!

In ch. 9 v 28 Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain to pray. Up to this point Luke the physician has been very clear in detailing when and where Jesus was going, what city, what lake, what place, but here place is less significant, and purpose is on display. They went up a mountain TO PRAY.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

English Standard Version Chapter 2

16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

But here... a specific place is not given, “just mountain.” the purpose of going out is what comes into focus, they went up… TO PRAY.

The First is Pride: In living our lives for Christ, we turn to look back, and instead of seeing a wake of Gods faithfulness, we just see us.

Jesus has been teaching them up to this point that everything in this life is done, In His name, In His authority, by His strength, by His grace. And this was a further display that even Jesus was dependant upon the Father in prayer.

And if you can imagine as Jesus starts to pray His appearance became brighter and brighter as He prayed. And Simultaneously the disciples in their own prayer became more and more tired, and fell asleep.

upon waking up they were in the presence of Jesus, Elijah and Moses.

What they missed was a conversation of how Jesus was going to die, His departure. Which was a lot of what Jesus had been trying to reveal to them over time.

And in the stupur of their sleep they wake up and say these Words “ Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles: one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” And it says that Peter DID NOT REALIZE WHAT HE WAS SAYING.

I submit to you that Peter James and John had lost sight of WHO they were living for and WHO they were working for, Jesus had put His full Glory on display, and they were so enamored that they got to be apart of this moment, their pride blinded them and led Peter to say some heretical words.

not realizing what he was saying. 34

A tabernacle was the earthly meeting for God with His children, and in a physical and Spiritual state of slumber they were suggesting Moses and Elijah were somehow of equal authority to Jesus. And in a moment were ready to exchange the Glory of God for that of a dead saint.

“Not realizing what He was saying” We say things that are sometimes really out of line when we in spiritual stupor. We start saying things that arent in the Bible, and making assumptions that are so far from reality. And Jesus brought them to the mount to teach them dependance and to show His authority, but they are about to get a wake up call. And we all need a wake up call once and a while.

Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles: one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah”

“Not realizing what He was saying” We say things that are soetimes really out of line when we in spiritual stupor. When we should have been in prayer, we only come awake when we see the flsah. And God has a Word for us. : “This is my son, the chosen ONE, listen to him.”

While Peter was saying this, a cloud formed and began to overshadow them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent, and reported to no one in those days any of the things which they had seen.

New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update Chapter 9

Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles: one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah”

Why listen to Jesus? Because He’s the only name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved, Not Moses, Not Elijah, not John Piper, Andy Stanely, or any other.

I dont know where you are at this morning but there isnt a person in this room that doesnt need a reminder that Jesus is One, and that we should listen in. THere are so many competing voices, the challenge for you is what do you need to get out of your life wake up from Spiritual stupor, and start working for Jesus.

And this is not just fuddy duddy Bible story time, Jesus has REAL authority in this age.

How many of you believe that He who is in you is greater than He that is in the world? I talk to a lot of people who are either scared or indifferent about the Spiritual Darkness. But as Jared spoke of last week, in Luke ch. 9:1 Jesus gave us His authority to Heal in His name, and to cast out Demons in His name. This is your Jesus, full of power and authority and we have the privilege of joining in His work.

in ch 9:42 “While the boy was still approaching Jesus, the demon slammed the boy to the ground and threw him into a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy and gave him back to his father.”

And

Know who you are working for, and know His authority, because it has been given to you, in Jesus name.”

While he was still approaching, the demon slammed him to the ground and threw him into a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy and gave him back to his father.

In Working for Jesus that to being the greatest often requires getting our hands dirty, and doing the obscure.

2. Things can get really ugly when we forget why we are following Jesus.

In verse 46 and following...

in v 46 it says

46 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”

Some of us are so works based, and so programmed to climb ladders and reach the top that we cant think of our relationship with God any different. But in Gods kingdom there is no Hierarchy, Jonathen Edwards said “God being infinetly great... Is as High above Kings as he is Beggars.” His grace is sufficient for you, you can stop climbing, His work is complete over you, and His love is never ending.

Work on this: in ch. 9: 49 it is not only when we look back that causes you to stumble on this journey, it is also when you look to the side.

When the disciples realize that others are doing great things for God, it hits their pride again but Jesus sets them straight. “Do not hinder him, for whoever is not against you is for you.

When we talk about the purpose of our time here and what business we should be about its right here in v 56.

It is climactic in form because in one way or another Jesus has been trying to centre us on who He is, that He is the Son of God, that He has authority, and why he came. And it becomes so clear here.

Jesus wasn’t well received in Samaria, this is the response of James and John “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”

But Jesus turned and rebuked them saying “ You do not know what Spirit you are of; for the son of man did not come to destroy mens lives but to save them.

for the son of man did not come to destroy mens lives but to save them.

-Sometimes we have such deep seated opposition to what the world around us is doing, we cant even see the harvest.

-When you set your hand to plow was it to make a statement, or was it to align your heart with the heart of God and say “ Im going out to do the hard thing, and reach the hard people because when Jesus set His eyes to Jersusalem He had His eyes on you. And Nothing was going to tear Him away from that purpose.

So what do you have your eyes fixed on other than Jesus that is taking away from your ability to live in freedom and do the work that He has set out before you.

-We need to be sober minded, and dead set on who we are living and what we are doing while we are here, because Jesus set his face to JErusalme, and when He looked there, He soon you and I.

The Second distraction is the desires of the eyes: In ch. 9:57-62 Jesus lifts up the cost of following Him,

-The mount of transfiguration, it had a name.

lust of the flesh lust of the eyes, pride of life. an abomination

-The mount of transfiguration, it had a name.

elisha burned the oke and slaughtered the cows and went after God

Two weekends ago we took 20 young people to Red Deer, three times as many as the year previous, we rasied over the course of this year $6000 to go to Red Deer because we believed in something. We believed in creating oppertunities. Weekends and evenings spent planning, and organizing, colloection bottle donations, prayer meetings. It takes work to create oppertunity.

And Why?

We had a desire that God would be glorified in the creating, and that through this people would be drawn into community.

Something special happens when you are intentional about going out and meeting God, we took 20 kids away from home and from the distractions there to go out and meet God in an intentional way.

Similarly in the leaving, we were intentional in our prayers, I knew that in our Youth group God had great plans for their lives, and we prayed specifically that our youth would be drawn deeper into community. Some for the first time, that if they were on the outside, that they wold come to know Jesus, and others that are on the inside already that they would go deeper with each other.

Saturday night at YC in Red Deer 2 youth gave their heart to Jesus for the first time, and another 3 recommitted their lives to Jesus.

After the service I pulled the youth outside and we went to “the Hill” a natural amphitheatre

Sunday evening they gave an offer to those who wanted to be set free. Jesus said “

Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

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The Point of Our Focus Luke 9:28-62

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