Misc. - "In Awe of the King" - Luke 9:28-36

“In Awe of the King”

So grateful to have the opportunity to preach this morning. We hope Pastor Chad and his family had a great week, and we are so blessed to have such a Godly Pastor and family.

The word “awesome” is a word I use very often, and probably should begin to stop.

It’s a word that speaks of something being extremely impressive causing wonder, apprehension, or even fear.

It’s this idea that when you see something you are absolutely speechless.

Back in college, one of my roommates ended up leaving after our sophomore year.

He is an intelligent guy, and told us that he would be back, and he would come and visit. He even told us he would be back in Anderson in August of 2017. I remember thinking, why such a specific date?

Well, he loves space and stars, and told us that on August 21, 2017 there would be a solar eclipse coming through Anderson, SC and that would be the best place to see it.

That was about the last I thought of it, but when August 21, 2017 I was left with a deep sense of awe for about 2 minutes as the moon passed in front of the sun, and I was speechless.

Of course I enjoyed seeing this, but in the moment I was so unprepared that I was not able to enjoy it as much as Michael… While everything was happening, had I been more prepared I would have been able to enjoy that moment of awe way more.

As awesome as that was, when is the last time we were in awe and wonder of Jesus?

Think about this with me, believers. We know that one day soon Jesus is coming. On that day, everyone will bow their knees and see Him for who He truly is… but are we preparing for that day?

Let’s get into the Word, look with me at Luke 9:27-36

When is the last time you were in awe of Jesus?

Now let’s get into the outline:

1. The Revelation on the Mountain

This point might be my favorite I’ve ever preached. I mean that, of all time.

Understand that what is revealed about Jesus has really two purposes, and we will get there in just a moment… but before we do, it’s important to understand the context.

What should we notice here?

Context:

Luke’s whole purpose in writing the gospel, as he said in chapter 1:1-4, was for Theophilus (and us) to know with certainty the events of Jesus.

His whole purpose was to let people KNOW of the person that Jesus is.

What are the other gospel accounts theme?

Matthew - the King

Mark - The Servant

Luke - The Man

John - The God

So as Luke explains the person of Jesus, and moves into this chapter, he is writing down how Jesus challenged His disciples to commit to His true person!!

Chapter 9 - There’s a theme, almost, of commitment. Knowing what they were committing too.

I remember on mine and Hailey’s first date, we were able to serve some people in downtown Greenville that needed help.

I looked at her at one moment, and saw so much love flowing through her toward those people that I KNEW she was someone I wanted to commit to.

It was easy. She loved Jesus, super pretty, cared about people.

I could commit to her!

It just took a little bit of time for me to realize that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her.

But the disciples had wayyyy more experiences and time with Jesus. Luke paints this picture of WHO Jesus was in this chapter, and just in this chapter there are several things that we can see about the person Jesus was, and who they were committing to:

They committed to a commissioning Person (v. 1-11)

They committed to a catering Person (v. 12-17)

They committed to a rescuing Person (v. 18-21)

They committed to a resurrecting Person (v. 22)

They committed to a serious Person (v. 23-26)

As we understand the context, verses 23-27 really flow into our passage. Even though it was 8 days later, these three men are about to understand a little bit more about the Person they were committing too.

Luke 9:27 KJV 1900

27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

What James, Peter, and John didn’t realize was this was about to come true! Jesus began to reveal two things… look here:

a) Jesus Reveals His Kingdom

Jesus had frequently gone to a secluded area to pray. This is noteworthy. Remember that there is no way we can live the Christian life well if we are getting away from the noise, hustle and bustle, and getting alone with the Father.

I’ll hit this quickly, but when Peter and the others woke up and saw this, they were seeing a glimpse of the Kingdom of God.

We don’t usually think in terms of Kingdom as we live in a democracy.

One day, Jesus is going to set up His Kingdom here! And He will rule and reign and the people in this scene represent the Kingdom… how?

Jesus represents the fact that He is going to rule in His glory, not humbly in man form

Moses represents those that have died and then enter the kingdom through physical death.

Elijah represents those that have entered the Kingdom through rapture or translation

Peter, James, and John represent Israel - one day they would be redeemed

And we will be in the midst of the King!

b) Jesus Reveals His Glory

He took with Him Peter, James, and John. They were by themselves and as they slept, Jesus started praying.

I love listening to saints pray. I love listening to my wife pray.

But think about the prayers of Jesus.

The Creator of Heaven touching Heaven

The Humble Son of God, provider of eternal life, speaking to the author of life.

I’m sort of captivated of that idea… but as He prayed look what happened:

As Jesus prayed, He transformed and revealed His glory!

Matthew and Mark both tell this story in their gospels, and in both other gospels, it uses the word “transfigure”

Mark 9:2 and Matthew 17:2

This word transfigure is in the greek where we get our word “metamorphosis”

It’s the idea of being changed from within. Just like a caterpillar goes into a cocoon and comes out a butterfly. It’s the same being but just takes on different forms.

Jesus was revealing who He truly is, and also revealed His Kingdom.

As He prayed, the Bible says He was changed.

Look what the Bible says:

Luke 9 - his face changed, and his raiment was white and glistering (glistening!)

Mark said that His garments were so white, white as snow, there was nothing else whiter than they on the earth.

Matthew 17 - His face shined as the sun, His clothing was white as the light

What did Peter, James, and John catch a glimpse of?

Jesus is more than just a man, He is God

Jesus is absolutely pure.

Jesus is powerful, and we will see in just a minute that none compare to Him.

He is the beloved Son of God.

He is the Second person in the Divine Trinity, meaning that He is equal with God and is God.

While they caught a glimpse of that, we have the Word of God that teaches us even more about His Glory:

Image of the invisible God - meaning He is the perfect representation of what God looks like

John 1:18, Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:3

He is the firstborn of all Creation - This speaks of position, not origin.

Psalm 89:27

He is the highest rank

He is the Creator of all things

He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.

He is the Glory of God (John 17:5)

He is powerful, so powerful that His power guarantees the universe’s order

Colossians 1

The Bible teaches that He is the head of the church

He is the firstborn from the dead

Wait a minute Hayden, there were other people that rose again… what about Lazarus and Jairus’ daughter.

Jesus is the only Person to die, rise again, and never die again.

He is the first and only person to truly conquer death.

Because of that, and because He is the resurrection and the life, He gives us the resurrection power if we trust Him

The Bible teaches that Jesus is the fullness of God.

He is the reconciler

He is the Authority

He is the Word of God made flesh

He is the Conqueror

He is the Prince of all Peace

He is the Good Shepherd

He is the Door

He is the Beginning and the end

He is the Author and Perfecter of my faith

He is the Great High Priest

He is the Lamb that was slain

He is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah

He is the virgin-born God-man.

He is exalted.

He is holy

He is wisdom.

He is love

He is grace

He is the Savior

The bible teaches that He is the Alpha and Omega

The bible Teaches that He is the one that liveth, and was dead, and behold He is alive forevermore!

He is God!! That’s my Jesus

Not some weak, puny, dead preacher. He is risen and He is Worthy to be praised!!!

Amen… amen… if this is who Jesus is, and what the Bible reveals about Him. Why do we approach Him and His church without awe?

Why is it so easy for us to go through the motions and not fall on our knees in awe and wonder of our King??

I do understand that these are strange days, and I miss being here with you all.

I do understand that Zoom Sunday school and streamed services aren’t the same… even though they are good!

But if we can be on the edge of our seats for a night time show, or wait passionately for college football to start back up, why… why aren’t we that passionate about learning about, worshipping, spending time with Jesus?

“Aww you’re just being legalistic… saying I have to come to church… saying I need to miss being here...”

No, I’m not being legalistic, I’m being logical - College football, the MLB, Tom Brady, Netflix, careers, Facebook, and all other things we stand in awe of never died for you.

And certainly didn’t rise again!!

Just thinking through this point, are you in awe of the King? We’ve seen the 1) Revelation of Jesus and now look with me at

2. The Lessons on the Mountain

Talk about a mountaintop experience! We’ve just gotten started on this text, and we’ve already preached Jesus! But there are some others on this mountain...

As Peter, James, and John woke up, they saw Jesus with Moses and Elijah!

The people that were on the mountain when Jesus was transfigured can teach us a few great truths: The first truth is that

a) The Lesson about Comparison

It is absolutely CRUCIAL for all of us to understand that King Jesus is incomparable. He has no rival, He has no equal. He has no wing man, He needs no compliment.

Moses and Elijah were present, and they represented (1) The Law, and (2) The prophets.

These men also saw marvelous things on mountains. Moses encountered God on Mt. Sinai. Elijah saw God send fire down from heaven. But Jesus, being on the mountain with Jesus was just different.

Jesus preached the greatest sermon ever written on a mountain.

Jesus fed the greatest meal on the mountain.

Jesus prayed the most powerful prayers on the mountains.

Jesus climbed the deadliest mountain.

Jesus fought the greatest war on a mountain.

Jesus is coming back and will descend from the top of a mountain.

“As Moses introduced Israel to God on the mountain (Ex. 19 &24) and as Elijah showed the uniqueness of God over all other gods on the mountain, so Jesus revealed the true nature of God and showed that He was one with the Father.

Don’t get it confused, Jesus is greater than the law and prophets!

What’s the next truth being taught?

b) The Lesson about the Mission

Luke 9:31 KJV 1900

Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

This is so cool! The word that Matthew and Mark use here is “exodus.” or “Going out”

So they are literally talking to Jesus on this mountain about finishing the mission by going to the cross!

Moses and Elijah spoke to Jesus about going to the cross

Surely this was a time of encouragement.

Could you imagine what they were saying to their Creator?

Moses spoke up thinking, Lord, You are too good. You were with me while we were in the wilderness as our Rock. Sorry about striking you those two extra times by the way. But Lord You of all people know how wicked man’s heart is. You know how bad mine was. As bad as this is going to hurt, O Lord, Yahweh… it’s the only way. Clean our hearts through Your blood.

Elijah, “Lord Jesus, we aren’t worhty to be here with You, but I remember when I was fearful and hopeless under that Juniper tree… as hopeless as I was, I know that there are so mnay people that need hope. It will only be found, true hope, if You go to the cross.

It’s the only way!

While they spoke… Get this! While they spoke encouraging the cross, Peter spoke up and forgot all about it.

They encouraged Him to go to the cross.

Peter spoke trying to keep Jesus away from the cross.

Peter was thinking more sacred shrines, and not just a shelter to get out of the rain.

Peter was, even in the best intentions, forgetting all about what Jesus just told him.

He thought WHAT WAS BEST would be to memorialize this moment with a building project.

There are probably many Christians with Great intentions, yet still lose sight of the mission.

Peter thought: What we NEED is a memorial. What We NEED is a building. What we NEED is _______. Please hear me, what this world needs is NOT a program, ministry, preacher, gospel quartet… what this world needs is the risen Savior Jesus Christ!

As Peter said all this, lok what happens in verse 34.

Luke 9:34 KJV 1900

While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.

while he spoke, a cloud rolled in and it was the presence of God. I would have loved to hear what John and James said “Peter, what did you do now??” But before they could speak, God did and we learn:

c) The Lesson from the Father

This is My beloved Son, listen to Him. (Psalm 2:7, Isaiah 42:1)

Commitment to God means listening to His Son.

He was the only One left, Jesus is enough!!!

Verse 36 - Christian commitment is committing to the last One, and listen to Him

Closing:

The most awesome thing that’s ever happened in the course of human history had two parts.

Part one, Jesus Christ, the Son of God going to the cross to die for you and me.

Part two, better than any solar eclipse… better than anything this world can attest, three days after He died, the stone that the Romans used to seal the tomb rolled away. The angels rejoiced. Heaven shouted, and the Son of God, King Jesus walked out alive.

Have you experienced the grace of Jesus Christ?

Turn from your sins. Repent, and place your faith in Jesus

Christian, when is the last time you were in awe of what Jesus did for you?

I want to encourage you to get some time alone, fall on your knees with an open Bible and ask Him to remind you of His wonder.