March 12, 2017

Lenten Series: Shadowing Jesus Pt. II

Lenten Series: Shadowing Jesus Pt. II

Shadowing Jesus, Part II

Lenten Series

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Woodstream Church

Matthew 17:1-6

Peter, James and John were privileged to be chosen by Jesus to witness His Transfiguration on the mountain.  They saw His face and clothes shine bright, and the sudden appearance of Moses and Elijah to converse with Him.  What a crime it would be for us to behold the transfiguration of Jesus via the scriptures and to not be transformed as we walk away.  As we shadow Jesus in this Lenten season, we recognize that this is an endurance marathon, not a jog or sprint through life.  Shadowing Jesus is not for the faint of heart, the faithless or fearful, but like a Navy Seal team, is for those who endure severe, rigorous training and deprivations to go behind enemy lines.  Much grit and no quit!

Shadowing Jesus Positions You To See The Light. Peter, James and John were handpicked by Jesus to accompany Him up the mountain.  The other 9 disciples were left below, and did not see Him transfigured.  They were positioned to see.  We have the opportunity to see if we position ourselves by drawing closer to the Lord, seeking Him in prayer, fasting, Bible reading and service to others in need.

Shadowing Jesus Demands Listening To Jesus. Peter must have marveled that Christ was speaking with Moses and Elijah.  But his declaration of his intent to build three tabernacles to them, which he mistakenly assumed was the immediate restoration of the Davidic kingdom, was interrupted by a bright cloud and God’s announcement concerning Jesus.  Peter needed to be listening rather than speaking.  We can learn from this by heeding Jesus’ words for us.

Shadowing Jesus Is A Time Of Learning.  The disciples learned humility through this encounter, and realized their need to be quiet, be still and to listen.  The wilderness journey prepared Jesus for His ministry, the Mount of Transfiguration prepared Him for His death, and in the midst of His suffering, the memory of His glory sustained the disciples through their trials with hope.  We share in that hope today as we learn and trust Him more.