Keeping On Jesus' Message

In a previous comment thread, some questions regarding Jesus' Transfiguration on the Mountain came up. See what Luke wrote about this event:

Luk 9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and [in his] Father's, and of the holy angels.


Luk 9:27 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.


Luk 9:28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.


Luk 9:29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment [was] white [and] glistering.


Luk 9:30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:


Luk 9:31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.


Luk 9:32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.


Luk 9:33 And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.


Luk 9:34 While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.


Luk 9:35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.


Luk 9:36 And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept [it] close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

It is interesting to note that in the NIV version, Luke 9:33 is stated as:

"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.)"

Peter "did not know what he was saying."

The notes tell us more:

When Peter suggested making three shelters, he may have been thinking of the Feast of Tabernacles, where shelters where set up to commemorate the exodus, God's deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Peter wanted to keep Moses and Elijah (Elias) with them. But this was not what God wanted. Peter's desire to build shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah may also show his understanding that real faith is built on three cornerstones: the law, the prophets, and Jesus. But Peter grew in his understanding, and eventually he would write of Jesus as the "chosen and precious cornerstone" of the church (1 Peter 2:6).

When the voice of God the Father (verse 35) came from the cloud, He was telling the disciples to LISTEN to Jesus. Why? Because He proclaimed him to be His Son. Jesus has been given the authority, from God Himself, to have such power and authority.

Unfortunately, there are many "false teachers, false prophets, and false Christs" in the world today. They appear to be lovers of God and His Christ, but they are actually "wolves in sheep's clothing." This tells us that they will lead those who follow such men (or women) astray. My blogging friend Neil over at Eternity Matters has a post up describing a man who could be described as a perfect example of a false teacher.

So, how does one not get caught up in a cult, or the teachings of someone who would cause a person genuinely seeking God's Truth to drift (or be dragged) away from the Man of Truth - Jesus Christ?

It's easy, actually. Just remember that if a person's teaching is true, it will agree with Jesus' teachings. TEST EVERYTHING YOU HEAR AGAINST JESUS' WORDS, AND YOU WILL NOT BE LED ASTRAY.

This serves as a warning not to seek advice or guidance from merely human sources. Knowing God's Word, the Bible through having studied it yourself with the guidance of the Holy Spirit (which happens once you are born again in Christ) will keep you on message - on Jesus' message, that is!

God the Father Himself told Peter and all the others standing there - each of them in awe of what they had just seen (The Transfiguration) that they were to listen to Jesus and not to their own ideas and desires. This is crucial, folks! There can be many secular, well-meaning people out there (Oprah comes to mind) who follow the "politically correct" ideas of the world (i.e. all "faiths" worship the same God) and think that they are doing good and a service to those seeking the truth. But watch out!! Humans are fallible beings! They like to think that a concept such as the "coexist" movement is pleasant, loving, and deserving of admiration. But if such a movement leads you away from Christ, what good is it?

Jesus himself said:

Luk 9:24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.


Luk 9:25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?


Luk 9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and [in his] Father's, and of the holy angels.

Being born again gives one the ability to follow Jesus. This gives us the confidence about who he is. When we believe that he is God's Son, then we will want to do what he says!

Hat tip:

Eternity Matters