[Not necessarily what was said in class...study Mark 8 - 10 and allow these notes to bring more understanding:]
Jesus shared many "secrets" with His disciples. They saw, they participated, they listened, but they didn't seem to "get it". Many things sounded upside down to them just as it seems so to us sometimes today.
Suffering leads to glory...can it be? There was Peter's CONFESSION of Who Jesus is! Peter was "little rock" and what he stated was the expression of the Living Rock - Jesus! The only confession that saves is Jesus is Lord! But it seems that the disciples like us today had opinions rather than convictions in many of their responses. An opinion changes - a conviction stands, even unto death!
CONFUSION: Peter changed very quickly from a rock to a stumbling block when he rebuked the Lord. We, too, open the door for Satan's lies when we argue with God's Word today. When Peter made the remark, the Lord knew the source of such information and addressed the enemy directly (as we should). BUT also note that Jesus looked at the disciples - even tho' they did not speak up as Peter did, He knew that they were thinking the same as Peter.
Satan and God are always opposite on the bottom line. Satan's lies may appear as truth, but spiritual discernment will reveal the lie that is buried (or maybe even obvious) so be alert!
Satan's definition: glory without suffering
God's definition: suffering transformed into glory
"there is a price to pay for true discipleship."
1. surrender completely to Him 2. Identify with Him in suffering and death 2. follow obediently wherever He leads.
Denying self and self denial ARE NOT THE SAME!!! Self denial - give up something or some activity; deny self - surrender to Christ and determine to obey!
Personl devotion should lead to practical duty. Not waster but invest!
CONFIRMATION: The Mountain of transfiguration was that confirmation of all that the Lord had been sharing with his disciples. We must come back to the valley to share the glory of Christ - perhaps it is the valley of suffering.
Another Secret: Power Comes from Faith. The miracle is the power to overcome the enemy.
Secret - Service Leads to Honor. The truth of leadership is found in SERVICE to others. The Lord came not to be ministered to but to minister to others. Just as our realm of responsibility is such - to be the least is to be the most!
If we yield: Suffering will lead to glory, faith will produce power, sacrificial service will lead to honor!
1 comment:
Jesus shared many "secrets" with His disciples. They saw, they participated, they listened, but they didn't seem to "get it". Many things sounded upside down to them just as it seems so to us sometimes today.
Dear Mr. Wes and Ms. Bernadine,
May this question and comment find you with abundant love, grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ?
Thank you for teaching the class. I like your comment on how Jesus interacted with the disciples. He lead his disciples through many of the perplexing situations with questions. Many, of the questions he lead them with focused on the spiritual truth expressed in an earthly way. He provided sermons for the masses. Yet, in the intimate time he had with his disciples his questions of them helped them discover the truth he came to deliver. As our teachers do you provide our class time to discover the questions God has revealed to you as you prepare for the lesson for us on Sunday?
Thank you for considering this question.
Post a Comment