In this chapter we read of one of the “perks” of being Jesus’ closest buddies. Peter, James & John got invited on a mountain top experience they’d never forget. Jesus’ clothes turn glowingly white and suddenly they see Jesus talking with Moses & Elijah! Although they’re not exactly sure what to do, they know it’s a radical experience: “it is good for us to be here.” A cloud comes over, opens up (whatever that means) and God says “This is My Son whom I love. Listen to him.” Then poof - everyone is gone – whoah! God is again confirming who Jesus is!
Following this, Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy and then, for the second time, predicts His death. The disciples didn’t get it and were afraid to ask. Imagine that, Peter is speechless!~
The next two incidents recorded I believe have to do with humility. First, Jesus knows they’ve been arguing about who is gonna’ be the greatest in heaven, so He asks them “what were you arguing about on the road?” I can hear it already, “I told you He’d overhear us!~” Anyway, Jesus basically tells them that the way up is down! "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." With these words, the arguing ceased.
The next lesson on humility was when John says to Jesus, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us." Kinda’ like, “Hey Jesus, we’re the ones in charge not this guy, so we told him so.” Ummm – wrong! What was Jesus’ reply? “whoever is not against us is for us.”
Finally we finish with a short but sweet lesson on temptation. The main point? We are to remove whatever causes us to sin, or another to sin, even if it means a part of our own body! For “It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell.” Is God serious about dealing with sin? Yes!
SO WHAT?!
*What is the most awesome experience you’ve ever had with God? E-mail me, I’d love to hear it! (mrbill6761@mac.com) And why not share that experience with someone else this week. You may be of great encouragement to a fellow believer or a great witness to a “pre-Christian.” Either way, you can’t go wrong!
*At what times are we most tempted to be prideful? When we’re good at something? When we don’t want to ask forgiveness? When we think we’re right? Regardless, pride is often at the center of our sinning. It’s always important to come before God and others in an attitude of humility. I’ve heard that doing this is often called “eating crow.” I’ve never had crow, but I’m guessing it’s better when it’s warm. So, make things right as soon as possible – with God and with others.
*What things tempt you most? Do you lust after people? Maybe it’s the latest iPhone or iPad or iTouch or iCan’t name them all……. Whatever it is, let’s pray “Lord help us to throw off everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily binds us and help us to run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Amen.
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