In this sermon Pastor Smith ties in Jesus’ teachings right before the Transfiguration event with His “exodus” to come in Jerusalem. We see a brief moment of glory here on the mountain, but things will get gory once Jesus goes to Jerusalem and the cross that awaits Him. It is cross first, then glory. This goes for Jesus and it also goes for us. We too have future glory in store for us. But first…things could get gory. Maybe not literally, but as we follow Jesus in this life we will not always have glorious moments. There will be hardships and difficulties and burdens and tears. But in the end…we are assured of glory, because of the work of Jesus on the cross.
We all want glory, but usually we have to go through something difficult first…
Luke 9:28: “Now about eight days after these sayings”...what are these sayings?
The order is gory before glory. For Jesus and for us.
If we only expect glory as we follow Jesus, we have the wrong expectations. We should expect a cross.
Followers of the Crucified One don’t ask why as much as we ask where.
Luke 9:35: God the Father says, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” Notice that the Father only directs our attention to Jesus after His glory has gone away.
The cross seemed weak, gory, and not at all glorious. Yet it was the way to the ultimate glory God has in store for us.
Discussion Guide
Think about a time when you had to go through something very difficult to get something you really wanted. What was that like? What did it teach you?
What do you normally expect from your life as a Jesus follower in this world? Glory? A cross? How do your expectations affect your spiritual life?
When you are suffering under the weight of your cross, do you usually ask “why is this happening?” or “where is God in this?” Which approach do you find is more fruitful for your spiritual life?
React to St. Paul’s words in Romans 8:18: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us
