“LISTEN TO HIM”

Luke 9:28-36

 

Introduction: The Bible makes it very clear that a person must hear or listen to Jesus, if the hope to have a life with God. In the context of the transfiguration, no one is to listen to (with intent to follow) Moses or the Old Testament prophets. Yet, there seems to be an inclination on the part of many in the religious world to set the words of Moses or the prophets on a higher plain than that of Jesus.

A.     Peter mistakenly did what so many in the religious world do in weighing the significance of Jesus’ words to Moses and the prophets

1.      He put Moses, Elijah and Jesus on the same plain

2.      He did not see Jesus as distinct

B.     We need to understand why it is important to hear Jesus and what would be the consequences of not hearing Him

 

I.        The Bible establishes well that fact that we must hear Jesus

A.     The O. T. looked toward a time when Jesus would be heard (Deu. 18:15)

1.      Even Moses made this declaration that the people were not to hear him but that prophet

2.      Peter in his preaching attributed the prophecy of Moses as a reference to Jesus (Acts 3:22)

3.      We must hear Jesus in all things; this is further supported by Scripture

a.       Observe all things Jesus commands (Matt. 28:20)

b.      He has preeminence in all things (Col. 1:18)

c.       Concerning the church, He is the head over all things (Eph. 1:22)

B.     We must listen to Jesus because God speaks in Him (Heb. 1:1-2)

1.      Just as was the case in the transfiguration and by the testimony of Moses himself we are to hear Jesus only

2.      In the transfiguration the Law and the Prophets have passed

3.      In times past God spoke through the prophets

4.      Now, in these last days (Acts 2:17), God speaks in son

C.     We must listen to Jesus, if He is ever to have a place in our hearts (Rev. 3:20)

1.      Those who hear his voice and open up to him will have fellowship

2.      Those who hear his voice and follow him will have eternal life (John 10:27-28)

3.      Those who hear and do His will, shall be well grounded (Matt. 7:24)

 

II.     Since listening to Jesus affords such a tremendous blessing (John 5:24); what would become of those who do not?

A.     Those who do not listen to the prophet shall meet with disaster (Acts 3:22)

B.     We will drift away (Heb. 2:1)

C.     When we do not listen to what Jesus says, what He says will come back to haunt us (Acts 12:48)

 

Conclusion: It is in our best interest to listen to Jesus. His words are sure and eternal. If we are of the truth and concerned for the truth, we will hear Jesus (John 18:37). He is our Creator, Sustainer, Savior, and will be our judge. Why wouldn’t we listen to him in the areas of salvation, the church, and worship?