by Rev. Jonathan C. Watt
Read 2 Peter 1:16–18.
He was an eyewitness. St. Peter said he saw the majesty of Jesus.
The word majesty is a kingly word. It has to do with greatness and power. Glory is another word for majesty. That’s what Peter says he and the other disciples saw. He recalls a specific example. Read Matt. 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, and Luke 9:28–36. In each instance, what is the example? What are the signs of Jesus’ majesty? What does the majesty of Jesus on the Mount of the Transfiguration tell us about Him?
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Jesus shows His majesty (or glory) to tell who He is. The Transfiguration isn’t the only event the disciples witnessed.
Our Savior was a preacher and teacher. The Gospel-writer Matthew records one of Jesus’ most significant sermons. The Sermon on the Mount runs from Matthew chapter 5 through chapter 7. What kind of majesty, or glory, does Jesus show in His preaching? Read Matt. 7:28–29.
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The first miracle Jesus did was at the wedding feast in Cana. What does this miracle tell us about who Jesus is? In John 2:1–11, what is the reaction of the disciples to the showing of Jesus’ majesty?
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Jesus also showed His majesty when He healed people. Read Mark 2:1–11. What is the first thing Jesus does for the man? Why does Jesus say He does it?
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Are the people amazed at Jesus’ healing, or is something else amazing to them? What does Jesus do that He hasn’t done yet, according to Mark?
Read Mark 1:29–34; 40–45.
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Jesus forgives sins, something only God can do. He shows Himself to be God Himself sitting among the people and teaching, healing, and forgiving.
Our Lord has power even over spiritual forces of Satan. In Luke 9:37–45, He heals a young boy who is demon-possessed. The people are astonished. Where does Jesus immediately direct the disciple’s attention?
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The disciples don’t seem to understand the real implications of Jesus’ majesty. Jesus, God Himself in human flesh, has come to accomplish a specific task. Read Mark 10:35–37. What do the disciples want? How do the disciples see Jesus’ majesty and glory?
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What is Jesus’ response (vv. 38–45)? When does Jesus say His majesty and glory are going to be displayed most clearly? Compare Mark 10:37 and Matt. 27:35–38.
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After His death on the cross and burial in the tomb, Jesus shows His majesty once again. Read John 20:1–18. What does Jesus reveal about Himself in His resurrection?
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Jesus is God. He reveals Himself in many ways. He preaches with authority. He shows His power over the physical and spiritual world. He heals people and forgives their sins. He offers Himself as the Sacrifice for human sin and rises again from death.
Why is it important that we see Jesus as God? What do the following verses tell us? Read Ps. 49:7, Mark 10:45, 1 Peter 1:18–19, 1 Cor. 15:57, 2 Tim. 1:10, and Heb. 2:14.
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Jesus’ most important work is earning the forgiveness of sins for us through His life, death, and resurrection. But His majesty and glory don’t end on the cross or with His resurrection. Read John 18:36–37, 2 Tim. 4:18, Rom. 8:34, and Eph. 4:10–12. What important work does Jesus continue to do, showing His majesty and glory?
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