Is Your Jesus Real?

The scripture passage we’re looking at Sunday is Mark 9:2-13, commonly referred to as “The Transfiguration”. In the latter half of the passage Jesus said he was going to rise from the dead, thoroughly confusing James, Peter and John. Their reaction is typical; in fact, no one ever responded to Jesus’ words on his death and resurrection with humility and trust. In Matthew 17:23 it says the disciples were “greatly distressed.” Peter’s response to Jesus was “Far be it from you, Lord!” and Mama Zeb ignored what Jesus said about being mocked and flogged and crucified, asking for her sons to sit at Jesus’ right and left in the kingdom.

The temptation is for us to look back and think of the disciples as uneducated, foolish country folk who didn’t understand Jesus. While ignorance plays a part, a larger problem is pride. Each disciple had an idea of what it meant for Jesus to become king. He was powerful enough to raise people from the dead, backed every claim he made, and no one could stump him with a question. The disciples hoped for a revolutionary warrior king who would raise up an army and conquer every other people group. Even though he told them repeatedly he was going to be killed and rise from the dead, they believed what they wanted. I imagine their view of Jesus and actions towards him was often driven by their own selfish desires. Thank goodness we don’t do that!

Right?

In reality, we are worse than the disciples. We have God’s word, which tells us the full story of Jesus, the early church and His foretold return. We have 2,000 years of church history to inspire us; brilliant sermons, books and songs to learn from. Still we have our own idea of who Jesus is, adding to or detracting from the Jesus from scripture. We ignore parts of his character and downplay certain actions or words while raising others to a level of importance not backed by the Bible. All of this, in order to retain control of our lives or further our own cause. Several weeks ago @PastorTyler preached about the “Oprah Jesus”, the “Mr. Rogers Jesus”, “Jesus The Good Buddy” and other common portrayals of Jesus. We believe what we want, and in doing so deny the true God.

This Sunday we’re singing “In The Shadow Of The Glorious Cross” by Brooks Ritter and Rebecca Bales, which speaks of throwing down our earthly crowns at the feet of Jesus, the worthy lamb. This is in contrast to how many of us view and treat Jesus, as someone we approach him at a bargaining table with terms we hope to hold onto in this agreement. The true Jesus is an offense to our pride, our self-control and our own desires. How will you sing this song on Sunday? I encourage everyone to make this a confession of pride. Begin confessing now – read the words below, listen to the song, and confess to God what you are holding into in place of trusting him.

You can purchase the song here on iTunes or simply listen here on Last.fm (click the play icon in the top right of the page).

In the Shadow of the Glorious Cross
Brooks Ritter and Rebecca Bales

In the shadow of the glorious cross
Compelled by grace to cast my lot
I’ll discard the loss and bare your name
Forsaking all for your own fame

Your hymn of grace sung over me
Abounding forth in glorious streams
My thirst is quenched by you my Lord
Sustained am I redeemed restored
Sustained am I redeemed restored

Hallelujah,  Hallelujah

When death’s dark shadow’s at my feet
When I am plagued by unbelief
You place my hands into your side
By precious blood identified
By precious blood identified

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

These crowns I’ve clenched with fisted hands
I cast them down before the throne
Of Christ my God the worthy lamb
Christ crucified, the Great I AM. (3x)

Hallelujah, Hallelujah