1. On this occasion Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John. 2. Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus, and they talked with the Lord. 3. This event was made even more special when God spoke. a. He first identified Jesus as His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased. b. He also said, "hear ye Him." 4. In our lesson we are placing special emphasis on the fact that "God requires us to hear Jesus." 5. Let us begin our study by observing that . . . Discussion: I. JESUS IS GOD'S SPOKESMAN TODAY
A. This point is clearly revealed in Hebrews 1:1-2a. B. In the past God had spoken to the Israelites through Moses who was a great leader. 1. A contrast made between Jesus and Moses in Hebrews 3:1-6 shows how the Lord is superior to Moses. 2. Furthermore, the law that God gave through Moses is no longer in effect (Colossians 2:14). C. In the past God had also spoken to the Israelites through the prophets. 1. Elijah was one of the greatest prophets. 2. We learn from Hebrews 1:2b-3 that Christ is superior to the prophets. D. In the past God had required His people to listen to Moses and the prophets; however, today He requires us to listen to His Son. E. The Lord speaks to us through His Word, the New Testament (Hebrews 9:15). F. Love for God and Christ will lead us to obey His will (1 John 5:3; John 14:15). G. To help us fulfill God's instruction to hear His Son, let us consider . . . II. 6 OCCASIONS WHEN GOD'S PEOPLE LISTENED TO THE WRONG INDIVIDUALS
A. Eve listened to the serpent (Genesis 3:1-6). B. Aaron listened to the people (Exodus 32:1-6). C. The Israelites listened to the 10 spies (Numbers 13:30-33; 14:4). D. The Israelites listened to the surrounding nations (1 Samuel 8:4-5). E. Solomon listened to his wives (1 Kings 11:1-8). F. Some in Thyatira listened to Jezebel (Revelation 2:20-24).
Conclusion:
1. (Luke 8:18) Jesus gave a serious warning: "Take heed therefore how ye hear." 2. As we heed the Lord's warning we must hear Him. 3. We have seen how God's people will suffer as a result of listening to the wrong individuals. 4. Hearing Christ as God commanded when He was transfigured results in special blessings, including: a. knowing the truth that makes us free (John 8:31-32) b. eternal life (John 6:68).
