The Majesty of Jesus

Myth or Majesty

Church attendance numbers are dwindling. Christianity has fewer followers. And Judeo-Christian morals are mocked in society while atheistic, gnostic, and humanist beliefs are embraced. Christians are ridiculed for believing their “silly stories” of creation, the virgin birth, and Christ’s resurrection.

However, this is not new.

Peter and the other Apostles faced the same challenges in the early church. Accusing the apostles of clinging to “clever myths”, many tried to discredit the incredible news of the Gospel.

But why do people want to do this? Why did they reject Peter then, and why do they reject His Word now?

The answer is really pretty simple. In our fallen, sinful state we all want to be our own little gods. We want to be the hero of our own story. This means that we want to choose our own path, and be our own redeemers.

And there’s the rub. The message of Jesus is that He is the redeemer in our story–we are more like the damsel in distress. But we were not just locked in a high tower, we were dead in our sins.

To the world, our flesh, and the devil, being the ‘damsel in distress’ is a terrible story. But to us who believe, it is a story full of grace, love, and majesty. Jesus, who came in humility, bore our sins, died on the cross, and rose in triumph, is the only way, the only truth.

Peter was blessed to witness his full majesty in the Transfiguration on the mount, with the Father and Holy Spirit, Moses and Elijah. The Trinity, the Law, the Prophets – all together in one moment show that Christ is the fulfillment of the promise foretold. His Majesty unmatched.

Finally, what is the promise foretold? That is Jesus’ Glory: that he would be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and that he would reconcile us to God the Father as the Prince of Peace.

Thanks be to God for His majestic glory!

Here is the full sermon text from 2 Peter 1:

Christ’s Glory and the Prophetic Word

¹⁶ For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. ¹⁷ For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” ¹⁸ we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. ¹⁹ And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, ²⁰ knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. ²¹ For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

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Announcements

Bible Study: Our midweek Bible study is on hiatus during Lent and will resume after Easter.

LWML Prayer Service: The next one will be held on Saturday, February 25th at 10 am. Messiah (7050 35th Ave NE, Seattle) will host.

Condolences: With sorrow, we share that Gary Tollefsen passed away on February 14th. We find comfort and joy in the promise of our Lord that we will all enjoy eternal life together. At this time, we are not aware of funeral details but his family has posted an online memorial.

Donations: Even during the pandemic and with a decline in attendance, the expenses continue. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James post office box as that is a secure location. You may also donate online.