The Preeminence of Jesus

Mark 9:1-8

Introduction

1.      “You can’t tell me what to do” – a child’s complaint; adults are usually more subtle

2.      The issue of authority in business, in school, in the home, in the church

3.      Consider the argument that Peter had with Jesus when Jesus told his disciples of God’s plan for his life (see Matt 16:21-23)

4.      God answered the question at the mount of transfiguration, Mark 9:1-8 (see also Matt 17:1-5)  

Discussion

1.      The promise of the kingdom – the reign of God

a.       The theme of preaching for John and Jesus – Matt 3:2; 4:17

b.      The prayer of Jesus in Matt 6:10

c.       The demand of Jesus in Matt 6:33

d.      Realized in the resurrected Jesus – Matt 28:18

e.       Not returned to Israel – Acts 1:6; Hos 13:11

f.       Confirmed by Paul in his letter to the Colossians – Col 1:13  

2.      The authority and power of Jesus – the reign of Jesus

a.       Jesus takes precedence over Moses and the Law – Deut 18:18-19

b.      Jesus takes precedence over the prophets

                                                            i.      John was the end of the Prophets – Matt 11:13

                                                          ii.      At the mount of transfiguration, God demonstrated the superiority of Jesus to Elijah – Mk 9:7

c.        2 Peter 1:16-18  

3.      The authority delegated to the apostles and reflected in Scripture

a.       The apostles as witnesses – Acts 1:8

b.      Paul, the last witness – 1 Cor 15:8

c.       The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets – Eph 2:20

d.      The incredible number of individuals and groups who claim to have comparable authority to Jesus and the apostles

                                                            i.      Church councils

                                                          ii.      Popes

                                                        iii.      Mohammed – claims that God has no Son and that he is God’s prophet

                                                        iv.      George Fox – “it is not the scriptures, but the Holy Spirit, by which opinions and religions are to be tried” – others spoke of pardoning his “self-delusion” – all those who claim that “it just feels right”

                                                          v.      Joseph Smith and Brigham Young – they have given us “another Testament”

                                                        vi.      The Watchtower Society

                                                      vii.      “Rev” Moon – the “completed Testament”

                                                    viii.      Pat Robertson, Jim Jones, David Koresh, etc

                                                        ix.      All who claim to “know” that which is not revealed in scripture  

Conclusion

1.       Col 1:15-18

2.      Jesus is Lord

3.      The response:  Repent and be baptized!