March 16, 2025: This Is My Beloved Son, Listen to Him

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"Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: ‘This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him!’" – Mark 9:7

One day, a father took his young son on a hiking trip. As they climbed the mountain, the boy became impatient and tried to run ahead. "Slow down, son," the father warned. "Follow my steps so you don’t fall." But the boy ignored him, eager to explore on his own. A few moments later, he slipped on a loose rock and tumbled down a small slope. His father rushed to help him and said gently, "I asked you to listen because I love you."

This simple moment reflects a profound truth: listening to the right voice can save us from trouble. In the Gospel of Mark, during the Transfiguration of Jesus, God the Father gives a clear command: "This is my beloved Son, listen to Him!" But are we truly listening?

Why Should We Listen to Jesus?

1.     Jesus Speaks with Divine Authority
– Jesus is not just a prophet or a wise teacher—He is the Son of God. His words carry the ultimate truth. When He speaks, He reveals the heart of the Father. To listen to Jesus is to listen to God Himself (John 14:9).
Example:
David was an atheist who dismissed Christianity as just another religion. One day, out of curiosity, he started reading the Gospels. When he reached John 14:9—*"Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father"—*he was struck by the boldness of Jesus’ claim. He realized that no mere prophet would dare to say such a thing. As he continued reading, he felt a deep conviction that Jesus was not just a wise teacher but the Son of God. That revelation changed his life, and he surrendered to Christ.

2.     Jesus Leads Us to Eternal Life
– In a world filled with confusion, Jesus’ words guide us to the path of righteousness. He declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Ignoring His words leads to spiritual blindness, but obeying Him brings life and peace.
Example:
Maria grew up in a home filled with different spiritual beliefs. She often felt lost, unsure of what was true. One day, a friend invited her to a Bible study where they discussed John 14:6—"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." She wrestled with this statement, but as she studied Jesus’ life and teachings, she realized that His words provided the direction she had been searching for. She decided to follow Christ, and for the first time, she felt at peace knowing she was on the right path.

3.     Jesus Gives Us Strength in Trials
– When we face struggles, listening to Jesus gives us hope. He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). His voice calms our fears and strengthens our hearts.
Example:
Mark lost his job unexpectedly, leaving him struggling to provide for his family. He felt overwhelmed with worry and stress. One night, he opened his Bible and read Matthew 11:28—"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." He prayed, asking Jesus to help him trust in His plan. In the weeks that followed, he found unexpected support from his church community, and doors began to open for new opportunities. Though his circumstances hadn’t changed overnight, his heart found peace knowing that Jesus was carrying him through the storm.

How Can We Listen to Jesus?

  1. Through Scripture – The Bible is God’s living word. When we read it daily, we allow Jesus to speak directly to our hearts.
  2. Through Prayer – Prayer is not just about talking to God but also listening to His guidance in silence.
  3. Through Obedience – True listening is not just hearing but acting on His words (James 1:22).
  4. Through the Church – God speaks through faithful pastors, spiritual mentors, and the Christian community.

A Call to Action

At the Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John saw Jesus in His divine glory. Yet, God’s instruction to them was simple: "Listen to Him!" This command is for us today as well. Amid the noise of the world, Jesus is calling—through His Word, through our conscience, through the Church. Will we listen?

Like the father on the mountain, God warns, guides, and loves us. His Son speaks words of life, wisdom, and salvation. Let us silence the distractions, open our hearts, and truly listen to Him.

Are you listening to Jesus today?

 

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