Suffering and Glory • 05.24.26
Jack Flaherty   -   May 24, 2026

Suffering and Glory

Luke 9:23-45

What does it really look like to follow Jesus?

  1. Carrying your cross daily
  2. Listening to Jesus Christ
  3. Marveling at true power

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Good morning church family! My name is Jack Flaherty, one of the pastors here at Harvest, and I am excited to be in God’s Word with you all. Before we dive in, a few things to share. This is an exciting next few weeks for our church!

  • This Wednesday May 27th EOY Celebration from 6:30-8:30pm
  • Next weekend May 30th-31st is 5th Sunday! Sign up closes tomorrow!
  • Also next Sunday, Pastor Nick plans to give a brief update on some future planning conversations so don’t miss that!
  • Also next Sunday kicks off mission’s month which will run all of June.
  • Finally, Friday June 12th we have our next Harvest Hangout at Big Creek. Will have Shelter #2 reserved all day to come and go as works for your family but prioritize being there 6-7:30pm for bring your own picnic dinner and games.

It is officially the transition to summertime! As Memorial Day weekend honors those who have served our nation and sacrificed their lives, it also marks the start of a new season. Many have finished or are finishing up school. Weather is shifting. Minds are turning to new schedules and activities–including summertime travels. Not sure about your family, but there are usually quite a few opinions about how to get to the destination. Depending on distance it’s the question of driving or flying–maybe even train or boat! But there always comes a point where we need to figure out directions. Are we going the right way to get to where we want to end up? There are several distinct memories I have of surprising turns taken to get to the expected destination. Some of those are most notable when others are driving you somewhere. Especially somewhere you think you know the location of. You did your research on MapQuest or in your road atlas! Or a more technologically savvy map application. Yet there are times where you think you know the right way and the path veers elsewhere. Are we following the right directions? Will we REALLY get to where we are going?

This had to be a bit of what the disciples of Jesus felt. In their three years of following Jesus around they certainly got taken on some turns they did not expect. Even as they saw clear authority on display and even as they proclaimed his position as the Christ of God, per Peter’s confession we saw last week in Luke 9:20. Yet they were so puzzled by the following message in v21-22 from Jesus that he would suffer, be rejected, be killed, and then rise again. I thought Messiah was heading for glory!? And bringing us with him! What in the world is this suffering?

Turn in your bibles to Luke 9:23-45. If you need a Bible, the ushers would love to get a copy of the Scriptures in your hands.

There are many misconceptions about what it truly means to follow Jesus. We all think we have a good idea of where following him will bring us–to the glorious Kingdom of God where we dwell with our Creator in eternal perfection. And if you truly follow Jesus, that is truly where you will go. Bible says that all over and Jesus affirms that even in what we will read today. However, also all over the Bible and especially in our text today, we will see Jesus explain that what it really looks like to follow him till we get there is, to put it bluntly, the surprising path of suffering. Our message is titled “Suffering and Glory” today. In each of the three main sections of text we will see those realties demonstrated and explained. And the question we are going to see answered in these three sections is What does it really look like to follow Jesus?

Section by section observe how Jesus follows up on Peter’s confession by showing how the Son of Man—Jesus–must suffer, and how his followers will pursue the same path. Yet, Jesus will also graciously and hopefully share that for those who faithfully follow him through suffering will receive the promised glory that awaits. With that lets turn our attention to the text. Read Luke 9:23-27. Can you guess the first answer to what it really looks like to follow Jesus?

  1. Carrying your cross daily (v23-27)

Though it was last week for us, it was the next sentence out of Jesus mouth for the disciples. Not only MUST Jesus suffer, but anyone who would follow him MUST do the same. Some important things to see about these verses. First, this is a call to anyone. There are no prerequisites for following. Age, ethnicity, job, wealth, past behavior, current struggles, none of that need be on the resume. Rather if you want to come after Jesus, it’s about what you will do now, and every day, until eternity future. The world has many things that cost you money to be a part of. Jesus says no money needed, but it will cost you your life. Which brings us to a second item, this is a call to anyone who follows him. Not super apostles, pastors, missionaries, or just when I reach a certain life stage or maturity threshold. ANYONE who wants to follow Jesus must submit to this three-part calling: Deny himself, take up cross daily, and follow me.

Deny is not just certain things or aspects. It means to completely disown, renounce, or sever a relationship. Self-renunciation. Giving over personal rights and desires to Christ. To deny oneself means to look at your selfish ambition and say, “I do not know you; you no longer run my life.”

Take up your cross is CRAZY! Would have been shocking! It’s a bit numbed to our senses today but remember this was gruesome and even BEFORE Jesus went to the cross. In the first-century Roman world carrying a cross through the streets meant one thing: a one-way march to execution. No coming back. However, this is not pathological self-abasement. Not a martyr complex. But freely following the one you know to be worth the pursuit of. Sacrifice is required maybe even to the point of death. By adding the word “daily,” Jesus clarifies that this is not a one-time emotional decision, but a repetitive, daily, deliberate surrender for sake of the Jesus.

Follow me is putting Jesus first. Literally it was a call to physically follow even if it meant leaving all else in the rearview. Not only time it’s been mentioned as we will see this in parts of the rest of Luke 9 next week! But also look back at Luke 5:11, 27-28 where the disciples did just this. OR look forward to  Luke 14:25-35 where Jesus tells the crowd to be willing to renounce everything to follow him or Luke 18:22-30 where the rich young ruler is told sell all that he has to enter eternal life, meaning he needs to be willing to let all go in this world and follow Jesus for the sake of entering the final destination of the glorious Kingdom of God.

Why would anyone ever make this choice? Well that’s where Jesus goes next in v24-26. Because it is the only way to experience the glory of the Kingdom of God. Jesus speaks to this positively and negatively. He says in v24 that logically we need to understand we actual gain by losing and we will lose by gaining. In v25 even more specifically asks rhetorically what do you really profit if you gain everything now and lose your very self? This is your very existence lost and wasted. You don’t want that trade! Don’t waste your life over there but invest in something worthwhile! Think about things you invest money and time in. You hope they are worthy it. Some you know they are worth it. This is the surest thing we got!

Then inv26 saying don’t forget this assurance of life in glory. The Son of Man is coming again in glory. Actually first mention of second coming in Luke’s gospel, though brought up later. It will be a spectacular like we’ve never seen! If you are ashamed now, he will be ashamed later which logically plays out that if you will refuse to be ashamed of me now he will refuse to be ashamed of you later! Notice also, not just of him, but his words! That puts a pretty high value on God’s Word. Don’t shrink back from Jesus, nor all his teachings contained in the Bible.

So unbeliever, why would you ever listen to this sales tactic by Jesus? Well he isn’t trying to persuade one way or the other, he is laying out the cost of discipleship. If you think about it, there is a cost no matter what. We are all following something leading somewhere. Would you rather think you know the path and end up in the wrong destination OR take the journey that might be full of unexpected things yet brings you home?  Self-surrender is a part of it. BUT it will be worth it. The disciples thought they were going straight to glory. Jesus says it’s not that direct of a route, and it’s not easy either. BUT its worth it. Glory is worth it! Also, there is pain no matter what, so don’t be surprised! The question is do you prefer the possibility of temporary pain with promise of future glory OR promise of permanent pain with possibility of temporary pleasure?

Christian, you’ve already understood it’s worth it! But will you follow? What might each of these practically look like in everyday life? How do we prevent this from becoming just a religious chore or an emotional phrase? How can this help us ask the evaluative questions Jesus lays it out “What am I really saving my life from? What am I really profiting/gaining? What are the things that I am ashamed of, even if it only known in my head and heart?”

I think some of you may already have the Spirit applying this passage to your heart. There is no limit to what this might look like. Carrying your cross daily is literally a total life overhaul or all things at all moments being willing to say “it’s yours Jesus.” But, its good to get into some specifics.  At the risk of missing here are some areas of life to consider.

Church and church commitments. Hearing a pastor talk about Christians in China surprised by loud singing because they cant. Happy to belt it out. How about us with our lips sealed week after week? SING out loud! Don’t be ashamed! Further, in relationships, speak hard things from the bible! people want it don’t be a jerk but don’t be fluffy. when it comes to commitments you ought to commit to the bride of Christ, the church. Then stick to letting yes be yes when it comes to a SG or a service role…be consistent! Even as we look at future planning, are you starting to pray about God’s call to deny yourself? Maybe it’s even a role to step into now!

Spiritual disciplines.  I am challenged by the healthy rhythms hear from many of you. Even when you aren’t feeling it you get in the Word! Lets all do that! And when it’s not making sense, drop the pride and get some help! Pray out loud and with others. Share your faith boldly.

Family and home life. Again, thankful for many who are sacrificially serving. But what might change? Kids in obedience to your parents? Singles or empty nesters with your time? Might also be pushing our families to do some things. Maybe we don’t skip a church thing for a family night  or a sports thing. Maybe we don’t plop in front of the TV all weekend

Sports, schedules, school, and activities for kids OR work and priorities for adults. Don’t even want to go here but let’s think! We should be asking Jesus what do want?  Same when it comes to food, shopping, entertainment, hobbies, and technology/media usage for all. Friendships and fitting in. How we use our words. How we use our $$$.

We could do this all day. And I know that probably stepped on toes and we want to think wisely and not bind conscience and there are areas of freedom. I get it. BUT the default is DIE TO SELF. TAKE UP CROSS. FOLLOW JESUS! Where did he go? publicly and persistently sharing of the kingdom. Caring for the hurting and confronting the spiritually apathetic or proud. Found his worth not in affirmation of his disciples who are still trying to figure him out but in his Father in Heaven. Why did he share this? to scare them off or weed them out? Maybe. But I think more likely because he loved them and wanted them not to scatter when things got hard. He wanted them to know life wasn’t gonna be a piece of cake. It was a cross shaped life! Publicly on the path to die because you’ve already surrendered all. And you surrender is worth it because you’ve actually gained everything!

I know this sounds heavy. But Jesus will empower us for the journey of following. He will carried his cross all the way to calvary. Losing his life in order to save those who follow behind. So when he says take your cross and follow it wasn’t just look at my example. BUT I will come along side you in this difficult task. Simon of Cyrene gave Jesus a spell on the way to Golgotha carrying his cross. But we have Jesus himself who says “yes take my yoke upon you, but learn from me, the one gentle and lowly in heart and who offers rest for your soul. This yoke of mine is easy and burden is light. The cost of following is great, but the cost of not following is even greater.” Will you deny yourself, carry your cross, and follow him?

The route to glory is suffering BUT that doesn’t mean there aren’t glorious detours along the way! And in particular, Jesus gives them one such glimpse in order to validate everything he just said. in case you are wondering that is what v27 is about. He says some of you will see this glory kingdom of God before you die as a means of evidence and motivation to carry the cross! Let’s see this played out now and read together Luke 9:28-36

Here is our second answer to the question what does really looks like to follow Jesus?

  1. Listening to Jesus Christ (v28-36)

Now first, let me explain why I think what Jesus refers to in v27 is indeed what we just read in v28-36. There are some options of what Jesus means.

  • Option 1– Jesus was mistaken/lied to them. They would see glory but then didn’t. We know this to be false because Jesus is God and therefore cannot lie! Also the other options not only are plausible but make MORE sense.
  • Option 2 — Jesus resurrection, ascension, and Pentecost. There is some sense in that Jerusalem was the location, but “some” would seem only to exclude Judas and he would have said “one of you won’t” like he said “one of you will betray” in the upper room.
  • Option 3 – Something like John’s vision in Revelation but seems a stretch.
  • Option 4 — Transfiguration

I think the most plausible option is Option 4—Jesus was referring to the Transfiguration. Each of the synoptic gospels go from cost of discipleship to Transfiguration. The language “now…after these sayings” seems a purposeful link. Taking Peter John and James fits “some.” Peter seems to verify it later in 2 Peter 1:16-18 speaking of how “we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” And also the motivation of assuring them of the coming glory by giving a glimpse of kingdom now. Option 1 heresy, Option 2 or 3 fine, but Option 4 seems best to me.

And again, Jesus is showing them BECAUSE he wants them to be assured they are following the right guy to the right place. He needs to continue correcting their wrong understanding of Messiah as simply a political figure head coming to take over. He is the Christ but He is God in flesh. Yes, coming to die sacrificially BUT then to rise gloriously.

So about a week after this discipleship convo they head up to a mountain to pray. And Jesus is known for going up to pray. And even has taken then guys before to see some cool things like raising of little girl. But nothing like this! What we read in v29 is the peeling back of the veil of flesh in order to glimpse the glory of the divine. He is the Christ of God! And Moses and Elijah show up. They are there to represent what? The whole OT! Moses writer of the Law and Elijah repping the prophets! What they talk about? Luke tells us in v31 they spoke of His “departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem”. The Greek word for departure is ἔξοδος (exodos). This is a profound, intentional choice. Just as Moses led the physical Exodus to rescue Israel from slavery in Egypt, Jesus was preparing to accomplish the ultimate, spiritual Exodus in Jerusalem—rescuing humanity from slavery to sin and death. The whole OT doesn’t just point to Jesus BUT specifically to the greatest exodus, exodus from sin.

Sleepy disciples are waking up—they will get caught napping later in prayer too—and Peter acts a fool. This suggestion is likely reference to Feast of Tabernacles/Booths where they build temp shelters to celebrate God with them. It’s like Peter forgets this has been his disposition since the overflowing nets of Luke 5! He has been walking with God! Also, three of them hints that he is elevating Jesus to Moses and Elijah status, which misses that point that Jesus actually elevates and validates them! Also seems that Peter is trying to freeze a mountain top moment. Like let’s not head to suffering but stay with glory. God the Father cuts him off before he can say more. Listen! This fulfills what was spoke in Deut 18:15 “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen”

Will you listen to Jesus? This glimpse of glory is awe inspiring and should bring worship. It affirms the answer to the question we asked last week “Who is Jesus?” as God the Father again speaks out this is my Son! the Chosen One! The Messiah/Christ! The glory that was promised to come is glimpsed here. The clouds are the glory clouds of the OT when God shows up! Jesus is not simply good teacher, nice guy, smiling character in a book or TV show with some nuggets we would like to incorporate in our otherwise self-directed life. Jesus alone is who we follow. That’s why he is by himself in v36. He is the one to follow.

They didn’t speak of this in those days. But they did later. Other gospel writers actually tell us Jesus said don’t share. Again, because they didn’t get it. But when they had seen him suffer AND THEN rise in glory, they knew what this glimpse was. We talked about the unexpected paths, right? Ever been on a road trip and told to look for a landmark? Sometimes we aren’t sure if it was very well described until other pieces get put together. I think this moment, was a bit like that. Looking make it made more sense than at first glance. Also see one more such event here. Let’s read our last section for today, Luke 9:37-45.

Here is our third and answer to the question what does really looks like to follow Jesus?

  1. Marveling at true power (v37-45)

As we said, the mountain top moments don’t last forever as Jesus and his disciples step into the valley and immediately see brokenness, spiritual opposition, and human weakness. This crowd is clamoring and one voice raises above the rest as a dad asks for help for his son. Even though given authority in Luke 9:1 the disciples were powerless to get things done. Jesus laments the scene quoting Deut 32:5 & 20 a song where Moses speaks to Israel’s lack of faith. In fact this is much like Moses, a leader on mountain while followers below messing up! But Jesus is less focused on dad OR on the disciples, this is a general comment about the state of the world. They need someone to have faith in! Because disciples have failed in part by just trying to rest on their own laurels. Mark says this could only be cast out by prayer and fasting. In short, only by depending on God, not by your own power! Matthew makes it clearer, it was due to their little faith. They were trusting self not God’s power.

We all know what it looks like to handle things in our own strength and habits instead of prayerful and faithful dependence. Like a team of people who can’t skate trying to make it in the NHL playoffs. OR some toddlers trying to march to the NBA finals. Not going to go well! We need someone with true power and ability to accomplish it for us. So Jesus steps up to help. Another only child who receives compassion. Jesus doesn’t just rebuke but heals, showing just how violent and difficult this was! And the people marvel. Why? on account of things he did. What are they still focused on? Acts of physical power and healing. Of course that’s amazing and good. But what does Jesus do? He again tells them they are heading the wrong direction to glory! In v44-45 right after the crowd marvels at His power, Jesus drops another bombshell: “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.”  The disciples could easily accept a Messiah who performs miracles and conquers demons, but their cultural expectations blinded them to a Messiah who would willingly choose the path of weakness, betrayal, and a Roman cross. Thus Jesus says “Let these words sink into your ears.”

Jesus wants them to get it figured out BUT v45 says concealed by Holy spirit. waiting for Father to break that tie? No! Again a moment they will look back on later as a fork in the road where they wanted to go down the wrong path and Jesus sent them the correct way. when we look to God, we are not called to just marvel at what we see with our eyes, the things he is doing. We ought to recognize his power over creation. BUT even more we ought to marvel at his power over sin and death! He will be handed over to suffer and die. Let that sink in! One with all power, who just cast out demons and showed his glory will lay down his lie! He willingly serves! Nobody takes it from him but lays down of his own accord and in submission to the eternal plan of the Trinity. this is something to marvel at! This is true power. Because he used not just for his own good, but the good of others. It wasn’t a detour from glory BUT was actually the direct path the maximally display his character and worthiness and gloriousness for all to see!

What does following Jesus look like? marveling not just at what he does but who he is! Disciples had it concealed from them but I’ve been praying all week he will not conceal it form us. that we will perceive the true marvel of Jesus Christ! Suffering and glory!  And don’t follow the disciples’ model of being afraid to ask. If you got questions, ask. Kids in the room, talk to you parents. Adults in the room, talk to one another. Your Pastor Team would love to walk through whatever doubts and questions and confusions you have.

Its come up last week, this week, and again next week. Are we letting it sink into our ears that we follow a suffering Savior? Many implications from this text specifically. For one, the disciples still aren’t getting the idea of a suffering Messiah because it didn’t fit their expectations of power. They still aren’t getting the path of suffering on the way to glory. Just like “no parking sign” are every 25 ft so we keep seeing it, we need to be reminded often. Sometimes even our own failures don’t help us trust God. We still desire the power. We must learn to trust His plan and power.  Mountain top moment was to prepare them for service in the valley! Same for us. Not just sit there BUT follow Jesus down into the mess. And not fight in own power but to fight against brokenness, spiritual opposition and weakness in his power.

Jesus tells us not to expect glory without suffering, comfort without sacrifice, or success without obedience. The bitter arises before the sweet. But the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection reminds us we have One with true power who blazed the trail before us and walks beside us. Though we don’t know all the surprising turns God might specifically take you through, we can still know the eternal destination is secure for those who take up their cross daily. Though I can’t promise you will fully comprehend everything in the moment, when listen to Jesus we can be assured of the promise of glory. Though things of earth will distract, and faithful ministry will be hard, when we trust Jesus’ power true marvels occur. It is difficult and confusing to follow Jesus at times, but we can trust He will take us the right way home…carrying a cross in complete surrender, listening in complete obedience, and marveling in complete faith.

Pray