Sunday’s Sermon Sketches

January 12, 2003 (p.m.)

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE INNER CIRCLE

Introduction

1.  Like anyone who has ever lived, Jesus had some friends closer

     to Him than others.

2.  From a brief biography of their lives, it seems that apostles

     Peter, James, and John were closer to the Lord than any others. 

     For that reason they are described as the inner circle.

I.  The inner circle accompanied Jesus at the healing of the

       damsel.

A.  Jesus only allowed Peter, James, and John to join Him

     (Mk. 5:37; Lk. 8:51).

B.  These special three saw Jesus laughed to scorn (Mk. 5:40)

      then silence His mockers.   

II.  The inner circle asked Jesus about Jerusalem’s destruction 

      and the end of the world (Mk. 13:3).

A.     Jesus made a statement that many associated with the end

     of the world (Mk. 13:2).

B.     His inner circle sought clarity, and they received a mighty 

      lesson on God’s glory.

III.  The inner circle joined Jesus at the Mount of

        Transfiguration.

A.  Jesus selected Peter, James, and John to take to this special

      place (Matt. 17:1; Mk. 9:2; Lk. 9:28).

B.  This event left lasting impressions on the three (2 Pet. 1:17, 

      18; 1 Jn. 1:1-4).

IV.  Jesus selected these three to join Him as He prayed before 

        His death (Mk. 14:33).

A.  In His final hours, Jesus wanted the comfort of His closest

      friends.

B.  Our Lord saw the importance of friends (Jn. 15:13).