Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 5 — Revealing the King
Season 5 — Revealing the King: The disciples begin to understand not only who Jesus is, but what it truly means to follow Him.
Season 5 — Revealing the King
Seeing Jesus More Clearly
As Jesus’ ministry continued, the disciples were beginning to understand who He was.
They had witnessed miracles.
They had heard His teaching.
They had watched Him calm storms, heal the sick, cast out demons, feed thousands, and reveal God’s power.
Peter had declared:
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Yet the disciples still had much to learn.
They understood that Jesus was the Messiah.
They did not yet fully understand what kind of Messiah He would be.
Season 5 focuses on Jesus revealing more of His identity, His mission, and the values of God’s Kingdom.
The disciples will see glimpses of His glory.
They will learn about humility, forgiveness, faith, service, and eternal priorities.
Again and again, Jesus challenges the expectations of His followers and teaches them what it truly means to belong to God’s Kingdom.
This season moves readers closer to Jerusalem, closer to the cross, and closer to understanding the heart of the King.
Scripture References
Matthew 17–20
Mark 9–10
Luke 9–18
John 7–10
Daniel 7:13–14
Isaiah 53
Psalm 24
Understanding the Season
What Is Happening in Jesus’ Ministry?
The crowds continue to follow Jesus.
The disciples continue to learn.
Opposition from religious leaders increases.
Jesus begins preparing His followers for events that will soon unfold in Jerusalem.
Throughout this season, Jesus reveals more about:
His identity,
His mission,
His coming suffering,
and the nature of God’s Kingdom.
Why Is This Season 5: Revealing the King,
Major Themes
Jesus Reveals His Glory
The disciples receive a glimpse of Jesus’ divine glory.
God’s Kingdom Is Different
Jesus repeatedly teaches that humility, service, and faithfulness matter more than power and status.
Faith Continues to Grow
The disciples learn to trust Jesus more deeply.
Preparation for Jerusalem
Jesus increasingly points toward the events that will occur in the final weeks of His earthly ministry.
Major Themes
Jesus Reveals His Glory
The disciples receive a glimpse of Jesus’ divine glory.
God’s Kingdom Is Different
Jesus repeatedly teaches that humility, service, and faithfulness matter more than power and status.
Faith Continues to Grow
The disciples learn to trust Jesus more deeply.
Preparation for Jerusalem
Jesus increasingly points toward the events that will occur in the final weeks of His earthly ministry.
Important?
Many people wanted a Messiah who would conquer Rome.
Jesus came to conquer sin and death.
The disciples must learn that greatness in God’s Kingdom looks different from greatness in the world.
This season helps readers understand what kind of King Jesus truly is.
Major Themes
Jesus Reveals His Glory
The disciples receive a glimpse of Jesus’ divine glory.
God’s Kingdom Is Different
Jesus repeatedly teaches that humility, service, and faithfulness matter more than power and status.
Faith Continues to Grow
The disciples learn to trust Jesus more deeply.
Preparation for Jerusalem
Jesus increasingly points toward the events that will occur in the final weeks of His earthly ministry.
Lessons in This Season
5.1 — The Transfiguration
Jesus is revealed in glory before Peter, James, and John.
Moses and Elijah appear, pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s plan.
5.2 — Faith Greater Than Fear
Jesus teaches His disciples about faith, prayer, and dependence upon God.
5.3 — The Greatest in the Kingdom
Jesus teaches that true greatness is found in humility and service.
5.4 — The Lost Sheep
A parable revealing God’s heart for those who wander away.
5.5 — Forgiveness and Mercy
Jesus teaches about reconciliation, grace, and the importance of forgiving others.
5.6 — The Good Samaritan
A lesson about loving neighbors and showing compassion beyond social boundaries.
5.7 — Martha and Mary
Learning the balance between service and devotion.
5.8 — The Rich Young Ruler
Jesus challenges worldly priorities and calls people to place God first.
5.9 — Servant Leadership
Jesus teaches that greatness comes through serving others.
Understanding Jesus
Throughout this season, readers will continue exploring:
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Topics may include:
- Mountains in the Bible
- Moses and Elijah
- First-century discipleship
- Honor and shame culture
- Samaritans and Jewish-Gentile relationships
- Wealth and possessions in the ancient world
Old Testament Connections
This season is filled with connections to the Law, the Prophets, and God’s promises.
Moses appears.
Elijah appears.
Prophecies concerning the Messiah continue to unfold.
The disciples increasingly understand that Jesus fulfills God’s plan revealed throughout Scripture.
The story of Jesus cannot be separated from the story of God’s people in the Old Testament.
Missing Context Check
Why Didn’t the Disciples Understand Everything Immediately?
The disciples learned gradually.
Like many believers today, they grew in understanding over time.
Jesus patiently taught them and prepared them for what was ahead.
Why Did Jesus Often Teach Through Questions?
Questions helped people think deeply about truth and examine their own hearts.
Jesus wanted transformation, not merely information.
Why Did Jesus Keep Talking About Humility?
Many people expected greatness to look like power, wealth, or status.
Jesus taught that God’s Kingdom values humility, service, and love.
Key Themes
Jesus Is the King
But not the kind of king many expected.
Glory and Humility Go Together
The King of Kings also became a servant.
Faith Requires Growth
The disciples continue learning what it means to trust Jesus.
God’s Kingdom Changes People
Following Jesus transforms priorities, relationships, and purpose.
Why This Season 5 Matters
People today still wrestle with questions about success, greatness, purpose, forgiveness, service, and faith.
Jesus offers a different vision of life.
His Kingdom values humility over pride.
Service over status.
Faith over fear.
Love over power.
This season challenges readers to embrace the values of God’s Kingdom.
Connecting to Jesus
This season reveals Jesus as:
The Messiah.
The Son of God.
The Glorious King.
The Humble Servant.
The Fulfillment of God’s promises.
The Teacher who transforms lives.
Living the Message
This season invites believers to:
Grow in faith.
Practice humility.
Forgive others.
Serve faithfully.
Trust God’s plan.
Look beyond earthly success to eternal priorities.
Follow Jesus more closely each day.
Reflection Questions
What does true greatness look like in God’s Kingdom?
Possible answers:
Humility, service, faithfulness, and love.
Why is the Transfiguration important?
Possible answers:
It reveals Jesus’ divine glory and confirms His identity.
What does Jesus teach about forgiveness?
Possible answers:
Believers are called to extend grace because God has shown grace to them.
Why does Jesus emphasize serving others?
Possible answers:
Service reflects God’s character and the values of His Kingdom.
What is God teaching the disciples during this season?
Possible answers:
Who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him faithfully.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Jesus reveals His glory and teaches the values of God’s Kingdom.
Reasons We Believe
Jesus fulfills God’s promises and demonstrates the character of the true King.
Obedience in Action
Look for opportunities to serve others with humility and love.
Walk It Out
Ask God to help you reflect the values of His Kingdom this week.
Related Pages
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar
Feasts and Festivals in the Time of Jesus
Continue Learning
Season 4 — Miracles, Opposition, and Growing Faith
The disciples knew Jesus was the Messiah.Now they must learn what kind of King He truly is.
And in the process, they will discover what it means to follow Him.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith at PGUM.org.
