WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.380 These are very challenging words of Jesus. 00:00:01.380 --> 00:00:03.480 These are piercing words. 00:00:04.060 --> 00:00:03.500 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:34.299 And the big question that many of us guys were trying to figure out back then was how do 00:00:34.299 --> 00:00:37.179 we get from friendship to marriage? 00:00:38.700 --> 00:00:40.420 And what is dating all about? 00:00:42.039 --> 00:00:47.519 And if I find myself attracted to this particular young lady, then what next? 00:00:49.659 --> 00:00:54.320 If I tell her how I feel about her, then what? 00:00:54.900 --> 00:00:58.740 And if she feels the same way, then what do we do? 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:05.760 Well, every relationship unfolds a little differently, but at some point there has to be what we 00:01:05.760 --> 00:01:12.340 call the DTR, the define the relationship conversation. 00:01:14.019 --> 00:01:19.560 There has to be that conversation where we sort of put words to what this relationship 00:01:19.560 --> 00:01:22.500 is and where we'd like to go together. 00:01:24.340 --> 00:01:26.659 Are we going to keep seeing each other regularly? 00:01:26.659 --> 00:01:30.459 To the exclusion of others? 00:01:33.299 --> 00:01:36.599 Is there a sense that each other could be the one? 00:01:39.079 --> 00:01:40.519 And what are we to each other? 00:01:40.679 --> 00:01:41.859 Are we boyfriend and girlfriend? 00:01:42.739 --> 00:01:44.840 Or are we not quite there yet? 00:01:44.840 --> 00:01:49.120 Are there any deal breakers? 00:01:49.740 --> 00:01:56.240 Things that we need to kind of get out at the beginning that this is a no deal for me. 00:01:56.340 --> 00:02:01.640 We'd have to stop if that's something that you feel strongly about. 00:02:03.719 --> 00:02:06.159 Feelings can only take a relationship so far. 00:02:06.159 --> 00:02:10.539 Eventually, there has to be that moment of defining the relationship. 00:02:11.439 --> 00:02:15.079 Clarifying what we are to each other and what our intentions are. 00:02:15.539 --> 00:02:19.379 Well, there's some similarity with our relationship to Jesus. 00:02:20.000 --> 00:02:26.359 It's not a romantic relationship, but there is the same sort of pattern to our relationship with him. 00:02:26.360 --> 00:02:31.660 We first hear about Jesus and we begin to get to know about him. 00:02:32.420 --> 00:02:38.540 And for many, we're attracted to some of the things that he says or does. 00:02:39.400 --> 00:02:41.160 We see the goodness in him. 00:02:42.020 --> 00:02:43.520 We feel drawn to him. 00:02:45.280 --> 00:02:47.940 But those feelings only take us so far. 00:02:47.939 --> 00:02:56.400 Eventually, there has to be that moment of defining the relationship between him and me. 00:02:58.280 --> 00:03:05.139 Jesus has had all kinds of people following him and oohing and aahing over all the things that he has been saying and doing. 00:03:05.659 --> 00:03:08.860 But now it's time for the DTR conversation. 00:03:09.479 --> 00:03:11.500 It's time to define the relationship. 00:03:11.740 --> 00:03:13.000 And Jesus is going to be frank. 00:03:13.079 --> 00:03:14.780 He's just going to lay it out on the table. 00:03:14.780 --> 00:03:19.460 What kind of a relationship is he looking for with us? 00:03:20.419 --> 00:03:22.580 And these are the words Jesus uses. 00:03:23.500 --> 00:03:25.439 Luke chapter 9 verse 23. 00:03:26.139 --> 00:03:27.719 Then he said to them all, 00:03:29.080 --> 00:03:41.500 Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 00:03:41.500 --> 00:03:47.240 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it. 00:03:48.520 --> 00:03:53.419 But whoever loses their life for me will save it. 00:03:55.580 --> 00:03:58.199 These are some of the most important words in our faith. 00:03:58.900 --> 00:04:03.580 It's here that Jesus defines what a relationship with him must look like. 00:04:03.580 --> 00:04:09.560 If you're new to Jesus but you desire to go forward in your relationship with him, 00:04:09.920 --> 00:04:14.260 these words lay out the big implications to your life. 00:04:15.580 --> 00:04:25.840 Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 00:04:25.839 --> 00:04:29.419 Let's meditate on these words together. 00:04:29.879 --> 00:04:31.859 We'll start with the word whoever. 00:04:34.579 --> 00:04:37.899 As we read these words, they're so serious. 00:04:38.639 --> 00:04:42.959 And if we're honest, they sound kind of bleak and dismal at first. 00:04:44.199 --> 00:04:48.059 You know, denial and a march towards death. 00:04:48.500 --> 00:04:50.379 That's what Jesus is talking about. 00:04:50.379 --> 00:04:55.300 And we start to think, well, this must be mainly for those who want to go all out for Jesus. 00:04:55.920 --> 00:04:58.040 This must be for the spiritual keeners. 00:04:59.379 --> 00:05:04.839 This must be for those few students in the class who actually like school. 00:05:06.800 --> 00:05:10.800 These words must be for the apostles and for the pastors and the missionaries. 00:05:11.699 --> 00:05:12.800 The church leaders. 00:05:13.399 --> 00:05:15.360 Because this sounds like next level commitment. 00:05:15.360 --> 00:05:19.080 But then there's this word whoever. 00:05:20.660 --> 00:05:28.699 Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 00:05:29.319 --> 00:05:32.240 We notice that Jesus isn't just speaking to the twelve here. 00:05:33.460 --> 00:05:35.060 He said to them all. 00:05:35.780 --> 00:05:41.560 In Mark's gospel we read that he actually turns to the crowd and calls them to come before he says these words. 00:05:41.560 --> 00:05:45.980 Whoever means anyone. 00:05:47.480 --> 00:05:50.000 And that stubborn little word must. 00:05:50.920 --> 00:05:51.899 Which follows. 00:05:54.980 --> 00:05:59.579 What this says is that these things are required of all who wish to follow Jesus. 00:06:00.240 --> 00:06:03.959 So it isn't just for apostles and pastors and missionaries. 00:06:04.500 --> 00:06:08.139 It's for whoever wants to be a disciple of Jesus. 00:06:08.139 --> 00:06:11.819 Next we notice the word wants. 00:06:13.180 --> 00:06:19.639 Whoever wants to be my disciple must do these things. 00:06:21.019 --> 00:06:23.539 And we can even follow it down into the next verse. 00:06:23.699 --> 00:06:27.819 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it. 00:06:28.439 --> 00:06:32.259 But whoever loses their life for me will save it. 00:06:32.259 --> 00:06:35.459 This is the language of desire. 00:06:36.740 --> 00:06:40.519 And this word leads us to a very specific question. 00:06:42.240 --> 00:06:43.980 What do you want? 00:06:46.199 --> 00:06:49.959 Do you want to be a follower of Jesus? 00:06:51.639 --> 00:06:53.319 A disciple of Jesus? 00:06:53.319 --> 00:06:59.219 As I said before the feelings often come first. 00:06:59.439 --> 00:07:01.319 We're attracted to Jesus for many reasons. 00:07:02.139 --> 00:07:03.540 But then we have to make a decision. 00:07:03.699 --> 00:07:07.300 Do I really want to be one of his disciples? 00:07:09.920 --> 00:07:10.899 And if not. 00:07:11.199 --> 00:07:12.860 Then what do I really want? 00:07:17.860 --> 00:07:19.360 This is where the words of Jesus. 00:07:19.560 --> 00:07:20.879 I find them amazing. 00:07:20.879 --> 00:07:24.839 In the next breath in verse 24. 00:07:25.040 --> 00:07:29.680 Jesus addresses the biggest objection that people have to following him. 00:07:30.079 --> 00:07:32.000 And it comes in the form of want. 00:07:33.120 --> 00:07:37.600 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it. 00:07:38.639 --> 00:07:43.139 This is the biggest desire that competes with our desire to follow Jesus. 00:07:43.800 --> 00:07:47.519 We feel that it will cost us our very lives. 00:07:47.519 --> 00:07:55.039 We know deep down inside to really follow Jesus is going to require some big changes. 00:07:56.079 --> 00:07:56.799 In me. 00:07:57.339 --> 00:07:58.259 And in how I'm living. 00:07:59.699 --> 00:08:02.439 I'm used to being the captain of my own ship. 00:08:05.079 --> 00:08:08.859 But if I follow him I'm going to have to surrender that position. 00:08:09.060 --> 00:08:10.039 That role to him. 00:08:10.040 --> 00:08:13.379 That would be a great loss to me. 00:08:13.439 --> 00:08:15.140 And so I don't want to follow Jesus. 00:08:15.260 --> 00:08:17.280 I want to keep the life that I have now. 00:08:17.379 --> 00:08:18.540 I want to preserve it. 00:08:18.600 --> 00:08:19.720 I want to save it. 00:08:21.439 --> 00:08:22.360 For myself. 00:08:24.060 --> 00:08:25.020 And surprisingly. 00:08:25.400 --> 00:08:25.720 Maybe. 00:08:26.759 --> 00:08:31.020 Jesus says that trying to save the life that we now have. 00:08:31.500 --> 00:08:33.860 Will result in losing. 00:08:33.860 --> 00:08:35.500 Our lives. 00:08:37.340 --> 00:08:39.300 We'll come back to that thought in just a bit. 00:08:40.419 --> 00:08:43.259 At the heart of this whole thing though is what we want. 00:08:44.560 --> 00:08:46.759 What we really want. 00:08:47.919 --> 00:08:51.659 Do you want to be a follower of Jesus? 00:08:53.240 --> 00:08:54.879 A disciple of Jesus? 00:08:54.879 --> 00:09:01.840 Or do you want to hold on to your own life? 00:09:04.500 --> 00:09:06.100 Which do you desire most? 00:09:11.340 --> 00:09:12.379 Let's keep moving. 00:09:13.419 --> 00:09:15.480 Whoever wants to be my disciple. 00:09:16.059 --> 00:09:20.200 Now the word disciple is not actually in the original text. 00:09:20.639 --> 00:09:23.600 But this is a translation that seeks to give us the idea. 00:09:23.600 --> 00:09:25.560 In the words Jesus used. 00:09:26.040 --> 00:09:26.860 Quite literally. 00:09:27.040 --> 00:09:27.600 Jesus said. 00:09:27.720 --> 00:09:29.500 If anyone wants to come after me. 00:09:30.600 --> 00:09:32.399 Or as Mark's gospel has it. 00:09:32.460 --> 00:09:36.379 If anyone wants to follow after me. 00:09:37.259 --> 00:09:38.680 It's a figure of speech. 00:09:38.680 --> 00:09:42.019 That describes not just a physical following of Jesus. 00:09:42.620 --> 00:09:44.779 But this relationship with Jesus. 00:09:44.960 --> 00:09:47.720 That someone who followed him in those days had. 00:09:48.200 --> 00:09:50.840 And so disciple is a good translation. 00:09:51.040 --> 00:09:52.720 It's the meaning behind the words. 00:09:53.600 --> 00:09:56.740 Lots of people in this point in the story. 00:09:56.840 --> 00:09:58.279 Have been following Jesus around. 00:09:58.820 --> 00:10:00.120 But now Jesus is saying. 00:10:00.259 --> 00:10:02.800 If you want to be a true follower of mine. 00:10:03.300 --> 00:10:04.899 A disciple of mine. 00:10:05.100 --> 00:10:07.100 Here's what will be required of you. 00:10:08.259 --> 00:10:10.580 And there's a lot of discussion about that word. 00:10:10.659 --> 00:10:11.180 Disciple. 00:10:12.040 --> 00:10:14.180 And other words like believer. 00:10:14.940 --> 00:10:16.320 And which word should we use. 00:10:16.320 --> 00:10:19.180 If we talk about ourselves as those things. 00:10:19.179 --> 00:10:21.679 Or should we use the term Christian. 00:10:22.819 --> 00:10:25.279 Some try and even create a bit of a progression here. 00:10:25.359 --> 00:10:25.559 You know. 00:10:25.639 --> 00:10:27.319 We kind of start as non-believers. 00:10:27.839 --> 00:10:29.259 Then we become believers. 00:10:30.000 --> 00:10:31.620 Then we become disciples. 00:10:32.019 --> 00:10:33.659 And there is some truth in that. 00:10:34.120 --> 00:10:37.459 But there's also some problems with that way of looking at it too. 00:10:38.099 --> 00:10:40.359 If we read carefully through the gospels. 00:10:40.360 --> 00:10:42.919 What we see is that the term disciple. 00:10:42.919 --> 00:10:45.820 Was not just used to describe the 12 disciples. 00:10:46.500 --> 00:10:51.019 It was used to describe a much larger group of people. 00:10:51.320 --> 00:10:52.600 Who followed Jesus. 00:10:53.519 --> 00:10:55.419 And within that group of disciples. 00:10:55.639 --> 00:10:56.320 People came. 00:10:56.899 --> 00:10:58.100 And people went. 00:10:59.600 --> 00:11:01.700 We see that throughout the gospels. 00:11:01.840 --> 00:11:03.940 There were people who truly believed. 00:11:04.000 --> 00:11:05.720 And they just continued to follow him. 00:11:05.720 --> 00:11:07.860 And there were some who were attracted. 00:11:08.160 --> 00:11:09.040 And came along. 00:11:09.139 --> 00:11:10.240 And explored for a while. 00:11:10.840 --> 00:11:13.100 And then quit. 00:11:14.340 --> 00:11:16.379 Judas is the most well-known example. 00:11:16.920 --> 00:11:18.480 He was a disciple of Jesus. 00:11:19.300 --> 00:11:21.120 But he later betrayed Jesus. 00:11:22.720 --> 00:11:23.820 At its core. 00:11:24.220 --> 00:11:25.820 The term really means student. 00:11:26.680 --> 00:11:27.379 Or pupil. 00:11:27.899 --> 00:11:28.600 Or apprentice. 00:11:30.460 --> 00:11:31.580 In the same way. 00:11:31.700 --> 00:11:33.759 If we carefully read through John's gospel. 00:11:33.759 --> 00:11:36.700 We see references to those who believed. 00:11:38.000 --> 00:11:40.179 But we also see at a few points. 00:11:40.919 --> 00:11:42.840 Some of those who believed at first. 00:11:43.580 --> 00:11:44.860 Turn on Jesus. 00:11:45.340 --> 00:11:46.659 And reject Jesus. 00:11:48.700 --> 00:11:49.840 In the same way. 00:11:49.980 --> 00:11:52.319 There were many who believed in Jesus. 00:11:52.559 --> 00:11:55.139 But not all were true believers. 00:11:56.980 --> 00:12:00.039 And this is precisely the point of these words of Jesus. 00:12:00.039 --> 00:12:00.240 Jesus. 00:12:01.079 --> 00:12:05.740 He's really telling us what is required of all true followers of his. 00:12:07.539 --> 00:12:08.399 In other words. 00:12:08.539 --> 00:12:09.919 There are many of you in the crowd. 00:12:10.659 --> 00:12:12.399 Who have been following me around. 00:12:13.599 --> 00:12:15.779 But if you truly want to be one of mine. 00:12:15.860 --> 00:12:17.620 If you want to follow after me. 00:12:17.759 --> 00:12:19.480 This is what will be required of you. 00:12:21.980 --> 00:12:24.799 Some will hear these requirements of denial. 00:12:25.259 --> 00:12:25.899 And death. 00:12:27.000 --> 00:12:28.120 And that will be it. 00:12:28.120 --> 00:12:30.500 That's too much. 00:12:32.000 --> 00:12:32.860 No thanks. 00:12:33.419 --> 00:12:33.919 I'm out. 00:12:36.080 --> 00:12:37.500 And we see that today. 00:12:37.620 --> 00:12:38.259 Even today. 00:12:39.620 --> 00:12:41.200 Many are attracted to Jesus. 00:12:41.399 --> 00:12:42.500 They're enamored with him. 00:12:43.600 --> 00:12:45.899 They show up at church on a Sunday morning. 00:12:47.440 --> 00:12:48.560 For a few weeks. 00:12:49.179 --> 00:12:50.919 They see the goodness in his teaching. 00:12:51.060 --> 00:12:53.639 And how some of that would make a difference in their lives. 00:12:53.639 --> 00:12:56.159 Things like loving one another. 00:12:56.799 --> 00:12:57.819 And forgiving. 00:12:58.939 --> 00:13:00.419 And not being judgmental. 00:13:00.519 --> 00:13:01.199 Or proud. 00:13:02.559 --> 00:13:04.360 But Jesus wants us to know. 00:13:04.500 --> 00:13:05.860 That really following him. 00:13:06.059 --> 00:13:08.480 Will cost us everything. 00:13:10.159 --> 00:13:13.019 Even our very lives. 00:13:15.120 --> 00:13:16.580 Or so it may seem. 00:13:16.580 --> 00:13:20.740 Do you really want to be a follower. 00:13:21.460 --> 00:13:22.259 Of Jesus. 00:13:25.800 --> 00:13:27.300 The hard truth is. 00:13:27.960 --> 00:13:29.460 Jesus is not interested. 00:13:29.879 --> 00:13:32.780 In having a casual relationship with us. 00:13:32.779 --> 00:13:36.299 He's not interested. 00:13:36.740 --> 00:13:37.699 In a brief. 00:13:38.240 --> 00:13:38.539 Fling. 00:13:40.539 --> 00:13:42.419 Or in being friends with benefits. 00:13:44.240 --> 00:13:46.659 He says it must be a committed relationship. 00:13:47.399 --> 00:13:49.240 And the level of that commitment. 00:13:49.959 --> 00:13:52.000 Is deny myself for him. 00:13:54.299 --> 00:13:56.379 And follow him to my own death. 00:13:56.379 --> 00:14:03.720 Words like these. 00:14:03.980 --> 00:14:05.179 Help us see pretty quickly. 00:14:05.320 --> 00:14:06.580 That Jesus didn't care too much. 00:14:06.580 --> 00:14:07.439 About popularity. 00:14:08.220 --> 00:14:10.419 Or saying what would appeal to people. 00:14:13.519 --> 00:14:15.679 But it kind of gets to the truth of things. 00:14:16.259 --> 00:14:17.519 Jesus will not be. 00:14:17.519 --> 00:14:19.620 A sort of fire insurance policy. 00:14:19.779 --> 00:14:20.759 In our back pocket. 00:14:21.620 --> 00:14:22.500 And nothing more. 00:14:24.779 --> 00:14:26.259 He is God's Messiah. 00:14:27.240 --> 00:14:29.059 He is the king for all mankind. 00:14:30.580 --> 00:14:31.519 And he has come. 00:14:31.779 --> 00:14:33.639 Not just to save us from punishment. 00:14:33.779 --> 00:14:35.279 Because of his mercy. 00:14:35.779 --> 00:14:38.379 But also to reconcile us to God. 00:14:38.500 --> 00:14:40.100 So that we can belong to God. 00:14:40.200 --> 00:14:41.299 And be with God forever. 00:14:43.259 --> 00:14:45.379 So we can't keep the status quo. 00:14:45.460 --> 00:14:46.220 Of our lives. 00:14:46.620 --> 00:14:48.899 And just sort of sprinkle a little bit of Jesus. 00:14:49.259 --> 00:14:50.080 On top. 00:14:51.659 --> 00:14:53.759 Some people want Jesus as savior. 00:14:55.059 --> 00:14:56.220 But not as Lord. 00:14:56.379 --> 00:15:00.240 Some people want him as the sacrifice. 00:15:00.240 --> 00:15:01.960 That atones for our sins. 00:15:04.779 --> 00:15:06.179 But not the king. 00:15:06.460 --> 00:15:07.320 Of their lives. 00:15:09.200 --> 00:15:11.080 But these things can't be separated. 00:15:11.240 --> 00:15:12.240 Jesus will be. 00:15:12.919 --> 00:15:13.259 Both. 00:15:14.399 --> 00:15:15.200 Or neither. 00:15:15.580 --> 00:15:16.159 To us. 00:15:16.159 --> 00:15:18.759 I like the way that. 00:15:18.759 --> 00:15:20.899 That Kyle Eidelman puts it. 00:15:21.059 --> 00:15:21.399 In his. 00:15:21.639 --> 00:15:22.879 Not a fan video series. 00:15:23.360 --> 00:15:23.919 He said. 00:15:24.399 --> 00:15:25.740 We say to Jesus. 00:15:26.019 --> 00:15:28.459 I don't mind you making some changes to my life. 00:15:29.100 --> 00:15:32.399 But Jesus wants to turn your life upside down. 00:15:33.439 --> 00:15:34.240 We say. 00:15:34.379 --> 00:15:36.000 I don't mind a little touch up work. 00:15:36.799 --> 00:15:39.240 But Jesus wants complete renovation. 00:15:39.240 --> 00:15:42.340 We're thinking tune up. 00:15:43.100 --> 00:15:44.659 He's thinking overhaul. 00:15:46.299 --> 00:15:47.820 We think a little decorating. 00:15:48.320 --> 00:15:49.039 Why not? 00:15:50.180 --> 00:15:52.419 But Jesus wants a complete remodel. 00:15:52.419 --> 00:15:55.199 And I love that analogy. 00:15:55.199 --> 00:15:57.240 Of the house renovation. 00:15:57.519 --> 00:15:57.639 You know. 00:15:57.719 --> 00:15:59.000 If our life is like a house. 00:15:59.120 --> 00:15:59.639 We think that. 00:15:59.740 --> 00:16:01.159 We'll just take some of the stuff. 00:16:01.360 --> 00:16:02.519 That we like from Jesus. 00:16:02.740 --> 00:16:03.219 And kind of. 00:16:03.519 --> 00:16:03.819 You know. 00:16:03.959 --> 00:16:05.399 Decorate a little bit with it. 00:16:06.179 --> 00:16:07.500 Put it into our life. 00:16:07.559 --> 00:16:08.079 Here and there. 00:16:08.699 --> 00:16:10.039 But Jesus comes along. 00:16:10.120 --> 00:16:10.419 And says. 00:16:10.519 --> 00:16:10.679 No. 00:16:10.779 --> 00:16:12.679 The house has got to be completely. 00:16:13.219 --> 00:16:13.939 Torn down. 00:16:14.159 --> 00:16:15.039 And built differently. 00:16:15.039 --> 00:16:16.079 From the bottom up. 00:16:16.080 --> 00:16:18.960 You can't keep the life you have. 00:16:19.620 --> 00:16:20.660 And follow me. 00:16:21.360 --> 00:16:22.860 You have to lose it. 00:16:23.600 --> 00:16:25.020 To follow after me. 00:16:25.980 --> 00:16:27.720 And only in doing that. 00:16:27.820 --> 00:16:28.780 Will you save. 00:16:29.120 --> 00:16:29.700 Your life. 00:16:32.040 --> 00:16:33.600 Let's talk about this word. 00:16:33.680 --> 00:16:34.060 Deny. 00:16:35.920 --> 00:16:38.040 Whoever wants to be my disciple. 00:16:38.040 --> 00:16:39.440 Must deny himself. 00:16:40.300 --> 00:16:41.400 What does that mean? 00:16:42.840 --> 00:16:44.160 Well to deny a person. 00:16:44.420 --> 00:16:45.860 Means to say no to them. 00:16:46.080 --> 00:16:50.480 And I don't think it's quite the same. 00:16:50.620 --> 00:16:51.660 As Peter denying. 00:16:52.100 --> 00:16:53.120 That he knew Jesus. 00:16:53.360 --> 00:16:54.420 Or disowning Jesus. 00:16:55.240 --> 00:16:56.180 Same word. 00:16:56.320 --> 00:16:56.940 But I think. 00:16:57.240 --> 00:16:57.900 That was about. 00:16:58.379 --> 00:16:59.940 Disassociating himself with Jesus. 00:17:00.440 --> 00:17:01.600 Here we're talking about. 00:17:01.740 --> 00:17:02.820 Denying oneself. 00:17:04.120 --> 00:17:05.079 Saying no. 00:17:05.700 --> 00:17:06.539 To ourselves. 00:17:09.059 --> 00:17:10.759 Well why would we have to do that. 00:17:10.880 --> 00:17:11.740 To follow Jesus. 00:17:14.480 --> 00:17:15.500 There's many ways. 00:17:15.500 --> 00:17:16.660 That we could flesh this out. 00:17:16.900 --> 00:17:18.559 But let's use the word want. 00:17:18.619 --> 00:17:20.119 The word Jesus has been using. 00:17:20.619 --> 00:17:22.779 What happens when you want something. 00:17:22.779 --> 00:17:23.599 In your life. 00:17:25.759 --> 00:17:27.779 But what Jesus wants in your life. 00:17:28.220 --> 00:17:29.619 Is in conflict with that. 00:17:32.279 --> 00:17:33.579 We can only say yes. 00:17:33.660 --> 00:17:34.019 To one. 00:17:35.460 --> 00:17:36.579 And we have to say no. 00:17:36.660 --> 00:17:37.119 To the other. 00:17:37.119 --> 00:17:38.119 What if Jesus. 00:17:38.119 --> 00:17:39.039 What if Jesus. 00:17:39.039 --> 00:17:40.059 Is my king. 00:17:40.500 --> 00:17:41.219 Commands me. 00:17:41.219 --> 00:17:42.379 Not to do something. 00:17:43.659 --> 00:17:45.279 But I really want to do it. 00:17:46.779 --> 00:17:47.819 Well I have a choice. 00:17:47.939 --> 00:17:49.219 I can deny myself. 00:17:49.859 --> 00:17:51.219 Say no to myself. 00:17:52.179 --> 00:17:52.979 And obey. 00:17:53.339 --> 00:17:54.159 His command. 00:17:55.519 --> 00:17:57.139 Or I can deny him. 00:17:57.319 --> 00:17:58.539 I can say no to him. 00:17:59.199 --> 00:18:00.759 And do what I want to do. 00:18:00.759 --> 00:18:04.339 Jesus is saying. 00:18:04.339 --> 00:18:05.720 That if you want to follow him. 00:18:05.839 --> 00:18:07.140 You must say yes to him. 00:18:07.359 --> 00:18:08.940 You must say yes to God. 00:18:09.379 --> 00:18:11.359 Which will often mean saying no. 00:18:12.160 --> 00:18:13.099 To yourself. 00:18:14.779 --> 00:18:16.359 Let's have an example of this. 00:18:17.920 --> 00:18:19.559 Just a little bit back. 00:18:19.619 --> 00:18:20.200 In the story. 00:18:20.660 --> 00:18:21.779 We heard Jesus say. 00:18:21.980 --> 00:18:23.579 That we must love our enemies. 00:18:24.579 --> 00:18:26.240 And that we must turn the other cheek. 00:18:26.240 --> 00:18:30.420 To say yes to Jesus. 00:18:30.579 --> 00:18:31.259 And follow him. 00:18:31.440 --> 00:18:32.759 In his way. 00:18:33.180 --> 00:18:34.599 Means that we must say no. 00:18:34.700 --> 00:18:35.700 To any desire. 00:18:35.700 --> 00:18:36.480 That we have. 00:18:36.559 --> 00:18:37.200 For revenge. 00:18:39.259 --> 00:18:40.519 They can't go together. 00:18:41.279 --> 00:18:41.700 We must. 00:18:42.099 --> 00:18:43.160 Deny ourselves. 00:18:43.299 --> 00:18:44.579 The seeming satisfaction. 00:18:44.579 --> 00:18:45.599 Of getting even. 00:18:47.039 --> 00:18:48.220 And we must even do. 00:18:48.359 --> 00:18:49.339 What we don't want to do. 00:18:49.700 --> 00:18:50.519 We must choose. 00:18:50.660 --> 00:18:52.019 Despite how we may feel. 00:18:52.120 --> 00:18:53.180 To love that person. 00:18:53.779 --> 00:18:55.339 And even to pray for them. 00:18:56.240 --> 00:19:00.279 Or listen to how the apostle Paul. 00:19:00.599 --> 00:19:01.160 Urges. 00:19:01.400 --> 00:19:02.420 Us to live now. 00:19:02.480 --> 00:19:03.539 As followers of Jesus. 00:19:03.980 --> 00:19:05.440 In Colossians chapter 3. 00:19:06.900 --> 00:19:07.500 He says. 00:19:08.000 --> 00:19:08.700 Put to death. 00:19:08.900 --> 00:19:09.299 Therefore. 00:19:09.599 --> 00:19:10.400 Whatever belongs. 00:19:10.519 --> 00:19:11.559 To your earthly nature. 00:19:12.660 --> 00:19:13.759 Sexual immorality. 00:19:14.500 --> 00:19:15.059 Impurity. 00:19:15.920 --> 00:19:16.279 Lust. 00:19:17.220 --> 00:19:18.059 Evil desires. 00:19:18.599 --> 00:19:19.099 And greed. 00:19:20.660 --> 00:19:21.880 He goes on to say. 00:19:22.000 --> 00:19:22.920 You must rid yourselves. 00:19:23.039 --> 00:19:24.019 Of all such things. 00:19:24.019 --> 00:19:24.640 As these. 00:19:25.420 --> 00:19:25.920 Anger. 00:19:26.240 --> 00:19:27.200 Rage. 00:19:27.799 --> 00:19:28.319 Malice. 00:19:28.920 --> 00:19:29.480 Slander. 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:31.000 And filthy language. 00:19:31.000 --> 00:19:31.720 From your lips. 00:19:32.680 --> 00:19:34.620 So there's an ordinary way of life. 00:19:34.720 --> 00:19:35.900 For most people on earth. 00:19:36.440 --> 00:19:38.099 And we were part of that. 00:19:38.140 --> 00:19:38.819 At one time. 00:19:39.160 --> 00:19:40.440 Living to fulfill. 00:19:40.779 --> 00:19:41.339 Our desires. 00:19:42.099 --> 00:19:42.779 In this case. 00:19:42.839 --> 00:19:43.940 Our sexual desires. 00:19:44.059 --> 00:19:44.819 And appetites. 00:19:45.180 --> 00:19:46.500 Without regard for God. 00:19:46.559 --> 00:19:47.339 And what he has. 00:19:47.480 --> 00:19:48.339 Said about that. 00:19:48.720 --> 00:19:49.859 Living to make ourselves. 00:19:50.019 --> 00:19:50.400 Happy. 00:19:50.519 --> 00:19:51.680 By accumulating. 00:19:52.120 --> 00:19:52.519 Money. 00:19:53.079 --> 00:19:53.779 And wealth. 00:19:53.779 --> 00:19:55.259 And material things. 00:19:55.259 --> 00:19:56.740 Greed. 00:19:56.740 --> 00:19:56.819 Greed. 00:19:57.819 --> 00:19:59.059 And the list goes on. 00:19:59.259 --> 00:20:00.779 And what does Paul say here? 00:20:00.879 --> 00:20:01.420 He says. 00:20:02.379 --> 00:20:03.160 We must put. 00:20:03.519 --> 00:20:04.319 Those things. 00:20:04.480 --> 00:20:04.980 To death. 00:20:06.660 --> 00:20:07.599 Those things. 00:20:07.799 --> 00:20:08.440 In our nature. 00:20:08.879 --> 00:20:09.359 To death. 00:20:10.200 --> 00:20:11.079 There it is. 00:20:11.220 --> 00:20:12.160 Denying oneself. 00:20:12.900 --> 00:20:13.960 It's saying no. 00:20:14.160 --> 00:20:15.119 To the selfish. 00:20:15.759 --> 00:20:16.480 And sinful. 00:20:17.079 --> 00:20:17.740 And prideful. 00:20:17.859 --> 00:20:18.319 Desires. 00:20:19.019 --> 00:20:19.799 That we have. 00:20:19.799 --> 00:20:22.159 Let's just take greed. 00:20:22.159 --> 00:20:22.940 As an example. 00:20:24.379 --> 00:20:25.099 God knows. 00:20:25.099 --> 00:20:25.659 That money. 00:20:26.159 --> 00:20:27.059 And the stuff. 00:20:27.059 --> 00:20:27.539 Of earth. 00:20:28.019 --> 00:20:29.460 Can never satisfy. 00:20:29.460 --> 00:20:30.519 The deepest longings. 00:20:30.519 --> 00:20:31.180 Of our hearts. 00:20:33.419 --> 00:20:34.079 In fact. 00:20:34.139 --> 00:20:35.019 We know this too. 00:20:36.059 --> 00:20:36.599 In fact. 00:20:37.079 --> 00:20:38.180 Even outside of. 00:20:38.639 --> 00:20:39.240 The church. 00:20:39.460 --> 00:20:40.379 And those who believe. 00:20:40.659 --> 00:20:41.220 In God. 00:20:41.839 --> 00:20:42.440 We know it. 00:20:43.259 --> 00:20:43.899 Chuck Norris. 00:20:43.960 --> 00:20:44.159 Said. 00:20:44.220 --> 00:20:44.779 Some of the most. 00:20:44.899 --> 00:20:45.819 Miserable people. 00:20:46.220 --> 00:20:46.819 I know. 00:20:47.019 --> 00:20:47.919 Are some of the richest. 00:20:47.919 --> 00:20:48.940 People in America. 00:20:48.940 --> 00:20:51.460 They are the most. 00:20:51.460 --> 00:20:52.940 Miserable individuals. 00:20:52.940 --> 00:20:54.100 I've ever seen. 00:20:54.740 --> 00:20:55.240 He said. 00:20:56.140 --> 00:20:57.080 The actor. 00:20:57.200 --> 00:20:57.740 Jim Carrey. 00:20:57.860 --> 00:20:58.100 Said. 00:20:58.539 --> 00:20:58.960 Wealth. 00:20:59.580 --> 00:21:00.860 Does not buy. 00:21:01.140 --> 00:21:01.660 Happiness. 00:21:02.660 --> 00:21:03.940 But it enables. 00:21:04.920 --> 00:21:05.980 A more comfortable. 00:21:06.220 --> 00:21:06.640 Misery. 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:11.600 Money. 00:21:11.840 --> 00:21:12.320 And the stuff. 00:21:12.400 --> 00:21:12.799 Of earth. 00:21:13.420 --> 00:21:14.039 Can never. 00:21:14.220 --> 00:21:14.799 Satisfy. 00:21:14.900 --> 00:21:15.400 The deepest. 00:21:15.539 --> 00:21:15.920 Longings. 00:21:15.980 --> 00:21:16.340 And needs. 00:21:16.380 --> 00:21:16.980 Of our hearts. 00:21:18.059 --> 00:21:18.840 We think. 00:21:18.839 --> 00:21:19.619 About money. 00:21:19.799 --> 00:21:20.459 When is enough. 00:21:20.539 --> 00:21:20.839 Enough. 00:21:22.259 --> 00:21:23.119 Even the person. 00:21:23.220 --> 00:21:23.379 Who has. 00:21:23.459 --> 00:21:24.519 A hundred million dollars. 00:21:24.779 --> 00:21:25.500 Often feels. 00:21:25.579 --> 00:21:25.899 The same. 00:21:25.959 --> 00:21:26.419 As you do. 00:21:27.339 --> 00:21:28.319 If I only had. 00:21:28.359 --> 00:21:29.119 A little bit more. 00:21:31.519 --> 00:21:32.599 Just another million. 00:21:34.720 --> 00:21:35.559 Our tastes. 00:21:35.559 --> 00:21:36.119 Only grow. 00:21:36.240 --> 00:21:36.759 More and more. 00:21:37.019 --> 00:21:37.379 Expensive. 00:21:38.139 --> 00:21:39.299 You have a couch. 00:21:39.299 --> 00:21:40.379 That's comfy enough. 00:21:40.839 --> 00:21:41.699 Maybe fraying. 00:21:41.759 --> 00:21:41.959 A little. 00:21:41.959 --> 00:21:42.639 At the edges. 00:21:42.639 --> 00:21:43.619 From wear and tear. 00:21:45.059 --> 00:21:45.879 But if only. 00:21:46.000 --> 00:21:46.639 It was one of those. 00:21:46.640 --> 00:21:47.380 New smart. 00:21:47.500 --> 00:21:48.100 Couches. 00:21:48.420 --> 00:21:49.600 With soft leather. 00:21:50.140 --> 00:21:51.280 And the cup holder. 00:21:51.420 --> 00:21:51.900 Built in. 00:21:51.980 --> 00:21:52.660 And the power. 00:21:53.160 --> 00:21:53.720 Recliner. 00:21:54.420 --> 00:21:55.440 That so and so. 00:21:55.560 --> 00:21:55.860 Has. 00:21:57.840 --> 00:21:58.740 And you can have. 00:21:58.860 --> 00:21:59.560 That same feeling. 00:21:59.560 --> 00:22:00.400 About the couch. 00:22:00.980 --> 00:22:02.100 About everything. 00:22:02.100 --> 00:22:02.940 That you own. 00:22:04.040 --> 00:22:04.920 Your bed. 00:22:05.160 --> 00:22:05.720 Your pillow. 00:22:05.940 --> 00:22:06.520 Your TV. 00:22:06.860 --> 00:22:07.480 Your car. 00:22:08.020 --> 00:22:08.720 Your house. 00:22:09.720 --> 00:22:10.660 Even your Bible. 00:22:10.660 --> 00:22:15.900 And then you could look at. 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:16.759 The countless things. 00:22:16.880 --> 00:22:17.600 You don't own. 00:22:17.700 --> 00:22:18.840 But wish you could own. 00:22:21.019 --> 00:22:22.380 And we tell ourselves. 00:22:22.600 --> 00:22:23.540 That if we can just. 00:22:23.720 --> 00:22:24.600 Get those things. 00:22:24.660 --> 00:22:25.360 If I can just. 00:22:25.480 --> 00:22:27.140 Upgrade this particular thing. 00:22:28.100 --> 00:22:29.080 I'll be happy. 00:22:30.100 --> 00:22:31.580 Life will be so much better. 00:22:32.680 --> 00:22:33.600 But the cycle. 00:22:33.600 --> 00:22:34.519 Never ends. 00:22:35.160 --> 00:22:36.440 There will always be. 00:22:36.620 --> 00:22:37.279 New products. 00:22:37.820 --> 00:22:38.580 New styles. 00:22:38.579 --> 00:22:40.480 There will always be something. 00:22:40.720 --> 00:22:41.740 In some way. 00:22:42.399 --> 00:22:43.779 Better than what we have. 00:22:45.159 --> 00:22:46.179 This is greed. 00:22:47.899 --> 00:22:49.039 And it's ugly. 00:22:49.319 --> 00:22:50.019 It's sinful. 00:22:51.460 --> 00:22:53.199 We're living in God's world. 00:22:53.439 --> 00:22:54.659 We're having all we need. 00:22:54.819 --> 00:22:55.319 From him. 00:22:55.659 --> 00:22:57.500 And yet constantly discontent. 00:22:59.559 --> 00:23:00.980 And so what does it look like. 00:23:01.039 --> 00:23:01.839 To follow Jesus. 00:23:02.019 --> 00:23:02.960 In relation to. 00:23:04.539 --> 00:23:05.639 Material things. 00:23:05.960 --> 00:23:06.779 And finances. 00:23:08.579 --> 00:23:09.839 Deny yourself. 00:23:11.220 --> 00:23:12.339 Say no. 00:23:12.460 --> 00:23:14.079 To that impulse of greed. 00:23:14.339 --> 00:23:15.159 In your own heart. 00:23:15.279 --> 00:23:16.740 Put that desire to death. 00:23:17.199 --> 00:23:17.899 Says Paul. 00:23:18.519 --> 00:23:20.000 If you keep feeding. 00:23:20.220 --> 00:23:21.679 That sinful attitude of greed. 00:23:21.779 --> 00:23:22.379 Ironically. 00:23:22.559 --> 00:23:23.939 It has the opposite effect. 00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:26.839 Just like Jesus says. 00:23:26.899 --> 00:23:27.939 It leaves you. 00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:29.379 Utterly impoverished. 00:23:30.319 --> 00:23:32.000 You're trying to gain wealth. 00:23:32.139 --> 00:23:33.019 And happiness. 00:23:33.259 --> 00:23:33.799 And fulfillment. 00:23:34.379 --> 00:23:35.299 But in the process. 00:23:35.439 --> 00:23:36.319 You become poor. 00:23:36.319 --> 00:23:37.819 Miserable. 00:23:38.439 --> 00:23:39.379 And empty inside. 00:23:42.099 --> 00:23:44.139 Look at the richest people in the news. 00:23:44.240 --> 00:23:44.899 And the celebrities. 00:23:45.159 --> 00:23:46.299 They have all kinds of money. 00:23:46.399 --> 00:23:47.980 And yet do they seem truly happy. 00:23:48.079 --> 00:23:48.579 And fulfilled. 00:23:50.220 --> 00:23:51.720 Just four days ago. 00:23:52.379 --> 00:23:53.200 Elon Musk. 00:23:53.240 --> 00:23:54.559 One of the richest men on earth. 00:23:54.679 --> 00:23:55.359 Tweeted this. 00:23:56.079 --> 00:23:58.439 Whoever said money can't buy happiness. 00:23:58.440 --> 00:24:00.080 Really knew. 00:24:00.539 --> 00:24:01.759 What they were talking about. 00:24:05.400 --> 00:24:07.400 This is just one aspect of life. 00:24:08.039 --> 00:24:10.820 And what it looks like to deny myself. 00:24:10.960 --> 00:24:11.820 And follow Jesus. 00:24:12.220 --> 00:24:14.120 But this same idea. 00:24:14.120 --> 00:24:16.019 Applies to every aspect of life. 00:24:16.259 --> 00:24:17.340 To follow Jesus. 00:24:17.460 --> 00:24:18.640 We must deny ourselves. 00:24:18.880 --> 00:24:20.559 We must say no to ourselves. 00:24:20.820 --> 00:24:22.400 To that selfishness. 00:24:22.640 --> 00:24:23.200 And pride. 00:24:23.200 --> 00:24:26.620 So that we can say yes to Jesus. 00:24:29.059 --> 00:24:31.259 The metaphor that Jesus gives us here. 00:24:31.380 --> 00:24:32.180 Is very powerful. 00:24:33.259 --> 00:24:34.819 Whoever wants to be my disciple. 00:24:35.580 --> 00:24:37.840 Must take up his cross. 00:24:38.220 --> 00:24:38.700 Daily. 00:24:39.819 --> 00:24:40.920 And follow me. 00:24:42.180 --> 00:24:43.480 Think about the cross. 00:24:43.620 --> 00:24:44.120 For a moment. 00:24:45.480 --> 00:24:46.819 That wooden thing. 00:24:46.960 --> 00:24:48.080 That Jesus picked up. 00:24:48.319 --> 00:24:49.000 And carried. 00:24:49.880 --> 00:24:51.340 To his own execution. 00:24:51.339 --> 00:24:54.899 Jesus says. 00:24:55.000 --> 00:24:56.480 If you want to be a disciple of mine. 00:24:56.539 --> 00:24:57.459 A follower of mine. 00:24:57.980 --> 00:24:59.759 You need to pick up your cross. 00:25:00.279 --> 00:25:01.359 And follow me. 00:25:02.500 --> 00:25:03.559 To your own death. 00:25:06.899 --> 00:25:07.339 Daily. 00:25:09.899 --> 00:25:10.819 That word daily. 00:25:11.019 --> 00:25:11.779 Is so important. 00:25:12.099 --> 00:25:13.099 Luke's the only gospel. 00:25:13.240 --> 00:25:14.339 That has it in it. 00:25:15.699 --> 00:25:16.740 But it helps us see. 00:25:16.859 --> 00:25:17.759 That Jesus is speaking. 00:25:17.879 --> 00:25:18.619 In metaphor here. 00:25:19.699 --> 00:25:20.899 Jesus is not calling. 00:25:20.900 --> 00:25:21.920 All of his followers. 00:25:21.920 --> 00:25:23.480 To be literal martyrs. 00:25:23.840 --> 00:25:25.080 And physically surrender. 00:25:25.080 --> 00:25:26.180 Themselves to death. 00:25:26.600 --> 00:25:27.380 Though some will. 00:25:28.240 --> 00:25:29.040 And some have. 00:25:30.120 --> 00:25:31.040 But daily. 00:25:31.180 --> 00:25:32.340 Means that we are to walk. 00:25:32.500 --> 00:25:33.960 This path of death. 00:25:34.420 --> 00:25:35.500 To ourselves. 00:25:36.320 --> 00:25:37.759 This path of self-denial. 00:25:38.000 --> 00:25:39.280 Day after day. 00:25:39.440 --> 00:25:40.080 After day. 00:25:41.680 --> 00:25:42.560 It's a metaphor. 00:25:43.720 --> 00:25:44.680 He's talking about. 00:25:44.820 --> 00:25:46.180 Giving up our very lives. 00:25:47.019 --> 00:25:48.280 In order to follow. 00:25:48.740 --> 00:25:48.980 Him. 00:25:50.900 --> 00:25:52.660 And that word daily. 00:25:52.940 --> 00:25:53.560 It's powerful. 00:25:53.740 --> 00:25:55.440 This is not just a one and done decision. 00:25:55.600 --> 00:25:55.800 Like. 00:25:56.220 --> 00:25:57.980 There's two paths in front of me. 00:25:58.019 --> 00:25:59.019 And I took this path. 00:25:59.120 --> 00:25:59.460 And now. 00:25:59.780 --> 00:26:00.540 It's over and done. 00:26:02.620 --> 00:26:03.180 Daily. 00:26:03.320 --> 00:26:04.440 Means that this is a decision. 00:26:04.580 --> 00:26:05.960 We must make each day. 00:26:06.340 --> 00:26:07.519 Again and again. 00:26:08.140 --> 00:26:09.200 Day after day. 00:26:11.420 --> 00:26:12.360 To deny. 00:26:12.920 --> 00:26:13.780 To die. 00:26:13.779 --> 00:26:16.460 In order to follow Jesus. 00:26:19.259 --> 00:26:20.700 And this feels difficult. 00:26:21.599 --> 00:26:22.879 Let's just admit it. 00:26:23.259 --> 00:26:24.899 It is painful at times. 00:26:25.259 --> 00:26:27.500 It feels like we're losing our very lives. 00:26:29.259 --> 00:26:30.680 Like we're suffocating. 00:26:30.899 --> 00:26:31.500 And killing. 00:26:31.759 --> 00:26:32.639 A part of us. 00:26:33.420 --> 00:26:34.980 But in our clearest moments. 00:26:34.980 --> 00:26:36.119 As followers of Jesus. 00:26:36.119 --> 00:26:38.399 We see that it's really only the part of us. 00:26:39.039 --> 00:26:40.299 That ought to die. 00:26:40.299 --> 00:26:44.339 And actually we're not dying. 00:26:45.259 --> 00:26:46.659 But we're really living. 00:26:49.039 --> 00:26:50.319 A parent knows. 00:26:51.000 --> 00:26:52.680 How much must be given up. 00:26:52.819 --> 00:26:54.099 To look after young children. 00:26:54.220 --> 00:26:54.919 Day after day. 00:26:56.379 --> 00:26:57.899 They never say thank you. 00:26:57.960 --> 00:26:59.139 For changing the diapers. 00:26:59.720 --> 00:27:00.659 While they're in them. 00:27:00.660 --> 00:27:03.840 And there are thousands of meals. 00:27:05.259 --> 00:27:06.160 Lovingly made. 00:27:06.840 --> 00:27:07.840 For those kids. 00:27:08.000 --> 00:27:09.660 Some of them are flat out rejected. 00:27:09.800 --> 00:27:10.500 At first sight. 00:27:11.620 --> 00:27:12.620 By our children. 00:27:13.519 --> 00:27:14.279 And you love. 00:27:14.380 --> 00:27:16.300 And you serve that child for years. 00:27:16.840 --> 00:27:18.540 You trade countless moments. 00:27:19.140 --> 00:27:20.380 Looking after them. 00:27:20.860 --> 00:27:21.660 Caring for them. 00:27:21.660 --> 00:27:22.680 That you could have spent. 00:27:23.519 --> 00:27:25.460 Doing things that you enjoy doing. 00:27:26.160 --> 00:27:27.240 Spending time out. 00:27:27.440 --> 00:27:28.279 With friends. 00:27:28.279 --> 00:27:30.779 Doing those hobbies. 00:27:31.000 --> 00:27:32.700 And activities that you love most. 00:27:33.879 --> 00:27:35.399 And you look at the bank account. 00:27:35.559 --> 00:27:36.759 And the money in the bank account. 00:27:36.859 --> 00:27:37.859 Is going towards. 00:27:38.500 --> 00:27:39.579 Stuff for the kids. 00:27:39.920 --> 00:27:41.099 And there's just. 00:27:41.299 --> 00:27:42.160 There's no time. 00:27:42.299 --> 00:27:42.920 It feels. 00:27:43.160 --> 00:27:43.980 In some moments. 00:27:43.980 --> 00:27:44.759 Like you're dying. 00:27:46.099 --> 00:27:47.700 There is a real sacrifice. 00:27:48.359 --> 00:27:49.240 In love. 00:27:51.119 --> 00:27:52.259 But there is also. 00:27:53.259 --> 00:27:54.379 Not much sweeter. 00:27:54.899 --> 00:27:55.539 Than love. 00:27:55.539 --> 00:27:58.099 And those many precious moments. 00:27:58.099 --> 00:27:58.920 With your children. 00:27:59.639 --> 00:28:00.500 From their birth. 00:28:00.980 --> 00:28:01.980 Until they leave home. 00:28:02.879 --> 00:28:03.279 Yes. 00:28:03.359 --> 00:28:04.399 It was a part of me. 00:28:04.480 --> 00:28:05.420 Dying every day. 00:28:05.539 --> 00:28:06.339 To care for them. 00:28:06.940 --> 00:28:07.920 But then you look back. 00:28:07.960 --> 00:28:08.559 On the memories. 00:28:08.700 --> 00:28:09.299 And the pictures. 00:28:09.299 --> 00:28:10.180 And you realize. 00:28:10.359 --> 00:28:11.879 That you were really living life. 00:28:11.960 --> 00:28:12.720 To its fullest. 00:28:13.379 --> 00:28:14.859 In those moments with them. 00:28:14.859 --> 00:28:15.759 When you were loving. 00:28:16.339 --> 00:28:17.200 And serving them. 00:28:17.440 --> 00:28:18.139 And giving up. 00:28:18.319 --> 00:28:19.099 What you wanted. 00:28:19.700 --> 00:28:20.519 To do. 00:28:20.920 --> 00:28:21.799 Things with them. 00:28:21.859 --> 00:28:22.440 And for them. 00:28:22.440 --> 00:28:25.100 This is the way of the cross. 00:28:25.680 --> 00:28:27.360 This is following Jesus. 00:28:28.640 --> 00:28:29.759 It's a paradox. 00:28:32.140 --> 00:28:33.580 We may hear Jesus. 00:28:34.100 --> 00:28:35.720 Laying out all these requirements. 00:28:36.500 --> 00:28:37.299 And think. 00:28:37.960 --> 00:28:38.759 Forget it. 00:28:39.600 --> 00:28:40.559 Deny myself. 00:28:40.740 --> 00:28:42.059 Take up my cross every day. 00:28:42.160 --> 00:28:43.559 Why would anyone want to do that? 00:28:44.720 --> 00:28:46.039 But Jesus goes on. 00:28:46.080 --> 00:28:46.740 A little bit more. 00:28:46.880 --> 00:28:48.559 And he reasons with us. 00:28:49.600 --> 00:28:50.180 He says. 00:28:50.180 --> 00:28:54.220 Actually it feels that way. 00:28:54.299 --> 00:28:55.340 Because you're not seeing. 00:28:55.440 --> 00:28:56.660 The two paths ahead of you. 00:28:56.799 --> 00:28:57.100 Clearly. 00:28:59.240 --> 00:29:01.180 Whoever wants to save their life. 00:29:01.279 --> 00:29:01.880 Will lose it. 00:29:02.820 --> 00:29:04.820 But whoever loses their life. 00:29:04.880 --> 00:29:05.240 For me. 00:29:06.440 --> 00:29:07.340 Will save it. 00:29:08.700 --> 00:29:09.640 It's the opposite. 00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:10.420 Of what you think. 00:29:10.460 --> 00:29:11.539 And feel it should be. 00:29:12.480 --> 00:29:13.560 Trying to hang on. 00:29:13.660 --> 00:29:14.380 To your own life. 00:29:14.560 --> 00:29:15.279 And keep it. 00:29:15.340 --> 00:29:16.460 That's the path to death. 00:29:16.560 --> 00:29:17.259 And destruction. 00:29:18.060 --> 00:29:18.820 Says Jesus. 00:29:18.819 --> 00:29:20.339 But choosing to. 00:29:20.720 --> 00:29:21.759 Give up your life for me. 00:29:21.839 --> 00:29:23.240 That's the path to life. 00:29:24.759 --> 00:29:26.359 That's the way to save your life. 00:29:27.159 --> 00:29:28.419 It seems backwards. 00:29:28.599 --> 00:29:30.019 And it even feels backwards. 00:29:31.019 --> 00:29:32.679 But this is where faith comes in. 00:29:32.740 --> 00:29:33.980 We must trust Jesus. 00:29:34.759 --> 00:29:36.500 That this is the reality of things. 00:29:37.939 --> 00:29:38.879 One path. 00:29:39.559 --> 00:29:40.359 Following him. 00:29:40.500 --> 00:29:41.720 Feels like suicide. 00:29:42.659 --> 00:29:44.639 But it's actually the path to life. 00:29:44.960 --> 00:29:46.159 And it's the only way. 00:29:46.399 --> 00:29:47.259 To save ourselves. 00:29:47.259 --> 00:29:49.539 The other path. 00:29:49.960 --> 00:29:51.099 Not following him. 00:29:51.240 --> 00:29:52.480 Doing whatever I want to do. 00:29:52.579 --> 00:29:54.160 That feels like saving myself. 00:29:54.279 --> 00:29:55.279 But it's actually the path. 00:29:55.339 --> 00:29:56.980 That's going to cost me everything. 00:29:57.660 --> 00:29:58.519 In the end. 00:30:00.660 --> 00:30:02.460 Jesus is giving us the long term. 00:30:02.619 --> 00:30:03.619 Big picture here. 00:30:03.759 --> 00:30:04.519 He's trying to see. 00:30:04.700 --> 00:30:05.660 Where these paths. 00:30:06.660 --> 00:30:07.019 End. 00:30:08.700 --> 00:30:10.200 He has been sent from heaven. 00:30:10.200 --> 00:30:10.819 By God. 00:30:10.920 --> 00:30:11.859 To rescue us. 00:30:12.259 --> 00:30:13.140 From the punishment. 00:30:13.140 --> 00:30:13.759 We deserve. 00:30:13.759 --> 00:30:16.379 Because of the sins we've committed. 00:30:16.920 --> 00:30:19.019 There is a judgment day coming. 00:30:20.259 --> 00:30:21.920 There is that final day. 00:30:22.019 --> 00:30:23.740 Of putting right everything that is wrong. 00:30:24.220 --> 00:30:25.819 And for those who have done evil. 00:30:26.039 --> 00:30:27.000 In big ways. 00:30:27.200 --> 00:30:28.039 Or small. 00:30:28.440 --> 00:30:30.420 There are really only these two choices. 00:30:30.420 --> 00:30:34.259 We can receive. 00:30:34.259 --> 00:30:36.060 The punishment we deserve from God. 00:30:36.060 --> 00:30:36.900 For our sins. 00:30:37.380 --> 00:30:38.500 Which is death. 00:30:39.240 --> 00:30:40.080 And hell. 00:30:41.320 --> 00:30:41.880 Or. 00:30:42.240 --> 00:30:44.460 Because God is merciful and kind. 00:30:44.980 --> 00:30:45.779 We can accept. 00:30:46.500 --> 00:30:47.279 The gift. 00:30:48.140 --> 00:30:48.759 Of God. 00:30:49.019 --> 00:30:50.279 Which can rescue us. 00:30:50.360 --> 00:30:51.240 From that punishment. 00:30:52.300 --> 00:30:53.160 And that's Jesus. 00:30:54.160 --> 00:30:55.560 And the life and salvation. 00:30:56.420 --> 00:30:57.120 And forgiveness. 00:30:57.119 --> 00:30:59.119 That he offers in his kingdom. 00:30:59.639 --> 00:31:01.479 Under his lordship. 00:31:03.479 --> 00:31:04.979 Those are the only two choices. 00:31:04.979 --> 00:31:05.779 There are for us. 00:31:05.779 --> 00:31:05.939 And. 00:31:06.879 --> 00:31:08.339 So if we ignore Jesus. 00:31:08.559 --> 00:31:09.979 And we refuse to follow him. 00:31:10.219 --> 00:31:12.139 And instead cling to the life we have. 00:31:12.779 --> 00:31:15.000 Choosing to be the captain of our own lives. 00:31:15.159 --> 00:31:16.419 Doing whatever we want. 00:31:16.539 --> 00:31:17.179 Good or bad. 00:31:18.399 --> 00:31:20.539 We will lose our very lives. 00:31:22.039 --> 00:31:22.839 To death. 00:31:23.279 --> 00:31:23.779 And hell. 00:31:25.299 --> 00:31:26.699 Or we can listen to Jesus. 00:31:26.700 --> 00:31:28.259 We can take his words seriously. 00:31:28.400 --> 00:31:29.360 We can follow him. 00:31:30.039 --> 00:31:32.580 Taking this path that feels like a loss. 00:31:32.580 --> 00:31:33.319 And a death. 00:31:33.740 --> 00:31:34.519 At times. 00:31:34.980 --> 00:31:36.500 Trusting that it leads to life. 00:31:36.900 --> 00:31:37.819 And at the end. 00:31:38.279 --> 00:31:39.500 Our lives will be saved. 00:31:40.980 --> 00:31:42.319 Jesus saves us. 00:31:42.440 --> 00:31:43.420 From the coming wrath. 00:31:47.580 --> 00:31:49.120 All of this is captured. 00:31:49.279 --> 00:31:50.900 In these few words of Jesus. 00:31:54.160 --> 00:31:55.480 We'll go one verse more. 00:31:55.480 --> 00:31:56.980 He says. 00:31:56.980 --> 00:31:59.579 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world. 00:31:59.819 --> 00:32:01.019 And yet lose. 00:32:01.360 --> 00:32:03.039 Or forfeit their very self. 00:32:05.360 --> 00:32:07.660 What if in this life you could gain it all. 00:32:08.819 --> 00:32:09.839 The whole world. 00:32:09.940 --> 00:32:11.400 What if you work so tirelessly. 00:32:11.759 --> 00:32:13.539 That you actually became wealthy enough. 00:32:13.640 --> 00:32:15.819 To just buy and own everything. 00:32:16.740 --> 00:32:17.799 The whole planet. 00:32:18.360 --> 00:32:19.039 For yourself. 00:32:19.039 --> 00:32:21.899 Well that would be amazing. 00:32:21.980 --> 00:32:22.379 Wouldn't it? 00:32:24.440 --> 00:32:25.680 Until that day comes. 00:32:25.740 --> 00:32:26.279 That you die. 00:32:29.539 --> 00:32:31.019 You'll trade it your whole life. 00:32:31.079 --> 00:32:32.220 For something you can't keep. 00:32:34.119 --> 00:32:35.279 And you'll lose it all. 00:32:38.159 --> 00:32:39.960 There's no amount of money. 00:32:40.200 --> 00:32:41.259 Or success. 00:32:41.460 --> 00:32:42.019 Or stuff. 00:32:42.159 --> 00:32:43.039 Or experiences. 00:32:43.700 --> 00:32:45.200 That this world has to offer. 00:32:45.299 --> 00:32:46.920 That's worth giving up your very soul. 00:32:46.920 --> 00:32:50.600 That's what Jesus is saying. 00:32:53.300 --> 00:32:55.779 Following Jesus really is a matter of life. 00:32:56.200 --> 00:32:56.980 And death. 00:32:58.200 --> 00:32:59.820 And there are only two paths. 00:33:02.080 --> 00:33:03.960 One is the way that feels like death. 00:33:04.019 --> 00:33:04.980 But leads to life. 00:33:06.360 --> 00:33:08.759 The other is the path of self-preservation. 00:33:08.759 --> 00:33:10.100 Which seems like life. 00:33:10.220 --> 00:33:11.560 But actually forfeits it. 00:33:11.559 --> 00:33:15.460 Which path are you on? 00:33:19.179 --> 00:33:21.019 Have you decided to follow Jesus. 00:33:21.279 --> 00:33:22.599 And be a disciple of his? 00:33:25.480 --> 00:33:26.960 Or are you on the other path? 00:33:26.960 --> 00:33:37.120 The day is coming when Jesus will return. 00:33:37.600 --> 00:33:39.380 As he says here in verse 26. 00:33:40.180 --> 00:33:41.440 He will come in his glory. 00:33:42.019 --> 00:33:43.819 And in the glory of his father. 00:33:43.920 --> 00:33:45.039 And of the holy angels. 00:33:46.319 --> 00:33:47.400 And Jesus says. 00:33:47.480 --> 00:33:48.660 If you were ashamed of him. 00:33:48.720 --> 00:33:49.539 And his words. 00:33:50.660 --> 00:33:52.380 Did not follow him. 00:33:52.519 --> 00:33:53.700 Like we've been talking about. 00:33:53.819 --> 00:33:55.160 He will be ashamed of you. 00:33:55.720 --> 00:33:56.640 On that day. 00:33:56.640 --> 00:34:00.800 It will be too late. 00:34:04.860 --> 00:34:06.480 Which path are you on? 00:34:09.360 --> 00:34:11.559 What is your relationship to Jesus? 00:34:12.380 --> 00:34:13.559 Jesus has defined. 00:34:14.119 --> 00:34:16.500 The relationship from his side of it. 00:34:17.720 --> 00:34:19.280 Will you accept his terms? 00:34:23.340 --> 00:34:25.360 Many of you are on the path of life. 00:34:25.360 --> 00:34:28.680 But this is a hard path to walk. 00:34:28.680 --> 00:34:29.099 Isn't it? 00:34:30.860 --> 00:34:33.039 Maybe you feel tempted to throw in the towel. 00:34:33.380 --> 00:34:35.260 And switch back to that other path. 00:34:37.079 --> 00:34:38.500 But let's not grow weary. 00:34:38.579 --> 00:34:39.420 Or be discouraged. 00:34:39.920 --> 00:34:42.180 It is difficult in the short term. 00:34:44.380 --> 00:34:45.579 But in the long term. 00:34:45.579 --> 00:34:46.579 We gain life. 00:34:46.579 --> 00:34:47.139 We gain life. 00:34:47.139 --> 00:34:47.659 We gain life. 00:34:48.579 --> 00:34:49.059 Forever. 00:34:49.639 --> 00:34:51.519 And a kingdom that will never be shaken. 00:34:53.639 --> 00:34:54.119 Glory. 00:34:54.840 --> 00:34:56.059 With God forever. 00:34:58.059 --> 00:35:00.699 Or perhaps you've fallen into a spiritual stupor. 00:35:01.179 --> 00:35:04.259 And are thinking that you can get by with minimal self-denial. 00:35:04.260 --> 00:35:08.860 Maybe you're looking for a middle ground. 00:35:08.940 --> 00:35:11.380 A way to take up the cross once or twice a week. 00:35:12.180 --> 00:35:13.500 But that won't do either. 00:35:15.040 --> 00:35:16.500 If we belong to Jesus. 00:35:17.300 --> 00:35:20.340 We must and we will pick up the cross daily. 00:35:20.900 --> 00:35:22.480 And keep following him. 00:35:23.100 --> 00:35:24.640 It must be a daily thing. 00:35:24.639 --> 00:35:27.639 I'm a firm believer. 00:35:28.539 --> 00:35:29.739 After all these years. 00:35:29.980 --> 00:35:31.579 And meditating on the scriptures. 00:35:31.579 --> 00:35:34.039 That there will be no Sunday Christians in heaven. 00:35:35.480 --> 00:35:37.859 People who only went to church on Sunday. 00:35:38.000 --> 00:35:40.179 And made sure to live a life that looked good enough. 00:35:40.339 --> 00:35:41.259 On the outside. 00:35:41.400 --> 00:35:42.460 But then the rest of the week. 00:35:42.579 --> 00:35:44.839 Really lived for themselves. 00:35:46.359 --> 00:35:47.639 And lived like the devil. 00:35:49.460 --> 00:35:50.920 If we belong to Jesus. 00:35:51.079 --> 00:35:52.619 We must and we will. 00:35:52.859 --> 00:35:54.199 Pick up the cross daily. 00:35:54.639 --> 00:35:55.679 And follow him. 00:35:56.619 --> 00:35:57.779 And keep following him. 00:35:57.859 --> 00:35:59.279 Till we've spent what remains. 00:35:59.920 --> 00:36:02.559 Of the life that he has given us. 00:36:03.539 --> 00:36:04.659 I'm going to end with. 00:36:05.219 --> 00:36:06.779 These famous words. 00:36:07.480 --> 00:36:09.759 Which really come from these words of Jesus. 00:36:10.679 --> 00:36:12.440 But I love the way Jim Elliot said it. 00:36:13.940 --> 00:36:15.039 Before he died. 00:36:15.779 --> 00:36:18.179 Trying to give the gospel to the Alcus. 00:36:18.920 --> 00:36:19.759 In South America. 00:36:20.019 --> 00:36:21.420 He said he is no fool. 00:36:21.819 --> 00:36:23.539 Who gives up what he cannot keep. 00:36:23.539 --> 00:36:26.579 To gain what he cannot lose. 00:36:30.900 --> 00:36:32.039 He is no fool. 00:36:32.139 --> 00:36:33.800 Who gives up what he cannot keep. 00:36:35.079 --> 00:36:37.119 To gain what he cannot lose. 00:36:39.159 --> 00:36:39.779 Let's pray. 00:36:44.739 --> 00:36:45.519 Father in heaven. 00:36:47.259 --> 00:36:48.699 These are hard words for us. 00:36:48.699 --> 00:36:49.099 I know. 00:36:51.019 --> 00:36:52.879 I feel that they are hard Lord. 00:36:54.239 --> 00:36:55.439 In my own life. 00:36:56.019 --> 00:36:56.739 Every day. 00:36:56.960 --> 00:36:57.519 Every week. 00:36:58.079 --> 00:36:59.379 We ask for strength. 00:36:59.519 --> 00:37:00.299 We ask for help. 00:37:00.539 --> 00:37:01.139 And grace. 00:37:01.239 --> 00:37:01.739 And power. 00:37:02.299 --> 00:37:03.599 To walk this way. 00:37:03.839 --> 00:37:05.079 That you've put before us. 00:37:06.199 --> 00:37:08.480 And we thank you that there is joy along the way. 00:37:08.939 --> 00:37:10.439 It's not all doom and gloom. 00:37:10.519 --> 00:37:10.980 Or death. 00:37:11.119 --> 00:37:12.659 And sadness. 00:37:12.659 --> 00:37:18.219 Keep us till the end we pray. 00:37:19.779 --> 00:37:20.440 In your name. 00:37:20.440 --> 00:37:21.319 Amen.