WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.799 So this is John chapter 6, verses 60 to the end and then beginning in chapter 7 through verse 24. 00:00:09.019 --> 00:00:10.380 I'm going to read this out loud. 00:00:10.480 --> 00:00:13.400 You follow along with your eyes and as you hear God's word and see it, 00:00:13.400 --> 00:00:20.379 remember this is the inspired, inerrant, infallible, clear and sufficient word of God. 00:00:20.780 --> 00:00:23.379 We hear from God himself through his word. 00:00:25.000 --> 00:00:26.820 John 6, 60. 00:00:26.820 --> 00:00:32.299 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, 00:00:32.520 --> 00:00:34.719 this is a hard saying, who can listen to it? 00:00:35.640 --> 00:00:38.780 We're going to review in just a moment what they're referring to. 00:00:38.780 --> 00:00:44.719 Verse 61, but Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, 00:00:45.379 --> 00:00:47.240 do you take offense at this? 00:00:49.240 --> 00:00:54.260 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 00:00:54.259 --> 00:00:56.719 It is the Spirit who gives life. 00:00:57.219 --> 00:00:58.939 The flesh is no help at all. 00:00:59.659 --> 00:01:02.699 The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 00:01:03.460 --> 00:01:06.099 But there are some of you who do not believe. 00:01:06.939 --> 00:01:15.159 For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe and who it was who would betray him. 00:01:15.159 --> 00:01:23.019 And he said, this is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father. 00:01:24.759 --> 00:01:28.560 After this, many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 00:01:29.120 --> 00:01:32.939 So Jesus said to the twelve, do you want to go away as well? 00:01:33.719 --> 00:01:36.780 Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? 00:01:36.780 --> 00:01:40.099 You have the words of eternal life. 00:01:40.739 --> 00:01:45.460 And we have believed and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God. 00:01:46.579 --> 00:01:51.640 Jesus answered them, did I not choose you, the twelve? 00:01:52.240 --> 00:01:54.420 And yet one of you is a devil. 00:01:55.420 --> 00:01:59.400 He spoke of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 00:01:59.859 --> 00:02:02.359 For he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him. 00:02:03.359 --> 00:02:04.659 Chapter 7, verse 1. 00:02:04.659 --> 00:02:08.359 After this, Jesus went about in Galilee. 00:02:09.180 --> 00:02:13.460 He would not go about in Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill him. 00:02:14.199 --> 00:02:17.079 Now the Jews' feast of booths was at hand. 00:02:17.719 --> 00:02:21.000 So his brothers said to him, leave here and go to Judea, 00:02:21.419 --> 00:02:24.960 that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. 00:02:25.960 --> 00:02:29.659 For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. 00:02:30.199 --> 00:02:32.579 If you do these things, show yourself to the world. 00:02:32.580 --> 00:02:35.580 For not even his brothers believed in him. 00:02:35.860 --> 00:02:42.240 Jesus said to them, my time has not yet come, but your time is always here. 00:02:42.900 --> 00:02:49.780 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it, that its works are evil. 00:02:50.780 --> 00:02:52.020 You go up to the feast. 00:02:52.020 --> 00:02:57.100 I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come. 00:02:57.740 --> 00:03:00.020 After saying this, he remained in Galilee. 00:03:00.980 --> 00:03:01.500 Verse 10. 00:03:02.000 --> 00:03:08.660 But after this, his brothers, after his brothers had gone up to the feast, he also went up, not publicly but in private. 00:03:09.439 --> 00:03:12.400 The Jews were looking for him at the feast and saying, where is he? 00:03:12.960 --> 00:03:16.180 And there was much muttering about him among the people. 00:03:16.180 --> 00:03:21.460 While some said he is a good man, others said no, he is leading the people astray. 00:03:22.400 --> 00:03:26.140 Yet for fear of the Jews, no one spoke openly of him. 00:03:26.840 --> 00:03:31.599 About the middle of the feast, Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. 00:03:32.400 --> 00:03:38.439 The Jews therefore marveled, saying, how is it that this man has learning when he has never studied? 00:03:38.439 --> 00:03:44.039 So Jesus answered them, my teaching is not mine, but is his who sent me. 00:03:44.539 --> 00:03:52.680 If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. 00:03:53.139 --> 00:03:56.979 The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory. 00:03:57.379 --> 00:04:01.460 But the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true. 00:04:02.000 --> 00:04:04.439 And in him there is no falsehood. 00:04:04.439 --> 00:04:07.039 Has not Moses given you the law? 00:04:07.439 --> 00:04:09.240 Yet none of you keeps the law. 00:04:09.680 --> 00:04:11.180 Why do you seek to kill me? 00:04:11.919 --> 00:04:13.840 The crowd answered him, you have a demon. 00:04:14.359 --> 00:04:15.719 Who is seeking to kill you? 00:04:16.500 --> 00:04:21.100 Jesus answered them, I did one work and you marvel at it. 00:04:21.500 --> 00:04:23.120 Moses gave you circumcision. 00:04:23.639 --> 00:04:26.379 Not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers. 00:04:26.579 --> 00:04:28.420 And you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 00:04:28.420 --> 00:04:35.560 If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision so that the law of Moses may not be broken, 00:04:35.920 --> 00:04:40.600 are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man's whole body well? 00:04:41.280 --> 00:04:46.319 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment. 00:04:47.220 --> 00:04:48.860 This is the word of the Lord. 00:04:49.319 --> 00:04:50.340 Thanks be to God. 00:04:50.720 --> 00:04:51.360 You may be seated. 00:04:51.360 --> 00:04:59.439 Well, let's pray. 00:05:07.439 --> 00:05:13.939 Stand in the middle of your temple, King Jesus, and teach us by your word we ask. 00:05:14.420 --> 00:05:14.759 Amen. 00:05:16.860 --> 00:05:21.120 Beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ, today I want to show you once again 00:05:21.120 --> 00:05:24.319 the cross-shaped ministry of Jesus. 00:05:25.680 --> 00:05:28.660 What I tried to show last week is the same thing I want to show you again. 00:05:28.759 --> 00:05:31.439 I believe this is why John's arranged it this way. 00:05:31.519 --> 00:05:35.319 He's showing you that it wasn't only in those final moments of Jesus' life 00:05:35.319 --> 00:05:41.759 that he was suffering and that he was ministering the ministry of the cross. 00:05:41.840 --> 00:05:44.120 In fact, it was his entire ministry. 00:05:44.120 --> 00:05:49.319 From the moment he took on flesh, it was God stooping down so low. 00:05:49.319 --> 00:05:55.219 In every action, and even now as he's opening up and revealing the kingdom of heaven, 00:05:55.819 --> 00:05:59.379 the way he does this, it takes the shape of the cross. 00:06:00.180 --> 00:06:05.920 The reason this matters is because there is no true ministry unless it's Christ ministering. 00:06:06.920 --> 00:06:10.959 And all of us who are in Christ, we are ambassadors of his kingdom. 00:06:11.100 --> 00:06:12.180 We are a nation of priests. 00:06:12.180 --> 00:06:14.040 We are all ministering Christ. 00:06:14.519 --> 00:06:18.259 Through you, Christ ministers to those he brings into your life. 00:06:19.240 --> 00:06:24.019 That's our humbling way of how God is choosing to unveil and further his kingdom on earth. 00:06:24.100 --> 00:06:25.920 It's through you, through the church. 00:06:26.600 --> 00:06:33.540 So I want to show you five more ways in which his ministry was shaped by his cross in today's passage. 00:06:33.540 --> 00:06:39.000 The first one is that a cross-shaped ministry offends many. 00:06:39.580 --> 00:06:42.379 It is offensive and it offends many people. 00:06:43.540 --> 00:06:45.220 Let me just say one thing quickly. 00:06:45.720 --> 00:06:50.460 Our goal as Christians should not be to be annoying and to go out offending people. 00:06:50.540 --> 00:06:51.060 That's not it. 00:06:51.780 --> 00:06:52.640 The point is this. 00:06:52.879 --> 00:06:54.620 It's the message of Christ himself. 00:06:55.360 --> 00:06:57.340 There is something happening spiritually. 00:06:57.339 --> 00:07:03.219 When the gospel and the truth of the kingdom of heaven is proclaimed through God's people in this dark world, 00:07:03.619 --> 00:07:04.959 it will be offensive. 00:07:05.979 --> 00:07:09.239 And you will take arrows back for being such a minister. 00:07:09.639 --> 00:07:10.959 But that's the way of the cross. 00:07:11.199 --> 00:07:13.139 That's the type of ministry Christ uses. 00:07:13.719 --> 00:07:14.279 So be ready. 00:07:15.339 --> 00:07:16.319 So it offends many. 00:07:18.759 --> 00:07:25.659 The cross of Christ was a picture to those who had the whole Bible of offense. 00:07:25.660 --> 00:07:28.460 It was not in the temple. 00:07:29.400 --> 00:07:30.260 It's too dirty. 00:07:30.800 --> 00:07:37.260 It was not even in the city of Jerusalem because that was representing the place from where God would rule and God is holy. 00:07:38.040 --> 00:07:44.700 And it was in the most disgusting part outside of the city where the waste and the dead bodies, 00:07:44.840 --> 00:07:49.400 when plagues would sweep through, they would load them up, haul them out, set them on fire. 00:07:49.399 --> 00:07:57.079 And it was like, you've seen those in many parts of the world, you just put your trash and your, you know, disgusting stuff that's left over. 00:07:57.279 --> 00:07:59.299 You put it all in a big pile and set it on fire. 00:07:59.599 --> 00:08:01.239 And that's how you get rid of waste. 00:08:02.060 --> 00:08:05.099 And so that's what was right behind the cross of Christ. 00:08:06.199 --> 00:08:12.279 And the way in which Christ was killed, it was something that Jews could not personally do. 00:08:12.759 --> 00:08:13.899 It had to be Gentiles. 00:08:14.000 --> 00:08:14.919 It had to be the Romans. 00:08:15.579 --> 00:08:16.959 So the cross is offensive. 00:08:16.959 --> 00:08:25.079 And our ministry, in the ministry of Jesus was also so offensive because his ministry is shaped by his cross. 00:08:25.639 --> 00:08:31.459 When Jesus proclaimed the gospel, our Lord Jesus, we read here, he was rejected by many. 00:08:31.579 --> 00:08:32.439 Look at verse 61. 00:08:33.319 --> 00:08:35.419 They took offense at his message. 00:08:36.519 --> 00:08:38.819 What message was this that they were so offended by? 00:08:39.220 --> 00:08:42.159 Well, take your eyes up a couple of verses to verse 58. 00:08:42.159 --> 00:08:47.559 Jesus had taught them, whoever feeds on this bread will live. 00:08:48.120 --> 00:08:49.639 Do you remember what he was talking about? 00:08:50.179 --> 00:08:51.799 What is the bread he's talking about? 00:08:52.659 --> 00:08:53.939 It's his own body. 00:08:54.819 --> 00:08:55.740 His own body. 00:08:55.819 --> 00:08:57.100 That's an offensive message. 00:08:58.219 --> 00:09:00.799 You know why you can't believe, Jesus says to them? 00:09:01.299 --> 00:09:03.620 It's not because you need to see more. 00:09:03.839 --> 00:09:05.179 Look at the verse right before that. 00:09:05.179 --> 00:09:12.779 Our Lord Jesus says, I'm sorry, look at the verse right in that passage, right after. 00:09:12.859 --> 00:09:13.579 It's verse 65. 00:09:14.819 --> 00:09:22.419 He says, this is what I told you, that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Spirit who gives life. 00:09:22.739 --> 00:09:30.879 And in verse 62, he said, if you were to even see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before, you would still not believe. 00:09:31.559 --> 00:09:32.459 Do you get what he's saying? 00:09:32.460 --> 00:09:34.220 Then he said this. 00:09:34.379 --> 00:09:37.740 He said, you have to eat my body to have eternal life. 00:09:38.500 --> 00:09:39.200 That's offensive. 00:09:39.320 --> 00:09:42.440 But then he said, no one can do that unless the Father draws them. 00:09:43.340 --> 00:09:45.240 And then they get so offended, they're grumbling. 00:09:45.400 --> 00:09:46.920 We might just leave over this. 00:09:47.000 --> 00:09:47.320 Hold on. 00:09:47.720 --> 00:09:49.360 What he's saying can't be right. 00:09:50.200 --> 00:09:51.580 And does Jesus back down? 00:09:52.000 --> 00:09:54.820 No, he goes even stronger with that same message. 00:09:54.940 --> 00:10:00.960 He says, that is exactly why I said no one can believe unless my Father draws him. 00:10:00.960 --> 00:10:02.980 And the Spirit gives life. 00:10:03.440 --> 00:10:06.500 You cannot work for your own salvation. 00:10:07.240 --> 00:10:08.100 That was offensive. 00:10:09.240 --> 00:10:15.460 And the pride of man without the work of the Spirit to give you a new heart will always be offended by that. 00:10:15.860 --> 00:10:19.060 But that's the gospel message that offends many. 00:10:20.460 --> 00:10:21.759 Look at verse 66. 00:10:21.759 --> 00:10:27.519 After this, many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 00:10:28.779 --> 00:10:32.100 Remember, this is the same crowd that Jesus had compassion for. 00:10:32.519 --> 00:10:34.419 Because they were like sheep without a shepherd. 00:10:35.480 --> 00:10:36.740 And he's teaching them. 00:10:37.480 --> 00:10:38.399 They turn their backs. 00:10:39.000 --> 00:10:40.019 Speak bad about him. 00:10:40.580 --> 00:10:41.240 Walk away. 00:10:41.539 --> 00:10:42.139 Reject him. 00:10:42.620 --> 00:10:45.480 Too offended by the gospel message. 00:10:45.480 --> 00:10:52.340 A commentator of 1600s, a particular Baptist named John Gill, he said on this verse, he said, 00:10:52.600 --> 00:10:57.460 Those who apostatized, who turned their backs and walked away rejecting Christ, 00:10:58.000 --> 00:11:06.500 they had for a while heard his teaching, seen his signs, followed him, made a credible profession of faith, 00:11:06.860 --> 00:11:09.379 even received baptism into water. 00:11:10.120 --> 00:11:12.560 Yet they were not truly saved. 00:11:12.559 --> 00:11:17.399 Their hearts were still spiritually dead. 00:11:20.519 --> 00:11:22.579 That's a good caution to all of us. 00:11:23.479 --> 00:11:27.179 It's possible to be hearing the message of the gospel, 00:11:27.679 --> 00:11:30.799 to be near the very, very near where Christ is ministering, 00:11:31.379 --> 00:11:34.500 and to yet have a dead heart for lack of faith, 00:11:35.059 --> 00:11:36.919 for lack of repentance and believing. 00:11:36.919 --> 00:11:42.439 And if you do repent and believe, you will be the first one to say, 00:11:42.559 --> 00:11:46.559 It was the Father who drew me to his Son in his kindness. 00:11:47.219 --> 00:11:51.579 All glory be to God for opening the eyes of a blind man like me. 00:11:53.599 --> 00:11:59.000 Well, the numbers today in America and in the West of people turning their back on Christ, 00:11:59.159 --> 00:12:03.819 rejecting him, or deluding it so far that it's actually another form of apostasy, 00:12:03.820 --> 00:12:05.620 it's very, very high. 00:12:05.860 --> 00:12:10.160 You probably have loved ones and friends or former friends who fit that category. 00:12:11.560 --> 00:12:16.980 One of my favorite pastors to listen to through his music is Shai Lin. 00:12:17.540 --> 00:12:19.920 He was a church planter discipled by Mark Dever, 00:12:20.080 --> 00:12:23.900 and he pointed out this trend in evangelicalism. 00:12:23.899 --> 00:12:24.360 He said, 00:12:25.360 --> 00:12:27.740 Satan's got a plot devised. 00:12:27.879 --> 00:12:30.199 I'm seeing lots of guys apostatize. 00:12:30.620 --> 00:12:31.759 What's happening here? 00:12:32.079 --> 00:12:33.259 It's a different atmosphere. 00:12:34.399 --> 00:12:37.559 Cats appear most concerned about a rap career. 00:12:38.500 --> 00:12:41.620 Brother oversees being slain in the sand, 00:12:42.159 --> 00:12:44.319 while we're vain in our plans, 00:12:44.860 --> 00:12:46.959 seeking fame and some fans. 00:12:47.860 --> 00:12:50.539 But our Lord Jesus Christ cross-shaped ministry, 00:12:50.539 --> 00:12:54.539 remember just in the middle of the same chapter, 00:12:55.299 --> 00:12:57.199 24,000 or so, 00:12:57.759 --> 00:12:59.339 down to just 12. 00:13:01.519 --> 00:13:03.099 That's a cross-shaped ministry. 00:13:05.679 --> 00:13:09.939 The one of those 12 is one who's going to betray him on top of that. 00:13:11.139 --> 00:13:13.219 So our entire ministry of Christ, 00:13:13.399 --> 00:13:15.959 everything we see about him preaches the cross, 00:13:16.199 --> 00:13:18.779 even how he ministered to those God gave him. 00:13:18.779 --> 00:13:21.299 But even with such rejection, 00:13:22.439 --> 00:13:25.399 the cross-shaped ministry remains trusting in God. 00:13:25.860 --> 00:13:26.579 That's number two. 00:13:27.079 --> 00:13:29.459 Jesus trusted in God's power. 00:13:30.240 --> 00:13:31.860 In laying down his life on the cross, 00:13:32.000 --> 00:13:34.259 Jesus trusted that his Father, 00:13:34.799 --> 00:13:35.860 by the power of the Spirit, 00:13:36.339 --> 00:13:38.179 would take his life back up again. 00:13:38.860 --> 00:13:40.980 So according to his human nature, 00:13:41.059 --> 00:13:42.159 he lays down his life, 00:13:42.259 --> 00:13:43.679 yet according to his divine nature, 00:13:43.980 --> 00:13:47.000 he, God himself, takes his life back up again. 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:49.600 He trusts in the power of God, 00:13:49.659 --> 00:13:50.940 even now as he ministers, 00:13:51.100 --> 00:13:55.460 because his ministry is shaped by his mission on the cross. 00:13:56.019 --> 00:13:56.919 And in his ministry, 00:13:57.379 --> 00:14:02.279 Jesus trusted in God's power to draw those who God would to him, 00:14:02.659 --> 00:14:06.120 and to be faithful to disciple whoever God brought to him. 00:14:06.620 --> 00:14:07.700 Look at verse 67. 00:14:07.700 --> 00:14:09.960 Jesus said to the twelve, 00:14:10.060 --> 00:14:11.340 Do you want to go away as well? 00:14:12.340 --> 00:14:13.520 Simon Peter answered him, 00:14:13.600 --> 00:14:14.700 Lord, to whom shall we go? 00:14:14.820 --> 00:14:17.780 You have the words of eternal life. 00:14:18.800 --> 00:14:20.080 Eternal life. 00:14:20.680 --> 00:14:24.700 That's the spiritual life now that belongs to the age to come. 00:14:25.460 --> 00:14:28.620 That's the life where your soul is alive, united to Christ. 00:14:29.020 --> 00:14:33.020 And it begins spiritually for you now through the word of Christ. 00:14:33.140 --> 00:14:36.360 What a wonderful profession that Peter makes here. 00:14:36.360 --> 00:14:39.279 Peter is joining many others throughout this gospel 00:14:39.279 --> 00:14:41.700 who have made a profession of faith, 00:14:41.759 --> 00:14:42.879 because the Father drew them, 00:14:42.940 --> 00:14:44.340 the Spirit gave them life, 00:14:44.399 --> 00:14:45.139 and they believed, 00:14:45.519 --> 00:14:46.440 and they responded. 00:14:47.100 --> 00:14:48.740 We saw in chapter 134, 00:14:49.259 --> 00:14:50.220 John the Baptist said, 00:14:50.320 --> 00:14:52.800 I have seen and borne witness of this, 00:14:53.139 --> 00:14:55.580 that this is the Son of God. 00:14:55.700 --> 00:14:58.539 And then John the Baptizer also said in chapter 334, 00:14:58.980 --> 00:15:02.240 He whom God sent utters the words of God, 00:15:02.480 --> 00:15:04.960 for he gives spirit without measure. 00:15:04.960 --> 00:15:07.300 You see, it's the same profession that Peter's making. 00:15:07.820 --> 00:15:10.200 And then Nathaniel, he ate up Christ. 00:15:10.360 --> 00:15:13.280 He ate up the words of life that Christ spoke as well. 00:15:13.759 --> 00:15:16.400 He said, Rabbi, you are the Son of God. 00:15:16.759 --> 00:15:19.240 You are the King of Israel. 00:15:19.920 --> 00:15:23.139 And Peter is one more now who professes such a faith. 00:15:24.700 --> 00:15:26.259 See, the word of God, 00:15:26.360 --> 00:15:29.040 it brings truth of the age to come. 00:15:29.039 --> 00:15:33.079 It brings that truth to bear on this present evil age with power, 00:15:33.399 --> 00:15:35.500 with the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:15:36.379 --> 00:15:37.779 And it changes everything. 00:15:38.480 --> 00:15:39.519 And that's the best way to explain. 00:15:39.579 --> 00:15:40.759 What do you mean reformed? 00:15:41.139 --> 00:15:43.459 We mean that we're in this present evil age, 00:15:43.599 --> 00:15:46.839 but it's the life of God from the age to come, 00:15:47.319 --> 00:15:49.939 that God is working out now in our life, 00:15:50.079 --> 00:15:50.659 in our soul, 00:15:50.719 --> 00:15:51.219 in our spirit, 00:15:51.299 --> 00:15:52.579 and it works its way out. 00:15:52.580 --> 00:15:56.139 And that working out is being conformed to the image of God. 00:15:56.540 --> 00:15:59.259 And it's being reformed by the renewing of our minds. 00:15:59.440 --> 00:16:01.960 This is the true reality is the spiritual kingdom, 00:16:02.240 --> 00:16:04.540 and it's coming through the word of God. 00:16:05.759 --> 00:16:09.020 That's exactly what we want to be about. 00:16:09.580 --> 00:16:10.620 Because what that does, 00:16:10.720 --> 00:16:11.620 when it comes with power, 00:16:11.720 --> 00:16:14.200 it puts the whole life in right order. 00:16:16.240 --> 00:16:18.400 You know, our lives are out of order 00:16:18.400 --> 00:16:19.820 because of the curse of Adam. 00:16:19.820 --> 00:16:23.000 But the power of the life of God in the age to come, 00:16:23.060 --> 00:16:24.800 it sets everything back in its place. 00:16:24.860 --> 00:16:25.540 And it's slow. 00:16:25.860 --> 00:16:27.980 It's a slow process of sanctification. 00:16:28.800 --> 00:16:31.040 But that's where we enjoy life in Christ. 00:16:31.780 --> 00:16:33.440 And it's taking the worldliness 00:16:33.440 --> 00:16:35.140 that is so broken our mind, 00:16:35.220 --> 00:16:35.600 our thinking, 00:16:35.720 --> 00:16:36.180 our bodies, 00:16:36.300 --> 00:16:37.320 our temptations, 00:16:37.420 --> 00:16:38.160 our view of everything. 00:16:38.500 --> 00:16:41.920 That worldliness gets put way down in its proper place. 00:16:42.280 --> 00:16:44.040 And the word of God begins to renew 00:16:44.040 --> 00:16:46.900 and change how you view everything in life. 00:16:47.080 --> 00:16:48.780 And a lifetime is too short for that. 00:16:48.779 --> 00:16:50.459 But we need to be about it. 00:16:50.519 --> 00:16:51.699 We need to be earnest for that. 00:16:53.100 --> 00:16:54.799 I love David Wells. 00:16:54.919 --> 00:16:56.899 He explained worldliness in this way. 00:16:58.899 --> 00:17:03.480 Worldliness is what makes sin look normal in any age. 00:17:04.680 --> 00:17:07.119 And righteousness seem odd. 00:17:08.819 --> 00:17:10.000 Did you catch that? 00:17:10.839 --> 00:17:13.720 In this world, righteousness seems odd. 00:17:13.720 --> 00:17:18.039 But when Christ's power comes into your life 00:17:18.039 --> 00:17:19.079 and you're united to Him 00:17:19.079 --> 00:17:20.160 and His Spirit fills you 00:17:20.160 --> 00:17:21.539 and cleanses you and renews you, 00:17:21.980 --> 00:17:24.100 worldliness now starts to seem odd. 00:17:24.640 --> 00:17:25.400 I don't want that. 00:17:25.440 --> 00:17:27.500 How could I ever have found that attractive? 00:17:28.339 --> 00:17:30.579 How could I have ever believed some of these lies? 00:17:31.160 --> 00:17:32.079 This is of the world. 00:17:32.460 --> 00:17:33.640 And it makes the righteousness 00:17:33.640 --> 00:17:35.779 to be right with God in His kingdom. 00:17:36.019 --> 00:17:37.400 And all of my life said in order, 00:17:37.799 --> 00:17:39.740 this is what normal should feel like. 00:17:39.740 --> 00:17:41.660 What power this is. 00:17:42.140 --> 00:17:43.759 The power of God. 00:17:44.259 --> 00:17:47.779 Our Jesus Christ trusted that power of God to work. 00:17:48.220 --> 00:17:49.440 And even in Peter's profession, 00:17:49.859 --> 00:17:51.900 He was setting their lives in order. 00:17:52.900 --> 00:17:55.019 See, Christ was faithful to those few 00:17:55.019 --> 00:17:56.720 that God brought to Him. 00:17:57.440 --> 00:18:00.039 And if we are ministering on behalf of Christ, 00:18:00.120 --> 00:18:01.519 He's ministering through His people, 00:18:01.880 --> 00:18:03.559 we will trust God's power 00:18:03.559 --> 00:18:06.240 and we will disciple with faithfulness 00:18:06.240 --> 00:18:07.179 as best we can 00:18:07.179 --> 00:18:08.779 with that same power, 00:18:08.879 --> 00:18:10.559 that same trust that God will work 00:18:10.559 --> 00:18:12.480 and He will draw whoever He wants to. 00:18:12.799 --> 00:18:13.519 Let's be obedient 00:18:13.519 --> 00:18:16.679 with who He has put in our life for this season. 00:18:18.059 --> 00:18:20.339 Well, not only is a cross-shaped ministry 00:18:20.339 --> 00:18:21.720 offensive to many 00:18:21.720 --> 00:18:24.240 and one that requires you to trust 00:18:24.240 --> 00:18:25.619 in the power of God alone, 00:18:26.460 --> 00:18:29.599 it's a ministry that's as low as can be. 00:18:30.059 --> 00:18:32.019 And yet being low, it's bold. 00:18:32.019 --> 00:18:34.460 So it's lowly yet bold. 00:18:34.660 --> 00:18:36.059 From the cross, Jesus yells, 00:18:36.240 --> 00:18:37.639 Father, forgive them. 00:18:37.900 --> 00:18:39.180 They don't know what they're doing. 00:18:40.519 --> 00:18:43.019 And His ministry is shaped by His mission 00:18:43.019 --> 00:18:45.079 because not from the cross, 00:18:45.160 --> 00:18:46.339 but back in Jerusalem, 00:18:46.519 --> 00:18:47.259 in the temple, 00:18:47.740 --> 00:18:49.180 from the center of the city, 00:18:49.299 --> 00:18:51.359 Jesus looks at the people 00:18:51.359 --> 00:18:52.839 God has brought all around Him. 00:18:53.740 --> 00:18:54.440 And He says, 00:18:54.700 --> 00:18:55.980 I have compassion for them. 00:18:56.059 --> 00:18:57.099 They're sheep without a shepherd. 00:18:57.619 --> 00:18:59.960 But this is not the point of my ministry now 00:18:59.960 --> 00:19:01.700 in this first coming. 00:19:02.019 --> 00:19:05.240 My first coming is about the cross. 00:19:05.839 --> 00:19:07.119 And they will reject me. 00:19:07.359 --> 00:19:08.660 And they will crucify me. 00:19:10.379 --> 00:19:11.819 I'll be made very low. 00:19:12.400 --> 00:19:14.240 I don't need their popularity now. 00:19:15.660 --> 00:19:18.420 And He boldly proclaims the evil 00:19:18.420 --> 00:19:20.680 of their life and their sin. 00:19:21.799 --> 00:19:23.859 Look at chapter 7, verse 2. 00:19:23.859 --> 00:19:29.079 The Jews' feast of booths was at hand. 00:19:30.879 --> 00:19:32.240 This is what next week's sermon 00:19:32.240 --> 00:19:33.000 is going to be about. 00:19:33.159 --> 00:19:34.379 So I'm not skipping over this. 00:19:34.459 --> 00:19:35.799 There's so much richness in here. 00:19:35.879 --> 00:19:37.139 It's a whole separate thing. 00:19:37.939 --> 00:19:38.779 Just briefly, 00:19:39.179 --> 00:19:40.639 this is called the Feast of Booths 00:19:40.639 --> 00:19:42.079 or the Feast of Tabernacles. 00:19:42.219 --> 00:19:43.299 They would build little tents. 00:19:44.039 --> 00:19:45.559 And sometimes they would use cloth. 00:19:45.619 --> 00:19:46.799 Other times they would use branches 00:19:46.799 --> 00:19:47.419 like hyssop 00:19:47.419 --> 00:19:49.199 because they're very leafy branches. 00:19:49.200 --> 00:19:50.500 And they would make these booths 00:19:50.500 --> 00:19:51.259 for a child. 00:19:51.340 --> 00:19:52.480 This would have been so fun. 00:19:52.680 --> 00:19:53.620 We get to all go together. 00:19:53.920 --> 00:19:54.700 We get to camp. 00:19:55.360 --> 00:19:56.220 I'll tell you next week 00:19:56.220 --> 00:19:57.140 about some of the ceremonies 00:19:57.140 --> 00:19:58.400 they did at the beginning of the day. 00:19:58.700 --> 00:19:59.660 At the end of the day, 00:20:00.380 --> 00:20:01.580 Josephus, a historian, 00:20:01.680 --> 00:20:02.140 he commented, 00:20:02.559 --> 00:20:03.720 if there was ever a picture 00:20:03.720 --> 00:20:04.500 of jubilee, 00:20:04.900 --> 00:20:05.620 of happiness, 00:20:05.759 --> 00:20:06.799 it was the Feast of Booths. 00:20:07.580 --> 00:20:08.580 So that's the scene. 00:20:08.980 --> 00:20:10.660 Busy, busy, rich typology, 00:20:10.779 --> 00:20:11.620 which we're going to see next week. 00:20:11.860 --> 00:20:12.900 Just rich theology 00:20:12.900 --> 00:20:14.299 built into every element. 00:20:14.299 --> 00:20:15.740 It began on a Sabbath, 00:20:15.859 --> 00:20:16.480 a day of rest. 00:20:16.619 --> 00:20:18.019 It ended on another Sabbath, 00:20:18.180 --> 00:20:18.799 day of rest. 00:20:19.980 --> 00:20:21.279 And so that's the context. 00:20:23.200 --> 00:20:25.119 Well, the purpose of the Feast of Booths 00:20:25.119 --> 00:20:26.299 was to look back 00:20:26.299 --> 00:20:28.559 at how God had sustained his people 00:20:28.559 --> 00:20:30.259 through the wilderness journeys 00:20:30.259 --> 00:20:31.500 for 40 years. 00:20:31.919 --> 00:20:34.460 And it was also to look forward 00:20:34.460 --> 00:20:36.399 to how God would be coming now. 00:20:36.700 --> 00:20:37.700 They're also pilgrims. 00:20:37.879 --> 00:20:39.819 They're living under the oppression of Rome. 00:20:39.919 --> 00:20:40.539 They're pilgrims. 00:20:40.819 --> 00:20:41.539 They're sojourners. 00:20:41.659 --> 00:20:42.879 But he was bringing the Messiah. 00:20:42.880 --> 00:20:44.420 That was the purpose of it. 00:20:45.460 --> 00:20:46.760 We read in verse 3 00:20:46.760 --> 00:20:47.860 that his brothers, 00:20:48.280 --> 00:20:51.100 his brothers said to him, 00:20:51.460 --> 00:20:53.500 you need to leave Galilee up here 00:20:53.500 --> 00:20:55.600 in this kind of mixed area. 00:20:55.700 --> 00:20:56.380 You need to go down 00:20:56.380 --> 00:20:57.960 to the hub of the nation 00:20:57.960 --> 00:20:59.140 where the power comes from. 00:20:59.420 --> 00:21:00.860 You need to go down to Judea 00:21:00.860 --> 00:21:02.520 and do some of these signs down there. 00:21:02.580 --> 00:21:03.740 Then you'll really get their attention. 00:21:05.220 --> 00:21:06.600 Quick comment on the brothers. 00:21:07.340 --> 00:21:08.260 We read last week 00:21:08.260 --> 00:21:09.500 the list from Mark and Matthew 00:21:09.500 --> 00:21:10.980 of brothers that are named 00:21:10.980 --> 00:21:11.880 and also some sisters. 00:21:11.880 --> 00:21:13.120 So they knew the whole family. 00:21:13.720 --> 00:21:16.160 Now, Uriel actually 00:21:16.160 --> 00:21:17.700 was looking at this with me. 00:21:18.340 --> 00:21:19.480 Some have asked the question, 00:21:19.640 --> 00:21:21.300 well, if he had other brothers and sisters, 00:21:21.300 --> 00:21:22.900 why did he entrust his mother 00:21:22.900 --> 00:21:24.180 to John, 00:21:24.320 --> 00:21:25.780 who is not a blood brother? 00:21:26.240 --> 00:21:27.620 And also because it was common 00:21:27.620 --> 00:21:28.600 to refer to brethren 00:21:28.600 --> 00:21:30.440 being like your greater clan, 00:21:30.560 --> 00:21:31.660 you know, cousins and all of that. 00:21:32.120 --> 00:21:33.420 Now, if Mary and Joseph 00:21:33.420 --> 00:21:34.420 did have other children 00:21:34.420 --> 00:21:35.760 and she got pregnant, 00:21:36.300 --> 00:21:37.500 her having children 00:21:37.500 --> 00:21:38.940 and those relations with her husband 00:21:38.940 --> 00:21:39.780 was not a sin. 00:21:39.779 --> 00:21:41.180 It does not in any way 00:21:41.180 --> 00:21:42.339 diminish the virgin birth. 00:21:42.440 --> 00:21:44.039 Christ was born of a virgin. 00:21:44.160 --> 00:21:46.259 He did not inherit the sin of Adam 00:21:46.259 --> 00:21:47.500 that was passed through. 00:21:48.039 --> 00:21:49.359 So all of that stands. 00:21:49.879 --> 00:21:52.160 I think it's okay to just understand 00:21:52.160 --> 00:21:52.940 that Mary and Joseph 00:21:52.940 --> 00:21:53.819 had other children, 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:56.059 but that's just a quick clarification there. 00:21:57.059 --> 00:21:58.059 So his relatives, 00:21:58.240 --> 00:21:58.879 they see him, 00:21:59.180 --> 00:21:59.859 but Jesus knows, 00:21:59.980 --> 00:22:01.160 okay, you saw my signs. 00:22:01.259 --> 00:22:02.759 No one's disputing that, 00:22:03.180 --> 00:22:04.680 but you still don't have faith. 00:22:04.680 --> 00:22:06.660 And he rejects the popularity 00:22:06.660 --> 00:22:09.299 that was right there for him to take 00:22:09.299 --> 00:22:11.460 if that was what God had called him to do. 00:22:12.840 --> 00:22:13.400 Verse five, 00:22:14.060 --> 00:22:17.340 not even his brothers believed in him. 00:22:17.880 --> 00:22:19.720 They didn't have that saving faith. 00:22:20.460 --> 00:22:22.279 And this was no fault of Christ. 00:22:22.500 --> 00:22:23.759 This was no sin of his, 00:22:24.019 --> 00:22:25.980 no failure of his ministry. 00:22:26.820 --> 00:22:28.039 I believe that's another 00:22:28.039 --> 00:22:29.779 very powerful accusation 00:22:29.779 --> 00:22:31.560 that Satan wants to throw 00:22:31.560 --> 00:22:32.840 at the people of God. 00:22:32.839 --> 00:22:34.759 If you have a loved one 00:22:34.759 --> 00:22:36.179 or a family member 00:22:36.179 --> 00:22:40.039 who does not have that saving faith in Christ, 00:22:40.500 --> 00:22:42.359 it is not your sin, 00:22:42.839 --> 00:22:44.019 not your fault. 00:22:44.559 --> 00:22:46.339 It's no failure of yours. 00:22:46.959 --> 00:22:47.559 Pray for them. 00:22:48.419 --> 00:22:49.939 Pray for in God's perfect time, 00:22:50.019 --> 00:22:50.859 they will believe. 00:22:51.879 --> 00:22:54.299 And that goes for the entire ministry of Christ. 00:22:55.199 --> 00:22:55.879 Think about that. 00:22:55.939 --> 00:22:58.019 Those 24,000 that reject him 00:22:58.019 --> 00:22:59.519 and he's left with just the 12 again. 00:23:00.899 --> 00:23:02.259 Well, why was it once again, 00:23:02.259 --> 00:23:03.720 we can ask that when Peter stood up 00:23:03.720 --> 00:23:04.879 and preached the gospel, 00:23:05.400 --> 00:23:07.680 calling them out on breaking God's law 00:23:07.680 --> 00:23:09.000 and their need for Christ, 00:23:09.079 --> 00:23:10.599 the Messiah who they crucified, 00:23:11.119 --> 00:23:12.660 just as offensive of a message, 00:23:13.480 --> 00:23:14.660 3,000 believe. 00:23:15.379 --> 00:23:17.279 It's because Christ had plowed the way. 00:23:18.079 --> 00:23:19.220 He had preached this gospel. 00:23:19.359 --> 00:23:19.940 They had heard it 00:23:19.940 --> 00:23:21.799 and they rejected him for a time. 00:23:22.220 --> 00:23:23.759 But in his resurrection power, 00:23:23.960 --> 00:23:25.879 with the Holy Spirit poured out on the church 00:23:25.879 --> 00:23:27.140 and spilling over, 00:23:27.140 --> 00:23:29.280 the Spirit brings them now. 00:23:29.700 --> 00:23:32.280 So that ministry might be that long, 00:23:32.400 --> 00:23:34.360 slow, long-suffering ministry. 00:23:35.100 --> 00:23:36.259 That's what we're called to. 00:23:36.460 --> 00:23:37.280 And in God's time, 00:23:37.340 --> 00:23:39.900 he will draw each one for his glory. 00:23:40.900 --> 00:23:42.259 So the ministry of Jesus 00:23:42.259 --> 00:23:43.800 was not seeking popularity. 00:23:44.300 --> 00:23:45.560 Instead, it was lowly. 00:23:45.700 --> 00:23:46.140 And in fact, 00:23:46.200 --> 00:23:48.480 it was fulfilling what God required. 00:23:49.080 --> 00:23:50.520 Psalm 69, verse 8, 00:23:51.060 --> 00:23:52.040 tells that this, 00:23:52.120 --> 00:23:52.320 it says, 00:23:52.319 --> 00:23:53.159 I have come, 00:23:53.679 --> 00:23:55.899 I have become a stranger to my brothers, 00:23:56.399 --> 00:23:58.419 an alien to my mother's sons. 00:23:58.659 --> 00:24:01.659 So the Messiah would be considered an alien, 00:24:01.819 --> 00:24:03.299 a stranger to his own family. 00:24:03.480 --> 00:24:05.019 That was part of him fulfilling 00:24:05.019 --> 00:24:06.539 what God prophesied. 00:24:07.200 --> 00:24:07.619 Verse 6, 00:24:07.700 --> 00:24:08.439 Jesus said to them, 00:24:08.500 --> 00:24:10.379 my time has not yet come. 00:24:11.220 --> 00:24:11.859 Jesus knew, 00:24:12.839 --> 00:24:13.759 there will be a time 00:24:13.759 --> 00:24:16.159 when I come with the host of angel army 00:24:16.159 --> 00:24:18.339 and all will bow the knee 00:24:18.339 --> 00:24:21.419 and profess faith in me and my kingdom. 00:24:22.319 --> 00:24:23.579 But right now, 00:24:23.679 --> 00:24:24.379 look at verse 7, 00:24:24.439 --> 00:24:25.339 the world hates me 00:24:25.339 --> 00:24:27.480 because I testify about it 00:24:27.480 --> 00:24:29.740 that its works are evil. 00:24:31.319 --> 00:24:32.759 Sometimes John will simply say 00:24:32.759 --> 00:24:34.439 Jesus was teaching them. 00:24:34.599 --> 00:24:35.740 Well, what was he teaching them? 00:24:36.480 --> 00:24:37.859 According to Christ himself, 00:24:37.980 --> 00:24:38.799 he was teaching them 00:24:38.799 --> 00:24:40.259 that their works were evil. 00:24:40.839 --> 00:24:42.439 Worldliness is odd. 00:24:42.839 --> 00:24:44.200 It should not be normal to you. 00:24:44.399 --> 00:24:46.039 Repent and be baptized. 00:24:46.259 --> 00:24:47.839 That's what Jesus and John the baptizer 00:24:47.839 --> 00:24:48.679 were proclaiming. 00:24:49.539 --> 00:24:50.779 And that's what we will do 00:24:50.779 --> 00:24:51.839 if we are in Christ. 00:24:52.319 --> 00:24:53.359 We preach the truth. 00:24:53.460 --> 00:24:54.500 We do it in love. 00:24:54.939 --> 00:24:56.299 And that's the most loving thing 00:24:56.299 --> 00:24:58.099 is to proclaim the truth of God 00:24:58.099 --> 00:24:59.480 to those we love, 00:24:59.919 --> 00:25:01.179 offensive as it might be. 00:25:02.500 --> 00:25:03.740 I think this is really 00:25:03.740 --> 00:25:05.119 wonderfully illustrated 00:25:05.119 --> 00:25:06.619 with a scene from 00:25:06.619 --> 00:25:07.480 Pilgrim's Progress 00:25:07.480 --> 00:25:09.019 by John Bunyan. 00:25:09.700 --> 00:25:10.480 I'm going to read 00:25:10.480 --> 00:25:11.579 this little scene 00:25:11.579 --> 00:25:13.000 in a poetic version of that. 00:25:14.059 --> 00:25:15.539 The context here is that 00:25:15.539 --> 00:25:17.379 Christian and his friend Faithful, 00:25:17.480 --> 00:25:18.419 who are saved 00:25:18.419 --> 00:25:19.740 out of the city of destruction, 00:25:19.740 --> 00:25:21.160 they're traveling 00:25:21.160 --> 00:25:23.039 to the heavenly city. 00:25:23.500 --> 00:25:24.460 And as they travel, 00:25:24.579 --> 00:25:25.240 one of the stops 00:25:25.240 --> 00:25:26.019 is in the world. 00:25:26.519 --> 00:25:27.519 And the world is called 00:25:27.519 --> 00:25:28.720 Vanity Fair. 00:25:28.980 --> 00:25:29.940 They're in the middle of it. 00:25:30.599 --> 00:25:31.539 And they say, 00:25:31.880 --> 00:25:33.960 we left the city of destruction 00:25:33.960 --> 00:25:35.279 because it's bringing on 00:25:35.279 --> 00:25:36.240 the judgment of God. 00:25:36.740 --> 00:25:37.620 Its works are evil. 00:25:37.720 --> 00:25:39.180 It deserves the wrath of God. 00:25:39.180 --> 00:25:40.880 And with shouts, 00:25:41.220 --> 00:25:41.620 threats, 00:25:41.820 --> 00:25:42.480 and insults, 00:25:42.539 --> 00:25:43.600 the crowd interrupted. 00:25:44.279 --> 00:25:45.560 Volcanic and fiery, 00:25:46.019 --> 00:25:47.200 their hatred erupted. 00:25:47.460 --> 00:25:49.660 So they locked heavy chains 00:25:49.660 --> 00:25:51.500 around the pilgrim's hands, 00:25:51.960 --> 00:25:52.299 neck, 00:25:52.560 --> 00:25:53.299 and feet. 00:25:53.920 --> 00:25:54.900 And their cage 00:25:54.900 --> 00:25:56.360 was hung up 00:25:56.360 --> 00:25:58.240 on a popular street 00:25:58.240 --> 00:26:01.000 so that bypassing townsfolk 00:26:01.000 --> 00:26:03.100 could spit and throw dirt 00:26:03.100 --> 00:26:04.900 or hit them with sticks 00:26:04.900 --> 00:26:07.100 and inflict on them hurt. 00:26:07.099 --> 00:26:09.339 Yet for all the hate 00:26:09.339 --> 00:26:10.139 and malice 00:26:10.139 --> 00:26:11.839 the crowds were expressing, 00:26:12.619 --> 00:26:13.939 the pilgrim's only return 00:26:13.939 --> 00:26:15.779 to their cruel curses 00:26:15.779 --> 00:26:17.179 was blessing, 00:26:17.819 --> 00:26:18.519 here's the part 00:26:18.519 --> 00:26:19.599 that relates to our verse, 00:26:20.399 --> 00:26:22.319 reflecting the love 00:26:22.319 --> 00:26:24.419 of their merciful Savior, 00:26:25.039 --> 00:26:26.679 which caused some 00:26:26.679 --> 00:26:28.059 to marvel 00:26:28.059 --> 00:26:29.899 at their gracious behavior. 00:26:31.339 --> 00:26:33.500 Christ's cross-shaped ministry 00:26:33.500 --> 00:26:34.799 stays low, 00:26:35.240 --> 00:26:36.899 does not go after man's glory 00:26:36.900 --> 00:26:37.720 and popularity 00:26:37.720 --> 00:26:39.320 for the self, 00:26:39.900 --> 00:26:40.759 but instead 00:26:40.759 --> 00:26:42.200 a Christ-like ministry 00:26:42.200 --> 00:26:43.240 stays bold, 00:26:44.400 --> 00:26:45.519 stands against evil, 00:26:45.980 --> 00:26:46.700 and seeks only 00:26:46.700 --> 00:26:48.259 the glory of God. 00:26:49.420 --> 00:26:50.140 Number four, 00:26:50.940 --> 00:26:52.920 our King's cross-shaped ministry 00:26:52.920 --> 00:26:54.400 speaks truth 00:26:54.400 --> 00:26:55.640 for God's glory. 00:26:55.820 --> 00:26:57.259 Jesus revealed God's glory 00:26:57.259 --> 00:26:58.060 from the cross. 00:26:58.780 --> 00:26:59.620 The cross preached 00:26:59.620 --> 00:27:00.300 this message, 00:27:00.440 --> 00:27:01.400 God is holy. 00:27:02.460 --> 00:27:02.940 If you wonder 00:27:02.940 --> 00:27:04.300 how God feels about sin, 00:27:04.640 --> 00:27:05.440 look at the cross. 00:27:05.440 --> 00:27:07.200 If you wonder 00:27:07.200 --> 00:27:09.180 if God is truly just 00:27:09.180 --> 00:27:10.920 against such injustice, 00:27:11.480 --> 00:27:12.220 look at the cross. 00:27:13.000 --> 00:27:13.840 And if you wonder 00:27:13.840 --> 00:27:16.340 if Christ truly is love. 00:27:17.380 --> 00:27:18.740 If God is most loving, 00:27:19.120 --> 00:27:20.500 look at the cross. 00:27:21.299 --> 00:27:22.140 And His ministry 00:27:22.140 --> 00:27:24.860 is shaped by that same mission. 00:27:25.460 --> 00:27:26.660 Our Lord Jesus teaches 00:27:26.660 --> 00:27:28.140 God's truth, 00:27:28.559 --> 00:27:29.580 who God truly is. 00:27:29.660 --> 00:27:30.940 He unveils the Father 00:27:30.940 --> 00:27:34.059 for the glory of God alone. 00:27:34.259 --> 00:27:35.059 Look at verse 10. 00:27:35.320 --> 00:27:36.460 This is really the climax 00:27:36.460 --> 00:27:38.240 of this whole passage. 00:27:40.180 --> 00:27:40.680 Verse 10, 00:27:40.799 --> 00:27:41.779 After His brothers 00:27:41.779 --> 00:27:43.460 had gone up to the feast, 00:27:43.980 --> 00:27:45.640 then He also went up, 00:27:46.039 --> 00:27:46.880 not publicly, 00:27:47.320 --> 00:27:48.320 but in privately. 00:27:49.320 --> 00:27:50.019 The Jews 00:27:50.019 --> 00:27:51.580 were looking for Him 00:27:51.580 --> 00:27:53.440 at the feast. 00:27:53.440 --> 00:27:57.059 You see the irony 00:27:57.059 --> 00:27:58.440 that John is setting up here? 00:27:59.360 --> 00:28:00.660 The purpose of the feast 00:28:00.660 --> 00:28:02.100 is to look ahead 00:28:02.100 --> 00:28:03.940 to the coming Messiah. 00:28:04.799 --> 00:28:05.660 And here they are, 00:28:05.940 --> 00:28:06.580 missing out on 00:28:06.580 --> 00:28:07.880 all the rich typology, 00:28:08.019 --> 00:28:08.860 all the rich imagery, 00:28:09.380 --> 00:28:10.299 this picture lesson 00:28:10.299 --> 00:28:11.000 in front of them 00:28:11.000 --> 00:28:11.539 and this feast 00:28:11.539 --> 00:28:12.400 that God ordained, 00:28:12.700 --> 00:28:13.420 every element 00:28:13.420 --> 00:28:14.660 pointing to Christ. 00:28:15.680 --> 00:28:16.279 And yet, 00:28:16.820 --> 00:28:17.320 with Christ 00:28:17.320 --> 00:28:18.400 not even being there, 00:28:18.500 --> 00:28:19.080 they're mumbling, 00:28:19.320 --> 00:28:20.420 murmuring about Him. 00:28:20.420 --> 00:28:22.519 confused, 00:28:23.300 --> 00:28:23.480 you know, 00:28:23.560 --> 00:28:24.320 talking bad about 00:28:24.320 --> 00:28:24.920 how He healed 00:28:24.920 --> 00:28:25.560 on the Sabbath. 00:28:26.620 --> 00:28:27.259 And this feast 00:28:27.259 --> 00:28:27.980 was also called 00:28:27.980 --> 00:28:29.279 the Feast of Nations. 00:28:30.420 --> 00:28:32.340 Because when God 00:28:32.340 --> 00:28:33.039 gave the promise 00:28:33.039 --> 00:28:33.640 to Abraham, 00:28:33.800 --> 00:28:34.700 it's through your seed 00:28:34.700 --> 00:28:35.539 that all nations 00:28:35.539 --> 00:28:36.279 will be blessed. 00:28:36.860 --> 00:28:37.860 Abraham continued 00:28:37.860 --> 00:28:38.480 sojourning 00:28:38.480 --> 00:28:39.880 toward the promised land 00:28:39.880 --> 00:28:40.800 that God would give him. 00:28:41.039 --> 00:28:41.800 The people of Israel 00:28:41.800 --> 00:28:42.779 were simply continuing 00:28:42.779 --> 00:28:43.420 that pattern. 00:28:43.900 --> 00:28:45.240 God promised us rest. 00:28:45.600 --> 00:28:46.100 He promises 00:28:46.100 --> 00:28:47.300 to dwell with us 00:28:47.300 --> 00:28:48.000 and to give us 00:28:48.000 --> 00:28:48.759 a kingdom. 00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:51.180 And here comes Christ 00:28:51.180 --> 00:28:53.059 dwelling in their midst. 00:28:54.039 --> 00:28:54.799 For them first, 00:28:55.119 --> 00:28:55.619 through them 00:28:55.619 --> 00:28:56.640 to all the nations. 00:28:56.779 --> 00:28:57.819 The Feast of the Nations 00:28:57.819 --> 00:28:59.299 was with them. 00:29:00.119 --> 00:29:00.879 Look at verse 11. 00:29:01.000 --> 00:29:01.420 They were saying, 00:29:01.539 --> 00:29:02.180 where is He? 00:29:02.220 --> 00:29:02.799 Verse 12. 00:29:03.200 --> 00:29:04.079 There was much muttering 00:29:04.079 --> 00:29:04.700 about Him 00:29:04.700 --> 00:29:05.500 among the people. 00:29:06.059 --> 00:29:06.460 Some said, 00:29:06.500 --> 00:29:07.259 He's a good man. 00:29:07.420 --> 00:29:07.819 Others said, 00:29:07.879 --> 00:29:07.980 no, 00:29:08.000 --> 00:29:09.059 He's leading us astray. 00:29:09.920 --> 00:29:11.140 But verse 13, 00:29:11.259 --> 00:29:12.400 for fear of the Jews, 00:29:12.559 --> 00:29:13.700 no one spoke openly 00:29:13.700 --> 00:29:14.859 about Him. 00:29:15.279 --> 00:29:15.960 The Jews were already 00:29:15.960 --> 00:29:17.000 planning to kill Him. 00:29:17.000 --> 00:29:18.500 So Christ could not come 00:29:18.500 --> 00:29:19.640 in the popularity 00:29:19.640 --> 00:29:20.420 and the attention 00:29:20.420 --> 00:29:21.059 of the crowd 00:29:21.059 --> 00:29:22.220 at that time. 00:29:22.700 --> 00:29:24.160 But look at verse 14. 00:29:24.279 --> 00:29:25.180 Here's the climax. 00:29:26.700 --> 00:29:27.920 I told you this feast 00:29:27.920 --> 00:29:28.880 started on the Sabbath 00:29:28.880 --> 00:29:30.559 and it ended on a Sabbath. 00:29:31.480 --> 00:29:32.380 And I told you 00:29:32.380 --> 00:29:33.079 how Jerusalem 00:29:33.079 --> 00:29:33.980 was the capital. 00:29:34.099 --> 00:29:34.660 Up on a hill, 00:29:35.079 --> 00:29:36.039 it's the hub 00:29:36.039 --> 00:29:37.160 for the entire kingdom. 00:29:37.839 --> 00:29:38.500 And at the center 00:29:38.500 --> 00:29:39.099 of Jerusalem 00:29:39.099 --> 00:29:39.900 is the temple. 00:29:40.720 --> 00:29:41.920 The temple represents 00:29:41.920 --> 00:29:42.559 where God 00:29:42.559 --> 00:29:43.680 will meet sinners, 00:29:44.420 --> 00:29:45.700 where He will pardon sin 00:29:45.700 --> 00:29:47.200 and bring in His kingdom. 00:29:48.759 --> 00:29:49.759 Verse 14, 00:29:50.319 --> 00:29:51.299 about the middle, 00:29:51.779 --> 00:29:52.299 once again, 00:29:52.340 --> 00:29:53.000 at the center 00:29:53.000 --> 00:29:54.480 of this feast, 00:29:55.100 --> 00:29:56.220 Jesus went up 00:29:56.220 --> 00:29:58.100 into the temple. 00:29:58.880 --> 00:29:59.920 He is the exact 00:29:59.920 --> 00:30:00.200 midpoint. 00:30:01.240 --> 00:30:01.799 It's the middle 00:30:01.799 --> 00:30:02.279 of the day, 00:30:02.380 --> 00:30:03.240 the center of the feast, 00:30:03.340 --> 00:30:04.120 the heart of the temple, 00:30:04.700 --> 00:30:05.819 the soul of the nation. 00:30:05.920 --> 00:30:07.039 And what did Jesus do? 00:30:07.480 --> 00:30:08.880 Was it another great sign, 00:30:09.279 --> 00:30:10.180 another great miracle 00:30:10.180 --> 00:30:10.900 like His family 00:30:10.900 --> 00:30:11.680 wanted Him to do? 00:30:12.680 --> 00:30:13.660 Would this now be 00:30:13.660 --> 00:30:14.540 the moment they were waiting 00:30:14.540 --> 00:30:16.040 for a political coup d'etat? 00:30:16.340 --> 00:30:17.140 We can take over 00:30:17.140 --> 00:30:17.680 the government. 00:30:18.680 --> 00:30:19.600 What did Jesus do 00:30:19.600 --> 00:30:20.340 in verse 14? 00:30:22.180 --> 00:30:23.880 He began teaching. 00:30:26.240 --> 00:30:27.360 See how His ministry 00:30:27.360 --> 00:30:28.500 is shaped by His cross? 00:30:30.140 --> 00:30:30.980 He is here 00:30:30.980 --> 00:30:32.300 to speak the truth 00:30:32.300 --> 00:30:33.480 through His word 00:30:33.480 --> 00:30:35.160 to reveal God. 00:30:36.540 --> 00:30:37.320 Jesus Christ 00:30:37.320 --> 00:30:38.460 was an open-air preacher. 00:30:39.140 --> 00:30:39.720 He got up 00:30:39.720 --> 00:30:40.480 where there's a crowd 00:30:40.480 --> 00:30:42.060 and He preached the gospel 00:30:42.060 --> 00:30:43.279 for the glory of God. 00:30:44.500 --> 00:30:45.540 Charles Spurgeon said, 00:30:45.680 --> 00:30:46.660 no defense is needed 00:30:46.660 --> 00:30:48.279 for preaching out of doors, 00:30:48.620 --> 00:30:50.300 but it would need 00:30:50.300 --> 00:30:51.540 very potent argument 00:30:51.540 --> 00:30:52.279 that a man 00:30:52.279 --> 00:30:53.680 has done his duty 00:30:53.680 --> 00:30:56.420 if he is never proclaimed 00:30:56.420 --> 00:30:57.980 outside of his meeting house. 00:30:58.680 --> 00:31:00.019 So that should be our desire. 00:31:00.160 --> 00:31:01.160 We need to take Christ 00:31:01.160 --> 00:31:01.980 to all, 00:31:02.560 --> 00:31:03.560 wherever He can, 00:31:03.660 --> 00:31:04.500 wherever there's an ear 00:31:04.500 --> 00:31:05.060 to listen, 00:31:05.500 --> 00:31:06.200 and proclaim 00:31:06.200 --> 00:31:07.560 for the glory of God 00:31:07.560 --> 00:31:08.259 the gospel 00:31:08.259 --> 00:31:09.600 of Jesus Christ. 00:31:09.940 --> 00:31:10.820 Look at verse 15. 00:31:10.900 --> 00:31:11.580 The Jews, therefore, 00:31:11.800 --> 00:31:12.540 marveled, saying, 00:31:12.539 --> 00:31:14.119 how is it that this man 00:31:14.119 --> 00:31:14.839 has learning 00:31:14.839 --> 00:31:17.119 when he has never studied? 00:31:18.980 --> 00:31:20.200 He's never been through 00:31:20.200 --> 00:31:21.220 our seminaries. 00:31:21.319 --> 00:31:22.039 He's never been through 00:31:22.039 --> 00:31:23.379 everything that we set up 00:31:23.379 --> 00:31:24.220 as all the hoops 00:31:24.220 --> 00:31:25.200 you would have to jump through 00:31:25.200 --> 00:31:26.200 to basically be like 00:31:26.200 --> 00:31:27.399 a double PhD 00:31:27.399 --> 00:31:28.899 in theology, 00:31:29.500 --> 00:31:29.980 and yet, 00:31:30.139 --> 00:31:31.899 he's describing God 00:31:31.899 --> 00:31:33.000 from the word of God 00:31:33.000 --> 00:31:33.559 in a way that 00:31:33.559 --> 00:31:34.960 no one can deny 00:31:34.960 --> 00:31:36.019 this is the authority 00:31:36.019 --> 00:31:36.559 of God 00:31:36.559 --> 00:31:37.920 being spoken here. 00:31:37.920 --> 00:31:40.000 The Judean elite 00:31:40.000 --> 00:31:41.380 was thinking 00:31:41.380 --> 00:31:42.100 they were religious, 00:31:42.300 --> 00:31:43.160 but they were really still 00:31:43.160 --> 00:31:44.140 part of the world, 00:31:44.519 --> 00:31:46.160 and Christ exposed 00:31:46.160 --> 00:31:47.180 their evil works. 00:31:48.080 --> 00:31:49.140 It was His ministry 00:31:49.140 --> 00:31:50.400 and His life 00:31:50.400 --> 00:31:51.160 and His message 00:31:51.160 --> 00:31:52.000 that showed them 00:31:52.000 --> 00:31:53.360 the shallowness 00:31:53.360 --> 00:31:54.759 of their entire 00:31:54.759 --> 00:31:56.420 religious system. 00:31:56.980 --> 00:31:58.080 It was futile. 00:31:59.640 --> 00:32:00.600 What authority 00:32:00.600 --> 00:32:01.259 does Christ 00:32:01.259 --> 00:32:03.100 attach His message to? 00:32:03.180 --> 00:32:04.120 Look at verse 16. 00:32:04.119 --> 00:32:06.399 My teaching is not mine, 00:32:06.879 --> 00:32:08.639 but His who sent me. 00:32:09.479 --> 00:32:10.799 See, there is no power 00:32:10.799 --> 00:32:11.779 in ministry 00:32:11.779 --> 00:32:13.500 unless it's the word of God. 00:32:13.959 --> 00:32:15.000 It's the word of God 00:32:15.000 --> 00:32:15.879 going out 00:32:15.879 --> 00:32:17.559 through the people of God. 00:32:18.239 --> 00:32:19.139 If anyone's will, 00:32:19.279 --> 00:32:19.759 Jesus said, 00:32:19.939 --> 00:32:21.179 is to do God's will, 00:32:21.439 --> 00:32:22.279 he will know 00:32:22.279 --> 00:32:23.039 whether the teaching 00:32:23.039 --> 00:32:23.779 is from God 00:32:23.779 --> 00:32:24.839 or whether I am speaking 00:32:24.839 --> 00:32:26.259 on my own authority. 00:32:26.939 --> 00:32:28.000 The one who speaks 00:32:28.000 --> 00:32:29.439 on his own authority 00:32:29.439 --> 00:32:31.559 seeks his own glory. 00:32:32.299 --> 00:32:33.379 There's verse 18. 00:32:34.419 --> 00:32:35.539 Isn't that a temptation 00:32:35.539 --> 00:32:36.599 and a good caution 00:32:36.599 --> 00:32:37.419 to all of us? 00:32:38.259 --> 00:32:38.939 As you minister 00:32:38.939 --> 00:32:39.839 the truth of God 00:32:39.839 --> 00:32:40.519 to loved ones 00:32:40.519 --> 00:32:41.179 that God brings 00:32:41.179 --> 00:32:41.759 to your life, 00:32:42.379 --> 00:32:43.519 so many times 00:32:43.519 --> 00:32:44.319 you're going to be tempted 00:32:44.319 --> 00:32:45.779 to give your opinions 00:32:45.779 --> 00:32:47.879 and to try to persuade 00:32:47.879 --> 00:32:50.239 using your great intelligence 00:32:50.239 --> 00:32:53.079 and your winsomeness. 00:32:53.819 --> 00:32:55.099 What a temptation it is. 00:32:56.159 --> 00:32:56.699 Christ says, 00:32:56.799 --> 00:32:57.679 you have no authority 00:32:57.679 --> 00:32:58.359 and if you're trying 00:32:58.359 --> 00:32:59.779 to rely on your own authority, 00:33:00.619 --> 00:33:01.919 there's no power in it 00:33:01.919 --> 00:33:02.539 and you're seeking 00:33:02.539 --> 00:33:03.339 your own glory 00:33:03.339 --> 00:33:04.319 instead of the glory 00:33:04.319 --> 00:33:05.220 of God. 00:33:06.139 --> 00:33:06.859 So when you get 00:33:06.859 --> 00:33:07.599 to those moments 00:33:07.599 --> 00:33:08.359 with your friends, 00:33:08.440 --> 00:33:09.159 with loved ones, 00:33:09.639 --> 00:33:10.319 when in doubt, 00:33:10.960 --> 00:33:11.659 make your words 00:33:11.659 --> 00:33:12.420 less and less 00:33:12.420 --> 00:33:13.720 and just give them 00:33:13.720 --> 00:33:14.180 a verse, 00:33:14.359 --> 00:33:15.099 a Bible verse 00:33:15.099 --> 00:33:16.299 and pray. 00:33:16.639 --> 00:33:17.259 Send the verse, 00:33:17.759 --> 00:33:18.480 trust that the Spirit 00:33:18.480 --> 00:33:19.559 will minister to them 00:33:19.559 --> 00:33:21.220 through that word. 00:33:23.019 --> 00:33:24.420 Cross-shaped ministry 00:33:24.420 --> 00:33:25.799 claims no authority 00:33:25.799 --> 00:33:26.420 of your own. 00:33:27.279 --> 00:33:28.399 Those who Christ uses 00:33:28.399 --> 00:33:29.619 are those who do not 00:33:29.619 --> 00:33:31.039 seek their own glory. 00:33:32.299 --> 00:33:33.699 Only the ministry 00:33:33.699 --> 00:33:34.559 of God's word 00:33:34.559 --> 00:33:36.199 which carries God's authority 00:33:36.199 --> 00:33:37.779 is the type of ministry 00:33:37.779 --> 00:33:39.039 that pleases God, 00:33:39.119 --> 00:33:40.619 that brings Him glory. 00:33:41.159 --> 00:33:41.739 And that's what 00:33:41.739 --> 00:33:43.039 a cross-shaped ministry 00:33:43.039 --> 00:33:44.659 is marked by. 00:33:46.259 --> 00:33:47.059 Jesus said, 00:33:47.139 --> 00:33:48.359 I will bless all nations 00:33:48.359 --> 00:33:50.159 through your seed, Abraham. 00:33:51.159 --> 00:33:53.079 Your seed singularly, 00:33:53.359 --> 00:33:54.759 as Paul writes in Galatians. 00:33:54.759 --> 00:33:57.180 So it's not all ethnic Jews. 00:33:58.240 --> 00:33:59.640 It is the one Jew, 00:34:00.140 --> 00:34:01.599 the marked out Messiah, 00:34:02.000 --> 00:34:02.720 the God-man, 00:34:03.220 --> 00:34:04.119 Jesus Christ, 00:34:04.579 --> 00:34:05.480 through Israel, 00:34:05.700 --> 00:34:07.059 through the people of God 00:34:07.059 --> 00:34:08.099 under the Old Covenant, 00:34:08.500 --> 00:34:10.079 to all the nations, 00:34:10.440 --> 00:34:11.320 all the peoples, 00:34:11.880 --> 00:34:13.159 tribes, and tongues 00:34:13.159 --> 00:34:14.019 under heaven, 00:34:14.519 --> 00:34:15.460 through Christ, 00:34:15.780 --> 00:34:16.420 can now enjoy 00:34:16.420 --> 00:34:17.340 that same communion, 00:34:17.800 --> 00:34:19.099 that same fellowship 00:34:19.099 --> 00:34:20.159 with God. 00:34:20.280 --> 00:34:21.679 And God is glorified. 00:34:22.619 --> 00:34:23.260 Well, number five 00:34:23.260 --> 00:34:24.980 is that Jesus teaches 00:34:24.980 --> 00:34:26.540 both law and gospel. 00:34:29.240 --> 00:34:30.320 That's what the cross 00:34:30.320 --> 00:34:31.480 exposed as well. 00:34:31.800 --> 00:34:32.700 The law of God 00:34:32.700 --> 00:34:34.480 requires that sin be punished. 00:34:35.720 --> 00:34:36.220 And also, 00:34:36.340 --> 00:34:37.580 because of the work of Christ 00:34:37.580 --> 00:34:38.460 on the cross, 00:34:39.460 --> 00:34:40.340 the gospel now 00:34:40.340 --> 00:34:41.580 can go forth to all. 00:34:41.640 --> 00:34:42.960 No matter what sin 00:34:42.960 --> 00:34:44.240 a person has committed, 00:34:44.620 --> 00:34:45.700 there is the free offer 00:34:45.700 --> 00:34:46.920 of the gospel to you. 00:34:47.320 --> 00:34:47.800 Repent. 00:34:48.340 --> 00:34:49.080 Turn to Christ, 00:34:49.080 --> 00:34:50.120 and He will save you. 00:34:50.440 --> 00:34:51.520 Look at verse 19. 00:34:53.260 --> 00:34:53.860 Jesus says, 00:34:53.940 --> 00:34:54.680 Has not Moses 00:34:54.680 --> 00:34:55.780 given you the law, 00:34:56.240 --> 00:34:57.200 yet none of you 00:34:57.200 --> 00:34:58.740 keeps the law? 00:34:59.780 --> 00:35:00.980 The Pharisees believed 00:35:00.980 --> 00:35:01.820 that if they were 00:35:01.820 --> 00:35:02.780 to obey the law 00:35:02.780 --> 00:35:03.580 of God perfectly 00:35:03.580 --> 00:35:04.440 for one day, 00:35:04.940 --> 00:35:05.800 if they could force 00:35:05.800 --> 00:35:06.740 everyone in the whole nation 00:35:06.740 --> 00:35:07.560 to do the same, 00:35:07.920 --> 00:35:08.560 they would then 00:35:08.560 --> 00:35:09.660 bring the Messiah back. 00:35:10.960 --> 00:35:12.300 Jesus points out to them, 00:35:12.420 --> 00:35:13.200 The way you're trying 00:35:13.200 --> 00:35:13.940 to get the kingdom 00:35:13.940 --> 00:35:14.740 of God on earth, 00:35:14.840 --> 00:35:15.440 the way you're trying 00:35:15.440 --> 00:35:16.640 to usher in the Messiah, 00:35:17.300 --> 00:35:18.800 is never going to get there. 00:35:19.640 --> 00:35:20.940 It's never going to get there. 00:35:21.180 --> 00:35:21.780 None of you 00:35:21.780 --> 00:35:23.120 keeps the law. 00:35:23.320 --> 00:35:23.680 In fact, 00:35:23.760 --> 00:35:25.040 by trying to keep the law 00:35:25.040 --> 00:35:26.400 by your own strength, 00:35:26.800 --> 00:35:27.500 you're sinning. 00:35:28.080 --> 00:35:28.900 You're proud, 00:35:29.260 --> 00:35:30.519 and you're refusing 00:35:30.519 --> 00:35:31.200 to repent 00:35:31.200 --> 00:35:32.540 and declare your need 00:35:32.540 --> 00:35:33.160 for a Savior 00:35:33.160 --> 00:35:35.400 to come and save you instead. 00:35:37.040 --> 00:35:37.720 See, Jesus, 00:35:38.260 --> 00:35:38.620 He said, 00:35:38.680 --> 00:35:39.600 Until you realize 00:35:39.600 --> 00:35:41.019 how blind you are 00:35:41.019 --> 00:35:42.080 by your sin, 00:35:42.140 --> 00:35:42.960 you will never be able 00:35:42.960 --> 00:35:44.300 to see how I am 00:35:44.300 --> 00:35:45.680 fulfilling everything 00:35:45.680 --> 00:35:46.360 this feast 00:35:46.360 --> 00:35:47.400 is meant to preach. 00:35:48.220 --> 00:35:49.260 The Sabbath points 00:35:49.260 --> 00:35:49.980 to the rest of, 00:35:49.980 --> 00:35:51.300 that only my kingdom 00:35:51.300 --> 00:35:52.260 can bring. 00:35:52.659 --> 00:35:53.519 In the age to come, 00:35:54.000 --> 00:35:54.980 those who belong to me 00:35:54.980 --> 00:35:55.500 and my kingdom 00:35:55.500 --> 00:35:57.159 will have true rest. 00:35:58.139 --> 00:35:59.099 You will never see 00:35:59.099 --> 00:36:00.340 that the circumcision 00:36:00.340 --> 00:36:01.179 that Moses 00:36:01.179 --> 00:36:02.599 and the fathers gave you 00:36:02.599 --> 00:36:03.760 is served a purpose 00:36:03.760 --> 00:36:04.900 which was to mark out 00:36:04.900 --> 00:36:05.579 the Messiah. 00:36:06.119 --> 00:36:07.059 But now I've promised, 00:36:07.199 --> 00:36:08.059 even in the Old Testament, 00:36:08.440 --> 00:36:09.719 you need to be circumcised 00:36:09.719 --> 00:36:10.480 in your heart. 00:36:11.280 --> 00:36:12.420 That's really the purpose 00:36:12.420 --> 00:36:13.240 of circumcision. 00:36:14.199 --> 00:36:15.340 And you need to use 00:36:15.340 --> 00:36:16.320 right judgment 00:36:16.320 --> 00:36:17.519 because I made 00:36:17.519 --> 00:36:19.260 a man's entire body well. 00:36:19.760 --> 00:36:21.000 I am ushering in 00:36:21.000 --> 00:36:21.420 the kingdom 00:36:21.420 --> 00:36:23.100 that makes everything whole, 00:36:23.519 --> 00:36:24.539 set back in its place, 00:36:24.600 --> 00:36:25.660 but you don't see it. 00:36:28.920 --> 00:36:31.160 Jesus was unveiling to them 00:36:31.160 --> 00:36:33.360 the I am's. 00:36:34.100 --> 00:36:34.860 We've seen these 00:36:34.860 --> 00:36:36.180 and now it comes 00:36:36.180 --> 00:36:37.100 like an avalanche. 00:36:37.160 --> 00:36:37.980 It starts slow. 00:36:38.500 --> 00:36:39.420 Be ready for what 00:36:39.420 --> 00:36:40.240 Christ will reveal. 00:36:40.660 --> 00:36:41.480 He is showing them 00:36:41.480 --> 00:36:42.280 by His actions 00:36:42.280 --> 00:36:42.940 and very soon 00:36:42.940 --> 00:36:44.320 by even more of His words, 00:36:44.320 --> 00:36:46.500 I am the one 00:36:46.500 --> 00:36:47.539 who ushers in 00:36:47.539 --> 00:36:48.940 the kingdom of heaven. 00:36:49.340 --> 00:36:51.220 I am the true temple 00:36:51.220 --> 00:36:52.120 of God. 00:36:52.480 --> 00:36:53.860 I am that meeting place 00:36:53.860 --> 00:36:55.019 between you, 00:36:55.480 --> 00:36:56.180 sinful men 00:36:56.180 --> 00:36:57.680 who can't keep His law 00:36:57.680 --> 00:36:59.340 and the holy God. 00:36:59.780 --> 00:37:02.039 I am the living water. 00:37:02.220 --> 00:37:03.600 I am the light of the world. 00:37:03.980 --> 00:37:05.519 I am the feast 00:37:05.519 --> 00:37:06.680 of the nations. 00:37:08.720 --> 00:37:10.780 I am the king of kings. 00:37:10.780 --> 00:37:13.460 But in this coming, 00:37:14.019 --> 00:37:14.760 it's in the shape 00:37:14.760 --> 00:37:15.480 of a cross. 00:37:16.280 --> 00:37:17.300 It's the king 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:19.420 taking on His cross. 00:37:22.240 --> 00:37:23.120 So the cross 00:37:23.120 --> 00:37:24.100 is still a matter 00:37:24.100 --> 00:37:24.720 of shame 00:37:24.720 --> 00:37:26.680 and confusion today 00:37:26.680 --> 00:37:27.900 to those who don't have 00:37:27.900 --> 00:37:28.660 the Christ, 00:37:28.760 --> 00:37:29.160 who don't have 00:37:29.160 --> 00:37:29.840 the Holy Spirit 00:37:29.840 --> 00:37:30.640 bringing light 00:37:30.640 --> 00:37:31.840 to the heart. 00:37:32.700 --> 00:37:33.900 And it was just as much 00:37:33.900 --> 00:37:35.100 that in the first century 00:37:35.100 --> 00:37:36.380 and in the early church, 00:37:36.580 --> 00:37:37.560 Paul wrote to the church 00:37:37.560 --> 00:37:38.120 in Romans, 00:37:38.119 --> 00:37:39.179 in Rome, 00:37:39.259 --> 00:37:39.719 to the Romans 00:37:39.719 --> 00:37:41.500 in chapter 1, verse 16. 00:37:41.619 --> 00:37:41.920 He said, 00:37:42.079 --> 00:37:44.219 I am not ashamed 00:37:44.219 --> 00:37:45.440 of the gospel 00:37:45.440 --> 00:37:47.500 for it is the power of God. 00:37:49.059 --> 00:37:50.119 You might be wondering, 00:37:50.239 --> 00:37:51.759 what does that look like today? 00:37:52.480 --> 00:37:52.960 2023, 00:37:53.659 --> 00:37:54.759 right here where I live. 00:37:56.000 --> 00:37:56.900 I want to give you 00:37:56.900 --> 00:37:57.559 an encouragement 00:37:57.559 --> 00:37:59.259 of what this looks like 00:37:59.259 --> 00:38:00.019 even today. 00:38:00.099 --> 00:38:00.779 The modern world, 00:38:01.000 --> 00:38:01.619 not just here, 00:38:01.779 --> 00:38:03.279 anywhere in the world. 00:38:04.659 --> 00:38:05.619 In 1980, 00:38:05.619 --> 00:38:07.380 a Christian 00:38:07.380 --> 00:38:08.159 in the country 00:38:08.159 --> 00:38:08.920 of Rwanda 00:38:08.920 --> 00:38:09.779 in Africa, 00:38:10.940 --> 00:38:11.659 he was forced 00:38:11.659 --> 00:38:12.500 by his tribe 00:38:12.500 --> 00:38:14.039 to either renounce Christ 00:38:14.039 --> 00:38:16.259 or face certain death. 00:38:17.599 --> 00:38:18.779 He refused 00:38:18.779 --> 00:38:20.039 to renounce Christ 00:38:20.039 --> 00:38:20.940 and he was killed 00:38:20.940 --> 00:38:21.699 on the spot. 00:38:23.880 --> 00:38:25.159 When the church 00:38:25.159 --> 00:38:26.159 went in 00:38:26.159 --> 00:38:26.759 and cleaned up 00:38:26.759 --> 00:38:28.219 his apartment afterwards, 00:38:28.659 --> 00:38:29.799 they found a note 00:38:29.799 --> 00:38:30.440 that they believe 00:38:30.440 --> 00:38:30.839 he wrote 00:38:30.839 --> 00:38:31.900 maybe the night before 00:38:31.900 --> 00:38:33.400 and it had 00:38:33.400 --> 00:38:34.320 this little poem 00:38:34.320 --> 00:38:36.780 written by his handwriting 00:38:36.780 --> 00:38:37.960 and he entitled it 00:38:37.960 --> 00:38:38.880 The Fellowship 00:38:38.880 --> 00:38:40.300 of the Unashamed. 00:38:41.720 --> 00:38:42.700 I want to read this 00:38:42.700 --> 00:38:43.780 to you as an encouragement. 00:38:44.119 --> 00:38:45.240 This is what it sounds like 00:38:45.240 --> 00:38:46.400 when a true disciple 00:38:46.400 --> 00:38:47.119 of Christ 00:38:47.119 --> 00:38:49.260 has more and more 00:38:49.260 --> 00:38:49.860 of the love 00:38:49.860 --> 00:38:50.700 for Christ 00:38:50.700 --> 00:38:52.380 and lives out 00:38:52.380 --> 00:38:53.440 or at least desires 00:38:53.440 --> 00:38:54.119 to live out 00:38:54.119 --> 00:38:56.220 a cross-shaped ministry. 00:38:57.119 --> 00:38:58.240 Here's what our brother 00:38:58.240 --> 00:38:59.240 in Rwanda wrote. 00:38:59.239 --> 00:39:01.979 I am part of 00:39:01.979 --> 00:39:02.539 the fellowship 00:39:02.539 --> 00:39:03.639 of the unashamed. 00:39:04.379 --> 00:39:05.359 I have stepped 00:39:05.359 --> 00:39:06.179 over the line. 00:39:06.559 --> 00:39:07.099 The decision 00:39:07.099 --> 00:39:07.939 has been made. 00:39:08.139 --> 00:39:09.539 I am a disciple 00:39:09.539 --> 00:39:11.379 of Jesus Christ. 00:39:13.179 --> 00:39:14.179 There needs to come 00:39:14.179 --> 00:39:15.039 a point in your life 00:39:15.039 --> 00:39:16.479 where you know 00:39:16.479 --> 00:39:17.279 that as well. 00:39:18.039 --> 00:39:19.299 Am I or not? 00:39:20.539 --> 00:39:21.299 He wrote, 00:39:21.479 --> 00:39:22.659 I won't look back, 00:39:23.199 --> 00:39:23.699 let up, 00:39:24.199 --> 00:39:24.919 slow down, 00:39:25.179 --> 00:39:25.859 back away, 00:39:25.979 --> 00:39:26.779 or be still. 00:39:26.780 --> 00:39:29.300 This is maybe 00:39:29.300 --> 00:39:30.140 the biggest hindrance 00:39:30.140 --> 00:39:30.680 for all of us. 00:39:30.740 --> 00:39:31.500 What comes next? 00:39:32.140 --> 00:39:32.900 My past 00:39:32.900 --> 00:39:34.740 is redeemed. 00:39:37.140 --> 00:39:38.140 If you're in Christ, 00:39:38.220 --> 00:39:39.080 that's true for you. 00:39:39.980 --> 00:39:40.780 My present 00:39:40.780 --> 00:39:41.800 makes sense 00:39:41.800 --> 00:39:43.060 and my future 00:39:43.060 --> 00:39:44.440 is secure. 00:39:45.180 --> 00:39:46.440 I am finished 00:39:46.440 --> 00:39:47.160 and done 00:39:47.160 --> 00:39:48.220 with low living, 00:39:48.800 --> 00:39:49.600 sight walking, 00:39:50.040 --> 00:39:50.820 small planning, 00:39:51.840 --> 00:39:53.240 smooth knees, 00:39:53.239 --> 00:39:56.779 colorless dreams, 00:39:58.099 --> 00:39:58.899 chintzy giving, 00:39:59.559 --> 00:40:00.719 and dwarfed goals. 00:40:01.919 --> 00:40:03.039 I no longer 00:40:03.039 --> 00:40:04.079 need preeminence, 00:40:04.339 --> 00:40:04.819 prosperity, 00:40:05.099 --> 00:40:05.559 position, 00:40:06.319 --> 00:40:06.839 promotion, 00:40:07.439 --> 00:40:07.919 plaudits, 00:40:08.059 --> 00:40:08.779 or popularity. 00:40:09.519 --> 00:40:10.159 Don't you just see 00:40:10.159 --> 00:40:11.159 that cross-shaped ministry 00:40:11.159 --> 00:40:11.779 coming through 00:40:11.779 --> 00:40:12.699 this believer? 00:40:13.979 --> 00:40:15.239 I now live 00:40:15.239 --> 00:40:15.959 in peace, 00:40:17.479 --> 00:40:18.739 lean by faith, 00:40:19.439 --> 00:40:20.959 love by patience, 00:40:21.879 --> 00:40:22.959 lift by prayer, 00:40:23.239 --> 00:40:24.919 and labor by power. 00:40:26.000 --> 00:40:27.539 My pace is set, 00:40:27.779 --> 00:40:29.000 my gate is fast, 00:40:29.239 --> 00:40:30.339 my goal is heaven, 00:40:30.839 --> 00:40:31.899 my road is narrow, 00:40:32.319 --> 00:40:33.379 my way is rough, 00:40:33.719 --> 00:40:35.179 my companions few, 00:40:36.479 --> 00:40:38.059 my guide reliable, 00:40:38.559 --> 00:40:39.699 my mission clear. 00:40:40.019 --> 00:40:41.579 I cannot be bought, 00:40:42.079 --> 00:40:42.539 compromised, 00:40:43.179 --> 00:40:43.739 deterred, 00:40:44.119 --> 00:40:44.659 lured away, 00:40:45.099 --> 00:40:45.739 turned back, 00:40:46.139 --> 00:40:46.619 deluded, 00:40:46.619 --> 00:40:48.719 or delayed. 00:40:49.380 --> 00:40:51.119 I will not flinch 00:40:51.119 --> 00:40:52.679 in the face of sacrifice, 00:40:53.179 --> 00:40:54.359 hesitate in the presence 00:40:54.359 --> 00:40:55.119 of adversity, 00:40:55.559 --> 00:40:56.819 negotiate at the table 00:40:56.819 --> 00:40:57.539 of the enemy, 00:40:58.219 --> 00:40:59.279 ponder at the pool 00:40:59.279 --> 00:41:00.019 of popularity, 00:41:00.219 --> 00:41:00.839 or meander 00:41:00.839 --> 00:41:02.000 in the maze 00:41:02.000 --> 00:41:03.259 of mediocrity. 00:41:03.260 --> 00:41:05.200 I am a disciple 00:41:05.200 --> 00:41:06.500 of Jesus Christ. 00:41:06.940 --> 00:41:07.880 I must go 00:41:07.880 --> 00:41:09.360 until heaven returns, 00:41:09.840 --> 00:41:11.220 give until I drop, 00:41:11.640 --> 00:41:12.880 preach until all 00:41:12.880 --> 00:41:13.500 know, 00:41:14.300 --> 00:41:15.260 and work until 00:41:15.260 --> 00:41:16.000 He comes. 00:41:16.460 --> 00:41:17.360 And when He comes 00:41:17.360 --> 00:41:18.220 to get His own, 00:41:18.320 --> 00:41:19.680 He will have no problem 00:41:19.680 --> 00:41:21.180 recognizing me, 00:41:21.860 --> 00:41:23.120 my colors will be clear. 00:41:23.119 --> 00:41:23.199 Father, 00:41:24.000 --> 00:41:27.579 let's pray. 00:41:31.159 --> 00:41:31.980 Lord Jesus, 00:41:32.859 --> 00:41:34.639 make us faithful disciples. 00:41:36.779 --> 00:41:37.920 We are not that 00:41:37.920 --> 00:41:38.779 by our own power, 00:41:39.559 --> 00:41:40.960 but You are powerful 00:41:40.960 --> 00:41:41.839 on our behalf. 00:41:46.219 --> 00:41:46.699 Lord, 00:41:46.779 --> 00:41:47.359 please help us 00:41:47.359 --> 00:41:48.920 to behold Christ 00:41:48.920 --> 00:41:50.759 in His cross-shaped ministry. 00:41:50.760 --> 00:41:53.500 And as we behold You, 00:41:53.700 --> 00:41:54.840 as You've revealed Yourself 00:41:54.840 --> 00:41:55.520 in Your Word, 00:41:56.540 --> 00:41:58.860 we proclaim like the song, 00:42:00.420 --> 00:42:01.680 Christ exalted 00:42:01.680 --> 00:42:02.780 is our song, 00:42:03.500 --> 00:42:04.400 the sovereign 00:42:04.400 --> 00:42:05.480 over everything. 00:42:06.820 --> 00:42:08.740 He left His glorious throne 00:42:08.740 --> 00:42:09.580 beyond 00:42:09.580 --> 00:42:11.680 and stepped into 00:42:11.680 --> 00:42:12.860 our suffering. 00:42:14.160 --> 00:42:15.280 Those same hands 00:42:15.280 --> 00:42:16.040 that shaped 00:42:16.040 --> 00:42:17.820 the heaven's frame 00:42:17.820 --> 00:42:19.760 reached 00:42:19.760 --> 00:42:21.000 to heal 00:42:21.000 --> 00:42:21.620 a leper 00:42:21.620 --> 00:42:23.960 just like 00:42:23.960 --> 00:42:24.860 each one of us. 00:42:28.420 --> 00:42:28.940 Lord, 00:42:29.140 --> 00:42:29.780 thank You 00:42:29.780 --> 00:42:30.180 for how 00:42:30.180 --> 00:42:31.040 in Your meekness 00:42:31.040 --> 00:42:31.660 You came 00:42:31.660 --> 00:42:32.940 to lead us 00:42:32.940 --> 00:42:33.760 like a shepherd. 00:42:35.340 --> 00:42:36.260 We praise You 00:42:36.260 --> 00:42:37.640 for Your cross-shaped 00:42:37.640 --> 00:42:38.560 ministry, 00:42:39.000 --> 00:42:39.480 O Lord. 00:42:40.920 --> 00:42:41.600 Shape us 00:42:41.600 --> 00:42:43.040 to be like Christ. 00:42:43.240 --> 00:42:43.840 For Your glory 00:42:43.840 --> 00:42:44.260 we pray. 00:42:44.920 --> 00:42:45.200 Amen. 00:42:45.200 --> 00:42:45.300 Amen. 00:42:45.300 --> 00:42:45.320 Amen.