WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.960 Take a step back and focus our attention on the gospel itself, the ministry of Jesus, the sacrifice of Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus, the reason why the church exists in the first place. 00:00:14.040 --> 00:00:25.500 This is a long tradition in the history of the church to take the days or weeks leading up to Easter to immerse ourselves once again in the story that is told us in the New Testament gospels. 00:00:25.500 --> 00:00:31.920 So this week we're looking at Luke 18, starting at verse 15, as Jesus approaches Jerusalem. 00:00:32.039 --> 00:00:34.740 Next week we'll look at Luke 19, the triumphal entry. 00:00:35.299 --> 00:00:38.820 On Good Friday we'll look at Jesus' crucifixion in Luke 23. 00:00:39.359 --> 00:00:45.539 On Easter Sunday we'll read Luke 24 and also from Colossians about being raised with Christ. 00:00:45.659 --> 00:00:47.219 So that's where we're going the next three weeks. 00:00:47.780 --> 00:00:54.600 But let's start today, Luke 18, starting at verse 15. 00:00:55.500 --> 00:01:01.740 Now they were bringing even infants to him, to Jesus, that he might touch them. 00:01:02.520 --> 00:01:04.700 And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 00:01:05.540 --> 00:01:14.640 But Jesus called them to him, saying, Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 00:01:15.640 --> 00:01:21.079 Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. 00:01:21.079 --> 00:01:26.620 And a ruler asked him to a teacher, What must I do to inherit eternal life? 00:01:27.759 --> 00:01:30.539 And Jesus said to him, Why do you call me good? 00:01:31.439 --> 00:01:33.060 No one is good except God alone. 00:01:34.340 --> 00:01:35.179 You know the commandments. 00:01:35.439 --> 00:01:40.759 Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother. 00:01:40.760 --> 00:01:43.640 And he said, All these I have kept from my youth. 00:01:44.719 --> 00:01:48.700 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, One thing you still lack. 00:01:49.740 --> 00:01:52.640 Sell all that you have, and distribute to the poor. 00:01:53.260 --> 00:01:55.920 And you will have treasure in heaven, and come, follow me. 00:01:57.320 --> 00:01:59.700 But when he heard these things, he became very sad. 00:02:00.680 --> 00:02:02.020 For he was extremely rich. 00:02:02.019 --> 00:02:08.979 Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God. 00:02:10.079 --> 00:02:15.680 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. 00:02:16.840 --> 00:02:18.780 Those who heard it said, Then who can be saved? 00:02:19.960 --> 00:02:22.819 But he said, What is impossible with man is possible with God. 00:02:23.219 --> 00:02:25.939 And Peter said, See, we have left our homes and followed you. 00:02:25.939 --> 00:02:34.979 And he said to them, Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife, brothers, parents, children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 00:02:35.079 --> 00:02:39.460 will not receive many times more in this time and in the age to come eternal life. 00:02:40.560 --> 00:02:43.579 And taking the twelve, he said to them, See, we are going up to Jerusalem, 00:02:44.620 --> 00:02:48.120 and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished, 00:02:48.300 --> 00:02:50.439 for he will be delivered over to the Gentiles, 00:02:51.159 --> 00:02:54.280 and will be bombed, and shamefully treated, and spit upon. 00:02:54.280 --> 00:02:59.080 And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise. 00:02:59.539 --> 00:03:01.860 But they understood none of these things. 00:03:02.580 --> 00:03:06.780 This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said. 00:03:08.680 --> 00:03:13.180 Well, there are three episodes for our passage this morning, which we'll consider in order. 00:03:13.360 --> 00:03:19.639 First, episode 1, verse 15 to 17, is about children entering into the kingdom of God. 00:03:19.639 --> 00:03:26.419 Episode 2, is about a rich ruler missing out on the kingdom of God. 00:03:26.859 --> 00:03:32.279 And episode 3, verse 31 to 34, is how Jesus would establish the kingdom of God. 00:03:33.339 --> 00:03:37.239 So we're going to take these in turn, and I think you'll see how they fit together as we go along. 00:03:37.739 --> 00:03:40.799 So first, children and the kingdom of God. 00:03:40.899 --> 00:03:44.779 People are bringing children to Jesus, so that he might touch them, 00:03:44.780 --> 00:03:47.539 that is, so he might bless them, or perhaps even heal them. 00:03:48.460 --> 00:03:51.460 What we see is Jesus not only received the children in his arms, 00:03:51.680 --> 00:03:55.900 he pointed to them as models for what it means to trust and follow him. 00:03:57.460 --> 00:04:00.360 Verse 16, to such belongs the kingdom of God. 00:04:00.460 --> 00:04:04.259 Verse 17, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. 00:04:05.080 --> 00:04:08.879 Now this is probably one of the better known stories from Jesus' ministry. 00:04:08.879 --> 00:04:14.340 But I think the meaning of this episode is not always so clear. 00:04:15.460 --> 00:04:17.579 Because the key question we need to ask is, 00:04:17.699 --> 00:04:21.579 what exactly does it mean to be like a child? 00:04:22.620 --> 00:04:26.199 What quality of children is Jesus pointing to and saying, 00:04:26.779 --> 00:04:30.839 we need this, you need this, to enter the kingdom? 00:04:31.639 --> 00:04:33.659 Now, there are a few ideas out there, right? 00:04:33.660 --> 00:04:39.560 So some people say, a very common view today is that children are naturally pure and innocent. 00:04:40.500 --> 00:04:44.840 And that's why Jesus points to them as models for receiving the kingdom of God. 00:04:45.940 --> 00:04:47.620 But there are several problems with this idea. 00:04:49.180 --> 00:04:51.260 First, let me suggest that if you say, 00:04:51.460 --> 00:04:53.640 children are naturally pure and innocent, 00:04:54.740 --> 00:04:57.480 I suggest that you have probably not raised children. 00:04:58.780 --> 00:05:02.200 Or it was long enough ago that you have forgotten what it was like. 00:05:02.199 --> 00:05:07.000 Second, the idea that children are naturally pure and innocent 00:05:07.000 --> 00:05:10.879 originated in the 19th century, in the Romantic period. 00:05:11.659 --> 00:05:15.240 We have no evidence that any of Jesus' time would have considered children models 00:05:15.240 --> 00:05:17.019 of pristine purity and innocence. 00:05:17.939 --> 00:05:22.879 Third, the Bible as a whole does not teach that children are born pure and innocent 00:05:22.879 --> 00:05:26.019 and then become corrupted by the world as they grow up. 00:05:26.839 --> 00:05:29.480 It teaches that people of all ages bear the image of God, 00:05:29.480 --> 00:05:33.420 and people of all ages are corrupted by sin and self-centeredness. 00:05:34.640 --> 00:05:37.020 Fourth, if this view were true, 00:05:37.540 --> 00:05:40.439 then Jesus would be saying that the kingdom of God belongs only, 00:05:40.759 --> 00:05:41.680 because he says, 00:05:42.259 --> 00:05:45.020 whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it, 00:05:45.800 --> 00:05:49.000 then it would mean the kingdom of God belongs only to those who are pure and innocent. 00:05:49.000 --> 00:05:52.379 But if you look at the story just beforehand, 00:05:53.180 --> 00:05:54.839 which Matt read at the beginning of the service, 00:05:55.360 --> 00:05:57.639 the whole point is that the kingdom of God belongs to sinners, 00:05:58.600 --> 00:06:00.620 who cry out to God for mercy, 00:06:01.160 --> 00:06:02.519 people who aren't pure and innocent. 00:06:04.699 --> 00:06:06.339 So we need to throw that idea out. 00:06:07.579 --> 00:06:08.319 Second idea. 00:06:09.819 --> 00:06:13.639 Some people say children represent an attitude of humility and trust. 00:06:13.639 --> 00:06:15.659 This one's closer to the point. 00:06:16.779 --> 00:06:18.779 If you look at verse 14, right beforehand, 00:06:19.659 --> 00:06:20.120 Jesus says, 00:06:20.360 --> 00:06:21.860 everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, 00:06:21.959 --> 00:06:24.399 but he who commels himself will be exalted. 00:06:24.539 --> 00:06:28.419 Jesus clearly wants to teach us to adopt an attitude of humility and trust, 00:06:28.519 --> 00:06:31.620 and he's pointing to the figure of a child who teaches that. 00:06:32.759 --> 00:06:35.060 But Jesus doesn't say that children naturally, 00:06:35.539 --> 00:06:38.779 or always, or mostly, exhibit humility and trust. 00:06:39.339 --> 00:06:40.379 Sometimes they do. 00:06:41.079 --> 00:06:43.479 But children are also naturally very fearful. 00:06:44.539 --> 00:06:45.680 Sometimes wisely so. 00:06:45.779 --> 00:06:47.060 Sometimes irrationally so. 00:06:47.360 --> 00:06:49.479 Children also naturally exhibit self-centeredness. 00:06:50.180 --> 00:06:51.599 Just wanting to get their own way. 00:06:51.719 --> 00:06:52.659 Not wanting to share. 00:06:52.959 --> 00:06:53.879 Always wanting more. 00:06:55.159 --> 00:06:57.819 So I don't think Jesus is pointing to a character quality 00:06:57.819 --> 00:07:01.680 that's particularly prevalent in children more than adults. 00:07:02.779 --> 00:07:05.899 Because Jesus never defines such a character quality. 00:07:07.180 --> 00:07:08.500 What is Jesus pointing to? 00:07:09.759 --> 00:07:13.180 Jesus is pointing to the objective status of a child. 00:07:14.259 --> 00:07:15.919 Children by their very nature, 00:07:16.719 --> 00:07:17.620 in every culture, 00:07:17.759 --> 00:07:18.979 in every period of history, 00:07:19.259 --> 00:07:23.019 are some of the most dependent and vulnerable human beings. 00:07:25.360 --> 00:07:25.839 Right? 00:07:25.899 --> 00:07:27.899 These children didn't even bring themselves to Jesus. 00:07:28.019 --> 00:07:29.279 They were brought to Jesus. 00:07:30.439 --> 00:07:31.979 Luke points out they were even infants. 00:07:32.639 --> 00:07:34.620 The most helpless of all. 00:07:34.719 --> 00:07:37.899 The ones who can't even hold on to something for a minute or two. 00:07:37.899 --> 00:07:40.259 Let alone know or manage anything. 00:07:41.620 --> 00:07:42.939 Children are all wrong. 00:07:43.859 --> 00:07:45.579 They can't survive independently. 00:07:46.399 --> 00:07:49.859 Every meal they eat has been brought and prepared by someone else. 00:07:50.259 --> 00:07:52.359 Every toy they play with has been given to them. 00:07:52.360 --> 00:07:56.500 The only thing a child, especially an infant, can do is receive. 00:07:56.500 --> 00:08:02.480 And in Jesus' society, children were seen as relatively unimportant. 00:08:03.699 --> 00:08:08.180 In Jesus' society, the social hierarchy was men, women, children. 00:08:08.180 --> 00:08:13.660 So most religious teachers in Jesus' day spent time only teaching other men. 00:08:14.379 --> 00:08:16.379 Most rarely spent time with women. 00:08:16.740 --> 00:08:18.319 Even more rarely with children. 00:08:19.319 --> 00:08:21.540 And so the disciples carried this assumption in. 00:08:21.600 --> 00:08:24.939 They assumed children are not worthy of Jesus' time and energy. 00:08:25.680 --> 00:08:30.220 Probably half of them would die of diseases before ever reaching adulthood. 00:08:30.220 --> 00:08:34.660 And that affected people's perceptions of children back then. 00:08:36.120 --> 00:08:40.580 The disciples' assumption was, if you're building a kingdom, if you're doing something important in this world, 00:08:41.560 --> 00:08:43.960 don't waste your time hanging out with kids. 00:08:45.500 --> 00:08:46.420 Jesus disagreed. 00:08:47.860 --> 00:08:51.000 When the disciples tried to send away the children, Jesus intervened. 00:08:51.779 --> 00:08:56.240 And he called the children to himself and touched them and blessed them and embraced them as his own. 00:08:56.240 --> 00:09:00.480 And he says, my kingdom is for children and those like them. 00:09:01.419 --> 00:09:02.060 For the helpless. 00:09:03.019 --> 00:09:03.879 For the vulnerable. 00:09:04.080 --> 00:09:04.799 For the lowly. 00:09:05.460 --> 00:09:06.440 For those who have nothing. 00:09:07.159 --> 00:09:08.120 Nothing to bring. 00:09:08.639 --> 00:09:10.000 Nothing to boast about. 00:09:10.399 --> 00:09:13.060 Nothing to distinguish them as more worthy than others. 00:09:13.379 --> 00:09:14.240 Nothing to give. 00:09:15.100 --> 00:09:17.259 That we haven't simply received. 00:09:18.259 --> 00:09:23.840 Jesus is saying, no one is excluded from the kingdom of God or marginalized in the kingdom of God 00:09:23.840 --> 00:09:25.779 because of what you don't have. 00:09:26.240 --> 00:09:28.980 This is good news. 00:09:29.919 --> 00:09:31.480 This is good news for children. 00:09:31.980 --> 00:09:34.039 That Jesus receives kids with open arms. 00:09:34.120 --> 00:09:35.919 Not because kids are poor and innocent. 00:09:36.299 --> 00:09:38.340 But because simply he loves you. 00:09:39.299 --> 00:09:40.460 It's good news if you're helpless. 00:09:41.220 --> 00:09:44.259 It's good news if you feel like you don't measure up to society's standards. 00:09:44.419 --> 00:09:47.019 It's good news if you're conscious of all that you don't have. 00:09:47.580 --> 00:09:48.799 Or haven't achieved. 00:09:49.299 --> 00:09:50.240 Or can't achieve. 00:09:50.659 --> 00:09:52.639 Jesus is saying, all you need is nothing. 00:09:52.639 --> 00:09:55.799 Come to me like a child. 00:09:55.799 --> 00:10:00.279 And I'll receive you with open arms. 00:10:01.539 --> 00:10:03.899 That's what it means to enter the kingdom of God like a child. 00:10:05.299 --> 00:10:06.219 That's the first episode. 00:10:06.359 --> 00:10:07.079 Second episode. 00:10:08.319 --> 00:10:09.199 A rich ruler. 00:10:10.259 --> 00:10:11.179 Who misses out. 00:10:11.859 --> 00:10:12.879 On the kingdom of God. 00:10:12.879 --> 00:10:15.080 Now on the surface. 00:10:15.860 --> 00:10:22.299 This guy could have seemed best qualified to have a prominent position in the kingdom of God. 00:10:23.539 --> 00:10:24.279 Some reasons. 00:10:24.399 --> 00:10:25.159 First he's a ruler. 00:10:26.320 --> 00:10:29.080 At the very least that means he's a respected community leader. 00:10:29.220 --> 00:10:30.679 Perhaps he was a ruler of the synagogue. 00:10:31.480 --> 00:10:32.299 Like Tyrus. 00:10:32.879 --> 00:10:34.659 Perhaps even a member of the Sanhedrin. 00:10:35.340 --> 00:10:36.379 Like Nicodemus. 00:10:36.379 --> 00:10:39.059 He was certainly well versed in the Bible. 00:10:40.000 --> 00:10:40.860 He knew the commandments. 00:10:41.759 --> 00:10:43.039 He had kept them from his youth. 00:10:44.159 --> 00:10:44.939 Even more than that. 00:10:44.980 --> 00:10:45.980 He was listening to Jesus. 00:10:46.159 --> 00:10:49.379 He was keen to inquire of Jesus about spiritual matters. 00:10:50.100 --> 00:10:51.220 And finally he was rich. 00:10:52.439 --> 00:10:57.559 And many people would have seen his wealth as a visible sign of God's favor on his life. 00:10:58.559 --> 00:10:59.259 After all. 00:10:59.759 --> 00:11:00.839 In Deuteronomy 28. 00:11:01.359 --> 00:11:04.179 God had promised that when his people entered the promised land. 00:11:04.399 --> 00:11:06.459 If they were obedient they would be blessed. 00:11:07.979 --> 00:11:10.139 The Lord will make you abound in prosperity. 00:11:11.159 --> 00:11:13.039 The Lord will make you the head and not the tail. 00:11:13.159 --> 00:11:17.619 You shall only go up and knock down if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God. 00:11:18.839 --> 00:11:20.259 You know if you're building a business. 00:11:20.839 --> 00:11:22.179 Or starting a non-profit. 00:11:23.239 --> 00:11:25.239 Or leading a church for that matter. 00:11:25.240 --> 00:11:27.980 And someone like this guy comes along. 00:11:29.139 --> 00:11:30.139 Well respected. 00:11:30.980 --> 00:11:31.919 Well trained. 00:11:32.440 --> 00:11:33.600 Leadership experience. 00:11:33.899 --> 00:11:34.980 Financial resources. 00:11:36.120 --> 00:11:37.759 They immediately go to the top of your list. 00:11:37.940 --> 00:11:38.139 Right? 00:11:39.379 --> 00:11:39.700 Oh. 00:11:40.960 --> 00:11:42.539 I'm going to recruit them to be a board member. 00:11:43.720 --> 00:11:44.539 A faithful donor. 00:11:45.000 --> 00:11:46.759 The public face of our organization. 00:11:48.440 --> 00:11:51.539 And so Jesus' response to this man is very unexpected. 00:11:52.799 --> 00:11:53.720 Verse 22. 00:11:55.240 --> 00:11:56.860 One thing you still lack. 00:11:57.759 --> 00:12:00.279 Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor. 00:12:00.799 --> 00:12:03.180 And you will have treasure in heaven and come all the way. 00:12:04.799 --> 00:12:08.259 Now Jesus doesn't say this to anyone else. 00:12:09.180 --> 00:12:11.440 To give absolutely everything away. 00:12:11.680 --> 00:12:14.539 Distribute it all to the poor and only then follow him. 00:12:14.539 --> 00:12:16.879 It's not a universal command. 00:12:17.059 --> 00:12:20.579 That Jesus gives to all of his followers in the same way. 00:12:22.159 --> 00:12:23.299 But notice. 00:12:24.139 --> 00:12:25.740 Jesus doesn't just say to the man. 00:12:26.419 --> 00:12:30.679 Your problem is that you're too inwardly attached to your possessions. 00:12:31.839 --> 00:12:36.719 The solution is for you to practice interior spiritual detachment. 00:12:36.720 --> 00:12:49.180 See for this particular man Jesus knew the only way he would be free from his excessive attachment to his possessions was to literally give them away. 00:12:49.179 --> 00:12:51.179 To give it to the poor. 00:12:51.179 --> 00:12:52.179 To give it to the poor. 00:12:52.739 --> 00:12:58.919 And to trust Jesus promised that in following him he would gain treasure in heaven that he would never lose. 00:13:00.279 --> 00:13:03.159 In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said a similar thing. 00:13:04.339 --> 00:13:07.459 He says if your right eye causes you to sin tear it out. 00:13:08.019 --> 00:13:10.179 If your right hand causes you to sin cut it off. 00:13:10.179 --> 00:13:13.099 Now Jesus is not promoting physical mutilation. 00:13:14.399 --> 00:13:15.359 He was making a point. 00:13:15.479 --> 00:13:22.559 Sometimes the only way to be free from an idolatrous attachment is to cut it off completely. 00:13:23.779 --> 00:13:29.579 Like a leg that is so deeply infected with gangrene that the only way to preserve the whole body is to amputate. 00:13:30.939 --> 00:13:34.039 Jesus works with his men are strong but they're not unparalleled. 00:13:34.039 --> 00:13:43.559 And if you think about it in almost every case when Jesus calls people to follow him there's something that they must leave behind. 00:13:45.879 --> 00:13:56.179 You see their new loyalty to Jesus Christ reshaped and reframed all their other identities and relationships into the same pattern as us. 00:13:56.179 --> 00:14:06.559 You see what Jesus was summoning this rich, religious, respected, fooler to do was to become like a child. 00:14:07.799 --> 00:14:09.479 And we're going to enter the kingdom of God. 00:14:10.859 --> 00:14:15.839 To lay aside his wealth, his worldly status, his claims to moral goodness, his polite pretensions. 00:14:16.679 --> 00:14:22.659 You know that's why Jesus challenges his good teacher remark in verse 19. 00:14:22.659 --> 00:14:27.459 Calling a rabbi good teacher was an over-the-top compliment. 00:14:28.120 --> 00:14:30.240 It was not a normal way of addressing a rabbi. 00:14:30.339 --> 00:14:31.779 It was an over-the-top compliment. 00:14:31.959 --> 00:14:35.399 It was the kind of remark that's sort of saying, good teacher. 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:38.659 And it's sort of calling for a response, good student. 00:14:39.939 --> 00:14:41.919 And Jesus says, uh-uh-uh. 00:14:43.839 --> 00:14:45.899 I'm not playing a flattery game. 00:14:45.899 --> 00:14:56.720 Just as Jesus, the same message that Jesus communicated to the children who were being brought to him. 00:14:57.779 --> 00:15:05.199 In order to enter God's kingdom, in order to inherit eternal life, to have treasure in heaven, to be saved, all those really mean the same thing. 00:15:06.600 --> 00:15:08.259 Jesus is saying, all you need is nothing. 00:15:10.059 --> 00:15:11.980 All you need is to come to Jesus like a child. 00:15:11.980 --> 00:15:17.600 For the children and those like him, that was the most welcoming message in the world. 00:15:19.480 --> 00:15:26.519 For the rich ruler and those like him, it was the most disturbing and threatening message he could have imagined. 00:15:27.440 --> 00:15:31.960 Because nothing was the one thing that this rich man didn't have. 00:15:33.960 --> 00:15:35.060 And so he went away. 00:15:36.340 --> 00:15:38.740 Extremely rich and very sad. 00:15:38.740 --> 00:15:46.240 Jesus said, it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. 00:15:47.820 --> 00:15:56.500 And you know, if we're anything like the rich ruler, we're in a position of authority, we earn a decent salary, 00:15:57.240 --> 00:16:02.919 we're well-respected in certain social circles, and we diligently sought to live by poor principles, 00:16:02.919 --> 00:16:06.860 our default mode is to approach God and say, 00:16:07.659 --> 00:16:11.059 look at my gifts and abilities and accomplishments. 00:16:11.519 --> 00:16:13.379 I've done a pretty good job, haven't I? 00:16:14.079 --> 00:16:16.799 Or, look at my good world track record. 00:16:17.759 --> 00:16:20.059 I've stayed on the straight and narrow since my youth. 00:16:20.759 --> 00:16:21.860 Not everybody else has. 00:16:23.199 --> 00:16:24.779 Or perhaps, look at all I've suffered. 00:16:25.939 --> 00:16:27.139 Don't I deserve a break? 00:16:27.139 --> 00:16:29.299 Shouldn't you affirm me? 00:16:29.639 --> 00:16:33.319 Don't I deserve a good position, an honored position in your kingdom? 00:16:37.039 --> 00:16:41.019 Jesus says, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child. 00:16:41.799 --> 00:16:47.179 A lowly, dependent, vulnerable child shall not enter. 00:16:47.179 --> 00:16:57.739 In John chapter 3, Jesus said a very similar thing to another rich, religious, respected ruler, Nicodemus. 00:16:58.739 --> 00:17:03.419 He said, in order to enter the kingdom of God, you must be born again. 00:17:06.159 --> 00:17:08.500 In verse 26, Jesus here has got the point. 00:17:10.339 --> 00:17:13.679 If this man can't be saved, who can? 00:17:13.679 --> 00:17:13.779 Who can? 00:17:17.180 --> 00:17:20.220 Thankfully, Jesus responds in verse 27 with the word of hope. 00:17:21.560 --> 00:17:26.680 What is impossible with man is possible with God. 00:17:27.779 --> 00:17:29.019 Don't despair. 00:17:30.960 --> 00:17:35.140 What is impossible with human beings is possible with God. 00:17:36.640 --> 00:17:38.380 And Jesus' disciples are a case in point. 00:17:39.860 --> 00:17:41.860 You see, the disciples were far from perfect. 00:17:42.740 --> 00:17:43.900 In this chapter alone, 00:17:44.519 --> 00:17:46.860 the disciples were the ones who rebuked the children. 00:17:48.160 --> 00:17:50.000 And tried to hinder them from coming to Jesus. 00:17:50.160 --> 00:17:51.220 And Jesus had to say, no. 00:17:52.140 --> 00:17:52.660 And you know what? 00:17:52.700 --> 00:17:55.340 Back in chapter 9, Jesus already taught them. 00:17:56.600 --> 00:17:58.700 Whoever receives a child in my name, 00:17:59.420 --> 00:17:59.940 receives me. 00:18:00.640 --> 00:18:02.860 He had already taught them that they needed to receive children. 00:18:02.980 --> 00:18:04.160 They had learned. 00:18:04.160 --> 00:18:08.140 And then verse 34. 00:18:09.140 --> 00:18:11.800 It says, they understood nothing of what Jesus said. 00:18:12.600 --> 00:18:14.560 Even though his words were quite clear. 00:18:16.120 --> 00:18:17.779 The disciples had a long way to go. 00:18:18.640 --> 00:18:21.840 And Jesus had to teach his disciples this lesson about dependence. 00:18:21.839 --> 00:18:28.279 And identifying with the lowly over and over again. 00:18:28.279 --> 00:18:34.440 You see, it's not like we enter the kingdom of God as a child, 00:18:34.899 --> 00:18:37.160 recognizing our dependence and vulnerability, 00:18:37.700 --> 00:18:41.000 and then we grow up to be a self-sufficient adult 00:18:41.000 --> 00:18:44.599 who deserves lots of perks. 00:18:46.819 --> 00:18:49.420 Jesus said, the greatest in the kingdom 00:18:49.420 --> 00:18:53.079 is the one who receives a child in Jesus' name. 00:18:54.420 --> 00:18:56.759 The greatest in the kingdom is the one who loves and serves 00:18:56.759 --> 00:19:00.660 people who are dependent and vulnerable and lowly 00:19:00.660 --> 00:19:03.480 with sincerity and without superiority. 00:19:03.480 --> 00:19:08.220 The greatest in the kingdom is the servant of all. 00:19:12.960 --> 00:19:16.860 So the disciples had a lot to learn. 00:19:17.900 --> 00:19:19.579 But as Peter points out in verse 28, 00:19:20.220 --> 00:19:23.039 they had left what was most dear and dear to them 00:19:23.039 --> 00:19:25.019 in order to follow Jesus. 00:19:25.120 --> 00:19:27.099 There was something about Jesus that had 00:19:27.099 --> 00:19:29.160 sort of magnetically attracted them. 00:19:30.059 --> 00:19:33.039 Even if they couldn't explain what it was, 00:19:33.039 --> 00:19:36.240 they weren't even clear in their own minds who he was, 00:19:36.539 --> 00:19:37.839 or where he was leading them, 00:19:37.879 --> 00:19:40.460 or what was the nature of this kingdom he was talking about, 00:19:40.559 --> 00:19:42.319 they had been drawn to Jesus. 00:19:42.980 --> 00:19:45.460 And they had taken steps of obedience to follow him 00:19:45.460 --> 00:19:48.460 and learn from him and listen to him. 00:19:49.259 --> 00:19:51.240 And Jesus gave them a word of encouragement. 00:19:52.039 --> 00:19:53.480 Verse 29 and 30, he says, 00:19:53.480 --> 00:19:55.619 Whoever and whatever you have left behind 00:19:55.619 --> 00:19:57.619 for the sake of the kingdom of God, 00:19:57.680 --> 00:20:00.319 you will perceive many times more in this life 00:20:00.319 --> 00:20:02.799 and in the age to come eternal life. 00:20:03.039 --> 00:20:06.279 So if you have paid, 00:20:06.420 --> 00:20:07.480 or if you are paying, 00:20:08.200 --> 00:20:10.960 a high cost in order to follow Jesus, 00:20:11.079 --> 00:20:12.519 whether that's financial cost, 00:20:12.639 --> 00:20:13.799 emotional cost, 00:20:14.200 --> 00:20:15.659 or relational cost, 00:20:16.799 --> 00:20:19.220 know that your sacrifice is not a thing. 00:20:20.379 --> 00:20:22.139 And know that every time you can issue 00:20:22.140 --> 00:20:23.560 a difficult command, 00:20:24.080 --> 00:20:25.120 it is a penalty, 00:20:25.520 --> 00:20:27.800 and I think you are waiting for promise. 00:20:29.420 --> 00:20:31.060 So, so far we've seen dependent, 00:20:31.259 --> 00:20:32.440 vulnerable, lowly children 00:20:32.440 --> 00:20:34.460 received by Jesus with open arms, 00:20:35.000 --> 00:20:35.860 and we've seen a rich, 00:20:35.940 --> 00:20:37.340 religious, respected ruler 00:20:37.340 --> 00:20:38.580 who missed out, 00:20:38.920 --> 00:20:41.460 who was unwilling to give way 00:20:41.460 --> 00:20:47.019 his most prized possessions even when he was personally summoned by the kingdom side. 00:20:48.960 --> 00:20:53.880 There's one more episode I want us to consider this morning, verse 31 to 34. 00:20:55.539 --> 00:21:05.059 And in this episode we see another rich, religious, respected ruler who was summoned by the divine 00:21:05.059 --> 00:21:12.559 call to lay down all that belong to him for the joy of gaining an everlasting reward. 00:21:15.779 --> 00:21:23.059 Verse 31, taking the twelve Jews, said to them, See, we are going out to Jerusalem, and everything 00:21:23.059 --> 00:21:26.059 that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. 00:21:27.159 --> 00:21:31.399 For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles, and will be mocked, and shamefully treated, 00:21:31.400 --> 00:21:36.640 and spit upon, and after fogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day, he will rise. 00:21:39.040 --> 00:21:47.820 You see, Jesus Christ outranked this rich ruler, who he had just been dialoguing with in every way. 00:21:48.820 --> 00:21:51.080 He wasn't just well-off in his own society. 00:21:52.560 --> 00:21:54.519 His wealth surpassed all comparison. 00:21:54.519 --> 00:21:56.140 He owned the entire universe. 00:21:56.320 --> 00:21:59.019 He designed, constructed, and maintained it all. 00:21:59.019 --> 00:22:03.859 He could have chosen any corner of it to be his dwelling place. 00:22:05.460 --> 00:22:09.059 He wasn't just a well-off scribe who knew the commandments. 00:22:09.980 --> 00:22:16.019 Since his youth, he had come to actually fulfill, to accomplish, what was written about him in the prophets. 00:22:17.859 --> 00:22:23.259 He wasn't just a respected ruler of a local synagogue, or a member of a local ruling council. 00:22:24.259 --> 00:22:26.759 He was a king whose authority knew no boundaries. 00:22:26.759 --> 00:22:34.299 If you notice, Jesus doesn't just say, follow these laws, or follow my teachings. 00:22:34.400 --> 00:22:35.940 He says, follow me. 00:22:39.839 --> 00:22:41.779 He says, let the children come to me. 00:22:42.940 --> 00:22:44.859 For to such belongs the kingdom of God. 00:22:44.920 --> 00:22:48.160 He identifies himself with the kingdom of God. 00:22:48.259 --> 00:22:49.500 He's saying, I'm the king. 00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:52.640 God's anointed king. 00:22:53.240 --> 00:22:54.640 The son of God himself. 00:22:56.859 --> 00:22:58.779 Destined to rule the nations in glory. 00:23:00.779 --> 00:23:05.200 What we see in this last part is that Jesus Christ was willing to surrender everything he had. 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:06.880 His riches. 00:23:07.759 --> 00:23:08.380 His power. 00:23:09.099 --> 00:23:09.740 His honor. 00:23:10.559 --> 00:23:12.160 He set his face to go up to Jerusalem. 00:23:12.160 --> 00:23:15.820 The city where David had once established his kingdom. 00:23:16.000 --> 00:23:20.720 And where God had promised David, one of your descendants, will rule forever. 00:23:22.860 --> 00:23:24.480 And yet, in Jerusalem, Jesus knew. 00:23:25.740 --> 00:23:28.220 He would be rejected by his own people. 00:23:28.860 --> 00:23:31.220 Delivered to the pagan Gentiles. 00:23:31.220 --> 00:23:36.360 He was following the path that the prophet Isaiah had described of. 00:23:36.779 --> 00:23:37.779 The servant of the Lord. 00:23:39.200 --> 00:23:41.000 Who would set his face like flint. 00:23:41.880 --> 00:23:43.500 And who would suffer greatly. 00:23:43.660 --> 00:23:45.160 Before he could be vindicated. 00:23:46.559 --> 00:23:49.019 Though he deserved the acclaim and honor of all. 00:23:49.120 --> 00:23:49.860 He was mocked. 00:23:50.860 --> 00:23:52.559 Shapely treated and spit upon. 00:23:53.860 --> 00:23:54.600 Stripped naked. 00:23:55.180 --> 00:23:55.880 And nailed grocery. 00:23:56.660 --> 00:23:57.160 And he knew. 00:23:57.160 --> 00:24:01.620 Every step along his journey to Jerusalem. 00:24:01.800 --> 00:24:03.380 He knew where he was going. 00:24:05.240 --> 00:24:06.720 Nobody else really did. 00:24:08.060 --> 00:24:09.700 His disciples didn't get it at all. 00:24:09.779 --> 00:24:11.100 Even when he told them to blame him. 00:24:11.460 --> 00:24:12.400 He had no one. 00:24:13.840 --> 00:24:14.800 Alongside of him. 00:24:15.800 --> 00:24:16.660 To encourage. 00:24:16.980 --> 00:24:17.540 And affirm. 00:24:18.900 --> 00:24:19.920 And sympathize. 00:24:21.960 --> 00:24:23.040 He took his journey. 00:24:23.840 --> 00:24:24.500 He left the way. 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:26.100 And he left the way alone. 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:28.580 You see. 00:24:28.640 --> 00:24:30.180 Jesus had come to establish God's kingdom. 00:24:31.000 --> 00:24:32.080 But he would only rise. 00:24:32.180 --> 00:24:33.140 The resurrection life. 00:24:33.320 --> 00:24:34.140 Eternal glory. 00:24:34.259 --> 00:24:35.420 After a painful journey. 00:24:38.600 --> 00:24:39.960 The reason that we're here today. 00:24:40.120 --> 00:24:41.680 The reason the Christian church exists. 00:24:41.960 --> 00:24:44.240 Is because Jesus Christ did this for us. 00:24:44.720 --> 00:24:45.440 Did for us. 00:24:45.500 --> 00:24:46.960 What we could never do for ourselves. 00:24:48.460 --> 00:24:51.040 Jesus did all that he asked the rich ruler to do. 00:24:51.040 --> 00:24:52.880 And a thousand times more. 00:24:54.019 --> 00:24:55.200 Jesus had everything. 00:24:55.340 --> 00:24:56.340 And he held on to nothing. 00:24:56.339 --> 00:24:57.919 He laid it all down. 00:24:58.039 --> 00:24:59.179 For the sake of obedience. 00:24:59.740 --> 00:25:00.599 To God the Father. 00:25:01.319 --> 00:25:02.279 And for the salvation. 00:25:02.779 --> 00:25:03.439 Of his people. 00:25:05.619 --> 00:25:06.619 This is the king. 00:25:06.619 --> 00:25:08.699 Whom we worship. 00:25:09.439 --> 00:25:10.419 This is the king. 00:25:10.419 --> 00:25:10.959 This is the king's glory. 00:25:10.959 --> 00:25:11.579 We proclaim. 00:25:11.879 --> 00:25:12.679 This is our king. 00:25:12.819 --> 00:25:13.959 Who hung on a cross. 00:25:14.119 --> 00:25:15.539 And was raised to the dead. 00:25:16.899 --> 00:25:17.759 This is the king. 00:25:17.839 --> 00:25:18.879 Who willingly embraced. 00:25:19.399 --> 00:25:19.919 The status. 00:25:20.439 --> 00:25:20.979 Of a child. 00:25:22.579 --> 00:25:23.719 Who became dependent. 00:25:24.859 --> 00:25:25.219 And fallen. 00:25:26.019 --> 00:25:26.519 And low. 00:25:27.199 --> 00:25:28.699 So that all who come to God. 00:25:28.739 --> 00:25:29.339 With nothing. 00:25:29.779 --> 00:25:30.500 In their hands. 00:25:30.579 --> 00:25:31.199 Can be freely. 00:25:31.339 --> 00:25:32.239 And forever received. 00:25:32.759 --> 00:25:33.719 Into God's kingdom. 00:25:33.720 --> 00:25:34.880 And glory. 00:25:38.299 --> 00:25:40.120 This is the king who summons us to surrender. 00:25:41.700 --> 00:25:43.000 To surrender our lives. 00:25:43.079 --> 00:25:43.579 Our identities. 00:25:43.759 --> 00:25:44.240 Our possessions. 00:25:44.420 --> 00:25:44.880 Our present. 00:25:44.980 --> 00:25:45.500 Our future. 00:25:45.740 --> 00:25:46.759 Without reservation. 00:25:48.380 --> 00:25:49.259 And in that surrender. 00:25:49.380 --> 00:25:50.059 To find joy. 00:25:51.339 --> 00:25:52.620 Because whatever we lay down. 00:25:52.620 --> 00:25:53.500 To follow Jesus. 00:25:54.500 --> 00:25:55.900 We will receive many times. 00:25:55.900 --> 00:25:59.560 And I think most of us. 00:25:59.640 --> 00:26:00.160 When we read. 00:26:00.259 --> 00:26:00.700 When we hear. 00:26:00.840 --> 00:26:02.560 Jesus summons to the rich ruler. 00:26:03.540 --> 00:26:04.980 To sell all that he has. 00:26:05.019 --> 00:26:06.180 And distribute it to the poor. 00:26:06.400 --> 00:26:07.580 And then follow Christ. 00:26:08.620 --> 00:26:09.980 I think we are immediately struck. 00:26:10.040 --> 00:26:10.840 By the costliness. 00:26:11.280 --> 00:26:11.900 Of it all. 00:26:12.900 --> 00:26:13.900 The difficulty. 00:26:14.480 --> 00:26:15.560 Of what Jesus is asking. 00:26:15.720 --> 00:26:17.640 The level of absolute surrender. 00:26:17.800 --> 00:26:18.700 That Jesus demands. 00:26:18.700 --> 00:26:21.960 The ability. 00:26:22.220 --> 00:26:22.860 Jesus is inviting. 00:26:23.180 --> 00:26:23.740 This man. 00:26:23.860 --> 00:26:24.600 Inviting us. 00:26:25.319 --> 00:26:26.259 Into a life of joy. 00:26:28.000 --> 00:26:29.259 The joy of knowing. 00:26:29.460 --> 00:26:29.480 That. 00:26:30.180 --> 00:26:31.160 Like a child. 00:26:32.259 --> 00:26:33.299 Longing to their parents. 00:26:33.420 --> 00:26:34.539 That we belong to God. 00:26:35.059 --> 00:26:35.940 Completely by. 00:26:36.279 --> 00:26:36.920 His grace. 00:26:37.259 --> 00:26:37.960 The joy of knowing. 00:26:37.960 --> 00:26:38.600 We receive. 00:26:38.740 --> 00:26:39.900 As dearly loved children. 00:26:40.000 --> 00:26:40.860 Of the heavenly father. 00:26:40.960 --> 00:26:42.460 Who don't have to do anything. 00:26:42.600 --> 00:26:43.539 To prove ourselves. 00:26:44.279 --> 00:26:45.059 The joy of knowing. 00:26:45.160 --> 00:26:46.019 There's nothing we can do. 00:26:46.059 --> 00:26:47.259 To make him love us more. 00:26:47.680 --> 00:26:48.380 Or less. 00:26:49.100 --> 00:26:49.860 The joy of knowing. 00:26:49.960 --> 00:26:50.480 Our past. 00:26:50.600 --> 00:26:51.140 And our present. 00:26:51.260 --> 00:26:51.840 And our future. 00:26:52.140 --> 00:26:53.320 Are secure in his hands. 00:26:53.520 --> 00:26:54.520 And our best days. 00:26:54.720 --> 00:26:55.640 Are yet to come. 00:26:57.400 --> 00:26:59.100 If you look at the next two stories. 00:26:59.760 --> 00:27:00.540 In Luke's gospel. 00:27:00.700 --> 00:27:01.700 We see two pictures. 00:27:02.180 --> 00:27:02.940 Of that joy. 00:27:04.020 --> 00:27:05.020 We see that joy. 00:27:05.020 --> 00:27:06.060 Of a blind man. 00:27:07.640 --> 00:27:08.120 Dependent. 00:27:08.220 --> 00:27:08.680 Vulnerable. 00:27:08.820 --> 00:27:09.440 And lowly. 00:27:10.140 --> 00:27:11.320 Sitting by the roadside. 00:27:11.400 --> 00:27:11.680 Banging. 00:27:12.760 --> 00:27:13.280 And he heard. 00:27:13.380 --> 00:27:15.100 He hears that Jesus is passing by. 00:27:15.160 --> 00:27:15.960 And he cries out. 00:27:16.020 --> 00:27:16.380 Jesus. 00:27:16.520 --> 00:27:17.240 Son of David. 00:27:17.980 --> 00:27:18.460 King. 00:27:18.700 --> 00:27:19.920 Have mercy on me. 00:27:20.960 --> 00:27:21.920 The people treat him. 00:27:21.980 --> 00:27:22.920 Just like the disciples. 00:27:22.920 --> 00:27:23.819 Treated the children. 00:27:24.779 --> 00:27:25.660 They rebuke him. 00:27:26.920 --> 00:27:27.960 Tell him to be quiet. 00:27:28.420 --> 00:27:29.559 And not bother Jesus. 00:27:30.019 --> 00:27:31.400 And he still cries out. 00:27:32.059 --> 00:27:33.000 And Jesus responds. 00:27:33.079 --> 00:27:34.120 Just as he did with the children. 00:27:34.120 --> 00:27:34.599 Huh? 00:27:35.559 --> 00:27:36.200 He says. 00:27:36.259 --> 00:27:36.880 Bring his men. 00:27:38.640 --> 00:27:40.120 And he restores his sight. 00:27:40.119 --> 00:27:42.299 And the blind man. 00:27:42.519 --> 00:27:43.839 Gets up and follows Jesus. 00:27:43.939 --> 00:27:45.559 He starts glorifying God. 00:27:47.699 --> 00:27:49.019 He came to Jesus with nothing. 00:27:49.159 --> 00:27:50.359 And he became a worship leader. 00:27:51.939 --> 00:27:52.739 And then we see. 00:27:53.500 --> 00:27:53.939 Zacchaeus. 00:27:55.579 --> 00:27:56.539 Chapter 19. 00:27:56.599 --> 00:27:57.079 1 to 10. 00:27:57.139 --> 00:27:58.879 Not just any old child tax collector. 00:27:59.000 --> 00:28:00.199 But a cheap tax collector. 00:28:00.339 --> 00:28:01.019 Who was rich. 00:28:02.159 --> 00:28:03.099 Another rich. 00:28:03.459 --> 00:28:03.759 Ruler. 00:28:03.759 --> 00:28:07.819 When Jesus said to Zacchaeus. 00:28:08.559 --> 00:28:09.879 I must stay. 00:28:10.440 --> 00:28:11.640 At your house today. 00:28:12.900 --> 00:28:13.759 It says Zacchaeus. 00:28:13.839 --> 00:28:15.079 Received him. 00:28:15.420 --> 00:28:15.940 Joyfully. 00:28:16.980 --> 00:28:18.359 And without him being prompted. 00:28:18.500 --> 00:28:19.859 He gave away half of his possessions. 00:28:19.859 --> 00:28:20.640 To the poor. 00:28:22.140 --> 00:28:23.019 And Jesus proclaimed. 00:28:23.160 --> 00:28:25.079 Today salvation has come to this house. 00:28:25.079 --> 00:28:27.460 For the son of man. 00:28:27.519 --> 00:28:28.079 To keep his seat. 00:28:28.419 --> 00:28:29.000 And to save. 00:28:29.339 --> 00:28:29.879 The lost. 00:28:31.779 --> 00:28:33.019 1600 years ago. 00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:34.919 The young British man. 00:28:35.019 --> 00:28:36.059 Found that same joy. 00:28:37.139 --> 00:28:38.559 In surrendering his life to Jesus. 00:28:38.679 --> 00:28:39.960 He grew up in a wealthy family. 00:28:40.879 --> 00:28:42.059 He grew up going to church. 00:28:42.599 --> 00:28:43.720 He never paid much attention. 00:28:44.859 --> 00:28:45.639 Until one day. 00:28:45.699 --> 00:28:46.480 He was on vacation. 00:28:47.519 --> 00:28:48.779 And a band of Irish raiders. 00:28:48.899 --> 00:28:49.539 Kidnapped him. 00:28:50.079 --> 00:28:51.639 And took him across the sea. 00:28:52.079 --> 00:28:53.339 And put him to work as a slave. 00:28:53.460 --> 00:28:54.139 Tending sheep. 00:28:54.580 --> 00:28:55.660 Now he was all alone. 00:28:57.320 --> 00:28:57.720 Dependent. 00:28:58.759 --> 00:28:59.160 Vulnerable. 00:28:59.740 --> 00:29:00.280 And lowly. 00:29:00.840 --> 00:29:02.060 For the first time in his life. 00:29:03.280 --> 00:29:04.240 He wrote there. 00:29:04.380 --> 00:29:05.500 The Lord opened my mind. 00:29:05.600 --> 00:29:07.120 To an awareness of my unbelief. 00:29:07.900 --> 00:29:09.340 In order that I might remember. 00:29:09.340 --> 00:29:10.320 My transgressions. 00:29:10.400 --> 00:29:11.840 And turn with all my heart to the Lord. 00:29:12.900 --> 00:29:14.180 And he watched over me. 00:29:14.220 --> 00:29:15.180 Before I knew him. 00:29:15.880 --> 00:29:16.780 And comforted me. 00:29:16.860 --> 00:29:17.920 As a father would his son. 00:29:19.220 --> 00:29:20.040 Six years later. 00:29:20.100 --> 00:29:21.060 He escaped from slavery. 00:29:21.240 --> 00:29:22.000 Returned home. 00:29:22.460 --> 00:29:23.580 Over the next several years. 00:29:23.579 --> 00:29:25.079 He became a prominent church leader. 00:29:25.220 --> 00:29:25.539 In Britain. 00:29:25.659 --> 00:29:26.259 And then one night. 00:29:26.299 --> 00:29:26.879 He had a vision. 00:29:28.399 --> 00:29:30.179 In which he heard people from Ireland. 00:29:30.339 --> 00:29:30.819 Rying out. 00:29:30.939 --> 00:29:32.079 Come and walk again. 00:29:32.179 --> 00:29:32.799 Among us. 00:29:34.500 --> 00:29:35.039 He says. 00:29:35.099 --> 00:29:35.779 God was calling him. 00:29:35.779 --> 00:29:36.899 To go back to Ireland. 00:29:38.179 --> 00:29:38.960 The land for him. 00:29:38.960 --> 00:29:39.519 And enslaved. 00:29:39.759 --> 00:29:40.519 Or also the land for him. 00:29:40.519 --> 00:29:40.939 And found. 00:29:41.939 --> 00:29:42.319 Freedom. 00:29:42.319 --> 00:29:42.720 And joy. 00:29:42.799 --> 00:29:43.299 And Christ. 00:29:43.299 --> 00:29:46.639 Almost everyone else. 00:29:46.639 --> 00:29:47.460 Thought he was crazy. 00:29:48.119 --> 00:29:50.119 Why would you choose to return to the land. 00:29:50.240 --> 00:29:51.119 Where you were enslaved. 00:29:51.480 --> 00:29:53.159 The Irish or island barbarians. 00:29:53.359 --> 00:29:54.000 They'll kill you. 00:29:54.279 --> 00:29:55.379 You're from a good family. 00:29:55.779 --> 00:29:56.960 Why would you leave your parents. 00:29:57.019 --> 00:29:58.359 Who clearly would want you to stay. 00:29:59.899 --> 00:30:01.279 But he would not be dissuaded. 00:30:01.279 --> 00:30:03.279 He sold everything. 00:30:03.420 --> 00:30:04.059 Went to Ireland. 00:30:04.180 --> 00:30:05.119 And never came back. 00:30:05.379 --> 00:30:06.359 For the rest of his life. 00:30:06.420 --> 00:30:07.359 He preached to the people. 00:30:07.879 --> 00:30:09.339 Who had kidnapped and enslaved him. 00:30:09.859 --> 00:30:11.420 He preached about King Jesus. 00:30:11.960 --> 00:30:12.839 About the good shepherd. 00:30:12.920 --> 00:30:14.639 Who had come to seek and save the lost. 00:30:14.720 --> 00:30:16.759 He faced false accusations. 00:30:17.039 --> 00:30:18.759 He was put in chains. 00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:21.359 All kinds of difficulties. 00:30:21.359 --> 00:30:22.479 But by living his life. 00:30:22.559 --> 00:30:22.859 Hundreds. 00:30:23.000 --> 00:30:24.019 Perhaps even thousands. 00:30:24.419 --> 00:30:26.119 Of people had abandoned their idols. 00:30:26.219 --> 00:30:27.159 In their violent ways. 00:30:27.259 --> 00:30:28.799 And bowed their name to Jesus Christ. 00:30:29.819 --> 00:30:31.599 He wrote this in his autobiography. 00:30:32.959 --> 00:30:34.099 Before I was humbled. 00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:36.119 I was like a stone. 00:30:36.819 --> 00:30:38.579 Lying in deep mire. 00:30:39.699 --> 00:30:40.959 And he that is mighty. 00:30:41.459 --> 00:30:41.899 Came. 00:30:42.339 --> 00:30:43.159 And in his mercy. 00:30:43.299 --> 00:30:44.039 Raised me up. 00:30:44.699 --> 00:30:45.240 And indeed. 00:30:45.399 --> 00:30:46.319 Lifted me high up. 00:30:46.399 --> 00:30:47.979 And placed me on top of the wall. 00:30:48.879 --> 00:30:49.559 And from there. 00:30:49.699 --> 00:30:50.619 I ought to shout out. 00:30:50.699 --> 00:30:51.179 In gratitude. 00:30:51.180 --> 00:30:51.799 To the Lord. 00:30:51.900 --> 00:30:52.900 For his great favors. 00:30:53.019 --> 00:30:53.759 In this world. 00:30:53.860 --> 00:30:54.500 And forever. 00:30:55.120 --> 00:30:56.060 That the mind of man. 00:30:56.160 --> 00:30:56.740 Cannot measure. 00:30:57.840 --> 00:30:58.680 I should give thanks. 00:30:58.920 --> 00:30:59.980 Unceasingly to God. 00:31:00.320 --> 00:31:01.680 Who frequently forgave. 00:31:01.759 --> 00:31:02.400 My folly. 00:31:02.480 --> 00:31:03.240 And my netvisions. 00:31:03.380 --> 00:31:04.680 Who took pity upon me. 00:31:05.019 --> 00:31:05.420 Thousands. 00:31:05.620 --> 00:31:06.100 And thousands. 00:31:06.100 --> 00:31:06.779 Of times. 00:31:08.140 --> 00:31:09.180 I certainly am wretched. 00:31:09.380 --> 00:31:10.019 And unfortunate. 00:31:10.259 --> 00:31:10.560 Daily. 00:31:10.700 --> 00:31:11.779 I expect to be murdered. 00:31:12.140 --> 00:31:12.759 Or betrayed. 00:31:12.960 --> 00:31:13.940 Or reduced to slavery. 00:31:13.940 --> 00:31:15.100 If the occasion arises. 00:31:15.759 --> 00:31:16.660 But I fear nothing. 00:31:17.539 --> 00:31:19.039 Because of the promises of heaven. 00:31:19.940 --> 00:31:21.100 For I have cast myself. 00:31:21.099 --> 00:31:22.579 In the hand of almighty God. 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:23.719 Who reigns everywhere. 00:31:25.179 --> 00:31:25.879 I pray God. 00:31:25.939 --> 00:31:26.919 That he gives me a perseverance. 00:31:27.879 --> 00:31:29.199 That I should be a faithful witness. 00:31:29.279 --> 00:31:29.759 For his sake. 00:31:29.839 --> 00:31:31.419 Right up to the time of my passing. 00:31:32.480 --> 00:31:33.759 For beyond any doubt. 00:31:34.599 --> 00:31:35.559 On that day. 00:31:35.559 --> 00:31:36.960 We shall rise again. 00:31:37.759 --> 00:31:39.019 In the brightness of the sun. 00:31:39.500 --> 00:31:41.059 That is in the glory of Christ. 00:31:41.119 --> 00:31:42.059 Jesus our redeemer. 00:31:42.220 --> 00:31:43.839 As children of the living God. 00:31:44.159 --> 00:31:45.379 And co-bears of Christ. 00:31:45.740 --> 00:31:46.759 Made in his image. 00:31:46.879 --> 00:31:48.419 For we shall reign through him. 00:31:48.659 --> 00:31:49.539 And for him. 00:31:49.539 --> 00:31:50.599 And in him. 00:31:51.899 --> 00:31:53.500 That's the joy that sustained. 00:31:53.980 --> 00:31:55.039 The real saint. 00:31:55.299 --> 00:31:55.679 Patrick. 00:31:56.619 --> 00:31:57.879 That's the joy of being. 00:31:58.679 --> 00:31:59.460 A child of God. 00:31:59.460 --> 00:32:00.680 Let's pray. 00:32:00.680 --> 00:32:00.700 Let's pray. 00:32:00.700 --> 00:32:11.600 Almighty God. 00:32:12.600 --> 00:32:15.200 You alone can bring into order. 00:32:15.860 --> 00:32:17.759 The unruly wills. 00:32:18.259 --> 00:32:19.019 And affections. 00:32:19.259 --> 00:32:19.799 Of sinners. 00:32:21.400 --> 00:32:22.600 Grant us grace. 00:32:23.120 --> 00:32:23.740 To love. 00:32:24.259 --> 00:32:25.220 What you command. 00:32:26.039 --> 00:32:26.900 And desire. 00:32:27.660 --> 00:32:28.480 What you promise. 00:32:28.480 --> 00:32:30.819 That among the swift. 00:32:31.180 --> 00:32:31.700 And varied. 00:32:32.059 --> 00:32:32.599 Changes. 00:32:32.759 --> 00:32:33.740 Of the world. 00:32:34.960 --> 00:32:35.759 Our hearts. 00:32:35.880 --> 00:32:36.400 May surely. 00:32:36.920 --> 00:32:37.579 Be fixed. 00:32:38.599 --> 00:32:39.240 Where true. 00:32:39.519 --> 00:32:40.039 Joys. 00:32:40.559 --> 00:32:41.420 Are to be found. 00:32:42.759 --> 00:32:43.599 For Jesus Christ. 00:32:43.720 --> 00:32:44.259 Our Lord. 00:32:45.079 --> 00:32:46.579 Lives and reigns with you. 00:32:47.319 --> 00:32:48.259 And the Holy Spirit. 00:32:49.160 --> 00:32:49.779 One God. 00:32:50.500 --> 00:32:51.180 Now forever. 00:32:51.960 --> 00:32:52.259 Amen. 00:32:54.259 --> 00:32:55.079 Let's be the key.