WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:18.280 Do turn, if you will, to Matthew chapter 15, page 820 in the Black Church Bible. 00:00:24.280 --> 00:00:25.000 ! 00:00:25.000 --> 00:00:32.060 It's a strange and yet inescapable fact that you can't avoid it if you read through the 00:00:32.060 --> 00:00:40.179 Gospels and that probably the fiercest and the most determined opposition to Jesus and 00:00:40.179 --> 00:00:45.920 his teaching and ultimately the opposition that leads to his death comes from the most 00:00:45.920 --> 00:00:48.320 zealous religious leaders of the time. 00:00:48.320 --> 00:00:56.340 Those who you have expected would welcome Jesus are the fiercest in their opposition 00:00:56.340 --> 00:00:56.799 to him. 00:00:58.000 --> 00:01:04.819 And the Pharisees, whom he's in conversation with in Matthew 15, were undoubtedly the most 00:01:04.819 --> 00:01:09.319 skilled thinkers of their time in the religious realm. 00:01:09.319 --> 00:01:18.179 The teachers of the law that he talks about, the scribes in verse 1, are with them. 00:01:18.979 --> 00:01:24.500 And they become the fiercest opponents with Jesus and there's this frequent controversy, 00:01:24.659 --> 00:01:26.079 isn't there, in Matthew's Gospel. 00:01:26.079 --> 00:01:32.239 It would be a great mistake to imagine though that these controversies that Jesus had in 00:01:32.239 --> 00:01:37.840 the first century are with people who belong to a kind of rather exclusive religious group 00:01:37.840 --> 00:01:40.539 who have got anything to do with us this afternoon, this morning. 00:01:40.679 --> 00:01:42.620 We might think, well there's nothing to do with us, is it? 00:01:43.459 --> 00:01:45.340 But nothing could be further from the truth. 00:01:45.340 --> 00:01:52.980 Because the spirit of the Pharisee and the opponents to Jesus has touched the lives of ordinary 00:01:52.980 --> 00:01:53.340 people. 00:01:54.680 --> 00:02:00.040 And it makes for catastrophe and disaster in our relationship with God. 00:02:00.200 --> 00:02:02.120 And sadly, very often we can't even see it. 00:02:03.300 --> 00:02:07.400 So there's four areas that I want us to see this morning that touch upon our lives. 00:02:07.900 --> 00:02:09.520 And affect people like you and me. 00:02:09.840 --> 00:02:14.120 Because the spirit of the Pharisees and the scribes is alive and kicking today. 00:02:15.340 --> 00:02:17.319 The first area is that of true authority. 00:02:18.460 --> 00:02:20.819 The second area is true worship. 00:02:21.800 --> 00:02:23.180 The third area is true leadership. 00:02:24.420 --> 00:02:26.259 And the fourth area is true morality. 00:02:27.900 --> 00:02:33.039 And they all arise from this bizarre encounter that Jesus has with the Pharisees and the ceremonial 00:02:33.039 --> 00:02:36.199 cleansing of the disciples' hands before they eat. 00:02:37.840 --> 00:02:39.960 So there's vital teaching in these four areas. 00:02:40.039 --> 00:02:40.840 Let me give it to you again. 00:02:41.120 --> 00:02:42.620 Verses 1-6, authority. 00:02:42.620 --> 00:02:48.480 And the alternatives that you're faced with this morning are human authority or divine authority. 00:02:49.439 --> 00:02:52.920 And the second area is in verse 7-9, a true worship. 00:02:53.719 --> 00:02:59.740 You have those people that honour Jesus with, honour God with their lips, but their hearts apart from him. 00:03:00.580 --> 00:03:01.640 They worship in vain. 00:03:01.639 --> 00:03:08.559 And the two alternatives there are, you either worship Jesus with your lips, or worship with your heart. 00:03:09.619 --> 00:03:11.619 In 12-14, you've got the issue of leadership. 00:03:12.759 --> 00:03:17.619 And the alternative there is self-appointed leaders, or God-appointed leaders. 00:03:19.679 --> 00:03:21.579 And then the last issue is true morality. 00:03:21.580 --> 00:03:27.440 And so the issue that Jesus is concerned with, I'm here, is internal or external. 00:03:29.240 --> 00:03:30.860 Is it human or is it divine? 00:03:31.939 --> 00:03:32.580 True authority. 00:03:33.439 --> 00:03:36.460 First of all, the Pharisees, and they come up to Jesus, don't they? 00:03:36.460 --> 00:03:38.780 They bring on the fight, and they challenge him. 00:03:39.200 --> 00:03:46.180 And they challenge him because his disciples were disregarding one of, in their view, one of the most important laws of Jewish tradition. 00:03:46.180 --> 00:03:50.080 They neglect it or wash their hands before they ate. 00:03:51.180 --> 00:03:57.180 And their first question to Jesus is, if you are so concerned with the honour of God, and the fulfilling of the law, 00:03:57.300 --> 00:04:00.680 why do you allow your disciples to break the tradition of the elders? 00:04:02.960 --> 00:04:04.500 They don't wash before they eat. 00:04:06.120 --> 00:04:07.600 Now there's two things you need to know. 00:04:08.400 --> 00:04:14.080 On the whole, this tradition of washing hands before eating, it's got nothing to do with hygiene. 00:04:14.080 --> 00:04:19.400 And it's got nothing to do with washing our hands for the sake of medical hygiene. 00:04:19.520 --> 00:04:24.939 So children, you'll get up to the dinner table, and your parents will say, have you washed your hands? 00:04:25.360 --> 00:04:25.560 Okay? 00:04:26.060 --> 00:04:28.900 This passage is not a command that you have to do that. 00:04:28.960 --> 00:04:30.280 You should do that, it's a good thing. 00:04:31.180 --> 00:04:33.660 It's a perfectly wise question your mum and dad are asking. 00:04:34.560 --> 00:04:37.379 Eating without washing your hands is hygienically unwise. 00:04:38.020 --> 00:04:38.939 But it's nothing to do with that. 00:04:39.240 --> 00:04:39.360 Okay? 00:04:40.680 --> 00:04:41.900 This is not about hygiene. 00:04:41.899 --> 00:04:45.560 It's about ceremonial uncleanness. 00:04:45.879 --> 00:04:47.659 About ceremonial defilement. 00:04:47.959 --> 00:04:50.039 About being unclean before God. 00:04:51.239 --> 00:04:53.019 And unacceptable to God. 00:04:54.560 --> 00:04:59.579 The second thing we need to make clear is, the traditions that they speak of, can you see them in verse 2? 00:04:59.959 --> 00:05:01.919 They break the tradition of the elders. 00:05:03.379 --> 00:05:08.939 And the tradition of the elders are human-made additions to the law of God. 00:05:08.939 --> 00:05:11.699 So you know the law of God. 00:05:12.800 --> 00:05:15.699 And the moral law of God, it consists in the Ten Commandments. 00:05:16.959 --> 00:05:18.360 You shall know where the God is before me. 00:05:18.399 --> 00:05:20.000 You shall not make it up for yourself and I. 00:05:20.399 --> 00:05:22.680 You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in name. 00:05:22.800 --> 00:05:24.079 Remember the Sabbath day to Peter. 00:05:24.160 --> 00:05:24.959 You know those laws. 00:05:24.959 --> 00:05:30.379 And then we know that God gave various instructions to his people, didn't they? 00:05:31.159 --> 00:05:32.779 The moral law, that remains. 00:05:33.120 --> 00:05:36.919 But you have the civil aspects of the law which govern Israel. 00:05:37.139 --> 00:05:40.819 And you have the ceremonial aspects which govern the worship of Israel. 00:05:41.959 --> 00:05:45.120 How they were to live in the world in connection with various issues. 00:05:45.120 --> 00:05:51.180 But the Jewish leaders, they added the Jewish elders to these commandments. 00:05:52.519 --> 00:05:55.160 A multitude of detailed prescriptions. 00:05:55.720 --> 00:05:59.060 Originally, all to help you seek to keep God's law. 00:06:00.019 --> 00:06:02.840 They were passed on already by a word of mouth. 00:06:03.079 --> 00:06:05.300 And they became part of the teaching of the elders. 00:06:05.480 --> 00:06:07.699 The tradition that was handed down from one generation. 00:06:07.699 --> 00:06:12.500 And they went into detail on almost anything you could conceivably imagine. 00:06:12.939 --> 00:06:16.180 And hair splitting became a characteristic of it. 00:06:17.039 --> 00:06:22.360 So if you're cutting up herds for your lunch today, you separate a tenth for God. 00:06:24.199 --> 00:06:29.959 This edition to the law of God, all these various editions, they became written down in the 2nd century AD. 00:06:30.480 --> 00:06:31.779 It was a document called the Mishnah. 00:06:33.099 --> 00:06:36.360 And further to that, there was a document called the Gemara. 00:06:36.360 --> 00:06:38.319 Which was a commentary on the Mishnah. 00:06:39.740 --> 00:06:43.720 And so the Mishnah was a whole series of editions to the law of God. 00:06:47.020 --> 00:06:49.660 And the Gemara was a commentary on the Mishnah. 00:06:51.319 --> 00:06:58.780 And so there's a vast amount of laws and regulations that are part of the tradition of the elders. 00:07:00.040 --> 00:07:04.720 And this series of regulations and traditions, they are passed down from one generation to another. 00:07:04.720 --> 00:07:08.420 And Jesus immediately challenges them. 00:07:10.380 --> 00:07:11.940 And you will notice what he's challenging. 00:07:12.220 --> 00:07:14.000 He's challenging the whole issue of authority. 00:07:14.140 --> 00:07:15.060 So look at verse 3. 00:07:16.420 --> 00:07:17.580 He answered them. 00:07:18.440 --> 00:07:20.900 Why do you write the commandments of God for the sake of your traditions? 00:07:23.220 --> 00:07:24.460 In other words, he says, 00:07:24.459 --> 00:07:29.579 Why is it that you put the tradition of man above the word of God? 00:07:30.859 --> 00:07:32.079 As the ultimate authority? 00:07:34.639 --> 00:07:39.539 Why do you put the tradition of the elders as the ultimate authority and you disregard the word of God? 00:07:41.439 --> 00:07:44.019 I must run about every single one that's here this morning. 00:07:45.399 --> 00:07:47.500 How am I to regulate my life? 00:07:47.500 --> 00:07:50.379 How are you to live? 00:07:52.779 --> 00:07:54.740 Under what authority will you live? 00:07:57.339 --> 00:07:59.680 Do I set the priorities of my life? 00:08:01.220 --> 00:08:03.079 And do I understand how I should live? 00:08:04.939 --> 00:08:08.899 And Jesus is saying there is only one authority and it is the authority of the word of God. 00:08:09.779 --> 00:08:10.740 In Holy Scriptures. 00:08:10.740 --> 00:08:15.800 And you've added all kinds of laws and regulations. 00:08:17.439 --> 00:08:21.199 And you are now at the point where your traditions are more important to you than the word of God. 00:08:23.420 --> 00:08:26.579 The particular incident that Jesus is referring to is in verse 4. 00:08:28.740 --> 00:08:29.600 Where it says, 00:08:29.600 --> 00:08:32.879 For God commanded, honour your father and your mother. 00:08:33.399 --> 00:08:36.399 And whoever revives, whoever hates his father or mother shall surely die. 00:08:36.659 --> 00:08:38.879 But you say, if anyone tells his father or his mother, 00:08:39.440 --> 00:08:43.420 What would you have gained from me is given to God. 00:08:45.279 --> 00:08:46.879 You need not honour his father and mother. 00:08:47.000 --> 00:08:50.560 For the sake of your tradition you have made void, unilify the word of God. 00:08:54.259 --> 00:08:56.240 So here's somebody and he's got an obligation. 00:08:56.240 --> 00:09:01.399 He's got an obligation from God to care for his elderly father and mother. 00:09:03.340 --> 00:09:06.620 And he's thought about it and he's found an amazing way of getting out of it. 00:09:08.740 --> 00:09:10.759 They have a tradition which says, 00:09:10.960 --> 00:09:12.460 If you have a certain amount of money, 00:09:13.820 --> 00:09:17.580 That you should be devoted to care for your elderly dad and mum. 00:09:19.019 --> 00:09:20.460 What you can do is you can say, 00:09:20.620 --> 00:09:23.240 It is devoted to God, I'm going to give it to God in the future. 00:09:23.240 --> 00:09:27.240 And then, having made that vow, it can't be touched. 00:09:28.419 --> 00:09:30.019 And you can't help your dad and mum. 00:09:30.680 --> 00:09:31.580 You get to keep the money. 00:09:33.320 --> 00:09:36.100 It's marvellously spiritually religious. 00:09:36.980 --> 00:09:37.980 But totally fake. 00:09:39.320 --> 00:09:43.940 It's a totally fake reason for neglecting a God-given duty towards your elderly parents. 00:09:43.940 --> 00:09:46.340 What do you do? 00:09:46.540 --> 00:09:49.280 You say, the money is actually being pledged. 00:09:49.940 --> 00:09:52.300 It's actually being given to the temple or to God. 00:09:53.260 --> 00:09:55.360 The word that Mark uses in his gospel, 00:09:55.480 --> 00:09:57.160 The word they used for this was the word Korban. 00:09:58.220 --> 00:10:00.100 There was a law of Korban and their traditions. 00:10:00.880 --> 00:10:02.080 And if somebody came along, 00:10:02.500 --> 00:10:04.080 And they found out a professing believer, 00:10:04.540 --> 00:10:06.260 And they were neglecting their dad and mum. 00:10:07.259 --> 00:10:07.980 And they said to them, 00:10:08.059 --> 00:10:10.899 Well, what about this obligation that you have to your parents? 00:10:11.679 --> 00:10:14.360 God has given you these parents for you to care for them. 00:10:15.159 --> 00:10:15.720 And they would say, 00:10:15.840 --> 00:10:18.080 Well, I'm really sorry, but we don't have any money. 00:10:18.179 --> 00:10:18.639 Did you not? 00:10:20.159 --> 00:10:21.720 If they worked at a decent job, 00:10:21.860 --> 00:10:24.799 And you knew that they had a considerable amount of money stashed away, 00:10:25.120 --> 00:10:26.059 You could say to them, 00:10:26.279 --> 00:10:28.939 But actually, what about that money that you have stashed away? 00:10:29.279 --> 00:10:30.399 What about your earnings? 00:10:30.399 --> 00:10:31.620 What are you doing with them? 00:10:31.919 --> 00:10:32.860 And they would say, 00:10:33.179 --> 00:10:34.720 Ah, that's Korban. 00:10:34.720 --> 00:10:36.940 It's devoted to God. 00:10:39.220 --> 00:10:41.279 And the thing about that kind of gift or money, 00:10:41.560 --> 00:10:43.040 Is that it wasn't given to God immediately. 00:10:43.160 --> 00:10:44.259 It was kind of pledged. 00:10:44.639 --> 00:10:46.019 It was a delayed gift. 00:10:47.220 --> 00:10:48.759 And what they were really saying is, 00:10:48.940 --> 00:10:50.620 I intend to give it to God, 00:10:50.700 --> 00:10:51.860 I just can't give it yet. 00:10:53.320 --> 00:10:56.259 But it excused them from a higher authority, 00:10:56.759 --> 00:10:58.680 Of God's word that applied to their lives. 00:10:59.680 --> 00:11:00.620 And Jesus says, 00:11:00.700 --> 00:11:02.960 You are really breaking the commandments of God, 00:11:03.040 --> 00:11:04.080 For the sake of your tradition. 00:11:04.080 --> 00:11:06.400 And he summarises it at the end of verse 6. 00:11:06.500 --> 00:11:07.020 Can you see it? 00:11:07.300 --> 00:11:07.820 He says, 00:11:08.100 --> 00:11:09.340 You make void, 00:11:09.660 --> 00:11:10.500 You nullify, 00:11:11.000 --> 00:11:12.340 The word of God, 00:11:12.700 --> 00:11:13.540 By your traditions. 00:11:16.180 --> 00:11:17.340 Now we need to recognise, 00:11:17.440 --> 00:11:18.660 That what Jesus is teaching here, 00:11:19.100 --> 00:11:19.379 Is, 00:11:19.800 --> 00:11:20.960 There is only one authority, 00:11:21.460 --> 00:11:22.540 Under which we may live. 00:11:24.020 --> 00:11:25.639 And that authority is the word of God. 00:11:25.639 --> 00:11:28.120 Of holy scripture. 00:11:30.000 --> 00:11:31.779 And that applies in all sorts of ways. 00:11:33.179 --> 00:11:34.000 You make a mark and say, 00:11:34.059 --> 00:11:34.179 Listen, 00:11:34.259 --> 00:11:35.519 We live in the 21st century, 00:11:35.879 --> 00:11:38.100 This has got absolutely nothing to do with us. 00:11:40.100 --> 00:11:40.899 Everybody will tell you, 00:11:40.960 --> 00:11:42.120 That's not how we live today. 00:11:42.120 --> 00:11:44.899 But I would argue, 00:11:45.220 --> 00:11:46.659 There is still a tradition. 00:11:48.179 --> 00:11:50.639 There's actually the tradition of modern culture. 00:11:52.580 --> 00:11:53.560 The issue stands, 00:11:53.659 --> 00:11:53.879 Isn't it? 00:11:53.899 --> 00:11:54.639 Whether you are living, 00:11:54.779 --> 00:11:56.840 Under the tradition of the ancient elders, 00:11:57.179 --> 00:11:58.519 Or whether you are living under the tradition, 00:11:58.600 --> 00:11:59.740 Of the modern media, 00:12:01.440 --> 00:12:02.740 And what society, 00:12:03.019 --> 00:12:04.200 Dictates to you, 00:12:05.039 --> 00:12:06.500 What you are allowed to say, 00:12:06.580 --> 00:12:07.759 And what you are allowed to believe, 00:12:07.759 --> 00:12:09.679 Or are you living under the authority, 00:12:09.799 --> 00:12:11.179 Of the word of God, 00:12:11.279 --> 00:12:12.139 That is station. 00:12:14.000 --> 00:12:15.399 What's your authority, 00:12:16.360 --> 00:12:17.720 By which you live, 00:12:17.860 --> 00:12:19.080 And guide your life. 00:12:21.580 --> 00:12:22.960 There are some traditions out there, 00:12:23.000 --> 00:12:23.600 That are neutral. 00:12:24.559 --> 00:12:25.600 Not all traditions are bad. 00:12:27.100 --> 00:12:28.179 I think in the Christian church, 00:12:28.259 --> 00:12:29.120 Some traditions are neutral. 00:12:29.600 --> 00:12:31.179 We may recognise, 00:12:31.519 --> 00:12:33.159 That certain traditions are helpful, 00:12:34.039 --> 00:12:35.319 And it's possible to live, 00:12:35.399 --> 00:12:36.679 Under those traditions easily, 00:12:36.799 --> 00:12:37.220 For instance. 00:12:37.759 --> 00:12:38.240 So, 00:12:38.360 --> 00:12:39.960 Since coming back from holiday, 00:12:40.319 --> 00:12:41.120 Last year, 00:12:41.200 --> 00:12:41.819 I don't want to even notice, 00:12:41.939 --> 00:12:42.799 I have worn a tie, 00:12:42.980 --> 00:12:43.639 To preach. 00:12:46.299 --> 00:12:47.679 I don't wear a pulpit robe, 00:12:47.759 --> 00:12:49.039 I don't wear a Geneva robe. 00:12:50.679 --> 00:12:52.379 I've stopped not wearing a tie, 00:12:52.500 --> 00:12:53.240 To preach on Sundays. 00:12:53.360 --> 00:12:54.220 It's entirely neutral. 00:12:55.500 --> 00:12:56.439 I think I've got good reasons. 00:12:57.659 --> 00:12:58.240 It covers, 00:12:58.539 --> 00:12:59.620 An ever increasing stomach, 00:12:59.799 --> 00:13:00.139 For one. 00:13:02.019 --> 00:13:03.559 But I've got no problem, 00:13:03.939 --> 00:13:05.819 With anyone who does wear a tie. 00:13:05.820 --> 00:13:07.480 I've got no problem, 00:13:07.480 --> 00:13:07.480 00:13:07.480 --> 00:13:08.420 With anyone who wears, 00:13:08.420 --> 00:13:09.540 Geneva robes. 00:13:09.600 --> 00:13:10.260 I've got no problems, 00:13:10.260 --> 00:13:10.760 With anyone who wears, 00:13:10.759 --> 00:13:11.600 A dog collar actually. 00:13:13.379 --> 00:13:14.039 I don't think, 00:13:14.100 --> 00:13:15.059 That one moment, 00:13:15.580 --> 00:13:16.799 That wearing a tie, 00:13:16.879 --> 00:13:17.779 Is the law of God, 00:13:17.980 --> 00:13:19.039 That directed me in the matter. 00:13:20.399 --> 00:13:21.220 Or I don't think, 00:13:21.319 --> 00:13:22.439 Certainly I don't think, 00:13:22.500 --> 00:13:23.600 That it's a breach, 00:13:23.600 --> 00:13:24.659 Of the law of God, 00:13:24.740 --> 00:13:25.439 By people who don't wear, 00:13:25.500 --> 00:13:25.960 A tie of a bridge. 00:13:26.580 --> 00:13:27.200 Not in the cycles, 00:13:27.319 --> 00:13:27.759 It's tradition, 00:13:27.899 --> 00:13:28.240 It's neutral. 00:13:28.500 --> 00:13:28.779 You may, 00:13:28.819 --> 00:13:29.259 You may not. 00:13:30.960 --> 00:13:31.700 Let's think of a tradition, 00:13:31.819 --> 00:13:32.360 That's not neutral. 00:13:32.360 --> 00:13:34.600 And that is the tradition, 00:13:34.840 --> 00:13:35.620 In some spheres, 00:13:35.740 --> 00:13:36.259 Of not having, 00:13:36.500 --> 00:13:37.700 A communion to God, 00:13:38.000 --> 00:13:39.279 But of having an altar. 00:13:42.240 --> 00:13:42.940 So some people, 00:13:43.060 --> 00:13:43.779 Come to the new building, 00:13:43.899 --> 00:13:44.039 And they say, 00:13:44.080 --> 00:13:44.940 Where's the altar? 00:13:45.480 --> 00:13:46.000 You've got to have it. 00:13:48.240 --> 00:13:49.279 Because that is a tradition, 00:13:49.379 --> 00:13:49.560 Isn't it, 00:13:49.560 --> 00:13:50.560 Which the word of God, 00:13:50.639 --> 00:13:51.919 Would immediately, 00:13:53.080 --> 00:13:53.620 Forbid. 00:13:54.919 --> 00:13:56.440 Because on this table, 00:13:56.639 --> 00:13:58.159 We don't offer a sacrifice, 00:13:58.620 --> 00:13:59.460 To God, 00:13:59.860 --> 00:14:01.500 Because there is one sacrifice, 00:14:01.500 --> 00:14:02.360 Jesus Christ, 00:14:02.639 --> 00:14:03.940 Has made that sacrifice, 00:14:04.039 --> 00:14:04.740 Which is sufficient. 00:14:05.279 --> 00:14:06.139 And so we meet, 00:14:06.200 --> 00:14:06.779 Our table, 00:14:06.879 --> 00:14:08.080 We meet around the table, 00:14:08.179 --> 00:14:08.879 Or at least we should, 00:14:10.399 --> 00:14:11.059 And we meet, 00:14:11.179 --> 00:14:11.960 To remember, 00:14:12.399 --> 00:14:13.299 The Lord's death, 00:14:13.379 --> 00:14:14.019 And the Lord's supper. 00:14:15.519 --> 00:14:16.039 And that's why, 00:14:16.080 --> 00:14:17.139 The word of God, 00:14:17.240 --> 00:14:18.360 Must dismiss tradition. 00:14:21.139 --> 00:14:22.139 But the vital issue, 00:14:22.299 --> 00:14:22.500 Is that, 00:14:23.159 --> 00:14:23.879 True authority, 00:14:24.019 --> 00:14:24.460 Is not human, 00:14:24.559 --> 00:14:25.100 It's divine. 00:14:28.159 --> 00:14:28.720 Second thing, 00:14:28.759 --> 00:14:29.360 That Jesus teaches, 00:14:29.580 --> 00:14:30.120 On verse 7, 00:14:30.179 --> 00:14:30.600 Is the present, 00:14:30.759 --> 00:14:31.340 True worship. 00:14:32.500 --> 00:14:33.299 Is it the worship, 00:14:33.419 --> 00:14:33.860 Of the lips, 00:14:34.779 --> 00:14:35.759 Or is it the worship, 00:14:35.860 --> 00:14:36.279 Of the heart? 00:14:38.100 --> 00:14:39.100 You hypocrites, 00:14:39.679 --> 00:14:40.320 Says Jesus, 00:14:40.720 --> 00:14:41.519 To the Pharisees, 00:14:41.559 --> 00:14:41.799 He said, 00:14:41.899 --> 00:14:42.399 Isaiah, 00:14:42.860 --> 00:14:43.700 Was right, 00:14:43.840 --> 00:14:44.720 When he prophesied, 00:14:44.840 --> 00:14:44.919 Of you. 00:14:44.960 --> 00:14:45.700 That's very interesting, 00:14:45.799 --> 00:14:46.340 I wish we could spend, 00:14:46.460 --> 00:14:47.019 More time on that, 00:14:47.100 --> 00:14:47.539 On verse 7. 00:14:48.159 --> 00:14:48.720 He prophesied, 00:14:48.820 --> 00:14:49.279 Of you, 00:14:50.399 --> 00:14:51.080 When he said, 00:14:51.240 --> 00:14:51.759 This people, 00:14:52.480 --> 00:14:53.159 Honours me, 00:14:53.419 --> 00:14:54.240 With their lips, 00:14:54.360 --> 00:14:55.019 But their heart, 00:14:55.120 --> 00:14:56.000 Is far from me, 00:14:56.279 --> 00:14:56.879 In vain, 00:14:57.059 --> 00:14:57.980 It's a waste of time, 00:14:58.299 --> 00:14:59.779 Total waste of time, 00:14:59.779 --> 00:15:01.000 Your worship, 00:15:01.439 --> 00:15:02.639 Teaching as doctrines, 00:15:02.740 --> 00:15:03.579 The commandments of man, 00:15:03.860 --> 00:15:04.860 He's quoting Isaiah 29, 00:15:04.980 --> 00:15:05.600 Verse 13, 00:15:07.699 --> 00:15:08.259 Isaiah 29, 00:15:08.379 --> 00:15:09.319 Is all about worship, 00:15:10.379 --> 00:15:11.899 And neither Jesus, 00:15:12.159 --> 00:15:13.000 Nor Isaiah, 00:15:13.419 --> 00:15:14.139 Were quarrelling, 00:15:14.279 --> 00:15:14.759 With the idea, 00:15:14.860 --> 00:15:16.279 Of people honouring God, 00:15:17.019 --> 00:15:18.259 And worshipping him, 00:15:18.259 --> 00:15:20.720 But it was the manner, 00:15:21.439 --> 00:15:23.220 In which they worshipped, 00:15:23.679 --> 00:15:24.639 Which disturbed him, 00:15:26.639 --> 00:15:28.939 The manner of Isaiah's contemporaries, 00:15:29.059 --> 00:15:29.779 And the Pharisees, 00:15:29.819 --> 00:15:30.439 Of Jesus' day, 00:15:31.039 --> 00:15:32.960 Because it is true, 00:15:33.000 --> 00:15:33.620 That their worship, 00:15:33.740 --> 00:15:34.319 Began, 00:15:34.419 --> 00:15:35.100 And ended, 00:15:35.220 --> 00:15:36.240 With their lips, 00:15:38.340 --> 00:15:39.019 Now I don't want you, 00:15:39.139 --> 00:15:40.120 To take this to the extreme, 00:15:40.240 --> 00:15:40.740 People often say, 00:15:40.779 --> 00:15:41.500 It doesn't matter actually, 00:15:41.539 --> 00:15:42.340 What we do in worship, 00:15:42.580 --> 00:15:43.439 As long as you mean it, 00:15:43.519 --> 00:15:44.460 That cannot, 00:15:44.620 --> 00:15:45.299 Biblically be so, 00:15:45.379 --> 00:15:46.139 The second commandment, 00:15:46.240 --> 00:15:46.759 Forbizlet, 00:15:46.759 --> 00:15:49.500 But I do want you, 00:15:49.559 --> 00:15:50.559 To see this morning, 00:15:51.620 --> 00:15:53.700 That these people's lives, 00:15:53.799 --> 00:15:54.559 In Isaiah's day, 00:15:54.620 --> 00:15:55.460 And in Jesus' day, 00:15:55.980 --> 00:15:56.720 Were characterized, 00:15:56.980 --> 00:15:58.139 By externalism, 00:15:59.879 --> 00:16:00.620 And when you bring that, 00:16:00.639 --> 00:16:01.620 Into the area of worship, 00:16:01.740 --> 00:16:02.740 Their worship began, 00:16:02.819 --> 00:16:03.379 And it ended, 00:16:03.860 --> 00:16:04.799 With their lips, 00:16:04.899 --> 00:16:05.559 Their hearts, 00:16:05.639 --> 00:16:07.480 Were disengaged from it, 00:16:09.799 --> 00:16:10.919 And so Jesus says, 00:16:11.000 --> 00:16:11.980 They are not worshippers, 00:16:12.100 --> 00:16:13.059 They are actors, 00:16:15.059 --> 00:16:16.740 They wear a mask, 00:16:16.759 --> 00:16:19.379 They are hypocrites, 00:16:19.379 --> 00:16:20.980 You honor me, 00:16:20.980 --> 00:16:21.700 With your lips, 00:16:21.819 --> 00:16:22.860 But your heart, 00:16:23.039 --> 00:16:24.100 Is far from me, 00:16:24.700 --> 00:16:25.580 And it's all part, 00:16:25.639 --> 00:16:26.379 Of the Pharisees interest, 00:16:26.439 --> 00:16:26.679 Wasn't it, 00:16:26.740 --> 00:16:27.139 Do you remember, 00:16:27.460 --> 00:16:28.600 The ceremonial cleansing, 00:16:28.819 --> 00:16:29.659 They were into that, 00:16:29.899 --> 00:16:30.480 Of the hands, 00:16:30.740 --> 00:16:31.759 That matters to them, 00:16:31.840 --> 00:16:33.139 More than anything else, 00:16:34.559 --> 00:16:35.779 But their hands, 00:16:35.840 --> 00:16:36.899 Have been cleansed, 00:16:38.620 --> 00:16:39.980 And so they could go, 00:16:40.080 --> 00:16:41.240 Into the worship of God, 00:16:41.439 --> 00:16:42.960 Because it was the external issue, 00:16:43.019 --> 00:16:43.939 That had been dealt with, 00:16:44.939 --> 00:16:46.639 Have you washed your hands, 00:16:46.639 --> 00:16:49.259 In this ceremonial, 00:16:49.259 --> 00:16:50.039 Way of doing it, 00:16:50.360 --> 00:16:51.240 Well then if you have, 00:16:51.319 --> 00:16:51.659 You're okay, 00:16:51.720 --> 00:16:52.699 You may worship God truly, 00:16:53.059 --> 00:16:53.860 And you can go through, 00:16:53.939 --> 00:16:54.939 The motions of worship, 00:16:56.259 --> 00:16:57.059 I don't think it's hard, 00:16:57.100 --> 00:16:58.100 To see how this applies today, 00:16:58.159 --> 00:16:58.399 Is it, 00:16:59.100 --> 00:17:02.179 How easy it is, 00:17:02.179 --> 00:17:02.740 For us to be, 00:17:02.819 --> 00:17:03.240 Taking, 00:17:04.819 --> 00:17:05.500 On our lips, 00:17:05.759 --> 00:17:06.359 Great hymns, 00:17:06.420 --> 00:17:06.839 We sing, 00:17:06.839 --> 00:17:09.519 Where our hearts, 00:17:09.619 --> 00:17:10.459 Where our minds, 00:17:11.459 --> 00:17:13.799 Where do the Lamb, 00:17:13.839 --> 00:17:14.339 Who was slain, 00:17:14.419 --> 00:17:15.039 Who receive honour, 00:17:15.179 --> 00:17:15.539 And glory, 00:17:15.639 --> 00:17:16.119 And majesty, 00:17:16.259 --> 00:17:16.639 And power, 00:17:16.720 --> 00:17:17.119 And dominion, 00:17:17.179 --> 00:17:18.220 It's so easy isn't it, 00:17:18.799 --> 00:17:19.480 While saying that, 00:17:19.539 --> 00:17:20.359 For us to have, 00:17:20.459 --> 00:17:21.500 Base thoughts, 00:17:22.459 --> 00:17:23.740 Horrible thoughts, 00:17:24.459 --> 00:17:24.899 About people, 00:17:24.959 --> 00:17:25.259 Who may be, 00:17:25.339 --> 00:17:26.279 In this city next to us, 00:17:26.679 --> 00:17:29.419 Filling our minds, 00:17:29.500 --> 00:17:30.459 With the irrelevant things, 00:17:30.519 --> 00:17:31.019 Of this week, 00:17:31.019 --> 00:17:36.259 You worship me with your lips, 00:17:36.359 --> 00:17:37.160 But your hearts, 00:17:38.160 --> 00:17:39.079 Are far from me, 00:17:41.799 --> 00:17:42.759 I believe, 00:17:43.019 --> 00:17:43.720 In worship, 00:17:44.039 --> 00:17:45.039 That we should only do, 00:17:45.160 --> 00:17:45.960 What God commands, 00:17:46.900 --> 00:17:48.019 And it's vitally important, 00:17:49.299 --> 00:17:50.139 I don't think we're free, 00:17:50.279 --> 00:17:51.299 To do what we want, 00:17:51.400 --> 00:17:51.859 In worship, 00:17:52.779 --> 00:17:54.599 It's a regular principle, 00:17:56.359 --> 00:17:56.960 But the danger, 00:17:57.180 --> 00:17:58.379 For churches like ours, 00:17:58.420 --> 00:17:59.180 And people like myself, 00:17:59.259 --> 00:17:59.660 Is you think, 00:17:59.740 --> 00:18:00.720 Well we just, 00:18:01.019 --> 00:18:01.759 Go through the list, 00:18:02.059 --> 00:18:02.940 We took off the list, 00:18:03.519 --> 00:18:06.539 That we've got, 00:18:06.660 --> 00:18:08.180 The outward forms, 00:18:08.319 --> 00:18:09.180 Of worship, 00:18:09.339 --> 00:18:09.599 The kind of, 00:18:09.599 --> 00:18:10.779 Dialogical aspect, 00:18:11.019 --> 00:18:12.079 The movement of the gospel, 00:18:12.240 --> 00:18:13.000 Through the service, 00:18:15.519 --> 00:18:17.339 Does God say to you and I, 00:18:17.379 --> 00:18:18.359 You worship me with your lips, 00:18:18.420 --> 00:18:19.059 For your hearts, 00:18:19.099 --> 00:18:19.859 Are far from me, 00:18:22.000 --> 00:18:22.639 Third area, 00:18:22.759 --> 00:18:23.740 Is true leadership, 00:18:24.059 --> 00:18:25.339 Look at verses 12 to 14, 00:18:27.379 --> 00:18:27.920 The Pharisees, 00:18:27.920 --> 00:18:28.960 The Pharisees come to Jesus, 00:18:29.079 --> 00:18:29.599 And they say to him, 00:18:29.619 --> 00:18:30.839 What I suppose he knew anyway, 00:18:30.839 --> 00:18:33.799 And they say, 00:18:33.879 --> 00:18:34.240 Don't they, 00:18:34.379 --> 00:18:37.299 Don't you realise, 00:18:37.379 --> 00:18:38.099 How offended, 00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:39.039 You are, 00:18:39.179 --> 00:18:39.939 They are, 00:18:40.139 --> 00:18:43.480 Do you not know, 00:18:43.559 --> 00:18:44.319 They're offended, 00:18:44.579 --> 00:18:44.899 When they, 00:18:44.939 --> 00:18:46.099 When they hear the same, 00:18:48.799 --> 00:18:49.299 It's interesting, 00:18:49.439 --> 00:18:49.599 It's like I said, 00:18:49.659 --> 00:18:50.980 The people who heard Jesus, 00:18:51.099 --> 00:18:51.819 Were offended, 00:18:52.659 --> 00:18:53.379 We get very, 00:18:53.500 --> 00:18:54.000 Very nervous, 00:18:54.099 --> 00:18:54.359 Don't we, 00:18:54.399 --> 00:18:55.859 About when people come to church, 00:18:55.899 --> 00:18:56.439 And they leave, 00:18:56.500 --> 00:18:56.980 Offended, 00:18:56.980 --> 00:19:00.680 They say, 00:19:00.720 --> 00:19:01.319 You've really done it, 00:19:01.420 --> 00:19:02.099 This time with the law, 00:19:02.180 --> 00:19:02.900 You've offended them, 00:19:02.960 --> 00:19:03.559 They are going to be, 00:19:03.720 --> 00:19:04.960 Very annoyed Jesus, 00:19:04.960 --> 00:19:08.339 Of course, 00:19:08.440 --> 00:19:08.819 The big question, 00:19:08.900 --> 00:19:09.960 Was Jesus going to run after them, 00:19:10.019 --> 00:19:11.099 Or write them a handwritten note, 00:19:11.160 --> 00:19:11.319 And say, 00:19:11.380 --> 00:19:11.500 Listen, 00:19:11.620 --> 00:19:12.579 I'm terribly sorry, 00:19:12.660 --> 00:19:13.279 I offended you, 00:19:13.400 --> 00:19:14.360 I didn't mean that, 00:19:15.400 --> 00:19:16.819 I hope you'll still, 00:19:16.960 --> 00:19:17.579 Be our friends, 00:19:17.700 --> 00:19:18.620 I hope you'll still come again, 00:19:19.220 --> 00:19:20.000 But Jesus replied, 00:19:20.099 --> 00:19:21.000 In verse 13, 00:19:21.000 --> 00:19:23.559 Every plant that my heavenly father, 00:19:23.640 --> 00:19:24.079 Has not planted, 00:19:24.180 --> 00:19:24.980 Will be rooted up, 00:19:26.019 --> 00:19:26.660 Leave him alone, 00:19:27.539 --> 00:19:28.480 They're blind guides, 00:19:29.299 --> 00:19:29.960 And if the blind, 00:19:30.019 --> 00:19:30.519 Lead the blind, 00:19:30.660 --> 00:19:31.880 Both will fall into a pit, 00:19:32.720 --> 00:19:35.920 So they come to Jesus, 00:19:36.319 --> 00:19:36.759 And they say, 00:19:36.839 --> 00:19:37.599 You've offended them, 00:19:37.700 --> 00:19:38.960 They were held in such high esteem, 00:19:39.279 --> 00:19:40.059 And that is righteousness, 00:19:40.400 --> 00:19:41.140 Scripture tells us, 00:19:41.180 --> 00:19:42.140 To honour leaders, 00:19:42.900 --> 00:19:43.960 Honour where honour is due, 00:19:45.160 --> 00:19:45.960 But they say to Jesus, 00:19:46.059 --> 00:19:46.720 You've offended them, 00:19:46.740 --> 00:19:47.880 They are really important people, 00:19:48.000 --> 00:19:48.539 And Jesus says, 00:19:48.619 --> 00:19:49.220 My father in heaven, 00:19:49.299 --> 00:19:49.980 Hasn't planted them, 00:19:51.000 --> 00:19:52.259 They are plants, 00:19:52.339 --> 00:19:53.119 My heavenly father, 00:19:53.220 --> 00:19:53.859 Has not planted, 00:19:53.980 --> 00:19:55.000 And they will be uprooted, 00:19:56.640 --> 00:19:58.059 Now that reminds us of something, 00:19:58.160 --> 00:19:58.380 Doesn't it, 00:19:58.400 --> 00:19:59.039 Think about that, 00:20:00.759 --> 00:20:01.920 They are plants, 00:20:02.039 --> 00:20:02.839 My heavenly father, 00:20:02.900 --> 00:20:03.480 Has not planted, 00:20:03.660 --> 00:20:04.119 Do you remember, 00:20:04.720 --> 00:20:05.579 Go back to chapter, 00:20:05.880 --> 00:20:06.700 Go back two chapters, 00:20:08.460 --> 00:20:09.279 And you have the language, 00:20:09.500 --> 00:20:10.299 Of the tears, 00:20:10.380 --> 00:20:10.819 And the wheat, 00:20:10.940 --> 00:20:11.619 Do you remember that, 00:20:11.960 --> 00:20:12.500 The parable, 00:20:14.039 --> 00:20:15.079 There are plants, 00:20:15.259 --> 00:20:15.700 Out there, 00:20:15.980 --> 00:20:17.259 That the owner of the field, 00:20:17.339 --> 00:20:17.980 Has not planted, 00:20:19.619 --> 00:20:20.440 And they come, 00:20:20.500 --> 00:20:20.980 And they say, 00:20:21.000 --> 00:20:23.839 Someone has sown seed, 00:20:23.940 --> 00:20:24.579 In your field, 00:20:24.660 --> 00:20:25.200 And ruined it, 00:20:25.299 --> 00:20:26.319 Weeds in your field, 00:20:26.599 --> 00:20:27.720 And the planter says, 00:20:27.799 --> 00:20:28.259 Do you remember, 00:20:28.480 --> 00:20:30.099 An enemy has done this, 00:20:30.779 --> 00:20:33.559 There are other plants, 00:20:33.619 --> 00:20:34.000 That the owner, 00:20:34.099 --> 00:20:34.720 Is not planted, 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:36.779 And what's the advice, 00:20:36.839 --> 00:20:37.200 Of the owner, 00:20:37.480 --> 00:20:38.460 In that parable, 00:20:38.660 --> 00:20:39.019 Of the wheat, 00:20:39.079 --> 00:20:39.539 And the tears, 00:20:39.680 --> 00:20:40.059 It is, 00:20:40.140 --> 00:20:40.819 Leave them alone, 00:20:40.960 --> 00:20:41.960 An enemy has done this, 00:20:42.960 --> 00:20:43.640 It's not my father, 00:20:43.640 --> 00:20:44.319 Who has planted them, 00:20:45.460 --> 00:20:46.240 So she's saying, 00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:48.460 He's saying, 00:20:48.559 --> 00:20:49.099 They are either, 00:20:49.099 --> 00:20:50.400 Self-appointed leaders, 00:20:51.039 --> 00:20:52.599 Or the devil, 00:20:52.680 --> 00:20:53.339 Has appointed them, 00:20:53.480 --> 00:20:54.220 But not my father, 00:20:55.720 --> 00:20:56.400 Leave them alone, 00:20:57.480 --> 00:20:59.220 They're blind guides, 00:21:00.779 --> 00:21:01.819 And if you follow them, 00:21:01.920 --> 00:21:02.620 You will lead, 00:21:03.299 --> 00:21:04.000 They will lead you, 00:21:04.120 --> 00:21:04.660 Into the ditch, 00:21:06.259 --> 00:21:07.240 And so these leaders, 00:21:07.319 --> 00:21:07.940 Actually you need, 00:21:08.019 --> 00:21:08.660 To shun them, 00:21:08.839 --> 00:21:09.559 I'm not going to do them, 00:21:09.620 --> 00:21:10.240 Don't listen to them, 00:21:10.240 --> 00:21:13.680 That's hard isn't it, 00:21:13.859 --> 00:21:14.759 That's very very difficult, 00:21:16.039 --> 00:21:17.539 To speak in that way, 00:21:17.579 --> 00:21:18.759 About people who are respected, 00:21:19.099 --> 00:21:19.920 Religious leaders, 00:21:20.079 --> 00:21:20.640 In society, 00:21:21.220 --> 00:21:23.000 But it's very important, 00:21:23.120 --> 00:21:23.539 That you and I, 00:21:23.599 --> 00:21:24.779 Take what Jesus says seriously, 00:21:26.620 --> 00:21:27.160 And to recognise, 00:21:27.259 --> 00:21:27.900 That there are leaders, 00:21:28.019 --> 00:21:28.539 In churches, 00:21:28.680 --> 00:21:29.579 Like these Pharisees, 00:21:29.700 --> 00:21:31.000 Who in their own day, 00:21:31.099 --> 00:21:32.440 Were not planted by God, 00:21:32.440 --> 00:21:33.059 And one day, 00:21:33.140 --> 00:21:34.200 They will be taken away, 00:21:34.519 --> 00:21:35.519 They will be ripped up, 00:21:35.579 --> 00:21:36.420 They will be cast out, 00:21:38.420 --> 00:21:39.660 And Jesus says, 00:21:39.660 --> 00:21:41.040 Your task as the people of God, 00:21:41.100 --> 00:21:41.860 Is to recognise, 00:21:42.060 --> 00:21:42.820 The difference between, 00:21:42.820 --> 00:21:44.220 Leaders who are God appointed, 00:21:44.500 --> 00:21:46.060 And leaders who are self appointed, 00:21:47.120 --> 00:21:49.820 Because the ones who are self appointed, 00:21:49.940 --> 00:21:51.480 Are like blind guides, 00:21:52.779 --> 00:21:54.060 Will lead you into a pit too, 00:21:57.560 --> 00:21:58.700 So it's an image isn't it, 00:21:58.720 --> 00:21:59.560 Play with the image for a minute, 00:21:59.700 --> 00:22:00.279 You've seen, 00:22:00.460 --> 00:22:01.519 We have a number of blind people, 00:22:01.600 --> 00:22:01.779 In England, 00:22:01.920 --> 00:22:02.800 You've seen on the bus, 00:22:02.940 --> 00:22:04.120 There's a blind beggar, 00:22:04.640 --> 00:22:05.320 Outside, 00:22:05.580 --> 00:22:06.320 Same suite on England, 00:22:06.380 --> 00:22:07.720 You imagine that, 00:22:07.800 --> 00:22:08.860 Another blind person, 00:22:08.859 --> 00:22:09.899 Leading them, 00:22:10.319 --> 00:22:14.019 Leading them across the road, 00:22:15.299 --> 00:22:17.000 The dangers of that, 00:22:17.879 --> 00:22:18.779 The person leading them, 00:22:18.839 --> 00:22:19.599 Can't see, 00:22:21.259 --> 00:22:22.379 And will lead them into a pit, 00:22:22.439 --> 00:22:23.519 Will lead them into huge danger, 00:22:23.759 --> 00:22:24.500 They're not verses that, 00:22:24.559 --> 00:22:25.419 We like to think about, 00:22:26.059 --> 00:22:27.219 And yet we need to think about them, 00:22:27.699 --> 00:22:31.719 And the final thing, 00:22:31.839 --> 00:22:32.959 Is the whole realm of morality, 00:22:33.459 --> 00:22:35.459 Is it inward, 00:22:35.579 --> 00:22:36.139 Or is it outward, 00:22:36.140 --> 00:22:37.200 And that brings us back, 00:22:37.220 --> 00:22:38.220 To the beginning of the conversation, 00:22:38.300 --> 00:22:38.880 With the Pharisees, 00:22:38.960 --> 00:22:39.640 Verse 15, 00:22:40.120 --> 00:22:40.660 Peter says, 00:22:40.860 --> 00:22:41.960 Explain this to us Jesus, 00:22:42.300 --> 00:22:43.300 He's according to the illustration, 00:22:43.460 --> 00:22:44.259 In verse 10 and 11, 00:22:47.259 --> 00:22:48.140 And he says, 00:22:48.340 --> 00:22:49.160 Hear and understand, 00:22:49.300 --> 00:22:49.759 Verse 11, 00:22:50.060 --> 00:22:51.420 It's not what goes into the mouth, 00:22:51.480 --> 00:22:52.960 That makes a person unclean, 00:22:53.020 --> 00:22:54.040 But what comes out of the mouth, 00:22:54.100 --> 00:22:55.200 That defiles a person, 00:22:57.400 --> 00:22:59.060 Then Peter says, 00:22:59.160 --> 00:23:00.620 Explain this parable to us, 00:23:00.619 --> 00:23:03.179 Tell me, 00:23:03.379 --> 00:23:03.899 Let me tell you, 00:23:04.039 --> 00:23:05.899 What the idea is behind this, 00:23:06.939 --> 00:23:09.459 The reason why the Pharisees, 00:23:09.539 --> 00:23:10.299 Were so concerned, 00:23:10.399 --> 00:23:11.939 With the washing of the hands, 00:23:13.479 --> 00:23:13.899 Was this, 00:23:13.979 --> 00:23:15.519 The Mishnah added, 00:23:16.799 --> 00:23:18.039 That to the law, 00:23:20.119 --> 00:23:20.539 And so they said, 00:23:20.619 --> 00:23:21.599 If you touch a Gentile, 00:23:21.679 --> 00:23:22.559 That's somebody who's not a Jew, 00:23:22.659 --> 00:23:24.039 That's the vast majority of us, 00:23:24.199 --> 00:23:25.639 If you touch them, 00:23:25.699 --> 00:23:27.719 You were ceremonially unclean, 00:23:27.720 --> 00:23:31.420 And then you get your packed lunch out, 00:23:31.519 --> 00:23:32.839 And you touch your food, 00:23:34.120 --> 00:23:35.720 And because you've not washed your hands, 00:23:35.839 --> 00:23:37.839 You've still got the uncleanness, 00:23:38.400 --> 00:23:39.720 From the Gentile, 00:23:39.960 --> 00:23:40.759 That's put into your food, 00:23:41.039 --> 00:23:41.799 And then you, 00:23:42.380 --> 00:23:43.559 Your unclean hands, 00:23:44.180 --> 00:23:45.519 Make your food unclean, 00:23:45.620 --> 00:23:47.039 And you pick up your unclean food, 00:23:47.100 --> 00:23:48.839 And you put it in your mouth, 00:23:49.319 --> 00:23:50.880 And your mouth is unclean, 00:23:51.220 --> 00:23:53.400 And your food goes down, 00:23:53.480 --> 00:23:54.539 From your mouth into your stomach, 00:23:54.660 --> 00:23:56.180 And your stomach becomes unclean, 00:23:56.180 --> 00:23:58.660 So you now are unclean, 00:23:58.940 --> 00:24:00.140 All because, 00:24:01.080 --> 00:24:01.820 You touch, 00:24:02.320 --> 00:24:03.160 A Gentile, 00:24:03.500 --> 00:24:04.460 Then you touch the food, 00:24:04.500 --> 00:24:05.640 And the food has now gone into you, 00:24:05.920 --> 00:24:06.700 And they are saying, 00:24:06.840 --> 00:24:09.240 Uncleanness works from the external, 00:24:09.920 --> 00:24:10.220 In, 00:24:13.220 --> 00:24:14.120 Jesus says, 00:24:14.180 --> 00:24:14.880 You've got it completely, 00:24:15.100 --> 00:24:15.880 Precisely, 00:24:16.000 --> 00:24:17.340 And totally wrong, 00:24:18.259 --> 00:24:20.640 Because uncleanness, 00:24:20.720 --> 00:24:22.039 Doesn't come from touching things like, 00:24:22.100 --> 00:24:22.620 Dead bodies, 00:24:22.759 --> 00:24:23.480 Or Gentiles, 00:24:23.580 --> 00:24:24.299 Or whatever it was, 00:24:24.340 --> 00:24:25.180 They weren't allowed to touch, 00:24:25.180 --> 00:24:26.940 But uncleanness is already, 00:24:27.060 --> 00:24:27.680 In your heart, 00:24:27.740 --> 00:24:28.200 And in mine, 00:24:29.740 --> 00:24:30.340 Jesus says, 00:24:30.400 --> 00:24:31.820 It's not what goes into a man, 00:24:32.100 --> 00:24:33.160 That makes him unclean, 00:24:33.539 --> 00:24:34.100 And that's the point, 00:24:34.140 --> 00:24:34.779 In verse 16, 00:24:34.860 --> 00:24:35.519 20, 00:24:36.400 --> 00:24:37.580 It's what comes out of a person, 00:24:37.740 --> 00:24:38.580 That makes them unclean, 00:24:38.620 --> 00:24:39.340 It's from their heart, 00:24:40.799 --> 00:24:41.680 And from your heart, 00:24:41.720 --> 00:24:42.240 And my heart, 00:24:42.320 --> 00:24:43.460 Comes every evil thing, 00:24:43.660 --> 00:24:45.279 And he gives us this horrible list, 00:24:45.380 --> 00:24:45.700 Doesn't he, 00:24:45.740 --> 00:24:46.400 In verse 18, 00:24:48.560 --> 00:24:49.720 Now do you see the point? 00:24:49.720 --> 00:24:52.120 He's saying, 00:24:52.180 --> 00:24:53.799 The origin of your uncleanness, 00:24:53.900 --> 00:24:54.680 Of my sinfulness, 00:24:54.839 --> 00:24:56.259 Is not outside of ourselves, 00:24:57.259 --> 00:24:58.880 So that we, 00:24:59.019 --> 00:24:59.620 We don't say, 00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:00.839 Well watch what you touch, 00:25:01.539 --> 00:25:02.559 Watch what you look at, 00:25:03.339 --> 00:25:05.500 In case the uncleanness of that, 00:25:05.579 --> 00:25:07.100 Might enter into your life, 00:25:07.180 --> 00:25:08.400 And make you morally unclean, 00:25:08.440 --> 00:25:09.519 He says to you and I, 00:25:09.600 --> 00:25:09.779 No, 00:25:09.839 --> 00:25:11.480 Your heart is unclean, 00:25:11.480 --> 00:25:15.319 All the problems that you have, 00:25:15.420 --> 00:25:17.079 Come from here, 00:25:21.860 --> 00:25:22.660 I think it's so important, 00:25:22.759 --> 00:25:23.140 Isn't it? 00:25:24.319 --> 00:25:25.319 For us to understand, 00:25:27.720 --> 00:25:27.940 That, 00:25:28.539 --> 00:25:29.559 The heart of the problem, 00:25:29.620 --> 00:25:30.640 Is the problem of the human heart, 00:25:30.720 --> 00:25:31.880 It's so important for parents, 00:25:31.960 --> 00:25:32.559 To understand that, 00:25:32.620 --> 00:25:33.200 With our children, 00:25:35.259 --> 00:25:36.180 What is the problem, 00:25:36.279 --> 00:25:37.000 With your children? 00:25:39.819 --> 00:25:40.420 It's the problem, 00:25:40.519 --> 00:25:41.339 With their hearts, 00:25:41.480 --> 00:25:44.799 What's your problem? 00:25:46.120 --> 00:25:47.500 It's the problem of your heart, 00:25:47.559 --> 00:25:48.220 And so is mine, 00:25:50.299 --> 00:25:51.240 And so we live in a sight, 00:25:51.319 --> 00:25:52.680 I got a new diary, 00:25:53.220 --> 00:25:53.660 Two weeks ago, 00:25:53.700 --> 00:25:54.400 An academic diary, 00:25:54.460 --> 00:25:54.799 I love it, 00:25:54.839 --> 00:25:55.380 You go in a double it, 00:25:55.400 --> 00:25:56.440 So if you buy a new diary, 00:25:56.559 --> 00:25:56.940 And you think, 00:25:57.039 --> 00:25:57.940 A new diary, 00:25:58.099 --> 00:25:58.620 New you, 00:25:58.980 --> 00:26:01.339 And I'm going to use, 00:26:01.420 --> 00:26:02.860 Only one colour of pen, 00:26:03.019 --> 00:26:03.660 You know, 00:26:04.279 --> 00:26:05.259 I'm going to write neatly, 00:26:05.460 --> 00:26:05.660 Well, 00:26:05.860 --> 00:26:06.360 Two weeks later, 00:26:06.420 --> 00:26:06.980 It's a disaster, 00:26:07.420 --> 00:26:09.380 We are always thinking, 00:26:09.519 --> 00:26:10.700 Externally aren't we? 00:26:11.240 --> 00:26:11.819 And maybe that's you, 00:26:11.880 --> 00:26:13.160 Maybe you're not a Christian, 00:26:13.279 --> 00:26:13.880 What would it take, 00:26:13.920 --> 00:26:14.620 To fix the problems, 00:26:14.680 --> 00:26:15.140 In your life? 00:26:15.259 --> 00:26:15.920 Think about it, 00:26:15.920 --> 00:26:18.640 And I can guarantee, 00:26:18.819 --> 00:26:20.500 You're pretty much thinking, 00:26:20.640 --> 00:26:21.160 Well actually, 00:26:21.259 --> 00:26:22.360 I changed this, 00:26:23.299 --> 00:26:24.120 I go to the gym, 00:26:24.220 --> 00:26:25.519 I changed my job, 00:26:27.080 --> 00:26:28.500 I changed my family, 00:26:28.500 --> 00:26:31.039 I changed my area, 00:26:31.039 --> 00:26:33.720 And Jesus is saying, 00:26:33.839 --> 00:26:34.079 No, 00:26:34.700 --> 00:26:35.400 The truth is, 00:26:35.460 --> 00:26:36.799 The problem is your heart, 00:26:37.039 --> 00:26:38.460 And that is devastating, 00:26:38.579 --> 00:26:38.839 Isn't it? 00:26:40.680 --> 00:26:41.359 And you children, 00:26:41.579 --> 00:26:42.519 Here this morning, 00:26:43.440 --> 00:26:44.519 You little ones, 00:26:45.059 --> 00:26:48.920 You can't create a perfect world, 00:26:49.079 --> 00:26:50.180 You can't do everything right, 00:26:50.259 --> 00:26:51.819 You can't get the perfect exams, 00:26:52.319 --> 00:26:54.420 The problems that are in your little lives, 00:26:54.579 --> 00:26:56.079 Like the problems in my life, 00:26:56.220 --> 00:26:57.960 Are the problems of my heart, 00:26:57.960 --> 00:27:02.059 And why is that so important? 00:27:02.140 --> 00:27:02.799 That's so important, 00:27:02.880 --> 00:27:04.539 Because it drives us, 00:27:05.620 --> 00:27:06.740 To Jesus' teaching, 00:27:07.600 --> 00:27:10.400 And it says to you and I, 00:27:10.460 --> 00:27:11.779 What I need is a new heart, 00:27:12.240 --> 00:27:15.240 Because the only thing, 00:27:15.319 --> 00:27:15.759 That will help you, 00:27:15.840 --> 00:27:16.680 Is a new heart, 00:27:17.500 --> 00:27:20.220 And that's what Jesus, 00:27:20.340 --> 00:27:21.500 Is really concerned about this work, 00:27:21.500 --> 00:27:25.960 That's why another Pharisee, 00:27:25.960 --> 00:27:27.599 Came to see Jesus at night, 00:27:28.920 --> 00:27:30.579 Heard Jesus saying to him, 00:27:30.660 --> 00:27:31.319 Nicodemus, 00:27:31.460 --> 00:27:33.000 You need a new birth, 00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:36.559 You don't need a new teaching, 00:27:37.559 --> 00:27:39.059 You don't need a new diary, 00:27:40.420 --> 00:27:41.880 You need a new heart, 00:27:41.880 --> 00:27:44.880 And the person, 00:27:44.880 --> 00:27:45.720 Who would give them, 00:27:45.800 --> 00:27:46.400 This new heart, 00:27:46.460 --> 00:27:47.760 Was standing right in front of them, 00:27:48.960 --> 00:27:53.020 What an extraordinary business, 00:27:53.140 --> 00:27:53.780 It is isn't it, 00:27:54.400 --> 00:27:56.360 Moral change, 00:27:56.520 --> 00:27:57.260 True change, 00:27:57.380 --> 00:27:58.240 Real change, 00:27:58.320 --> 00:27:59.080 Does not come from, 00:27:59.140 --> 00:27:59.680 Tinkering about, 00:27:59.780 --> 00:28:00.900 With a few religious rules, 00:28:01.200 --> 00:28:01.960 And regulations, 00:28:03.220 --> 00:28:04.560 But moral change, 00:28:04.620 --> 00:28:05.440 Comes from a new heart, 00:28:05.440 --> 00:28:07.660 And that's exactly, 00:28:07.759 --> 00:28:08.420 What the Bible promises, 00:28:08.640 --> 00:28:08.860 Isn't it, 00:28:08.880 --> 00:28:09.100 That's why, 00:28:09.220 --> 00:28:10.940 God prophesied to Ezekiel, 00:28:11.000 --> 00:28:11.519 I will take out, 00:28:11.580 --> 00:28:12.320 Your stony heart, 00:28:12.360 --> 00:28:12.920 Of your flesh, 00:28:13.240 --> 00:28:13.880 And I will give you, 00:28:13.900 --> 00:28:14.400 A new heart, 00:28:14.460 --> 00:28:15.580 And I will write my law on it, 00:28:16.480 --> 00:28:20.000 And so the real issue, 00:28:20.100 --> 00:28:20.860 Is this this morning, 00:28:21.820 --> 00:28:22.559 Let me summarize, 00:28:23.779 --> 00:28:24.820 How do I see, 00:28:24.900 --> 00:28:25.460 True authority, 00:28:25.580 --> 00:28:25.940 Is it human, 00:28:26.039 --> 00:28:26.700 Or is it divine, 00:28:28.620 --> 00:28:29.600 How do I see, 00:28:29.680 --> 00:28:30.140 True worship, 00:28:30.340 --> 00:28:31.420 Is it what's on my lips, 00:28:31.519 --> 00:28:32.680 Or is it what's in my heart, 00:28:32.680 --> 00:28:35.440 How do I see, 00:28:35.480 --> 00:28:36.000 True leadership, 00:28:36.180 --> 00:28:37.420 Is it God appointed, 00:28:37.560 --> 00:28:38.539 Or self appointed, 00:28:39.420 --> 00:28:40.180 And how do I see, 00:28:40.299 --> 00:28:40.860 True morality, 00:28:41.220 --> 00:28:42.440 Is it outward, 00:28:43.340 --> 00:28:44.100 Or is it inward, 00:28:46.840 --> 00:28:47.580 In other words, 00:28:47.640 --> 00:28:48.360 Am I a Pharisee, 00:28:48.440 --> 00:28:49.120 Or am I a Christian, 00:28:51.440 --> 00:28:52.380 That's the issue, 00:28:53.500 --> 00:28:54.400 Let's pray,