WEBVTT

00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.439
 Well, good morning, church.

00:00:04.480 --> 00:00:07.580
 Turn with me in your Bibles to the Gospel of Luke.

00:00:08.220 --> 00:00:10.259
 We are looking at Luke chapter 5.

00:00:10.380 --> 00:00:16.039
 If you're looking in one of the few Bibles, it is page 861.

00:00:19.660 --> 00:00:24.719
 We're looking at the Gospel of Luke over the next couple of months in a series entitled

00:00:24.719 --> 00:00:26.260
 Who is This?

00:00:26.260 --> 00:00:31.380
 This is one of the most common questions that the disciples and the crowds are asking about

00:00:31.380 --> 00:00:36.200
 Jesus in this section of Luke, and we just want to focus our attention on Him.

00:00:37.120 --> 00:00:43.280
 If you're exploring the Christian faith, Jesus is the one who's at the center of it all, and

00:00:43.280 --> 00:00:44.620
 it stands or falls on Him.

00:00:45.799 --> 00:00:53.120
 If you're a follower of Jesus, the Bible calls us to fix our eyes on Him and not let anything

00:00:53.120 --> 00:00:55.579
 else take that primary place.

00:00:56.259 --> 00:00:57.719
 So let's read together.

00:00:57.859 --> 00:01:00.879
 We're reading Luke chapter 5, verses 12 to 16.

00:01:03.179 --> 00:01:04.340
 Let's read these verses.

00:01:04.340 --> 00:01:12.280
 While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy.

00:01:13.040 --> 00:01:21.719
 And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged Him, Lord, if you will, you can make

00:01:21.719 --> 00:01:22.219
 me clean.

00:01:23.359 --> 00:01:28.900
 And Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, I will be clean.

00:01:28.900 --> 00:01:31.440
 And immediately the leprosy left Him.

00:01:32.560 --> 00:01:36.840
 And He charged Him to tell no one, but go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering

00:01:36.840 --> 00:01:39.740
 for your cleansing as Moses commanded for a proof to them.

00:01:40.780 --> 00:01:46.260
 But now even more, the report about Him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear Him

00:01:46.260 --> 00:01:50.140
 and to be healed of their infirmities.

00:01:51.140 --> 00:01:55.200
 But He would withdraw to desolate places and pray.

00:01:56.320 --> 00:02:03.820
 This morning, I want to look at the leper's condition and the Savior's cleansing.

00:02:03.819 --> 00:02:09.259
 The story begins with a man full of leprosy coming before Jesus.

00:02:09.459 --> 00:02:15.120
 Now, the word leprosy was used to refer to a variety of skin diseases, including itches,

00:02:15.359 --> 00:02:18.340
 boils, burns, ringworm, and scalp conditions.

00:02:18.340 --> 00:02:22.859
 So we can't be completely sure of the exact nature of the man's condition.

00:02:23.000 --> 00:02:27.000
 But Luke tells us in verse 12 that he was full of leprosy.

00:02:27.639 --> 00:02:30.400
 That is, his case had progressed to an advanced stage.

00:02:30.400 --> 00:02:35.599
 It wasn't a minor ailment confined to one localized region in his body.

00:02:35.760 --> 00:02:42.219
 It wasn't just a slightly annoying rash that he could put clothes on that would cover it

00:02:42.219 --> 00:02:44.460
 and go about his day mostly as usual.

00:02:44.580 --> 00:02:49.060
 It had taken over his body and actually his life in a comprehensive way.

00:02:49.159 --> 00:02:53.560
 So it's very possible that he had the disease that we know of as leprosy.

00:02:54.340 --> 00:02:56.340
 The medical term is Hansen's disease.

00:02:56.340 --> 00:03:01.300
 This is a chronic infectious disease that attacks the nervous system.

00:03:01.979 --> 00:03:05.420
 Beginning with the peripheral regions such as fingers and toes,

00:03:05.920 --> 00:03:10.620
 leprosy gradually makes your body numb, unable to feel anything.

00:03:11.300 --> 00:03:15.439
 And it often causes the body to become disfigured as a result.

00:03:16.580 --> 00:03:21.199
 In Jesus' time, leprosy wasn't just an undesirable medical condition.

00:03:21.340 --> 00:03:24.180
 It also had devastating social consequences.

00:03:24.180 --> 00:03:27.659
 Leprosy could not touch anyone.

00:03:28.659 --> 00:03:31.520
 They were not allowed to live with anyone except each other.

00:03:31.960 --> 00:03:35.460
 They were not allowed into public places such as the synagogue or the temple.

00:03:35.599 --> 00:03:37.099
 They could not work normal jobs.

00:03:37.520 --> 00:03:41.879
 They were not allowed or they could not get married or actively raise children.

00:03:42.020 --> 00:03:46.819
 In Jesus' time, they were supposed to remain 50 paces away from other human beings.

00:03:46.819 --> 00:03:56.979
 If someone wanted to help a leper, say by giving them food, they could leave the food somewhere, walk away, and the leper could go and get it.

00:03:58.680 --> 00:04:02.519
 Many people saw leprosy as a sign of God's curse on a particular individual.

00:04:03.900 --> 00:04:07.859
 And so in all these ways, leprosy was a mark of shame and exclusion.

00:04:07.860 --> 00:04:14.560
 Now some of these attitudes and practices had simply developed over time in that culture.

00:04:15.640 --> 00:04:20.259
 But some of them were rooted in the Old Testament law itself.

00:04:20.360 --> 00:04:27.340
 If you look at Leviticus 13 and 14, it's an extensive discussion of how leprosy can be diagnosed.

00:04:27.339 --> 00:04:30.359
 And then what lepers have to do as a result.

00:04:30.560 --> 00:04:36.019
 And then what should happen if someone recovered.

00:04:37.219 --> 00:04:39.239
 And this is what it says lepers have to do.

00:04:40.379 --> 00:04:42.239
 Leviticus 13, 45 and 46.

00:04:42.379 --> 00:04:42.579
 It says,

00:04:42.579 --> 00:04:52.139
 The leprous person who has the disease shall wear torn clothes, let the hair of his head hang loose, cover his upper lip, and cry out,

00:04:52.279 --> 00:04:54.239
 Unclean, unclean.

00:04:54.240 --> 00:04:57.699
 He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease.

00:04:57.800 --> 00:04:58.620
 He is unclean.

00:04:58.699 --> 00:04:59.620
 He shall live alone.

00:05:00.460 --> 00:05:02.300
 His dwelling shall be outside the camp.

00:05:03.540 --> 00:05:04.780
 Now you might ask,

00:05:05.540 --> 00:05:10.600
 Why would the Old Testament law, given by God himself,

00:05:11.420 --> 00:05:16.840
 require lepers to have such a miserable existence through no fault of their own?

00:05:17.600 --> 00:05:22.840
 Being separated from the broader society and making their appearance as off-putting as possible.

00:05:24.240 --> 00:05:27.639
 Well, partly, it was a matter of public health.

00:05:28.540 --> 00:05:35.439
 By the time of Jesus, scribes had counted as many as 72 different afflictions that were defined as leprosy,

00:05:35.579 --> 00:05:37.340
 sort of included under that term.

00:05:38.199 --> 00:05:40.519
 Some of these were skin diseases that were highly contagious.

00:05:41.519 --> 00:05:42.800
 Some of them were incurable.

00:05:43.879 --> 00:05:46.340
 Some of them had dreadful and even deadly effects.

00:05:47.280 --> 00:05:49.460
 Rabbis spoke of lepers as the living dead.

00:05:49.459 --> 00:05:49.500
 Right?

00:05:50.319 --> 00:05:55.399
 Curing lepers was understood to be as difficult as raising the dead.

00:05:56.599 --> 00:06:00.099
 But you know, the Old Testament laws weren't only about preserving public health,

00:06:00.819 --> 00:06:03.120
 though that was a legitimate concern at the time.

00:06:03.199 --> 00:06:05.419
 There was also a spiritual principle involved.

00:06:06.859 --> 00:06:07.979
 You see, according to Leviticus,

00:06:08.099 --> 00:06:09.759
 leprosy didn't just make you sick.

00:06:10.000 --> 00:06:11.459
 It made you unclean.

00:06:11.459 --> 00:06:14.479
 And even here in this passage in Luke, notice,

00:06:14.959 --> 00:06:17.779
 the leper needs not just healing, but cleansing.

00:06:18.779 --> 00:06:21.659
 It's actually one of the major themes if you read the book of Leviticus.

00:06:22.639 --> 00:06:27.099
 What makes us unclean and how we can be cleansed?

00:06:28.120 --> 00:06:29.139
 And according to Leviticus,

00:06:29.240 --> 00:06:32.560
 it wasn't only direct personal violations of God's law,

00:06:33.359 --> 00:06:38.219
 like idol worship or disobedience to the commandments

00:06:38.219 --> 00:06:39.639
 that could make a person unclean.

00:06:39.639 --> 00:06:43.300
 There were several other things that could make you unclean,

00:06:43.379 --> 00:06:46.699
 such as coming into contact with death and decay,

00:06:47.180 --> 00:06:50.000
 touching a dead body or eating a scavenging animal,

00:06:50.500 --> 00:06:54.439
 coming into contact with blood or other bodily discharges,

00:06:54.500 --> 00:06:58.879
 or skin diseases like leprosy that caused disfigurement of the human body.

00:07:00.079 --> 00:07:02.439
 The common thread among all these things

00:07:02.439 --> 00:07:04.659
 is that in some way or other,

00:07:04.660 --> 00:07:09.260
 all of these things were visible signs or physical expressions

00:07:09.260 --> 00:07:12.740
 of the brokenness and corruption in this world.

00:07:13.820 --> 00:07:14.620
 In other words,

00:07:14.680 --> 00:07:16.540
 the brokenness and corruption in this world

00:07:16.540 --> 00:07:18.600
 somehow leaves its mark on us,

00:07:18.960 --> 00:07:21.200
 and that's what makes us unclean.

00:07:22.360 --> 00:07:23.360
 And in particular,

00:07:23.560 --> 00:07:24.120
 leprosy,

00:07:25.420 --> 00:07:26.620
 physically numbing

00:07:26.620 --> 00:07:28.079
 and disfiguring

00:07:28.079 --> 00:07:32.420
 was sometimes seen as a visual image

00:07:32.420 --> 00:07:34.899
 of humanity's spiritual condition.

00:07:36.100 --> 00:07:38.240
 Earlier we read in Isaiah 64,

00:07:39.379 --> 00:07:39.920
 Isaiah says,

00:07:40.079 --> 00:07:41.100
 we have all become

00:07:41.100 --> 00:07:43.439
 like one who is unclean.

00:07:44.439 --> 00:07:45.980
 All our righteous deeds

00:07:45.980 --> 00:07:48.220
 are like a polluted garment.

00:07:48.220 --> 00:07:50.580
 In other words,

00:07:50.640 --> 00:07:51.180
 our sin,

00:07:51.280 --> 00:07:53.700
 that is our core rejection of God

00:07:53.700 --> 00:07:55.240
 and rebellion against Him,

00:07:55.580 --> 00:07:58.040
 it makes us unable to feel rightly.

00:07:59.140 --> 00:08:01.060
 It distorts our perceptions.

00:08:01.900 --> 00:08:03.540
 It twists our very nature.

00:08:04.040 --> 00:08:04.560
 Leprosy

00:08:04.560 --> 00:08:08.180
 was one visible picture of just that.

00:08:09.600 --> 00:08:10.960
 Now as Christians today,

00:08:11.260 --> 00:08:14.440
 we are not bound by the Old Testament ceremonial law.

00:08:15.680 --> 00:08:17.340
 But there's actually an important insight

00:08:17.339 --> 00:08:19.099
 into human nature contained within it.

00:08:20.879 --> 00:08:21.119
 You see,

00:08:21.179 --> 00:08:22.339
 there are many things today

00:08:22.339 --> 00:08:24.579
 that can make us feel

00:08:24.579 --> 00:08:27.719
 just like the leper would have felt back then.

00:08:29.159 --> 00:08:29.679
 Dirty,

00:08:30.899 --> 00:08:31.299
 disgusting,

00:08:32.480 --> 00:08:33.100
 disfigured,

00:08:34.120 --> 00:08:34.720
 dishonored,

00:08:35.779 --> 00:08:36.740
 damaged goods,

00:08:37.919 --> 00:08:38.259
 ugly,

00:08:39.439 --> 00:08:39.879
 unwanted,

00:08:41.039 --> 00:08:41.319
 worthless,

00:08:42.399 --> 00:08:42.799
 rejected,

00:08:43.759 --> 00:08:44.339
 shut out,

00:08:44.659 --> 00:08:46.240
 and self-conscious about it.

00:08:46.240 --> 00:08:48.000
 In one word,

00:08:48.480 --> 00:08:49.860
 what we're talking about here

00:08:49.860 --> 00:08:50.899
 is shame.

00:08:52.299 --> 00:08:53.659
 Shame is basically anything

00:08:53.659 --> 00:08:54.879
 that makes you want to run and hide.

00:08:56.820 --> 00:08:58.620
 Now sometimes we feel shame

00:08:58.620 --> 00:09:01.740
 because of our past and present sins,

00:09:02.740 --> 00:09:04.480
 especially ones that seem

00:09:04.480 --> 00:09:06.720
 particularly scandalous

00:09:06.720 --> 00:09:08.200
 or disgraceful.

00:09:08.200 --> 00:09:12.480
 maybe you were sexually unfaithful.

00:09:14.280 --> 00:09:16.680
 Maybe you have a pornography habit.

00:09:18.040 --> 00:09:19.280
 Maybe you have a crime

00:09:19.280 --> 00:09:21.180
 that you were arrested for

00:09:21.180 --> 00:09:23.160
 and now it's on your record.

00:09:24.580 --> 00:09:25.759
 Maybe you had an abortion.

00:09:27.220 --> 00:09:28.780
 Maybe you pressured someone else

00:09:28.780 --> 00:09:29.879
 to get an abortion.

00:09:31.320 --> 00:09:32.400
 Maybe it's an addiction,

00:09:32.900 --> 00:09:34.200
 drugs,

00:09:34.200 --> 00:09:35.420
 or alcohol.

00:09:36.280 --> 00:09:37.740
 And it's ruined your life.

00:09:39.000 --> 00:09:40.259
 Torn apart relationships.

00:09:41.960 --> 00:09:43.180
 Maybe you've had a failure

00:09:43.180 --> 00:09:44.660
 as a parent.

00:09:46.160 --> 00:09:47.379
 Maybe it's something seemingly

00:09:47.379 --> 00:09:48.420
 less catastrophic,

00:09:49.340 --> 00:09:51.300
 but still it's made you want

00:09:51.300 --> 00:09:52.200
 to run away and hide.

00:09:53.700 --> 00:09:55.200
 One of the first times I remember

00:09:55.200 --> 00:09:57.100
 feeling shame in my life,

00:09:57.140 --> 00:09:58.800
 I think I was about five years old.

00:09:58.799 --> 00:10:01.759
 And my aunt had taken me

00:10:01.759 --> 00:10:02.740
 to pick raspberries

00:10:02.740 --> 00:10:03.459
 with my cousins.

00:10:04.479 --> 00:10:05.839
 And I sat in the back of the car

00:10:05.839 --> 00:10:07.879
 and against her command,

00:10:08.159 --> 00:10:10.599
 I ate a lot of the box of raspberries.

00:10:11.459 --> 00:10:12.879
 And we got back to her house

00:10:12.879 --> 00:10:14.120
 and she said,

00:10:14.179 --> 00:10:15.079
 did you eat the raspberries?

00:10:15.519 --> 00:10:16.899
 And I said, no, I did not.

00:10:18.240 --> 00:10:18.979
 And she said,

00:10:19.000 --> 00:10:20.099
 look at your hands and face.

00:10:23.419 --> 00:10:24.399
 You lied.

00:10:27.199 --> 00:10:27.939
 And then of course

00:10:27.939 --> 00:10:28.779
 she had to tell my mother.

00:10:28.799 --> 00:10:33.240
 Now that was a minor incident.

00:10:33.399 --> 00:10:34.240
 It hasn't stayed with me

00:10:34.240 --> 00:10:35.000
 throughout my life.

00:10:37.459 --> 00:10:39.019
 But sometimes even seemingly

00:10:39.019 --> 00:10:40.959
 non-catastrophic things,

00:10:42.240 --> 00:10:44.139
 lies,

00:10:44.799 --> 00:10:46.599
 where we get caught,

00:10:48.240 --> 00:10:49.439
 make us feel shame.

00:10:50.699 --> 00:10:52.079
 But there's also other reasons,

00:10:52.799 --> 00:10:54.479
 not just personal sins,

00:10:55.079 --> 00:10:55.919
 there's also other reasons

00:10:55.919 --> 00:10:56.839
 we might feel shame.

00:10:56.840 --> 00:10:59.340
 Maybe you grew up in a house

00:10:59.340 --> 00:11:00.940
 where you were constantly criticized

00:11:00.940 --> 00:11:02.120
 and belittled

00:11:02.120 --> 00:11:04.379
 or ignored

00:11:04.379 --> 00:11:05.740
 and neglected.

00:11:06.740 --> 00:11:07.980
 Maybe you were adopted

00:11:07.980 --> 00:11:10.399
 and however wonderful

00:11:10.399 --> 00:11:12.560
 your adoptive family may be,

00:11:13.600 --> 00:11:14.580
 deep down part of you

00:11:14.580 --> 00:11:15.320
 still feels

00:11:15.320 --> 00:11:16.560
 cast off,

00:11:17.680 --> 00:11:18.000
 abandoned.

00:11:18.000 --> 00:11:20.519
 maybe you gave up

00:11:20.519 --> 00:11:22.200
 a child for adoption.

00:11:22.600 --> 00:11:23.940
 Not because you hated

00:11:23.940 --> 00:11:24.720
 your child,

00:11:24.820 --> 00:11:26.379
 but because you loved them dearly

00:11:26.379 --> 00:11:28.399
 and because you knew

00:11:28.399 --> 00:11:29.779
 that at that point

00:11:29.779 --> 00:11:30.279
 in your life

00:11:30.279 --> 00:11:31.120
 there was no way

00:11:31.120 --> 00:11:32.019
 you could care for them.

00:11:33.679 --> 00:11:35.019
 And yet you still feel shame.

00:11:35.019 --> 00:11:37.340
 Maybe you've lived

00:11:37.340 --> 00:11:38.460
 most or all of your life

00:11:38.460 --> 00:11:39.519
 as an ethnic minority

00:11:39.519 --> 00:11:40.139
 or a foreigner

00:11:40.139 --> 00:11:41.939
 and every day

00:11:41.939 --> 00:11:42.799
 you feel different,

00:11:43.399 --> 00:11:45.100
 like you'll never fully belong

00:11:45.100 --> 00:11:46.659
 and be valued

00:11:46.659 --> 00:11:47.220
 and understood.

00:11:49.120 --> 00:11:50.079
 Maybe you're a man

00:11:50.079 --> 00:11:53.319
 and you haven't had

00:11:53.319 --> 00:11:54.079
 a steady job

00:11:54.079 --> 00:11:55.620
 for months

00:11:55.620 --> 00:11:56.899
 or even years.

00:11:57.439 --> 00:11:58.759
 And you feel like a failure.

00:11:58.919 --> 00:11:59.720
 You feel powerless

00:11:59.720 --> 00:12:00.519
 to provide

00:12:00.519 --> 00:12:02.360
 for yourself,

00:12:02.899 --> 00:12:03.980
 for your family.

00:12:04.819 --> 00:12:05.579
 Maybe you're a woman

00:12:05.579 --> 00:12:07.620
 who's been treated

00:12:07.620 --> 00:12:08.399
 like an object

00:12:08.399 --> 00:12:11.179
 or seen as a threat

00:12:11.179 --> 00:12:12.279
 instead of an ally

00:12:12.279 --> 00:12:13.899
 and you feel dishonored

00:12:13.899 --> 00:12:15.240
 and worthless.

00:12:16.059 --> 00:12:16.899
 Maybe you've been diagnosed

00:12:16.899 --> 00:12:17.960
 with a mental illness

00:12:17.960 --> 00:12:19.039
 or a learning disability

00:12:19.039 --> 00:12:19.720
 and the label

00:12:19.720 --> 00:12:22.079
 seems to define you.

00:12:23.019 --> 00:12:23.620
 Bipolar,

00:12:24.819 --> 00:12:25.679
 schizophrenic,

00:12:26.579 --> 00:12:27.139
 ADHD.

00:12:28.799 --> 00:12:29.360
 Maybe you've been

00:12:29.360 --> 00:12:30.179
 sexually abused.

00:12:31.379 --> 00:12:32.500
 What the abuser did

00:12:32.500 --> 00:12:33.460
 was not your fault

00:12:33.460 --> 00:12:35.559
 but it still leaves a mark.

00:12:36.600 --> 00:12:37.100
 Maybe you feel

00:12:37.100 --> 00:12:38.019
 same-sex attraction.

00:12:39.319 --> 00:12:39.960
 Maybe you've prayed

00:12:39.960 --> 00:12:40.980
 that God would take it away

00:12:40.980 --> 00:12:43.159
 and every day

00:12:43.159 --> 00:12:45.000
 that it doesn't go away

00:12:45.000 --> 00:12:46.539
 you feel more and more ashamed

00:12:46.539 --> 00:12:47.899
 and alienated

00:12:47.899 --> 00:12:48.679
 before God

00:12:48.679 --> 00:12:49.480
 and in the church.

00:12:51.539 --> 00:12:52.519
 Maybe you're overweight.

00:12:54.279 --> 00:12:55.319
 Makes you perpetually

00:12:55.319 --> 00:12:56.199
 self-conscious,

00:12:56.740 --> 00:12:57.480
 self-condemning.

00:12:58.659 --> 00:13:00.139
 Shame comes from many sources.

00:13:00.519 --> 00:13:02.620
 Shame is very powerful.

00:13:03.319 --> 00:13:04.299
 It can fill us

00:13:04.299 --> 00:13:06.360
 like leprosy filled

00:13:06.360 --> 00:13:07.740
 this man.

00:13:08.600 --> 00:13:10.579
 It can reside deep within us,

00:13:10.960 --> 00:13:12.639
 hidden under the outward appearance

00:13:12.639 --> 00:13:14.299
 of competence and success.

00:13:15.299 --> 00:13:16.860
 It can crush us

00:13:16.860 --> 00:13:18.340
 and debilitate us

00:13:18.340 --> 00:13:19.639
 and even kill us.

00:13:19.639 --> 00:13:21.679
 But in this story

00:13:21.679 --> 00:13:22.299
 we see

00:13:22.299 --> 00:13:24.139
 the good news

00:13:24.139 --> 00:13:24.759
 of a Savior

00:13:24.759 --> 00:13:26.759
 who has come

00:13:26.759 --> 00:13:27.379
 to meet us

00:13:27.379 --> 00:13:28.259
 in our shame

00:13:28.259 --> 00:13:30.240
 to cleanse us

00:13:30.240 --> 00:13:31.199
 from our shame

00:13:31.199 --> 00:13:32.980
 and restore us

00:13:32.980 --> 00:13:34.519
 to a place of honor.

00:13:35.580 --> 00:13:36.319
 In verse 12,

00:13:36.379 --> 00:13:37.319
 the man full of leprosy

00:13:37.319 --> 00:13:38.379
 comes before Jesus.

00:13:40.299 --> 00:13:40.860
 Somehow,

00:13:41.120 --> 00:13:42.480
 we don't know how,

00:13:42.539 --> 00:13:43.120
 he's heard

00:13:43.120 --> 00:13:44.299
 about this man

00:13:44.299 --> 00:13:45.959
 and what he's heard

00:13:45.959 --> 00:13:46.740
 gives him hope.

00:13:48.059 --> 00:13:48.819
 What he's heard

00:13:48.819 --> 00:13:49.699
 gives him courage.

00:13:50.120 --> 00:13:51.299
 He venters into a city,

00:13:52.279 --> 00:13:53.120
 presumably a place

00:13:53.120 --> 00:13:53.559
 where lepers

00:13:53.559 --> 00:13:54.120
 weren't supposed

00:13:54.120 --> 00:13:55.199
 to wander around,

00:13:55.859 --> 00:13:57.519
 too many other people around.

00:13:57.879 --> 00:13:59.159
 He comes close to Jesus,

00:13:59.299 --> 00:14:00.579
 closer than he's supposed to

00:14:00.579 --> 00:14:01.500
 according to the custom

00:14:01.500 --> 00:14:02.120
 of the day

00:14:02.120 --> 00:14:03.599
 and he humbles himself

00:14:03.599 --> 00:14:04.659
 in utter dependence,

00:14:05.039 --> 00:14:06.059
 falling on his face,

00:14:06.379 --> 00:14:07.199
 begging for help,

00:14:07.539 --> 00:14:08.939
 confessing Jesus as Lord,

00:14:09.279 --> 00:14:10.159
 declaring his power

00:14:10.159 --> 00:14:10.879
 to cleanse.

00:14:10.879 --> 00:14:11.039
 Sometimes,

00:14:11.460 --> 00:14:14.600
 sometimes in our shame,

00:14:14.679 --> 00:14:15.779
 we can hold on to pride.

00:14:17.600 --> 00:14:18.159
 We say,

00:14:18.240 --> 00:14:18.860
 I don't need help.

00:14:19.960 --> 00:14:21.059
 I don't want help.

00:14:22.500 --> 00:14:23.939
 I could never be helped.

00:14:25.460 --> 00:14:26.500
 And we isolate.

00:14:28.000 --> 00:14:29.539
 And we self-sabotage.

00:14:30.279 --> 00:14:31.820
 And we explode in anger

00:14:31.820 --> 00:14:32.820
 and blame others

00:14:32.820 --> 00:14:33.820
 and live in denial

00:14:33.820 --> 00:14:37.059
 or despair.

00:14:38.220 --> 00:14:39.379
 But this man had heard

00:14:39.379 --> 00:14:40.279
 something about Jesus

00:14:40.279 --> 00:14:41.439
 and in his desperation,

00:14:41.879 --> 00:14:42.740
 he humbled himself

00:14:42.740 --> 00:14:43.480
 before Jesus.

00:14:43.839 --> 00:14:44.699
 And that is always

00:14:44.699 --> 00:14:45.620
 the way to hope,

00:14:46.539 --> 00:14:48.699
 to humble ourselves

00:14:48.699 --> 00:14:49.500
 before God

00:14:49.500 --> 00:14:50.659
 and say,

00:14:50.899 --> 00:14:51.759
 if you will,

00:14:52.079 --> 00:14:52.699
 you can.

00:14:57.779 --> 00:14:58.839
 See, three things

00:14:58.839 --> 00:15:00.240
 about Jesus' cleansing

00:15:00.240 --> 00:15:01.679
 of the leper.

00:15:03.379 --> 00:15:04.620
 First, Jesus meets us

00:15:04.620 --> 00:15:05.220
 in our shame.

00:15:05.740 --> 00:15:06.639
 Jesus stretched out

00:15:06.639 --> 00:15:07.279
 his hand

00:15:07.279 --> 00:15:08.899
 and touched him.

00:15:10.279 --> 00:15:12.339
 Jesus didn't have

00:15:12.339 --> 00:15:12.839
 to do that.

00:15:14.299 --> 00:15:15.639
 In other situations,

00:15:15.759 --> 00:15:16.699
 Jesus healed people's

00:15:16.699 --> 00:15:17.459
 sicknesses

00:15:17.459 --> 00:15:18.740
 or drove out demons

00:15:18.740 --> 00:15:20.220
 by his word alone,

00:15:20.659 --> 00:15:22.379
 even from a long

00:15:22.379 --> 00:15:23.199
 distance away.

00:15:24.879 --> 00:15:25.639
 But here,

00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:27.000
 he intentionally reached out

00:15:27.000 --> 00:15:28.679
 and touched this man

00:15:28.679 --> 00:15:30.240
 who was considered

00:15:30.240 --> 00:15:31.500
 untouchable.

00:15:33.100 --> 00:15:33.439
 You see,

00:15:33.459 --> 00:15:33.819
 if the leper

00:15:33.819 --> 00:15:34.699
 touched anyone,

00:15:35.879 --> 00:15:36.799
 they too

00:15:36.799 --> 00:15:38.199
 would become

00:15:38.199 --> 00:15:40.279
 ritually unclean.

00:15:42.019 --> 00:15:42.839
 Imagine if you were

00:15:42.839 --> 00:15:43.319
 this man.

00:15:44.620 --> 00:15:45.559
 For months,

00:15:46.359 --> 00:15:47.419
 no one has touched you.

00:15:48.099 --> 00:15:49.019
 Maybe years.

00:15:49.139 --> 00:15:50.000
 Ever since you were

00:15:50.000 --> 00:15:51.059
 diagnosed with this

00:15:51.059 --> 00:15:52.139
 horrible disease

00:15:52.139 --> 00:15:53.479
 that has now filled

00:15:53.479 --> 00:15:54.120
 your body.

00:15:55.479 --> 00:15:56.579
 The disease has been

00:15:56.579 --> 00:15:57.959
 your death sentence.

00:15:58.139 --> 00:15:58.459
 First,

00:15:58.639 --> 00:15:59.059
 socially.

00:15:59.859 --> 00:16:00.279
 Second,

00:16:00.439 --> 00:16:01.039
 economically.

00:16:01.659 --> 00:16:02.019
 Third,

00:16:02.139 --> 00:16:02.699
 psychologically.

00:16:02.700 --> 00:16:03.560
 and you know

00:16:03.560 --> 00:16:04.080
 eventually,

00:16:04.360 --> 00:16:04.720
 physically.

00:16:06.500 --> 00:16:07.320
 You're lying

00:16:07.320 --> 00:16:07.940
 face down

00:16:07.940 --> 00:16:08.680
 before Jesus,

00:16:08.800 --> 00:16:09.740
 not quite knowing

00:16:09.740 --> 00:16:10.660
 what to expect

00:16:10.660 --> 00:16:11.360
 and you feel

00:16:11.360 --> 00:16:11.980
 his hand

00:16:11.980 --> 00:16:13.700
 on your shoulder.

00:16:15.600 --> 00:16:15.780
 See,

00:16:15.840 --> 00:16:16.560
 Jesus didn't just

00:16:16.560 --> 00:16:17.300
 treat this man

00:16:17.300 --> 00:16:18.040
 as a project

00:16:18.040 --> 00:16:18.960
 to be fixed.

00:16:20.720 --> 00:16:21.820
 He took the time

00:16:21.820 --> 00:16:22.540
 to touch him,

00:16:23.220 --> 00:16:25.360
 to honor him

00:16:25.360 --> 00:16:26.200
 as a human being

00:16:26.200 --> 00:16:27.140
 made in the image

00:16:27.140 --> 00:16:27.820
 of God.

00:16:27.820 --> 00:16:31.560
 James Edwards writes,

00:16:31.660 --> 00:16:32.780
 the outstretched arm

00:16:32.780 --> 00:16:33.220
 of Jesus

00:16:33.220 --> 00:16:34.860
 was a long reach

00:16:34.860 --> 00:16:36.660
 for his day,

00:16:37.540 --> 00:16:38.520
 for any day.

00:16:39.960 --> 00:16:40.620
 It removes

00:16:40.620 --> 00:16:41.200
 the social,

00:16:41.460 --> 00:16:41.820
 physical,

00:16:42.040 --> 00:16:42.700
 and spiritual

00:16:42.700 --> 00:16:43.560
 chasms

00:16:43.560 --> 00:16:44.100
 prescribed

00:16:44.100 --> 00:16:45.400
 by law

00:16:45.400 --> 00:16:46.220
 and custom

00:16:46.220 --> 00:16:47.620
 alike.

00:16:49.500 --> 00:16:50.520
 Human touch

00:16:50.520 --> 00:16:51.560
 matters

00:16:51.560 --> 00:16:53.520
 in the body

00:16:53.520 --> 00:16:54.060
 of Christ.

00:16:54.059 --> 00:16:57.279
 You know,

00:16:57.319 --> 00:16:57.979
 that's one reason

00:16:57.979 --> 00:16:59.019
 why listening

00:16:59.019 --> 00:16:59.679
 to a sermon

00:16:59.679 --> 00:17:00.399
 on a podcast

00:17:00.399 --> 00:17:01.839
 is never

00:17:01.839 --> 00:17:02.459
 a substitute

00:17:02.459 --> 00:17:03.299
 for physically

00:17:03.299 --> 00:17:04.259
 coming to church.

00:17:05.779 --> 00:17:06.639
 You can't take

00:17:06.639 --> 00:17:07.319
 communion online

00:17:07.319 --> 00:17:08.000
 either,

00:17:08.139 --> 00:17:08.659
 by the way.

00:17:10.159 --> 00:17:10.599
 Now,

00:17:10.659 --> 00:17:11.240
 if you're too sick

00:17:11.240 --> 00:17:12.039
 to leave the house

00:17:12.039 --> 00:17:12.679
 or if you're home

00:17:12.679 --> 00:17:13.980
 taking care of sick kids,

00:17:14.679 --> 00:17:15.480
 listening to a sermon

00:17:15.480 --> 00:17:16.399
 online is certainly

00:17:16.399 --> 00:17:17.220
 better than nothing.

00:17:18.079 --> 00:17:19.000
 But if you can't

00:17:19.000 --> 00:17:19.519
 come to church

00:17:19.519 --> 00:17:20.279
 for a long period

00:17:20.279 --> 00:17:20.839
 of time,

00:17:21.279 --> 00:17:22.259
 let someone know.

00:17:22.259 --> 00:17:24.619
 so that somebody

00:17:24.619 --> 00:17:25.480
 in the body of Christ

00:17:25.480 --> 00:17:26.420
 can come and visit you

00:17:26.420 --> 00:17:27.440
 and pray with you

00:17:27.440 --> 00:17:29.200
 in person.

00:17:30.940 --> 00:17:31.500
 Meaningful,

00:17:31.720 --> 00:17:32.240
 purposeful,

00:17:32.379 --> 00:17:33.480
 appropriate human

00:17:33.480 --> 00:17:34.180
 touch

00:17:34.180 --> 00:17:36.059
 communicates welcome,

00:17:36.859 --> 00:17:37.220
 empathy,

00:17:37.779 --> 00:17:38.339
 solidarity,

00:17:38.960 --> 00:17:39.279
 friendship,

00:17:39.619 --> 00:17:40.000
 affection,

00:17:40.420 --> 00:17:40.720
 blessing.

00:17:42.720 --> 00:17:43.480
 A few years ago

00:17:43.480 --> 00:17:44.160
 there was a striking

00:17:44.160 --> 00:17:44.660
 photograph

00:17:44.660 --> 00:17:46.740
 that circulated

00:17:46.740 --> 00:17:47.619
 in the world news.

00:17:48.740 --> 00:17:49.480
 Pope Francis

00:17:49.480 --> 00:17:50.660
 embracing a man

00:17:50.660 --> 00:17:51.820
 whose body

00:17:51.820 --> 00:17:52.400
 was covered

00:17:52.400 --> 00:17:53.980
 with ugly tumors.

00:17:55.120 --> 00:17:55.740
 He had a disease

00:17:55.740 --> 00:17:56.140
 called,

00:17:57.460 --> 00:17:58.160
 I'm forgetting

00:17:58.160 --> 00:17:58.840
 the name of the disease

00:17:58.840 --> 00:17:59.640
 and I didn't write it down.

00:18:00.360 --> 00:18:01.140
 But his body

00:18:01.140 --> 00:18:01.560
 was covered

00:18:01.560 --> 00:18:02.060
 with tumors.

00:18:03.660 --> 00:18:04.700
 He was tenderly

00:18:04.700 --> 00:18:05.220
 kissing him

00:18:05.220 --> 00:18:05.740
 on the top

00:18:05.740 --> 00:18:07.320
 of his tumor-ridden head

00:18:07.320 --> 00:18:08.940
 and praying with him.

00:18:09.360 --> 00:18:10.340
 And it made an impression

00:18:10.340 --> 00:18:10.779
 on the world

00:18:10.779 --> 00:18:11.840
 because it wasn't fake.

00:18:14.019 --> 00:18:14.900
 It bore witness

00:18:14.900 --> 00:18:15.420
 to the world

00:18:15.420 --> 00:18:16.019
 of the character

00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:16.779
 of Christ.

00:18:16.779 --> 00:18:19.619
 Some time ago

00:18:19.619 --> 00:18:20.279
 a single person

00:18:20.279 --> 00:18:20.859
 in our church

00:18:20.859 --> 00:18:21.319
 said to me

00:18:21.319 --> 00:18:22.240
 I often long

00:18:22.240 --> 00:18:23.579
 for human touch.

00:18:24.660 --> 00:18:25.480
 It means a lot

00:18:25.480 --> 00:18:25.740
 to me

00:18:25.740 --> 00:18:26.139
 when someone

00:18:26.139 --> 00:18:26.879
 I know at church

00:18:26.879 --> 00:18:27.339
 comes up

00:18:27.339 --> 00:18:27.759
 and gives me

00:18:27.759 --> 00:18:28.099
 a hug

00:18:28.099 --> 00:18:28.740
 on Sundays.

00:18:30.000 --> 00:18:30.859
 Often it's the only

00:18:30.859 --> 00:18:31.500
 time in the week

00:18:31.500 --> 00:18:32.399
 that someone does that.

00:18:33.660 --> 00:18:34.539
 Whether it's a hug

00:18:34.539 --> 00:18:35.279
 or a handshake

00:18:35.279 --> 00:18:36.019
 or a fist pump

00:18:36.019 --> 00:18:36.819
 or a high five

00:18:36.819 --> 00:18:37.680
 or a gentle hand

00:18:37.680 --> 00:18:38.319
 on the shoulder,

00:18:38.639 --> 00:18:39.559
 touch makes

00:18:39.559 --> 00:18:40.220
 a difference.

00:18:41.799 --> 00:18:42.279
 That's why

00:18:42.279 --> 00:18:42.720
 when Christians

00:18:42.720 --> 00:18:43.579
 pray for one another

00:18:43.579 --> 00:18:44.160
 we sometimes

00:18:44.160 --> 00:18:44.720
 lay hands

00:18:44.720 --> 00:18:45.299
 on one another.

00:18:45.299 --> 00:18:46.000
 You know

00:18:46.000 --> 00:18:46.539
 that's not just

00:18:46.539 --> 00:18:47.399
 a Pentecostal church

00:18:47.399 --> 00:18:47.720
 thing.

00:18:49.639 --> 00:18:50.339
 That's a good

00:18:50.339 --> 00:18:50.720
 normal

00:18:50.720 --> 00:18:51.079
 biblical

00:18:51.079 --> 00:18:52.059
 Christian practice.

00:18:52.200 --> 00:18:52.779
 Now don't do it

00:18:52.779 --> 00:18:53.159
 if it makes

00:18:53.159 --> 00:18:53.960
 somebody uncomfortable

00:18:53.960 --> 00:18:56.200
 but it can be

00:18:56.200 --> 00:18:57.119
 a very good thing.

00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:00.980
 Some of you know

00:19:00.980 --> 00:19:01.339
 that touch

00:19:01.339 --> 00:19:02.099
 makes a difference

00:19:02.099 --> 00:19:04.159
 because you've been

00:19:04.159 --> 00:19:04.839
 hurt by people

00:19:04.839 --> 00:19:05.599
 who touched you

00:19:05.599 --> 00:19:07.599
 in harmful ways.

00:19:08.720 --> 00:19:09.879
 In appropriate ways.

00:19:09.879 --> 00:19:10.299
 That can be

00:19:10.299 --> 00:19:11.059
 another cause

00:19:11.059 --> 00:19:12.980
 of lasting shame.

00:19:12.980 --> 00:19:14.900
 But the way

00:19:14.900 --> 00:19:15.720
 to seek healing

00:19:15.720 --> 00:19:16.940
 from those wounds

00:19:16.940 --> 00:19:19.019
 is not to forever

00:19:19.019 --> 00:19:19.640
 recoil

00:19:19.640 --> 00:19:21.940
 from human touch

00:19:21.940 --> 00:19:22.740
 and friendship

00:19:22.740 --> 00:19:23.640
 and intimacy.

00:19:24.700 --> 00:19:26.039
 It's first and foremost

00:19:26.039 --> 00:19:26.460
 of course

00:19:26.460 --> 00:19:27.099
 to seek intimacy

00:19:27.099 --> 00:19:27.880
 with the Lord

00:19:27.880 --> 00:19:30.000
 and to find comfort

00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:30.500
 in the love

00:19:30.500 --> 00:19:31.720
 of a transcendent God

00:19:31.720 --> 00:19:32.880
 who is unlike

00:19:32.880 --> 00:19:35.019
 anyone else.

00:19:35.019 --> 00:19:37.660
 but it also

00:19:37.660 --> 00:19:38.139
 looks like

00:19:38.139 --> 00:19:38.599
 receiving

00:19:38.599 --> 00:19:39.960
 His mercy

00:19:39.960 --> 00:19:42.019
 in the form

00:19:42.019 --> 00:19:42.680
 of healthy

00:19:42.680 --> 00:19:43.980
 purposeful

00:19:43.980 --> 00:19:44.940
 appropriate

00:19:44.940 --> 00:19:45.500
 kinds

00:19:45.500 --> 00:19:46.680
 of human touch

00:19:46.680 --> 00:19:47.960
 in friendship

00:19:47.960 --> 00:19:49.519
 in marriage

00:19:49.519 --> 00:19:50.779
 in the church

00:19:50.779 --> 00:19:52.259
 and to let

00:19:52.259 --> 00:19:52.940
 those good

00:19:52.940 --> 00:19:53.599
 and right

00:19:53.599 --> 00:19:54.420
 and honoring

00:19:54.420 --> 00:19:55.319
 touches

00:19:55.319 --> 00:19:56.980
 gradually erase

00:19:56.980 --> 00:19:58.099
 and replace

00:19:58.099 --> 00:19:59.959
 the wounds

00:19:59.959 --> 00:20:02.139
 the deep wounds

00:20:02.139 --> 00:20:03.039
 caused by

00:20:03.039 --> 00:20:03.519
 harmful

00:20:03.519 --> 00:20:04.699
 and violating

00:20:04.699 --> 00:20:05.419
 touch.

00:20:06.579 --> 00:20:07.980
 Jesus meets us

00:20:07.980 --> 00:20:09.679
 in our shame

00:20:09.679 --> 00:20:12.319
 but Jesus also

00:20:12.319 --> 00:20:13.139
 cleanses us

00:20:13.139 --> 00:20:13.740
 from

00:20:13.740 --> 00:20:15.659
 our shame.

00:20:16.039 --> 00:20:16.539
 Jesus' touch

00:20:16.539 --> 00:20:17.199
 was not only

00:20:17.199 --> 00:20:17.839
 a sympathetic

00:20:17.839 --> 00:20:19.559
 and reassuring

00:20:19.559 --> 00:20:20.939
 human touch

00:20:20.939 --> 00:20:22.839
 it also conveyed

00:20:22.839 --> 00:20:23.579
 divine

00:20:23.579 --> 00:20:24.439
 cleansing

00:20:24.439 --> 00:20:25.480
 power.

00:20:25.480 --> 00:20:27.860
 You see

00:20:27.860 --> 00:20:28.319
 according to

00:20:28.319 --> 00:20:28.940
 the Old Testament

00:20:28.940 --> 00:20:29.279
 law

00:20:29.279 --> 00:20:29.759
 if Jesus

00:20:29.759 --> 00:20:30.480
 were simply

00:20:30.480 --> 00:20:31.160
 a normal

00:20:31.160 --> 00:20:32.140
 human being

00:20:32.140 --> 00:20:33.519
 touching the

00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:33.799
 leper

00:20:33.799 --> 00:20:34.220
 would have

00:20:34.220 --> 00:20:34.960
 made Jesus

00:20:34.960 --> 00:20:35.920
 unclean.

00:20:36.920 --> 00:20:37.680
 But here

00:20:37.680 --> 00:20:38.200
 the reverse

00:20:38.200 --> 00:20:38.860
 happens.

00:20:39.360 --> 00:20:40.039
 Jesus makes

00:20:40.039 --> 00:20:40.519
 the leper

00:20:40.519 --> 00:20:41.160
 clean.

00:20:41.860 --> 00:20:42.380
 Immediately

00:20:42.380 --> 00:20:43.579
 the leprosy

00:20:43.579 --> 00:20:44.400
 left Him.

00:20:46.019 --> 00:20:46.660
 Almost

00:20:46.660 --> 00:20:47.279
 everywhere

00:20:47.279 --> 00:20:49.220
 the Old Testament

00:20:49.220 --> 00:20:50.599
 assumes the principle

00:20:50.599 --> 00:20:51.920
 that we're all

00:20:51.920 --> 00:20:52.500
 familiar with

00:20:52.500 --> 00:20:53.059
 in our daily

00:20:53.059 --> 00:20:53.579
 lives.

00:20:54.120 --> 00:20:54.460
 Disease

00:20:54.460 --> 00:20:55.400
 is contagious

00:20:55.400 --> 00:20:56.400
 health

00:20:56.400 --> 00:20:57.240
 isn't.

00:20:59.640 --> 00:21:00.040
 Right?

00:21:00.140 --> 00:21:00.500
 Someone shook

00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:00.940
 my hand this

00:21:00.940 --> 00:21:01.300
 morning and

00:21:01.300 --> 00:21:01.740
 they said oh

00:21:01.740 --> 00:21:02.240
 but by the

00:21:02.240 --> 00:21:02.560
 way I have

00:21:02.560 --> 00:21:03.160
 a bad cold

00:21:03.160 --> 00:21:04.180
 and I thought

00:21:04.180 --> 00:21:05.080
 I probably

00:21:05.080 --> 00:21:05.440
 should wash

00:21:05.440 --> 00:21:05.780
 my hands

00:21:05.780 --> 00:21:06.100
 so I don't

00:21:06.100 --> 00:21:06.480
 spread that

00:21:06.480 --> 00:21:06.780
 to everyone

00:21:06.780 --> 00:21:07.080
 else.

00:21:07.320 --> 00:21:07.940
 I didn't

00:21:07.940 --> 00:21:09.220
 think I'll

00:21:09.220 --> 00:21:09.600
 make this

00:21:09.600 --> 00:21:10.100
 person better

00:21:10.100 --> 00:21:10.420
 because I'm

00:21:10.420 --> 00:21:10.920
 feeling fine

00:21:10.920 --> 00:21:11.259
 today.

00:21:15.259 --> 00:21:15.700
 Right?

00:21:16.620 --> 00:21:16.980
 You got a

00:21:16.980 --> 00:21:17.400
 barrel of

00:21:17.400 --> 00:21:17.680
 apples,

00:21:17.780 --> 00:21:18.120
 there's one

00:21:18.120 --> 00:21:18.720
 rotten apple,

00:21:18.820 --> 00:21:19.180
 that one

00:21:19.180 --> 00:21:19.600
 rotten apple

00:21:19.600 --> 00:21:20.060
 can spoil

00:21:20.060 --> 00:21:20.640
 all the ones

00:21:20.640 --> 00:21:21.120
 right around

00:21:21.120 --> 00:21:21.360
 it.

00:21:22.220 --> 00:21:22.759
 All those

00:21:22.759 --> 00:21:23.300
 good apples

00:21:23.300 --> 00:21:23.640
 ain't going

00:21:23.640 --> 00:21:24.000
 to do any

00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:24.400
 good for

00:21:24.400 --> 00:21:24.840
 that rotten

00:21:24.840 --> 00:21:25.180
 apple.

00:21:25.400 --> 00:21:28.960
 Sometimes we

00:21:28.960 --> 00:21:29.500
 apply this to

00:21:29.500 --> 00:21:30.160
 people's character,

00:21:30.300 --> 00:21:30.480
 right?

00:21:30.500 --> 00:21:30.740
 If you're

00:21:30.740 --> 00:21:31.200
 known as an

00:21:31.200 --> 00:21:31.560
 honorable,

00:21:31.740 --> 00:21:32.320
 an upright,

00:21:32.759 --> 00:21:33.840
 upstanding citizen,

00:21:34.040 --> 00:21:34.800
 a morally pure

00:21:34.800 --> 00:21:35.240
 person,

00:21:35.320 --> 00:21:36.019
 don't associate

00:21:36.019 --> 00:21:37.940
 with those

00:21:37.940 --> 00:21:38.660
 people who are

00:21:38.660 --> 00:21:39.480
 known for shameful

00:21:39.480 --> 00:21:40.280
 and scandalous

00:21:40.280 --> 00:21:41.100
 behavior because

00:21:41.100 --> 00:21:42.019
 your reputation

00:21:42.019 --> 00:21:42.720
 is at stake.

00:21:42.720 --> 00:21:45.180
 people who are

00:21:45.180 --> 00:21:45.620
 not going to

00:21:45.620 --> 00:21:46.100
 do any

00:21:46.100 --> 00:21:46.220
 things.

00:21:46.220 --> 00:21:46.400
 But there's

00:21:46.400 --> 00:21:46.860
 very few

00:21:46.860 --> 00:21:47.319
 places in

00:21:47.319 --> 00:21:47.559
 the Old

00:21:47.559 --> 00:21:49.500
 Testament that

00:21:49.500 --> 00:21:51.900
 hint that

00:21:51.900 --> 00:21:53.779
 one day the

00:21:53.779 --> 00:21:54.299
 reverse could

00:21:54.299 --> 00:21:54.700
 be true,

00:21:55.200 --> 00:21:56.000
 that cleansing

00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:57.839
 could be

00:21:57.839 --> 00:21:58.640
 contagious.

00:22:00.279 --> 00:22:01.000
 Now, one of

00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:02.200
 these places is

00:22:02.200 --> 00:22:03.079
 in Exodus 29,

00:22:03.960 --> 00:22:05.039
 and you probably

00:22:05.039 --> 00:22:06.059
 haven't read it

00:22:06.059 --> 00:22:06.660
 in a while because

00:22:06.660 --> 00:22:07.019
 it's in the

00:22:07.019 --> 00:22:07.579
 middle of all the

00:22:07.579 --> 00:22:08.279
 regulations about

00:22:08.279 --> 00:22:08.940
 the furniture for

00:22:08.940 --> 00:22:09.620
 the tabernacle.

00:22:09.619 --> 00:22:11.919
 But it says

00:22:11.919 --> 00:22:12.959
 this, Exodus 29,

00:22:13.099 --> 00:22:14.219
 37, the altar,

00:22:15.119 --> 00:22:15.859
 that is where the

00:22:15.859 --> 00:22:16.459
 priest would offer

00:22:16.459 --> 00:22:17.539
 sacrifice to God,

00:22:18.239 --> 00:22:19.279
 shall be most

00:22:19.279 --> 00:22:19.919
 holy.

00:22:20.279 --> 00:22:21.479
 Whatever touches

00:22:21.479 --> 00:22:23.419
 the altar shall

00:22:23.419 --> 00:22:25.399
 become holy.

00:22:26.919 --> 00:22:27.759
 Now, that's a very

00:22:27.759 --> 00:22:28.439
 powerful statement

00:22:28.439 --> 00:22:29.419
 because being holy

00:22:29.419 --> 00:22:30.479
 was not just being

00:22:30.479 --> 00:22:31.019
 clean.

00:22:31.859 --> 00:22:32.659
 Being clean means

00:22:32.659 --> 00:22:33.259
 you're okay,

00:22:34.139 --> 00:22:34.979
 and you're honored,

00:22:35.199 --> 00:22:35.959
 and you're good.

00:22:36.959 --> 00:22:37.919
 Being holy means

00:22:37.919 --> 00:22:39.479
 set apart for God.

00:22:39.619 --> 00:22:40.899
 treasured,

00:22:41.439 --> 00:22:42.859
 uniquely devoted

00:22:42.859 --> 00:22:43.899
 to God.

00:22:45.419 --> 00:22:46.659
 The problem was

00:22:46.659 --> 00:22:48.759
 the altar was

00:22:48.759 --> 00:22:50.219
 in the middle of

00:22:50.219 --> 00:22:50.639
 the temple,

00:22:51.419 --> 00:22:53.119
 and the only people

00:22:53.119 --> 00:22:53.779
 who could come into

00:22:53.779 --> 00:22:54.419
 that temple were

00:22:54.419 --> 00:22:54.919
 the priests.

00:22:57.459 --> 00:22:58.159
 So it was

00:22:58.159 --> 00:22:58.859
 inaccessible to

00:22:58.859 --> 00:22:59.539
 almost everyone.

00:23:01.979 --> 00:23:02.839
 But then we come

00:23:02.839 --> 00:23:03.759
 to Isaiah 6.

00:23:04.219 --> 00:23:05.099
 Last week we read

00:23:05.099 --> 00:23:05.819
 Isaiah 6.

00:23:07.459 --> 00:23:08.500
 Isaiah cried out

00:23:08.500 --> 00:23:09.159
 in the presence of

00:23:09.160 --> 00:23:09.480
 the Lord.

00:23:09.480 --> 00:23:10.600
 He has this vision

00:23:10.600 --> 00:23:11.200
 that he's in the

00:23:11.200 --> 00:23:11.960
 heavenly courtroom,

00:23:12.080 --> 00:23:12.940
 and he cries out,

00:23:13.300 --> 00:23:14.160
 woe is me,

00:23:14.580 --> 00:23:15.259
 because he has a

00:23:15.259 --> 00:23:16.019
 vision of God

00:23:16.019 --> 00:23:16.680
 in his holiness.

00:23:16.900 --> 00:23:17.540
 Woe is me,

00:23:17.620 --> 00:23:18.460
 I'm lost,

00:23:19.060 --> 00:23:20.540
 for I am a man

00:23:20.540 --> 00:23:21.560
 of unclean lips.

00:23:21.660 --> 00:23:22.420
 I dwell among a

00:23:22.420 --> 00:23:23.740
 people of unclean lips,

00:23:23.779 --> 00:23:24.880
 and my eyes have seen

00:23:24.880 --> 00:23:25.259
 the King,

00:23:25.320 --> 00:23:26.480
 the Lord Almighty.

00:23:27.800 --> 00:23:28.279
 But then what

00:23:28.279 --> 00:23:29.019
 happens next?

00:23:30.279 --> 00:23:31.300
 One of the seraphim,

00:23:32.259 --> 00:23:32.700
 that is,

00:23:32.759 --> 00:23:34.600
 one of the angels,

00:23:34.720 --> 00:23:35.480
 a representative of

00:23:35.480 --> 00:23:36.180
 the King himself,

00:23:36.180 --> 00:23:37.019
 flew to me,

00:23:37.120 --> 00:23:38.100
 having in his hand

00:23:38.100 --> 00:23:39.220
 a burning coal

00:23:39.220 --> 00:23:39.900
 that he had taken

00:23:39.900 --> 00:23:40.960
 with tongs from

00:23:40.960 --> 00:23:41.900
 the altar,

00:23:42.440 --> 00:23:44.000
 and he touched

00:23:44.000 --> 00:23:44.779
 my mouth,

00:23:45.620 --> 00:23:46.259
 and said,

00:23:46.320 --> 00:23:46.680
 behold,

00:23:46.779 --> 00:23:47.560
 this has touched

00:23:47.560 --> 00:23:48.060
 your lips.

00:23:48.120 --> 00:23:48.980
 Your guilt is

00:23:48.980 --> 00:23:50.000
 taken away,

00:23:50.320 --> 00:23:51.660
 and your sin

00:23:51.660 --> 00:23:53.779
 atoned for.

00:23:55.779 --> 00:23:56.640
 That's the exact

00:23:56.640 --> 00:23:57.360
 same pattern that

00:23:57.360 --> 00:23:58.000
 happens in this

00:23:58.000 --> 00:24:00.000
 passage in Luke.

00:24:00.000 --> 00:24:00.039
 Luke,

00:24:00.799 --> 00:24:01.420
 the leper,

00:24:02.220 --> 00:24:03.019
 is full of

00:24:03.019 --> 00:24:03.779
 uncleanness.

00:24:04.400 --> 00:24:05.700
 He cannot cleanse

00:24:05.700 --> 00:24:06.160
 himself.

00:24:06.299 --> 00:24:07.059
 He comes before

00:24:07.059 --> 00:24:08.099
 Jesus like Isaiah.

00:24:08.240 --> 00:24:08.779
 Woe is me,

00:24:08.839 --> 00:24:09.319
 I'm lost.

00:24:09.380 --> 00:24:10.460
 He falls on his face,

00:24:10.859 --> 00:24:11.759
 begs for mercy.

00:24:12.079 --> 00:24:13.259
 It's his only hope.

00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:14.700
 And then Jesus

00:24:14.700 --> 00:24:15.420
 touches him,

00:24:15.720 --> 00:24:17.759
 and he's cleansed.

00:24:20.099 --> 00:24:21.279
 Who is this Jesus?

00:24:22.599 --> 00:24:23.519
 He's holy.

00:24:25.220 --> 00:24:26.440
 He has come from

00:24:26.440 --> 00:24:27.319
 the very presence

00:24:27.319 --> 00:24:28.460
 of God in heaven.

00:24:28.460 --> 00:24:30.860
 He's not just

00:24:30.860 --> 00:24:31.700
 a good man.

00:24:32.940 --> 00:24:34.039
 He's come to earth

00:24:34.039 --> 00:24:35.420
 to make the holy

00:24:35.420 --> 00:24:36.720
 God accessible

00:24:36.720 --> 00:24:38.819
 to human beings.

00:24:40.559 --> 00:24:41.840
 And he has divine

00:24:41.840 --> 00:24:42.360
 power,

00:24:42.940 --> 00:24:44.980
 not only to meet

00:24:44.980 --> 00:24:46.160
 us in our shame,

00:24:46.779 --> 00:24:48.100
 but to cleanse us

00:24:48.100 --> 00:24:49.140
 from our shame,

00:24:49.259 --> 00:24:50.000
 and clothe us

00:24:50.000 --> 00:24:51.000
 in his holiness,

00:24:51.440 --> 00:24:52.279
 and call us

00:24:52.279 --> 00:24:53.400
 into his service.

00:24:53.960 --> 00:24:54.759
 His authoritative

00:24:54.759 --> 00:24:56.120
 word accompanies

00:24:56.120 --> 00:24:57.279
 his healing touch.

00:24:57.279 --> 00:25:01.700
 I will be clean.

00:25:02.639 --> 00:25:04.059
 Through his touch

00:25:04.059 --> 00:25:05.059
 and his word,

00:25:05.579 --> 00:25:07.039
 Jesus cleanses us

00:25:07.039 --> 00:25:09.160
 from shame.

00:25:10.819 --> 00:25:11.740
 Sometimes it happens

00:25:11.740 --> 00:25:12.740
 instantly like it did

00:25:12.740 --> 00:25:13.079
 here.

00:25:14.359 --> 00:25:15.240
 Sometimes it happens

00:25:15.240 --> 00:25:16.980
 gradually as we abide

00:25:16.980 --> 00:25:17.799
 in Jesus' word

00:25:17.799 --> 00:25:18.940
 and rest in his love

00:25:18.940 --> 00:25:19.539
 and participate

00:25:19.539 --> 00:25:21.059
 in the body of believers.

00:25:21.059 --> 00:25:24.000
 Maybe you believe

00:25:24.000 --> 00:25:24.419
 in Jesus.

00:25:24.679 --> 00:25:25.259
 Maybe you've believed

00:25:25.259 --> 00:25:26.419
 in him for a long time.

00:25:27.240 --> 00:25:28.139
 But every day

00:25:28.139 --> 00:25:28.799
 you battle

00:25:28.799 --> 00:25:30.279
 self-condemnation

00:25:30.279 --> 00:25:32.019
 and shame.

00:25:32.720 --> 00:25:33.779
 Let me encourage you

00:25:33.779 --> 00:25:34.759
 to keep fighting

00:25:34.759 --> 00:25:36.000
 that battle.

00:25:36.819 --> 00:25:37.799
 Don't give more

00:25:37.799 --> 00:25:38.779
 authority to your

00:25:38.779 --> 00:25:40.099
 feelings of worthlessness

00:25:40.099 --> 00:25:41.839
 than to Jesus.

00:25:41.839 --> 00:25:45.279
 Let me also recommend

00:25:45.279 --> 00:25:45.699
 a book

00:25:45.699 --> 00:25:47.039
 that's on the bookstall

00:25:47.039 --> 00:25:47.939
 downstairs called

00:25:47.939 --> 00:25:49.299
 Shame Interrupted.

00:25:50.059 --> 00:25:51.259
 How God Lifts

00:25:51.259 --> 00:25:52.199
 the Pain of

00:25:52.199 --> 00:25:52.679
 Worthlessness

00:25:52.679 --> 00:25:53.619
 and Rejections

00:25:53.619 --> 00:25:54.899
 by Ed Welch.

00:25:55.500 --> 00:25:56.539
 It's not a quick

00:25:56.539 --> 00:25:57.339
 and easy read.

00:25:59.379 --> 00:26:00.379
 Because it's not

00:26:00.379 --> 00:26:00.980
 a quick and easy

00:26:00.980 --> 00:26:01.579
 topic.

00:26:02.779 --> 00:26:03.779
 But it's really,

00:26:03.939 --> 00:26:04.319
 really good.

00:26:05.419 --> 00:26:06.299
 But most of all,

00:26:06.339 --> 00:26:06.879
 let me point you

00:26:06.879 --> 00:26:07.500
 to what God says

00:26:07.500 --> 00:26:08.019
 in his word.

00:26:08.019 --> 00:26:10.980
 The word of God

00:26:10.980 --> 00:26:11.599
 says Jesus

00:26:11.599 --> 00:26:12.619
 is not ashamed

00:26:12.619 --> 00:26:14.779
 to call us.

00:26:15.799 --> 00:26:16.180
 That is,

00:26:16.299 --> 00:26:16.940
 everyone who

00:26:16.940 --> 00:26:17.759
 looks to him

00:26:17.759 --> 00:26:18.319
 like the leper

00:26:18.319 --> 00:26:19.279
 and trusts in him.

00:26:20.180 --> 00:26:20.700
 Brothers

00:26:20.700 --> 00:26:22.299
 and sisters.

00:26:23.680 --> 00:26:24.379
 The Bible says

00:26:24.379 --> 00:26:25.599
 he has washed away

00:26:25.599 --> 00:26:26.839
 our sins.

00:26:26.940 --> 00:26:27.940
 That's what we celebrate

00:26:27.940 --> 00:26:28.819
 in baptism.

00:26:29.960 --> 00:26:31.000
 It says he has filled us

00:26:31.000 --> 00:26:32.500
 with his very own spirit.

00:26:32.980 --> 00:26:33.940
 The promise of glory

00:26:33.940 --> 00:26:34.480
 to come.

00:26:35.119 --> 00:26:36.160
 It says he welcomes us

00:26:36.160 --> 00:26:37.579
 to feast at his table.

00:26:37.579 --> 00:26:38.240
 We'll do that

00:26:38.240 --> 00:26:38.980
 in a few minutes.

00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:40.699
 And he clothes us

00:26:40.699 --> 00:26:41.919
 with honor

00:26:41.919 --> 00:26:42.839
 and beauty.

00:26:43.919 --> 00:26:44.799
 I want to read

00:26:44.799 --> 00:26:46.119
 from Isaiah chapter 61.

00:26:46.939 --> 00:26:48.159
 You don't have to turn there.

00:26:49.019 --> 00:26:49.899
 Just listen.

00:26:50.319 --> 00:26:51.439
 This is the same chapter

00:26:51.439 --> 00:26:52.460
 Jesus read from

00:26:52.460 --> 00:26:54.379
 in his sermon

00:26:54.379 --> 00:26:55.139
 in the synagogue

00:26:55.139 --> 00:26:55.859
 at Nazareth

00:26:55.859 --> 00:26:56.500
 when he said,

00:26:56.899 --> 00:26:57.740
 today this scripture

00:26:57.740 --> 00:26:58.439
 is fulfilled

00:26:58.439 --> 00:26:59.159
 in your hearing.

00:26:59.240 --> 00:26:59.799
 In other words,

00:27:00.099 --> 00:27:01.000
 this is why

00:27:01.000 --> 00:27:01.720
 I have come.

00:27:03.159 --> 00:27:03.839
 So if you,

00:27:04.039 --> 00:27:04.500
 like the leper,

00:27:04.559 --> 00:27:05.779
 have turned to Jesus

00:27:05.779 --> 00:27:08.480
 and fallen at his feet

00:27:08.480 --> 00:27:09.079
 and cried out

00:27:09.079 --> 00:27:09.539
 for his mercy,

00:27:09.599 --> 00:27:10.359
 I want you to hear

00:27:10.359 --> 00:27:11.139
 these words

00:27:11.139 --> 00:27:12.879
 because they are for you.

00:27:13.200 --> 00:27:14.500
 They're not just for somebody else

00:27:14.500 --> 00:27:15.319
 sitting next to you.

00:27:16.599 --> 00:27:17.599
 They're for you.

00:27:18.359 --> 00:27:19.339
 Christ has come

00:27:19.339 --> 00:27:21.440
 to bestow on you

00:27:21.440 --> 00:27:22.700
 a crown of beauty

00:27:22.700 --> 00:27:23.819
 instead of ashes,

00:27:24.819 --> 00:27:26.220
 the oil of joy

00:27:26.220 --> 00:27:27.700
 instead of mourning,

00:27:28.740 --> 00:27:30.259
 a garment of praise

00:27:30.259 --> 00:27:31.359
 instead of a spirit

00:27:31.359 --> 00:27:32.160
 of despair.

00:27:32.160 --> 00:27:34.540
 You will be called

00:27:34.540 --> 00:27:35.980
 oaks of righteousness,

00:27:36.220 --> 00:27:37.640
 a planting of the Lord

00:27:37.640 --> 00:27:38.580
 for the display

00:27:38.580 --> 00:27:40.580
 of his splendor.

00:27:42.380 --> 00:27:43.420
 You will rebuild

00:27:43.420 --> 00:27:44.500
 the ancient ruins

00:27:44.500 --> 00:27:46.600
 and restore the places

00:27:46.600 --> 00:27:48.180
 long devastated.

00:27:49.200 --> 00:27:50.240
 You will be called

00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:51.540
 priests of the Lord.

00:27:52.880 --> 00:27:53.100
 You know,

00:27:53.120 --> 00:27:53.980
 the New Testament says

00:27:53.980 --> 00:27:55.040
 that we are priests

00:27:55.040 --> 00:27:55.560
 of the Lord.

00:27:55.660 --> 00:27:56.620
 That means we can come

00:27:56.620 --> 00:27:57.920
 into his presence freely.

00:27:58.880 --> 00:27:59.900
 There's not all those

00:27:59.900 --> 00:28:01.060
 barriers anymore.

00:28:02.160 --> 00:28:02.880
 You will be named

00:28:02.880 --> 00:28:04.740
 ministers of our God,

00:28:05.360 --> 00:28:06.360
 servants of our God.

00:28:06.420 --> 00:28:07.680
 Instead of your shame,

00:28:08.220 --> 00:28:09.140
 you will receive

00:28:09.140 --> 00:28:09.940
 a double portion.

00:28:10.140 --> 00:28:11.220
 Instead of disgrace,

00:28:11.340 --> 00:28:11.980
 you will rejoice

00:28:11.980 --> 00:28:12.779
 in your inheritance

00:28:12.779 --> 00:28:14.380
 and everlasting joy

00:28:14.380 --> 00:28:16.040
 will be yours.

00:28:16.980 --> 00:28:17.680
 You will be called

00:28:17.680 --> 00:28:18.680
 by a new name

00:28:18.680 --> 00:28:19.800
 that the mouth

00:28:19.800 --> 00:28:20.240
 of the Lord

00:28:20.240 --> 00:28:20.980
 will bestow.

00:28:21.740 --> 00:28:22.640
 No longer

00:28:22.640 --> 00:28:23.620
 will they call you

00:28:23.620 --> 00:28:24.320
 deserted

00:28:24.320 --> 00:28:26.220
 or name your land

00:28:26.220 --> 00:28:27.060
 desolate,

00:28:27.460 --> 00:28:28.540
 but you will be called

00:28:28.540 --> 00:28:29.360
 Hephzibah,

00:28:29.519 --> 00:28:29.880
 that is,

00:28:29.980 --> 00:28:30.620
 my delight

00:28:30.620 --> 00:28:31.580
 is in her

00:28:31.579 --> 00:28:32.720
 and your land

00:28:32.720 --> 00:28:33.539
 Beulah,

00:28:33.899 --> 00:28:34.279
 married,

00:28:34.679 --> 00:28:35.279
 for the Lord

00:28:35.279 --> 00:28:36.179
 will take delight

00:28:36.179 --> 00:28:36.740
 in you.

00:28:37.480 --> 00:28:38.399
 As a bridegroom

00:28:38.399 --> 00:28:39.899
 rejoices over his bride,

00:28:40.000 --> 00:28:40.720
 so will your God

00:28:40.720 --> 00:28:42.159
 rejoice over you.

00:28:43.599 --> 00:28:44.879
 From Zephaniah 3,

00:28:45.359 --> 00:28:46.319
 the Lord your God

00:28:46.319 --> 00:28:47.179
 is in your midst,

00:28:47.759 --> 00:28:48.679
 a mighty one

00:28:48.679 --> 00:28:49.559
 who will save.

00:28:50.419 --> 00:28:51.240
 He will rejoice

00:28:51.240 --> 00:28:51.859
 over you

00:28:51.859 --> 00:28:52.579
 with gladness.

00:28:52.659 --> 00:28:53.519
 He will quiet you

00:28:53.519 --> 00:28:54.359
 by his love.

00:28:54.579 --> 00:28:55.899
 He will exalt over you

00:28:55.899 --> 00:28:56.839
 with loud singing,

00:28:56.980 --> 00:28:58.319
 I will save the lame

00:28:58.319 --> 00:29:00.259
 and gather the outcasts

00:29:00.259 --> 00:29:01.159
 and I will change

00:29:01.159 --> 00:29:02.179
 their shame

00:29:02.179 --> 00:29:03.439
 into praise

00:29:03.439 --> 00:29:05.059
 and renown

00:29:05.059 --> 00:29:05.799
 in all the earth.

00:29:07.939 --> 00:29:08.799
 This is what Jesus

00:29:08.799 --> 00:29:09.579
 has come to do,

00:29:09.579 --> 00:29:12.099
 to cleanse us

00:29:12.099 --> 00:29:12.759
 from our shame.

00:29:16.039 --> 00:29:16.439
 Finally,

00:29:16.539 --> 00:29:16.919
 he gives us

00:29:16.919 --> 00:29:17.639
 a place of honor.

00:29:18.220 --> 00:29:18.899
 Verse 14,

00:29:20.220 --> 00:29:21.399
 he charged him

00:29:21.399 --> 00:29:22.159
 to tell no one,

00:29:22.919 --> 00:29:23.859
 but go and show yourself

00:29:23.859 --> 00:29:24.500
 to the priest

00:29:24.500 --> 00:29:25.220
 and make an offering

00:29:25.220 --> 00:29:25.919
 for your cleansing

00:29:25.919 --> 00:29:26.839
 as Moses commanded

00:29:26.839 --> 00:29:27.779
 for a proof to them.

00:29:29.459 --> 00:29:30.000
 You might say,

00:29:30.059 --> 00:29:30.720
 that sounds sort of

00:29:30.720 --> 00:29:31.500
 anticlimactic.

00:29:32.799 --> 00:29:33.740
 Don't tell anyone

00:29:33.740 --> 00:29:34.659
 about the great thing

00:29:34.659 --> 00:29:35.359
 that's just happened

00:29:35.359 --> 00:29:35.619
 to you,

00:29:35.720 --> 00:29:36.699
 just go to the priest.

00:29:38.740 --> 00:29:39.579
 But actually,

00:29:40.099 --> 00:29:41.459
 back then,

00:29:41.639 --> 00:29:42.619
 going to the priest

00:29:42.619 --> 00:29:44.000
 was the only way

00:29:44.000 --> 00:29:45.439
 he could be fully restored

00:29:45.439 --> 00:29:46.319
 to participate

00:29:46.319 --> 00:29:47.980
 in his community.

00:29:49.359 --> 00:29:49.959
 Back then,

00:29:50.019 --> 00:29:50.759
 the priest function,

00:29:50.859 --> 00:29:51.480
 one of the functions

00:29:51.480 --> 00:29:52.099
 of the priest

00:29:52.099 --> 00:29:52.699
 was sort of

00:29:52.699 --> 00:29:53.859
 as a public health official.

00:29:55.179 --> 00:29:55.879
 He was the one

00:29:55.880 --> 00:29:57.020
 who would examine you

00:29:57.020 --> 00:29:58.540
 and either say,

00:29:58.900 --> 00:30:01.360
 you're unclean,

00:30:02.580 --> 00:30:03.960
 so you're on quarantine,

00:30:04.920 --> 00:30:06.380
 or you're clean,

00:30:07.200 --> 00:30:07.760
 and you're free

00:30:07.760 --> 00:30:08.680
 to go as you please.

00:30:11.060 --> 00:30:11.920
 So Jesus was saying,

00:30:12.000 --> 00:30:12.780
 respect the authorities

00:30:12.780 --> 00:30:13.600
 that are in place,

00:30:14.000 --> 00:30:14.860
 do what the law says,

00:30:14.940 --> 00:30:16.080
 but then he says more.

00:30:16.180 --> 00:30:16.460
 He says,

00:30:16.560 --> 00:30:17.880
 do it for a proof to them.

00:30:17.940 --> 00:30:18.420
 That is,

00:30:19.220 --> 00:30:20.560
 as a witness to them.

00:30:22.280 --> 00:30:22.740
 He's saying,

00:30:22.820 --> 00:30:23.740
 don't just go to the priest

00:30:23.740 --> 00:30:24.700
 to get your clean bill

00:30:24.700 --> 00:30:25.080
 of health

00:30:25.080 --> 00:30:26.539
 and be officially cleared,

00:30:27.160 --> 00:30:28.620
 but go as a living witness,

00:30:28.740 --> 00:30:30.120
 a visible demonstration

00:30:30.120 --> 00:30:32.180
 of the cleansing

00:30:32.180 --> 00:30:34.019
 and healing power

00:30:34.019 --> 00:30:34.539
 of Jesus.

00:30:36.120 --> 00:30:36.400
 You see,

00:30:36.480 --> 00:30:37.160
 Jesus doesn't just

00:30:37.160 --> 00:30:38.220
 cleanse us from shame.

00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:39.259
 He sends us on a mission

00:30:39.259 --> 00:30:41.480
 to be a living testimony

00:30:41.480 --> 00:30:43.319
 of who he is

00:30:43.319 --> 00:30:44.620
 and what he's done.

00:30:46.440 --> 00:30:47.600
 When we've experienced

00:30:47.600 --> 00:30:48.460
 the cleansing power

00:30:48.460 --> 00:30:49.039
 of Jesus,

00:30:50.539 --> 00:30:51.380
 one writer says,

00:30:51.440 --> 00:30:52.380
 he sends us out

00:30:52.380 --> 00:30:53.840
 to touch the hurting places

00:30:53.839 --> 00:30:55.099
 in the lives of others.

00:30:55.899 --> 00:30:56.859
 We are now part

00:30:56.859 --> 00:30:58.240
 of a healing community

00:30:58.240 --> 00:30:59.939
 that the Holy Spirit

00:30:59.939 --> 00:31:02.159
 uses to make people whole.

00:31:03.339 --> 00:31:04.220
 Not surprisingly,

00:31:04.419 --> 00:31:04.919
 verse 15,

00:31:05.019 --> 00:31:05.699
 the word spreads,

00:31:05.799 --> 00:31:06.579
 the crowds gather

00:31:06.579 --> 00:31:07.759
 to hear his word

00:31:07.759 --> 00:31:08.599
 and experience

00:31:08.599 --> 00:31:09.459
 his healing touch.

00:31:12.959 --> 00:31:13.480
 You know,

00:31:13.500 --> 00:31:13.879
 it's interesting

00:31:13.879 --> 00:31:14.500
 how Luke ends

00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:15.139
 this passage

00:31:15.139 --> 00:31:16.079
 in verse 16.

00:31:18.079 --> 00:31:19.179
 He ends this passage

00:31:19.179 --> 00:31:19.839
 by remarking

00:31:19.839 --> 00:31:20.240
 on Jesus'

00:31:20.439 --> 00:31:21.099
 frequent habit

00:31:21.099 --> 00:31:21.959
 of withdrawing

00:31:21.959 --> 00:31:22.439
 to pray.

00:31:24.339 --> 00:31:24.619
 You see,

00:31:24.679 --> 00:31:25.259
 Jesus' ministry

00:31:25.259 --> 00:31:25.679
 was beginning

00:31:25.679 --> 00:31:26.419
 to grow here.

00:31:27.819 --> 00:31:28.579
 He was teaching

00:31:28.579 --> 00:31:29.279
 in synagogues.

00:31:29.319 --> 00:31:29.819
 He was healing.

00:31:30.299 --> 00:31:31.379
 He was driving out demons.

00:31:31.539 --> 00:31:32.639
 He was gathering disciples.

00:31:32.839 --> 00:31:33.799
 He had cleansed this leper.

00:31:33.899 --> 00:31:35.079
 He was in high demand.

00:31:36.539 --> 00:31:37.579
 Many responsibilities

00:31:37.579 --> 00:31:39.799
 and many good opportunities

00:31:39.799 --> 00:31:41.539
 right in front of him.

00:31:43.119 --> 00:31:44.259
 But Jesus wasn't

00:31:44.259 --> 00:31:46.139
 exclusively focused

00:31:46.139 --> 00:31:47.119
 on gathering

00:31:47.119 --> 00:31:48.039
 the largest following

00:31:48.039 --> 00:31:48.639
 possible

00:31:48.639 --> 00:31:50.480
 as quickly

00:31:50.480 --> 00:31:51.139
 as possible.

00:31:51.899 --> 00:31:52.759
 He wasn't driven

00:31:52.759 --> 00:31:53.519
 by the desire

00:31:53.519 --> 00:31:54.839
 to please everyone

00:31:54.839 --> 00:31:56.240
 who was constantly

00:31:56.240 --> 00:31:57.420
 making requests

00:31:57.420 --> 00:31:57.980
 of him.

00:31:58.059 --> 00:31:58.799
 He would withdraw

00:31:58.799 --> 00:32:00.220
 and pray.

00:32:01.859 --> 00:32:02.259
 Now,

00:32:02.299 --> 00:32:03.119
 if you've experienced

00:32:03.119 --> 00:32:04.059
 the cleansing power

00:32:04.059 --> 00:32:04.639
 of Jesus

00:32:04.639 --> 00:32:06.960
 and if you've been

00:32:06.960 --> 00:32:08.159
 called into his mission,

00:32:08.279 --> 00:32:09.079
 sometimes life

00:32:09.079 --> 00:32:10.019
 can get pretty busy.

00:32:11.599 --> 00:32:12.879
 Lots of responsibilities

00:32:12.879 --> 00:32:14.299
 and lots of good opportunities.

00:32:16.279 --> 00:32:16.720
 And Luke wants

00:32:16.720 --> 00:32:17.380
 to remind us

00:32:17.380 --> 00:32:17.839
 that Jesus

00:32:17.839 --> 00:32:19.079
 prioritized prayer.

00:32:20.579 --> 00:32:21.880
 He prioritized

00:32:21.880 --> 00:32:22.759
 intimate communion

00:32:22.759 --> 00:32:23.940
 with his heavenly father

00:32:23.940 --> 00:32:25.100
 because ultimately

00:32:25.100 --> 00:32:25.960
 he lived,

00:32:26.079 --> 00:32:27.000
 that is who he lived

00:32:27.000 --> 00:32:27.519
 to please.

00:32:30.079 --> 00:32:30.519
 Yes,

00:32:30.640 --> 00:32:31.299
 Jesus restored

00:32:31.299 --> 00:32:31.700
 the leper

00:32:31.700 --> 00:32:32.740
 to a place of honor

00:32:32.740 --> 00:32:34.460
 in his society.

00:32:35.700 --> 00:32:36.440
 That's why he sent,

00:32:36.519 --> 00:32:37.279
 part of why he sent him

00:32:37.279 --> 00:32:37.880
 to the priest.

00:32:38.799 --> 00:32:39.319
 And yes,

00:32:39.360 --> 00:32:40.059
 he can bring you

00:32:40.059 --> 00:32:40.660
 from a place

00:32:40.660 --> 00:32:41.519
 of powerlessness

00:32:41.519 --> 00:32:42.680
 and voicelessness

00:32:42.680 --> 00:32:43.400
 and shame

00:32:43.400 --> 00:32:44.240
 and rejection

00:32:44.240 --> 00:32:45.360
 to a position of honor.

00:32:45.359 --> 00:32:47.419
 and even leadership

00:32:47.419 --> 00:32:48.179
 in his kingdom.

00:32:48.959 --> 00:32:50.319
 But never forget,

00:32:51.379 --> 00:32:52.859
 the greatest honor

00:32:52.859 --> 00:32:55.019
 before the world

00:32:55.019 --> 00:32:56.919
 cannot compare

00:32:56.919 --> 00:32:58.579
 to the privilege

00:32:58.579 --> 00:33:00.599
 of coming before

00:33:00.599 --> 00:33:02.419
 the throne of God,

00:33:02.959 --> 00:33:03.959
 the throne of grace

00:33:03.959 --> 00:33:04.679
 with freedom

00:33:04.679 --> 00:33:05.439
 and confidence

00:33:05.439 --> 00:33:07.979
 because through Jesus Christ,

00:33:08.579 --> 00:33:09.479
 God is now

00:33:09.479 --> 00:33:10.379
 your heavenly father

00:33:10.380 --> 00:33:12.300
 and you can freely

00:33:12.300 --> 00:33:12.980
 approach him

00:33:12.980 --> 00:33:15.400
 and spend time

00:33:15.400 --> 00:33:15.800
 with him.

00:33:17.900 --> 00:33:18.720
 That's the greatest

00:33:18.720 --> 00:33:19.680
 honor of all.

00:33:21.980 --> 00:33:23.120
 We have free

00:33:23.120 --> 00:33:23.880
 access

00:33:23.880 --> 00:33:24.660
 and confidence

00:33:24.660 --> 00:33:25.020
 to enter

00:33:25.020 --> 00:33:25.920
 the presence of God.

00:33:27.920 --> 00:33:28.940
 Gerhardus Vos

00:33:28.940 --> 00:33:29.660
 wrote the following,

00:33:30.700 --> 00:33:31.520
 to be a Christian

00:33:31.520 --> 00:33:33.540
 is to live

00:33:33.540 --> 00:33:34.180
 one's life

00:33:34.180 --> 00:33:34.920
 not merely

00:33:34.920 --> 00:33:35.620
 in obedience

00:33:35.620 --> 00:33:36.400
 to God

00:33:36.400 --> 00:33:38.220
 nor merely

00:33:38.220 --> 00:33:38.860
 in dependence

00:33:38.859 --> 00:33:39.559
 on God

00:33:39.559 --> 00:33:40.919
 nor even

00:33:40.919 --> 00:33:41.199
 merely

00:33:41.199 --> 00:33:41.759
 for the sake

00:33:41.759 --> 00:33:42.279
 of God.

00:33:43.279 --> 00:33:44.259
 It is to stand

00:33:44.259 --> 00:33:45.199
 in conscious

00:33:45.199 --> 00:33:46.500
 reciprocal

00:33:46.500 --> 00:33:47.699
 fellowship

00:33:47.699 --> 00:33:49.339
 with God.

00:33:49.859 --> 00:33:51.039
 To be identified

00:33:51.039 --> 00:33:52.359
 with him

00:33:52.359 --> 00:33:53.979
 in thought

00:33:53.979 --> 00:33:54.479
 and purpose

00:33:54.479 --> 00:33:55.079
 and work

00:33:55.079 --> 00:33:56.000
 to receive

00:33:56.000 --> 00:33:56.699
 from him

00:33:56.699 --> 00:33:57.839
 and to give back

00:33:57.839 --> 00:33:58.679
 to him.

00:33:59.119 --> 00:34:00.059
 He's talking about

00:34:00.059 --> 00:34:00.639
 union

00:34:00.639 --> 00:34:02.319
 with Christ.

00:34:05.439 --> 00:34:06.819
 In the Holy Spirit

00:34:06.819 --> 00:34:08.000
 through which we enter

00:34:08.000 --> 00:34:08.420
 the presence

00:34:08.420 --> 00:34:08.760
 of God

00:34:08.760 --> 00:34:09.199
 the Father.

00:34:15.079 --> 00:34:15.840
 Jesus touches

00:34:15.840 --> 00:34:16.320
 the leper.

00:34:18.219 --> 00:34:19.019
 He cleanses

00:34:19.019 --> 00:34:19.440
 the leper.

00:34:20.139 --> 00:34:20.699
 He calls us

00:34:20.699 --> 00:34:21.360
 into his mission

00:34:21.360 --> 00:34:23.260
 and he gives us

00:34:23.260 --> 00:34:23.679
 the honor

00:34:23.679 --> 00:34:25.260
 of belonging

00:34:25.260 --> 00:34:25.619
 to him.

00:34:25.699 --> 00:34:26.099
 Let's pray.

00:34:31.639 --> 00:34:32.400
 Oh God

00:34:32.400 --> 00:34:33.880
 who has prepared

00:34:33.880 --> 00:34:35.079
 for those

00:34:35.079 --> 00:34:35.720
 who love you

00:34:35.720 --> 00:34:37.800
 such good things

00:34:37.800 --> 00:34:38.840
 as pass

00:34:38.840 --> 00:34:39.539
 our understanding.

00:34:41.260 --> 00:34:41.920
 Pour into our

00:34:41.920 --> 00:34:42.240
 heart

00:34:42.240 --> 00:34:43.640
 such a love

00:34:43.640 --> 00:34:44.220
 toward you

00:34:44.220 --> 00:34:46.260
 that loving you

00:34:46.260 --> 00:34:47.300
 above all things

00:34:47.300 --> 00:34:49.059
 we may obtain

00:34:49.059 --> 00:34:49.660
 your promises

00:34:49.660 --> 00:34:51.480
 which exceed

00:34:51.480 --> 00:34:52.140
 all that we can

00:34:52.140 --> 00:34:52.539
 desire.

00:34:53.599 --> 00:34:54.660
 Through Jesus Christ

00:34:54.660 --> 00:34:55.140
 our Lord.

00:34:56.360 --> 00:34:56.740
 Amen.

00:34:56.740 --> 00:34:56.880
 Amen.

00:34:56.880 --> 00:34:56.900
 Amen.

00:34:56.900 --> 00:34:56.920
 Amen.

00:34:56.920 --> 00:34:56.940
 Amen.

00:34:56.940 --> 00:34:56.960
 Amen.

00:34:56.960 --> 00:34:56.980
 Amen.

00:34:56.980 --> 00:34:57.000
 Amen.

00:34:57.000 --> 00:34:57.019
 Amen.

00:34:57.019 --> 00:34:57.039
 Amen.