WEBVTT 00:00:00.380 --> 00:00:06.980 Well, good evening everyone, and it is lovely to see you. My name is Graham, I work here at the church, 00:00:07.060 --> 00:00:14.859 and if this is your first time maybe at Brunswick, if you're a visitor, then it is lovely to welcome you to our church this Good Friday. 00:00:15.000 --> 00:00:21.039 Thank you so much for everyone who's participated so far, for those who have read, for the band in leading us in singing. 00:00:21.179 --> 00:00:28.000 It has been so helpful just to focus our minds on Jesus Christ crucified that we come here to remember. 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:37.340 But I want to start this evening by asking you to think about if there is anyone here that has a surname, 00:00:37.640 --> 00:00:42.039 or who has had a surname, that reveals something about you. 00:00:43.240 --> 00:00:51.900 Now, I'll give you an example. So, my wife's maiden name is Griffith Jones, and she wouldn't marry me until I could spell it, okay? 00:00:51.899 --> 00:01:00.780 So, G-R-U-F-F-Y-D-D, Jones. Now, what does that reveal about her? Anybody? 00:01:01.739 --> 00:01:09.359 She is Welsh. There's Welsh blood in her family. In fact, it's her dad who is mad Welsh. 00:01:09.819 --> 00:01:15.039 And he phoned me a few months ago, and he said, Graham, he's got an English accent, but he is Welsh. 00:01:15.040 --> 00:01:22.100 Graham, how do you fancy going to the rugby? Coming up to Edinburgh in a few weeks' time, how do you fancy going to rugby? 00:01:22.520 --> 00:01:29.140 Now, I must admit, I'm not massively into rugby. I'm more into the sport with the proper round-shaped ball rather than the one that looks like an egg. 00:01:29.140 --> 00:01:33.159 But he was paying, and I said, I'd love to go to the rugby. 00:01:34.280 --> 00:01:45.439 And we come to match day, and we start walking to Murrayfield. We start walking to the ground, and I leave the house totally disinterested in the game. 00:01:46.859 --> 00:01:52.680 But three hours later, I leave fully enthused about the game of rugby. 00:01:53.359 --> 00:01:56.620 Now, why was that? Well, we won. That helped. 00:01:56.620 --> 00:02:06.340 But what really got me into the game, what really got me into the game of rugby was the passion of the crowd. 00:02:08.039 --> 00:02:14.420 A passionate crowd. They were there, cheering on their team. A passionate crowd. 00:02:14.700 --> 00:02:19.400 When was the last time you found yourself amongst a passionate crowd? 00:02:19.400 --> 00:02:28.560 Well, here's what I want to do this evening, just over the next 15 or so minutes, is just as we think about Jesus on the cross, 00:02:28.620 --> 00:02:35.300 as we think about everything that happened that first Good Friday, I want us to think about two very passionate crowds. 00:02:37.219 --> 00:02:45.540 And they're two very different crowds, in two very different places, who are shouting two very different things. 00:02:45.539 --> 00:02:52.859 Now, why? Well, because they have two very different opinions on who Jesus Christ is. 00:02:54.340 --> 00:02:59.419 And it's the Apostle John that tells us about these two very different and two very passionate crowds. 00:03:00.340 --> 00:03:03.500 And if you've got your Bibles there, maybe you can track with me this evening. 00:03:04.979 --> 00:03:12.060 And the first passionate crowd that I want us to think about is that angry crowd that we meet in John chapter 19. 00:03:12.060 --> 00:03:17.479 Now, what is this crowd's take on Jesus? 00:03:17.740 --> 00:03:19.560 Verse 4 of chapter 19. 00:03:22.659 --> 00:03:24.140 John records this. 00:03:25.580 --> 00:03:27.800 Pilate went out again and said to them, 00:03:27.960 --> 00:03:34.900 See, I am bringing him, that is Jesus, out to you that you might know that I found no guilt in him. 00:03:36.280 --> 00:03:40.439 So Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. 00:03:40.439 --> 00:03:42.719 Pilate said to them, 00:03:43.759 --> 00:03:44.859 Behold the man. 00:03:46.400 --> 00:03:50.120 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, 00:03:50.520 --> 00:03:51.819 Crucify him! 00:03:52.599 --> 00:03:53.539 Crucify him! 00:03:54.400 --> 00:03:57.379 Now, what is the shout of this passionate crowd? 00:03:57.879 --> 00:03:58.759 Crucify him! 00:03:59.879 --> 00:04:03.520 In fact, it's interesting, if you've got John chapter 19 open there, 00:04:03.800 --> 00:04:07.159 that every time we meet this crowd and their interactions with Pilate, 00:04:07.159 --> 00:04:09.000 we are told that they are shouting. 00:04:10.079 --> 00:04:13.419 Three times, in fact, we are told that they shout. 00:04:14.219 --> 00:04:20.019 This crowd, made up of chief priests and Jewish leaders, 00:04:20.100 --> 00:04:22.939 now they are baying for Jesus' blood. 00:04:22.939 --> 00:04:30.120 What do they demand is the fate of this man, Jesus Christ. 00:04:30.219 --> 00:04:32.219 What do they want to happen? 00:04:32.540 --> 00:04:33.439 Well, crucifixion. 00:04:35.100 --> 00:04:38.660 That brutal Roman execution method, 00:04:38.860 --> 00:04:42.740 this prolonged and agonizing form of death, 00:04:42.839 --> 00:04:45.439 reserved for those of the lowest standing. 00:04:47.019 --> 00:04:48.079 Now, we've got to ask, haven't we, 00:04:48.079 --> 00:04:50.120 why are they baying for this man's blood? 00:04:52.459 --> 00:04:53.939 Well, you read John's gospel. 00:04:54.300 --> 00:04:56.039 He's been building up to it at this point. 00:04:56.859 --> 00:04:59.079 We see that this crowd are passionate and angry 00:04:59.079 --> 00:05:03.300 because they have concluded two truths about Jesus. 00:05:04.399 --> 00:05:06.560 They've concluded in their minds two things about Jesus. 00:05:06.719 --> 00:05:08.099 Firstly, that he is a liar. 00:05:09.620 --> 00:05:10.639 This man, 00:05:10.639 --> 00:05:14.579 this man who claimed not just to be from Galilee, 00:05:15.379 --> 00:05:17.939 but this man who claimed to have come 00:05:17.939 --> 00:05:20.319 from the very presence of the Father, 00:05:20.659 --> 00:05:22.259 to have come from heaven itself. 00:05:24.319 --> 00:05:26.659 This man who's been claiming to be the one 00:05:26.659 --> 00:05:29.519 who was with God in the beginning. 00:05:30.959 --> 00:05:32.740 This man who's come 00:05:32.740 --> 00:05:35.000 and he's claiming to be the only one 00:05:35.000 --> 00:05:37.620 who has come to show us the Father. 00:05:37.620 --> 00:05:42.480 And this man who has the audacity to come 00:05:42.480 --> 00:05:45.319 and to claim that he is the only way to the Father. 00:05:46.680 --> 00:05:48.360 What absolute arrogance, 00:05:48.579 --> 00:05:49.860 what utter blasphemy. 00:05:51.240 --> 00:05:52.560 Jesus is a liar. 00:05:53.439 --> 00:05:54.500 It's the first thing they've concluded. 00:05:54.660 --> 00:05:55.680 Second thing they've concluded 00:05:55.680 --> 00:05:58.480 is that Jesus is a threat. 00:05:59.980 --> 00:06:02.259 This man who's come in here 00:06:02.259 --> 00:06:03.819 and he's been flipping over tables 00:06:03.819 --> 00:06:07.740 and calling our temple his Father's house. 00:06:08.560 --> 00:06:11.819 This man who's strolled in to our lives 00:06:11.819 --> 00:06:13.079 and who is calling us 00:06:13.079 --> 00:06:14.719 to change our ways 00:06:14.719 --> 00:06:16.379 and to examine our hearts. 00:06:16.459 --> 00:06:18.339 This man who's calling us to repentance. 00:06:20.560 --> 00:06:22.519 And this man who is associating 00:06:22.519 --> 00:06:23.600 with the wrong kind of people. 00:06:23.600 --> 00:06:31.060 And this man who people are beginning to believe. 00:06:32.280 --> 00:06:34.780 And this man who people are beginning to follow. 00:06:34.980 --> 00:06:37.020 Well, we will not have this man as our king. 00:06:39.060 --> 00:06:40.260 And so this crowd, 00:06:40.420 --> 00:06:41.520 this passionate crowd, 00:06:41.620 --> 00:06:43.420 this first passionate crowd that we meet 00:06:43.420 --> 00:06:45.480 shout, crucify him. 00:06:47.000 --> 00:06:47.800 Crucify him. 00:06:48.040 --> 00:06:49.360 They reject him. 00:06:51.100 --> 00:06:52.900 Fulfilling everything that John had said 00:06:52.899 --> 00:06:54.279 at the beginning of his gospel 00:06:54.279 --> 00:06:56.839 that Jesus, he came to his own 00:06:56.839 --> 00:06:58.519 and his own did not receive him. 00:07:00.859 --> 00:07:03.479 But as we were singing in one of those hymns 00:07:03.479 --> 00:07:04.439 just a few moments ago, 00:07:04.500 --> 00:07:06.779 it wasn't just his own who did not receive him. 00:07:07.979 --> 00:07:09.879 The world did not receive him. 00:07:11.399 --> 00:07:13.299 He came as the light 00:07:13.299 --> 00:07:17.060 into our world of darkness. 00:07:18.359 --> 00:07:20.560 And the darkness wanted nothing to do 00:07:20.560 --> 00:07:21.399 with the light. 00:07:22.220 --> 00:07:24.920 The creator, he stooped down 00:07:24.920 --> 00:07:27.280 into creation 00:07:27.280 --> 00:07:29.280 to deal 00:07:29.280 --> 00:07:30.780 with his 00:07:30.780 --> 00:07:32.680 creature's mess. 00:07:33.139 --> 00:07:34.360 And yet we wanted nothing 00:07:34.360 --> 00:07:35.560 to do with him. 00:07:37.939 --> 00:07:40.439 As Charles Wesley famously said in this hymn, 00:07:40.879 --> 00:07:41.980 "'Tis mystery all, 00:07:42.100 --> 00:07:42.779 the immortal 00:07:42.779 --> 00:07:43.519 dies." 00:07:43.519 --> 00:07:46.740 And that's why, 00:07:46.859 --> 00:07:48.639 as we hear this passionate shout 00:07:48.639 --> 00:07:49.919 of this first crowd, 00:07:50.039 --> 00:07:51.079 well, we can see ourselves 00:07:51.079 --> 00:07:51.859 in this picture. 00:07:53.299 --> 00:07:54.299 This rejection 00:07:54.299 --> 00:07:55.279 was our 00:07:55.279 --> 00:07:56.839 rejection of him. 00:07:58.419 --> 00:07:59.299 The darkness 00:07:59.299 --> 00:08:00.019 that drove 00:08:00.019 --> 00:08:01.719 him to the cross 00:08:01.719 --> 00:08:02.019 was, 00:08:02.699 --> 00:08:03.399 it was our 00:08:03.399 --> 00:08:04.060 darkness. 00:08:05.639 --> 00:08:06.620 The sin 00:08:06.620 --> 00:08:07.539 that he 00:08:07.539 --> 00:08:08.879 came to deal with 00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:09.799 and to die for 00:08:09.799 --> 00:08:10.459 on the cross, 00:08:10.519 --> 00:08:11.379 that was our 00:08:11.379 --> 00:08:12.259 sin. 00:08:12.259 --> 00:08:15.719 So this first 00:08:15.719 --> 00:08:16.620 angry, 00:08:16.819 --> 00:08:17.740 passionate crowd, 00:08:17.879 --> 00:08:18.879 they look at Jesus 00:08:18.879 --> 00:08:20.219 and they shout, 00:08:20.800 --> 00:08:21.599 crucify 00:08:21.599 --> 00:08:22.560 him. 00:08:24.319 --> 00:08:25.039 And so Jesus 00:08:25.039 --> 00:08:25.920 endures the most 00:08:25.920 --> 00:08:27.079 hideous form of 00:08:27.079 --> 00:08:27.560 torture 00:08:27.560 --> 00:08:28.879 in all its 00:08:28.879 --> 00:08:29.599 fullness 00:08:29.599 --> 00:08:30.879 and ugliness. 00:08:33.399 --> 00:08:34.659 Now I wonder if you've ever 00:08:34.659 --> 00:08:36.419 asked yourself 00:08:36.419 --> 00:08:39.000 why we call this day 00:08:39.000 --> 00:08:39.799 Good Friday. 00:08:39.799 --> 00:08:41.719 Have you ever 00:08:41.719 --> 00:08:42.279 asked that? 00:08:42.359 --> 00:08:42.479 I mean, 00:08:42.599 --> 00:08:43.539 I was thinking on it 00:08:43.539 --> 00:08:44.000 this week, 00:08:44.139 --> 00:08:45.359 I've got an imagination 00:08:45.359 --> 00:08:46.419 that kind of goes 00:08:46.419 --> 00:08:47.039 from time to time. 00:08:47.159 --> 00:08:48.120 I'm trying to imagine 00:08:48.120 --> 00:08:48.819 that I was in, 00:08:49.259 --> 00:08:50.219 had a time machine 00:08:50.219 --> 00:08:52.099 and I somehow 00:08:52.099 --> 00:08:52.919 managed to get back 00:08:52.919 --> 00:08:54.039 to this day, 00:08:54.359 --> 00:08:55.279 AD 33, 00:08:55.620 --> 00:08:56.500 and I was able 00:08:56.500 --> 00:08:57.279 to meet some of 00:08:57.279 --> 00:08:58.019 the original 00:08:58.019 --> 00:08:58.620 disciples. 00:09:00.259 --> 00:09:01.179 And I'm asking them, 00:09:01.500 --> 00:09:01.699 listen, 00:09:01.859 --> 00:09:02.979 followers of Jesus, 00:09:03.219 --> 00:09:04.819 centuries down the line, 00:09:04.959 --> 00:09:06.019 generations later, 00:09:06.019 --> 00:09:06.539 we're going to, 00:09:06.759 --> 00:09:07.500 we're going to have 00:09:07.500 --> 00:09:08.179 one adjective 00:09:08.179 --> 00:09:09.319 that's going to describe 00:09:09.319 --> 00:09:10.719 this day that we mark 00:09:10.719 --> 00:09:11.579 Jesus' death 00:09:11.579 --> 00:09:12.459 as we remember it. 00:09:12.500 --> 00:09:12.939 Could you guess 00:09:12.939 --> 00:09:14.019 what that adjective is? 00:09:16.299 --> 00:09:17.819 Is it bleak Friday? 00:09:18.079 --> 00:09:19.179 No, it's not bleak Friday. 00:09:20.419 --> 00:09:20.959 Is it, 00:09:20.959 --> 00:09:22.259 is it dark Friday? 00:09:22.419 --> 00:09:24.059 No, it's not dark Friday. 00:09:25.519 --> 00:09:26.979 Is it despondent Friday? 00:09:27.239 --> 00:09:28.559 No, it's not despondent Friday. 00:09:28.879 --> 00:09:30.219 Is it ghastly Friday? 00:09:30.739 --> 00:09:32.019 No, it's not ghastly Friday. 00:09:32.120 --> 00:09:32.339 Come on, 00:09:32.379 --> 00:09:33.159 just put me out of my misery. 00:09:33.279 --> 00:09:33.979 What is the word? 00:09:34.079 --> 00:09:34.839 What is the adjective? 00:09:35.059 --> 00:09:35.859 Well, it's good Friday. 00:09:35.859 --> 00:09:36.059 Okay. 00:09:38.179 --> 00:09:40.979 Good Friday. 00:09:40.979 --> 00:09:41.739 Good Friday. 00:09:43.659 --> 00:09:44.799 I imagine that they would 00:09:44.799 --> 00:09:46.139 have been perplexed 00:09:46.139 --> 00:09:47.519 and they would have 00:09:47.519 --> 00:09:48.339 most likely been 00:09:48.339 --> 00:09:49.599 massively offended 00:09:49.599 --> 00:09:51.599 because of the suffering, 00:09:51.839 --> 00:09:52.539 shame and rejection 00:09:52.539 --> 00:09:53.699 that they had just witnessed. 00:09:54.019 --> 00:09:55.000 The man that they thought 00:09:55.000 --> 00:09:56.299 who had come to save 00:09:56.299 --> 00:09:57.479 their nation 00:09:57.479 --> 00:09:58.459 and their world 00:09:58.459 --> 00:10:00.099 had just endured. 00:10:00.219 --> 00:10:00.719 Have you ever asked 00:10:00.719 --> 00:10:01.319 that question? 00:10:01.439 --> 00:10:02.719 Why do we call this day 00:10:02.719 --> 00:10:03.899 Good Friday? 00:10:03.899 --> 00:10:07.500 Well, let me take you 00:10:07.500 --> 00:10:09.600 to the second passionate crowd 00:10:09.600 --> 00:10:10.779 that John tells us about. 00:10:12.279 --> 00:10:13.480 And it's this crowd 00:10:13.480 --> 00:10:14.439 that we read of 00:10:14.439 --> 00:10:16.679 in Revelation chapter 5. 00:10:18.639 --> 00:10:19.480 Verse 6, 00:10:19.559 --> 00:10:21.179 John tells us about this crowd 00:10:21.179 --> 00:10:24.019 as he describes 00:10:24.019 --> 00:10:25.399 what he sees 00:10:25.399 --> 00:10:27.740 in the courts of heaven. 00:10:28.740 --> 00:10:30.019 Revelation 5 00:10:30.019 --> 00:10:31.899 and beginning at verse 6, 00:10:31.899 --> 00:10:33.199 this is what he sees. 00:10:35.199 --> 00:10:36.559 And between the throne 00:10:36.559 --> 00:10:38.100 and the four living creatures 00:10:38.100 --> 00:10:39.319 and among the elders, 00:10:39.519 --> 00:10:40.360 I saw 00:10:40.360 --> 00:10:42.079 a lamb 00:10:42.079 --> 00:10:43.860 standing 00:10:43.860 --> 00:10:46.699 as though it had been slain 00:10:46.699 --> 00:10:48.860 with seven horns 00:10:48.860 --> 00:10:49.139 and 00:10:49.139 --> 00:10:50.840 with seven eyes 00:10:50.840 --> 00:10:52.000 which are the seven spirits 00:10:52.000 --> 00:10:52.519 of God 00:10:52.519 --> 00:10:53.980 sent out into all the earth. 00:10:53.980 --> 00:10:56.600 And he went 00:10:56.600 --> 00:10:58.600 and took the scroll 00:10:58.600 --> 00:10:59.759 from the right hand 00:10:59.759 --> 00:11:00.240 of him 00:11:00.240 --> 00:11:00.940 who was seated 00:11:00.940 --> 00:11:01.720 on the throne. 00:11:02.720 --> 00:11:03.879 And when he had taken 00:11:03.879 --> 00:11:04.460 the scroll, 00:11:04.800 --> 00:11:06.000 the four living creatures 00:11:06.000 --> 00:11:07.620 and the twenty-four elders 00:11:07.620 --> 00:11:08.580 fell down 00:11:08.580 --> 00:11:09.620 before the lamb, 00:11:10.680 --> 00:11:11.840 each holding a harp 00:11:11.840 --> 00:11:13.519 and golden bowls 00:11:13.519 --> 00:11:14.320 full of incense 00:11:14.320 --> 00:11:15.200 which are the prayers 00:11:15.200 --> 00:11:16.240 of the saints. 00:11:17.180 --> 00:11:18.120 You see this crowd? 00:11:19.320 --> 00:11:21.000 This heavenly crowd 00:11:21.000 --> 00:11:21.740 of elders 00:11:21.740 --> 00:11:23.180 and creatures. 00:11:23.179 --> 00:11:23.519 Now, 00:11:24.359 --> 00:11:25.159 John goes on 00:11:25.159 --> 00:11:25.779 and he records 00:11:25.779 --> 00:11:26.899 what he hears. 00:11:28.199 --> 00:11:29.159 So what is the shout 00:11:29.159 --> 00:11:31.120 of this passionate crowd? 00:11:33.059 --> 00:11:33.539 Well, 00:11:33.559 --> 00:11:34.500 here's the amazing thing. 00:11:35.799 --> 00:11:36.879 The shout of this crowd 00:11:36.879 --> 00:11:39.319 is not one of accusation. 00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:42.219 The shout of this crowd 00:11:42.219 --> 00:11:43.399 is one of adoration. 00:11:45.139 --> 00:11:46.259 Look what he records 00:11:46.259 --> 00:11:47.479 and this crowd, 00:11:47.639 --> 00:11:49.439 they sang a new song 00:11:49.439 --> 00:11:50.099 saying, 00:11:50.100 --> 00:11:51.860 worthy are you 00:11:51.860 --> 00:11:53.480 to take the scroll 00:11:53.480 --> 00:11:55.000 and to open its seals 00:11:55.000 --> 00:11:57.200 for you were slain 00:11:57.200 --> 00:11:59.899 and by your blood 00:11:59.899 --> 00:12:01.480 you ransomed people 00:12:01.480 --> 00:12:02.320 for God 00:12:02.320 --> 00:12:04.300 from every tribe 00:12:04.300 --> 00:12:05.680 and language 00:12:05.680 --> 00:12:06.440 and people 00:12:06.440 --> 00:12:07.200 and nation 00:12:07.200 --> 00:12:08.060 and you 00:12:08.060 --> 00:12:09.700 have made them 00:12:09.700 --> 00:12:10.080 a kingdom 00:12:10.080 --> 00:12:10.560 and priest 00:12:10.560 --> 00:12:11.279 to our God 00:12:11.279 --> 00:12:12.680 and they shall reign 00:12:12.680 --> 00:12:13.639 on the earth. 00:12:13.639 --> 00:12:14.480 Now, 00:12:14.539 --> 00:12:15.860 what is this crowd's 00:12:15.860 --> 00:12:17.120 take on Jesus? 00:12:18.319 --> 00:12:19.340 What is their 00:12:19.340 --> 00:12:20.460 passionate shout? 00:12:22.319 --> 00:12:22.580 Well, 00:12:22.580 --> 00:12:23.480 the first crowd's 00:12:23.480 --> 00:12:24.879 shout was crucify him. 00:12:25.039 --> 00:12:25.939 This crowd's shout 00:12:25.939 --> 00:12:27.259 is worship him. 00:12:28.939 --> 00:12:29.960 Worship him. 00:12:30.939 --> 00:12:31.679 And would you track 00:12:31.679 --> 00:12:31.960 with me, 00:12:32.000 --> 00:12:32.460 would you notice 00:12:32.460 --> 00:12:33.379 just a few things 00:12:33.379 --> 00:12:34.199 about this shout? 00:12:35.620 --> 00:12:36.340 What do they 00:12:36.340 --> 00:12:37.799 declare 00:12:37.799 --> 00:12:40.399 the slain lamb 00:12:40.399 --> 00:12:40.859 to be? 00:12:40.959 --> 00:12:42.059 What do they 00:12:42.059 --> 00:12:42.979 declare Jesus 00:12:42.979 --> 00:12:43.639 to be? 00:12:44.059 --> 00:12:44.620 Worthy. 00:12:45.959 --> 00:12:47.000 Why is he worthy? 00:12:48.639 --> 00:12:49.479 Two reasons. 00:12:49.639 --> 00:12:49.919 Firstly, 00:12:50.000 --> 00:12:50.979 because he was slain. 00:12:52.120 --> 00:12:53.419 What did Jesus do? 00:12:53.519 --> 00:12:54.279 Do you see the language 00:12:54.279 --> 00:12:54.620 there? 00:12:54.679 --> 00:12:55.579 We've already sang it. 00:12:55.620 --> 00:12:56.459 He purchased. 00:12:57.719 --> 00:12:58.120 That is, 00:12:58.199 --> 00:12:59.759 he paid a price 00:12:59.759 --> 00:13:01.000 to buy something. 00:13:01.819 --> 00:13:02.019 Now, 00:13:02.179 --> 00:13:03.379 who did he purchase? 00:13:03.639 --> 00:13:03.819 Well, 00:13:04.359 --> 00:13:05.159 do you see it there? 00:13:05.240 --> 00:13:05.779 He purchased 00:13:05.779 --> 00:13:06.459 a people 00:13:06.460 --> 00:13:08.240 a people 00:13:08.240 --> 00:13:08.580 from 00:13:08.580 --> 00:13:10.500 every tribe 00:13:10.500 --> 00:13:12.080 and tongue 00:13:12.080 --> 00:13:12.860 and language 00:13:12.860 --> 00:13:13.540 and nation. 00:13:13.940 --> 00:13:15.460 This is a global people, 00:13:16.340 --> 00:13:17.840 a universal people. 00:13:18.800 --> 00:13:19.820 And with what 00:13:19.820 --> 00:13:20.879 did he purchase them? 00:13:21.639 --> 00:13:23.200 With his precious blood. 00:13:26.120 --> 00:13:27.000 And here's 00:13:27.000 --> 00:13:28.000 the million dollar question. 00:13:29.740 --> 00:13:31.160 It's one that my two-year-old 00:13:31.160 --> 00:13:31.500 at the minute 00:13:31.500 --> 00:13:32.259 is always asking, 00:13:32.420 --> 00:13:32.639 why? 00:13:34.200 --> 00:13:35.860 Why did he purchase them? 00:13:36.460 --> 00:13:38.040 Why did he purchase them? 00:13:38.519 --> 00:13:38.720 Well, 00:13:38.759 --> 00:13:40.300 would you see that this purchase 00:13:40.300 --> 00:13:41.580 wasn't purposeless? 00:13:43.780 --> 00:13:45.639 As Jesus died on the cross, 00:13:45.700 --> 00:13:47.300 if I can put it ever so reverently, 00:13:48.420 --> 00:13:51.180 it was no act of meaningless martyrdom. 00:13:53.240 --> 00:13:55.639 His death was not a symbolic gesture 00:13:55.639 --> 00:13:57.120 of goodwill. 00:13:57.340 --> 00:13:58.920 Why did he purchase a people? 00:14:00.120 --> 00:14:01.040 For what end? 00:14:01.139 --> 00:14:01.259 Well, 00:14:01.259 --> 00:14:02.220 do you see it there? 00:14:02.220 --> 00:14:05.300 encapsulated in those two 00:14:05.300 --> 00:14:06.379 most beautiful 00:14:06.379 --> 00:14:07.519 and potent words. 00:14:07.680 --> 00:14:08.940 Why did he purchase them? 00:14:10.180 --> 00:14:11.600 For God. 00:14:13.779 --> 00:14:14.700 For God. 00:14:14.759 --> 00:14:15.899 That is the purpose 00:14:15.899 --> 00:14:17.540 of the cross. 00:14:18.500 --> 00:14:19.639 That Jesus defeated, 00:14:19.700 --> 00:14:20.440 as we've been singing, 00:14:20.600 --> 00:14:21.100 the power, 00:14:21.220 --> 00:14:23.000 he defeated the power of sin. 00:14:23.940 --> 00:14:25.440 That Jesus crushed 00:14:25.440 --> 00:14:26.639 the stronghold 00:14:26.639 --> 00:14:27.320 of Satan. 00:14:27.460 --> 00:14:29.060 He is the serpent crusher 00:14:29.060 --> 00:14:30.000 that we're reading about 00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:31.480 in Genesis 3. 00:14:32.980 --> 00:14:34.580 Not so that his people 00:14:34.580 --> 00:14:35.919 could be simply forgiven, 00:14:36.659 --> 00:14:37.779 but so that they could be 00:14:37.779 --> 00:14:39.759 restored and adopted. 00:14:40.580 --> 00:14:42.759 He purchased his people 00:14:42.759 --> 00:14:44.039 for God. 00:14:45.340 --> 00:14:47.000 The God who created 00:14:47.000 --> 00:14:48.120 all things. 00:14:48.340 --> 00:14:50.139 The God who made us 00:14:50.139 --> 00:14:51.019 in his image. 00:14:51.100 --> 00:14:52.460 Who made us male and female 00:14:52.460 --> 00:14:54.039 in his image. 00:14:54.039 --> 00:14:56.279 The God who created us. 00:14:56.679 --> 00:14:58.240 Humanity for our relationship 00:14:58.240 --> 00:14:59.139 with him. 00:15:00.319 --> 00:15:01.899 And this holy God 00:15:01.899 --> 00:15:03.980 from whom 00:15:03.980 --> 00:15:05.620 we were separated 00:15:05.620 --> 00:15:06.819 because of our sin. 00:15:08.459 --> 00:15:09.959 Is this God 00:15:09.959 --> 00:15:12.079 that Jesus came 00:15:12.079 --> 00:15:14.079 to reconcile us to. 00:15:15.219 --> 00:15:16.360 And so what does that mean? 00:15:17.620 --> 00:15:18.599 Well, it means 00:15:18.599 --> 00:15:20.519 today as we remember 00:15:20.519 --> 00:15:21.860 that first Good Fridays, 00:15:21.860 --> 00:15:22.759 we remember 00:15:22.759 --> 00:15:23.960 as we picture Jesus 00:15:23.960 --> 00:15:24.820 on the cross, 00:15:24.860 --> 00:15:25.899 what do we see there? 00:15:26.960 --> 00:15:27.480 Well, we see 00:15:27.480 --> 00:15:28.940 the throbbing heart 00:15:28.940 --> 00:15:29.740 of a loving 00:15:29.740 --> 00:15:30.860 heavenly father 00:15:30.860 --> 00:15:31.820 who is desperate 00:15:31.820 --> 00:15:33.240 to win his people 00:15:33.240 --> 00:15:33.940 to himself. 00:15:37.639 --> 00:15:39.139 Now, here's the incredible thing. 00:15:41.419 --> 00:15:42.180 Said earlier 00:15:42.180 --> 00:15:43.120 that as we thought 00:15:43.120 --> 00:15:43.800 about that first 00:15:43.800 --> 00:15:45.039 passionate shouting crowd, 00:15:45.120 --> 00:15:45.379 he shouted, 00:15:45.539 --> 00:15:46.159 crucify him, 00:15:46.180 --> 00:15:47.159 that we could see ourselves 00:15:47.159 --> 00:15:47.840 in that picture. 00:15:49.279 --> 00:15:50.740 Well, here's the amazing thing. 00:15:50.740 --> 00:15:54.019 The incredible news 00:15:54.019 --> 00:15:54.740 is that by God's 00:15:55.899 --> 00:15:57.159 quite staggering 00:15:57.159 --> 00:15:58.379 and amazing grace, 00:15:59.879 --> 00:16:01.159 that as we look 00:16:01.159 --> 00:16:01.740 at this passionate 00:16:02.279 --> 00:16:03.340 and adoring crowd, 00:16:03.980 --> 00:16:05.740 that we can see ourselves 00:16:06.299 --> 00:16:07.940 in this picture. 00:16:09.340 --> 00:16:10.279 We are part, 00:16:10.340 --> 00:16:11.259 get your heads around this, 00:16:11.320 --> 00:16:12.779 we are part of this people 00:16:12.779 --> 00:16:13.820 that Jesus Christ 00:16:13.820 --> 00:16:15.360 has purchased for God. 00:16:16.419 --> 00:16:17.720 And is it not incredible 00:16:17.720 --> 00:16:18.919 to think today 00:16:18.919 --> 00:16:22.719 that as we sit here, 00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:24.659 that we are part 00:16:24.659 --> 00:16:25.519 of a people, 00:16:26.299 --> 00:16:27.519 not only numerous 00:16:27.519 --> 00:16:28.599 around our city 00:16:28.599 --> 00:16:29.799 and around our nation 00:16:29.799 --> 00:16:30.939 and around our continent, 00:16:31.059 --> 00:16:32.439 but we are part 00:16:32.439 --> 00:16:33.159 of a people 00:16:33.159 --> 00:16:34.779 numerous around the globe 00:16:34.779 --> 00:16:36.559 that God has won 00:16:36.559 --> 00:16:37.599 to himself, 00:16:39.019 --> 00:16:39.679 celebrating, 00:16:39.860 --> 00:16:40.459 we celebrate 00:16:40.459 --> 00:16:41.939 the life that we have 00:16:41.939 --> 00:16:42.799 with God 00:16:42.799 --> 00:16:44.219 through Jesus Christ 00:16:44.219 --> 00:16:46.339 because of this 00:16:46.339 --> 00:16:48.279 slain lamb. 00:16:48.279 --> 00:16:48.939 That's what's good 00:16:48.939 --> 00:16:49.600 about Good Friday. 00:16:52.720 --> 00:16:53.620 It was Pastor 00:16:53.620 --> 00:16:55.799 Frederick Leahy 00:16:55.799 --> 00:16:57.939 who said this 00:16:57.939 --> 00:16:58.579 as he thought 00:16:58.579 --> 00:16:59.279 about the cross 00:16:59.279 --> 00:16:59.860 and let's finish 00:16:59.860 --> 00:17:00.600 with these words. 00:17:01.919 --> 00:17:02.799 As we stand 00:17:02.799 --> 00:17:03.399 in thought 00:17:03.399 --> 00:17:04.720 before that cross, 00:17:04.859 --> 00:17:05.619 our emotions 00:17:05.619 --> 00:17:06.500 are mixed. 00:17:07.339 --> 00:17:08.299 And this is what he says. 00:17:09.440 --> 00:17:10.740 Oh, how dreadful 00:17:10.740 --> 00:17:13.059 and yet how wondrous 00:17:13.059 --> 00:17:14.960 is this place. 00:17:18.259 --> 00:17:19.940 Two very passionate crowds, 00:17:20.940 --> 00:17:22.400 two very different crowds 00:17:22.400 --> 00:17:24.400 in two very different places 00:17:24.400 --> 00:17:25.900 with two very different shouts 00:17:25.900 --> 00:17:26.620 about Jesus. 00:17:26.799 --> 00:17:27.440 Let me leave you 00:17:27.440 --> 00:17:28.279 with this question. 00:17:30.980 --> 00:17:32.660 What is the shout 00:17:32.660 --> 00:17:33.279 of your heart 00:17:33.279 --> 00:17:33.799 this evening 00:17:33.799 --> 00:17:34.519 as you remember 00:17:34.519 --> 00:17:35.519 Jesus on the cross? 00:17:36.740 --> 00:17:37.799 Does Good Friday 00:17:37.799 --> 00:17:38.839 find your heart 00:17:38.839 --> 00:17:39.579 in good form? 00:17:39.579 --> 00:17:42.159 Does Good Friday 00:17:42.159 --> 00:17:43.159 find your heart 00:17:43.159 --> 00:17:44.000 in good spirits 00:17:44.000 --> 00:17:44.699 and good voice? 00:17:44.819 --> 00:17:45.099 Why? 00:17:46.379 --> 00:17:47.259 Because the lamb 00:17:47.259 --> 00:17:48.439 was slain 00:17:48.439 --> 00:17:50.460 to buy us, 00:17:50.539 --> 00:17:51.220 to purchase us, 00:17:51.279 --> 00:17:52.399 to reconcile us 00:17:52.399 --> 00:17:53.779 for God. 00:17:56.740 --> 00:17:57.819 Just before we 00:17:57.819 --> 00:18:00.099 just close 00:18:00.099 --> 00:18:01.339 with a reading 00:18:01.339 --> 00:18:02.299 from Romans 5, 00:18:02.379 --> 00:18:02.980 why don't we just take 00:18:02.980 --> 00:18:03.740 just a few moments 00:18:03.740 --> 00:18:04.599 just to be quiet 00:18:04.599 --> 00:18:06.279 and let's still 00:18:06.279 --> 00:18:06.939 ourselves 00:18:06.939 --> 00:18:08.959 and just reflect 00:18:08.959 --> 00:18:09.639 on what we've heard 00:18:09.639 --> 00:18:10.339 from God's word 00:18:10.339 --> 00:18:10.919 this evening. 00:18:16.759 --> 00:18:17.939 Romans 5, 00:18:17.939 --> 00:18:20.500 verses 6 to 11. 00:18:20.500 --> 00:18:22.819 for while 00:18:22.819 --> 00:18:24.359 we were still 00:18:24.359 --> 00:18:24.779 weak 00:18:24.779 --> 00:18:27.339 at the right time 00:18:27.339 --> 00:18:28.140 Christ died 00:18:28.140 --> 00:18:29.140 for the ungodly. 00:18:30.660 --> 00:18:31.460 For one 00:18:31.460 --> 00:18:32.299 will scarcely 00:18:32.299 --> 00:18:33.440 die for a righteous 00:18:33.440 --> 00:18:34.160 person, 00:18:34.920 --> 00:18:35.720 though perhaps 00:18:35.720 --> 00:18:36.660 for a good person 00:18:36.660 --> 00:18:37.380 one would dare 00:18:37.380 --> 00:18:38.519 even to die. 00:18:39.799 --> 00:18:40.660 But God 00:18:40.660 --> 00:18:41.619 shows his love 00:18:41.619 --> 00:18:42.279 for us 00:18:42.279 --> 00:18:44.859 in this 00:18:44.859 --> 00:18:45.359 that while 00:18:45.359 --> 00:18:46.140 we were still 00:18:46.140 --> 00:18:46.779 sinners, 00:18:48.079 --> 00:18:49.240 Christ died 00:18:49.240 --> 00:18:49.799 for us. 00:18:51.500 --> 00:18:51.980 Father, 00:18:52.039 --> 00:18:52.519 we thank you 00:18:52.519 --> 00:18:53.079 so much 00:18:53.079 --> 00:18:55.359 for your 00:18:55.359 --> 00:18:56.440 amazing grace 00:18:56.440 --> 00:18:56.960 to us. 00:18:57.940 --> 00:18:58.079 Oh, 00:18:58.120 --> 00:18:58.319 this, 00:18:58.440 --> 00:18:58.900 the power 00:18:58.900 --> 00:18:59.660 of the cross 00:18:59.660 --> 00:19:00.500 that Christ 00:19:00.500 --> 00:19:02.299 became sin 00:19:02.299 --> 00:19:03.039 for us. 00:19:03.079 --> 00:19:04.000 He took the blame, 00:19:04.120 --> 00:19:05.779 he bore the wrath. 00:19:05.980 --> 00:19:07.420 We stand 00:19:07.420 --> 00:19:08.620 forgiven at the cross. 00:19:08.759 --> 00:19:08.900 Lord, 00:19:08.940 --> 00:19:09.859 what a great 00:19:09.859 --> 00:19:11.200 and awesome 00:19:11.200 --> 00:19:12.079 God you are. 00:19:12.920 --> 00:19:13.140 Father, 00:19:13.240 --> 00:19:14.079 help us never 00:19:14.079 --> 00:19:15.220 to lose the wonder 00:19:15.220 --> 00:19:16.099 of Good Friday. 00:19:17.180 --> 00:19:17.420 Lord, 00:19:17.480 --> 00:19:18.019 be with us 00:19:18.019 --> 00:19:19.039 the rest of our 00:19:19.039 --> 00:19:19.639 time together, 00:19:19.759 --> 00:19:20.659 we ask in Jesus' 00:19:20.839 --> 00:19:21.039 name. 00:19:21.460 --> 00:19:21.779 Amen.