WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.620 Tonight we're going to be in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 9, verses 35 to 38. 00:00:06.799 --> 00:00:12.200 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, 00:00:13.019 --> 00:00:17.740 preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness. 00:00:18.920 --> 00:00:24.719 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, 00:00:25.940 --> 00:00:27.339 like sheep without a shepherd. 00:00:27.339 --> 00:00:30.500 Then he said to his disciples, 00:00:31.820 --> 00:00:35.500 The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 00:00:36.820 --> 00:00:42.560 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 00:00:45.340 --> 00:00:51.140 As followers of Jesus, we are called to be the servant of all, putting ourselves last. 00:00:52.480 --> 00:00:56.140 Today I want to use this passage to look at our motives in service. 00:00:57.340 --> 00:01:00.620 So easily it can be pride, obligation, or fear. 00:01:01.420 --> 00:01:02.720 But these are all flawed. 00:01:04.000 --> 00:01:07.960 To fuel our actions, our motives must align with Jesus himself. 00:01:09.060 --> 00:01:12.560 So let's look at what motivated Jesus in this text. 00:01:12.560 --> 00:01:17.600 We see Jesus' motivation is compassion for the people he is with. 00:01:18.600 --> 00:01:22.040 He sees them as lost sheep, harassed, and helpless. 00:01:23.960 --> 00:01:27.780 Before we explore this further, let's put the passage in context. 00:01:29.000 --> 00:01:31.400 We are in Matthew's account of Jesus' life. 00:01:31.400 --> 00:01:38.859 He repeatedly reminds us that Jesus is the Messiah and Savior that the Jews are waiting for, 00:01:39.460 --> 00:01:41.320 through explaining the Old Testament scripture. 00:01:42.600 --> 00:01:46.600 Jesus has been passing through the lands, displaying his power, 00:01:47.240 --> 00:01:50.060 and he has been teaching about God's will and kingdom. 00:01:50.060 --> 00:01:55.240 Jesus is willing to cope with the crowds, jostling to see him. 00:01:56.500 --> 00:02:00.299 Demanding miracles of him, doubting and rejecting him. 00:02:01.359 --> 00:02:03.680 Endless lines of tired and complaining people. 00:02:04.620 --> 00:02:07.900 Masses just waiting for him to evict these ruthless Romans. 00:02:09.659 --> 00:02:13.000 Jesus desires to face these crowds on a daily basis. 00:02:13.939 --> 00:02:15.060 He didn't need to prove himself. 00:02:15.879 --> 00:02:17.120 He didn't need their praises. 00:02:17.120 --> 00:02:19.400 He didn't need to gain authority. 00:02:20.480 --> 00:02:23.400 He had all this when he was on his throne in heaven. 00:02:24.840 --> 00:02:27.900 He had chosen to humble himself, leaving all these behind. 00:02:28.840 --> 00:02:31.439 He had chosen to get alongside them, 00:02:32.080 --> 00:02:33.580 to share mankind's suffering, 00:02:34.460 --> 00:02:35.759 to pour out his compassion. 00:02:37.780 --> 00:02:40.099 We remember again John 3.16. 00:02:41.140 --> 00:02:42.879 For God so loved the world, 00:02:43.140 --> 00:02:44.920 that he gave his one and only Son, 00:02:44.919 --> 00:02:48.419 that whoever believes in him shall not perish, 00:02:48.659 --> 00:02:49.739 but have eternal life. 00:02:50.839 --> 00:02:52.139 God so loved the world. 00:02:53.079 --> 00:02:54.359 His love was his motivation. 00:02:56.259 --> 00:02:59.099 Here Jesus saw the crowds as sheep without a shepherd. 00:03:00.279 --> 00:03:02.279 An image we may have heard many times, 00:03:02.779 --> 00:03:03.979 but what does it mean? 00:03:05.739 --> 00:03:07.899 Let's try and draw some explanations from scripture. 00:03:07.900 --> 00:03:15.640 Firstly, Psalm 119, verse 176, says, 00:03:16.120 --> 00:03:18.240 I have strayed like a lost sheep. 00:03:19.560 --> 00:03:20.439 Seek your servant, 00:03:21.300 --> 00:03:23.040 for I have not forgotten your commands. 00:03:24.480 --> 00:03:26.500 The psalmist has openly confessed 00:03:26.500 --> 00:03:29.400 that he has gone away from God and his commands, 00:03:29.960 --> 00:03:32.340 but he longs for God to strengthen him 00:03:32.340 --> 00:03:33.640 so that he can follow them. 00:03:33.639 --> 00:03:37.939 The Bible is littered with individuals and nations 00:03:37.939 --> 00:03:40.019 who disobey God's commands, 00:03:40.699 --> 00:03:43.059 looking for satisfaction in earthly desires. 00:03:44.239 --> 00:03:45.799 Likewise, we do the same. 00:03:46.599 --> 00:03:48.739 We look for lasting satisfaction 00:03:48.739 --> 00:03:51.399 in work, relationships, or hobbies. 00:03:52.639 --> 00:03:55.779 Good things, but not capable of eternal satisfaction. 00:03:57.099 --> 00:03:58.119 When idolized, 00:03:58.500 --> 00:04:01.099 they can cause us to stray away from God's commands. 00:04:01.099 --> 00:04:06.000 The second illustration is from Luke 15, 00:04:06.159 --> 00:04:07.379 verses 3 to 7. 00:04:08.919 --> 00:04:10.799 Then Jesus told them this parable. 00:04:11.799 --> 00:04:13.879 Suppose one of you has a hundred street 00:04:13.879 --> 00:04:15.680 and loses one of them. 00:04:16.879 --> 00:04:19.459 Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country 00:04:19.459 --> 00:04:23.219 and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 00:04:24.159 --> 00:04:25.279 And when he finds it, 00:04:25.719 --> 00:04:28.420 he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. 00:04:28.420 --> 00:04:31.759 Then he calls his friends and neighbors together 00:04:31.759 --> 00:04:32.340 and says, 00:04:32.580 --> 00:04:34.560 Rejoice with me. 00:04:34.780 --> 00:04:36.199 I have found my lost sheep. 00:04:37.699 --> 00:04:39.340 I tell you that in the same way, 00:04:39.460 --> 00:04:40.960 there will be more rejoicing in heaven 00:04:40.960 --> 00:04:43.540 over one sinner who repents 00:04:43.540 --> 00:04:45.600 than over ninety-nine righteous persons 00:04:45.600 --> 00:04:47.100 who do not need to repent. 00:04:48.879 --> 00:04:51.000 Here Jesus makes a direct comparison 00:04:51.000 --> 00:04:53.620 of a man wandering from God and sinning 00:04:53.620 --> 00:04:55.860 to a sheep wandering from the flock. 00:04:55.860 --> 00:04:58.699 So when Jesus sees the crowd 00:04:58.699 --> 00:05:00.020 as wandering sheep, 00:05:00.379 --> 00:05:01.580 he sees them for what they are, 00:05:02.600 --> 00:05:02.920 sinners, 00:05:03.780 --> 00:05:05.680 people who have rejected him, 00:05:06.259 --> 00:05:06.800 his Father, 00:05:07.120 --> 00:05:07.920 and the Holy Spirit. 00:05:09.060 --> 00:05:10.819 Yet he loves them despite this. 00:05:11.660 --> 00:05:13.100 He longs for them to know him. 00:05:13.900 --> 00:05:15.060 He sees them as precious. 00:05:16.319 --> 00:05:18.040 He wants to rejoice and celebrate 00:05:18.040 --> 00:05:20.199 just because he has found them 00:05:20.199 --> 00:05:21.520 and brought them home. 00:05:22.400 --> 00:05:23.340 He cares for them. 00:05:23.339 --> 00:05:27.500 The third image is in what we read 00:05:27.500 --> 00:05:28.379 earlier in Ezekiel, 00:05:28.939 --> 00:05:30.859 but I will focus on Ezekiel 34, 00:05:31.119 --> 00:05:31.919 11-12. 00:05:33.239 --> 00:05:35.139 For this is what the Sovereign Lord says, 00:05:35.679 --> 00:05:38.299 I myself will search for my sheep 00:05:38.299 --> 00:05:39.799 and look after them. 00:05:41.120 --> 00:05:43.439 I will rescue them from all the places 00:05:43.439 --> 00:05:45.159 where they were scattered 00:05:45.159 --> 00:05:47.179 on a day of clouds and darkness. 00:05:47.180 --> 00:05:50.740 These verses proclaim God 00:05:50.740 --> 00:05:52.280 as the shepherd for the lost sheep. 00:05:53.340 --> 00:05:54.500 They have strayed, 00:05:54.680 --> 00:05:55.579 but God promises 00:05:55.579 --> 00:05:57.360 to seek out Israel 00:05:57.360 --> 00:05:58.400 once they were scattered. 00:06:00.120 --> 00:06:00.680 Likewise, 00:06:01.120 --> 00:06:01.939 through his Son, 00:06:02.180 --> 00:06:03.759 he promises to seek us out 00:06:03.759 --> 00:06:05.060 once we have strayed. 00:06:06.019 --> 00:06:07.280 We can trust in 00:06:07.280 --> 00:06:08.740 and be thankful for 00:06:08.740 --> 00:06:09.560 this promise. 00:06:09.560 --> 00:06:12.819 To review these three texts, 00:06:13.439 --> 00:06:14.839 why does Jesus see the crowd 00:06:14.839 --> 00:06:15.879 as lost 00:06:15.879 --> 00:06:17.339 like sheep without a shepherd? 00:06:18.620 --> 00:06:20.100 One answer would be 00:06:20.100 --> 00:06:21.019 that they had departed 00:06:21.019 --> 00:06:22.180 from the God who loved them. 00:06:23.319 --> 00:06:24.160 They looked to the world 00:06:24.160 --> 00:06:24.660 to satisfy 00:06:24.660 --> 00:06:26.240 and to find contentment 00:06:26.240 --> 00:06:26.899 not in him, 00:06:27.639 --> 00:06:28.840 but in being full of things 00:06:28.840 --> 00:06:29.300 around them. 00:06:30.160 --> 00:06:30.720 They had disobeyed 00:06:31.279 --> 00:06:32.160 God's commands. 00:06:34.379 --> 00:06:35.220 Another answer 00:06:35.220 --> 00:06:36.579 for the crowd being lost 00:06:36.579 --> 00:06:38.180 can be drawn from Ezekiel 00:06:38.180 --> 00:06:39.920 in that they are lost 00:06:39.920 --> 00:06:40.780 because they didn't have 00:06:40.780 --> 00:06:41.500 good teachers 00:06:41.500 --> 00:06:42.840 pointing them to God, 00:06:43.519 --> 00:06:45.280 but rather false teachers 00:06:45.280 --> 00:06:47.100 exploiting and failing the people. 00:06:48.500 --> 00:06:49.980 Israel had false teachers 00:06:49.980 --> 00:06:51.540 proclaiming religiosity 00:06:51.540 --> 00:06:53.300 as the means to knowing God. 00:06:54.860 --> 00:06:55.939 But today there are 00:06:55.939 --> 00:06:56.920 many false gospels, 00:06:57.300 --> 00:06:58.240 objects and dreams 00:06:58.240 --> 00:06:59.920 that people put their hope 00:06:59.920 --> 00:07:00.620 in to satisfy. 00:07:02.480 --> 00:07:03.980 The crowds have gone astray 00:07:03.980 --> 00:07:05.180 looking to be healthy, 00:07:05.579 --> 00:07:06.620 wealthy and wise. 00:07:06.620 --> 00:07:08.639 God has moved 00:07:08.639 --> 00:07:09.360 to the periphery. 00:07:10.560 --> 00:07:11.439 In doing so, 00:07:11.879 --> 00:07:13.000 they have sinned against God 00:07:13.000 --> 00:07:14.240 and God alone. 00:07:15.840 --> 00:07:16.800 What's the consequence 00:07:16.800 --> 00:07:17.379 of straying? 00:07:18.340 --> 00:07:19.240 Let's reflect on 00:07:19.240 --> 00:07:20.139 our own lives 00:07:20.139 --> 00:07:21.259 prior to coming to put 00:07:21.259 --> 00:07:22.240 our hope and trust 00:07:22.240 --> 00:07:23.579 in Christ as our Lord 00:07:23.579 --> 00:07:25.399 or those times 00:07:25.399 --> 00:07:26.040 when we forget 00:07:26.040 --> 00:07:27.160 God's love for us 00:07:27.160 --> 00:07:28.019 and we wander. 00:07:29.540 --> 00:07:30.740 We can feel helpless 00:07:30.740 --> 00:07:31.800 at seeing the tasks 00:07:31.800 --> 00:07:32.420 around us. 00:07:33.040 --> 00:07:34.240 We can feel restless, 00:07:34.240 --> 00:07:35.660 always looking for 00:07:35.660 --> 00:07:36.879 the next thing to satisfy 00:07:36.879 --> 00:07:39.040 or we are impatient 00:07:39.040 --> 00:07:40.060 with the lack of fruits 00:07:40.060 --> 00:07:40.560 of our labour. 00:07:41.939 --> 00:07:43.360 We can feel exhausted, 00:07:43.740 --> 00:07:44.620 unable to keep going. 00:07:45.500 --> 00:07:46.519 We can feel worthless, 00:07:47.439 --> 00:07:48.139 struggling to find 00:07:48.139 --> 00:07:49.160 our value and identity 00:07:49.160 --> 00:07:50.439 in the things around us. 00:07:51.740 --> 00:07:52.900 We can feel lost 00:07:52.900 --> 00:07:53.980 as to what is the purpose 00:07:53.980 --> 00:07:55.040 and hope for our actions. 00:07:56.280 --> 00:07:57.480 Our joys don't last, 00:07:58.120 --> 00:07:59.400 our sufferings leave us bitter. 00:07:59.399 --> 00:08:01.419 We blame others, 00:08:01.599 --> 00:08:02.719 we curse and we cry. 00:08:04.199 --> 00:08:05.019 These emotions 00:08:05.019 --> 00:08:06.060 are not unique to us. 00:08:07.219 --> 00:08:08.379 So for those not 00:08:08.379 --> 00:08:09.319 in the body of Christ, 00:08:09.659 --> 00:08:10.639 let's not assume 00:08:10.639 --> 00:08:11.379 they are satisfied. 00:08:12.439 --> 00:08:13.139 Like us, 00:08:13.239 --> 00:08:13.979 they are in the same 00:08:13.979 --> 00:08:15.539 fallen, broken world 00:08:15.539 --> 00:08:16.279 that we are in 00:08:16.279 --> 00:08:18.479 with similar anxieties, 00:08:18.959 --> 00:08:20.060 trials and pains. 00:08:21.239 --> 00:08:23.099 They are often harassed 00:08:23.099 --> 00:08:23.739 and helpless. 00:08:25.179 --> 00:08:26.359 So let's realise 00:08:26.359 --> 00:08:26.919 their need 00:08:26.919 --> 00:08:27.939 for the same compassion 00:08:27.939 --> 00:08:29.399 that we were shown. 00:08:31.699 --> 00:08:32.659 As we do this, 00:08:32.759 --> 00:08:33.500 try and see people 00:08:33.500 --> 00:08:34.480 through the eyes of God. 00:08:35.539 --> 00:08:36.200 Through the gospel 00:08:36.200 --> 00:08:36.799 they follow, 00:08:37.340 --> 00:08:38.519 what they put their hope in. 00:08:40.019 --> 00:08:41.220 Let's long to save them 00:08:41.220 --> 00:08:42.120 from false teachers, 00:08:42.639 --> 00:08:43.840 all the while remembering 00:08:43.840 --> 00:08:45.240 that God promised 00:08:45.240 --> 00:08:45.899 to be the shepherd. 00:08:47.240 --> 00:08:48.320 Jesus came in response 00:08:48.320 --> 00:08:49.340 to be a true teacher, 00:08:50.340 --> 00:08:51.580 pointing and leading them 00:08:51.580 --> 00:08:52.019 to God. 00:08:53.740 --> 00:08:55.440 Jesus came to show the path, 00:08:56.039 --> 00:08:57.019 drawing people 00:08:57.019 --> 00:08:58.079 back to himself. 00:08:59.199 --> 00:09:00.199 How will he do this? 00:09:01.519 --> 00:09:02.799 John 10, verse 11, 00:09:03.019 --> 00:09:03.620 Jesus says, 00:09:03.759 --> 00:09:04.740 I am the good shepherd. 00:09:05.439 --> 00:09:06.319 The good shepherd 00:09:06.319 --> 00:09:07.759 lays down his life 00:09:07.759 --> 00:09:08.419 for the sheep. 00:09:10.120 --> 00:09:11.159 Jesus says this, 00:09:11.279 --> 00:09:11.899 but he knows 00:09:11.899 --> 00:09:12.740 that he will lay down 00:09:12.740 --> 00:09:13.460 his life willingly 00:09:13.460 --> 00:09:14.559 for us on the cross. 00:09:15.360 --> 00:09:16.600 He knows we have strayed, 00:09:17.220 --> 00:09:18.399 he knows we are all sinners, 00:09:19.019 --> 00:09:19.799 and we are helpless 00:09:19.799 --> 00:09:20.559 by ourselves. 00:09:21.600 --> 00:09:22.779 But in dying for us 00:09:22.779 --> 00:09:23.319 on the cross, 00:09:23.899 --> 00:09:24.759 he makes a path 00:09:24.759 --> 00:09:25.580 for us to return 00:09:25.580 --> 00:09:27.200 to the green pastures 00:09:27.200 --> 00:09:28.000 of God's kingdom 00:09:28.000 --> 00:09:30.139 so that we can see 00:09:30.139 --> 00:09:31.679 and know God's love. 00:09:33.419 --> 00:09:34.779 Let's daily remind ourselves 00:09:34.779 --> 00:09:35.860 of the cost it was 00:09:35.860 --> 00:09:36.919 to find us 00:09:36.919 --> 00:09:37.819 and bring us back, 00:09:38.439 --> 00:09:39.120 the anguish, 00:09:39.299 --> 00:09:39.659 pain, 00:09:40.120 --> 00:09:40.819 and the tears 00:09:40.819 --> 00:09:41.460 of the cross, 00:09:42.939 --> 00:09:43.840 willingly taken out 00:09:43.840 --> 00:09:44.460 of compassion 00:09:44.460 --> 00:09:45.659 and a boundless love. 00:09:45.659 --> 00:09:47.679 We are quick 00:09:47.679 --> 00:09:48.399 to forget this. 00:09:49.199 --> 00:09:50.039 We wonder 00:09:50.039 --> 00:09:51.179 at what man has made 00:09:51.179 --> 00:09:51.860 and get lost 00:09:51.860 --> 00:09:52.779 in our task lists 00:09:52.779 --> 00:09:53.399 and work. 00:09:54.399 --> 00:09:55.279 We overlook 00:09:55.279 --> 00:09:56.360 the broken relationships 00:09:56.360 --> 00:09:57.339 between one another 00:09:57.339 --> 00:09:58.159 and with God. 00:09:59.620 --> 00:10:00.399 We forget 00:10:00.399 --> 00:10:01.399 the reason he made us 00:10:01.399 --> 00:10:02.360 so that we can bask 00:10:02.360 --> 00:10:03.019 in his love 00:10:03.019 --> 00:10:03.779 and worship him. 00:10:04.819 --> 00:10:05.639 And as we relish 00:10:05.639 --> 00:10:06.279 in our Father's 00:10:06.279 --> 00:10:06.959 intimate love, 00:10:07.799 --> 00:10:09.199 we have compassion 00:10:09.199 --> 00:10:10.199 for those around us 00:10:10.199 --> 00:10:11.480 who do not yet know him, 00:10:12.120 --> 00:10:12.980 who don't have 00:10:12.980 --> 00:10:14.059 the Father's rest, 00:10:14.059 --> 00:10:15.259 who struggle 00:10:15.259 --> 00:10:16.079 looking for answers, 00:10:16.859 --> 00:10:17.500 who are wandering 00:10:17.500 --> 00:10:18.319 like lost sheep. 00:10:20.779 --> 00:10:21.779 We will move on 00:10:21.779 --> 00:10:22.379 to how Jesus' 00:10:22.559 --> 00:10:23.559 compassion manifested. 00:10:24.500 --> 00:10:25.039 He taught, 00:10:25.679 --> 00:10:26.439 proclaimed the gospel, 00:10:26.959 --> 00:10:27.619 and he healed, 00:10:28.059 --> 00:10:29.319 all of which 00:10:29.319 --> 00:10:29.899 the Holy Spirit 00:10:29.899 --> 00:10:30.819 can continue to do 00:10:30.819 --> 00:10:31.259 through us. 00:10:32.479 --> 00:10:33.519 As well as this, 00:10:33.759 --> 00:10:34.299 on the back 00:10:34.299 --> 00:10:35.239 of what he has witnessed, 00:10:35.519 --> 00:10:36.139 Jesus calls 00:10:36.139 --> 00:10:37.219 his disciples to pray. 00:10:38.739 --> 00:10:39.699 But first he said, 00:10:40.019 --> 00:10:41.119 the harvest is plentiful, 00:10:41.419 --> 00:10:42.459 but the work is a few. 00:10:42.460 --> 00:10:44.580 What does Jesus mean 00:10:44.580 --> 00:10:45.139 by the harvest? 00:10:46.360 --> 00:10:48.120 If we look at Matthew 13, 00:10:48.420 --> 00:10:49.600 24 to 30, 00:10:50.800 --> 00:10:51.940 Jesus told them 00:10:51.940 --> 00:10:52.660 another parable. 00:10:53.780 --> 00:10:55.000 The kingdom of heaven 00:10:55.000 --> 00:10:55.840 is like a man 00:10:55.840 --> 00:10:56.720 who sowed good seed 00:10:56.720 --> 00:10:57.360 in his field, 00:10:58.019 --> 00:10:59.100 but while everyone 00:10:59.100 --> 00:10:59.680 was sleeping, 00:10:59.960 --> 00:11:00.879 his enemy came 00:11:00.879 --> 00:11:01.840 and sowed weeds 00:11:01.840 --> 00:11:02.639 among the wheat 00:11:02.639 --> 00:11:03.960 and went away. 00:11:04.940 --> 00:11:05.820 And when the wheat 00:11:05.820 --> 00:11:06.460 sprouted 00:11:06.460 --> 00:11:07.860 and formed heads, 00:11:08.420 --> 00:11:09.460 then the weeds 00:11:09.460 --> 00:11:10.320 also appeared. 00:11:10.320 --> 00:11:12.780 The owner's servants 00:11:12.780 --> 00:11:13.440 came to him 00:11:13.440 --> 00:11:13.879 and said, 00:11:14.440 --> 00:11:14.720 Sir, 00:11:15.280 --> 00:11:16.180 didn't you sow 00:11:16.180 --> 00:11:16.640 good seed 00:11:16.640 --> 00:11:17.180 in your field? 00:11:18.060 --> 00:11:18.620 Where then 00:11:18.620 --> 00:11:19.080 did the weeds 00:11:19.080 --> 00:11:19.560 come from? 00:11:20.740 --> 00:11:21.820 An enemy did this, 00:11:21.860 --> 00:11:22.300 he replied. 00:11:23.460 --> 00:11:24.740 The servants asked him, 00:11:25.160 --> 00:11:26.000 Do you want us 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:27.000 to go and pull them up? 00:11:27.960 --> 00:11:28.400 No, 00:11:28.460 --> 00:11:28.920 he answered, 00:11:29.260 --> 00:11:30.000 because while you're 00:11:30.000 --> 00:11:30.820 pulling the weeds, 00:11:31.540 --> 00:11:32.400 you may uproot 00:11:32.400 --> 00:11:33.480 the wheat with them. 00:11:34.480 --> 00:11:35.740 Let both grow together 00:11:35.740 --> 00:11:36.680 until the harvest. 00:11:37.720 --> 00:11:38.440 At that time, 00:11:38.500 --> 00:11:39.560 I will tell the harvesters, 00:11:39.559 --> 00:11:40.859 first collect the weeds 00:11:40.859 --> 00:11:41.879 and tie them in bundles 00:11:41.879 --> 00:11:42.379 to be burned. 00:11:43.039 --> 00:11:44.199 Then gather the wheat 00:11:44.199 --> 00:11:45.719 and bring it into my barn. 00:11:47.199 --> 00:11:48.799 The harvest is the individuals 00:11:48.799 --> 00:11:49.639 who will be brought 00:11:49.639 --> 00:11:50.579 into the kingdom of God. 00:11:51.459 --> 00:11:52.599 The weeds are those 00:11:52.599 --> 00:11:53.379 that reject God. 00:11:54.799 --> 00:11:55.679 So in saying 00:11:55.679 --> 00:11:56.779 the harvest is plentiful, 00:11:57.339 --> 00:11:58.419 the crowds are people 00:11:58.419 --> 00:11:59.339 who can be saved. 00:12:00.399 --> 00:12:00.659 Yes, 00:12:00.719 --> 00:12:01.459 they have gone astray, 00:12:02.099 --> 00:12:03.519 but they can be brought in. 00:12:04.639 --> 00:12:05.639 By what means 00:12:05.639 --> 00:12:06.539 does God bring them in? 00:12:07.339 --> 00:12:08.119 His work is. 00:12:08.120 --> 00:12:10.620 What are Jesus' disciples 00:12:10.620 --> 00:12:11.279 called to do? 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:12.320 Pray, 00:12:13.220 --> 00:12:13.960 asking the Lord 00:12:13.960 --> 00:12:14.440 of the harvest 00:12:14.440 --> 00:12:15.879 to send out workers 00:12:15.879 --> 00:12:17.100 into his harvest field. 00:12:17.919 --> 00:12:19.279 So let's pray regularly 00:12:19.279 --> 00:12:20.340 and earnestly 00:12:20.340 --> 00:12:21.720 for people to go 00:12:21.720 --> 00:12:24.120 to share this good news 00:12:24.120 --> 00:12:25.500 of a Christ 00:12:25.500 --> 00:12:26.299 who died for us, 00:12:27.299 --> 00:12:28.519 restoring our relationship 00:12:28.519 --> 00:12:29.759 with a loving God 00:12:29.759 --> 00:12:31.299 so that those 00:12:31.299 --> 00:12:31.940 who are lost 00:12:31.940 --> 00:12:32.940 can confess 00:12:32.940 --> 00:12:34.919 and turn from their sins 00:12:34.919 --> 00:12:36.039 and their desires 00:12:36.039 --> 00:12:36.799 to go astray 00:12:36.799 --> 00:12:38.839 so that then 00:12:38.839 --> 00:12:39.579 they can receive 00:12:39.579 --> 00:12:40.099 a hope 00:12:40.099 --> 00:12:41.199 and assurance 00:12:41.199 --> 00:12:42.539 of an eternal life. 00:12:45.120 --> 00:12:46.539 We too often forget 00:12:46.539 --> 00:12:47.299 the power of prayer, 00:12:47.639 --> 00:12:49.500 but as we lay our hopes 00:12:49.500 --> 00:12:50.299 and desires 00:12:50.299 --> 00:12:51.139 before the Lord, 00:12:51.339 --> 00:12:52.219 he will establish them. 00:12:53.319 --> 00:12:54.159 Plans and desires 00:12:54.159 --> 00:12:54.959 by themselves 00:12:54.959 --> 00:12:55.879 will not succeed 00:12:55.879 --> 00:12:57.500 unless they are in line 00:12:57.500 --> 00:12:58.379 with God's will 00:12:58.379 --> 00:12:59.860 and this can only 00:12:59.860 --> 00:13:00.419 be achieved 00:13:00.419 --> 00:13:01.159 through prayer. 00:13:03.460 --> 00:13:03.939 Next, 00:13:04.019 --> 00:13:04.740 we shall look 00:13:04.740 --> 00:13:05.580 at how this prayer 00:13:05.580 --> 00:13:06.320 is answered 00:13:06.320 --> 00:13:07.419 in the next chapter, 00:13:08.120 --> 00:13:08.740 Matthew 10, 00:13:08.899 --> 00:13:09.799 verses 5 to 8. 00:13:09.799 --> 00:13:12.319 These twelve, 00:13:12.679 --> 00:13:13.519 Jesus sent out 00:13:13.519 --> 00:13:14.079 with the following 00:13:14.079 --> 00:13:14.959 instructions. 00:13:16.039 --> 00:13:16.899 Do not go among 00:13:16.899 --> 00:13:17.559 the Gentiles 00:13:17.559 --> 00:13:18.859 or enter any town 00:13:18.859 --> 00:13:19.659 of the Samaritans. 00:13:20.439 --> 00:13:21.359 Go rather to the 00:13:21.359 --> 00:13:22.299 lost sheep of Israel. 00:13:23.659 --> 00:13:24.500 As you go, 00:13:24.699 --> 00:13:25.620 proclaim this message. 00:13:26.519 --> 00:13:27.519 The kingdom of heaven 00:13:27.519 --> 00:13:28.279 has come near. 00:13:29.259 --> 00:13:30.059 Heal the sick, 00:13:30.779 --> 00:13:31.500 raise the dead, 00:13:32.359 --> 00:13:32.919 cleanse those 00:13:32.919 --> 00:13:33.779 who have leprosy, 00:13:34.559 --> 00:13:35.459 drive out demons. 00:13:36.759 --> 00:13:37.879 Freely you have received, 00:13:38.599 --> 00:13:39.219 freely give. 00:13:40.539 --> 00:13:41.539 They are to be 00:13:41.539 --> 00:13:42.099 the answer 00:13:42.099 --> 00:13:42.879 to their own prayer. 00:13:43.699 --> 00:13:44.659 They went themselves. 00:13:45.939 --> 00:13:46.539 The disciples 00:13:46.539 --> 00:13:47.019 were called 00:13:47.019 --> 00:13:47.879 to go to Israel 00:13:47.879 --> 00:13:48.519 first 00:13:48.519 --> 00:13:49.740 because throughout 00:13:49.740 --> 00:13:50.399 the Old Testament 00:13:50.399 --> 00:13:51.159 there had been 00:13:51.159 --> 00:13:52.479 signs of Jesus' coming. 00:13:53.459 --> 00:13:54.099 They had the 00:13:54.099 --> 00:13:54.819 covenant promises. 00:13:55.839 --> 00:13:56.459 They were waiting 00:13:56.459 --> 00:13:57.319 for God's Messiah. 00:13:58.799 --> 00:13:59.279 Therefore, 00:13:59.459 --> 00:13:59.939 they had been 00:13:59.939 --> 00:14:00.819 prepared to receive 00:14:00.819 --> 00:14:01.279 the gospel. 00:14:02.359 --> 00:14:03.039 Later it would be 00:14:03.039 --> 00:14:03.899 time for the good news 00:14:03.899 --> 00:14:04.799 to come to the rest. 00:14:05.719 --> 00:14:06.599 This was God's plan. 00:14:08.000 --> 00:14:08.419 Likewise, 00:14:08.679 --> 00:14:09.659 God commands us 00:14:09.659 --> 00:14:10.419 as the people 00:14:10.419 --> 00:14:11.079 have put their hope 00:14:11.079 --> 00:14:11.659 in Jesus 00:14:11.659 --> 00:14:13.120 to be workers 00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:14.279 in the harvest field. 00:14:15.019 --> 00:14:15.899 We don't know 00:14:15.899 --> 00:14:16.620 who will respond, 00:14:17.399 --> 00:14:18.019 but we know 00:14:18.019 --> 00:14:18.819 God is sovereign 00:14:18.819 --> 00:14:20.019 and he alone 00:14:20.019 --> 00:14:20.659 can save. 00:14:21.659 --> 00:14:22.639 Our walk before 00:14:22.639 --> 00:14:23.699 an almighty God 00:14:23.699 --> 00:14:25.059 is not measured 00:14:25.059 --> 00:14:25.879 by the successes 00:14:25.879 --> 00:14:27.000 of our conversations, 00:14:28.000 --> 00:14:28.899 but rather our 00:14:28.899 --> 00:14:30.079 obedience and desire 00:14:30.079 --> 00:14:31.000 to serve God. 00:14:31.000 --> 00:14:32.000 God's love. 00:14:32.000 --> 00:14:33.460 So let's be the 00:14:33.460 --> 00:14:34.019 answer to our 00:14:34.019 --> 00:14:34.580 own prayers 00:14:34.580 --> 00:14:36.100 to willingly 00:14:36.100 --> 00:14:37.100 listen to the call 00:14:37.100 --> 00:14:37.980 to gather in the 00:14:37.980 --> 00:14:39.440 sheep by telling 00:14:39.440 --> 00:14:40.559 them the good news 00:14:40.559 --> 00:14:41.320 of the gospel, 00:14:42.320 --> 00:14:43.340 that there is a 00:14:43.340 --> 00:14:43.820 good shepherd 00:14:43.820 --> 00:14:45.139 who laid down 00:14:45.139 --> 00:14:46.480 his life for all. 00:14:46.480 --> 00:14:49.680 So to give this 00:14:49.680 --> 00:14:51.120 a practical application, 00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:53.000 firstly, 00:14:53.159 --> 00:14:53.759 we need to remind 00:14:53.759 --> 00:14:55.080 ourselves of God's 00:14:55.080 --> 00:14:55.899 love and compassion, 00:14:56.960 --> 00:14:57.980 how this displayed 00:14:57.980 --> 00:14:58.700 itself in him 00:14:58.700 --> 00:14:59.480 becoming man, 00:15:00.500 --> 00:15:01.240 pouring himself 00:15:01.240 --> 00:15:01.960 out for us. 00:15:03.300 --> 00:15:04.420 We do this by 00:15:04.420 --> 00:15:05.000 dwelling and 00:15:05.000 --> 00:15:05.940 meditating on God's 00:15:05.940 --> 00:15:06.680 word of the Bible, 00:15:08.159 --> 00:15:09.019 allowing the spirit 00:15:09.019 --> 00:15:10.080 to use the words 00:15:10.080 --> 00:15:10.940 to change our 00:15:10.940 --> 00:15:12.240 hearts and desires. 00:15:12.240 --> 00:15:14.519 We must also 00:15:14.519 --> 00:15:15.320 remind ourselves 00:15:15.320 --> 00:15:16.159 of God's blessings 00:15:16.159 --> 00:15:16.700 for us, 00:15:17.240 --> 00:15:17.840 his promises 00:15:17.840 --> 00:15:18.820 and his nature. 00:15:20.200 --> 00:15:20.759 God doesn't 00:15:20.759 --> 00:15:21.240 change, 00:15:21.700 --> 00:15:22.259 doesn't love us 00:15:22.259 --> 00:15:22.740 any less, 00:15:23.419 --> 00:15:24.019 doesn't forget 00:15:24.019 --> 00:15:24.539 about us. 00:15:25.700 --> 00:15:26.600 We forget him, 00:15:27.159 --> 00:15:27.960 what he did, 00:15:28.580 --> 00:15:29.500 and that he longs 00:15:29.500 --> 00:15:30.159 for us to find 00:15:30.159 --> 00:15:30.840 our rest in him. 00:15:31.960 --> 00:15:32.860 As we do this, 00:15:32.919 --> 00:15:33.360 we are filled 00:15:33.360 --> 00:15:34.080 with God's love 00:15:34.080 --> 00:15:35.639 so that it overflows 00:15:35.639 --> 00:15:36.899 into our relationships 00:15:36.899 --> 00:15:37.480 with others. 00:15:39.259 --> 00:15:39.740 Secondly, 00:15:40.180 --> 00:15:40.960 we need to change 00:15:40.960 --> 00:15:41.480 our perspectives 00:15:41.480 --> 00:15:42.039 of people, 00:15:42.240 --> 00:15:43.799 no longer see them 00:15:43.799 --> 00:15:44.580 through the world's 00:15:44.580 --> 00:15:45.279 perspective of 00:15:45.279 --> 00:15:45.899 satisfaction, 00:15:46.620 --> 00:15:46.980 achievement, 00:15:47.180 --> 00:15:47.600 and status, 00:15:48.120 --> 00:15:49.500 but rather through 00:15:49.500 --> 00:15:50.419 Jesus' perspective 00:15:50.419 --> 00:15:51.600 of their relationship 00:15:51.600 --> 00:15:52.320 to God. 00:15:53.779 --> 00:15:54.799 We must see them 00:15:54.799 --> 00:15:55.299 as the weeds 00:15:55.299 --> 00:15:55.960 to be burned 00:15:55.960 --> 00:15:57.200 unless they repent, 00:15:58.779 --> 00:15:59.419 as the sheep 00:15:59.419 --> 00:16:00.100 that are lost 00:16:00.100 --> 00:16:01.600 and helpless 00:16:01.600 --> 00:16:03.039 as we once were, 00:16:04.500 --> 00:16:05.240 their pains, 00:16:05.639 --> 00:16:06.259 their struggles, 00:16:07.100 --> 00:16:07.820 their frustrations, 00:16:07.940 --> 00:16:08.620 and their sorrows. 00:16:10.220 --> 00:16:10.940 In doing so, 00:16:11.000 --> 00:16:11.539 we will nurture 00:16:11.539 --> 00:16:13.319 compassion and longing 00:16:13.319 --> 00:16:14.899 for people to find 00:16:14.899 --> 00:16:15.679 a sure hope 00:16:15.679 --> 00:16:16.599 and lasting rest 00:16:16.599 --> 00:16:17.000 in God. 00:16:18.000 --> 00:16:18.819 We want them 00:16:18.819 --> 00:16:19.459 to experience 00:16:19.459 --> 00:16:20.439 the same love 00:16:20.439 --> 00:16:21.519 that we have 00:16:21.519 --> 00:16:23.000 and have the privilege 00:16:23.000 --> 00:16:23.620 of being able 00:16:23.620 --> 00:16:24.019 to offer. 00:16:25.980 --> 00:16:26.819 Let me tell you 00:16:26.819 --> 00:16:27.480 a quick story 00:16:27.480 --> 00:16:29.099 of a famous evangelist, 00:16:29.360 --> 00:16:30.079 Dwight L. Moody. 00:16:30.080 --> 00:16:32.220 When D.L. Moody 00:16:32.220 --> 00:16:32.920 was in London 00:16:32.920 --> 00:16:34.320 during one of his tours, 00:16:35.139 --> 00:16:36.620 several British clergymen 00:16:36.620 --> 00:16:37.300 visited him. 00:16:38.500 --> 00:16:39.540 They wanted to know 00:16:39.540 --> 00:16:40.520 how and why 00:16:40.520 --> 00:16:41.720 this poorly educated 00:16:41.720 --> 00:16:42.500 American 00:16:42.500 --> 00:16:43.940 was so effective 00:16:43.940 --> 00:16:44.639 in proclaiming 00:16:44.639 --> 00:16:45.060 the gospel. 00:16:47.060 --> 00:16:48.259 Moody took the three men 00:16:48.259 --> 00:16:48.740 to the window 00:16:48.740 --> 00:16:49.900 of his hotel room 00:16:49.900 --> 00:16:52.180 and asked each in turn 00:16:52.180 --> 00:16:53.100 what they saw. 00:16:54.580 --> 00:16:55.520 One by one, 00:16:55.600 --> 00:16:56.220 the men described 00:16:56.220 --> 00:16:56.759 the people 00:16:56.759 --> 00:16:57.700 in the park below. 00:16:57.700 --> 00:16:59.840 Then Moody 00:16:59.840 --> 00:17:01.000 looked out the window 00:17:01.000 --> 00:17:02.340 with tears 00:17:02.340 --> 00:17:03.240 rolling down 00:17:03.240 --> 00:17:03.840 his cheeks. 00:17:05.120 --> 00:17:06.080 What do you see, 00:17:06.180 --> 00:17:06.539 Mr. Moody? 00:17:06.980 --> 00:17:07.799 asked one of the men. 00:17:09.279 --> 00:17:10.539 I see countless 00:17:10.539 --> 00:17:11.740 thousands of souls 00:17:11.740 --> 00:17:13.680 that will one day 00:17:13.680 --> 00:17:14.460 spend eternity 00:17:14.460 --> 00:17:14.940 in hell 00:17:14.940 --> 00:17:16.160 if they do not 00:17:16.160 --> 00:17:16.900 find the saviour. 00:17:18.980 --> 00:17:19.500 Moody had 00:17:19.500 --> 00:17:20.960 God's perspective 00:17:20.960 --> 00:17:22.640 and God's love. 00:17:23.539 --> 00:17:24.279 Let's do the same. 00:17:24.279 --> 00:17:26.819 Thirdly, 00:17:27.019 --> 00:17:27.740 let's not forget 00:17:27.740 --> 00:17:28.619 a reliance on prayer. 00:17:30.059 --> 00:17:31.779 Mark 14, 36. 00:17:32.680 --> 00:17:33.599 Jesus prays, 00:17:33.980 --> 00:17:34.960 yet not what I will, 00:17:35.379 --> 00:17:36.139 but what you will. 00:17:37.720 --> 00:17:38.420 Jesus here 00:17:38.420 --> 00:17:38.980 is in the Garden 00:17:38.980 --> 00:17:39.700 of Gethsemane 00:17:39.700 --> 00:17:41.339 facing his own crucifixion. 00:17:42.339 --> 00:17:43.619 He longs to not have 00:17:43.619 --> 00:17:44.059 to go through 00:17:44.059 --> 00:17:45.039 the pain and suffering, 00:17:45.579 --> 00:17:46.779 but he acknowledges 00:17:46.779 --> 00:17:48.579 God as Lord of all 00:17:48.579 --> 00:17:50.019 and that he knows 00:17:50.019 --> 00:17:50.740 what is best 00:17:50.740 --> 00:17:51.480 for his life. 00:17:51.480 --> 00:17:53.599 As we pray, 00:17:53.700 --> 00:17:54.460 we also acknowledge 00:17:54.460 --> 00:17:56.079 this and that he is 00:17:56.079 --> 00:17:57.160 Lord over the harvest 00:17:57.160 --> 00:17:58.559 and our own lives. 00:18:00.140 --> 00:18:01.299 We align our will 00:18:01.299 --> 00:18:01.759 with his 00:18:01.759 --> 00:18:03.240 so that we no longer 00:18:03.240 --> 00:18:04.220 desire the life 00:18:04.220 --> 00:18:05.400 that is satisfying to us, 00:18:05.920 --> 00:18:06.759 but the life 00:18:06.759 --> 00:18:07.380 that is obedient 00:18:07.380 --> 00:18:08.500 and pleasing to God. 00:18:10.120 --> 00:18:10.940 As we long 00:18:10.940 --> 00:18:11.680 to become obedient, 00:18:12.420 --> 00:18:13.240 we become willing 00:18:13.240 --> 00:18:14.339 to cross the pain line, 00:18:15.200 --> 00:18:16.640 we become willing 00:18:16.640 --> 00:18:17.259 to put others 00:18:17.259 --> 00:18:18.019 before ourselves, 00:18:18.400 --> 00:18:19.559 and we become willing 00:18:19.559 --> 00:18:20.539 to share the reason 00:18:20.539 --> 00:18:21.200 for the hope 00:18:21.200 --> 00:18:21.639 that we have 00:18:21.639 --> 00:18:22.159 in the gospel. 00:18:24.859 --> 00:18:25.299 Therefore, 00:18:25.399 --> 00:18:26.519 let's obey the call 00:18:26.519 --> 00:18:27.139 and go. 00:18:27.740 --> 00:18:29.059 Let's get alongside others. 00:18:29.859 --> 00:18:30.639 Let's be amongst 00:18:30.639 --> 00:18:31.240 the harvest, 00:18:31.819 --> 00:18:32.779 sharing life with them, 00:18:33.460 --> 00:18:34.680 and let our actions 00:18:34.680 --> 00:18:35.359 and speech 00:18:35.359 --> 00:18:36.220 be a glimpse 00:18:36.220 --> 00:18:36.740 of the God 00:18:36.740 --> 00:18:37.599 who created us, 00:18:38.220 --> 00:18:38.960 sustains us, 00:18:39.460 --> 00:18:40.319 and loves us. 00:18:41.240 --> 00:18:42.200 The God filled 00:18:42.200 --> 00:18:42.879 with compassion. 00:18:43.859 --> 00:18:44.559 The God that is 00:18:44.559 --> 00:18:45.259 the good shepherd 00:18:45.259 --> 00:18:46.539 who laid down 00:18:46.539 --> 00:18:47.460 his life for us, 00:18:48.759 --> 00:18:49.480 and ensuring 00:18:49.480 --> 00:18:50.480 a distinctive love, 00:18:51.059 --> 00:18:51.759 people will ask 00:18:51.759 --> 00:18:52.339 the question, 00:18:52.980 --> 00:18:53.839 why are they different? 00:18:55.099 --> 00:18:56.180 And then they will look 00:18:56.180 --> 00:18:56.859 and see that it's 00:18:56.859 --> 00:18:57.859 because we know 00:18:57.859 --> 00:18:59.379 that it was Christ 00:18:59.379 --> 00:19:00.559 who first loved us. 00:19:02.259 --> 00:19:03.000 To close, 00:19:03.119 --> 00:19:03.759 I would like to touch 00:19:03.759 --> 00:19:04.799 on how this passage 00:19:04.799 --> 00:19:06.559 influences how we 00:19:06.559 --> 00:19:07.859 approach the Family Fun Day. 00:19:09.339 --> 00:19:10.500 We pray for the day 00:19:10.500 --> 00:19:12.359 so the congregation 00:19:12.359 --> 00:19:13.200 can go out 00:19:13.200 --> 00:19:13.899 into the community 00:19:13.899 --> 00:19:15.420 and share the good news 00:19:15.420 --> 00:19:15.799 of Jesus. 00:19:15.799 --> 00:19:18.299 furthermore, 00:19:18.419 --> 00:19:19.039 as we invite 00:19:19.039 --> 00:19:19.940 friends and family, 00:19:20.639 --> 00:19:21.759 we do it boldly 00:19:21.759 --> 00:19:23.099 because we are doing it 00:19:23.099 --> 00:19:23.759 with a compassion 00:19:23.759 --> 00:19:24.480 for our community. 00:19:25.819 --> 00:19:26.859 We love them 00:19:26.859 --> 00:19:28.440 and long to show 00:19:28.440 --> 00:19:29.559 this in how we serve 00:19:29.559 --> 00:19:30.200 them on the day, 00:19:30.859 --> 00:19:31.799 whether it be food, 00:19:32.299 --> 00:19:33.500 welcoming them, 00:19:33.899 --> 00:19:34.659 or including them 00:19:34.659 --> 00:19:35.079 in the games 00:19:35.079 --> 00:19:35.619 and activities. 00:19:36.779 --> 00:19:37.700 This compassion 00:19:37.700 --> 00:19:39.639 leads us to want 00:19:39.639 --> 00:19:40.139 to know them, 00:19:40.599 --> 00:19:41.339 know their struggles. 00:19:41.339 --> 00:19:43.220 We want to show 00:19:43.220 --> 00:19:44.519 how much God 00:19:44.519 --> 00:19:45.740 rejoices in repentance 00:19:45.740 --> 00:19:47.459 when those who are lost 00:19:47.459 --> 00:19:48.159 come back 00:19:48.159 --> 00:19:49.779 and choose to return 00:19:49.779 --> 00:19:51.019 God's love to him. 00:19:52.199 --> 00:19:53.159 We want them 00:19:53.159 --> 00:19:54.159 to share in the joy 00:19:54.159 --> 00:19:55.419 that is greater 00:19:55.419 --> 00:19:56.740 than anything else 00:19:56.740 --> 00:19:57.819 this world has to offer. 00:19:57.819 --> 00:19:57.919 Amen.