WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.339 About two and a half thousand years ago, a man named Plato told a famous story. 00:00:06.339 --> 00:00:15.019 ! It was about a band of human beings who, for as long as they could remember, lived their lives in a dark cave. 00:00:16.600 --> 00:00:21.600 Now we would look at those human beings and we would say that their life was heartbreaking. 00:00:22.980 --> 00:00:29.980 They were chained by the legs and by the neck, so all that they could look at were the shadows on the cave wall. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.880 We would say those men were slaves. 00:00:35.719 --> 00:00:38.659 The thing is, they didn't know that they were anything of the sort. 00:00:39.899 --> 00:00:43.539 For as long as they could remember, this dark cave had been their life. 00:00:44.560 --> 00:00:47.120 Those shadows on the wall had been their world. 00:00:48.420 --> 00:00:52.700 The chains were just part of what it meant for them to be human. 00:00:52.700 --> 00:01:04.219 And if you came to one of those men, offering them a key and telling them that on the outside was a whole beautiful world bustling with colour and laughter and love and life, 00:01:04.600 --> 00:01:05.900 they would have thought you were mad. 00:01:06.000 --> 00:01:10.060 They would have gone back to watching the daytime TV show of Shadows on the Wall. 00:01:10.060 --> 00:01:13.100 That for them was their real world. 00:01:14.100 --> 00:01:19.840 The cave was their prison, but to them the prison had almost become invisible. 00:01:21.620 --> 00:01:26.879 And according to Plato, a philosopher only would have been brave enough to explore the light. 00:01:26.879 --> 00:01:31.759 And then you'd be doomed to try in vain to lead others out into it. 00:01:32.500 --> 00:01:41.640 And if you'd force one of the men to turn around, the light would have been so bright and searing that they would have run back into the darkness. 00:01:42.979 --> 00:01:48.939 If you went back in pity to try and drag one of those inmates out into the real world, 00:01:49.359 --> 00:01:54.140 they would have almost certainly tried to kill you, thinking the light has just driven you insane. 00:01:54.140 --> 00:02:06.859 And John 8, from verse 31 onwards, that was read to you, is an extraordinary story that has many similarities to what Plato said. 00:02:08.139 --> 00:02:11.300 Last week, you remember that we met the prisoners in the cave. 00:02:12.280 --> 00:02:21.300 Three times, Jesus said that this world and all of us who belong to it will die in our sins unless we receive him as God. 00:02:21.300 --> 00:02:27.080 Because there's someone who's come down who is greater than any philosopher. 00:02:28.500 --> 00:02:30.640 The eternal son of the father. 00:02:31.560 --> 00:02:34.040 The only true light of the whole world. 00:02:34.960 --> 00:02:41.460 The very same burning light who led God's people out of the land of slavery all those centuries before. 00:02:41.860 --> 00:02:45.340 And led them into the land that promised eternal rest. 00:02:45.640 --> 00:02:46.980 Something's echoing, isn't it? Is it me? 00:02:47.520 --> 00:02:48.240 Something's echoing. 00:02:48.600 --> 00:02:49.760 See if you can sort it out, lads. 00:02:49.759 --> 00:02:57.639 And today, he offers those prisoners something truly wonderful who will follow his light. 00:02:59.039 --> 00:03:03.659 Jesus says, I can set you free forever to live in such a light. 00:03:04.340 --> 00:03:05.799 And light and love. 00:03:06.560 --> 00:03:08.399 That you'd never want anything else. 00:03:08.620 --> 00:03:14.019 And best of all, what I can give you, Jesus offers, is the right to truly belong. 00:03:14.020 --> 00:03:16.920 No imposter syndrome. 00:03:17.320 --> 00:03:20.400 No doubts that one day it might be taken away from you. 00:03:22.460 --> 00:03:23.560 Through the sun. 00:03:23.560 --> 00:03:27.699 To be set free, Jesus says, is to be free indeed. 00:03:28.719 --> 00:03:32.000 You will be a son forever in the sun. 00:03:32.000 --> 00:03:35.900 And that is a truly wonderful thing to give, isn't it? 00:03:36.780 --> 00:03:39.259 And yet, what is the response of the people in the cave? 00:03:40.419 --> 00:03:43.580 Well, when he pointed down their claims last week, he's got their attention. 00:03:43.659 --> 00:03:44.599 Can you see verse 30? 00:03:45.000 --> 00:03:46.219 Many believed in him. 00:03:46.219 --> 00:03:52.740 But we've seen, haven't we, Jesus' skepticism of Israel's belief in this book. 00:03:53.139 --> 00:03:55.319 He knows what is in all men. 00:03:56.699 --> 00:03:59.139 And so today, he talks to those new believers. 00:03:59.699 --> 00:04:03.060 And verse 31 is addressed to people who seem to be believers. 00:04:04.620 --> 00:04:08.919 And says, here is what it will look like if you are truly my disciples. 00:04:08.919 --> 00:04:12.219 Those who listen to me and follow. 00:04:12.439 --> 00:04:13.619 This is what a disciple is. 00:04:13.679 --> 00:04:14.399 He's a follower. 00:04:16.099 --> 00:04:21.379 Those who follow where only the light of the world could lead out into truth and freedom. 00:04:21.839 --> 00:04:27.360 And almost immediately in verse 33, the prisoners in the cave begin to bristle with indignation. 00:04:29.339 --> 00:04:34.659 And by the end of the chapter, the people who believe in him in verse 31, can you see that? 00:04:34.959 --> 00:04:37.519 Are picking up stones to stone him in verse 59. 00:04:37.519 --> 00:04:40.439 It's an astonishing difference. 00:04:41.939 --> 00:04:46.479 Jesus has come to give something wonderful and yet they cannot see it. 00:04:47.599 --> 00:04:49.500 In fact, they cannot bear it. 00:04:51.199 --> 00:04:55.319 Because the prison walls have become invisible to them. 00:04:56.879 --> 00:05:03.459 This world of sin and death and deceit is all they've ever known. 00:05:03.459 --> 00:05:08.479 Two things that John shows us as chapter 8 draws to a close. 00:05:08.819 --> 00:05:12.379 The depths of human need and the height of Jesus' grace. 00:05:12.659 --> 00:05:14.359 So first verses 31 to 47. 00:05:14.899 --> 00:05:15.899 The depth of human need. 00:05:17.620 --> 00:05:22.899 Because the only thing more heartbreaking than being trapped in a prison of sin and death and deceit. 00:05:22.899 --> 00:05:26.239 Is to live in that prison thinking it's your best life now. 00:05:28.279 --> 00:05:31.259 And so here is Jesus' message to all of mankind. 00:05:33.179 --> 00:05:39.419 Even though you don't know it, you really do need to be set free by a true son. 00:05:39.420 --> 00:05:42.920 What is a true disciple? 00:05:44.199 --> 00:05:49.060 A true disciple is somebody who abides or remains in Jesus' word. 00:05:49.560 --> 00:05:54.259 And if you are truly my disciple, Jesus says, you will persevere following my life. 00:05:55.280 --> 00:05:56.480 Wherever I lead. 00:05:56.560 --> 00:05:59.780 That's the person who knows the truth and is set free by it. 00:06:00.160 --> 00:06:01.980 So can you see what real faith is? 00:06:01.980 --> 00:06:08.620 Real faith isn't just about believing certain things about God. 00:06:08.700 --> 00:06:09.500 It is more than that. 00:06:09.840 --> 00:06:14.580 Real faith is receiving and following the one who is truth. 00:06:16.600 --> 00:06:18.160 You can see that in verse 32. 00:06:18.400 --> 00:06:18.819 Can you see it? 00:06:19.420 --> 00:06:21.620 In verse 32, what is it that sets them free? 00:06:21.780 --> 00:06:22.640 What is it that sets us free? 00:06:22.720 --> 00:06:23.280 It's the truth. 00:06:23.720 --> 00:06:27.180 But in verse 36, who is it that sets us free? 00:06:28.319 --> 00:06:29.700 The son that sets us free. 00:06:29.699 --> 00:06:32.819 So there is a particular truth, isn't there? 00:06:33.800 --> 00:06:35.500 That sets free human beings. 00:06:35.819 --> 00:06:37.379 And that truth is Jesus himself. 00:06:39.099 --> 00:06:41.839 All that he was revealing about himself. 00:06:43.860 --> 00:06:47.240 So do you remember last time we saw that he is the divine son of God. 00:06:47.319 --> 00:06:51.819 The one sent from heaven to storm the walls of our prison. 00:06:52.159 --> 00:06:55.539 And to lead us where only he could ever lead us. 00:06:55.620 --> 00:06:56.459 Into God's rest. 00:06:56.459 --> 00:07:02.839 It's as if Jesus has sawn through the bars of the cell window. 00:07:03.219 --> 00:07:05.099 He's tied together the bedsheets. 00:07:05.459 --> 00:07:07.779 And he holds out a hand to the inmates. 00:07:09.539 --> 00:07:12.099 And in verse 33, they immediately look at him. 00:07:13.060 --> 00:07:15.759 And they say, what is wrong with you? 00:07:17.219 --> 00:07:18.219 This isn't a prison. 00:07:18.339 --> 00:07:19.039 This is a palace. 00:07:19.040 --> 00:07:23.080 Look at all the pretty posters I put up on my wall. 00:07:25.000 --> 00:07:29.780 How do you free someone who will not accept that they're a slave? 00:07:33.060 --> 00:07:39.320 In Israel's case, it was a tragic false assurance that it's holding them chained. 00:07:39.319 --> 00:07:43.439 They respond to Jesus and they say, we are Abraham's children. 00:07:44.819 --> 00:07:46.240 We've never been slaves. 00:07:47.379 --> 00:07:50.259 It's an absurd level of self-denial, isn't it? 00:07:50.959 --> 00:07:54.360 If there's one thing that's dominated Israel's history, it's been slavery. 00:07:55.420 --> 00:07:59.480 From the very beginning, they were forced to bake bricks in Egypt. 00:07:59.480 --> 00:08:04.439 To the very end, where they sat down by the rivers of Babylon. 00:08:04.800 --> 00:08:05.439 And they wept. 00:08:05.600 --> 00:08:09.180 And their captives, captors, forced them to sing the songs of Zion. 00:08:11.340 --> 00:08:12.240 Now they know that. 00:08:12.340 --> 00:08:14.879 Obviously, they are speaking, aren't they, in the spiritual sense. 00:08:15.620 --> 00:08:18.660 They're saying, we might be slaves of Rome right now. 00:08:18.780 --> 00:08:20.100 But we're not slaves in here. 00:08:21.220 --> 00:08:22.780 We are the ones that God chose. 00:08:22.879 --> 00:08:24.420 We are Abraham's offspring. 00:08:24.580 --> 00:08:25.620 We are God's children. 00:08:25.620 --> 00:08:29.139 Children, there's a sense, isn't there, of religious privilege. 00:08:30.100 --> 00:08:32.460 That runs so deep in them. 00:08:33.539 --> 00:08:35.220 That they can't even see their need. 00:08:37.940 --> 00:08:41.060 And that tragically can creep into a church like ours. 00:08:44.139 --> 00:08:45.539 I'm up to my neck in church. 00:08:47.320 --> 00:08:49.000 I get up early to serve. 00:08:49.179 --> 00:08:50.580 I make the coffee. 00:08:50.759 --> 00:08:52.120 I stack the chairs. 00:08:52.279 --> 00:08:53.460 I play the music. 00:08:53.460 --> 00:08:55.620 I've done it all my life. 00:08:57.460 --> 00:09:00.940 I'm here to make sure that the church keeps going for the outsiders. 00:09:01.220 --> 00:09:02.700 It's them that need all of this. 00:09:03.519 --> 00:09:08.160 And so Jesus has to point out to you and I the monster that lives in our lives. 00:09:09.920 --> 00:09:13.000 That we've grown so used to that we don't see it anymore. 00:09:14.720 --> 00:09:18.000 The greatest slave master in the world isn't the government. 00:09:18.440 --> 00:09:20.000 It's not the Romans nor the Babylonians. 00:09:20.940 --> 00:09:22.180 It's not Vladimir Putin. 00:09:22.179 --> 00:09:28.379 The thing that holds human beings slaves is not the authoritarian rules coming out of the government. 00:09:28.579 --> 00:09:29.899 It's not cancel culture. 00:09:30.359 --> 00:09:31.379 It isn't poverty. 00:09:31.659 --> 00:09:32.679 It is not debt. 00:09:33.799 --> 00:09:39.219 The thing that enslaves us most is actually something that we quite like. 00:09:39.220 --> 00:09:43.820 Which makes it the most addictive power on earth. 00:09:43.820 --> 00:09:44.519 It's sin. 00:09:46.759 --> 00:09:53.120 And you might think of your sin like a gambler thinks of his cards or his betting. 00:09:53.120 --> 00:09:58.240 You know the gambler what the gambling addict always says. 00:09:58.320 --> 00:10:00.019 He says well I can stop whenever I want. 00:10:02.340 --> 00:10:05.159 The gambler thinks that he can control the cards. 00:10:06.440 --> 00:10:10.399 The gambler says I can walk away from it whenever I choose. 00:10:10.779 --> 00:10:13.480 And Jesus says no sin controls you. 00:10:13.480 --> 00:10:19.779 And it's price is the thing that he pointed out so clearly last week. 00:10:19.840 --> 00:10:21.580 Because sin holds us. 00:10:22.220 --> 00:10:25.639 That eventually judgment and death will get the better of us. 00:10:25.639 --> 00:10:32.319 So however attractive life might look following our own rules. 00:10:32.480 --> 00:10:36.319 Ultimately that life is slavery and not freedom. 00:10:36.320 --> 00:10:41.620 And it only ends one way. 00:10:43.500 --> 00:10:46.400 And if you don't believe it try to go for one day. 00:10:46.560 --> 00:10:47.160 Pick tomorrow. 00:10:48.820 --> 00:10:49.720 Pick tomorrow. 00:10:49.920 --> 00:10:53.800 Try one day without thinking or feeling or doing anything. 00:10:54.480 --> 00:10:57.620 That you wouldn't be ashamed of other people knowing. 00:10:59.460 --> 00:11:01.300 And you will know that you can't do it can you? 00:11:01.299 --> 00:11:07.439 You might pretend not to see the prison walls. 00:11:07.659 --> 00:11:08.939 But we know that we're trapped. 00:11:10.299 --> 00:11:13.240 We are born aren't we into a self-centered world. 00:11:13.379 --> 00:11:15.279 With bars on the window and on the doors. 00:11:15.759 --> 00:11:20.639 And even those of us who have been born into the most wonderful religious privilege on earth. 00:11:23.799 --> 00:11:26.759 If we're slaves then all of that religious privilege. 00:11:27.839 --> 00:11:30.359 Is not something we will be able to cling on to forever. 00:11:31.299 --> 00:11:34.159 Think of a slave. 00:11:34.259 --> 00:11:36.839 A slave might live and work in a house. 00:11:37.039 --> 00:11:39.519 But that house is not his home is it? 00:11:41.279 --> 00:11:44.559 At the end of the day the slave just belongs to someone. 00:11:44.679 --> 00:11:46.799 Like property belongs. 00:11:47.259 --> 00:11:50.139 So he never really belongs to anyone. 00:11:51.539 --> 00:11:54.179 The slave can be sold on to the next person. 00:11:54.459 --> 00:11:55.539 Whereas the son. 00:11:56.879 --> 00:11:59.939 The son belongs in a completely different category doesn't he? 00:11:59.940 --> 00:12:10.860 And I wonder how much deep down the real ache inside of us is actually a longing to belong to someone. 00:12:12.760 --> 00:12:15.620 Because ultimately that is what it means to be free. 00:12:15.760 --> 00:12:16.960 It's counterintuitive. 00:12:16.960 --> 00:12:21.700 So we think don't we have all those poor kids. 00:12:21.780 --> 00:12:22.759 Some of you are in school with them. 00:12:22.980 --> 00:12:26.860 Desperately trying to forge an identity to fit in. 00:12:28.019 --> 00:12:28.740 Maybe that's you. 00:12:28.879 --> 00:12:30.320 You're desperate to fit in. 00:12:30.379 --> 00:12:32.400 So with one crowd you're this person. 00:12:32.759 --> 00:12:34.920 And then in another crowd you're another person. 00:12:35.200 --> 00:12:37.160 You're like a chameleon that fits in. 00:12:37.700 --> 00:12:38.600 Wherever they are. 00:12:39.940 --> 00:12:42.440 Desperately doing anything just to belong. 00:12:42.440 --> 00:12:48.020 Think of folk trying to pursue relationships. 00:12:48.300 --> 00:12:50.340 Trying to find an identity in that. 00:12:50.420 --> 00:12:51.920 Whatever the cost for them emotionally. 00:12:53.060 --> 00:12:54.160 And to their souls. 00:12:55.640 --> 00:12:56.660 And we long for it. 00:12:56.720 --> 00:13:03.760 And so what a wonderful thing it is that the true son of God came to give human beings. 00:13:03.759 --> 00:13:08.740 And he says I will give you the right to be children of God. 00:13:08.960 --> 00:13:09.460 To belong. 00:13:10.879 --> 00:13:12.960 To belong where I have belonged forever. 00:13:13.960 --> 00:13:16.139 In the love that I have always known. 00:13:17.679 --> 00:13:19.559 It is a belonging isn't it? 00:13:19.620 --> 00:13:20.399 So deep. 00:13:20.559 --> 00:13:21.439 So secure. 00:13:21.620 --> 00:13:23.779 That you will never have to worry about your place. 00:13:23.960 --> 00:13:24.659 Ever again. 00:13:25.559 --> 00:13:27.200 You don't have to earn it. 00:13:27.299 --> 00:13:28.720 The son gives it to you. 00:13:28.720 --> 00:13:34.220 You will never again have to fear that if you put a foot out of line. 00:13:34.420 --> 00:13:35.899 Or wear the wrong clothes. 00:13:36.220 --> 00:13:38.279 Or get something embarrassingly wrong. 00:13:38.480 --> 00:13:38.720 Or misspeak. 00:13:39.600 --> 00:13:41.680 Or mess up in a shameful way. 00:13:41.940 --> 00:13:43.200 That you'll be cast out of the group. 00:13:45.980 --> 00:13:47.600 Because to belong like that. 00:13:49.420 --> 00:13:50.540 That's freedom isn't it? 00:13:54.540 --> 00:13:55.759 I wonder whether you realise. 00:13:55.879 --> 00:13:56.920 It's so strange isn't it? 00:13:56.919 --> 00:13:59.539 That the most beautiful freedom we could ever get. 00:14:01.139 --> 00:14:03.059 Is not by going our own way. 00:14:03.799 --> 00:14:05.899 But by following someone else where he leads. 00:14:06.039 --> 00:14:08.059 That is utterly transformational. 00:14:10.459 --> 00:14:13.360 Do you realise that the most beautiful freedom you could ever know. 00:14:13.439 --> 00:14:14.979 Is not by going your own way. 00:14:15.099 --> 00:14:17.799 But by following someone else where he leads. 00:14:17.879 --> 00:14:18.559 And trusting him. 00:14:19.120 --> 00:14:22.000 And I suspect for most of us who are Christians this evening. 00:14:22.199 --> 00:14:26.699 That freedom is actually way more radical than we fully realise. 00:14:26.919 --> 00:14:34.120 Because he who is set free by the son is free indeed. 00:14:34.919 --> 00:14:35.519 Do you get that? 00:14:38.899 --> 00:14:40.399 It doesn't mean you're sinless. 00:14:41.679 --> 00:14:42.519 Not yet. 00:14:42.519 --> 00:14:47.500 But something utterly radical has happened to your nature. 00:14:48.899 --> 00:14:51.939 Something utterly radical has happened to your identity. 00:14:53.860 --> 00:14:54.419 Suddenly. 00:14:54.419 --> 00:14:57.039 It is possible to break the habit. 00:14:58.639 --> 00:15:00.339 To break the hold. 00:15:01.139 --> 00:15:02.159 That sin has. 00:15:02.159 --> 00:15:07.559 And all of a sudden when you feel tempted and trapped by sin. 00:15:07.639 --> 00:15:09.139 It is actually possible to say. 00:15:10.179 --> 00:15:11.199 Look who I am. 00:15:12.919 --> 00:15:14.219 I'm a son now. 00:15:14.319 --> 00:15:15.000 I'm not a slave. 00:15:16.059 --> 00:15:19.379 I have the son living in me by his spirit. 00:15:19.779 --> 00:15:22.019 I can grow into this family of love. 00:15:22.259 --> 00:15:23.959 To be more like my elder brother. 00:15:23.960 --> 00:15:25.320 Not perfect. 00:15:26.220 --> 00:15:27.120 Not always. 00:15:27.700 --> 00:15:29.940 But I can truly say no. 00:15:31.879 --> 00:15:33.220 I can fight back. 00:15:35.740 --> 00:15:36.860 I can resist. 00:15:39.040 --> 00:15:41.860 There is never a sin that I have to say yes to. 00:15:41.860 --> 00:15:46.840 There is always an escape by God's grace. 00:15:46.980 --> 00:15:48.519 There is always a way out. 00:15:48.680 --> 00:15:50.480 And in a congregation like this tonight. 00:15:50.680 --> 00:15:52.360 There will be somebody that needs to hear that. 00:15:52.840 --> 00:15:53.899 We all need to hear that. 00:15:53.940 --> 00:15:54.180 Don't we? 00:15:58.320 --> 00:15:59.539 That there is a way out. 00:15:59.659 --> 00:16:01.279 You don't have to say yes to your sin. 00:16:01.279 --> 00:16:05.639 And when I fall. 00:16:07.240 --> 00:16:08.740 And when I'm deeply ashamed. 00:16:10.699 --> 00:16:12.039 I can get up off the mat. 00:16:12.120 --> 00:16:14.319 Because I am as loved as ever I was. 00:16:16.839 --> 00:16:19.019 And that is freedom. 00:16:22.240 --> 00:16:25.579 It's the most wonderful and the most radical thing that can ever happen to a human being. 00:16:27.539 --> 00:16:29.879 The day that you are adopted through the son. 00:16:29.879 --> 00:16:32.220 Was your emancipation day. 00:16:32.399 --> 00:16:33.059 It's freedom day. 00:16:33.240 --> 00:16:34.419 When you give your life to Christ. 00:16:35.939 --> 00:16:37.860 And the disciples who abide and remain. 00:16:38.039 --> 00:16:39.299 Are the ones who know. 00:16:41.799 --> 00:16:42.939 That they have been set free. 00:16:44.340 --> 00:16:45.759 Wouldn't everyone want that? 00:16:48.279 --> 00:16:48.860 Well no. 00:16:50.679 --> 00:16:52.059 No everyone wouldn't want that. 00:16:52.139 --> 00:16:54.460 Particularly if you refused to accept the depth of your need. 00:16:54.519 --> 00:16:57.259 So Jesus makes his basic point in verses 37 to 38. 00:16:57.259 --> 00:17:00.080 Where Jesus says to them. 00:17:00.139 --> 00:17:00.439 He says. 00:17:00.439 --> 00:17:03.539 Your privilege does not make you as free. 00:17:04.039 --> 00:17:05.319 As you think it does. 00:17:08.319 --> 00:17:08.839 Yes. 00:17:08.960 --> 00:17:09.400 Ethnically. 00:17:09.559 --> 00:17:11.339 I know that you are children of Abraham. 00:17:12.500 --> 00:17:15.140 But you are not acting like free sons. 00:17:16.960 --> 00:17:17.680 In fact. 00:17:17.759 --> 00:17:18.480 Verse 39. 00:17:18.920 --> 00:17:21.440 You don't look anything like this family. 00:17:21.440 --> 00:17:24.980 You don't look anything like Abraham. 00:17:25.180 --> 00:17:27.759 Because the word came to you. 00:17:27.759 --> 00:17:29.080 Like it came to Abraham. 00:17:30.039 --> 00:17:32.100 And I called you to follow me. 00:17:32.100 --> 00:17:33.720 Just like I called him. 00:17:34.039 --> 00:17:34.860 And what did you do? 00:17:35.059 --> 00:17:35.960 Well verse 37. 00:17:36.400 --> 00:17:37.180 You sought to kill me. 00:17:38.940 --> 00:17:40.400 And that's not what Abraham did. 00:17:42.120 --> 00:17:44.360 But my word doesn't remain in you. 00:17:44.440 --> 00:17:46.200 In fact it has no place in you at all. 00:17:46.200 --> 00:17:47.640 And then in verse 37 he says. 00:17:48.059 --> 00:17:51.759 What must be the most offensive thing that Jesus ever says. 00:17:52.580 --> 00:17:53.059 He says. 00:17:53.200 --> 00:17:54.700 A person's action. 00:17:55.759 --> 00:17:57.519 Flow from a person's origins. 00:17:59.019 --> 00:18:00.640 A person's actions. 00:18:01.519 --> 00:18:03.319 Flow from a person's origins. 00:18:03.799 --> 00:18:04.400 He says. 00:18:04.480 --> 00:18:05.620 Like father. 00:18:06.019 --> 00:18:06.860 Like son. 00:18:06.860 --> 00:18:12.319 And that implies your true paternal origins. 00:18:12.319 --> 00:18:16.939 That your paternal origins are something radically different to mine. 00:18:18.980 --> 00:18:19.799 He's telling them. 00:18:19.879 --> 00:18:20.039 He's saying. 00:18:20.139 --> 00:18:22.039 It might be Abraham that's written on your birth certificate. 00:18:23.079 --> 00:18:25.919 And you're putting an awful lot of confidence in that. 00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:29.980 Turning down the chance of freedom. 00:18:29.980 --> 00:18:33.119 Because you think that you were born into it. 00:18:33.359 --> 00:18:34.720 But everything I see. 00:18:35.539 --> 00:18:36.720 As I look at you. 00:18:36.799 --> 00:18:37.819 Tells another story. 00:18:39.220 --> 00:18:40.859 It tells the story of another father. 00:18:42.319 --> 00:18:46.259 That is a basic point. 00:18:47.899 --> 00:18:50.159 But it is a deeply offensive claim. 00:18:52.059 --> 00:18:54.139 Jesus is saying to the people of his day. 00:18:54.200 --> 00:18:55.619 You are not the children that you think you are. 00:18:55.659 --> 00:18:56.960 So verses 39 to 44. 00:18:57.079 --> 00:18:58.000 He lays out the evidence. 00:18:58.119 --> 00:19:00.919 Which makes him question their paternity so confidently. 00:19:03.079 --> 00:19:04.159 What makes. 00:19:05.899 --> 00:19:07.220 A levy a levy. 00:19:07.220 --> 00:19:09.559 What makes. 00:19:09.799 --> 00:19:10.940 A little a little. 00:19:11.579 --> 00:19:12.299 Or a loft house. 00:19:12.400 --> 00:19:12.880 A loft house. 00:19:13.100 --> 00:19:14.279 We all have family traits. 00:19:14.380 --> 00:19:14.600 Don't we? 00:19:15.600 --> 00:19:17.220 You can spot a levy child. 00:19:19.140 --> 00:19:19.900 Long face. 00:19:20.019 --> 00:19:20.519 Dark hair. 00:19:20.620 --> 00:19:20.900 Skinny. 00:19:20.960 --> 00:19:21.839 That's what makes. 00:19:22.220 --> 00:19:22.940 A levy child. 00:19:25.299 --> 00:19:26.559 You'll have that in your family. 00:19:26.660 --> 00:19:27.839 There'll be family resemblances. 00:19:27.980 --> 00:19:28.200 Won't there? 00:19:28.480 --> 00:19:29.600 What makes a child of God. 00:19:29.680 --> 00:19:30.319 A child of God. 00:19:30.960 --> 00:19:30.960 00:19:30.960 --> 00:19:33.819 Now there's one killer family trait. 00:19:35.559 --> 00:19:36.140 Verse 42. 00:19:36.940 --> 00:19:37.620 Verse 42. 00:19:37.740 --> 00:19:38.799 If God is your father. 00:19:39.240 --> 00:19:40.759 You love Jesus Christ. 00:19:42.000 --> 00:19:42.840 No exceptions. 00:19:44.579 --> 00:19:46.440 Because the son and the father look the same. 00:19:46.440 --> 00:19:50.720 In eternity. 00:19:52.840 --> 00:19:54.100 God the son. 00:19:54.880 --> 00:19:55.360 Flows. 00:19:56.360 --> 00:19:57.740 From the father's very own nature. 00:19:59.500 --> 00:20:01.039 And here in time. 00:20:01.539 --> 00:20:03.460 God the son has been sent to us. 00:20:03.519 --> 00:20:04.160 By the father. 00:20:04.160 --> 00:20:06.720 In visible flesh and blood. 00:20:07.720 --> 00:20:09.420 To storm the walls of the prison. 00:20:09.779 --> 00:20:11.059 To free us from death. 00:20:11.500 --> 00:20:12.019 And sin. 00:20:12.640 --> 00:20:13.680 And self forever. 00:20:13.779 --> 00:20:14.580 Who wouldn't love that? 00:20:14.579 --> 00:20:18.039 So the acid test. 00:20:18.139 --> 00:20:18.960 Of Abraham's children. 00:20:19.119 --> 00:20:19.859 God's true children. 00:20:20.079 --> 00:20:21.740 Is that you love his true son. 00:20:23.500 --> 00:20:25.240 And when you hear the son speak. 00:20:25.319 --> 00:20:25.879 Verse 47. 00:20:26.139 --> 00:20:28.639 You know straight away his voice. 00:20:30.339 --> 00:20:31.279 God's true children. 00:20:31.379 --> 00:20:31.960 Number one. 00:20:32.059 --> 00:20:32.779 Love the son. 00:20:32.879 --> 00:20:33.500 Who brings life. 00:20:33.500 --> 00:20:34.500 And number two. 00:20:34.899 --> 00:20:35.740 They love the truth. 00:20:35.819 --> 00:20:36.419 When he speaks. 00:20:38.919 --> 00:20:40.139 But what does Jesus see. 00:20:40.220 --> 00:20:40.859 When he looks around. 00:20:40.960 --> 00:20:41.519 Verse 40. 00:20:41.679 --> 00:20:43.139 He sees people who hate the son. 00:20:43.259 --> 00:20:44.399 So much they want to kill him. 00:20:45.399 --> 00:20:46.179 And verse 43. 00:20:46.299 --> 00:20:47.659 They hate the truth so much. 00:20:47.899 --> 00:20:48.779 They cannot bear it. 00:20:50.279 --> 00:20:52.079 Any more than those prisoners. 00:20:52.879 --> 00:20:54.559 Could bear the light in the cave. 00:20:56.119 --> 00:20:58.240 How dare you say we're slaves. 00:20:58.500 --> 00:20:59.500 They can't bear it. 00:21:01.179 --> 00:21:03.579 And they have all the family traits. 00:21:03.579 --> 00:21:04.799 Of the devil himself. 00:21:04.799 --> 00:21:08.399 Just as God the son. 00:21:08.619 --> 00:21:10.019 Flows out of the father's nature. 00:21:11.440 --> 00:21:13.019 So a hatred of the truth. 00:21:13.180 --> 00:21:14.440 And a hatred of life. 00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:16.440 Flow out of the devil's own nature. 00:21:16.539 --> 00:21:17.259 Verse 44. 00:21:18.119 --> 00:21:19.619 He's been at it right from the beginning. 00:21:21.299 --> 00:21:23.399 The first words out of his mouth. 00:21:23.500 --> 00:21:23.960 In Genesis. 00:21:24.180 --> 00:21:24.839 Are a lie. 00:21:25.000 --> 00:21:25.799 About God's truth. 00:21:26.099 --> 00:21:27.639 And the first thing he did. 00:21:27.720 --> 00:21:29.619 Was plunge human beings. 00:21:29.619 --> 00:21:30.679 Into death. 00:21:31.619 --> 00:21:32.019 Murder. 00:21:33.439 --> 00:21:34.739 A hatred of life. 00:21:35.099 --> 00:21:36.079 And a hatred of the truth. 00:21:37.439 --> 00:21:38.939 And here's the most shocking thing of all. 00:21:40.339 --> 00:21:41.439 Human beings. 00:21:41.439 --> 00:21:42.519 You and I. 00:21:42.519 --> 00:21:44.039 By our nature. 00:21:45.639 --> 00:21:46.400 Are so like him. 00:21:49.420 --> 00:21:50.259 So like. 00:21:50.900 --> 00:21:51.579 That demonic. 00:21:51.879 --> 00:21:52.639 Spiritual father. 00:21:52.819 --> 00:21:53.339 That his. 00:21:53.819 --> 00:21:54.379 Lies. 00:21:56.079 --> 00:21:56.900 And his. 00:21:57.059 --> 00:21:57.579 Denial. 00:21:57.819 --> 00:21:58.759 Have become part. 00:21:58.900 --> 00:22:00.220 Of our native language. 00:22:00.579 --> 00:22:01.359 Look at verse 45. 00:22:03.759 --> 00:22:04.740 There's one word. 00:22:04.940 --> 00:22:05.000 In. 00:22:05.839 --> 00:22:06.440 Verse 45. 00:22:06.859 --> 00:22:07.920 That is deeply strange. 00:22:08.039 --> 00:22:08.740 And deeply alarming. 00:22:09.799 --> 00:22:10.700 It's the word because. 00:22:12.519 --> 00:22:14.119 It is because. 00:22:14.220 --> 00:22:14.500 Jesus. 00:22:14.680 --> 00:22:16.039 Tells us the truth. 00:22:17.319 --> 00:22:18.160 That we can't. 00:22:18.180 --> 00:22:19.039 Bear listening to him. 00:22:21.059 --> 00:22:22.319 You've got to understand that. 00:22:22.359 --> 00:22:23.079 If you're going to live today. 00:22:25.119 --> 00:22:25.839 It's because. 00:22:25.940 --> 00:22:26.160 Jesus. 00:22:26.279 --> 00:22:27.180 Tells the truth. 00:22:27.420 --> 00:22:28.099 That people can't. 00:22:28.139 --> 00:22:28.920 Stand listening to him. 00:22:29.779 --> 00:22:30.359 By nature. 00:22:30.359 --> 00:22:31.299 We are such strangers. 00:22:31.299 --> 00:22:31.960 To God. 00:22:32.359 --> 00:22:33.000 That denial. 00:22:33.259 --> 00:22:34.279 Comes naturally to us. 00:22:35.240 --> 00:22:36.160 And we cannot. 00:22:36.279 --> 00:22:37.019 Accept the son. 00:22:37.099 --> 00:22:37.740 Who is goodness. 00:22:38.000 --> 00:22:38.759 And truth itself. 00:22:39.099 --> 00:22:40.200 And so there are many. 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:41.000 Many people. 00:22:41.099 --> 00:22:41.480 In this world. 00:22:41.779 --> 00:22:42.500 Whose belief. 00:22:42.519 --> 00:22:43.639 Is as heartfelt. 00:22:44.519 --> 00:22:45.420 As those. 00:22:45.519 --> 00:22:46.440 Who are in verse 31. 00:22:47.859 --> 00:22:49.200 They believe in Jesus. 00:22:51.099 --> 00:22:52.119 The JWs. 00:22:52.200 --> 00:22:52.900 Might knock your door. 00:22:52.920 --> 00:22:53.599 Tomorrow morning. 00:22:54.279 --> 00:22:55.539 And they believe in Jesus. 00:22:56.539 --> 00:22:57.799 But they won't accept him. 00:22:57.839 --> 00:22:58.460 As fully God. 00:23:00.420 --> 00:23:01.400 Sincere liberals. 00:23:01.639 --> 00:23:02.460 Believe in Jesus. 00:23:02.639 --> 00:23:03.539 But will not. 00:23:03.660 --> 00:23:04.279 Accept him. 00:23:04.379 --> 00:23:05.139 As the one. 00:23:05.379 --> 00:23:05.779 True light. 00:23:05.859 --> 00:23:06.480 For all the world. 00:23:08.539 --> 00:23:09.619 And Jesus says. 00:23:09.720 --> 00:23:10.660 That belief. 00:23:10.660 --> 00:23:12.059 However sincere. 00:23:12.059 --> 00:23:13.179 Isn't saving. 00:23:13.179 --> 00:23:13.779 Isn't saving. 00:23:14.059 --> 00:23:14.879 Belief at all. 00:23:17.139 --> 00:23:18.579 It's the kind of belief. 00:23:18.740 --> 00:23:19.319 That the devil. 00:23:19.740 --> 00:23:20.019 Whispers. 00:23:20.019 --> 00:23:20.980 In the ears. 00:23:21.799 --> 00:23:22.500 Of human beings. 00:23:22.579 --> 00:23:23.039 Day and night. 00:23:25.539 --> 00:23:26.339 Believe in Jesus. 00:23:26.440 --> 00:23:27.079 By all means. 00:23:27.179 --> 00:23:28.039 But do not worship him. 00:23:28.039 --> 00:23:28.399 As Lord. 00:23:29.399 --> 00:23:30.399 Don't love him. 00:23:30.400 --> 00:23:33.740 So there is the depth. 00:23:33.740 --> 00:23:34.519 Of human need. 00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:36.180 Even though we don't know it. 00:23:37.080 --> 00:23:39.300 Even though we are prisoners down here. 00:23:39.440 --> 00:23:40.040 And blind. 00:23:40.460 --> 00:23:42.560 We really do need to be set free. 00:23:42.680 --> 00:23:43.480 By a true son. 00:23:45.680 --> 00:23:46.780 In some ways. 00:23:46.880 --> 00:23:48.000 It's such a gloomy message. 00:23:48.000 --> 00:23:48.420 Isn't it? 00:23:48.420 --> 00:23:51.000 But I wonder. 00:23:51.000 --> 00:23:51.580 Whether hidden. 00:23:51.779 --> 00:23:53.160 In the seeming hopelessness. 00:23:53.340 --> 00:23:54.300 As the chapter closes. 00:23:54.740 --> 00:23:55.300 You notice. 00:23:55.560 --> 00:23:56.740 The remarkable goodness. 00:23:57.620 --> 00:23:58.220 And kindness. 00:23:59.660 --> 00:24:00.539 And strength. 00:24:00.660 --> 00:24:01.180 We get to see. 00:24:01.259 --> 00:24:02.400 In the way that Jesus responds. 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:03.019 To those people. 00:24:03.300 --> 00:24:03.860 His argument. 00:24:03.960 --> 00:24:04.700 Has been devastating. 00:24:05.060 --> 00:24:05.720 And all they can do. 00:24:05.759 --> 00:24:06.400 Verse 48. 00:24:07.960 --> 00:24:08.860 Is respond. 00:24:08.960 --> 00:24:09.820 By hurling insults. 00:24:09.820 --> 00:24:10.120 At him. 00:24:10.119 --> 00:24:12.359 First. 00:24:12.479 --> 00:24:13.539 A racist slur. 00:24:13.719 --> 00:24:14.659 And then a blasphemous one. 00:24:16.419 --> 00:24:17.659 There are some words. 00:24:17.759 --> 00:24:18.079 Out there. 00:24:18.139 --> 00:24:19.339 That are truly shocking. 00:24:23.459 --> 00:24:25.279 And so talk to the school children here. 00:24:25.379 --> 00:24:26.439 About when someone uses. 00:24:26.639 --> 00:24:27.399 The N word. 00:24:27.539 --> 00:24:27.919 In school. 00:24:30.039 --> 00:24:31.500 And even in a playground. 00:24:31.819 --> 00:24:33.639 Where kids have heard it all. 00:24:33.939 --> 00:24:34.779 That word. 00:24:34.979 --> 00:24:36.579 Still has the power to shock. 00:24:36.679 --> 00:24:37.099 Doesn't it? 00:24:38.219 --> 00:24:39.079 Truly shock. 00:24:39.259 --> 00:24:40.059 People don't put up. 00:24:40.059 --> 00:24:40.559 With it rightly. 00:24:42.480 --> 00:24:43.099 And verse 48. 00:24:43.200 --> 00:24:44.039 Is on that scale. 00:24:46.319 --> 00:24:48.019 First they throw the S word. 00:24:48.399 --> 00:24:48.859 At Jesus. 00:24:49.940 --> 00:24:50.980 The Samaritan word. 00:24:51.099 --> 00:24:51.460 Presumably. 00:24:51.700 --> 00:24:53.019 Because he's been questioning. 00:24:53.500 --> 00:24:54.359 Their legitimacy. 00:24:54.720 --> 00:24:55.799 The Jews and the Samaritans. 00:24:55.859 --> 00:24:56.859 They both claim to be. 00:24:56.960 --> 00:24:57.940 Legitimate children of God. 00:24:57.940 --> 00:24:59.339 And even worse. 00:24:59.919 --> 00:25:01.119 They then throw. 00:25:01.500 --> 00:25:02.619 The D word at him. 00:25:04.039 --> 00:25:06.240 They respond to the truth himself. 00:25:06.359 --> 00:25:07.480 The grace of heaven himself. 00:25:07.559 --> 00:25:08.779 And they call him a demoniac. 00:25:09.779 --> 00:25:10.579 Demonic. 00:25:12.980 --> 00:25:14.119 But I do think. 00:25:14.319 --> 00:25:15.740 In verses 48 to 59. 00:25:15.940 --> 00:25:17.139 We get to see the height. 00:25:18.139 --> 00:25:19.519 Of Jesus grace. 00:25:19.740 --> 00:25:20.019 Secondly. 00:25:20.420 --> 00:25:21.619 The height of Jesus grace. 00:25:24.740 --> 00:25:26.660 Even though you insult him. 00:25:28.559 --> 00:25:29.720 John is saying. 00:25:30.079 --> 00:25:32.079 There really is still time. 00:25:32.079 --> 00:25:33.079 To rejoice. 00:25:33.079 --> 00:25:35.000 In the eternal son. 00:25:35.000 --> 00:25:35.699 Even now. 00:25:35.699 --> 00:25:36.259 Even. 00:25:36.259 --> 00:25:38.759 When you're as lost. 00:25:38.759 --> 00:25:39.679 As they are lost. 00:25:41.879 --> 00:25:44.039 If you will abandon your lies. 00:25:44.539 --> 00:25:46.159 And embrace the son with joy. 00:25:46.379 --> 00:25:47.939 And confess it all to him. 00:25:48.220 --> 00:25:49.699 And find a place to belong. 00:25:49.700 --> 00:25:51.559 Do you see how incredibly kind. 00:25:51.759 --> 00:25:52.360 And measured. 00:25:52.580 --> 00:25:54.200 Jesus is to these terrible slurs. 00:25:56.080 --> 00:25:57.440 I'm simply speaking the truth. 00:25:57.519 --> 00:25:58.000 Verse 49. 00:25:59.980 --> 00:26:02.759 I'm honouring what my father has given me to say. 00:26:02.860 --> 00:26:03.740 And you dishonour me. 00:26:03.819 --> 00:26:05.279 But I don't seek my own glory. 00:26:05.360 --> 00:26:05.860 Verse 50. 00:26:07.860 --> 00:26:10.019 And here is why Jesus doesn't need to punch back. 00:26:10.019 --> 00:26:14.460 When they spit at Jesus. 00:26:15.299 --> 00:26:17.139 They spit at the father himself. 00:26:19.039 --> 00:26:20.799 And the father will one day. 00:26:21.039 --> 00:26:22.279 Judge all things. 00:26:22.440 --> 00:26:23.440 Including everyone. 00:26:23.660 --> 00:26:24.900 Who dishonours his boy. 00:26:26.660 --> 00:26:28.980 And so Jesus can leave his own glory. 00:26:29.639 --> 00:26:31.039 And his own honour to the judge. 00:26:31.079 --> 00:26:32.220 And instead in verse 51. 00:26:32.400 --> 00:26:34.299 Even now under these terrible slurs. 00:26:34.680 --> 00:26:36.639 Even now he reaches out again. 00:26:38.180 --> 00:26:39.339 And he says truly. 00:26:39.339 --> 00:26:39.459 Truly. 00:26:39.839 --> 00:26:40.240 Truly. 00:26:40.539 --> 00:26:41.039 Really. 00:26:41.519 --> 00:26:42.079 Deeply. 00:26:43.000 --> 00:26:44.439 He says urgently. 00:26:44.740 --> 00:26:45.379 Listen to me. 00:26:46.839 --> 00:26:48.019 And he says if anyone. 00:26:48.699 --> 00:26:49.559 Keeps my word. 00:26:49.740 --> 00:26:50.679 And follows my life. 00:26:50.819 --> 00:26:51.240 Even. 00:26:52.419 --> 00:26:53.679 Even you now. 00:26:54.759 --> 00:26:55.679 You'll never see death. 00:26:57.220 --> 00:26:58.439 And he can be truly free. 00:27:01.119 --> 00:27:02.220 And that is remarkable. 00:27:02.339 --> 00:27:03.879 Which one of us would answer back like that. 00:27:06.459 --> 00:27:07.699 And he still does that tonight. 00:27:09.339 --> 00:27:12.179 Goes for the most hard hearted. 00:27:12.259 --> 00:27:13.899 Insulter of Jesus you've ever met. 00:27:16.899 --> 00:27:18.459 The ones who maybe sit there. 00:27:18.539 --> 00:27:19.799 And think they're already Christians. 00:27:19.899 --> 00:27:20.619 Do you realise tonight. 00:27:20.720 --> 00:27:21.500 It's not too late. 00:27:21.899 --> 00:27:22.740 To abandon. 00:27:22.740 --> 00:27:24.839 The prism of lies. 00:27:26.839 --> 00:27:27.359 Take. 00:27:27.519 --> 00:27:28.720 Take my hand. 00:27:28.879 --> 00:27:29.699 Jesus says. 00:27:31.019 --> 00:27:32.480 And live forever. 00:27:32.480 --> 00:27:32.579 Forever. 00:27:32.579 --> 00:27:38.879 But the response is to laugh. 00:27:42.679 --> 00:27:44.599 No human being can free us from death. 00:27:46.980 --> 00:27:48.299 Who do you think you are? 00:27:50.639 --> 00:27:52.220 Claiming to give a kind of freedom. 00:27:52.359 --> 00:27:54.599 That even Abraham and the prophets never knew. 00:27:54.859 --> 00:27:56.480 Who do you make yourself out to be? 00:27:56.480 --> 00:27:57.420 And once again. 00:27:57.500 --> 00:27:58.420 The reply from Jesus. 00:27:58.539 --> 00:27:58.960 Can you see it? 00:27:58.980 --> 00:28:00.259 Is patient and restrained. 00:28:00.319 --> 00:28:00.920 Beyond belief. 00:28:01.319 --> 00:28:02.960 He's told them who he is repeatedly. 00:28:03.640 --> 00:28:04.740 And it's as if he says. 00:28:04.860 --> 00:28:06.200 Now I don't need to answer that. 00:28:07.539 --> 00:28:09.960 The father who you claim to love and worship. 00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:11.319 He will glorify me one day. 00:28:12.279 --> 00:28:13.740 He will show you who I am. 00:28:13.960 --> 00:28:15.819 And maybe when I'm lifted up to die. 00:28:16.180 --> 00:28:17.440 And enthroned on a cross. 00:28:17.539 --> 00:28:18.660 Maybe then you will see it. 00:28:18.660 --> 00:28:22.240 If you knew him like I knew him. 00:28:22.460 --> 00:28:24.400 You would see that glory right now. 00:28:26.019 --> 00:28:28.060 And so here then is how you know. 00:28:28.160 --> 00:28:30.700 Someone has been set free from sin and death. 00:28:30.820 --> 00:28:31.380 And the devil. 00:28:31.540 --> 00:28:32.400 And belong to Jesus. 00:28:35.120 --> 00:28:37.360 You know it because you can see them. 00:28:38.279 --> 00:28:39.460 Rejoicing in him. 00:28:41.720 --> 00:28:43.060 What makes you. 00:28:43.700 --> 00:28:45.460 A true spiritual child of Abraham. 00:28:45.460 --> 00:28:50.700 Abraham was a man who lived a long hard life. 00:28:50.860 --> 00:28:51.539 He gave up his home. 00:28:51.680 --> 00:28:52.579 He gave up his land. 00:28:53.059 --> 00:28:54.259 He gave up his father's house. 00:28:54.420 --> 00:28:55.880 He got a lot of things wrong. 00:28:58.700 --> 00:29:00.660 But he was marked according to Jesus. 00:29:01.000 --> 00:29:01.860 By one thing. 00:29:03.360 --> 00:29:05.460 And that was the joy that he gained. 00:29:07.759 --> 00:29:09.180 From a long way off. 00:29:09.279 --> 00:29:10.340 Through all the shadows. 00:29:10.880 --> 00:29:11.579 And promises. 00:29:12.299 --> 00:29:13.220 From a distance. 00:29:13.539 --> 00:29:15.360 Abraham saw the son of God. 00:29:15.460 --> 00:29:19.559 He saw the lamb that God would provide. 00:29:19.680 --> 00:29:20.620 To ransom his own. 00:29:21.759 --> 00:29:23.039 And Abraham believed God. 00:29:23.100 --> 00:29:24.579 And it was credited to him righteousness. 00:29:24.779 --> 00:29:25.319 In other words. 00:29:25.400 --> 00:29:26.519 Abraham was freely forgiven. 00:29:28.759 --> 00:29:30.700 Abraham saw God the son. 00:29:30.819 --> 00:29:31.600 And he rejoiced. 00:29:32.559 --> 00:29:34.980 And because God is not the God of the dead. 00:29:35.380 --> 00:29:36.640 But the God of the living. 00:29:36.819 --> 00:29:38.480 Abraham is still seeing. 00:29:38.819 --> 00:29:39.500 And rejoicing. 00:29:39.900 --> 00:29:40.840 In Jesus Christ. 00:29:40.940 --> 00:29:42.420 Even as Jesus spoke these words. 00:29:42.420 --> 00:29:45.560 And all that. 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:48.080 Sounds utterly laughable to them. 00:29:49.680 --> 00:29:50.560 Come on Jesus. 00:29:50.759 --> 00:29:51.480 Everyone knows. 00:29:51.580 --> 00:29:53.320 Abraham was a hero back in the Old Testament. 00:29:53.460 --> 00:29:54.940 There's no Jesus in the Old Testament. 00:29:55.440 --> 00:29:57.080 It sounds laughable doesn't it. 00:29:57.100 --> 00:29:58.940 To say Abraham saw Jesus. 00:29:59.400 --> 00:30:01.960 But if you know truly who Jesus is. 00:30:01.960 --> 00:30:03.960 Then suddenly. 00:30:03.960 --> 00:30:04.600 Then suddenly. 00:30:04.920 --> 00:30:06.039 It is their words. 00:30:06.180 --> 00:30:07.039 That are laughable. 00:30:08.500 --> 00:30:09.900 It is their words. 00:30:10.000 --> 00:30:11.079 That seem like a joke. 00:30:12.940 --> 00:30:14.519 They look into the face. 00:30:14.600 --> 00:30:15.840 Of the ancient of days. 00:30:15.980 --> 00:30:16.980 And they say to him. 00:30:18.240 --> 00:30:20.019 You're not yet 50 years old. 00:30:20.019 --> 00:30:23.319 How did you see Abraham? 00:30:25.379 --> 00:30:26.299 It's ridiculous. 00:30:26.619 --> 00:30:27.619 But remember. 00:30:27.779 --> 00:30:29.160 It's always that way. 00:30:29.359 --> 00:30:31.019 When people laugh at Jesus. 00:30:33.740 --> 00:30:35.079 Remember that this week. 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.940 Remember that. 00:30:37.019 --> 00:30:38.279 When they seem so confident. 00:30:38.559 --> 00:30:39.440 And self-assured. 00:30:39.839 --> 00:30:40.839 And Jesus claims. 00:30:41.039 --> 00:30:42.599 Seems so laughable. 00:30:43.259 --> 00:30:44.460 But they are laughing. 00:30:44.460 --> 00:30:45.960 From inside a prison cell. 00:30:45.960 --> 00:30:48.660 A prison cell. 00:30:48.779 --> 00:30:50.860 Which they cannot even see the walls anymore. 00:30:52.279 --> 00:30:52.880 Truly. 00:30:53.140 --> 00:30:53.360 Truly. 00:30:55.319 --> 00:30:58.319 I saw you before Abraham ever was. 00:30:59.240 --> 00:30:59.880 I am. 00:31:01.259 --> 00:31:03.579 I am the eternal son. 00:31:03.720 --> 00:31:05.480 Who spoke to Moses from the burning bush. 00:31:05.640 --> 00:31:06.740 Who led Israel. 00:31:07.039 --> 00:31:08.220 Behind that burning light. 00:31:08.539 --> 00:31:09.960 And gave joy unspeakable. 00:31:10.059 --> 00:31:10.980 To your father Abraham. 00:31:10.980 --> 00:31:12.700 And that same eternal son. 00:31:12.799 --> 00:31:14.460 Is the one who spoke that day. 00:31:14.660 --> 00:31:15.660 And who speaks tonight. 00:31:15.960 --> 00:31:20.360 Who do you make yourself out to be Jesus. 00:31:20.559 --> 00:31:21.579 I am who I am. 00:31:23.840 --> 00:31:25.259 And even now. 00:31:25.440 --> 00:31:26.600 It is not too late. 00:31:26.680 --> 00:31:27.460 To rejoice in me. 00:31:28.880 --> 00:31:30.860 Just like your father Abraham did. 00:31:30.960 --> 00:31:31.740 But no they won't. 00:31:34.120 --> 00:31:35.480 They pick up stones. 00:31:35.600 --> 00:31:36.900 Because what Jesus has said. 00:31:36.960 --> 00:31:38.200 Is so utterly clear. 00:31:38.279 --> 00:31:39.380 That they cannot bear it. 00:31:41.319 --> 00:31:42.100 He's claiming. 00:31:42.279 --> 00:31:43.180 Without a shadow of doubt. 00:31:43.319 --> 00:31:44.500 To be of one nature. 00:31:44.500 --> 00:31:45.480 With the eternal God. 00:31:45.960 --> 00:31:49.200 And it's so blindingly truthful. 00:31:49.779 --> 00:31:51.140 That the light burns. 00:31:51.140 --> 00:31:56.680 Sometimes. 00:31:57.080 --> 00:31:58.060 As a parent. 00:31:58.060 --> 00:31:59.680 When you've got a little one. 00:32:00.360 --> 00:32:01.680 And they're trapped. 00:32:01.980 --> 00:32:02.280 In a. 00:32:02.940 --> 00:32:03.820 Angry mess. 00:32:04.620 --> 00:32:06.100 And they're screaming. 00:32:06.700 --> 00:32:07.140 And kicking. 00:32:07.560 --> 00:32:08.060 And shouting. 00:32:09.440 --> 00:32:10.780 All you can do. 00:32:11.420 --> 00:32:12.900 Is hold them tight. 00:32:13.080 --> 00:32:13.980 While they fight. 00:32:13.980 --> 00:32:17.160 And there's something here. 00:32:17.799 --> 00:32:19.220 There's something of that here. 00:32:19.220 --> 00:32:20.900 In the way that Jesus deals with these people. 00:32:22.339 --> 00:32:23.740 He is so strong. 00:32:23.799 --> 00:32:24.440 And so kind. 00:32:24.579 --> 00:32:25.319 And so glorious. 00:32:25.319 --> 00:32:26.059 All in himself. 00:32:26.160 --> 00:32:27.299 Jesus doesn't head back. 00:32:27.400 --> 00:32:28.200 And defend himself. 00:32:28.599 --> 00:32:29.180 He just. 00:32:31.180 --> 00:32:31.700 Faithfully. 00:32:31.700 --> 00:32:32.920 He keeps offering them. 00:32:33.279 --> 00:32:33.940 A way down. 00:32:35.120 --> 00:32:35.680 A way out. 00:32:35.680 --> 00:32:36.580 Of that blind. 00:32:36.779 --> 00:32:37.460 Angry mess. 00:32:39.120 --> 00:32:40.779 And I think that's incredibly helpful. 00:32:40.779 --> 00:32:42.100 To keep as a picture in our minds. 00:32:43.740 --> 00:32:46.059 That when people are lashing out at Jesus. 00:32:46.059 --> 00:32:47.240 What is it that they need? 00:32:48.940 --> 00:32:50.319 They need the son of God. 00:32:50.420 --> 00:32:51.220 To open their eyes. 00:32:53.240 --> 00:32:54.660 To help them out of the cave. 00:32:54.660 --> 00:32:57.300 And we can invite them. 00:32:57.400 --> 00:32:58.420 We can read the bible with them. 00:32:58.500 --> 00:32:59.340 We can bring them to church. 00:32:59.420 --> 00:33:00.600 But if we aren't praying for them. 00:33:00.660 --> 00:33:01.900 Then we've clearly not understood. 00:33:02.080 --> 00:33:03.080 How dark the prison is. 00:33:05.700 --> 00:33:06.960 And if we are here tonight. 00:33:07.120 --> 00:33:07.500 This evening. 00:33:08.100 --> 00:33:09.220 Rejoicing in the son. 00:33:10.580 --> 00:33:11.920 That can only mean. 00:33:12.040 --> 00:33:13.060 That he has done something. 00:33:13.360 --> 00:33:14.779 Absolutely wonderful for us. 00:33:16.259 --> 00:33:17.860 He has stormed the walls. 00:33:19.060 --> 00:33:20.320 And has set us free. 00:33:20.320 --> 00:33:21.860 From our own web of lies. 00:33:23.640 --> 00:33:24.080 Otherwise. 00:33:24.079 --> 00:33:25.699 You and I would be as lost. 00:33:25.759 --> 00:33:26.439 As everyone else. 00:33:26.559 --> 00:33:28.019 And there's nothing to be proud of. 00:33:30.059 --> 00:33:31.480 But he who sets. 00:33:32.240 --> 00:33:33.980 He who the son sets free. 00:33:34.159 --> 00:33:35.000 Truly is free. 00:33:36.740 --> 00:33:37.419 Your home. 00:33:40.220 --> 00:33:41.159 And so when this week. 00:33:41.240 --> 00:33:41.839 You feel trapped. 00:33:42.279 --> 00:33:42.899 And guilty. 00:33:44.139 --> 00:33:45.480 Or like an imposter. 00:33:45.619 --> 00:33:46.359 That you don't belong. 00:33:46.559 --> 00:33:46.799 Come. 00:33:48.079 --> 00:33:49.579 Come and embrace the son. 00:33:49.879 --> 00:33:50.559 Over again. 00:33:52.599 --> 00:33:53.819 And remember who you are. 00:33:53.819 --> 00:33:54.159 In heaven. 00:34:00.139 --> 00:34:00.700 Let's pray. 00:34:00.700 --> 00:34:00.700 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.140