WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.980 I want to backtrack a little bit from where we were, where we finished off last Sunday night. 00:00:05.080 --> 00:00:10.419 And I want us to look again at verses 24 to 30, but particularly 24 to 38. 00:00:11.160 --> 00:00:15.120 And really just step back a little bit from the passage. 00:00:16.140 --> 00:00:22.460 Because to think about what is going on in Luke 22, it's such a rich passage, isn't it? 00:00:22.640 --> 00:00:27.240 There's so many ways of looking at Luke chapter 22. 00:00:27.239 --> 00:00:32.519 And there are clues that Luke has put into his narrative. 00:00:33.619 --> 00:00:35.259 We have the whole of the gospel, don't we? 00:00:35.299 --> 00:00:38.539 We have the whole of the gospel so we know where Jesus is going. 00:00:39.359 --> 00:00:48.420 And we watch Luke 22 as observers, how these disciples, they are mystified as they follow the Saviour. 00:00:49.259 --> 00:00:54.560 And one big clue to Luke's gospel, which you're probably fed up of me going on about, is Luke chapter 9 verse 51. 00:00:54.560 --> 00:00:59.160 Where we're told that Jesus is going to the cross. 00:00:59.740 --> 00:01:04.140 He sets his face steadfastly to go to Jerusalem. 00:01:04.700 --> 00:01:10.680 And we've noticed that that really is the clue to everything that happens from 9 verse 51 right to this chapter. 00:01:11.320 --> 00:01:14.820 Right until he arrives in this week of his passion. 00:01:14.819 --> 00:01:19.819 But ages ago, there was another clue, and you probably can't remember me telling you about it. 00:01:20.219 --> 00:01:20.899 To the narrative. 00:01:21.119 --> 00:01:21.939 It was so long ago. 00:01:22.219 --> 00:01:26.899 There's something else in chapter 4 that is a major clue to understanding the gospel. 00:01:27.039 --> 00:01:30.079 And if I'm honest, I think I've missed it in lots of ways. 00:01:30.079 --> 00:01:37.400 So you remember how after the temptations of the Lord Jesus, when Jesus conquered the evil one, 00:01:38.099 --> 00:01:42.799 and sent him back with his tail between his legs, he withstood all the temptations. 00:01:43.060 --> 00:01:46.459 We're told in Luke chapter 4 and verse 13. 00:01:46.519 --> 00:01:49.439 If you just turn there, chapter 4 and verse 13. 00:01:49.439 --> 00:01:56.179 And when the devil had ended every temptation, it's a remarkable verse, 00:01:56.500 --> 00:01:58.700 he departed from him until an opportune time. 00:02:01.159 --> 00:02:03.500 It's not that the devil is absent from Luke's gospel. 00:02:04.599 --> 00:02:09.259 We've seen, haven't we, as we've gone through it, dark and demonic powers at work in Luke's gospel. 00:02:09.520 --> 00:02:12.620 And Jesus has gloriously overcome them. 00:02:12.620 --> 00:02:21.539 But what Luke tells us, is that in that confrontation, Jesus seems to exhaust all of Satan's firepower. 00:02:22.520 --> 00:02:25.460 All of Satan's ammunition that has been fired in Luke 4. 00:02:26.740 --> 00:02:28.420 And Jesus withstands that. 00:02:28.879 --> 00:02:31.340 Jesus is the last man standing. 00:02:32.420 --> 00:02:39.540 And as it were, for the first time in history, Satan has to slink away out of the presence of a human being. 00:02:39.539 --> 00:02:43.259 And Luke is saying to us, from Luke chapter 4 verse 13, 00:02:43.560 --> 00:02:49.039 As you read my gospel, dear Theophilus, and all you other readers, keep your eye on the drama. 00:02:50.079 --> 00:02:53.039 Keep your eye open for the opportune time. 00:02:54.340 --> 00:02:55.959 Because Satan will return. 00:02:57.299 --> 00:02:59.639 And Satan again will come into the spotlight. 00:03:00.219 --> 00:03:02.680 And the centre stage of the drama in Jesus' ministry. 00:03:02.959 --> 00:03:04.180 And here he is in Luke 22. 00:03:05.459 --> 00:03:07.699 And it's fascinating when you view it from that angle. 00:03:07.699 --> 00:03:11.280 Luke now gives us really obvious clues. 00:03:11.879 --> 00:03:14.439 That this is the opportune time. 00:03:15.139 --> 00:03:17.219 So do you notice chapter 22 and verse 3? 00:03:17.579 --> 00:03:21.359 Satan entered into Judas, called Iscariot. 00:03:21.619 --> 00:03:23.379 You see it in verse 22. 00:03:24.019 --> 00:03:28.239 The Son of Man goes as it has been determined. 00:03:28.240 --> 00:03:34.560 But woe to that man by whom he is betrayed. 00:03:34.939 --> 00:03:38.060 So Satan has won over Judas Iscariot. 00:03:39.120 --> 00:03:42.820 But now in these verses, verse 31, he comes into the spotlight, doesn't he? 00:03:43.060 --> 00:03:46.980 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you. 00:03:48.140 --> 00:03:49.620 And then in verse 53. 00:03:49.620 --> 00:03:57.840 When I was with you after day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. 00:03:57.900 --> 00:04:01.060 But this is your hour and the power of darkness. 00:04:02.379 --> 00:04:04.280 He's speaking of those who've come to arrest him. 00:04:04.500 --> 00:04:07.300 This is your hour and the power of darkness. 00:04:08.259 --> 00:04:10.020 So Luke could hardly be clearer, can he? 00:04:10.240 --> 00:04:13.439 That now the opportune time has arrived. 00:04:13.439 --> 00:04:19.019 And the evil one's attention is focused on the Lord Jesus. 00:04:20.439 --> 00:04:27.019 And clearly, now as we see this, we see that his tactics have changed, haven't they? 00:04:27.939 --> 00:04:29.459 So do you remember Luke 4? 00:04:30.259 --> 00:04:32.000 Right at the beginning of the narrative of the gospel, 00:04:32.540 --> 00:04:35.339 he wants to prevent Jesus from going to the cross, doesn't he? 00:04:36.480 --> 00:04:42.399 But at the end of the narrative, he wants to pressurise Jesus to go to the cross. 00:04:42.399 --> 00:04:45.039 At the start, he wants to keep him away from the cross. 00:04:45.359 --> 00:04:48.719 But at the end of the gospel, he wants to push him to the cross. 00:04:48.959 --> 00:04:52.120 Not as an act of Jesus' obedience to his heavenly father. 00:04:52.779 --> 00:04:56.319 But because Jesus has been overtaken by evil forces. 00:04:57.679 --> 00:05:01.799 And now in the gospels, there is this all-out assault on the Lord Jesus. 00:05:02.799 --> 00:05:08.179 And the two great protagonists of the Bible stand face to face. 00:05:09.299 --> 00:05:11.139 Jesus, God's king. 00:05:12.399 --> 00:05:13.759 And Satan, God's enemy. 00:05:14.719 --> 00:05:16.779 Who is described as the prince of this world. 00:05:18.060 --> 00:05:21.759 And of course, we know this is part of the bigger picture of the Bible, isn't it? 00:05:22.779 --> 00:05:26.099 So in Genesis chapter 3, God has given a promise. 00:05:26.099 --> 00:05:30.539 And the rest of the story of the Bible is this ongoing conflict. 00:05:30.919 --> 00:05:33.000 Between the seed of the serpent. 00:05:34.339 --> 00:05:35.859 And the seed of the woman. 00:05:35.860 --> 00:05:40.240 And that conflict would come to its climax. 00:05:41.020 --> 00:05:43.639 With one particular seed of the woman. 00:05:43.759 --> 00:05:44.740 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:46.400 The child of the promise. 00:05:47.360 --> 00:05:49.980 Who would face down the serpent himself. 00:05:50.819 --> 00:05:54.680 And the serpent would crush the saviour's heel. 00:05:54.680 --> 00:06:00.220 While the saviour would marvelously crush the serpent's head. 00:06:02.000 --> 00:06:03.459 And so it's very, very clear, isn't it? 00:06:03.459 --> 00:06:04.439 Luke chapter 22. 00:06:06.040 --> 00:06:09.780 Satan hates everything Jesus loves. 00:06:09.779 --> 00:06:15.479 Satan hates everything Jesus loves. 00:06:16.439 --> 00:06:21.159 And Satan seeks to destroy the purposes of Jesus. 00:06:22.079 --> 00:06:25.019 By destroying the people Jesus loves. 00:06:25.119 --> 00:06:25.619 Can you see that? 00:06:26.639 --> 00:06:29.119 And what he does in this passage is really obvious. 00:06:29.439 --> 00:06:30.879 In really obvious ways. 00:06:32.299 --> 00:06:34.000 And it's important to understand that. 00:06:34.000 --> 00:06:39.279 Because the Bible teaches you that the devil has very, very limited strategies. 00:06:40.019 --> 00:06:41.439 To pull down Christians. 00:06:42.620 --> 00:06:45.740 And very limited strategies to express his hatred of Christians. 00:06:46.379 --> 00:06:47.540 And he keeps on using them. 00:06:47.759 --> 00:06:49.600 Again and again and again. 00:06:50.139 --> 00:06:51.079 And he's so successful. 00:06:51.379 --> 00:06:53.180 So you read through the rest of the New Testament. 00:06:53.560 --> 00:06:55.240 And you read through some church history. 00:06:55.779 --> 00:06:59.000 And you'll find that the devil keeps using the same tactics. 00:07:00.060 --> 00:07:00.939 And why should he change? 00:07:01.959 --> 00:07:03.879 Why should he change when they're so successful? 00:07:04.920 --> 00:07:08.660 Why should he change when he can express all his hatred. 00:07:09.060 --> 00:07:11.220 Of that which the Lord Jesus loves most. 00:07:12.160 --> 00:07:14.600 And for which he's shared his most precious blood. 00:07:14.699 --> 00:07:15.220 The church. 00:07:16.699 --> 00:07:18.319 And there's this little church, isn't it? 00:07:18.319 --> 00:07:19.339 We saw it last Sunday night. 00:07:20.259 --> 00:07:21.439 Gathered around the Lord's table. 00:07:21.560 --> 00:07:22.399 Sitting at the Passover. 00:07:23.860 --> 00:07:24.560 Around him. 00:07:24.720 --> 00:07:25.660 This little church family. 00:07:26.860 --> 00:07:28.379 And Satan is intent. 00:07:29.060 --> 00:07:30.259 On destroying it. 00:07:31.259 --> 00:07:33.980 And destroying Jesus' fruitfulness. 00:07:35.000 --> 00:07:37.199 By destroying those whom Jesus loves. 00:07:38.420 --> 00:07:39.480 So what are the strategies? 00:07:40.240 --> 00:07:41.259 What are the tactics? 00:07:41.540 --> 00:07:42.439 And they're very obvious. 00:07:43.319 --> 00:07:44.399 The first tactic is this. 00:07:44.560 --> 00:07:45.740 Dividing the disciples. 00:07:46.560 --> 00:07:48.279 In order to destroy the fellowship. 00:07:49.879 --> 00:07:51.079 Dividing the disciples. 00:07:51.839 --> 00:07:53.759 In order to destroy the fellowship. 00:07:55.120 --> 00:07:55.980 Around Jesus. 00:07:55.980 --> 00:07:59.060 It is an almost incredible scene, isn't it? 00:08:00.140 --> 00:08:02.819 Jesus has talked about giving his body. 00:08:03.800 --> 00:08:06.860 About shedding his blood for our salvation and blessing. 00:08:07.300 --> 00:08:09.360 And he's spoken about the terrible reality. 00:08:09.840 --> 00:08:13.439 That he is going to be betrayed by one of his own disciples. 00:08:14.100 --> 00:08:15.620 He's changing the Passover. 00:08:16.000 --> 00:08:17.460 He's fulfilling the Passover. 00:08:17.840 --> 00:08:19.520 He is the Passover lamb. 00:08:19.620 --> 00:08:20.500 Do you remember we saw that? 00:08:20.759 --> 00:08:23.340 The lamb is not on the table because he's at the table. 00:08:23.339 --> 00:08:25.060 Well, he is the Passover. 00:08:25.799 --> 00:08:27.159 And he's changing it to the Lord's Supper. 00:08:28.739 --> 00:08:30.519 And so we have the Lord's Supper this morning. 00:08:31.979 --> 00:08:34.519 And after the service we share in the Lord's Supper. 00:08:34.519 --> 00:08:40.659 And we overhear three of the elders at the table where there's the digestive biscuits. 00:08:41.539 --> 00:08:44.019 And one of them says to the other, it's me first. 00:08:44.819 --> 00:08:46.159 No, it's me first. 00:08:46.919 --> 00:08:48.699 Graham pushes Paul Miners out of the way. 00:08:49.039 --> 00:08:50.460 And said, I'm the oldest elder. 00:08:50.879 --> 00:08:51.980 It's me first. 00:08:52.840 --> 00:08:53.579 It's me first. 00:08:53.620 --> 00:08:54.240 Isn't it ridiculous? 00:08:55.500 --> 00:08:56.419 Wouldn't it be astonishing? 00:08:56.419 --> 00:08:59.740 That's exactly what happens. 00:09:00.059 --> 00:09:00.579 Verse 24. 00:09:02.079 --> 00:09:03.319 A dispute arose among them. 00:09:03.979 --> 00:09:05.620 As to who was to be regarded as the greatest. 00:09:06.879 --> 00:09:09.399 And again, that's not the first time it's happened in Luke's cross, is it? 00:09:09.459 --> 00:09:10.279 We've seen that before. 00:09:11.299 --> 00:09:12.519 When did it happen the last time? 00:09:12.559 --> 00:09:15.500 The last time it happened was when he announced that he was going to the cross. 00:09:15.839 --> 00:09:18.519 And a dispute arose among them. 00:09:18.699 --> 00:09:20.240 As to who was going to be first. 00:09:20.240 --> 00:09:25.419 And actually these things happen when you're in a crisis, don't they? 00:09:26.519 --> 00:09:27.720 There's a crisis here. 00:09:29.060 --> 00:09:31.000 Relations get strained in a crisis. 00:09:31.500 --> 00:09:32.860 And that is certainly happening here. 00:09:33.180 --> 00:09:36.340 And the devil has found this kind of little bit of space. 00:09:36.480 --> 00:09:37.759 This landing ground. 00:09:38.500 --> 00:09:41.560 He's found a way to divide the disciples from one another. 00:09:41.940 --> 00:09:45.100 And bring great discouragement to the Lord Jesus. 00:09:47.980 --> 00:09:49.539 I think it's true for many of us, isn't it? 00:09:49.539 --> 00:09:55.939 Many of us think that the devil, we assume that the devil gives people compassionate leave. 00:09:57.240 --> 00:10:01.719 We know that the devil will attack us when things are going really well for us as a church family. 00:10:02.059 --> 00:10:07.579 If more people were coming, and more people were coming to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:10:07.579 --> 00:10:12.959 If we felt things were going really wonderfully well, in a sense, we could understand that. 00:10:13.019 --> 00:10:15.219 Satan would want to get in amongst that, wouldn't he? 00:10:15.240 --> 00:10:16.199 And divide and destroy. 00:10:16.839 --> 00:10:17.539 And attack. 00:10:18.620 --> 00:10:19.319 Of course he does. 00:10:19.539 --> 00:10:21.179 But he wouldn't hit us when we're down, would he? 00:10:22.339 --> 00:10:23.779 He wouldn't hit us when we're weak. 00:10:24.980 --> 00:10:27.139 He wouldn't hit us when we're poor and vulnerable. 00:10:27.139 --> 00:10:30.659 And you've got to believe that is the time he will hit you. 00:10:32.500 --> 00:10:33.600 He is not a friend. 00:10:35.220 --> 00:10:37.399 He is not a friend of those whom Jesus loves. 00:10:39.039 --> 00:10:47.799 And because he hates those whom Jesus loves, whether it be times of blessing or times of struggle, times of quiet, times of advance. 00:10:47.799 --> 00:10:53.799 He will persistently seek to divide disciples of the Lord Jesus from one another. 00:10:53.799 --> 00:10:57.039 And he's been doing it since the Garden of Eden. 00:10:57.039 --> 00:11:07.379 And Satan spoiled the very best thing that God had given to the man and woman, which was their commitment to one another. 00:11:08.319 --> 00:11:09.779 And he spoiled their family. 00:11:09.779 --> 00:11:14.379 And that is really a word to the wise, isn't it? 00:11:14.379 --> 00:11:16.839 To those of us who are the family of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:11:16.840 --> 00:11:20.519 It always happens in the same way. 00:11:20.720 --> 00:11:21.080 Do you notice? 00:11:23.000 --> 00:11:28.180 The only thing that keeps us together is the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:11:29.759 --> 00:11:32.700 As I look out this morning, it's not because we've got very much else in common, is it? 00:11:32.980 --> 00:11:33.720 Look around you. 00:11:34.920 --> 00:11:36.460 Some of us have things in common. 00:11:37.500 --> 00:11:39.399 Others have nothing in common. 00:11:39.840 --> 00:11:40.879 Or very little in common. 00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:45.939 And we will not last as a church family. 00:11:47.639 --> 00:11:52.139 If all that holds us together is what we've got in common, we will not last. 00:11:52.480 --> 00:11:55.240 Because it would be so easy for Satan to divide us, wouldn't it? 00:11:55.779 --> 00:11:56.840 I don't like that. 00:11:57.919 --> 00:11:58.919 Well, I don't like that. 00:11:59.600 --> 00:12:00.360 Me first. 00:12:01.139 --> 00:12:01.919 My way. 00:12:02.519 --> 00:12:02.980 Not your way. 00:12:03.039 --> 00:12:04.840 We're not as obvious as that, are we? 00:12:04.899 --> 00:12:06.419 But very subtly we do it. 00:12:06.659 --> 00:12:07.740 I know best. 00:12:08.899 --> 00:12:10.100 Do you see what he was doing? 00:12:11.460 --> 00:12:12.360 And this is the point. 00:12:13.539 --> 00:12:15.679 It is unbelievable from one point of view. 00:12:15.779 --> 00:12:18.419 And yet, it is exactly what happens to us. 00:12:19.559 --> 00:12:20.759 It's so simple, isn't it? 00:12:20.820 --> 00:12:22.679 We take our eyes off the Lord Jesus. 00:12:23.659 --> 00:12:25.860 Who gave his lifeblood for us. 00:12:27.700 --> 00:12:32.960 And Satan diverts our eyes so that we look at each other to demean rather than to serve. 00:12:33.700 --> 00:12:35.460 To say me first. 00:12:35.940 --> 00:12:37.679 Rather than you first. 00:12:37.679 --> 00:12:43.819 And on that weakness, which is prevalent in my heart and in your heart, Satan pounces. 00:12:45.759 --> 00:12:47.799 Now, we see this in normal families, don't we? 00:12:48.599 --> 00:12:50.239 Mum and Dad start on summer holidays. 00:12:50.240 --> 00:12:55.539 They decide to give their children the best day that they can possibly give them. 00:12:56.560 --> 00:12:57.779 So they take them to Legoland. 00:12:57.779 --> 00:13:01.379 And they take the family to Legoland. 00:13:01.839 --> 00:13:03.659 Get on the stuffy train to Legoland. 00:13:03.839 --> 00:13:04.419 And you get out. 00:13:04.759 --> 00:13:05.879 And there's one child. 00:13:06.539 --> 00:13:07.899 There's always one child, isn't there? 00:13:08.439 --> 00:13:12.059 There's one child out of the family who refuses to play ball. 00:13:12.759 --> 00:13:13.740 Who doesn't want to be there. 00:13:14.199 --> 00:13:15.519 Who doesn't want to go on that ride. 00:13:16.059 --> 00:13:17.519 Who doesn't want sandwiches. 00:13:18.139 --> 00:13:19.439 Doesn't want this and doesn't want that. 00:13:19.440 --> 00:13:20.560 Now, what's the day like? 00:13:20.820 --> 00:13:23.060 With that one child playing up. 00:13:23.420 --> 00:13:24.400 Not playing ball. 00:13:24.500 --> 00:13:24.960 What's it like? 00:13:25.000 --> 00:13:26.020 It's a disaster, isn't it? 00:13:27.060 --> 00:13:30.760 Poor Dad comes home and he says, that's the last time we're ever going to try anything like that again. 00:13:32.320 --> 00:13:33.320 It just takes one. 00:13:34.980 --> 00:13:39.800 It just takes one to divert his or her eyes from the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:13:39.860 --> 00:13:40.940 And say me first. 00:13:41.180 --> 00:13:42.820 To draw it out of the rest of us. 00:13:42.820 --> 00:13:46.420 And suddenly we take our eyes off the Lord Jesus. 00:13:46.620 --> 00:13:48.180 And we're not saying you first. 00:13:48.860 --> 00:13:50.260 We're saying me first. 00:13:51.280 --> 00:13:54.220 The only reality that unites us. 00:13:55.260 --> 00:13:56.600 Is the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:13:58.560 --> 00:13:59.800 May God help us. 00:14:01.100 --> 00:14:04.420 May God help us to have that shield around our church family. 00:14:04.940 --> 00:14:07.080 That we will stand firm against the devil. 00:14:07.380 --> 00:14:10.260 By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. 00:14:10.259 --> 00:14:13.919 Who did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. 00:14:13.960 --> 00:14:15.240 But made himself nothing. 00:14:17.439 --> 00:14:18.299 Becoming a servant. 00:14:20.779 --> 00:14:22.139 And so as we look to Jesus. 00:14:22.840 --> 00:14:23.559 What happens? 00:14:23.620 --> 00:14:26.120 Whenever our eyes look on someone else. 00:14:27.039 --> 00:14:28.439 We mentally say, Lord Jesus. 00:14:28.759 --> 00:14:30.299 I'm going to put him first. 00:14:30.600 --> 00:14:30.879 Him? 00:14:32.600 --> 00:14:33.319 Yes, him. 00:14:33.439 --> 00:14:34.240 Her first? 00:14:34.419 --> 00:14:35.100 Yes, her. 00:14:36.480 --> 00:14:37.919 And so Satan comes, doesn't he? 00:14:37.919 --> 00:14:40.860 He comes to divide the disciples whom Jesus has been uniting. 00:14:41.339 --> 00:14:42.599 And he says to Jesus. 00:14:42.919 --> 00:14:45.979 A real spitefulness and nastiness against Jesus. 00:14:46.379 --> 00:14:47.719 To say to the saviour. 00:14:48.039 --> 00:14:50.179 And you thought that you were saving this bunch. 00:14:50.259 --> 00:14:50.639 Look at them. 00:14:52.399 --> 00:14:53.439 All it does, Jesus. 00:14:53.519 --> 00:14:55.319 It takes me to saunter into the room. 00:14:55.659 --> 00:14:57.079 And all your work is for nothing. 00:14:58.039 --> 00:15:00.379 How he hates the saviour. 00:15:01.199 --> 00:15:05.299 And how he hates those whom Jesus loves. 00:15:06.059 --> 00:15:07.639 And so he seeks to divide the disciples. 00:15:09.339 --> 00:15:11.559 The second thing he does is not only divide the disciples. 00:15:11.759 --> 00:15:13.339 But there's the sifting of the disciples. 00:15:13.519 --> 00:15:13.679 Isn't there? 00:15:13.699 --> 00:15:14.819 Can you see that in verse 31? 00:15:15.919 --> 00:15:16.779 Look at verse 31. 00:15:18.139 --> 00:15:18.719 Simon, Simon. 00:15:18.799 --> 00:15:20.839 Behold, Satan demanded to have you. 00:15:22.120 --> 00:15:23.139 That he might sift you. 00:15:23.240 --> 00:15:23.459 Like, wait. 00:15:23.539 --> 00:15:24.699 And ESV is good on this point. 00:15:24.759 --> 00:15:25.659 Look at the footnote. 00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:26.359 The little one. 00:15:26.620 --> 00:15:28.000 If you've got good eyes. 00:15:29.039 --> 00:15:30.259 You can look at the one. 00:15:30.539 --> 00:15:30.719 Alright? 00:15:31.240 --> 00:15:32.399 You probably need most of you. 00:15:32.459 --> 00:15:33.359 Someone to help you with it. 00:15:33.360 --> 00:15:35.240 But it says there, doesn't it? 00:15:35.440 --> 00:15:37.500 In chapter 31, there's a little three. 00:15:38.060 --> 00:15:40.279 The Greek word for you in verse 21. 00:15:40.539 --> 00:15:41.680 Twice in this word. 00:15:41.980 --> 00:15:43.019 Verse is plural. 00:15:44.580 --> 00:15:45.700 In verse 32. 00:15:45.940 --> 00:15:48.680 All four instances are singular. 00:15:48.820 --> 00:15:50.100 That's how I've underlined that. 00:15:50.240 --> 00:15:51.600 It's a very, very helpful thing. 00:15:52.840 --> 00:15:53.620 Verse 31. 00:15:53.740 --> 00:15:54.639 The word is plural. 00:15:54.779 --> 00:15:55.919 And that's very important. 00:15:56.200 --> 00:15:58.659 Because what Jesus is saying to all the disciples. 00:15:59.180 --> 00:16:01.379 Is that Satan has demanded to have all of you. 00:16:01.379 --> 00:16:04.840 To sift you like wheat. 00:16:06.960 --> 00:16:09.580 He's going to put you through the mill if you follow the Lord Jesus. 00:16:10.039 --> 00:16:10.659 And of course. 00:16:11.220 --> 00:16:12.179 This reminds us, isn't it? 00:16:12.200 --> 00:16:13.620 It's so reminiscent of Job. 00:16:15.200 --> 00:16:17.879 Satan appears before the throne in heaven. 00:16:18.080 --> 00:16:19.220 Again, a great mystery. 00:16:19.340 --> 00:16:20.220 That can't happen today. 00:16:20.299 --> 00:16:21.480 He's been cast out of heaven. 00:16:21.480 --> 00:16:24.700 But Satan appears before the throne of God. 00:16:24.779 --> 00:16:26.320 And he says to God, look at Job. 00:16:26.659 --> 00:16:27.100 Look at him. 00:16:27.860 --> 00:16:29.019 He just serves you. 00:16:29.259 --> 00:16:32.259 He only serves you because of what he's got. 00:16:32.340 --> 00:16:34.019 He only serves you because of the good life. 00:16:34.480 --> 00:16:35.399 And God says, well show me. 00:16:36.840 --> 00:16:38.100 And Job is put through the mill. 00:16:38.899 --> 00:16:40.620 And he is sifted like wheat. 00:16:40.620 --> 00:16:43.759 And you see what Jesus is saying here. 00:16:44.120 --> 00:16:46.060 Satan not only longs to bring division. 00:16:46.480 --> 00:16:48.419 But Satan is going to sift the disciples. 00:16:50.000 --> 00:16:52.720 And he's got a particular target. 00:16:53.000 --> 00:16:54.639 This one disciple. 00:16:55.720 --> 00:16:57.340 Whom Jesus loved clearly. 00:16:58.220 --> 00:16:59.460 Look at verse 31, 32. 00:16:59.460 --> 00:17:03.300 Simon, Simon, behold Satan, demanded to have you. 00:17:03.420 --> 00:17:04.600 That he might sift you like wheat. 00:17:04.720 --> 00:17:06.980 But I have prayed for you, Simon. 00:17:07.200 --> 00:17:07.900 In particular. 00:17:09.680 --> 00:17:11.440 I've prayed for you, singular. 00:17:12.680 --> 00:17:14.400 That your faith may not fail. 00:17:15.400 --> 00:17:17.720 And when you've turned, again, strengthen your brothers. 00:17:20.100 --> 00:17:22.480 Peter's exactly that line in Hamlet, doesn't it? 00:17:23.019 --> 00:17:24.079 Lord, verse 33. 00:17:24.180 --> 00:17:26.340 I'm ready to go with you both to prison and to death. 00:17:26.420 --> 00:17:28.340 The lady does profess too much, we think. 00:17:29.460 --> 00:17:31.079 I'll never fail you. 00:17:32.240 --> 00:17:33.940 I'll never let you down. 00:17:35.460 --> 00:17:37.120 I'll go with you to death. 00:17:37.840 --> 00:17:38.680 If necessary. 00:17:39.779 --> 00:17:41.240 I'll go to prison with you. 00:17:42.900 --> 00:17:45.299 And how often we speak back to Jesus. 00:17:46.140 --> 00:17:49.340 Without actually hearing what he's saying to us. 00:17:50.299 --> 00:17:51.400 That could never happen to me. 00:17:52.600 --> 00:17:53.840 It could never happen to me. 00:17:55.559 --> 00:17:58.000 See the problem with Simon Peter here. 00:17:58.000 --> 00:18:00.819 It's not that he doesn't know Jesus as well as he needs to. 00:18:00.880 --> 00:18:03.119 But he doesn't know himself as well as he needs to. 00:18:05.119 --> 00:18:06.880 Oh Peter, verse 34. 00:18:08.559 --> 00:18:10.140 Oh Peter, I tell you Peter. 00:18:10.599 --> 00:18:14.119 The cop will not crow this day until you deny me three times that you know me. 00:18:14.119 --> 00:18:18.779 And that promise of Jesus came true. 00:18:20.679 --> 00:18:24.259 But I think we need to sense how it came true. 00:18:24.259 --> 00:18:28.559 You can imagine you're in the situation in Ealing. 00:18:28.700 --> 00:18:29.640 You're in a pub in Ealing. 00:18:29.879 --> 00:18:30.379 And you're in a pub. 00:18:30.420 --> 00:18:30.940 And I'm in the pub. 00:18:31.079 --> 00:18:33.440 And I go to order food at the pub. 00:18:33.539 --> 00:18:34.960 But the waitress is really rude. 00:18:35.039 --> 00:18:36.400 And in the end the waitress comes back to me. 00:18:36.440 --> 00:18:37.519 Jesus, the kitchen is shut. 00:18:37.920 --> 00:18:39.099 You haven't talked to me yet. 00:18:39.220 --> 00:18:40.200 I don't realise you're there. 00:18:41.259 --> 00:18:43.059 And I get really angry with the waitress. 00:18:44.220 --> 00:18:47.440 And I'm raging at the fact that the kitchen is shut. 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:50.480 And I sort of swear. 00:18:51.740 --> 00:18:53.340 The waitress says, hang on a minute. 00:18:54.059 --> 00:18:55.620 I went to the International Cafe once. 00:18:55.860 --> 00:18:56.660 Not that I ever go to that. 00:18:56.840 --> 00:19:01.320 And they say that you're one of the ministers of the International Presbyterian Church. 00:19:02.519 --> 00:19:05.840 And you hear a series of expletives coming out of my mouth. 00:19:11.019 --> 00:19:14.200 And you hear me say, I have nothing to do with the IPC. 00:19:14.259 --> 00:19:15.420 I know nothing about the IPC. 00:19:15.420 --> 00:19:18.360 And it's worse than that. 00:19:18.420 --> 00:19:19.680 You hear me shout in the bar. 00:19:20.240 --> 00:19:24.640 And I have nothing to do whatsoever with that blank, blank, blank Jesus of Nazareth. 00:19:27.640 --> 00:19:28.519 Imagine the shock. 00:19:31.320 --> 00:19:32.840 And so you know what happens? 00:19:33.060 --> 00:19:37.200 Here is this disciple whom Jesus said, blessed are you Simon, son of Jonah. 00:19:38.700 --> 00:19:40.460 Simon had said, you are the Christ. 00:19:41.600 --> 00:19:43.120 Son of the living God. 00:19:43.119 --> 00:19:45.719 Jesus says, flesh and blood has not revealed that to you. 00:19:46.119 --> 00:19:48.539 But my Father in heaven has revealed it to you. 00:19:48.559 --> 00:19:50.759 And on this rock I will build my church. 00:19:51.779 --> 00:19:56.439 And that plan is that Peter, he will be the one on the day of Pentecost. 00:19:56.559 --> 00:20:01.500 He will open the key of the kingdom of heaven so that thousands of people, 00:20:01.779 --> 00:20:03.159 so people like you and me, 00:20:04.479 --> 00:20:08.079 Peter will open the door to the Gentile world to come to faith in Jesus Christ. 00:20:08.079 --> 00:20:11.299 So you understand this. 00:20:11.500 --> 00:20:15.319 Because Jesus promised to use Peter in a particular way, 00:20:15.419 --> 00:20:17.039 he is going to be the leader of the pack. 00:20:18.379 --> 00:20:21.179 But all hell is going to be let loose against him. 00:20:21.839 --> 00:20:22.879 To sift him. 00:20:23.819 --> 00:20:25.000 To destroy him. 00:20:25.000 --> 00:20:28.299 In order to destroy Jesus' promises. 00:20:29.799 --> 00:20:30.299 And purposes. 00:20:32.559 --> 00:20:39.039 We thank God and we thank God this morning that few of us have known this in such a dramatic way. 00:20:40.980 --> 00:20:45.420 And yet some of us, many of us this morning, probably all of us, 00:20:45.500 --> 00:20:49.680 have grieved ourselves and the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:20:50.000 --> 00:20:51.160 Deeply by our sins. 00:20:51.160 --> 00:20:54.340 And what do you do this morning? 00:20:55.660 --> 00:20:57.340 What do you do in those circumstances? 00:20:57.460 --> 00:21:00.700 As you come to the table so aware of your failure and your sin. 00:21:02.220 --> 00:21:06.060 And you discover the evil one coming, as you said to Simon Peter, 00:21:06.180 --> 00:21:09.279 and saying to Simon Peter in his brokenness and weakness, 00:21:09.740 --> 00:21:13.740 how can you possibly belong to the Lord Jesus? 00:21:14.640 --> 00:21:16.460 When this has been your life. 00:21:16.460 --> 00:21:21.180 And some of us have those things in our past, don't we? 00:21:22.680 --> 00:21:26.579 Some of us have things in our past that we would like to shut off completely. 00:21:28.019 --> 00:21:30.079 From all time and for all eternity. 00:21:30.380 --> 00:21:31.059 What are you to do? 00:21:32.900 --> 00:21:34.920 Well let me say this, it's not going to help you at all, is it? 00:21:34.980 --> 00:21:37.880 To say to Satan, well I'm a member of IPC, or I go to church. 00:21:37.880 --> 00:21:42.240 It's not going to help you to say, well look at the things I do for the Lord. 00:21:43.400 --> 00:21:47.820 Because he will persist in pointing out your shame, and your sin, and your guilt. 00:21:47.860 --> 00:21:48.420 What do you do? 00:21:49.880 --> 00:21:51.840 Well we sang about it, we sang it last week, didn't we? 00:21:52.860 --> 00:21:54.200 Before the throne of God above. 00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:59.260 When Satan tempts me to despair, 00:21:59.259 --> 00:22:03.079 and he tells me of the guilt within, what am I going to do to him? 00:22:04.140 --> 00:22:05.160 What am I going to say to him? 00:22:07.519 --> 00:22:08.220 It's common. 00:22:09.160 --> 00:22:10.839 It's a common experience in the Christian life. 00:22:11.099 --> 00:22:13.839 If you've never had these doubts, and these struggles, 00:22:14.059 --> 00:22:15.039 these pangs of guilt, 00:22:15.099 --> 00:22:18.119 you may know very, very little indeed of true Christian experience. 00:22:19.759 --> 00:22:20.619 What are you going to say to him? 00:22:20.660 --> 00:22:21.680 What is Peter going to say to him? 00:22:24.279 --> 00:22:25.400 He's going to say to Satan, 00:22:25.400 --> 00:22:27.640 Jesus said, 00:22:28.580 --> 00:22:29.980 he prays for me, 00:22:30.160 --> 00:22:33.140 that my faith will not fail, 00:22:34.620 --> 00:22:35.840 and that he would restore me. 00:22:38.940 --> 00:22:39.800 Upward I look, 00:22:40.880 --> 00:22:42.140 and see him there, 00:22:42.980 --> 00:22:44.640 who made an end of all my sin. 00:22:47.380 --> 00:22:49.420 And that now I have a future in his service, 00:22:50.640 --> 00:22:52.280 and in his kingdom, and most of all in his life. 00:22:52.340 --> 00:22:54.220 Do you remember how Paul puts it in Romans 8, doesn't he? 00:22:54.220 --> 00:22:55.259 He puts it so famously, 00:22:55.400 --> 00:22:57.140 who is he that is going to condemn us? 00:22:57.200 --> 00:22:57.680 The devil? 00:22:59.700 --> 00:23:02.320 The devil, stir up the embers of your guilty conscience. 00:23:02.740 --> 00:23:03.620 You are condemned. 00:23:04.019 --> 00:23:04.960 You are condemned. 00:23:05.340 --> 00:23:06.120 You are condemned. 00:23:06.420 --> 00:23:08.560 And our response with the Apostle Paul, 00:23:08.840 --> 00:23:09.500 is to say, 00:23:09.580 --> 00:23:10.720 who can condemn us? 00:23:10.900 --> 00:23:11.660 Christ Jesus, 00:23:12.440 --> 00:23:13.600 who died for us, 00:23:13.920 --> 00:23:15.600 and is risen again from the dead, 00:23:16.660 --> 00:23:18.600 and is even now at the right hand, 00:23:18.920 --> 00:23:20.040 the throne of the Most High, 00:23:20.080 --> 00:23:21.440 and he intercedes for us. 00:23:21.680 --> 00:23:22.800 That is our security. 00:23:22.799 --> 00:23:26.700 That it is he who loves us. 00:23:28.200 --> 00:23:30.460 And it is he who intercedes for us. 00:23:30.659 --> 00:23:33.139 And his intercession cannot fail. 00:23:33.140 --> 00:23:40.140 And that it is he who crushed the head of the serpent, 00:23:40.340 --> 00:23:41.620 in his death and resurrection. 00:23:42.060 --> 00:23:43.220 And Paul says to the Romans, 00:23:43.620 --> 00:23:44.560 and you, 00:23:46.200 --> 00:23:46.600 he says, 00:23:46.660 --> 00:23:49.000 you will also crush Satan's head on your feet. 00:23:49.000 --> 00:23:52.140 It's so marvellous, isn't it, 00:23:52.140 --> 00:23:55.380 to know that Jesus is stronger than Satan. 00:23:56.740 --> 00:23:58.920 That when Satan comes with the tactic of dividing, 00:24:00.220 --> 00:24:02.180 we look to Jesus and we are preserved. 00:24:03.220 --> 00:24:05.160 And Jesus comes with the tactic of sifting, 00:24:06.319 --> 00:24:07.880 and the Lord Jesus intercedes. 00:24:08.980 --> 00:24:09.539 Third thing, 00:24:10.400 --> 00:24:12.539 is blinding. 00:24:12.539 --> 00:24:14.079 The devil comes and he blinds. 00:24:15.940 --> 00:24:16.740 Jesus says, 00:24:16.839 --> 00:24:17.139 doesn't he, 00:24:17.240 --> 00:24:19.500 in verses 35-38, 00:24:20.619 --> 00:24:23.279 this is Christ's situation. 00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:26.059 This is red alert. 00:24:27.859 --> 00:24:28.819 Do you remember how I said to you, 00:24:28.879 --> 00:24:29.559 ages ago, disciples, 00:24:29.960 --> 00:24:31.940 don't bother taking out any equipment, 00:24:32.500 --> 00:24:34.159 because what you're carrying will be enough of you. 00:24:34.200 --> 00:24:34.839 You'll be fine. 00:24:35.339 --> 00:24:37.099 I'll provide you in every way, 00:24:37.200 --> 00:24:37.779 for every way. 00:24:38.339 --> 00:24:39.460 But now it's different. 00:24:40.460 --> 00:24:42.319 This is now the time of crisis. 00:24:43.200 --> 00:24:45.500 And Satan is bringing all his artillery to bear. 00:24:45.779 --> 00:24:46.980 The temperature is rising. 00:24:47.319 --> 00:24:48.759 I'm going to be arrested, crucified. 00:24:49.779 --> 00:24:51.920 And this is a time for all the equipment you can find. 00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:54.799 And it's clear that he's speaking metaphorically. 00:24:55.700 --> 00:24:56.360 He's saying to them, 00:24:56.400 --> 00:24:57.460 if you don't have a sword, 00:24:57.900 --> 00:24:59.120 sell you a shirt and buy you one. 00:24:59.140 --> 00:24:59.819 It's a metaphor. 00:25:01.140 --> 00:25:02.779 If you sell you a cloak in those days, 00:25:02.779 --> 00:25:03.779 you go around with nothing on. 00:25:04.840 --> 00:25:05.940 He's saying, isn't he, 00:25:06.140 --> 00:25:08.220 this situation is reaching its climax. 00:25:09.460 --> 00:25:11.180 And then a couple of them say, 00:25:11.319 --> 00:25:11.759 don't they, 00:25:12.319 --> 00:25:13.059 don't you love it? 00:25:13.579 --> 00:25:14.299 They say, 00:25:15.240 --> 00:25:15.900 oh look Lord, 00:25:15.960 --> 00:25:17.860 here are a couple of swords I found. 00:25:19.140 --> 00:25:20.120 Here's a couple of swords. 00:25:21.940 --> 00:25:22.519 Here we are. 00:25:24.019 --> 00:25:25.579 This is what we're looking for boys. 00:25:26.579 --> 00:25:27.539 It's incredible, isn't it? 00:25:28.180 --> 00:25:30.480 They've not even begun to understand 00:25:30.480 --> 00:25:31.420 what he's saying to them. 00:25:31.880 --> 00:25:33.140 He's been talking to them about, 00:25:33.360 --> 00:25:34.420 there's going to be a battle, 00:25:34.720 --> 00:25:36.019 and a physical battle. 00:25:36.019 --> 00:25:38.299 A geographical battle. 00:25:38.940 --> 00:25:40.299 It's not a physical battle. 00:25:41.799 --> 00:25:42.400 He's saying to them, 00:25:42.440 --> 00:25:43.519 it's going to be a spiritual battle. 00:25:43.579 --> 00:25:44.960 It's not going to be a kind of battle zone 00:25:44.960 --> 00:25:45.879 or a certain area. 00:25:46.000 --> 00:25:47.079 It's a spiritual battle 00:25:47.079 --> 00:25:49.740 against principalities and powers. 00:25:50.740 --> 00:25:53.139 We're not wrestling against flesh and blood. 00:25:55.000 --> 00:25:56.240 And so often we think, 00:25:56.299 --> 00:25:56.460 don't we, 00:25:56.480 --> 00:25:57.299 if only we can 00:25:57.299 --> 00:26:00.160 wrestle the flesh and blood 00:26:00.160 --> 00:26:01.139 to the floor. 00:26:01.140 --> 00:26:03.040 If only we can get organized 00:26:03.040 --> 00:26:04.180 as the church, 00:26:04.700 --> 00:26:05.560 and get everyone 00:26:05.560 --> 00:26:07.100 doing what we can all do 00:26:07.100 --> 00:26:08.540 and fulfilling our potential, 00:26:08.880 --> 00:26:10.380 then the gospel will advance. 00:26:10.520 --> 00:26:11.300 But it won't. 00:26:12.840 --> 00:26:14.120 Because the ultimate enemy 00:26:14.120 --> 00:26:15.400 is not disorganization. 00:26:16.740 --> 00:26:17.620 And the ultimate enemy 00:26:17.620 --> 00:26:19.160 is not that you're not 00:26:19.160 --> 00:26:20.340 fulfilling your full potential 00:26:20.340 --> 00:26:21.160 and we're not all 00:26:21.160 --> 00:26:22.220 fulfilling our full potential. 00:26:22.600 --> 00:26:23.460 The ultimate enemy 00:26:23.460 --> 00:26:25.180 is principalities and powers 00:26:25.180 --> 00:26:27.020 in the heavenly realms. 00:26:27.560 --> 00:26:28.400 And they're holding up 00:26:28.400 --> 00:26:29.300 a couple of swords. 00:26:29.299 --> 00:26:32.740 Did your teachers 00:26:32.740 --> 00:26:33.419 used to say to me, 00:26:33.500 --> 00:26:34.299 my teachers used to say to me, 00:26:34.419 --> 00:26:36.279 Levy, Levy, Levy. 00:26:37.879 --> 00:26:39.379 Have you been with me so long 00:26:39.379 --> 00:26:41.399 and you haven't begun 00:26:41.399 --> 00:26:42.159 to get it at all? 00:26:47.539 --> 00:26:48.480 Do you see how, 00:26:48.480 --> 00:26:48.839 how, 00:26:48.940 --> 00:26:51.079 how painful this is 00:26:51.079 --> 00:26:51.720 for the Lord Jesus? 00:26:51.899 --> 00:26:52.379 I hope you, 00:26:52.680 --> 00:26:53.960 I hope you realise 00:26:53.960 --> 00:26:54.579 that the Lord Jesus 00:26:54.579 --> 00:26:55.440 is a human being. 00:26:56.500 --> 00:26:57.839 Don't think that he's not human, 00:26:57.980 --> 00:26:58.139 do you? 00:26:58.140 --> 00:27:00.060 You don't think that he's, 00:27:00.759 --> 00:27:02.060 because he's fully God 00:27:02.060 --> 00:27:02.320 and he, 00:27:03.300 --> 00:27:04.740 he's God or very God 00:27:04.740 --> 00:27:05.860 that he's somehow protected 00:27:05.860 --> 00:27:06.200 from, 00:27:06.420 --> 00:27:07.080 from the pain 00:27:07.080 --> 00:27:08.020 and the agony of this. 00:27:09.940 --> 00:27:10.700 This is what, 00:27:10.720 --> 00:27:11.700 what Luke is telling you. 00:27:11.740 --> 00:27:12.140 He's saying 00:27:12.140 --> 00:27:13.080 the very people 00:27:13.080 --> 00:27:14.440 that he loved the most 00:27:14.440 --> 00:27:17.700 and the very people 00:27:17.700 --> 00:27:19.580 that loved him the most, 00:27:19.700 --> 00:27:20.620 they are blind. 00:27:21.920 --> 00:27:23.160 And they're so blind. 00:27:23.160 --> 00:27:26.440 Do you see what the devil 00:27:26.440 --> 00:27:27.180 is saying to Jesus? 00:27:28.460 --> 00:27:29.700 The devil is saying to Jesus, 00:27:29.980 --> 00:27:30.080 you, 00:27:30.080 --> 00:27:30.940 you, 00:27:30.940 --> 00:27:31.580 you don't, 00:27:31.700 --> 00:27:32.460 you don't want to die 00:27:32.460 --> 00:27:33.060 for this lot, 00:27:33.160 --> 00:27:33.380 do you? 00:27:35.460 --> 00:27:35.980 You don't, 00:27:36.019 --> 00:27:36.960 you don't want to die 00:27:36.960 --> 00:27:38.180 for these. 00:27:40.360 --> 00:27:41.259 And the amazing thing 00:27:41.259 --> 00:27:41.759 is he does. 00:27:43.600 --> 00:27:44.480 Because he loves them. 00:27:44.480 --> 00:27:48.759 And the devil comes 00:27:48.759 --> 00:27:49.220 this morning. 00:27:50.940 --> 00:27:51.900 Do you want to die 00:27:51.900 --> 00:27:53.339 for people like you? 00:27:54.860 --> 00:27:55.480 Like us? 00:27:55.480 --> 00:27:58.539 The Lord Jesus says, 00:27:58.599 --> 00:27:58.960 yes I do. 00:28:00.740 --> 00:28:01.579 Because he loves them. 00:28:04.440 --> 00:28:05.500 This lot are not worth 00:28:05.500 --> 00:28:06.039 dying for. 00:28:06.860 --> 00:28:07.720 You've poured yourself 00:28:07.720 --> 00:28:09.140 into them for three years. 00:28:10.000 --> 00:28:11.039 They're not worth loving. 00:28:11.220 --> 00:28:11.980 But Jesus is saying, 00:28:12.079 --> 00:28:12.599 I will love them 00:28:12.599 --> 00:28:13.460 to the very end. 00:28:14.740 --> 00:28:15.660 I will save them 00:28:15.660 --> 00:28:16.539 to the very end. 00:28:19.279 --> 00:28:19.559 So yes, 00:28:19.599 --> 00:28:20.279 Lewis said to Neiman, 00:28:20.799 --> 00:28:21.360 when we come, 00:28:21.539 --> 00:28:22.160 that's the devil, 00:28:22.339 --> 00:28:23.120 when we come to Satan, 00:28:23.200 --> 00:28:24.700 we make two great mistakes. 00:28:24.700 --> 00:28:25.980 Either we don't 00:28:25.980 --> 00:28:26.620 believe in him, 00:28:27.680 --> 00:28:29.080 or we think he's a funny 00:28:29.080 --> 00:28:29.880 little red figure 00:28:29.880 --> 00:28:30.660 in red trousers. 00:28:32.480 --> 00:28:32.900 Have you watched 00:28:32.900 --> 00:28:33.620 the Tour de France? 00:28:34.059 --> 00:28:34.740 There is on the 00:28:34.740 --> 00:28:35.340 mountain stages 00:28:35.340 --> 00:28:36.059 there's a man 00:28:36.059 --> 00:28:36.880 all in red 00:28:36.880 --> 00:28:38.140 who runs alongside 00:28:38.140 --> 00:28:38.680 the devil 00:28:38.680 --> 00:28:39.840 as the devil 00:28:39.840 --> 00:28:41.100 shouting at the riders. 00:28:41.940 --> 00:28:42.420 Ha ha ha, 00:28:42.460 --> 00:28:42.819 isn't it funny? 00:28:42.840 --> 00:28:43.680 He's there every year. 00:28:46.660 --> 00:28:47.720 And we have no sense 00:28:47.720 --> 00:28:48.840 about how dangerous he is. 00:28:51.120 --> 00:28:52.660 Or how the Christian church 00:28:52.660 --> 00:28:53.539 that is littered 00:28:53.539 --> 00:28:54.220 by division 00:28:54.220 --> 00:28:55.500 and congregations 00:28:55.500 --> 00:28:56.940 littered by division. 00:28:58.440 --> 00:28:59.279 And how the saints 00:28:59.279 --> 00:28:59.759 of God have been 00:28:59.759 --> 00:29:01.100 driven almost to despair 00:29:01.100 --> 00:29:01.880 because of the way 00:29:01.880 --> 00:29:02.420 that the devil 00:29:02.420 --> 00:29:03.220 keeps coming to them 00:29:03.220 --> 00:29:03.539 and saying, 00:29:03.700 --> 00:29:03.940 sinner, 00:29:04.319 --> 00:29:04.559 sinner, 00:29:04.839 --> 00:29:05.079 sinner. 00:29:05.500 --> 00:29:06.140 There's no hope 00:29:06.140 --> 00:29:06.480 for you. 00:29:08.759 --> 00:29:09.539 It struck me this week 00:29:09.539 --> 00:29:10.920 to know the Holy Spirit 00:29:10.920 --> 00:29:11.519 comes to you 00:29:11.519 --> 00:29:12.259 and he says you're a sinner 00:29:12.259 --> 00:29:12.559 too. 00:29:13.019 --> 00:29:13.539 Isn't that interesting? 00:29:15.600 --> 00:29:16.360 The Holy Spirit 00:29:16.360 --> 00:29:16.960 comes to you 00:29:16.960 --> 00:29:17.839 and he says you're a sinner 00:29:17.839 --> 00:29:18.500 to bring you 00:29:18.500 --> 00:29:19.259 to the Saviour. 00:29:19.259 --> 00:29:23.279 not to drive you 00:29:23.279 --> 00:29:23.799 to despair. 00:29:25.920 --> 00:29:26.559 And that is what 00:29:26.559 --> 00:29:27.460 the devil wants to do. 00:29:28.599 --> 00:29:29.500 And this is the kind 00:29:29.500 --> 00:29:30.019 of disciple 00:29:30.019 --> 00:29:30.960 for whom the Lord Jesus 00:29:30.960 --> 00:29:31.920 was willing 00:29:31.920 --> 00:29:32.660 in his love 00:29:32.660 --> 00:29:33.319 to shed 00:29:33.319 --> 00:29:34.279 his precious blood. 00:29:34.359 --> 00:29:35.240 It is our only hope. 00:29:36.859 --> 00:29:38.240 There is no way 00:29:38.240 --> 00:29:39.359 for us as a church family 00:29:39.359 --> 00:29:40.160 to withstand 00:29:40.160 --> 00:29:41.279 these dark 00:29:41.279 --> 00:29:42.400 spiritual powers 00:29:42.400 --> 00:29:45.140 that this passage 00:29:45.140 --> 00:29:45.600 is about 00:29:45.600 --> 00:29:46.160 his ability 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.780 to divide 00:29:46.780 --> 00:29:48.360 those whom Jesus loves. 00:29:48.620 --> 00:29:49.080 His ability 00:29:49.080 --> 00:29:49.740 to accuse 00:29:49.740 --> 00:29:50.920 those whom Jesus loves. 00:29:51.200 --> 00:29:51.680 His ability 00:29:51.680 --> 00:29:52.300 to blind 00:29:52.300 --> 00:29:53.600 those whom Jesus loves. 00:29:55.200 --> 00:29:55.880 And the marvellous 00:29:55.880 --> 00:29:56.340 thing is this, 00:29:56.400 --> 00:29:56.620 isn't it? 00:29:56.680 --> 00:29:57.540 Jesus is able 00:29:57.540 --> 00:29:58.500 to unite us. 00:30:00.120 --> 00:30:00.920 And Jesus 00:30:00.920 --> 00:30:01.440 is able 00:30:01.440 --> 00:30:02.440 to pardon us. 00:30:03.360 --> 00:30:03.920 And Jesus 00:30:03.920 --> 00:30:04.500 is able 00:30:04.500 --> 00:30:05.800 to open our eyes 00:30:05.800 --> 00:30:06.860 so that our gaze 00:30:06.860 --> 00:30:07.420 is fixed 00:30:07.420 --> 00:30:08.700 entirely upon him 00:30:08.700 --> 00:30:09.680 who crushed 00:30:09.680 --> 00:30:10.220 the head 00:30:10.220 --> 00:30:10.740 of Satan. 00:30:10.740 --> 00:30:12.680 and will 00:30:12.680 --> 00:30:13.420 by his grace 00:30:13.420 --> 00:30:15.480 crush Satan 00:30:15.480 --> 00:30:16.960 under your feet 00:30:16.960 --> 00:30:17.740 also soon. 00:30:19.299 --> 00:30:20.120 Do you ever think 00:30:20.120 --> 00:30:21.220 that he is making 00:30:21.220 --> 00:30:22.220 intercession 00:30:22.220 --> 00:30:22.880 for you? 00:30:24.019 --> 00:30:24.500 It's unbelievable, 00:30:24.660 --> 00:30:24.900 isn't it? 00:30:24.920 --> 00:30:25.940 My sin and my failure. 00:30:27.120 --> 00:30:27.599 All the ways 00:30:27.599 --> 00:30:28.519 I've disappointed him 00:30:28.519 --> 00:30:29.579 and he intercedes 00:30:29.579 --> 00:30:30.019 for me. 00:30:31.079 --> 00:30:32.480 So that by his grace 00:30:32.480 --> 00:30:32.819 we know 00:30:32.819 --> 00:30:34.039 we are his family. 00:30:36.200 --> 00:30:36.980 Together we may 00:30:36.980 --> 00:30:37.640 stand secure. 00:30:39.880 --> 00:30:40.559 May it be 00:30:40.559 --> 00:30:41.720 that the unity 00:30:41.720 --> 00:30:42.440 of our church 00:30:42.440 --> 00:30:43.220 may never be 00:30:43.220 --> 00:30:43.940 damaged. 00:30:46.039 --> 00:30:47.119 May the assurance 00:30:47.119 --> 00:30:48.339 that we enjoy 00:30:48.339 --> 00:30:49.940 as individual believers 00:30:49.940 --> 00:30:50.940 never be wholly 00:30:50.940 --> 00:30:51.759 darkened. 00:30:53.119 --> 00:30:54.179 May the struggles 00:30:54.179 --> 00:30:54.940 that we have 00:30:54.940 --> 00:30:55.980 as Christians 00:30:55.980 --> 00:30:57.319 to believe 00:30:57.319 --> 00:30:58.259 all that the Lord 00:30:58.259 --> 00:30:58.679 Jesus 00:30:58.679 --> 00:30:59.659 purposes 00:30:59.659 --> 00:31:00.819 in our lives 00:31:00.819 --> 00:31:05.139 may we win 00:31:05.139 --> 00:31:05.619 that struggle. 00:31:06.579 --> 00:31:07.440 May that never 00:31:07.440 --> 00:31:08.139 become blindness. 00:31:08.140 --> 00:31:11.000 because Jesus 00:31:11.000 --> 00:31:11.800 unites us 00:31:11.800 --> 00:31:13.680 and Jesus 00:31:13.680 --> 00:31:14.460 forgives us 00:31:14.460 --> 00:31:16.580 and Jesus 00:31:16.580 --> 00:31:17.540 opens the eyes 00:31:17.540 --> 00:31:18.160 of the blind. 00:31:20.340 --> 00:31:21.380 Jesus unites 00:31:21.380 --> 00:31:23.980 Jesus forgives 00:31:23.980 --> 00:31:25.680 Jesus 00:31:25.680 --> 00:31:27.080 opens the eyes 00:31:27.080 --> 00:31:27.860 of the blind. 00:31:27.859 --> 00:31:30.639 Heavenly Father 00:31:30.639 --> 00:31:31.099 you are such 00:31:31.099 --> 00:31:31.519 a wonderful 00:31:31.519 --> 00:31:32.000 saviour. 00:31:34.119 --> 00:31:34.939 We praise you 00:31:34.939 --> 00:31:35.639 that in the midst 00:31:35.639 --> 00:31:36.599 of these dark 00:31:36.599 --> 00:31:37.379 verses we get 00:31:37.379 --> 00:31:37.959 a glimpse 00:31:37.959 --> 00:31:38.719 of the spiritual 00:31:38.719 --> 00:31:39.539 reality in which 00:31:39.539 --> 00:31:39.939 we live. 00:31:41.719 --> 00:31:42.619 We thank you 00:31:42.619 --> 00:31:43.699 that by the power 00:31:43.699 --> 00:31:44.240 of your Holy 00:31:44.240 --> 00:31:44.679 Spirit 00:31:44.679 --> 00:31:46.319 that we may be 00:31:46.319 --> 00:31:46.979 kept together 00:31:46.979 --> 00:31:49.839 that we may be 00:31:49.839 --> 00:31:50.519 protected from 00:31:50.519 --> 00:31:51.039 accusations 00:31:51.039 --> 00:31:52.299 and that more 00:31:52.299 --> 00:31:52.639 and more 00:31:52.639 --> 00:31:53.299 our eyes 00:31:53.299 --> 00:31:53.939 would behold 00:31:53.939 --> 00:31:54.839 how wonderful 00:31:54.839 --> 00:31:56.419 things that the 00:31:56.420 --> 00:31:56.840 Lord Jesus 00:31:56.840 --> 00:31:57.600 teaches us. 00:31:58.840 --> 00:31:59.620 Preserve us 00:31:59.620 --> 00:32:01.539 help us 00:32:01.539 --> 00:32:02.960 we pray 00:32:02.960 --> 00:32:04.360 help us to 00:32:04.360 --> 00:32:05.120 serve one another 00:32:05.120 --> 00:32:05.860 with this love 00:32:05.860 --> 00:32:07.019 and joy. 00:32:08.380 --> 00:32:09.220 Help us now 00:32:09.220 --> 00:32:09.700 as we come 00:32:09.700 --> 00:32:10.340 to the table 00:32:10.340 --> 00:32:11.420 to have hearts 00:32:11.420 --> 00:32:12.220 that are full 00:32:12.220 --> 00:32:13.160 of thankfulness 00:32:13.160 --> 00:32:15.060 that are full 00:32:15.060 --> 00:32:17.259 of joy 00:32:17.259 --> 00:32:17.840 that Jesus 00:32:17.840 --> 00:32:18.380 Christ 00:32:18.380 --> 00:32:19.460 has loved us 00:32:19.460 --> 00:32:21.100 and given 00:32:21.100 --> 00:32:22.140 himself for us 00:32:22.140 --> 00:32:23.980 and give us 00:32:23.980 --> 00:32:24.560 faith 00:32:24.560 --> 00:32:25.860 in abundance 00:32:25.860 --> 00:32:26.340 we ask 00:32:26.340 --> 00:32:27.060 in Jesus name. 00:32:28.060 --> 00:32:28.500 Amen. 00:32:29.380 --> 00:32:30.120 I'm going to sing 00:32:30.120 --> 00:32:33.920 as we approach 00:32:33.920 --> 00:32:34.400 the table 00:32:34.400 --> 00:32:37.440 Lord I was blind 00:32:37.440 --> 00:32:38.940 I could not see 00:32:38.940 --> 00:32:40.380 Lord I was deaf 00:32:40.380 --> 00:32:41.580 I could not hear 00:32:41.580 --> 00:32:42.360 Lord I was dumb 00:32:42.360 --> 00:32:43.100 I could not speak 00:32:43.100 --> 00:32:44.040 Lord I was dead 00:32:44.040 --> 00:32:45.480 I could not move 00:32:45.480 --> 00:32:46.759 and for many 00:32:46.759 --> 00:32:47.040 you might think 00:32:47.040 --> 00:32:47.660 it's a bit miserable 00:32:47.660 --> 00:32:47.980 isn't it 00:32:47.980 --> 00:32:48.480 but it is the 00:32:48.480 --> 00:32:49.180 wonderful truth 00:32:49.180 --> 00:32:51.799 that though we were 00:32:51.799 --> 00:32:52.700 blind now we see 00:32:52.700 --> 00:32:53.180 though we were 00:32:53.180 --> 00:32:54.440 deaf now we hear 00:32:54.440 --> 00:32:55.860 and though we were 00:32:55.860 --> 00:32:56.640 dumb we could not 00:32:56.640 --> 00:32:57.180 speak and though 00:32:57.180 --> 00:32:57.960 we were dead 00:32:57.960 --> 00:32:59.180 we're now alive 00:32:59.180 --> 00:33:00.279 in Christ 00:33:00.279 --> 00:33:01.180 Jesus. 00:33:01.539 --> 00:33:01.960 Let's stand 00:33:01.960 --> 00:33:02.700 and sing. 00:33:02.700 --> 00:33:03.700 Amen.