WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:10.620 Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us. 00:00:12.060 --> 00:00:13.359 Let's pray together. 00:00:18.140 --> 00:00:26.339 Father, even now as we come to your word and to your table that you've set before us, 00:00:26.339 --> 00:00:32.759 I pray that we would hear that voice that Logan just sang about. 00:00:34.039 --> 00:00:42.420 We would hear the voice of sovereign grace crying to us that we would hear you speak as we open your word. 00:00:43.060 --> 00:00:48.519 We come as those coming in the midst of a battle that we're constantly engaged in. 00:00:48.760 --> 00:00:51.579 Fighting the spiritual forces of evil. 00:00:51.859 --> 00:00:53.659 Struggling with our own sin. 00:00:53.659 --> 00:00:57.259 Dealing with our own weaknesses in our flesh. 00:00:57.939 --> 00:01:01.559 And we come because we need to hear from you. 00:01:01.979 --> 00:01:03.419 We need direction. 00:01:03.699 --> 00:01:04.879 We need help. 00:01:06.039 --> 00:01:08.120 And we've come to your word. 00:01:08.299 --> 00:01:10.219 And so, Father, would you speak? 00:01:10.859 --> 00:01:16.439 Would you speak so clearly to our hearts that we would know we have heard from you? 00:01:16.439 --> 00:01:20.700 We give you glory and we ask for your help. 00:01:20.819 --> 00:01:21.759 In the name of Jesus. 00:01:22.739 --> 00:01:23.140 Amen. 00:01:26.500 --> 00:01:31.959 When we moved to St. Louis many years ago to begin seminary training, 00:01:32.840 --> 00:01:36.519 we had some expectations for what was going to happen. 00:01:36.519 --> 00:01:42.679 We were pretty sure that we were following God's call into some sort of pastoral ministry. 00:01:42.679 --> 00:01:50.920 That we'd be in school for a few years and then take a call to a church somewhere and see what God had next. 00:01:51.840 --> 00:01:58.019 Three years later, I walked across the stage at graduation with no job plans. 00:01:58.019 --> 00:02:03.239 A wife and a nine-month-old baby to provide for. 00:02:03.859 --> 00:02:08.199 Really no realistic opportunities out there on the horizon. 00:02:08.340 --> 00:02:12.280 No idea what to expect would happen next. 00:02:12.800 --> 00:02:20.439 I had friends and classmates who were making plans to start with this church or move towns to build that ministry. 00:02:20.840 --> 00:02:22.719 And they had lots of plans. 00:02:22.719 --> 00:02:26.539 The only plans I had for the near future were to move in with my in-laws. 00:02:27.340 --> 00:02:31.979 It was not part of the original plan that I had when I headed to St. Louis. 00:02:33.020 --> 00:02:35.759 I was sure I was following Jesus. 00:02:37.199 --> 00:02:40.340 But this is not what I'd expected it to look like. 00:02:40.800 --> 00:02:48.240 I remember feeling anxious, confused, wondering if I really understood Jesus. 00:02:50.400 --> 00:02:51.840 Have you felt like that before? 00:02:52.719 --> 00:02:59.879 I was talking with an old friend last week who'd been following Jesus for many, many years. 00:03:00.639 --> 00:03:04.560 He's had some relational and professional challenges along the way. 00:03:04.759 --> 00:03:09.620 But in the midst of those struggles, some possibilities were really starting to come together 00:03:09.620 --> 00:03:14.840 that had the chance to smooth things out in a number of different areas of his life. 00:03:15.579 --> 00:03:18.979 And then all of a sudden, the rug got pulled out from under him again. 00:03:20.300 --> 00:03:21.819 This time by his church. 00:03:22.719 --> 00:03:25.060 He didn't expect that. 00:03:25.060 --> 00:03:29.259 Of all the places he thought that would happen, he didn't expect it. 00:03:29.300 --> 00:03:32.360 It was the last thing he thought would happen at church. 00:03:33.579 --> 00:03:37.300 And so frustrated and confused right now. 00:03:37.879 --> 00:03:42.400 Life seems to be just spiraling downward and God seems distant. 00:03:43.379 --> 00:03:45.579 The church has pushed him away. 00:03:45.580 --> 00:03:48.719 Have you felt like that before? 00:03:48.719 --> 00:03:53.220 Maybe you feel like that right now. 00:03:54.180 --> 00:03:56.700 John the Baptist knows that feeling. 00:03:56.699 --> 00:04:04.359 The last time we've heard from John in our study of Luke's gospel was back in chapter 3. 00:04:04.359 --> 00:04:09.399 Right after John baptizes Jesus, we're told that Herod throws him in prison. 00:04:11.039 --> 00:04:12.459 Well, he's still there. 00:04:13.439 --> 00:04:18.500 Still in prison and beginning to get confused. 00:04:18.500 --> 00:04:22.519 Luke 7 at verse 18. 00:04:22.519 --> 00:04:26.439 We're going to follow along with the story as we go this morning. 00:04:27.120 --> 00:04:29.600 This is Luke 7 at verse 18. 00:04:29.839 --> 00:04:34.060 The disciples of John reported all these things to him. 00:04:34.259 --> 00:04:35.639 Being John. 00:04:35.639 --> 00:04:37.899 All these things. 00:04:38.039 --> 00:04:38.979 What's been happening? 00:04:39.180 --> 00:04:40.959 It's been Jesus healing, right? 00:04:41.120 --> 00:04:42.240 He's healing people. 00:04:42.319 --> 00:04:44.519 He's just raised a young man from the dead. 00:04:44.680 --> 00:04:48.519 Jesus is doing wonderful things and they tell John about them. 00:04:48.519 --> 00:04:53.139 And John hears and he has a question for Jesus. 00:04:54.560 --> 00:04:58.959 John calling two of his disciples to him sent them to the Lord saying, 00:04:59.800 --> 00:05:04.279 Are you the one who is to come or shall we look for another? 00:05:05.639 --> 00:05:10.300 Are you the one who is to come or shall we look for another? 00:05:10.659 --> 00:05:14.599 Now, for you to understand how strange that question is, 00:05:14.659 --> 00:05:19.060 remember that John is not just one among many of Jesus' followers, right? 00:05:19.899 --> 00:05:24.279 John is the one who was sent ahead to prepare the way for Jesus. 00:05:24.479 --> 00:05:30.939 The prophet who declared that here was the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. 00:05:31.019 --> 00:05:33.139 He baptized Jesus. 00:05:33.139 --> 00:05:39.459 John has professed Jesus to be the promised Messiah, the one who was to come. 00:05:39.779 --> 00:05:42.939 John's whole life has been centered around that reality. 00:05:43.919 --> 00:05:46.079 But now he's confused. 00:05:47.959 --> 00:05:50.419 Jesus, are you really the one? 00:05:51.240 --> 00:05:54.139 This is not seeming right. 00:05:54.139 --> 00:05:56.360 And we might wonder why. 00:05:56.479 --> 00:05:59.039 What is it that's causing John's confusion? 00:05:59.300 --> 00:06:00.659 And we don't know for certain. 00:06:00.819 --> 00:06:06.959 But perhaps, some say, John is hearing a little less judgment on the godless nations 00:06:06.959 --> 00:06:09.620 than he anticipated from Jesus. 00:06:10.019 --> 00:06:14.159 Jesus has been healing Romans and other Gentiles. 00:06:14.259 --> 00:06:19.740 And he was supposed to pronounce that there was judgment coming on those who rejected the God of Israel. 00:06:19.740 --> 00:06:23.600 Joel, John hasn't heard much of that judgment so far. 00:06:24.980 --> 00:06:30.540 Another possibility, perhaps John is hearing all of these amazing miracles. 00:06:31.079 --> 00:06:36.600 Things he knows are marks, are signs of the promised messianic deliverance to come. 00:06:37.259 --> 00:06:41.400 And yet, he's not experiencing them himself, is he? 00:06:41.399 --> 00:06:45.120 What about that whole thing about setting the prisoners free? 00:06:45.279 --> 00:06:47.599 That one's in there, if I remember correctly. 00:06:48.439 --> 00:06:51.500 Doesn't feel very good from the prison cell. 00:06:53.159 --> 00:06:55.539 This is not how it was supposed to go. 00:06:55.819 --> 00:06:59.639 I seem to remember prisoners free was part of the plan that you announced. 00:07:00.339 --> 00:07:01.839 When do I get that? 00:07:03.659 --> 00:07:06.000 Have you ever sat in church and felt that way before? 00:07:07.120 --> 00:07:09.799 People are excited and they're praising God. 00:07:09.800 --> 00:07:13.920 He seems to be doing great things in their lives, great things in the Huntsville community. 00:07:14.699 --> 00:07:18.639 And yet, I don't feel him doing anything in my life. 00:07:18.699 --> 00:07:19.180 What about me? 00:07:19.259 --> 00:07:20.759 What about the mess I'm in? 00:07:21.720 --> 00:07:25.439 Jesus is really not living up to my expectations here. 00:07:26.240 --> 00:07:28.019 This is not what I thought it would be like. 00:07:30.060 --> 00:07:32.360 The psalmist Asaph felt that way. 00:07:33.199 --> 00:07:38.819 He records in Psalm 73 how he looked around and saw the prosperity of the wicked. 00:07:38.819 --> 00:07:40.659 And he envied them. 00:07:41.439 --> 00:07:44.180 God didn't seem to be judging their sin at all. 00:07:44.259 --> 00:07:44.980 They had it easy. 00:07:45.060 --> 00:07:46.639 They got all the breaks. 00:07:47.360 --> 00:07:52.079 And he began to think that all his time and effort following after God were just a waste. 00:07:53.639 --> 00:07:57.659 He was confused by the circumstances around him. 00:07:57.660 --> 00:08:02.140 You could certainly add Job to that list. 00:08:02.540 --> 00:08:09.020 Suffering and tragic circumstances and time and again unable to explain why this is happening. 00:08:09.460 --> 00:08:13.200 Why these terrible things to someone who trusts in God. 00:08:13.199 --> 00:08:13.279 God? 00:08:15.920 --> 00:08:17.959 Where has it happened in your life? 00:08:19.399 --> 00:08:22.599 Where has Jesus not lived up to your expectations? 00:08:23.979 --> 00:08:25.319 And left you confused? 00:08:26.360 --> 00:08:26.959 Frustrated? 00:08:27.319 --> 00:08:28.000 Doubting? 00:08:28.839 --> 00:08:30.839 Struggling with unbelief even? 00:08:30.839 --> 00:08:38.839 Has it been when your spouse lets you down after all these years that you've been faithful? 00:08:40.759 --> 00:08:47.059 When a close friend or a beloved church disappoints you after years of love and investment? 00:08:49.439 --> 00:08:56.259 When a child grows up and wanders away and pushes you off after all you've done to point them to Jesus 00:08:56.259 --> 00:08:59.039 and they don't want anything to do with him or you. 00:09:01.360 --> 00:09:04.399 When he took a step of faith to serve God. 00:09:04.500 --> 00:09:06.419 This is what he's calling me to. 00:09:06.500 --> 00:09:07.600 And then you just got hurt. 00:09:08.720 --> 00:09:10.139 And wished you'd never tried. 00:09:12.460 --> 00:09:14.360 You can understand John's confusion. 00:09:15.039 --> 00:09:15.580 Can't you? 00:09:16.379 --> 00:09:20.819 After all, again, this is not one of the people in the crowds following Jesus. 00:09:20.820 --> 00:09:27.040 Here's the one who of all people has understood what it is Jesus is coming to do. 00:09:27.300 --> 00:09:29.600 I know what the kingdom's going to be like. 00:09:29.680 --> 00:09:31.420 I'm telling you ahead of time. 00:09:31.500 --> 00:09:33.340 And here comes the king. 00:09:35.460 --> 00:09:37.020 John's confused now. 00:09:38.140 --> 00:09:42.500 As confused as John is about who Jesus is, 00:09:43.980 --> 00:09:48.300 Jesus is equally clear on his messianic identity. 00:09:48.299 --> 00:09:52.799 He doesn't merely say yes to answer John's question, 00:09:52.979 --> 00:09:58.039 but his answer will provide even more clarity perhaps than we would expect. 00:09:58.740 --> 00:09:59.459 Verse 20, 00:09:59.539 --> 00:10:01.519 When the men had come to him, they said, 00:10:01.699 --> 00:10:03.740 John the Baptist has sent us to you saying, 00:10:04.099 --> 00:10:06.500 Are you the one who is to come or shall we look for another? 00:10:08.399 --> 00:10:13.459 In that hour, Jesus healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits. 00:10:14.099 --> 00:10:16.479 And on many who were blind, he bestowed sight. 00:10:16.480 --> 00:10:20.159 And Jesus then speaks. 00:10:21.080 --> 00:10:22.159 He answers them. 00:10:22.920 --> 00:10:26.820 Go and tell John what you have seen, what you have heard. 00:10:27.300 --> 00:10:31.879 The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear. 00:10:32.279 --> 00:10:36.159 The dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them, 00:10:36.379 --> 00:10:41.139 and blessed is the one who is not offended by me. 00:10:41.139 --> 00:10:45.279 It's as though they come to Jesus and Jesus says, 00:10:45.500 --> 00:10:50.620 Hang on, just watch for a minute before I answer the simple question. 00:10:51.659 --> 00:10:55.620 It may be unfolding a little bit differently than he expected, 00:10:55.860 --> 00:11:00.960 but I want John to know that this is the same kingdom he preached about that was coming. 00:11:00.960 --> 00:11:05.340 And the kingdom of Jesus, as we've seen time and again, 00:11:05.639 --> 00:11:09.340 is coming in word and in deed, right? 00:11:09.680 --> 00:11:12.019 Verse 22, Jesus says, 00:11:12.139 --> 00:11:13.200 First, let me show you. 00:11:13.320 --> 00:11:15.160 Here's what you need to tell John about. 00:11:15.519 --> 00:11:17.440 Blind receiving sight, lame walking, 00:11:17.639 --> 00:11:19.440 lepers cleansed, deaf hearing, 00:11:19.980 --> 00:11:21.139 dead being raised up, 00:11:21.560 --> 00:11:24.360 poor having good news preached to them. 00:11:24.800 --> 00:11:26.620 Watch it happen, Jesus said. 00:11:26.620 --> 00:11:29.340 This is what the kingdom was going to be like, right? 00:11:30.799 --> 00:11:32.299 They watch and see, 00:11:32.779 --> 00:11:34.500 and then they listen, 00:11:34.840 --> 00:11:36.620 and they hear Jesus quoting, 00:11:36.960 --> 00:11:38.279 you may not recognize these, 00:11:38.379 --> 00:11:41.679 but John would have every one of these in the list I just read. 00:11:42.080 --> 00:11:43.860 Quotations from the prophet Isaiah. 00:11:45.060 --> 00:11:47.100 Quotations when Isaiah is talking about 00:11:47.100 --> 00:11:49.860 what's going to happen when the Messiah shows up. 00:11:50.259 --> 00:11:50.980 And Jesus says, 00:11:51.060 --> 00:11:51.440 Here they are. 00:11:51.500 --> 00:11:52.019 Let me tell you, 00:11:52.060 --> 00:11:53.659 because I know John knows these verses. 00:11:54.759 --> 00:11:55.720 It's happening. 00:11:56.620 --> 00:11:59.039 In word and in deed, 00:11:59.179 --> 00:12:01.179 the kingdom is coming. 00:12:02.860 --> 00:12:05.259 The chosen deliverer is here. 00:12:05.399 --> 00:12:07.080 He ushers in a new kingdom, 00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:08.480 and here's what it's going to look like, 00:12:08.519 --> 00:12:09.179 and feel like, 00:12:09.200 --> 00:12:10.179 and sound like. 00:12:10.740 --> 00:12:13.899 Jesus is very clearly claiming to be the Messiah. 00:12:14.740 --> 00:12:15.580 And he's also, 00:12:15.759 --> 00:12:16.519 at the same time, 00:12:16.580 --> 00:12:18.500 he's anchoring John's faith 00:12:18.500 --> 00:12:20.200 in the promises of God, 00:12:20.820 --> 00:12:24.320 and the way he's displaying the reality of them day after day. 00:12:24.320 --> 00:12:26.519 Remember how Isaiah said it would happen? 00:12:26.759 --> 00:12:27.679 Here's what God said. 00:12:27.740 --> 00:12:28.539 Here's what God said. 00:12:28.600 --> 00:12:29.360 Here's what God said. 00:12:29.399 --> 00:12:30.139 Now watch me. 00:12:30.500 --> 00:12:31.340 The same thing. 00:12:31.539 --> 00:12:32.279 The same thing. 00:12:32.639 --> 00:12:33.440 Watch it happen. 00:12:34.600 --> 00:12:34.879 See, 00:12:35.080 --> 00:12:35.340 John. 00:12:35.539 --> 00:12:35.940 Hear, 00:12:36.200 --> 00:12:36.759 and see, 00:12:36.879 --> 00:12:37.500 and believe. 00:12:37.840 --> 00:12:38.580 I'm the one. 00:12:40.000 --> 00:12:43.019 Jesus wants to build up John's faith. 00:12:43.399 --> 00:12:43.679 In fact, 00:12:43.720 --> 00:12:47.000 he finishes with a blessing that is true in general, 00:12:47.000 --> 00:12:49.379 but being sent specifically to John. 00:12:50.059 --> 00:12:53.299 Blessed is the one who is not offended by, 00:12:53.960 --> 00:12:58.700 who doesn't fall away on account of me, 00:12:59.559 --> 00:13:00.299 Jesus says. 00:13:00.659 --> 00:13:03.600 The opposite of falling away, 00:13:04.059 --> 00:13:05.659 or being offended by Jesus, 00:13:05.840 --> 00:13:08.259 is of course to believe in him, 00:13:08.340 --> 00:13:12.320 to stand firm in trusting him. 00:13:13.180 --> 00:13:14.660 That's what Jesus wants for John. 00:13:15.379 --> 00:13:15.980 Jesus says, 00:13:16.080 --> 00:13:17.280 you've got the right guy. 00:13:18.480 --> 00:13:23.120 Being for God's kingdom is first and foremost about your alignment with me, 00:13:23.240 --> 00:13:24.140 and you knew it, 00:13:24.180 --> 00:13:24.320 John. 00:13:24.379 --> 00:13:26.400 You knew you needed to know who the king was. 00:13:26.800 --> 00:13:27.600 I'm the one. 00:13:28.879 --> 00:13:29.980 You weren't confused. 00:13:30.600 --> 00:13:31.980 You can rest easy, 00:13:32.180 --> 00:13:32.440 John. 00:13:32.440 --> 00:13:36.480 This is the kingdom and the king you were born to promote. 00:13:37.480 --> 00:13:38.200 I am he. 00:13:39.400 --> 00:13:41.100 I want to say it to you, 00:13:41.520 --> 00:13:44.080 and I want to show it to you, 00:13:44.340 --> 00:13:46.520 so that your faith can be built. 00:13:47.820 --> 00:13:49.000 How many times have I said, 00:13:49.080 --> 00:13:52.100 you can't have the kingdom without the king? 00:13:52.540 --> 00:13:54.720 That's what's at the heart of this here. 00:13:55.120 --> 00:13:59.020 Jesus is saying that believing in him is the path to blessing, 00:13:59.020 --> 00:14:02.000 even when it doesn't look or feel like it. 00:14:02.860 --> 00:14:04.560 That because he is the king, 00:14:04.960 --> 00:14:09.700 and because he's bringing the kingdom in ways you didn't expect it to come, 00:14:09.980 --> 00:14:11.060 you can rest. 00:14:12.060 --> 00:14:13.860 You can trust him. 00:14:14.460 --> 00:14:17.180 That's his message for John and for us. 00:14:17.380 --> 00:14:19.580 It's a gracious gift from Jesus 00:14:19.580 --> 00:14:24.400 to build up the faith of his confused and imprisoned follower. 00:14:24.540 --> 00:14:26.160 Do you see Jesus' heart in that? 00:14:26.159 --> 00:14:31.539 But what Jesus says next is even more amazing. 00:14:31.980 --> 00:14:34.219 My favorite part of this passage. 00:14:35.240 --> 00:14:35.959 Verse 24. 00:14:36.259 --> 00:14:38.199 But think with me for a minute first. 00:14:38.659 --> 00:14:44.000 Would you say that this has been John's finest hour of his life? 00:14:44.699 --> 00:14:47.740 His greatest day as a follower of Jesus? 00:14:47.959 --> 00:14:49.419 Is this his strong moment? 00:14:49.419 --> 00:14:52.579 It's not really, is it? 00:14:53.919 --> 00:14:55.079 He's confused. 00:14:56.579 --> 00:15:00.839 He's doubting things that he even preached to others just last year. 00:15:00.840 --> 00:15:03.620 And in the midst of his struggles, 00:15:03.759 --> 00:15:05.019 Jesus found out. 00:15:06.000 --> 00:15:07.740 And if it could be any more embarrassing, 00:15:07.740 --> 00:15:10.899 in front of a crowd of people that all heard about him, 00:15:11.879 --> 00:15:13.940 they're chuckling, snickering. 00:15:14.519 --> 00:15:16.680 John, what kind of question is that? 00:15:16.759 --> 00:15:18.860 Are you really, you were so excited last year, 00:15:18.960 --> 00:15:21.560 so sure of yourself, not so sure anymore in prison, huh? 00:15:21.559 --> 00:15:26.979 John at his lowest, struggling. 00:15:28.359 --> 00:15:32.359 So Jesus sends John's disciples back to him to build up his faith. 00:15:32.579 --> 00:15:35.179 And then listen to what happens next. 00:15:35.559 --> 00:15:37.019 When John's messengers had gone, 00:15:37.139 --> 00:15:40.019 Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John, 00:15:40.299 --> 00:15:41.599 talking behind his back. 00:15:41.719 --> 00:15:43.219 Jesus is going to get him now, right? 00:15:44.799 --> 00:15:47.039 What did you go out into the wilderness to see? 00:15:47.119 --> 00:15:48.599 A reed shaken by the wind? 00:15:49.799 --> 00:15:51.299 What then did you go out to see? 00:15:51.299 --> 00:15:52.740 A man dressed in soft clothing? 00:15:53.639 --> 00:15:55.799 Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing 00:15:55.799 --> 00:15:58.079 and live in luxury are in king's courts. 00:15:59.099 --> 00:16:01.159 What then did you go out to see? 00:16:01.819 --> 00:16:02.359 A prophet? 00:16:03.819 --> 00:16:06.359 Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet, 00:16:06.759 --> 00:16:08.479 this is he of whom it is written, 00:16:08.859 --> 00:16:11.339 Behold, I send my messenger before your face 00:16:11.339 --> 00:16:13.199 who will prepare your way before you. 00:16:13.199 --> 00:16:15.699 I tell you, among those born of women, 00:16:16.000 --> 00:16:17.579 none is greater than John. 00:16:19.240 --> 00:16:20.899 Yet the one who's least in the kingdom 00:16:20.899 --> 00:16:24.899 of God is greater than he. 00:16:26.679 --> 00:16:28.459 Let's get this clear, Jesus says. 00:16:28.980 --> 00:16:32.159 John was no weak man without convictions, 00:16:32.340 --> 00:16:34.240 a reed swaying in the wind. 00:16:34.639 --> 00:16:39.179 He was no fancy royalty avoiding the struggles of life 00:16:39.179 --> 00:16:40.240 as you know them. 00:16:40.340 --> 00:16:41.840 No, not at all. 00:16:41.919 --> 00:16:43.159 He was a prophet, 00:16:44.159 --> 00:16:46.139 a true man of God. 00:16:46.139 --> 00:16:47.819 More than that, Jesus says. 00:16:47.879 --> 00:16:49.019 There have been lots of prophets, 00:16:49.860 --> 00:16:51.819 but no one who has ever lived, 00:16:51.919 --> 00:16:52.819 born of a woman, 00:16:53.120 --> 00:16:55.299 is greater than John. 00:16:56.000 --> 00:16:58.139 That's how wonderful John is. 00:16:58.179 --> 00:16:59.399 You want to know more about John? 00:17:00.240 --> 00:17:01.539 Nobody's greater than him. 00:17:01.980 --> 00:17:02.759 Greatest guy ever. 00:17:02.759 --> 00:17:06.599 What gracious words. 00:17:08.099 --> 00:17:11.299 Do you hear Jesus' charity in that? 00:17:11.900 --> 00:17:14.099 The way he treats his fearful, 00:17:15.160 --> 00:17:16.440 struggling follower? 00:17:17.980 --> 00:17:19.180 Doubting John? 00:17:20.759 --> 00:17:22.039 Confused John? 00:17:22.039 --> 00:17:24.799 There's no one in the crowd snickering 00:17:24.799 --> 00:17:26.899 about John's question anymore, is there? 00:17:28.899 --> 00:17:31.879 Jesus doesn't crush his wounded follower 00:17:31.879 --> 00:17:33.700 when he has the chance. 00:17:33.839 --> 00:17:35.539 No, he wants to build him up. 00:17:37.579 --> 00:17:39.480 Listen, follower of Jesus. 00:17:40.920 --> 00:17:43.539 Do you know how Jesus speaks about you 00:17:43.539 --> 00:17:45.039 when you're not listening? 00:17:45.039 --> 00:17:49.440 He doesn't roll his eyes, 00:17:50.480 --> 00:17:53.139 whisper to his Father in heaven 00:17:53.139 --> 00:17:55.980 or to the crowds gathered around in heaven. 00:17:57.059 --> 00:17:58.279 There he goes again. 00:17:59.680 --> 00:18:01.599 What a flake that will guy is. 00:18:02.980 --> 00:18:04.159 Calls himself a pastor. 00:18:05.039 --> 00:18:07.720 He forgets the most basic things about me. 00:18:08.339 --> 00:18:09.619 He didn't even pray this morning. 00:18:10.599 --> 00:18:12.039 Does he even remember how much he needs me? 00:18:12.039 --> 00:18:15.639 Man, what a disappointment. 00:18:17.500 --> 00:18:18.720 It's not what he says, is it? 00:18:19.500 --> 00:18:21.539 It would have been well deserved 00:18:21.539 --> 00:18:23.039 for John and Will. 00:18:24.920 --> 00:18:27.019 It's not what Jesus says. 00:18:27.460 --> 00:18:30.200 No, on the days we have stopped listening, 00:18:30.680 --> 00:18:32.519 distanced ourselves from him 00:18:32.519 --> 00:18:35.180 and our confusion and our struggle, 00:18:35.599 --> 00:18:37.420 when Jesus hears about it, 00:18:37.599 --> 00:18:39.000 he's saying of us, 00:18:39.000 --> 00:18:40.799 that's my beloved brother. 00:18:42.039 --> 00:18:43.539 My beloved sister. 00:18:44.639 --> 00:18:45.559 Isn't he great? 00:18:46.079 --> 00:18:47.079 Isn't she wonderful? 00:18:49.240 --> 00:18:52.180 Jesus is so much more gracious 00:18:52.180 --> 00:18:53.579 than we deserve. 00:18:56.019 --> 00:18:58.299 I'm not sure what his purposes are 00:18:58.299 --> 00:18:59.960 in your life right now, 00:19:00.480 --> 00:19:02.139 in the midst of your struggle 00:19:02.139 --> 00:19:04.319 even to know who he is, 00:19:04.319 --> 00:19:05.939 but I know this, 00:19:05.960 --> 00:19:07.399 as you bring your doubts 00:19:07.399 --> 00:19:09.099 and your questions 00:19:09.099 --> 00:19:12.039 and your hurts to him, 00:19:12.639 --> 00:19:16.079 he will be so much more gentle, 00:19:16.879 --> 00:19:20.079 so much more gracious with you 00:19:20.079 --> 00:19:23.460 than you imagine him being right now. 00:19:23.460 --> 00:19:26.660 When he hears how his fearful, 00:19:27.140 --> 00:19:29.960 struggling, doubting follower is doing 00:19:29.960 --> 00:19:32.120 and you come to him, 00:19:32.319 --> 00:19:34.660 you will find him gracious 00:19:34.660 --> 00:19:37.519 and loving beyond what you deserve 00:19:37.519 --> 00:19:40.059 and well beyond what you feel. 00:19:40.059 --> 00:19:45.299 hear him saying proudly to you, 00:19:45.859 --> 00:19:47.379 my beloved servant John, 00:19:48.639 --> 00:19:49.879 my beloved servant Judy, 00:19:50.200 --> 00:19:51.819 my beloved servant James, 00:19:53.559 --> 00:19:55.759 maybe God has you here today 00:19:55.759 --> 00:19:57.779 just to hear his benediction, 00:19:58.779 --> 00:20:01.059 his good word of blessing 00:20:01.059 --> 00:20:03.559 pronounced on you again 00:20:03.559 --> 00:20:04.879 in your weakness 00:20:04.879 --> 00:20:06.299 and your failing. 00:20:06.299 --> 00:20:07.659 He wants you to hear 00:20:07.659 --> 00:20:09.240 that it's true today. 00:20:11.500 --> 00:20:14.440 Even the weakest of his followers today 00:20:14.440 --> 00:20:16.980 is greater than John 00:20:16.980 --> 00:20:18.599 than we just praised. 00:20:21.399 --> 00:20:22.919 We'll come back to that thought 00:20:22.919 --> 00:20:23.639 in just a moment, 00:20:23.819 --> 00:20:25.700 but this interaction 00:20:25.700 --> 00:20:27.639 that Jesus has with the crowds 00:20:27.639 --> 00:20:30.700 closes with some more challenging words 00:20:30.700 --> 00:20:32.000 from Jesus. 00:20:32.159 --> 00:20:34.299 He's going to rebuke the Pharisees 00:20:34.299 --> 00:20:36.940 for their childishness. 00:20:37.279 --> 00:20:38.480 Verse 29, 00:20:40.159 --> 00:20:41.659 when all the people heard this 00:20:41.659 --> 00:20:43.240 and the tax collectors too, 00:20:43.659 --> 00:20:44.960 they declared God just 00:20:44.960 --> 00:20:45.839 having been baptized 00:20:45.839 --> 00:20:47.440 with the baptism of John. 00:20:48.059 --> 00:20:49.539 But the Pharisees and the lawyers 00:20:49.539 --> 00:20:51.299 rejected the purpose of God 00:20:51.299 --> 00:20:52.139 for themselves, 00:20:52.440 --> 00:20:54.460 not having been baptized by him. 00:20:55.879 --> 00:20:57.159 Jesus speaks again, 00:20:57.539 --> 00:20:59.279 to what then shall I compare 00:20:59.279 --> 00:21:00.839 the people of this generation 00:21:00.839 --> 00:21:02.079 and what are they like? 00:21:02.079 --> 00:21:03.740 They're like children 00:21:03.740 --> 00:21:04.839 sitting in the marketplace 00:21:04.839 --> 00:21:06.460 and calling to one another, 00:21:06.899 --> 00:21:08.079 we played the flute for you 00:21:08.079 --> 00:21:09.240 and you did not dance. 00:21:09.659 --> 00:21:10.699 We sang a dirge 00:21:10.699 --> 00:21:11.839 and you did not weep. 00:21:12.679 --> 00:21:13.720 For John the Baptist 00:21:13.720 --> 00:21:15.220 has come eating no bread 00:21:15.220 --> 00:21:16.319 and drinking no wine 00:21:16.319 --> 00:21:18.079 and you say he has a demon. 00:21:18.859 --> 00:21:20.379 The Son of Man has come 00:21:20.379 --> 00:21:21.500 eating and drinking 00:21:21.500 --> 00:21:22.119 and you say, 00:21:22.359 --> 00:21:22.799 look at him, 00:21:22.859 --> 00:21:24.259 a glutton and a drunkard, 00:21:24.599 --> 00:21:26.139 a friend of tax collectors 00:21:26.139 --> 00:21:26.939 and sinners. 00:21:28.359 --> 00:21:29.859 Yet wisdom is justified 00:21:29.859 --> 00:21:32.079 by all her children. 00:21:33.779 --> 00:21:35.740 Notice here the contrast 00:21:35.740 --> 00:21:39.139 between John who comes to Jesus 00:21:39.139 --> 00:21:40.979 in his weakness 00:21:40.979 --> 00:21:43.019 and struggles and doubts 00:21:43.019 --> 00:21:46.179 and the Pharisees and lawyers 00:21:46.179 --> 00:21:48.419 who fend Jesus off 00:21:48.419 --> 00:21:50.339 with their excuses 00:21:50.339 --> 00:21:52.719 and their self-sufficiency. 00:21:53.859 --> 00:21:56.279 The gracious words of Jesus 00:21:56.279 --> 00:21:58.240 are for the struggling one, right? 00:21:58.240 --> 00:22:00.880 And the challenging, 00:22:01.440 --> 00:22:03.019 strong words of warning 00:22:03.019 --> 00:22:04.799 are for the certain, 00:22:05.799 --> 00:22:07.900 self-confident ones. 00:22:08.900 --> 00:22:09.980 Jesus says in fact, 00:22:10.099 --> 00:22:10.559 verse 30, 00:22:10.839 --> 00:22:12.400 they've rejected the purpose 00:22:12.400 --> 00:22:14.140 of God for themselves. 00:22:15.259 --> 00:22:15.779 Yikes! 00:22:17.220 --> 00:22:18.480 You don't want that said of you. 00:22:20.240 --> 00:22:21.900 The warning is that 00:22:21.900 --> 00:22:24.160 if you found certainty 00:22:24.160 --> 00:22:25.420 or confidence 00:22:25.420 --> 00:22:26.620 anywhere else 00:22:26.620 --> 00:22:28.140 than Jesus, 00:22:29.180 --> 00:22:29.900 watch out. 00:22:32.200 --> 00:22:33.360 Jesus compares them 00:22:33.360 --> 00:22:33.920 to children 00:22:33.920 --> 00:22:36.180 who refuse to be pleased. 00:22:36.580 --> 00:22:37.779 You've never seen a kid 00:22:37.779 --> 00:22:39.019 in that kind of mood, 00:22:39.120 --> 00:22:39.560 I suspect, 00:22:40.039 --> 00:22:41.200 where you can't do anything 00:22:41.200 --> 00:22:42.019 to please them. 00:22:42.880 --> 00:22:43.039 You know, 00:22:43.120 --> 00:22:44.279 grapes or strawberries? 00:22:44.700 --> 00:22:44.980 No. 00:22:46.700 --> 00:22:48.240 A book or a movie, 00:22:48.360 --> 00:22:49.220 which one would you like? 00:22:49.300 --> 00:22:49.740 No. 00:22:50.860 --> 00:22:51.779 I don't want to do 00:22:51.779 --> 00:22:52.500 either of them. 00:22:53.380 --> 00:22:55.019 You can't make me happy. 00:22:55.019 --> 00:22:56.079 I've got a complaint 00:22:56.079 --> 00:22:57.779 about anything you suggest. 00:22:58.660 --> 00:22:59.619 Y'all don't have kids 00:22:59.619 --> 00:23:00.279 like that, do you? 00:23:01.079 --> 00:23:01.639 Neither do I. 00:23:02.400 --> 00:23:03.900 These children 00:23:03.900 --> 00:23:05.960 that Jesus is describing, 00:23:06.599 --> 00:23:07.519 they don't want to play 00:23:07.519 --> 00:23:09.180 a happy, energetic game. 00:23:10.000 --> 00:23:11.059 They don't want to play 00:23:11.059 --> 00:23:13.220 a sad, calm game. 00:23:13.759 --> 00:23:15.160 John is too conservative. 00:23:16.180 --> 00:23:17.480 Jesus is too liberal. 00:23:19.059 --> 00:23:19.660 Why? 00:23:20.340 --> 00:23:21.460 Because the only thing 00:23:21.460 --> 00:23:22.720 that can satisfy them 00:23:22.720 --> 00:23:23.180 is what? 00:23:24.640 --> 00:23:25.440 My way. 00:23:26.680 --> 00:23:28.340 Doing it just the way 00:23:28.340 --> 00:23:29.940 I want it done. 00:23:30.600 --> 00:23:31.920 You can't make me happy. 00:23:32.040 --> 00:23:33.540 I want my way. 00:23:33.540 --> 00:23:35.620 So it's their refusal 00:23:35.620 --> 00:23:36.740 to repent. 00:23:37.300 --> 00:23:38.740 That's what John's baptism 00:23:38.740 --> 00:23:39.519 is about 00:23:39.519 --> 00:23:41.180 and Jesus' call, right? 00:23:42.420 --> 00:23:43.240 It's their refusal 00:23:43.240 --> 00:23:44.080 to repent 00:23:44.080 --> 00:23:45.500 and an insistence 00:23:45.500 --> 00:23:46.880 on self-sufficiency 00:23:46.880 --> 00:23:49.680 that Jesus is warning against. 00:23:50.100 --> 00:23:51.420 They're using any excuse 00:23:51.420 --> 00:23:53.260 they can come up with 00:23:53.260 --> 00:23:54.640 to keep Jesus 00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:56.520 at arm's length. 00:23:56.680 --> 00:23:57.700 To avoid actually 00:23:57.700 --> 00:23:58.720 coming to Him 00:23:58.720 --> 00:24:00.120 and trusting Him 00:24:00.120 --> 00:24:01.620 rather than self. 00:24:03.360 --> 00:24:04.180 In that generation, 00:24:04.340 --> 00:24:05.420 the excuses were 00:24:05.420 --> 00:24:08.040 that John was demon-possessed 00:24:08.040 --> 00:24:09.580 and Jesus a drunk. 00:24:10.700 --> 00:24:11.900 That's what they'd said 00:24:11.900 --> 00:24:13.220 to keep them away. 00:24:13.220 --> 00:24:15.740 What explanations 00:24:15.740 --> 00:24:16.799 do people make 00:24:16.799 --> 00:24:17.700 in our generation 00:24:17.700 --> 00:24:19.339 that keep Jesus 00:24:19.339 --> 00:24:20.799 at arm's length? 00:24:22.360 --> 00:24:23.279 There's certainly many 00:24:23.279 --> 00:24:23.900 we could say. 00:24:23.980 --> 00:24:24.539 I'll give you one 00:24:24.539 --> 00:24:25.240 on each end. 00:24:25.880 --> 00:24:27.100 One on the too sad 00:24:27.100 --> 00:24:28.700 or too little side 00:24:28.700 --> 00:24:30.100 and one on the too happy 00:24:30.100 --> 00:24:32.400 or too much side. 00:24:33.700 --> 00:24:35.680 First, we sell Jesus short 00:24:35.680 --> 00:24:36.620 when we craft 00:24:36.620 --> 00:24:37.579 our own version 00:24:37.579 --> 00:24:39.559 of the real Jesus. 00:24:39.920 --> 00:24:41.079 If you've not taken 00:24:41.079 --> 00:24:42.919 a college religion class 00:24:42.919 --> 00:24:43.799 in the last, 00:24:43.960 --> 00:24:45.279 well, long time, 00:24:45.639 --> 00:24:47.839 or if you've not read 00:24:47.839 --> 00:24:50.539 any major magazine 00:24:50.539 --> 00:24:52.199 the week of Easter 00:24:52.199 --> 00:24:54.399 in the last decade or so, 00:24:55.199 --> 00:24:57.159 then you may have missed 00:24:57.159 --> 00:24:58.339 that this has become 00:24:58.339 --> 00:25:00.619 our MO as a culture. 00:25:02.199 --> 00:25:04.279 It's apparently what sells. 00:25:05.319 --> 00:25:06.919 This is what we're all doing. 00:25:07.019 --> 00:25:07.659 We've decided 00:25:07.660 --> 00:25:08.720 we know better 00:25:08.720 --> 00:25:11.220 what the historical Jesus 00:25:11.220 --> 00:25:12.420 actually said 00:25:12.420 --> 00:25:14.259 and what He actually did 00:25:14.259 --> 00:25:17.340 than about 2,000 years 00:25:17.340 --> 00:25:19.040 of secular history 00:25:19.040 --> 00:25:20.320 and Bible study 00:25:20.320 --> 00:25:21.980 and things that people 00:25:21.980 --> 00:25:23.100 have known and learned. 00:25:23.180 --> 00:25:23.800 We've decided 00:25:23.800 --> 00:25:26.720 we've got a better picture of it. 00:25:27.600 --> 00:25:28.600 In particular, 00:25:28.860 --> 00:25:29.600 if you read many 00:25:29.600 --> 00:25:30.560 of the new books, 00:25:31.140 --> 00:25:31.800 many of the things 00:25:31.800 --> 00:25:32.460 being taught 00:25:32.460 --> 00:25:34.320 in our college classrooms, 00:25:34.319 --> 00:25:35.879 you'll read a denial 00:25:35.879 --> 00:25:38.519 of Jesus' self-awareness 00:25:38.519 --> 00:25:39.480 as God. 00:25:40.259 --> 00:25:40.980 They'll tell you 00:25:40.980 --> 00:25:41.819 Jesus really didn't 00:25:41.819 --> 00:25:43.220 think of Himself that way. 00:25:43.299 --> 00:25:43.819 He didn't really 00:25:43.819 --> 00:25:46.019 make claim to deity. 00:25:47.379 --> 00:25:49.439 And I can't describe to you, 00:25:49.500 --> 00:25:50.500 I don't have the time 00:25:50.500 --> 00:25:50.939 this morning 00:25:50.939 --> 00:25:52.639 and I'm not even going to try, 00:25:53.000 --> 00:25:53.859 the historical 00:25:53.859 --> 00:25:56.319 and literary gymnastics 00:25:56.319 --> 00:25:57.779 you have to play 00:25:57.779 --> 00:25:58.980 to take passages 00:25:58.980 --> 00:25:59.939 like this one 00:25:59.939 --> 00:26:00.960 where Jesus 00:26:00.960 --> 00:26:02.079 abundantly, 00:26:02.279 --> 00:26:02.720 clearly 00:26:02.720 --> 00:26:03.960 sees Himself 00:26:03.960 --> 00:26:05.039 as the promised 00:26:05.039 --> 00:26:06.299 Messiah King, 00:26:06.740 --> 00:26:07.140 Savior 00:26:07.140 --> 00:26:08.620 coming 00:26:08.620 --> 00:26:10.579 and to explain 00:26:10.579 --> 00:26:11.420 that away 00:26:11.420 --> 00:26:12.860 in the face 00:26:12.860 --> 00:26:13.319 of Jesus' 00:26:13.680 --> 00:26:15.059 clear words, 00:26:15.360 --> 00:26:16.920 His explicit references 00:26:16.920 --> 00:26:18.160 to the Old Testament, 00:26:18.559 --> 00:26:20.039 His tangible miracles 00:26:20.039 --> 00:26:21.519 performed before thousands 00:26:21.519 --> 00:26:22.539 and to say 00:26:22.539 --> 00:26:23.759 that's not what Jesus 00:26:23.759 --> 00:26:24.220 is saying 00:26:24.220 --> 00:26:25.380 and yet say 00:26:25.380 --> 00:26:26.539 but Jesus still existed. 00:26:27.620 --> 00:26:28.400 He was still there, 00:26:28.519 --> 00:26:29.319 things still happened, 00:26:29.440 --> 00:26:30.519 just not any of 00:26:30.519 --> 00:26:31.759 those things. 00:26:32.720 --> 00:26:35.740 It takes a lot of work 00:26:35.740 --> 00:26:37.819 but that's what's happening 00:26:37.819 --> 00:26:38.980 everywhere you turn 00:26:38.980 --> 00:26:39.700 these days 00:26:39.700 --> 00:26:42.160 and we must be careful 00:26:42.160 --> 00:26:43.640 because these things 00:26:43.640 --> 00:26:44.680 sound interesting. 00:26:44.900 --> 00:26:45.539 They'll be out 00:26:45.539 --> 00:26:46.539 on the newsstands 00:26:46.539 --> 00:26:48.100 in the next couple of weeks 00:26:48.100 --> 00:26:49.319 and they'll be appealing 00:26:49.319 --> 00:26:49.839 to you 00:26:49.839 --> 00:26:51.039 because you're not used 00:26:51.039 --> 00:26:52.620 to seeing spiritual things 00:26:52.620 --> 00:26:53.860 on the newspapers 00:26:53.860 --> 00:26:54.620 and magazines 00:26:54.620 --> 00:26:55.960 and you'll think, 00:26:56.000 --> 00:26:56.120 oh, 00:26:56.180 --> 00:26:57.539 that's interesting. 00:26:58.079 --> 00:26:58.860 Time magazine 00:26:58.860 --> 00:27:00.339 has something about Jesus. 00:27:00.339 --> 00:27:02.019 That's so Christian. 00:27:02.699 --> 00:27:03.699 I'd love to see 00:27:03.699 --> 00:27:04.819 what they have to say 00:27:04.819 --> 00:27:06.059 and it's dangerous. 00:27:06.759 --> 00:27:07.459 I don't know what time 00:27:07.459 --> 00:27:07.939 is going to write 00:27:07.939 --> 00:27:08.919 but I'm just telling you. 00:27:09.240 --> 00:27:10.679 It's new spirituality 00:27:10.679 --> 00:27:11.539 to us 00:27:11.539 --> 00:27:12.480 in a secular age. 00:27:12.579 --> 00:27:13.339 It can be appealing. 00:27:16.439 --> 00:27:17.220 What it is 00:27:17.220 --> 00:27:17.859 is a way to keep 00:27:17.859 --> 00:27:18.659 the real Jesus 00:27:18.659 --> 00:27:19.919 at arm's length 00:27:19.919 --> 00:27:21.519 because I only have 00:27:21.519 --> 00:27:22.259 to deal with 00:27:22.259 --> 00:27:23.319 the one who does 00:27:23.319 --> 00:27:24.220 and says things 00:27:24.220 --> 00:27:25.539 that make sense to me. 00:27:26.099 --> 00:27:26.539 Historical 00:27:26.539 --> 00:27:27.659 is defined 00:27:27.660 --> 00:27:28.980 as believable 00:27:28.980 --> 00:27:29.800 to me 00:27:29.800 --> 00:27:31.540 and that's how 00:27:31.540 --> 00:27:32.060 we craft 00:27:32.060 --> 00:27:32.920 what really happened. 00:27:33.060 --> 00:27:33.920 I make a Jesus 00:27:33.920 --> 00:27:35.279 in my own image 00:27:35.279 --> 00:27:36.680 and it's dangerous. 00:27:40.420 --> 00:27:41.420 On the other end 00:27:41.420 --> 00:27:42.019 of the spectrum, 00:27:42.920 --> 00:27:43.880 this generation 00:27:43.880 --> 00:27:44.980 both in the U.S. 00:27:45.000 --> 00:27:46.060 and around the world 00:27:46.060 --> 00:27:47.800 is missing Jesus 00:27:47.800 --> 00:27:48.900 by equating 00:27:48.900 --> 00:27:49.920 his promises 00:27:49.920 --> 00:27:51.700 with temporal prosperity 00:27:51.700 --> 00:27:53.500 and there may be 00:27:53.500 --> 00:27:54.259 a lot of 00:27:54.259 --> 00:27:56.160 struggles with that. 00:27:56.160 --> 00:27:57.759 one of the biggest 00:27:57.759 --> 00:27:58.960 and most devastating 00:27:58.960 --> 00:28:00.440 problems in doing that 00:28:00.440 --> 00:28:02.040 is that we remove 00:28:02.040 --> 00:28:03.140 Jesus from our 00:28:03.140 --> 00:28:03.880 real struggles. 00:28:04.779 --> 00:28:05.440 That's the one 00:28:05.440 --> 00:28:06.259 in this passage 00:28:06.259 --> 00:28:07.279 that concerns me 00:28:07.279 --> 00:28:08.279 because there's a 00:28:08.279 --> 00:28:09.100 follower of Jesus 00:28:09.100 --> 00:28:10.440 with a genuine struggle. 00:28:11.200 --> 00:28:12.360 John's confused. 00:28:13.000 --> 00:28:13.960 He's not certain 00:28:13.960 --> 00:28:15.160 who Jesus is 00:28:15.160 --> 00:28:16.940 and there would be 00:28:16.940 --> 00:28:17.600 many today 00:28:17.600 --> 00:28:18.220 who would come 00:28:18.220 --> 00:28:18.800 to John 00:28:18.800 --> 00:28:20.019 and just imagine 00:28:20.019 --> 00:28:20.980 if John had listened 00:28:20.980 --> 00:28:22.040 to friends 00:28:22.040 --> 00:28:23.259 like we may have 00:28:23.259 --> 00:28:24.300 and instead of 00:28:24.300 --> 00:28:25.500 sending him to Jesus 00:28:25.500 --> 00:28:26.220 they would say 00:28:26.220 --> 00:28:27.099 John listen 00:28:27.099 --> 00:28:28.539 if Jesus is the Messiah 00:28:28.539 --> 00:28:30.980 and if you really 00:28:30.980 --> 00:28:32.099 have enough faith 00:28:32.099 --> 00:28:34.000 you wouldn't be in prison. 00:28:35.200 --> 00:28:36.220 Don't go talk 00:28:36.220 --> 00:28:37.299 to that Jesus guy. 00:28:37.900 --> 00:28:38.880 Look where he got you. 00:28:39.960 --> 00:28:40.920 Life's hard. 00:28:42.299 --> 00:28:43.099 And if John 00:28:43.099 --> 00:28:44.319 hadn't come with that 00:28:44.319 --> 00:28:44.819 to Jesus 00:28:44.819 --> 00:28:46.339 if he bought that lie 00:28:46.339 --> 00:28:47.480 and stayed away 00:28:47.480 --> 00:28:48.200 in his struggle 00:28:48.200 --> 00:28:48.880 from Jesus 00:28:48.880 --> 00:28:50.119 he never would have 00:28:50.119 --> 00:28:51.079 heard Jesus' 00:28:51.319 --> 00:28:52.420 gracious words 00:28:52.420 --> 00:28:53.759 of reassurance 00:28:53.759 --> 00:28:55.400 building his faith 00:28:55.400 --> 00:28:56.579 back up. 00:28:58.379 --> 00:28:59.619 By setting up 00:28:59.619 --> 00:29:00.940 faulty expectations 00:29:00.940 --> 00:29:02.480 we set ourselves up 00:29:02.480 --> 00:29:03.579 for disappointment 00:29:03.579 --> 00:29:05.900 and for walking away 00:29:05.900 --> 00:29:06.559 from Jesus 00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:07.299 when life 00:29:07.299 --> 00:29:08.500 is hard. 00:29:09.900 --> 00:29:11.460 I found in particular 00:29:11.460 --> 00:29:12.319 that those of us 00:29:12.319 --> 00:29:12.960 who grow up 00:29:12.960 --> 00:29:13.740 in the church 00:29:13.740 --> 00:29:14.279 and then 00:29:14.279 --> 00:29:15.680 at some point 00:29:15.680 --> 00:29:16.599 struggle with 00:29:16.599 --> 00:29:17.480 doubts 00:29:17.480 --> 00:29:18.759 and confusion 00:29:18.759 --> 00:29:20.000 we have a really 00:29:20.000 --> 00:29:21.279 dangerous tendency 00:29:21.279 --> 00:29:21.980 in us 00:29:21.980 --> 00:29:23.480 and it's to say 00:29:23.480 --> 00:29:24.420 that we're searching 00:29:24.420 --> 00:29:25.940 we want to know 00:29:25.940 --> 00:29:26.819 what we believe 00:29:26.819 --> 00:29:27.880 and that's okay 00:29:27.880 --> 00:29:28.759 but the way 00:29:28.759 --> 00:29:29.700 we do it often 00:29:29.700 --> 00:29:31.019 is we go read books 00:29:31.019 --> 00:29:32.440 and websites 00:29:32.440 --> 00:29:33.900 and blogs 00:29:33.900 --> 00:29:34.960 and we say 00:29:34.960 --> 00:29:35.599 we're searching 00:29:35.599 --> 00:29:36.539 but the one person 00:29:36.539 --> 00:29:37.680 we've left out of the search 00:29:37.680 --> 00:29:38.200 is Jesus. 00:29:38.539 --> 00:29:39.500 We're not interested 00:29:39.500 --> 00:29:40.160 in him 00:29:40.160 --> 00:29:41.299 we think we've heard enough 00:29:41.299 --> 00:29:42.360 we move away 00:29:42.360 --> 00:29:43.279 from God's word 00:29:43.279 --> 00:29:43.920 and from anyone 00:29:43.920 --> 00:29:44.839 who trusts it 00:29:44.839 --> 00:29:46.259 and go on our search 00:29:46.259 --> 00:29:47.400 and end up 00:29:47.400 --> 00:29:49.059 where we set out 00:29:49.059 --> 00:29:49.720 to end up. 00:29:49.720 --> 00:29:52.799 Several I've watched 00:29:52.799 --> 00:29:53.339 walk away 00:29:53.339 --> 00:29:54.059 from their faith 00:29:54.059 --> 00:29:54.600 in Christ 00:29:54.600 --> 00:29:55.579 have hardly given 00:29:55.579 --> 00:29:57.620 Jesus a second glance 00:29:57.620 --> 00:29:59.059 in their doubts 00:29:59.059 --> 00:30:00.400 and their struggles 00:30:00.400 --> 00:30:02.539 they want to be searching 00:30:02.539 --> 00:30:03.559 but they quit looking 00:30:03.559 --> 00:30:04.559 in God's word 00:30:04.559 --> 00:30:05.880 and pleading 00:30:05.880 --> 00:30:07.160 for Jesus' help 00:30:07.160 --> 00:30:08.420 in their weakness. 00:30:09.759 --> 00:30:10.319 Southwood 00:30:10.319 --> 00:30:12.559 we have to be 00:30:12.559 --> 00:30:13.400 a place 00:30:13.400 --> 00:30:14.360 where it is safe 00:30:14.360 --> 00:30:15.440 to ask questions 00:30:15.440 --> 00:30:17.339 where it's safe 00:30:17.339 --> 00:30:18.480 to have doubts 00:30:18.480 --> 00:30:19.700 where it's safe 00:30:19.700 --> 00:30:20.380 to struggle 00:30:20.380 --> 00:30:23.019 where your kids 00:30:23.019 --> 00:30:23.640 can come 00:30:23.640 --> 00:30:24.360 to you 00:30:24.360 --> 00:30:25.720 and ask 00:30:25.720 --> 00:30:26.559 things they don't 00:30:26.559 --> 00:30:27.039 understand. 00:30:27.500 --> 00:30:28.180 Why do we have 00:30:28.180 --> 00:30:28.980 to be a place 00:30:28.980 --> 00:30:29.519 where you can 00:30:29.519 --> 00:30:30.559 wrestle together 00:30:30.559 --> 00:30:31.480 with hard things 00:30:31.480 --> 00:30:31.900 like that? 00:30:31.940 --> 00:30:32.380 You know why? 00:30:32.559 --> 00:30:33.900 Because Jesus is. 00:30:35.120 --> 00:30:36.240 Because he's a place 00:30:36.240 --> 00:30:36.920 where it's safe 00:30:36.920 --> 00:30:37.579 to come 00:30:37.579 --> 00:30:39.099 with those struggles 00:30:39.099 --> 00:30:39.860 and doubts. 00:30:39.980 --> 00:30:40.839 He welcomes 00:30:40.839 --> 00:30:42.480 bringing those 00:30:42.480 --> 00:30:43.160 to him. 00:30:44.620 --> 00:30:45.579 This passage 00:30:45.579 --> 00:30:46.620 is crying out 00:30:46.619 --> 00:30:47.739 that's what it's 00:30:47.739 --> 00:30:48.639 calling for 00:30:48.639 --> 00:30:49.599 for us to come 00:30:49.599 --> 00:30:50.259 to Jesus 00:30:50.259 --> 00:30:51.439 with our confusion 00:30:51.439 --> 00:30:52.819 rather than avoiding 00:30:52.819 --> 00:30:53.519 him in our 00:30:53.519 --> 00:30:54.539 self-sufficiency. 00:30:55.579 --> 00:30:56.979 It's his promises 00:30:56.979 --> 00:30:58.559 and his actions 00:30:58.559 --> 00:30:59.359 that confirm 00:30:59.359 --> 00:31:00.679 we can trust him. 00:31:01.000 --> 00:31:01.759 He wants to show 00:31:01.759 --> 00:31:03.159 himself faithful 00:31:03.159 --> 00:31:04.000 and trustworthy. 00:31:06.159 --> 00:31:07.099 There's another 00:31:07.099 --> 00:31:08.000 biblical character 00:31:08.000 --> 00:31:09.699 who experiences 00:31:09.699 --> 00:31:10.500 disappointed 00:31:10.500 --> 00:31:11.339 expectations 00:31:11.339 --> 00:31:13.220 and also lands 00:31:13.220 --> 00:31:13.799 in prison 00:31:13.799 --> 00:31:14.759 like John. 00:31:16.359 --> 00:31:17.259 Joseph has 00:31:17.259 --> 00:31:18.220 good reason 00:31:18.220 --> 00:31:19.059 to believe 00:31:19.059 --> 00:31:20.419 God's plan 00:31:20.419 --> 00:31:21.119 for him 00:31:21.119 --> 00:31:21.939 is to be ruling 00:31:21.939 --> 00:31:22.919 over his brothers 00:31:22.919 --> 00:31:23.619 but where does he 00:31:23.619 --> 00:31:24.459 find himself? 00:31:25.019 --> 00:31:25.459 Instead, 00:31:25.679 --> 00:31:26.319 looking up 00:31:26.319 --> 00:31:27.000 at them 00:31:27.000 --> 00:31:27.599 from the bottom 00:31:27.599 --> 00:31:28.199 of a pit. 00:31:29.179 --> 00:31:29.759 Languishing 00:31:29.759 --> 00:31:31.419 in an Egyptian 00:31:31.419 --> 00:31:32.059 prison. 00:31:34.019 --> 00:31:34.639 I suspect 00:31:34.639 --> 00:31:35.419 he had many 00:31:35.419 --> 00:31:36.139 moments of 00:31:36.139 --> 00:31:36.720 confusion 00:31:36.720 --> 00:31:38.240 in his life. 00:31:38.720 --> 00:31:39.399 What are you 00:31:39.399 --> 00:31:40.039 doing, God? 00:31:40.039 --> 00:31:41.079 How is this 00:31:41.079 --> 00:31:41.839 the way it's 00:31:41.839 --> 00:31:42.579 supposed to go? 00:31:43.940 --> 00:31:44.920 But at the end 00:31:44.920 --> 00:31:45.619 of his life 00:31:45.619 --> 00:31:46.519 we find Joseph 00:31:46.519 --> 00:31:47.659 explaining to 00:31:47.659 --> 00:31:48.579 those brothers 00:31:48.579 --> 00:31:49.599 how God was 00:31:49.599 --> 00:31:50.460 working all of 00:31:50.460 --> 00:31:51.460 this for good. 00:31:52.779 --> 00:31:53.819 We find Joseph 00:31:53.819 --> 00:31:54.399 telling them 00:31:54.399 --> 00:31:55.240 to trust God's 00:31:55.240 --> 00:31:55.680 promises. 00:31:56.059 --> 00:31:56.619 He's going to 00:31:56.619 --> 00:31:57.359 come and deliver 00:31:57.359 --> 00:31:58.059 you out of Egypt 00:31:58.059 --> 00:31:58.599 and take you 00:31:58.599 --> 00:31:59.180 to the promised 00:31:59.180 --> 00:31:59.440 land. 00:31:59.539 --> 00:32:00.079 You can count 00:32:00.079 --> 00:32:00.480 on it. 00:32:01.420 --> 00:32:01.980 How? 00:32:03.519 --> 00:32:04.759 What sustains 00:32:04.759 --> 00:32:05.839 Joseph in his 00:32:05.839 --> 00:32:06.899 confusion and 00:32:06.899 --> 00:32:07.899 struggle? 00:32:08.819 --> 00:32:09.659 It's God's 00:32:09.660 --> 00:32:11.180 words and 00:32:11.180 --> 00:32:12.120 God's deeds. 00:32:12.660 --> 00:32:13.120 Isn't it? 00:32:13.560 --> 00:32:13.960 It's what 00:32:13.960 --> 00:32:14.660 Joseph has 00:32:14.660 --> 00:32:15.540 heard and 00:32:15.540 --> 00:32:15.940 what he's 00:32:15.940 --> 00:32:16.700 seen and 00:32:16.700 --> 00:32:17.300 experienced. 00:32:18.300 --> 00:32:18.720 It's the 00:32:18.720 --> 00:32:19.480 promises of 00:32:19.480 --> 00:32:20.080 God that 00:32:20.080 --> 00:32:21.040 Joseph has 00:32:21.040 --> 00:32:21.560 seen God 00:32:21.560 --> 00:32:22.440 fulfill time 00:32:22.440 --> 00:32:23.100 after time 00:32:23.100 --> 00:32:23.380 when it 00:32:23.380 --> 00:32:23.779 didn't look 00:32:23.779 --> 00:32:24.080 like there 00:32:24.080 --> 00:32:24.540 was any 00:32:24.540 --> 00:32:25.060 way that 00:32:25.060 --> 00:32:25.759 God was 00:32:25.759 --> 00:32:26.120 going to 00:32:26.120 --> 00:32:26.680 even save 00:32:26.680 --> 00:32:27.140 my life 00:32:27.140 --> 00:32:27.420 and now 00:32:27.420 --> 00:32:27.800 I watch 00:32:27.800 --> 00:32:28.200 him use 00:32:28.200 --> 00:32:28.519 me to 00:32:28.519 --> 00:32:28.779 save, 00:32:29.180 --> 00:32:29.680 oh my 00:32:29.680 --> 00:32:30.040 goodness, 00:32:30.180 --> 00:32:30.759 the nation. 00:32:31.320 --> 00:32:31.880 The nations 00:32:31.880 --> 00:32:32.279 are being 00:32:32.279 --> 00:32:32.560 blessed. 00:32:32.660 --> 00:32:33.279 My family 00:32:33.279 --> 00:32:34.000 is being 00:32:34.000 --> 00:32:34.800 spared in 00:32:34.800 --> 00:32:35.200 famine. 00:32:36.259 --> 00:32:36.860 I have a 00:32:36.860 --> 00:32:37.380 glimpse at 00:32:37.380 --> 00:32:38.080 what God's 00:32:38.079 --> 00:32:38.899 doing. 00:32:40.980 --> 00:32:41.559 Genesis 00:32:41.559 --> 00:32:42.059 says God 00:32:42.059 --> 00:32:42.879 was with 00:32:42.879 --> 00:32:43.799 Joseph 00:32:43.799 --> 00:32:44.659 just like 00:32:44.659 --> 00:32:45.220 he promised 00:32:45.220 --> 00:32:47.199 and eventually 00:32:47.199 --> 00:32:47.980 Joseph who 00:32:47.980 --> 00:32:48.699 was confused 00:32:48.699 --> 00:32:49.480 and didn't 00:32:49.480 --> 00:32:50.039 know how 00:32:50.039 --> 00:32:50.480 God was 00:32:50.480 --> 00:32:51.159 working saw 00:32:51.159 --> 00:32:51.699 God be 00:32:51.699 --> 00:32:53.019 faithful and 00:32:53.019 --> 00:32:53.679 so he clung 00:32:53.679 --> 00:32:54.399 to the promise 00:32:54.399 --> 00:32:54.859 that God 00:32:54.859 --> 00:32:55.279 would do it 00:32:55.279 --> 00:32:55.599 again. 00:32:57.759 --> 00:32:58.639 Jesus is 00:32:58.639 --> 00:32:59.220 saying here 00:32:59.220 --> 00:32:59.659 again, 00:33:00.299 --> 00:33:01.299 I am the 00:33:01.299 --> 00:33:01.899 promised 00:33:01.899 --> 00:33:02.859 Savior, 00:33:03.500 --> 00:33:03.879 King, 00:33:04.119 --> 00:33:04.740 come to 00:33:04.740 --> 00:33:05.059 me. 00:33:05.699 --> 00:33:06.579 Don't keep 00:33:06.579 --> 00:33:06.919 me at 00:33:06.919 --> 00:33:07.779 arm's length. 00:33:09.079 --> 00:33:09.259 Hear 00:33:09.259 --> 00:33:09.539 my 00:33:09.539 --> 00:33:10.179 words. 00:33:10.879 --> 00:33:11.039 See 00:33:11.039 --> 00:33:11.399 my 00:33:11.399 --> 00:33:12.079 deeds. 00:33:12.559 --> 00:33:12.960 Trust 00:33:12.960 --> 00:33:13.720 my 00:33:13.720 --> 00:33:14.220 love 00:33:14.220 --> 00:33:14.740 for 00:33:14.740 --> 00:33:15.139 you. 00:33:16.579 --> 00:33:16.939 Once 00:33:16.939 --> 00:33:17.299 again in 00:33:17.299 --> 00:33:17.639 this whole 00:33:17.639 --> 00:33:18.019 story, 00:33:18.159 --> 00:33:18.399 Jesus 00:33:18.399 --> 00:33:19.519 is at 00:33:19.519 --> 00:33:19.740 the 00:33:19.740 --> 00:33:20.079 center. 00:33:20.859 --> 00:33:20.980 The 00:33:20.980 --> 00:33:21.399 issue 00:33:21.399 --> 00:33:21.960 is whether 00:33:21.960 --> 00:33:22.539 we come 00:33:22.539 --> 00:33:23.139 to him 00:33:23.139 --> 00:33:23.859 in our 00:33:23.859 --> 00:33:24.500 confusion 00:33:24.500 --> 00:33:25.980 or avoid 00:33:25.980 --> 00:33:26.619 him in 00:33:26.619 --> 00:33:26.879 our 00:33:26.879 --> 00:33:27.779 certainty. 00:33:29.779 --> 00:33:30.559 Jesus 00:33:30.559 --> 00:33:31.099 concludes 00:33:31.099 --> 00:33:31.819 by saying 00:33:31.819 --> 00:33:32.199 wisdom 00:33:32.199 --> 00:33:33.599 is justified 00:33:33.599 --> 00:33:35.220 by all 00:33:35.220 --> 00:33:35.419 her 00:33:35.419 --> 00:33:35.919 children. 00:33:36.980 --> 00:33:37.139 My 00:33:37.140 --> 00:33:37.820 translation, 00:33:38.600 --> 00:33:39.040 God is 00:33:39.040 --> 00:33:39.900 experienced 00:33:39.900 --> 00:33:41.160 as faithful 00:33:41.160 --> 00:33:42.400 by all 00:33:42.400 --> 00:33:43.240 those who 00:33:43.240 --> 00:33:44.220 trust him. 00:33:45.500 --> 00:33:46.040 You know 00:33:46.040 --> 00:33:47.040 who vindicates 00:33:47.040 --> 00:33:47.480 God? 00:33:48.140 --> 00:33:48.920 Who declares 00:33:48.920 --> 00:33:49.680 him to be 00:33:49.680 --> 00:33:50.280 right and 00:33:50.280 --> 00:33:50.800 just in 00:33:50.800 --> 00:33:51.380 this passage? 00:33:51.500 --> 00:33:52.259 It's humorous. 00:33:53.100 --> 00:33:53.860 It's people 00:33:53.860 --> 00:33:54.420 declaring 00:33:54.420 --> 00:33:55.660 that God 00:33:55.660 --> 00:33:56.500 is just. 00:33:56.600 --> 00:33:56.900 In fact, 00:33:56.960 --> 00:33:57.440 it's not just 00:33:57.440 --> 00:33:57.960 the crowds. 00:33:58.360 --> 00:33:59.000 Verse 29, 00:33:59.200 --> 00:33:59.520 all the 00:33:59.520 --> 00:33:59.840 people, 00:34:00.140 --> 00:34:00.720 even the 00:34:00.720 --> 00:34:01.740 tax collectors 00:34:01.740 --> 00:34:03.640 pronounce 00:34:03.640 --> 00:34:04.700 God 00:34:04.700 --> 00:34:05.579 just. 00:34:05.700 --> 00:34:06.099 Not the 00:34:06.099 --> 00:34:06.460 religious 00:34:06.460 --> 00:34:06.859 leaders, 00:34:07.059 --> 00:34:07.980 the crowds 00:34:07.980 --> 00:34:08.559 and the 00:34:08.559 --> 00:34:09.340 tax collectors, 00:34:09.500 --> 00:34:10.179 the rabble 00:34:10.179 --> 00:34:10.780 who have 00:34:10.780 --> 00:34:11.559 repented. 00:34:13.280 --> 00:34:13.760 Isn't that 00:34:13.760 --> 00:34:14.260 crazy? 00:34:14.780 --> 00:34:15.400 The tax 00:34:15.400 --> 00:34:16.000 collectors are 00:34:16.000 --> 00:34:16.460 the one who 00:34:16.460 --> 00:34:17.519 see God 00:34:17.519 --> 00:34:18.400 be faithful 00:34:18.400 --> 00:34:19.239 and say 00:34:19.239 --> 00:34:19.760 he comes 00:34:19.760 --> 00:34:20.199 through, 00:34:20.559 --> 00:34:20.940 you can 00:34:20.940 --> 00:34:21.659 trust him. 00:34:23.139 --> 00:34:23.440 Jesus 00:34:23.440 --> 00:34:23.880 says even 00:34:23.880 --> 00:34:24.460 the least 00:34:24.460 --> 00:34:25.059 of them 00:34:25.059 --> 00:34:25.980 is greater 00:34:25.980 --> 00:34:26.800 than John 00:34:26.800 --> 00:34:27.400 the Baptist 00:34:27.400 --> 00:34:28.019 because they're 00:34:28.019 --> 00:34:28.940 part of the 00:34:28.940 --> 00:34:29.579 new kingdom 00:34:29.579 --> 00:34:29.699 kingdom, 00:34:30.159 --> 00:34:30.659 with the 00:34:30.659 --> 00:34:31.659 new king. 00:34:33.000 --> 00:34:33.699 That's how 00:34:33.699 --> 00:34:34.239 incredibly 00:34:34.239 --> 00:34:35.059 glorious 00:34:35.059 --> 00:34:36.500 Jesus is. 00:34:37.019 --> 00:34:37.639 All of that 00:34:37.639 --> 00:34:38.059 is only 00:34:38.059 --> 00:34:38.840 possible 00:34:38.840 --> 00:34:39.819 because of 00:34:39.819 --> 00:34:40.079 him. 00:34:40.420 --> 00:34:40.980 Even the 00:34:40.980 --> 00:34:41.980 tax collectors 00:34:41.980 --> 00:34:43.119 see God's 00:34:43.119 --> 00:34:44.000 faithfulness. 00:34:44.299 --> 00:34:44.920 They're called 00:34:44.920 --> 00:34:45.699 God's 00:34:45.699 --> 00:34:46.420 children. 00:34:47.360 --> 00:34:48.360 Verse 35, 00:34:48.920 --> 00:34:49.539 because they're 00:34:49.539 --> 00:34:50.099 connected to 00:34:50.099 --> 00:34:50.380 him, 00:34:51.199 --> 00:34:51.579 to his 00:34:51.579 --> 00:34:51.880 son, 00:34:52.679 --> 00:34:53.139 the king. 00:34:53.139 --> 00:34:53.759 He makes 00:34:53.759 --> 00:34:54.679 all the 00:34:54.679 --> 00:34:55.239 difference. 00:34:56.119 --> 00:34:56.239 Y'all, 00:34:56.299 --> 00:34:56.900 what's happening 00:34:56.900 --> 00:34:57.539 is Luke is 00:34:57.539 --> 00:34:58.059 showing us 00:34:58.059 --> 00:34:59.400 again why 00:34:59.400 --> 00:35:00.119 the gospel 00:35:00.119 --> 00:35:00.740 is good 00:35:00.740 --> 00:35:01.680 news of 00:35:01.680 --> 00:35:02.480 great joy 00:35:02.480 --> 00:35:03.480 for all 00:35:03.480 --> 00:35:03.920 people. 00:35:04.480 --> 00:35:05.260 Because the 00:35:05.260 --> 00:35:06.119 weakest of 00:35:06.119 --> 00:35:06.960 his followers 00:35:06.960 --> 00:35:08.220 hear gracious 00:35:08.220 --> 00:35:09.599 words from 00:35:09.599 --> 00:35:10.760 their strong, 00:35:11.160 --> 00:35:12.380 perfect king 00:35:12.380 --> 00:35:13.260 in their 00:35:13.260 --> 00:35:14.639 lowest moments. 00:35:17.039 --> 00:35:18.099 If you're 00:35:18.099 --> 00:35:19.840 confused and 00:35:19.840 --> 00:35:21.039 doubting today, 00:35:21.720 --> 00:35:23.079 come to 00:35:23.079 --> 00:35:24.300 Jesus as 00:35:24.300 --> 00:35:24.780 you are. 00:35:25.200 --> 00:35:25.740 Hear his 00:35:25.740 --> 00:35:26.840 promises again. 00:35:27.480 --> 00:35:28.099 Remember how 00:35:28.099 --> 00:35:29.099 faithful he 00:35:29.099 --> 00:35:29.619 has been. 00:35:30.039 --> 00:35:30.699 Ask him to 00:35:30.699 --> 00:35:31.420 show himself 00:35:31.420 --> 00:35:32.460 strong again. 00:35:32.960 --> 00:35:33.380 Let his 00:35:33.380 --> 00:35:34.159 words of 00:35:34.159 --> 00:35:34.940 grace to 00:35:34.940 --> 00:35:36.039 you drown 00:35:36.039 --> 00:35:36.639 out your 00:35:36.639 --> 00:35:38.039 self-accusations, 00:35:38.880 --> 00:35:39.980 the accusations 00:35:39.980 --> 00:35:41.059 of the devil 00:35:41.059 --> 00:35:41.679 in your 00:35:41.679 --> 00:35:42.239 heart. 00:35:43.819 --> 00:35:44.679 His words 00:35:44.679 --> 00:35:45.900 and his 00:35:45.900 --> 00:35:46.460 deeds 00:35:46.460 --> 00:35:47.440 confirm 00:35:47.440 --> 00:35:49.079 his love 00:35:49.079 --> 00:35:50.019 for you. 00:35:51.480 --> 00:35:52.179 This is 00:35:52.179 --> 00:35:52.900 exactly what 00:35:52.900 --> 00:35:53.319 God has 00:35:53.319 --> 00:35:54.099 given us in 00:35:54.099 --> 00:35:54.579 the Lord's 00:35:54.579 --> 00:35:54.839 Supper. 00:35:54.840 --> 00:35:55.840 God has 00:35:55.840 --> 00:35:57.180 given us 00:35:57.180 --> 00:35:57.539 to his 00:35:57.539 --> 00:35:58.000 church, 00:35:58.740 --> 00:35:59.460 to his 00:35:59.460 --> 00:36:00.019 followers, 00:36:00.960 --> 00:36:01.800 because he 00:36:01.800 --> 00:36:02.420 knows that 00:36:02.420 --> 00:36:02.800 we're going 00:36:02.800 --> 00:36:03.300 to struggle, 00:36:04.460 --> 00:36:05.059 that we're 00:36:05.059 --> 00:36:05.440 going to 00:36:05.440 --> 00:36:05.760 doubt, 00:36:06.320 --> 00:36:06.579 that we're 00:36:06.579 --> 00:36:06.960 going to 00:36:06.960 --> 00:36:08.000 be confused, 00:36:08.280 --> 00:36:08.880 and his 00:36:08.880 --> 00:36:10.100 heart is to 00:36:10.100 --> 00:36:11.360 strengthen our 00:36:11.360 --> 00:36:11.860 faith. 00:36:13.059 --> 00:36:13.820 So he gives 00:36:13.820 --> 00:36:14.880 this to us. 00:36:14.900 --> 00:36:15.280 He wants you 00:36:15.280 --> 00:36:16.500 to taste again 00:36:16.500 --> 00:36:17.780 his promises. 00:36:18.120 --> 00:36:18.660 He wants to 00:36:18.660 --> 00:36:19.300 come and to 00:36:19.300 --> 00:36:20.420 whisper in your 00:36:20.420 --> 00:36:21.260 ear again this 00:36:21.260 --> 00:36:21.559 morning, 00:36:21.840 --> 00:36:22.200 do you remember 00:36:22.200 --> 00:36:22.900 my promises? 00:36:23.340 --> 00:36:24.200 I promise to 00:36:24.200 --> 00:36:24.740 love you. 00:36:25.480 --> 00:36:26.400 I promise to 00:36:26.400 --> 00:36:27.260 redeem you. 00:36:28.559 --> 00:36:29.220 And then he 00:36:29.220 --> 00:36:29.579 wants you to 00:36:29.579 --> 00:36:30.680 see what he's 00:36:30.680 --> 00:36:30.960 done. 00:36:32.320 --> 00:36:33.480 The greatest 00:36:33.480 --> 00:36:35.720 deed that he 00:36:35.720 --> 00:36:36.360 has done to 00:36:36.360 --> 00:36:37.019 show you that 00:36:37.019 --> 00:36:37.760 you can trust 00:36:37.760 --> 00:36:38.920 him, he went 00:36:38.920 --> 00:36:39.780 to the cross 00:36:39.780 --> 00:36:40.820 and laid down 00:36:40.820 --> 00:36:41.960 his life for 00:36:41.960 --> 00:36:42.900 you, and he 00:36:42.900 --> 00:36:43.380 wants you to 00:36:43.380 --> 00:36:44.760 see it again 00:36:44.760 --> 00:36:45.320 this morning. 00:36:45.440 --> 00:36:46.579 Remember what 00:36:46.579 --> 00:36:47.300 he said to his 00:36:47.300 --> 00:36:47.860 disciples. 00:36:48.860 --> 00:36:49.340 The night he 00:36:49.340 --> 00:36:50.099 was betrayed, 00:36:50.300 --> 00:36:51.160 the Lord Jesus 00:36:51.160 --> 00:36:52.240 took bread, and 00:36:52.240 --> 00:36:52.760 when he'd given 00:36:52.760 --> 00:36:53.440 thanks, he 00:36:53.440 --> 00:36:54.820 broke it and 00:36:54.820 --> 00:36:55.460 said, this is 00:36:55.460 --> 00:36:56.900 my body, which 00:36:56.900 --> 00:36:57.620 is for you. 00:36:57.720 --> 00:36:58.580 Do this in 00:36:58.580 --> 00:36:59.320 remembrance of 00:36:59.320 --> 00:36:59.540 me. 00:37:00.580 --> 00:37:01.200 In the same 00:37:01.200 --> 00:37:01.820 way also he 00:37:01.820 --> 00:37:02.420 took the cup 00:37:02.420 --> 00:37:03.120 after supper 00:37:03.120 --> 00:37:04.160 saying, this 00:37:04.160 --> 00:37:04.720 cup is the 00:37:04.720 --> 00:37:05.220 new covenant 00:37:05.220 --> 00:37:06.020 in my blood. 00:37:06.420 --> 00:37:07.040 Do this as 00:37:07.040 --> 00:37:07.780 often as you 00:37:07.780 --> 00:37:08.740 drink it in 00:37:08.740 --> 00:37:09.480 remembrance of 00:37:09.480 --> 00:37:09.760 me. 00:37:10.040 --> 00:37:10.660 For as often 00:37:10.660 --> 00:37:11.160 as you eat 00:37:11.160 --> 00:37:12.440 this bread and 00:37:12.440 --> 00:37:12.860 drink the 00:37:12.860 --> 00:37:13.840 cup, you 00:37:13.840 --> 00:37:14.560 proclaim the 00:37:14.560 --> 00:37:15.340 Lord's death 00:37:15.340 --> 00:37:16.880 until he 00:37:16.880 --> 00:37:17.360 comes. 00:37:19.560 --> 00:37:20.200 Y'all, this 00:37:20.200 --> 00:37:20.660 is not the 00:37:20.660 --> 00:37:21.180 table of 00:37:21.179 --> 00:37:22.899 Southwood or 00:37:22.899 --> 00:37:23.899 the Presbyterian 00:37:23.899 --> 00:37:24.379 church. 00:37:24.859 --> 00:37:25.819 This is the 00:37:25.819 --> 00:37:27.079 Lord's table. 00:37:28.000 --> 00:37:28.259 And he 00:37:28.259 --> 00:37:28.819 invites all 00:37:28.819 --> 00:37:29.899 those who 00:37:29.899 --> 00:37:31.000 trust in 00:37:31.000 --> 00:37:31.719 Jesus to 00:37:31.719 --> 00:37:32.299 come. 00:37:32.659 --> 00:37:33.359 Listen, if 00:37:33.359 --> 00:37:34.419 you don't 00:37:34.419 --> 00:37:35.379 know Jesus, 00:37:35.679 --> 00:37:36.539 if you hear 00:37:36.539 --> 00:37:37.039 me saying 00:37:37.039 --> 00:37:37.579 these things 00:37:37.579 --> 00:37:37.879 and you 00:37:37.879 --> 00:37:38.579 think, I 00:37:38.579 --> 00:37:39.019 don't know, 00:37:39.519 --> 00:37:40.099 I still 00:37:40.099 --> 00:37:40.419 don't know 00:37:40.419 --> 00:37:40.799 what to 00:37:40.799 --> 00:37:41.359 think about 00:37:41.359 --> 00:37:42.599 Jesus, I'd 00:37:42.599 --> 00:37:43.159 encourage you 00:37:43.159 --> 00:37:43.699 not to come 00:37:43.699 --> 00:37:44.460 to this table 00:37:44.460 --> 00:37:45.019 this morning, 00:37:45.239 --> 00:37:45.759 but rather 00:37:45.759 --> 00:37:46.659 come and talk 00:37:46.659 --> 00:37:47.319 with us about 00:37:47.319 --> 00:37:47.739 Jesus. 00:37:47.739 --> 00:37:49.059 Jesus, we'd 00:37:49.059 --> 00:37:49.619 love for you 00:37:49.619 --> 00:37:50.179 to know 00:37:50.179 --> 00:37:50.679 him. 00:37:53.279 --> 00:37:54.019 But if you 00:37:54.019 --> 00:37:54.679 know Jesus, 00:37:56.500 --> 00:37:57.319 you may be 00:37:57.319 --> 00:37:58.779 struggling with 00:37:58.779 --> 00:37:59.299 that this 00:37:59.299 --> 00:37:59.699 morning, you 00:37:59.699 --> 00:38:00.159 may be in a 00:38:00.159 --> 00:38:01.019 place in life 00:38:01.019 --> 00:38:01.459 where you're 00:38:01.459 --> 00:38:03.239 confused and 00:38:03.239 --> 00:38:03.759 you're not 00:38:03.759 --> 00:38:04.879 certain what to 00:38:04.879 --> 00:38:05.719 think about what 00:38:05.719 --> 00:38:06.559 God's doing or 00:38:06.559 --> 00:38:07.359 even if he's safe 00:38:07.359 --> 00:38:08.299 to trust right 00:38:08.299 --> 00:38:08.899 here because it 00:38:08.899 --> 00:38:09.799 doesn't feel like 00:38:09.799 --> 00:38:10.059 it. 00:38:11.259 --> 00:38:11.859 If you're 00:38:11.859 --> 00:38:12.379 doubting, 00:38:13.979 --> 00:38:15.139 this is not a 00:38:15.139 --> 00:38:15.959 table where you're 00:38:15.960 --> 00:38:17.480 pushed away in 00:38:17.480 --> 00:38:18.099 your weakness. 00:38:19.460 --> 00:38:20.460 Jesus says to 00:38:20.460 --> 00:38:21.119 his struggling, 00:38:21.699 --> 00:38:22.679 weak followers, 00:38:23.199 --> 00:38:24.199 come to me, 00:38:24.619 --> 00:38:25.659 let me build 00:38:25.659 --> 00:38:26.440 your faith. 00:38:27.500 --> 00:38:28.539 Taste and 00:38:28.539 --> 00:38:29.519 see and 00:38:29.519 --> 00:38:30.960 remember I 00:38:30.960 --> 00:38:31.900 love you. 00:38:32.179 --> 00:38:33.480 I have great 00:38:33.480 --> 00:38:34.679 words to 00:38:34.679 --> 00:38:35.659 speak over 00:38:35.659 --> 00:38:36.559 you, words 00:38:36.559 --> 00:38:37.420 of gospel 00:38:37.420 --> 00:38:37.940 truth. 00:38:38.240 --> 00:38:39.099 I think of 00:38:39.099 --> 00:38:40.420 you in terms 00:38:40.420 --> 00:38:41.659 of my son, 00:38:42.099 --> 00:38:42.800 God says. 00:38:43.039 --> 00:38:43.820 That's how you 00:38:43.820 --> 00:38:44.360 come to this 00:38:44.360 --> 00:38:45.099 table, through 00:38:45.099 --> 00:38:45.720 his body, 00:38:45.960 --> 00:38:46.440 and his 00:38:46.440 --> 00:38:46.840 blood. 00:38:47.240 --> 00:38:47.940 He loves 00:38:47.940 --> 00:38:48.920 you because 00:38:48.920 --> 00:38:49.380 of Jesus. 00:38:49.519 --> 00:38:49.840 Come to 00:38:49.840 --> 00:38:50.079 him. 00:38:51.220 --> 00:38:52.019 Taste and 00:38:52.019 --> 00:38:52.980 see that the 00:38:52.980 --> 00:38:53.599 Lord is good 00:38:53.599 --> 00:38:54.019 and have your 00:38:54.019 --> 00:38:55.340 faith built up 00:38:55.340 --> 00:38:55.760 in Jesus. 00:38:55.920 --> 00:38:56.519 Let's pray and 00:38:56.519 --> 00:38:57.019 then we'll come 00:38:57.019 --> 00:38:57.440 together. 00:38:59.720 --> 00:39:00.380 Father, how 00:39:00.380 --> 00:39:01.280 kind of you 00:39:01.280 --> 00:39:02.960 to meet us in 00:39:02.960 --> 00:39:03.519 our weakness, 00:39:04.079 --> 00:39:04.720 to give us 00:39:04.720 --> 00:39:05.380 something we can 00:39:05.380 --> 00:39:05.920 hold in our 00:39:05.920 --> 00:39:06.860 hands and taste 00:39:06.860 --> 00:39:07.619 on our lips 00:39:07.619 --> 00:39:09.539 that reminds us 00:39:09.539 --> 00:39:10.220 you love us 00:39:10.220 --> 00:39:11.119 enough to send 00:39:11.119 --> 00:39:12.920 your son for 00:39:12.920 --> 00:39:13.340 us. 00:39:13.820 --> 00:39:15.079 That reminds us 00:39:15.079 --> 00:39:15.940 that today, 00:39:16.079 --> 00:39:16.900 no matter how 00:39:16.900 --> 00:39:17.719 we feel, 00:39:17.819 --> 00:39:18.519 the way you 00:39:18.519 --> 00:39:19.500 feel about us 00:39:19.500 --> 00:39:20.079 has not 00:39:20.079 --> 00:39:20.860 changed. 00:39:21.519 --> 00:39:22.239 Because it 00:39:22.239 --> 00:39:23.079 was purchased 00:39:23.079 --> 00:39:24.819 on the cross 00:39:24.819 --> 00:39:25.679 by your 00:39:25.679 --> 00:39:26.139 son. 00:39:26.960 --> 00:39:27.299 And your 00:39:27.299 --> 00:39:28.340 love is 00:39:28.340 --> 00:39:29.279 unwavering. 00:39:30.960 --> 00:39:31.360 Might we 00:39:31.360 --> 00:39:31.880 know it 00:39:31.880 --> 00:39:33.039 again this 00:39:33.039 --> 00:39:33.380 morning. 00:39:34.400 --> 00:39:34.980 Set aside 00:39:34.980 --> 00:39:35.519 these elements 00:39:35.519 --> 00:39:36.259 from a common 00:39:36.259 --> 00:39:37.219 purpose to that 00:39:37.219 --> 00:39:38.400 sacred use in 00:39:38.400 --> 00:39:39.019 our hearts, 00:39:39.199 --> 00:39:40.440 we ask in 00:39:40.440 --> 00:39:41.220 Jesus' name. 00:39:41.980 --> 00:39:42.320 Amen. 00:39:46.320 --> 00:39:47.139 For more 00:39:47.139 --> 00:39:47.659 information, 00:39:48.039 --> 00:39:48.460 visit us 00:39:48.460 --> 00:39:49.360 online at 00:39:49.360 --> 00:39:50.260 southwood.org.