WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.080 Luke 20 verse 20 to 21 verse 4. And if I had a sermon title, which I don't, I don't like 00:00:12.080 --> 00:00:19.859 ! I'd put this on putting Jesus in his place. Putting Jesus in his place. And for two reasons 00:00:19.859 --> 00:00:24.060 and why I think that's important. Because number one, that's what the religious leaders were 00:00:24.060 --> 00:00:29.980 trying to do. Jesus had ridden into Jerusalem. He'd been acclaimed the Messiah. He'd been 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:35.640 gone into the temple. He'd cleansed the temple. And he was preaching the gospel. The good 00:00:35.640 --> 00:00:41.259 news. And the religious leaders wanted to kill him. They wanted to put him in his place, 00:00:41.380 --> 00:00:48.240 which was a hole in the ground. Secondly, God wanted to put him in his place. And the place 00:00:48.240 --> 00:00:52.719 where God wanted to put the Lord Jesus was to raise him from the dead. And to place him 00:00:52.719 --> 00:00:59.980 at the highest place above every name. And above every dominion and every power and every authority. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:05.379 authority at his right hand. God wanted to put the Lord Jesus in his place, the place 00:01:05.379 --> 00:01:11.900 of honour. And it's very interesting to me that here we are in Luke's gospel within days 00:01:11.900 --> 00:01:19.219 of his execution. But Jesus has resurrection on his mind. And there are two big points in 00:01:19.219 --> 00:01:26.920 this passage. And then two points of application. Two concrete, real life examples of the difference 00:01:26.920 --> 00:01:34.239 that the resurrection makes now, today. You know the signs you sometimes see outside churches. 00:01:34.959 --> 00:01:39.219 There used to be one outside at Elam Pentecostal Church in Swansea. And it would have a different 00:01:39.219 --> 00:01:45.219 sign outside the church every week. And one of the signs said this, free trip to heaven inside. 00:01:45.219 --> 00:01:48.980 You know, outside the church building. You know, written in kind of luminous writing. 00:01:49.519 --> 00:01:54.180 Outside. Free trip to heaven outside. Now I think, a lot of people think that's what Christianity 00:01:54.180 --> 00:02:00.719 is all about. But it's for people a little bit weak in the mind. As if we can't really face 00:02:00.719 --> 00:02:06.200 reality. And so what we do is we go to church and we have this kind of heaven thing going on. 00:02:06.200 --> 00:02:14.539 It's a crutch that helps us get through. And so what we use, this idea of heaven is a kind 00:02:14.539 --> 00:02:20.900 of escapism. We're people of the future but we're not really much use in this world. 00:02:22.439 --> 00:02:27.340 And this passage in Luke chapter 20 is full of the resurrection. And I've got to say to 00:02:27.340 --> 00:02:32.699 you, it is going to be hard work. So let me warn you, if you've left your brain at the 00:02:32.699 --> 00:02:36.859 door, go and get it. And we'll wait for you. What I want you to see is I want you to see 00:02:36.859 --> 00:02:44.259 how dangerously practical the resurrection is. So here are the two main points. The first 00:02:44.259 --> 00:02:49.859 one in verses 27 to verse 40 I call taking the life out of the resurrection. Taking the 00:02:49.859 --> 00:02:55.159 life out of the resurrection. I was going to call it taking the fun out of the resurrection. 00:02:55.459 --> 00:03:00.799 Because in 27 you meet the Sadducees for the first time in Luke's gospel. And you all know 00:03:00.800 --> 00:03:04.540 the old joke, don't you know what the Sadducees is. They didn't believe in the resurrection. 00:03:05.100 --> 00:03:08.660 And the old joke was they didn't believe in the resurrection. And that is why they were 00:03:08.660 --> 00:03:14.740 sad you see. It's not my joke. But what these people were is they were the creme de la creme 00:03:14.740 --> 00:03:21.060 of the Jewish elite. They were part of the authority structure of Jerusalem. They were the wealthy 00:03:21.060 --> 00:03:28.600 aristocratic. And their clientele was the wealthiest. They had their hearts and their minds 00:03:28.599 --> 00:03:34.019 fixed solidly on this life, on this world and all the goodies you could get in it. 00:03:34.680 --> 00:03:40.120 They didn't believe in heaven. They didn't believe in angels. And they thought the idea of the 00:03:40.120 --> 00:03:47.439 resurrection was absolute nonsense. And they created a religion which was limited and defined 00:03:47.439 --> 00:03:55.780 by their own imagination. And the spirit of the Sadducees is alive and well today. 00:03:55.780 --> 00:04:00.900 You see in people who call themselves church followers, who call themselves spiritual, but 00:04:00.900 --> 00:04:06.860 they only live for now. And they're only concerned about the now. And they're only concerned about 00:04:06.860 --> 00:04:13.439 the sufferings of the world now. And they live for today. And the future doesn't concern me, 00:04:13.479 --> 00:04:20.220 isn't it? Do you remember the Christian aid advert? I believe in life before death. Of course 00:04:20.220 --> 00:04:25.100 we believe in that. And yet what that displayed was a horrific misunderstanding of the Christian 00:04:25.100 --> 00:04:32.740 gospel. Those who limit the Christian faith to what they can see or what they can imagine. 00:04:33.740 --> 00:04:37.740 And so they're embarrassed about certain parts of the Bible and so they just slice them off. 00:04:38.060 --> 00:04:45.500 The nasty bits about judgment. The nasty bits about the cross and Christ bearing our sin 00:04:45.500 --> 00:04:54.079 on the cross and sexual immorality. Sexual morality. And so they modify the faith so it doesn't upset them 00:04:54.079 --> 00:05:00.480 and it doesn't accept their clientele in society. And one of the funny things is when you do that 00:05:00.480 --> 00:05:08.279 is actually God becomes very much like you. And his interests are your interests. And God is no longer 00:05:08.279 --> 00:05:13.739 able to challenge you or really change you. Instead from time to time he comforts you that your opinions 00:05:13.739 --> 00:05:21.239 are right. And that is the saddest. Can you see their arrogance? They drip with pride as they come to the Lord Jesus. 00:05:21.500 --> 00:05:29.639 And they ridicule the resurrection verses 28 to 33. They cheek up this Old Testament principle. 00:05:29.639 --> 00:05:39.899 Where sometimes in some circumstances if the guy married a woman and then died his brothers could marry the widow. 00:05:40.019 --> 00:05:46.560 It's a very gracious law. The brother could marry the widow to raise up the children in his name. 00:05:46.939 --> 00:05:51.039 And so they put to Jesus the famous story of the seven unlucky brothers. 00:05:52.019 --> 00:05:58.500 Who all felt obliged to marry the same widow. The first brother died. And the second brother died. 00:05:58.500 --> 00:06:02.680 And the third brother died. And I suspect by the time they got to the fourth brother 00:06:02.680 --> 00:06:06.319 they had great suspicions over this widow didn't they? What was she cooking? 00:06:08.620 --> 00:06:12.420 Now I would say the story of Jesus about this silly resurrection business Jesus. 00:06:14.300 --> 00:06:17.620 What about if these seven brothers they die and then they wake up in heaven? 00:06:18.939 --> 00:06:20.279 Who will they be married to? 00:06:21.300 --> 00:06:23.160 And you can see their smile won't they? Can't you? 00:06:23.819 --> 00:06:27.720 They think they've knocked out. They think they've given the killer blow. 00:06:28.500 --> 00:06:30.360 To this silly idea of the resurrection. 00:06:30.939 --> 00:06:33.160 And Jesus, just see how patient he is with them. 00:06:34.100 --> 00:06:36.100 They are talking to the one who came from heaven. 00:06:37.120 --> 00:06:39.459 They are talking to the one who is going back to heaven. 00:06:40.100 --> 00:06:42.319 Who has the power of life and death in his hands. 00:06:44.339 --> 00:06:46.860 And although they are trying to kill him and humiliate him. 00:06:47.120 --> 00:06:49.240 What he does is he just opens the door. 00:06:50.560 --> 00:06:52.879 For them to see the true nature of the resurrection. 00:06:52.879 --> 00:06:56.459 They are playing a very dangerous game aren't they? 00:06:56.659 --> 00:06:59.180 They come with their two pence question to the Lord Jesus. 00:06:59.560 --> 00:07:02.659 And he gives them a two billion pound answer. 00:07:03.939 --> 00:07:05.159 And I want to warn you. 00:07:05.240 --> 00:07:07.339 As we read these words in church. 00:07:08.000 --> 00:07:11.439 We read these words that are like thunderclaps to us spiritually. 00:07:11.439 --> 00:07:16.060 And it is hard to realise the consummate authority. 00:07:17.519 --> 00:07:19.959 Just how utterly relaxed Jesus is. 00:07:20.779 --> 00:07:23.639 And the ease with Jesus talks about God and heaven. 00:07:24.279 --> 00:07:25.220 And the resurrection. 00:07:26.399 --> 00:07:28.240 And who's there and who is not. 00:07:29.500 --> 00:07:30.519 And what life would be like. 00:07:30.540 --> 00:07:31.759 Let me read you just a couple of verses. 00:07:31.899 --> 00:07:32.480 Verse 34. 00:07:33.579 --> 00:07:35.480 And they are just remarkable words. 00:07:35.480 --> 00:07:37.840 Jesus said to them. 00:07:37.900 --> 00:07:38.939 Sons of this age marry. 00:07:39.819 --> 00:07:41.000 And are given in marriage. 00:07:42.100 --> 00:07:45.259 But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age. 00:07:46.000 --> 00:07:47.920 And to the resurrection from the dead. 00:07:48.800 --> 00:07:50.460 Neither marry nor are given in marriage. 00:07:51.240 --> 00:07:52.439 They cannot die anymore. 00:07:53.300 --> 00:07:54.900 Because they are equal to angels. 00:07:54.900 --> 00:07:57.700 And are sons of God being sons of the resurrection. 00:07:59.000 --> 00:08:00.300 Jesus divides history. 00:08:01.280 --> 00:08:03.140 He divides reality into two. 00:08:03.980 --> 00:08:05.319 He says there is this age. 00:08:06.040 --> 00:08:07.360 And there is the age to come. 00:08:08.340 --> 00:08:09.280 There is this world. 00:08:10.000 --> 00:08:11.300 And there is the world to come. 00:08:12.280 --> 00:08:14.319 And the problem he said is you Pharisees. 00:08:14.420 --> 00:08:16.080 Because you are in love with this age. 00:08:16.640 --> 00:08:18.439 Because you are in love with this world. 00:08:18.759 --> 00:08:20.800 Your view of the resurrection is completely wrong. 00:08:21.819 --> 00:08:23.000 It's completely upside down. 00:08:24.160 --> 00:08:28.180 Because the resurrection opens the door to a different world. 00:08:29.280 --> 00:08:30.460 To a different life. 00:08:31.460 --> 00:08:32.720 To a different kind of existence. 00:08:32.720 --> 00:08:37.460 And the Sadducees are trying to rubbish the resurrection. 00:08:37.460 --> 00:08:39.180 With a marriage analogy. 00:08:39.180 --> 00:08:41.019 But Jesus says their mistake. 00:08:41.500 --> 00:08:43.420 Is that they think that the next life. 00:08:44.160 --> 00:08:46.400 Is just the continuation of this life. 00:08:47.480 --> 00:08:49.040 For centuries and centuries. 00:08:49.300 --> 00:08:50.400 Just a couple of modifications. 00:08:50.620 --> 00:08:51.660 Just a couple of improvements. 00:08:52.160 --> 00:08:53.540 And the point that Jesus is making. 00:08:53.680 --> 00:08:55.720 Is there is radical discontinuity. 00:08:55.720 --> 00:08:59.100 There is radical discontinuity. 00:08:59.100 --> 00:09:01.279 Between the resurrection life. 00:09:01.980 --> 00:09:02.820 And our life here. 00:09:03.899 --> 00:09:05.340 The whole system of life. 00:09:05.700 --> 00:09:08.220 Is radically different in the resurrection. 00:09:08.220 --> 00:09:11.759 He says those that attain to the resurrection. 00:09:12.120 --> 00:09:13.160 Cannot die anymore. 00:09:14.720 --> 00:09:16.860 They are in that sense equal to angels. 00:09:17.440 --> 00:09:19.920 Transformed by the deathless life of God. 00:09:20.139 --> 00:09:21.420 We will be given. 00:09:22.259 --> 00:09:23.500 The gift of immortality. 00:09:24.620 --> 00:09:26.879 You know the idea of the immortality of the soul. 00:09:27.200 --> 00:09:28.200 That is a Greek idea. 00:09:28.300 --> 00:09:29.120 It's not a Bible idea. 00:09:30.580 --> 00:09:32.220 You and I do not have immortality. 00:09:32.220 --> 00:09:35.500 It is a gift that God gives those. 00:09:35.600 --> 00:09:37.259 Who he raises from the dead. 00:09:38.660 --> 00:09:40.379 And of course there will be continuity. 00:09:41.759 --> 00:09:44.639 But there will also be radical discontinuity. 00:09:45.120 --> 00:09:47.060 And that is what Jesus wants to emphasize here. 00:09:47.279 --> 00:09:48.920 That if you take a seed. 00:09:49.920 --> 00:09:51.320 You put the seed in your hand. 00:09:51.660 --> 00:09:53.860 You cannot tell the beauty of the flower. 00:09:54.240 --> 00:09:56.600 Or the fragrance of the flower from that seed. 00:09:58.019 --> 00:10:00.420 Or perhaps let's say there is a baby born this week. 00:10:00.419 --> 00:10:03.419 And in a few years time. 00:10:03.799 --> 00:10:05.120 They will be swimming in the sea. 00:10:05.860 --> 00:10:06.779 And they will be playing football. 00:10:07.360 --> 00:10:08.439 And they will be enjoying the weather. 00:10:09.779 --> 00:10:12.079 But if we asked that newborn baby born this week. 00:10:12.120 --> 00:10:13.059 Just two months ago. 00:10:13.539 --> 00:10:15.079 While it was still in the womb. 00:10:15.199 --> 00:10:16.679 To explain to us the sunset. 00:10:17.719 --> 00:10:19.139 Or the seaside. 00:10:20.759 --> 00:10:22.159 It would have never been able to with it. 00:10:23.699 --> 00:10:25.399 But now it's been born. 00:10:25.539 --> 00:10:26.519 Those things are different. 00:10:28.279 --> 00:10:29.039 And it's a little bit the same. 00:10:29.099 --> 00:10:29.959 When you ask the question. 00:10:29.960 --> 00:10:31.060 What becomes of marriage? 00:10:31.300 --> 00:10:32.720 What becomes of my marriage? 00:10:32.780 --> 00:10:35.000 What becomes of our marriage in the resurrection? 00:10:35.500 --> 00:10:36.580 Jesus is saying this. 00:10:36.980 --> 00:10:39.000 You do not have the capacity to understand it. 00:10:41.420 --> 00:10:43.980 But some translators say that there will be no marriage in heaven. 00:10:46.040 --> 00:10:46.960 I'm not sure. 00:10:47.100 --> 00:10:48.840 I don't know about that. 00:10:50.080 --> 00:10:52.040 I don't think that is what Jesus is saying here. 00:10:52.039 --> 00:10:54.740 I think he's saying. 00:10:54.740 --> 00:10:57.500 Is that life in heaven is significantly different. 00:10:59.820 --> 00:11:00.820 But here is the point. 00:11:00.899 --> 00:11:01.659 Look at verse 35. 00:11:02.440 --> 00:11:03.500 Who is going to be raised? 00:11:05.100 --> 00:11:06.200 Who is going to be raised? 00:11:06.539 --> 00:11:08.240 Those who are counted worthy. 00:11:08.680 --> 00:11:09.419 Do you notice that? 00:11:09.419 --> 00:11:13.259 It's not those who think themselves worthy. 00:11:13.579 --> 00:11:15.879 It's not those who are trying to make themselves worthy. 00:11:16.299 --> 00:11:19.240 It says it is those who God says are worthy. 00:11:20.500 --> 00:11:21.819 And we know from Luke's gospel. 00:11:21.959 --> 00:11:22.939 From going through it. 00:11:23.299 --> 00:11:25.199 That the people who God counts as worthy. 00:11:25.519 --> 00:11:26.759 Are those who say. 00:11:26.899 --> 00:11:27.360 Lord. 00:11:28.019 --> 00:11:29.079 I am not worthy. 00:11:30.079 --> 00:11:31.559 Have mercy on me. 00:11:31.639 --> 00:11:32.039 A sinner. 00:11:32.039 --> 00:11:35.199 And then in verse 37 and 38. 00:11:35.319 --> 00:11:36.659 Jesus turns to the Sadducees. 00:11:36.799 --> 00:11:37.099 And says. 00:11:37.399 --> 00:11:39.319 If you read your Bible boys. 00:11:39.399 --> 00:11:40.199 You'd know better. 00:11:42.120 --> 00:11:43.299 If you'd read your Bible. 00:11:43.419 --> 00:11:45.120 You would know the truth of the resurrection. 00:11:45.599 --> 00:11:47.379 And he takes them back to that day. 00:11:47.419 --> 00:11:47.699 Doesn't he? 00:11:47.699 --> 00:11:48.399 In the Old Testament. 00:11:48.819 --> 00:11:50.559 When God appeared in the burning bush. 00:11:51.559 --> 00:11:53.980 You know when God appeared to Moses in the burning bush. 00:11:54.079 --> 00:11:54.799 And he said. 00:11:54.939 --> 00:11:56.639 Abraham and Isaac and Jacob. 00:11:56.799 --> 00:11:58.159 Have been dead for centuries. 00:11:59.339 --> 00:12:00.579 Hundreds of years. 00:12:00.580 --> 00:12:03.020 And yet when God appears. 00:12:03.120 --> 00:12:03.460 He says. 00:12:03.639 --> 00:12:05.160 I am the God of Abraham. 00:12:06.860 --> 00:12:08.540 And I am the God of Isaac. 00:12:09.420 --> 00:12:10.960 And I am the God of Jacob. 00:12:11.660 --> 00:12:13.080 Not I was the God. 00:12:13.960 --> 00:12:15.660 Not I used to be the God. 00:12:16.759 --> 00:12:18.700 They may be dead and gone. 00:12:19.580 --> 00:12:21.300 But to me they are very much alive. 00:12:22.680 --> 00:12:24.160 What Jesus is saying. 00:12:24.160 --> 00:12:26.540 Is true biblical faith. 00:12:27.400 --> 00:12:29.000 Is resurrection faith. 00:12:29.000 --> 00:12:32.340 All the Old Testament patriarchs. 00:12:32.379 --> 00:12:33.840 Had resurrection faith. 00:12:34.759 --> 00:12:37.480 They all believed in the God who could raise. 00:12:37.840 --> 00:12:39.320 The God who could bring life. 00:12:39.519 --> 00:12:40.299 Out of death. 00:12:40.580 --> 00:12:42.720 They all looked to a greater city. 00:12:44.059 --> 00:12:45.600 To a heavenly country. 00:12:47.220 --> 00:12:49.600 And we are constantly bombarded. 00:12:49.720 --> 00:12:51.440 With the propaganda of the Sadducees. 00:12:52.080 --> 00:12:52.720 Even today. 00:12:52.720 --> 00:12:55.639 Nearly every movie. 00:12:55.779 --> 00:12:57.259 And every contemporary song. 00:12:57.360 --> 00:12:58.620 That speaks about heaven. 00:12:59.060 --> 00:13:00.680 Does the savagy thing. 00:13:01.600 --> 00:13:03.639 And it limits it to our imagination. 00:13:05.300 --> 00:13:06.440 Even Christians do it. 00:13:07.879 --> 00:13:08.740 Someone was telling me. 00:13:08.779 --> 00:13:10.360 They had been to the Billy Graham Center. 00:13:10.940 --> 00:13:12.300 In Wheaton College. 00:13:12.440 --> 00:13:12.720 Illinois. 00:13:13.660 --> 00:13:14.519 And it was a great. 00:13:15.360 --> 00:13:16.440 Kind of showing a record. 00:13:16.500 --> 00:13:17.480 Of how many people he had reached. 00:13:17.540 --> 00:13:18.399 And all the different ways. 00:13:18.940 --> 00:13:20.100 That he had been used. 00:13:20.160 --> 00:13:21.240 To reach many people with the gospel. 00:13:21.240 --> 00:13:22.379 And it was a really great day. 00:13:22.659 --> 00:13:23.360 But at the top. 00:13:23.440 --> 00:13:24.580 On the fourth floor. 00:13:25.700 --> 00:13:27.080 You can go into the heavenly. 00:13:27.360 --> 00:13:27.980 Heaven room. 00:13:29.799 --> 00:13:31.060 And you go through a corridor. 00:13:31.440 --> 00:13:32.680 And there are white doors. 00:13:33.159 --> 00:13:34.200 And you open the door. 00:13:34.279 --> 00:13:35.120 Into the heaven room. 00:13:35.919 --> 00:13:37.799 And there are four blank walls. 00:13:38.060 --> 00:13:39.080 Painted with clouds. 00:13:39.740 --> 00:13:41.700 And the hallelujah chorus loops. 00:13:41.700 --> 00:13:42.919 Around and around. 00:13:43.399 --> 00:13:43.820 And around. 00:13:44.759 --> 00:13:46.000 And that's all that's in there. 00:13:46.000 --> 00:13:48.980 Well that was very very unhelpful. 00:13:49.059 --> 00:13:49.320 Isn't it? 00:13:50.659 --> 00:13:51.700 Because it takes the life. 00:13:51.779 --> 00:13:52.419 Out of the resurrection. 00:13:54.779 --> 00:13:56.019 And that is the first point. 00:13:57.299 --> 00:13:58.799 The saddesties defined God. 00:13:58.879 --> 00:13:59.860 By their own imagination. 00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:00.740 And they took the life. 00:14:00.799 --> 00:14:01.399 Out of the resurrection. 00:14:02.779 --> 00:14:03.879 Well here's the second point. 00:14:03.960 --> 00:14:04.720 Putting the life. 00:14:04.860 --> 00:14:05.700 Back into the resurrection. 00:14:05.899 --> 00:14:06.360 Put the life. 00:14:06.480 --> 00:14:07.279 Back into the resurrection. 00:14:07.460 --> 00:14:09.100 It's verses 41 to 44. 00:14:10.440 --> 00:14:11.460 And these are by far. 00:14:11.500 --> 00:14:12.379 The most important verses. 00:14:12.500 --> 00:14:13.139 In our chapter. 00:14:13.139 --> 00:14:16.019 Now let me introduce each of them. 00:14:16.360 --> 00:14:16.699 Them to you. 00:14:16.720 --> 00:14:17.759 If you look carefully. 00:14:17.879 --> 00:14:18.939 At verse 39. 00:14:21.460 --> 00:14:22.740 The scribes come in. 00:14:22.799 --> 00:14:23.539 There's another group of people. 00:14:23.639 --> 00:14:24.699 It's not the saddesties. 00:14:25.159 --> 00:14:26.019 The scribes. 00:14:26.039 --> 00:14:26.860 And they say to Jesus. 00:14:27.039 --> 00:14:27.379 Bravo. 00:14:28.340 --> 00:14:28.960 Good one. 00:14:29.899 --> 00:14:31.139 We were right or wrong. 00:14:31.819 --> 00:14:32.899 Good one for sticking it. 00:14:32.939 --> 00:14:34.139 To the saddesties. 00:14:34.939 --> 00:14:35.980 And Jesus looks at them. 00:14:36.019 --> 00:14:36.600 And Jesus says. 00:14:36.659 --> 00:14:37.960 You can be completely orthodox. 00:14:37.960 --> 00:14:38.639 In the resurrection. 00:14:39.399 --> 00:14:41.139 You can say the creed proudly. 00:14:41.779 --> 00:14:43.100 And completely miss the point. 00:14:44.139 --> 00:14:46.240 Because the point of the resurrection. 00:14:46.580 --> 00:14:48.319 Is not getting your theology. 00:14:48.480 --> 00:14:49.199 Laser accurate. 00:14:50.360 --> 00:14:51.860 The point of the resurrection. 00:14:52.299 --> 00:14:54.039 Is Jesus Christ himself. 00:14:55.860 --> 00:14:56.799 And if you think. 00:14:57.059 --> 00:14:58.720 And I think this is very helpful for us. 00:14:59.100 --> 00:15:00.740 If you think of the resurrection. 00:15:01.080 --> 00:15:02.899 In terms of what is going to happen to you. 00:15:03.699 --> 00:15:05.340 And your happy life. 00:15:05.439 --> 00:15:06.340 After death. 00:15:07.319 --> 00:15:10.100 And Jesus does not feature large in it. 00:15:10.200 --> 00:15:10.860 You've misunderstood. 00:15:10.860 --> 00:15:14.480 And so what Jesus does. 00:15:15.000 --> 00:15:16.779 In these verses 41 to 44. 00:15:16.919 --> 00:15:18.360 Is he takes them to Psalm 110. 00:15:19.960 --> 00:15:21.680 Which is probably one of the most important texts. 00:15:21.740 --> 00:15:22.440 In all of the Bible. 00:15:23.779 --> 00:15:25.200 It's the one Old Testament text. 00:15:25.259 --> 00:15:26.899 That is quoted more than any other. 00:15:27.200 --> 00:15:27.919 In the New Testament. 00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:29.899 And so we need to spend a little bit of time there. 00:15:29.919 --> 00:15:31.539 So can you come back with me to Psalm 110. 00:15:32.500 --> 00:15:32.980 Psalm 110. 00:15:32.980 --> 00:15:34.039 I'll give you the page number. 00:15:34.039 --> 00:15:39.240 It is on page 508. 00:15:41.179 --> 00:15:42.219 Page 508. 00:15:42.279 --> 00:15:43.679 Let me read you the first verse. 00:15:45.539 --> 00:15:47.240 The heading to the Psalm says. 00:15:47.339 --> 00:15:48.939 A Psalm of David. 00:15:51.139 --> 00:15:52.199 The Lord. 00:15:53.159 --> 00:15:54.719 Says to my Lord. 00:15:55.599 --> 00:15:57.000 Sit at my right hand. 00:15:57.039 --> 00:15:58.959 Until I make your enemies a footstool. 00:15:59.279 --> 00:16:00.719 How many people are there in verse 1? 00:16:00.720 --> 00:16:02.360 There are four people. 00:16:03.580 --> 00:16:05.460 But there are three very important ones. 00:16:05.620 --> 00:16:06.860 There is David the Psalm writer. 00:16:08.300 --> 00:16:09.820 The second is the Lord. 00:16:09.879 --> 00:16:10.840 And if you look very closely. 00:16:11.300 --> 00:16:12.840 It is all in capital letters. 00:16:13.980 --> 00:16:17.240 Which is the name that the creative God revealed to Israel. 00:16:18.620 --> 00:16:21.940 This is the name of God Almighty. 00:16:22.100 --> 00:16:22.899 This is his person. 00:16:22.899 --> 00:16:24.620 But there is a third character isn't there? 00:16:25.300 --> 00:16:27.399 The Lord says to my Lord. 00:16:27.399 --> 00:16:30.779 There is a second Lord in the first line. 00:16:31.139 --> 00:16:33.740 And this second Lord is the focus of the Psalm. 00:16:34.939 --> 00:16:37.159 And God the creator says to the second Lord. 00:16:37.459 --> 00:16:38.959 Now sit at my right hand. 00:16:39.919 --> 00:16:42.379 I've been throning you over the world. 00:16:42.759 --> 00:16:45.419 Until I put all your enemies under your feet. 00:16:46.480 --> 00:16:47.919 Who is Jesus talking about? 00:16:48.000 --> 00:16:49.360 And when is Jesus talking about? 00:16:50.079 --> 00:16:51.279 Who is David talking about? 00:16:52.000 --> 00:16:53.559 And when is David talking about? 00:16:53.559 --> 00:16:56.879 Well the answer is David is talking about the Lord Jesus. 00:16:58.639 --> 00:17:00.639 And when was he enthroned? 00:17:01.159 --> 00:17:03.219 Jesus was enthroned at the right hand of God. 00:17:03.299 --> 00:17:04.339 That was the day of the resurrection. 00:17:05.720 --> 00:17:07.419 And that is the point of the resurrection. 00:17:09.019 --> 00:17:10.539 Now let's go forward from Luke. 00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:10.859 Okay? 00:17:11.720 --> 00:17:13.059 Let's go to Acts chapter 2. 00:17:13.559 --> 00:17:14.099 Can you do that? 00:17:14.179 --> 00:17:14.819 Acts chapter 2. 00:17:14.899 --> 00:17:15.220 Come on. 00:17:15.740 --> 00:17:16.579 Acts chapter 2. 00:17:16.940 --> 00:17:18.059 And it's on page 910. 00:17:18.059 --> 00:17:21.740 It's the first Christian sermon. 00:17:22.700 --> 00:17:24.819 By the apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost. 00:17:25.200 --> 00:17:26.919 After the Holy Spirit has fallen. 00:17:28.519 --> 00:17:29.480 Has come upon them. 00:17:30.259 --> 00:17:32.480 Jesus has been raised 40 days before. 00:17:32.839 --> 00:17:34.919 And he touches on this in verse 24. 00:17:36.339 --> 00:17:37.240 Acts chapter 24. 00:17:37.399 --> 00:17:38.339 And then on to verse 32. 00:17:38.460 --> 00:17:38.940 Verse 32. 00:17:39.299 --> 00:17:39.940 We'll just read that. 00:17:41.019 --> 00:17:41.960 This Jesus. 00:17:42.599 --> 00:17:43.940 God raised up. 00:17:45.139 --> 00:17:46.399 And of that we are all witnesses. 00:17:46.400 --> 00:17:49.519 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God. 00:17:49.580 --> 00:17:50.720 And having received from the Father. 00:17:50.800 --> 00:17:51.860 The promise of the Holy Spirit. 00:17:51.940 --> 00:17:52.940 He has poured out this. 00:17:53.320 --> 00:17:55.019 That you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 00:17:55.400 --> 00:17:57.040 For David did not ascend into the heavens. 00:17:57.180 --> 00:17:58.160 But he himself says. 00:17:58.500 --> 00:18:00.660 The Lord says to my Lord. 00:18:00.820 --> 00:18:01.940 Sit at my right hand. 00:18:02.680 --> 00:18:04.140 Until I make your enemies. 00:18:04.900 --> 00:18:05.519 Your footstool. 00:18:06.660 --> 00:18:08.140 Here is the implication. 00:18:08.940 --> 00:18:10.100 Here is the result. 00:18:10.340 --> 00:18:11.060 Verse 36. 00:18:11.480 --> 00:18:13.840 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain. 00:18:13.840 --> 00:18:15.880 That God has made him both Lord and Christ. 00:18:15.880 --> 00:18:17.160 This Jesus will be crucified. 00:18:19.300 --> 00:18:20.620 The point of the resurrection. 00:18:21.120 --> 00:18:23.680 Is not that you and I get a happy life after death. 00:18:24.520 --> 00:18:25.720 The point of the resurrection. 00:18:25.960 --> 00:18:28.160 Is that God is making Jesus Lord and Christ. 00:18:28.320 --> 00:18:29.660 And enthroning him as Lord. 00:18:29.780 --> 00:18:30.440 Psalm 110. 00:18:32.140 --> 00:18:34.200 And on the day that Jesus rose from the dead. 00:18:34.520 --> 00:18:36.260 He was placed at the right hand of God. 00:18:36.320 --> 00:18:37.800 And he now rules all things. 00:18:38.080 --> 00:18:38.960 His rule is invisible. 00:18:40.800 --> 00:18:42.140 And yet what God has been doing. 00:18:42.140 --> 00:18:43.860 Since the morning of the resurrection. 00:18:44.120 --> 00:18:45.180 That first morning. 00:18:45.280 --> 00:18:46.620 Until the day he comes again. 00:18:47.100 --> 00:18:49.000 Is he's been placing all of God's enemies. 00:18:49.220 --> 00:18:49.900 Under his feet. 00:18:50.000 --> 00:18:51.000 Including death itself. 00:18:52.160 --> 00:18:53.040 It's very important. 00:18:54.420 --> 00:18:56.440 That the resurrection is about Jesus Christ. 00:18:57.800 --> 00:18:58.940 And our resurrection. 00:18:59.500 --> 00:19:01.320 Is part of Jesus Christ's resurrection. 00:19:01.759 --> 00:19:03.200 Our resurrection comes about. 00:19:03.380 --> 00:19:04.880 Simply because he has been placed. 00:19:04.940 --> 00:19:06.740 At the right hand of the father on high. 00:19:06.740 --> 00:19:09.779 And the way that we receive resurrection. 00:19:10.180 --> 00:19:13.299 Is not by trying to be raised from the dead. 00:19:13.960 --> 00:19:15.220 It is by going to Christ. 00:19:16.339 --> 00:19:18.079 And it is by seeing Jesus Christ. 00:19:18.200 --> 00:19:19.259 And being in Christ. 00:19:19.579 --> 00:19:20.620 The one who is precious. 00:19:20.779 --> 00:19:22.220 The one who is the head of the corner. 00:19:23.799 --> 00:19:25.940 The one who God has chosen of all things. 00:19:28.220 --> 00:19:29.099 You see sometimes. 00:19:29.900 --> 00:19:31.440 Christians talk about death in this way. 00:19:31.480 --> 00:19:31.700 Don't they? 00:19:31.740 --> 00:19:32.960 They say oh it's going to be great. 00:19:32.960 --> 00:19:35.059 It's going to be great to be reunited. 00:19:35.059 --> 00:19:36.940 With my uncle Bob. 00:19:37.100 --> 00:19:38.079 And auntie Mabel. 00:19:38.920 --> 00:19:41.000 And my favourite golden retriever. 00:19:41.200 --> 00:19:43.360 We'll have our glorious cottage in heaven. 00:19:44.420 --> 00:19:45.299 Well part of that is true. 00:19:48.039 --> 00:19:49.779 But the real point of the resurrection. 00:19:50.000 --> 00:19:51.799 Is not just that the chains of death. 00:19:51.920 --> 00:19:52.940 Have been burst open. 00:19:53.420 --> 00:19:54.579 But who burst them? 00:19:56.160 --> 00:19:57.160 It is Christ. 00:19:57.559 --> 00:19:58.140 Who burst them. 00:19:58.319 --> 00:20:00.279 And Jesus Christ is our resurrection. 00:20:01.480 --> 00:20:02.620 He is our life. 00:20:03.420 --> 00:20:04.539 He is our justification. 00:20:05.160 --> 00:20:06.200 He is our redemption. 00:20:06.680 --> 00:20:07.600 He is our accident. 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:09.660 And that has massive implications. 00:20:10.100 --> 00:20:11.440 For all sorts of things. 00:20:12.519 --> 00:20:13.500 One simple illustration. 00:20:14.000 --> 00:20:15.840 What is the greatest grief that worries you? 00:20:17.120 --> 00:20:19.819 What is the greatest anxiety that overpowers you? 00:20:20.079 --> 00:20:22.759 God is placing it under the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:20:24.400 --> 00:20:26.460 And so the way that you deal with that difficulty. 00:20:27.059 --> 00:20:28.079 Is by going to him. 00:20:29.600 --> 00:20:30.680 And you ask him. 00:20:30.759 --> 00:20:31.660 And you approach him. 00:20:31.660 --> 00:20:33.779 And everything he promises he will perform. 00:20:36.380 --> 00:20:38.540 So let's go up this up and take it back to Luke 20. 00:20:38.800 --> 00:20:39.560 It is amazing. 00:20:39.720 --> 00:20:41.140 This is what Jesus had in mind. 00:20:41.200 --> 00:20:43.100 Just a couple of days before he was crucified. 00:20:44.300 --> 00:20:44.700 Do you see it? 00:20:44.720 --> 00:20:45.700 Luke 20 verse 41. 00:20:45.820 --> 00:20:46.360 Go back there. 00:20:47.220 --> 00:20:48.400 Luke 20 verse 41. 00:20:48.980 --> 00:20:49.660 But he said to them. 00:20:49.740 --> 00:20:53.700 How can they say that Christ is David's son? 00:20:53.700 --> 00:20:55.180 Now we know from Luke's gospel. 00:20:55.279 --> 00:20:56.840 That is a common refrain isn't it? 00:20:57.360 --> 00:20:58.319 Jesus Christ. 00:20:58.680 --> 00:20:59.680 Son of David. 00:21:00.819 --> 00:21:02.360 The angels announce it. 00:21:03.160 --> 00:21:04.460 Gabriel announces it. 00:21:04.759 --> 00:21:05.819 Peter announces it. 00:21:06.039 --> 00:21:08.160 The blind man shouts it in Luke 18. 00:21:09.480 --> 00:21:11.860 But they have not seen the amazing fact. 00:21:11.980 --> 00:21:14.440 That the son of David is also God in the flesh. 00:21:14.440 --> 00:21:16.799 David's Lord of Psalm 110. 00:21:18.600 --> 00:21:22.360 And the Sadducees are arguing the things of God with the son of God. 00:21:23.920 --> 00:21:24.940 And he doesn't crush them. 00:21:25.799 --> 00:21:26.880 He doesn't humiliate them. 00:21:27.660 --> 00:21:29.700 But he just opens the Bible very gently to them. 00:21:31.279 --> 00:21:34.559 And the great danger for them is their worldly religion. 00:21:34.559 --> 00:21:38.059 Which they've separated from the idea of the resurrection. 00:21:38.759 --> 00:21:39.440 Of Jesus. 00:21:40.720 --> 00:21:44.319 And if you separate resurrection from Jesus. 00:21:44.619 --> 00:21:45.220 What have you got? 00:21:45.279 --> 00:21:46.559 You've got empty religion. 00:21:47.839 --> 00:21:49.000 That has got no power. 00:21:49.879 --> 00:21:50.899 That gives you no hope. 00:21:51.759 --> 00:21:53.200 And it's got no power to change you. 00:21:54.599 --> 00:21:56.720 And it can't turn us out to serve others. 00:21:57.919 --> 00:22:01.639 What was it that so radicalised the early Christians in the book of Acts? 00:22:01.640 --> 00:22:05.759 Why did they risk their lives for the gospel? 00:22:07.020 --> 00:22:09.480 The Holy Spirit comes and fills them with power. 00:22:09.560 --> 00:22:10.360 But what do they preach? 00:22:10.580 --> 00:22:12.720 Do they preach, I'm going to be raised from the dead. 00:22:12.920 --> 00:22:16.460 And I'm going to be with Uncle Bill and Auntie Mabel and the gold retriever in a cottage. 00:22:16.580 --> 00:22:17.420 And isn't it going to be wonderful? 00:22:17.560 --> 00:22:17.840 No. 00:22:18.759 --> 00:22:21.100 Do they preach, you can be raised from the dead. 00:22:21.259 --> 00:22:22.780 And you can have life forever. 00:22:23.280 --> 00:22:24.560 It's so often what we preach. 00:22:25.740 --> 00:22:27.840 No, they preach Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead. 00:22:27.860 --> 00:22:28.800 And what are you going to do about it? 00:22:28.799 --> 00:22:33.159 And from that position he offers you forgiveness. 00:22:34.359 --> 00:22:35.019 And life. 00:22:35.659 --> 00:22:38.859 And the spirit of the risen Christ rules over all things. 00:22:38.980 --> 00:22:40.940 And he will remake all things. 00:22:41.359 --> 00:22:42.799 Heaven and earth will be restored. 00:22:43.879 --> 00:22:46.839 And God is placing all things under his feet. 00:22:48.819 --> 00:22:49.940 And that is the gospel. 00:22:51.379 --> 00:22:54.039 So the lamb is all the glory in Emmanuel's land. 00:22:54.039 --> 00:23:03.480 And nothing else I think in all the world can give us courage to face persecution. 00:23:05.539 --> 00:23:09.799 Nothing in all the world can tear down your idols. 00:23:11.539 --> 00:23:13.339 Except seeing the beauty of the Lord Jesus. 00:23:15.859 --> 00:23:18.119 It is all a matter of where our treasure is, isn't it? 00:23:18.119 --> 00:23:22.319 So I want to turn very quickly to two applications. 00:23:22.619 --> 00:23:22.679 Alright? 00:23:23.899 --> 00:23:25.419 And they are truly devastating. 00:23:26.959 --> 00:23:30.299 Two applications which show us what the resurrection means now. 00:23:31.500 --> 00:23:33.119 And what is negative and what is positive. 00:23:33.259 --> 00:23:34.500 So firstly, let's do the negative. 00:23:34.619 --> 00:23:35.919 Verses 45 to 47. 00:23:36.639 --> 00:23:39.539 Which is a picture of religion without God in it. 00:23:41.279 --> 00:23:43.039 It's a picture of religion without life in it. 00:23:43.039 --> 00:23:44.979 He turns to his disciples and he says, verse 45. 00:23:44.980 --> 00:23:50.059 I beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes. 00:23:50.180 --> 00:23:51.720 And love greetings in the marketplaces. 00:23:51.839 --> 00:23:52.940 And the best seats in the synagogue. 00:23:53.019 --> 00:23:54.220 And the places of honour at feasts. 00:23:55.319 --> 00:23:56.680 Who devour widows' houses. 00:23:56.920 --> 00:23:58.360 And for a pretense to make long prayers. 00:23:58.620 --> 00:24:00.759 They will receive the greater condemnation. 00:24:01.099 --> 00:24:02.700 This is religion on my terms. 00:24:03.079 --> 00:24:04.819 This is horizontal religion. 00:24:05.240 --> 00:24:08.220 It is a religion that does not care what God is doing. 00:24:09.140 --> 00:24:10.380 And what God has said. 00:24:10.380 --> 00:24:14.940 And the kind of religion that wears its religiosity as a camouflage. 00:24:14.980 --> 00:24:19.339 But it's actually barefaced idolatry. 00:24:21.380 --> 00:24:23.440 If you've been with us in Luke's gospel. 00:24:23.579 --> 00:24:24.980 The three things that we've seen. 00:24:25.380 --> 00:24:28.700 The idols in Luke's gospel keep coming back again and again and again. 00:24:28.980 --> 00:24:29.660 They are money. 00:24:30.120 --> 00:24:30.980 Human approval. 00:24:32.259 --> 00:24:33.140 And religion. 00:24:34.559 --> 00:24:35.079 Money. 00:24:36.160 --> 00:24:37.099 Human approval. 00:24:38.240 --> 00:24:39.000 And religion. 00:24:39.000 --> 00:24:40.000 Just look at this religion. 00:24:40.140 --> 00:24:41.220 They invest in fashion. 00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:44.880 It's ecclesiastical fashion. 00:24:45.079 --> 00:24:45.880 But you know what they're doing. 00:24:46.980 --> 00:24:48.599 They love the places of honour. 00:24:49.900 --> 00:24:51.579 They are in love with their own status. 00:24:51.960 --> 00:24:53.259 And they devour widows' houses. 00:24:53.339 --> 00:24:53.980 What does that mean? 00:24:54.039 --> 00:24:58.220 They use religion to rip money off those who are kind and patient. 00:24:59.579 --> 00:25:01.279 They trade on that gentleness. 00:25:02.019 --> 00:25:03.360 Because this is their other idol. 00:25:03.620 --> 00:25:03.799 Money. 00:25:06.079 --> 00:25:06.559 Religion. 00:25:07.259 --> 00:25:08.160 Approval of others. 00:25:08.680 --> 00:25:09.180 And money. 00:25:09.180 --> 00:25:12.000 And what is their religion like? 00:25:12.080 --> 00:25:12.720 It is empty. 00:25:12.900 --> 00:25:13.640 And it is powerless. 00:25:13.900 --> 00:25:15.779 And it is very deceiving. 00:25:16.140 --> 00:25:18.420 And it is not the religion of the God of Abraham. 00:25:18.700 --> 00:25:19.380 The God of Isaac. 00:25:19.500 --> 00:25:20.100 And the God of Jacob. 00:25:21.100 --> 00:25:23.180 It is a religion which wants what God gives. 00:25:23.279 --> 00:25:24.400 But does not want God. 00:25:24.400 --> 00:25:27.000 And Jesus says. 00:25:27.080 --> 00:25:27.320 Doesn't he. 00:25:27.320 --> 00:25:29.360 At the end of verse 47. 00:25:29.500 --> 00:25:29.860 Can you see. 00:25:29.960 --> 00:25:31.519 It is a terrifying verse. 00:25:32.019 --> 00:25:33.860 Which I think is a theme in Luke's gospel. 00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:35.640 That there are degrees of punishment. 00:25:37.259 --> 00:25:38.360 They will receive. 00:25:38.540 --> 00:25:38.800 What? 00:25:39.040 --> 00:25:39.440 Condemnation. 00:25:39.740 --> 00:25:40.060 Yes. 00:25:40.059 --> 00:25:41.740 But greed. 00:25:41.819 --> 00:25:42.519 To condemnation. 00:25:44.259 --> 00:25:45.500 And the son of God says. 00:25:45.599 --> 00:25:46.440 Because on the day of judgment. 00:25:46.579 --> 00:25:47.440 There will be degrees. 00:25:47.519 --> 00:25:48.379 And condemnation. 00:25:49.579 --> 00:25:51.000 And those who have lived a life. 00:25:51.059 --> 00:25:52.399 Of religious hypocrisy. 00:25:53.480 --> 00:25:54.779 And have used their religion. 00:25:54.779 --> 00:25:55.919 As a cover for greed. 00:25:56.039 --> 00:25:56.559 And status. 00:25:56.720 --> 00:25:57.659 And all their idols. 00:25:57.960 --> 00:25:58.899 Will be judged. 00:25:58.899 --> 00:25:59.899 Most harshly. 00:26:03.579 --> 00:26:04.899 It is a terrifying phrase. 00:26:06.659 --> 00:26:07.599 And then he moves on. 00:26:07.639 --> 00:26:08.579 To a beautiful illustration. 00:26:08.720 --> 00:26:09.220 The positive. 00:26:09.220 --> 00:26:10.440 Chapter 21. 00:26:10.579 --> 00:26:11.519 Verses 1 to 4. 00:26:13.660 --> 00:26:14.920 It is an extraordinary thing. 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:15.140 It says. 00:26:15.640 --> 00:26:16.460 Here is a woman. 00:26:16.819 --> 00:26:17.600 She is poor. 00:26:18.839 --> 00:26:20.339 So she has no money. 00:26:21.700 --> 00:26:23.380 She has no status. 00:26:24.460 --> 00:26:26.220 So she does not have the approval of others. 00:26:27.079 --> 00:26:27.860 She is weak. 00:26:28.100 --> 00:26:28.940 She is defenceless. 00:26:30.140 --> 00:26:31.779 And she has got something in her life. 00:26:31.860 --> 00:26:33.640 That seems to be more important than money. 00:26:33.940 --> 00:26:35.620 And more important than their approval. 00:26:36.059 --> 00:26:36.620 What can it be? 00:26:37.779 --> 00:26:38.920 There she is in the temple. 00:26:39.720 --> 00:26:40.700 And she is in the line. 00:26:40.779 --> 00:26:42.339 A long line with the donors. 00:26:42.460 --> 00:26:44.640 Who are putting in their massive charity checks. 00:26:44.740 --> 00:26:46.019 And trying to squeeze them in. 00:26:47.039 --> 00:26:48.380 And get their wallets out. 00:26:48.539 --> 00:26:49.960 And pull out 50 pound notes. 00:26:50.019 --> 00:26:51.380 And put wads of cash in. 00:26:54.740 --> 00:26:56.019 So everyone can see them. 00:26:56.860 --> 00:26:58.420 And everything about her is wrong. 00:26:59.420 --> 00:27:00.440 She's got the wrong clothing. 00:27:01.440 --> 00:27:02.620 Her gift is pathetic. 00:27:02.619 --> 00:27:05.139 She's got two copper coins. 00:27:09.479 --> 00:27:10.579 And Jesus says. 00:27:11.579 --> 00:27:12.399 God loves it. 00:27:14.039 --> 00:27:14.899 God loves it. 00:27:17.279 --> 00:27:20.219 And God measures this totally differently to what we do. 00:27:21.879 --> 00:27:23.199 And God is not impressed. 00:27:23.299 --> 00:27:24.519 God is not impressed with your money. 00:27:26.479 --> 00:27:27.979 God is not impressed with your speeches. 00:27:27.980 --> 00:27:31.140 God is not impressed with human approval. 00:27:33.019 --> 00:27:35.759 What matters to him is what is going on in the heart of this woman. 00:27:36.960 --> 00:27:38.299 In this act of sacrifice. 00:27:38.480 --> 00:27:40.339 I'm sure her financial advisors. 00:27:41.299 --> 00:27:42.579 Would have gone mad, wouldn't they? 00:27:43.759 --> 00:27:45.559 Keep one coin back at least. 00:27:47.140 --> 00:27:48.000 It is foolish. 00:27:48.140 --> 00:27:49.120 And it is crazy. 00:27:49.620 --> 00:27:51.460 But to God it is deeply, deeply precious. 00:27:51.460 --> 00:27:54.420 And Jesus says. 00:27:54.500 --> 00:27:55.720 All the big givers on that day. 00:27:55.779 --> 00:27:56.840 They did very, very little. 00:27:57.400 --> 00:27:58.980 They could easily afford their big gifts. 00:27:59.480 --> 00:28:00.460 And what they kept back. 00:28:00.519 --> 00:28:01.840 Was just plenty for themselves. 00:28:01.960 --> 00:28:02.920 But in God's eyes. 00:28:03.039 --> 00:28:04.259 What this poor woman did. 00:28:04.319 --> 00:28:06.200 Was more than all the other people combined. 00:28:06.819 --> 00:28:07.980 Her two copper coins. 00:28:09.480 --> 00:28:11.059 And the reason they are more than all. 00:28:11.100 --> 00:28:12.720 Is she gave out of her need. 00:28:12.720 --> 00:28:13.880 She gave. 00:28:14.539 --> 00:28:15.920 All of her life. 00:28:18.279 --> 00:28:21.160 Literally she gave all of her existence. 00:28:21.160 --> 00:28:21.779 In that gift. 00:28:23.560 --> 00:28:25.860 So what on earth has the cure. 00:28:26.779 --> 00:28:29.019 The power to cure you from greed. 00:28:31.420 --> 00:28:34.040 What has the power to replace my stinginess. 00:28:34.200 --> 00:28:35.820 With a sacrificial attitude. 00:28:36.500 --> 00:28:37.779 To take me and change me. 00:28:37.820 --> 00:28:39.620 From being a taker into a giver. 00:28:41.019 --> 00:28:42.700 And the answer Jesus says. 00:28:43.259 --> 00:28:44.759 Is nothing on this earth. 00:28:46.940 --> 00:28:49.300 It is only that he is seated. 00:28:49.299 --> 00:28:52.180 At the right hand of the father. 00:28:53.799 --> 00:28:54.799 And here is a woman. 00:28:54.919 --> 00:28:56.000 Who lives before God. 00:28:57.319 --> 00:28:59.559 Who is able to give her life to God. 00:28:59.639 --> 00:29:01.559 Because she believes that God is the one. 00:29:01.680 --> 00:29:03.639 Who raises the dead. 00:29:05.220 --> 00:29:06.680 She gives all that she has. 00:29:06.759 --> 00:29:07.940 She gives her life. 00:29:09.500 --> 00:29:10.379 Because God is the one. 00:29:10.460 --> 00:29:11.359 Who raises from the dead. 00:29:11.359 --> 00:29:13.899 And that is very important. 00:29:14.419 --> 00:29:16.459 The only way that she can be a generous person. 00:29:16.539 --> 00:29:17.859 Is by giving her whole life to God. 00:29:17.919 --> 00:29:19.679 And the only way she can give her whole life to God. 00:29:19.719 --> 00:29:20.299 Is she knows. 00:29:20.599 --> 00:29:22.119 That God has the power of resurrection. 00:29:23.119 --> 00:29:23.959 In his hands. 00:29:25.059 --> 00:29:26.759 And it is only the resurrection. 00:29:26.939 --> 00:29:29.879 That has the power to loosen the strangle holes. 00:29:30.139 --> 00:29:32.379 That your idols have on you. 00:29:32.439 --> 00:29:33.659 And my idols have on me. 00:29:33.660 --> 00:29:36.200 It is only when we are convinced. 00:29:36.300 --> 00:29:37.940 That our true treasure is in heaven. 00:29:38.700 --> 00:29:39.960 That our treasure here. 00:29:40.040 --> 00:29:41.279 Loosens its grip on us. 00:29:42.720 --> 00:29:44.019 It is only when we understand. 00:29:44.100 --> 00:29:45.060 That we are loved. 00:29:45.620 --> 00:29:47.100 By God the father. 00:29:47.200 --> 00:29:48.420 And by his one and only son. 00:29:48.480 --> 00:29:50.100 Who is seated at God's right hand. 00:29:50.140 --> 00:29:51.480 And is risen from the dead. 00:29:52.340 --> 00:29:53.440 That it doesn't really matter. 00:29:53.440 --> 00:29:54.740 When we have the approval of others. 00:29:57.740 --> 00:29:59.180 It is a stunning example. 00:29:59.320 --> 00:29:59.880 Of true life. 00:30:00.019 --> 00:30:00.600 And true faith. 00:30:00.740 --> 00:30:02.279 And I think giving financially. 00:30:02.480 --> 00:30:03.500 Giving sacrificially. 00:30:03.500 --> 00:30:04.240 And financially. 00:30:04.740 --> 00:30:05.640 Is like dying. 00:30:07.279 --> 00:30:09.339 And the only way we can enter. 00:30:09.740 --> 00:30:10.680 Into that death. 00:30:10.779 --> 00:30:11.700 Is through faith. 00:30:12.599 --> 00:30:14.079 In the God of resurrection power. 00:30:15.720 --> 00:30:16.839 It is only when we come to see. 00:30:16.900 --> 00:30:17.799 That God has placed Jesus. 00:30:17.920 --> 00:30:18.900 At the highest place. 00:30:18.940 --> 00:30:20.059 That we are free to do that. 00:30:21.859 --> 00:30:23.240 And if this poor woman. 00:30:23.240 --> 00:30:24.440 Could do that. 00:30:24.740 --> 00:30:26.119 On that day. 00:30:27.680 --> 00:30:29.299 You and I have got far more reason. 00:30:30.559 --> 00:30:31.119 Haven't we? 00:30:31.119 --> 00:30:34.039 Because this is pre-resurrection. 00:30:35.879 --> 00:30:37.399 And yet you and I have seen Jesus. 00:30:37.559 --> 00:30:38.339 Raised from the dead. 00:30:38.439 --> 00:30:39.199 Appearing to many. 00:30:39.839 --> 00:30:40.639 Taken up to heaven. 00:30:41.519 --> 00:30:42.939 Seated at the right hand of power. 00:30:44.199 --> 00:30:45.919 Far above all rule and authority. 00:30:46.919 --> 00:30:47.679 In this age. 00:30:49.199 --> 00:30:50.399 And in the age to come. 00:30:50.840 --> 00:30:53.440 Let's pray. 00:30:53.440 --> 00:30:53.440 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.500