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 --> 00:00:09.560 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:10.620 Join us. 00:00:12.400 --> 00:00:15.240 We're back in Luke this morning. 00:00:16.260 --> 00:00:17.379 Luke 20. 00:00:18.820 --> 00:00:20.760 Headed down the homestretch. 00:00:21.320 --> 00:00:24.900 Our final semester together in Luke's Gospel. 00:00:24.899 --> 00:00:30.719 So let me remind you where we've been as we get back into it here. 00:00:31.219 --> 00:00:37.500 Luke is writing this historical account to focus us on the real, true Jesus. 00:00:38.859 --> 00:00:41.560 He wants us to know what Jesus is really like. 00:00:41.679 --> 00:00:43.140 Who He really is. 00:00:43.219 --> 00:00:44.359 What He really says. 00:00:44.519 --> 00:00:50.379 Because nothing else could be more important than that. 00:00:51.140 --> 00:00:56.679 It's like the words of Vince Lombardi that we've remembered often in this series. 00:00:57.219 --> 00:01:01.460 He always started every year with, ladies and gentlemen, this is a football. 00:01:02.359 --> 00:01:05.299 If you don't focus on this, nothing else matters. 00:01:05.400 --> 00:01:06.480 This is where you've got to focus. 00:01:08.420 --> 00:01:13.460 I want to acknowledge it's a little bit of a funny morning for me to bring a football up here. 00:01:15.780 --> 00:01:17.719 Especially one with a tiger paw on it. 00:01:18.379 --> 00:01:19.420 That's what I had. 00:01:20.379 --> 00:01:26.099 And I do plan to watch and enjoy the game tomorrow night. 00:01:27.459 --> 00:01:30.500 But I want to say something really serious. 00:01:33.280 --> 00:01:37.799 Eternity is not hinging on tomorrow night's game. 00:01:38.879 --> 00:01:40.239 Or any other game. 00:01:41.679 --> 00:01:45.659 You know, it's really actually not that big of a deal. 00:01:45.659 --> 00:01:51.579 It doesn't matter ultimately what happens there. 00:01:52.579 --> 00:02:02.079 The battle on that field pales in comparison to the spiritual warfare in which we are all engaged for the souls, 00:02:02.259 --> 00:02:09.680 eternal souls of men and women and children that we know and love and are precious to God. 00:02:09.680 --> 00:02:13.719 It's for the glory of Jesus, our King. 00:02:13.719 --> 00:02:16.460 This week has driven that home for me. 00:02:16.599 --> 00:02:19.360 That that's what really matters. 00:02:19.800 --> 00:02:21.719 Luke's been telling us that over and over, right? 00:02:22.040 --> 00:02:24.439 Jesus has been getting clearer and clearer. 00:02:25.159 --> 00:02:26.840 Eternity is at stake. 00:02:26.840 --> 00:02:29.759 We must focus on Him. 00:02:30.240 --> 00:02:31.439 Knowing Him. 00:02:31.599 --> 00:02:32.500 Walking with Him. 00:02:32.620 --> 00:02:34.960 Investing in the extension of His kingdom. 00:02:36.000 --> 00:02:38.480 Ron said it so helpfully last week, didn't he? 00:02:39.039 --> 00:02:41.060 There's one thing. 00:02:42.060 --> 00:02:43.020 One thing. 00:02:43.140 --> 00:02:49.340 One thing of greatest value that has real substance, that really matters, 00:02:49.340 --> 00:02:51.860 and that's knowing God. 00:02:52.979 --> 00:02:58.759 If we're together going to know Him more this year and get a fuller glimpse of His glory, 00:02:59.020 --> 00:03:02.099 that happens as we look at Jesus. 00:03:03.539 --> 00:03:13.520 Jesus, the one where we see the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 00:03:13.520 --> 00:03:23.800 The one whom to know is life itself, whose glory and grace so overwhelms us and pours into us 00:03:23.800 --> 00:03:26.660 that it overflows from us to everyone around us. 00:03:27.180 --> 00:03:30.700 The one we so look forward to being with forever, 00:03:31.140 --> 00:03:35.879 that we want everyone around us to be with us, with Him forever, right? 00:03:36.379 --> 00:03:38.080 There's no football game like that. 00:03:40.100 --> 00:03:41.600 He's the main thing. 00:03:41.599 --> 00:03:44.979 As always, when we walk into a new year, 00:03:45.299 --> 00:03:48.780 we want to keep the main thing the main thing. 00:03:49.740 --> 00:03:51.780 And if Jesus is the main thing, 00:03:52.019 --> 00:03:55.979 if He's the football that we must focus on, 00:03:56.319 --> 00:03:58.340 then we've got a great opportunity before us 00:03:58.340 --> 00:04:02.120 because these last five chapters of Luke's Gospel 00:04:02.120 --> 00:04:05.900 are the tip, the point of the football. 00:04:05.900 --> 00:04:14.620 Luke slows down and spends actually 20% of his whole historical account of Jesus 00:04:14.620 --> 00:04:17.819 on one week in Jesus' life. 00:04:18.920 --> 00:04:23.360 He's zooming in as Jesus enters Jerusalem, 00:04:23.879 --> 00:04:27.220 the place He's been journeying towards this whole time 00:04:27.220 --> 00:04:30.199 for the purpose for which He was born in the manger, 00:04:30.199 --> 00:04:34.360 to come and suffer and die on a cross 00:04:34.360 --> 00:04:36.979 and rise from the dead for His people. 00:04:38.879 --> 00:04:40.759 Isn't this what has been on Jesus' heart 00:04:40.759 --> 00:04:43.300 as the most important thing of all over and over? 00:04:44.300 --> 00:04:46.919 Isn't this what He's been telling us time and again 00:04:46.919 --> 00:04:50.360 that we need to focus on for the sake of eternity? 00:04:50.360 --> 00:04:54.139 He's about to show us the one we need to know, 00:04:54.480 --> 00:04:58.020 our God and all of His authoritative, 00:04:58.720 --> 00:05:02.879 humble, sacrificial, self-giving, 00:05:03.400 --> 00:05:06.960 upside-down, triumphant glory. 00:05:08.300 --> 00:05:12.000 He's going to do that in this next week. 00:05:13.340 --> 00:05:16.540 Hasn't Jesus been focusing our attention on who He is 00:05:16.540 --> 00:05:18.259 and why He's come, 00:05:18.259 --> 00:05:21.339 warning us repeatedly not to miss it? 00:05:22.980 --> 00:05:26.360 He's actually going to do that again today. 00:05:29.480 --> 00:05:33.079 Remember, Jesus has just arrived in the city of God 00:05:33.079 --> 00:05:34.279 to the cheers of many, 00:05:35.719 --> 00:05:37.639 wept over the people of God 00:05:37.639 --> 00:05:39.719 to the surprise of many, 00:05:40.680 --> 00:05:42.939 cleaned out the temple of God 00:05:42.939 --> 00:05:44.459 to the shock of many. 00:05:44.459 --> 00:05:46.740 That's where we were just before this. 00:05:46.740 --> 00:05:48.379 And now it's Tuesday. 00:05:50.139 --> 00:05:53.620 Good Friday is three days away. 00:05:55.300 --> 00:05:57.040 It's Tuesday in that week 00:05:57.040 --> 00:05:59.100 and Jesus will teach us about vital, 00:05:59.620 --> 00:06:01.019 eternal matters. 00:06:02.139 --> 00:06:02.720 Let's pray 00:06:02.720 --> 00:06:05.019 and then we'll read this passage together. 00:06:06.379 --> 00:06:06.819 Jesus, 00:06:07.860 --> 00:06:10.840 there are so many things 00:06:10.839 --> 00:06:13.079 that vie for our attention, 00:06:13.719 --> 00:06:16.719 for the affection of our hearts. 00:06:18.479 --> 00:06:19.500 None of them 00:06:19.500 --> 00:06:22.119 is worthy as you are. 00:06:24.319 --> 00:06:25.859 Nothing else even compares. 00:06:26.000 --> 00:06:27.319 There is no one like you 00:06:27.319 --> 00:06:30.019 and so would you show yourself to us 00:06:30.019 --> 00:06:32.239 clearly again this morning 00:06:32.240 --> 00:06:34.220 that we might see you. 00:06:35.519 --> 00:06:36.960 We might love you. 00:06:37.040 --> 00:06:38.639 That we might rejoice 00:06:38.639 --> 00:06:41.240 and find life in you. 00:06:41.819 --> 00:06:43.060 We ask it in your name. 00:06:44.100 --> 00:06:44.439 Amen. 00:06:46.040 --> 00:06:46.759 Luke 20 00:06:46.759 --> 00:06:48.660 at verse 9. 00:06:48.660 --> 00:06:52.720 And Jesus began to tell the people 00:06:52.720 --> 00:06:53.840 this parable. 00:06:54.060 --> 00:06:56.620 A man planted a vineyard 00:06:56.620 --> 00:06:57.920 and led it out to tenants 00:06:57.920 --> 00:06:59.560 and went into another country 00:06:59.560 --> 00:07:00.660 for a long while. 00:07:01.800 --> 00:07:02.980 When the time came, 00:07:03.060 --> 00:07:04.860 he sent a servant to the tenants 00:07:04.860 --> 00:07:06.460 so that they would give him 00:07:06.460 --> 00:07:08.280 some of the fruit of the vineyard. 00:07:09.140 --> 00:07:10.680 But the tenants beat him 00:07:10.680 --> 00:07:12.700 and sent him away empty-handed. 00:07:13.700 --> 00:07:15.000 And he sent another servant, 00:07:15.140 --> 00:07:17.180 but they also beat and treated him shamefully 00:07:17.180 --> 00:07:18.639 and sent him away empty-handed. 00:07:18.900 --> 00:07:20.000 And he sent yet a third, 00:07:20.120 --> 00:07:21.319 this one also they wounded 00:07:21.319 --> 00:07:22.240 and cast out. 00:07:23.319 --> 00:07:24.939 And the owner of the vineyard said, 00:07:25.600 --> 00:07:27.199 What shall I do? 00:07:28.480 --> 00:07:31.240 I will send my beloved son. 00:07:31.960 --> 00:07:34.060 Perhaps they will respect him. 00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:37.540 But when the tenants saw him, 00:07:37.620 --> 00:07:38.620 they said to themselves, 00:07:38.620 --> 00:07:39.680 This is the heir. 00:07:40.079 --> 00:07:41.139 Let us kill him 00:07:41.139 --> 00:07:43.340 so that the inheritance may be ours. 00:07:43.540 --> 00:07:45.040 And they threw him out of the vineyard 00:07:45.040 --> 00:07:45.879 and killed him. 00:07:47.180 --> 00:07:48.139 What then will the owner 00:07:48.139 --> 00:07:49.660 of the vineyard do to them? 00:07:50.199 --> 00:07:52.280 He will come and destroy those tenants 00:07:52.280 --> 00:07:54.120 and give the vineyard to others. 00:07:56.120 --> 00:07:57.240 And when they heard this, 00:07:57.319 --> 00:07:57.759 they said, 00:07:58.079 --> 00:07:59.300 Surely not! 00:08:00.680 --> 00:08:02.460 But he looked directly at them 00:08:02.460 --> 00:08:03.460 and said, 00:08:03.899 --> 00:08:05.540 What then is this that is written, 00:08:06.139 --> 00:08:07.860 The stone that the builders rejected 00:08:07.860 --> 00:08:09.560 has become the cornerstone. 00:08:10.399 --> 00:08:12.220 Everyone who falls on that stone 00:08:12.220 --> 00:08:13.579 will be broken to pieces, 00:08:13.579 --> 00:08:15.300 and when it falls on anyone, 00:08:15.899 --> 00:08:17.339 it will crush him. 00:08:19.680 --> 00:08:22.680 Thus far, God's holy word. 00:08:24.740 --> 00:08:26.539 It was a long introduction. 00:08:27.339 --> 00:08:29.180 Sermon not quite as long, I promise. 00:08:31.180 --> 00:08:33.480 But nonetheless, vitally important 00:08:33.480 --> 00:08:35.480 for our hearts. 00:08:35.480 --> 00:08:39.420 That's why Jesus tells us this parable. 00:08:39.759 --> 00:08:42.080 Here's a simple outline for you, 00:08:42.159 --> 00:08:44.680 since what you see on the back of your bulletin 00:08:44.680 --> 00:08:45.960 is where the sermon was 00:08:45.960 --> 00:08:47.700 when we printed the bulletins. 00:08:50.100 --> 00:08:50.580 What? 00:08:52.019 --> 00:08:53.100 And so what? 00:08:53.100 --> 00:08:56.620 I want us briefly to make sure 00:08:56.620 --> 00:09:00.100 we understand what the parable itself means, 00:09:00.100 --> 00:09:02.879 and then spend a few minutes asking, 00:09:03.159 --> 00:09:03.700 So what? 00:09:03.779 --> 00:09:06.019 Applying it to our hearts. 00:09:06.200 --> 00:09:07.700 So first, the explanation. 00:09:08.040 --> 00:09:09.420 It's not super complicated. 00:09:10.200 --> 00:09:11.720 You'll notice right away, in fact, 00:09:11.800 --> 00:09:13.960 in the next verse after Jesus finishes, 00:09:14.320 --> 00:09:16.659 that the religious leaders in Jerusalem 00:09:16.659 --> 00:09:18.639 understand what Jesus is saying, 00:09:18.680 --> 00:09:20.159 that he's talking about them. 00:09:20.159 --> 00:09:21.700 They don't like it, 00:09:22.480 --> 00:09:24.160 but they know what he means. 00:09:25.399 --> 00:09:27.399 That's because Jesus uses an image, 00:09:27.399 --> 00:09:29.019 perhaps unfamiliar to you, 00:09:29.100 --> 00:09:31.600 but very familiar to those 00:09:31.600 --> 00:09:33.299 who knew their Old Testaments. 00:09:34.139 --> 00:09:37.319 God regularly refers to his people Israel 00:09:37.319 --> 00:09:38.579 as a vineyard. 00:09:40.620 --> 00:09:43.399 And the tenants that we meet in verse 9 00:09:43.399 --> 00:09:46.039 are those leading his people, 00:09:46.279 --> 00:09:49.179 stewarding, caring for God's people 00:09:49.179 --> 00:09:51.159 on his behalf. 00:09:52.340 --> 00:09:54.500 Remember this special relationship 00:09:54.500 --> 00:09:57.220 with his people all the way back to Adam, 00:09:57.399 --> 00:09:58.439 and Abraham. 00:09:58.819 --> 00:10:00.919 God has created and called people 00:10:00.919 --> 00:10:03.299 to live in relationship with him. 00:10:03.600 --> 00:10:06.100 To reflect his image in his world. 00:10:06.679 --> 00:10:08.659 And that as he pours his blessing, 00:10:08.860 --> 00:10:11.379 his grace into their lives, 00:10:11.819 --> 00:10:13.059 they're transformed 00:10:13.059 --> 00:10:14.840 and they share it with others 00:10:14.840 --> 00:10:17.000 so that the nations know 00:10:17.000 --> 00:10:18.980 the one true God. 00:10:19.360 --> 00:10:20.419 And as they do, 00:10:20.519 --> 00:10:22.379 his glory fills the earth. 00:10:22.759 --> 00:10:22.960 Right? 00:10:22.960 --> 00:10:27.980 Israel is to be God's people 00:10:27.980 --> 00:10:29.840 for this purpose. 00:10:31.220 --> 00:10:32.780 When he brings them out of Egypt, 00:10:32.940 --> 00:10:34.540 he plants a vineyard, 00:10:34.920 --> 00:10:35.720 so to speak, 00:10:35.960 --> 00:10:38.200 from which he hopes to bear fruit. 00:10:38.860 --> 00:10:40.800 Justice, righteousness, 00:10:41.379 --> 00:10:42.940 grace to the nations. 00:10:42.940 --> 00:10:47.880 But Israel repeatedly seems 00:10:47.880 --> 00:10:48.740 a lot more interested 00:10:48.740 --> 00:10:49.860 in something else. 00:10:50.760 --> 00:10:51.920 Interested in itself 00:10:51.920 --> 00:10:53.600 rather than God. 00:10:53.940 --> 00:10:55.420 Pursuing other gods, right? 00:10:55.660 --> 00:10:57.640 Living after its own designs. 00:10:57.840 --> 00:10:59.340 Pursuing its own glory 00:10:59.340 --> 00:11:00.560 among the nations. 00:11:00.560 --> 00:11:02.260 Certainly not often wanting 00:11:02.260 --> 00:11:04.260 to bless other nations. 00:11:05.920 --> 00:11:08.220 The prophet Isaiah says it this way 00:11:08.220 --> 00:11:09.800 in chapter 5. 00:11:10.360 --> 00:11:12.560 For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts 00:11:12.560 --> 00:11:14.519 is the house of Israel 00:11:14.519 --> 00:11:16.279 and the men of Judah 00:11:16.279 --> 00:11:18.300 are his pleasant planting. 00:11:19.000 --> 00:11:21.139 That metaphor that God uses 00:11:21.139 --> 00:11:22.920 for that relationship of him 00:11:22.920 --> 00:11:24.440 as the owner and his people 00:11:24.440 --> 00:11:25.279 as the vineyard. 00:11:25.279 --> 00:11:26.680 And he comes, 00:11:26.820 --> 00:11:28.399 he looked for justice, 00:11:28.820 --> 00:11:31.360 but behold, bloodshed. 00:11:31.500 --> 00:11:32.840 For righteousness, 00:11:33.320 --> 00:11:36.180 but behold, an outcry. 00:11:37.120 --> 00:11:38.559 Israel is God's vineyard, 00:11:38.679 --> 00:11:40.679 but the fruits are not 00:11:40.679 --> 00:11:43.479 the fruits God desires 00:11:43.479 --> 00:11:44.699 over and over. 00:11:44.799 --> 00:11:47.039 Not justice in relationships 00:11:47.039 --> 00:11:48.839 and care for the poor 00:11:48.839 --> 00:11:50.579 and outsider as God does, 00:11:50.579 --> 00:11:52.479 but bloodshed. 00:11:53.959 --> 00:11:55.259 Not righteousness 00:11:55.259 --> 00:11:57.039 and following God's law 00:11:57.039 --> 00:11:58.039 and being a blessing 00:11:58.039 --> 00:11:59.379 to others through that, 00:11:59.539 --> 00:12:01.120 but an outcry. 00:12:03.979 --> 00:12:04.939 Over and over, 00:12:04.940 --> 00:12:07.040 God finds this from his people, 00:12:07.200 --> 00:12:09.820 but he is patient with them. 00:12:10.140 --> 00:12:11.740 He sends one prophet 00:12:11.740 --> 00:12:13.740 after another, doesn't he? 00:12:14.780 --> 00:12:15.740 That's why the Old Testament 00:12:15.740 --> 00:12:16.980 gets so long, right? 00:12:17.480 --> 00:12:18.880 Prophet after prophet 00:12:18.880 --> 00:12:19.880 after prophet. 00:12:20.400 --> 00:12:21.780 This is what Jesus describes 00:12:21.780 --> 00:12:22.500 in verse 10. 00:12:23.080 --> 00:12:24.040 The time came 00:12:24.040 --> 00:12:25.880 and the owner sent a servant 00:12:25.880 --> 00:12:27.120 to the tenants 00:12:27.120 --> 00:12:28.700 so that they would give him 00:12:28.700 --> 00:12:29.820 some of the fruit 00:12:29.820 --> 00:12:30.840 of the vineyard. 00:12:31.760 --> 00:12:32.880 But the tenants beat him 00:12:32.880 --> 00:12:34.300 and sent him away empty-handed. 00:12:34.299 --> 00:12:36.259 He sent another servant, 00:12:36.879 --> 00:12:37.919 but they also beat 00:12:37.919 --> 00:12:39.159 and treated him shamefully 00:12:39.159 --> 00:12:40.500 and sent him away empty-handed. 00:12:40.799 --> 00:12:42.019 And he sent yet a third. 00:12:42.139 --> 00:12:43.620 This one also they wounded 00:12:43.620 --> 00:12:45.159 and cast out. 00:12:45.699 --> 00:12:47.000 God sends prophets 00:12:47.000 --> 00:12:48.699 who speak his word. 00:12:49.459 --> 00:12:50.799 They call his people 00:12:50.799 --> 00:12:52.500 back to relationship, 00:12:52.899 --> 00:12:54.319 to their first love, 00:12:54.639 --> 00:12:56.120 to Yahweh himself. 00:12:57.199 --> 00:12:58.959 Back to his covenant love. 00:12:59.500 --> 00:13:01.319 Back to his covenant law. 00:13:01.320 --> 00:13:04.240 Part of which we read earlier. 00:13:05.780 --> 00:13:06.340 In other words, 00:13:06.720 --> 00:13:07.660 prophets come 00:13:07.660 --> 00:13:09.200 and they're seeking for God 00:13:09.200 --> 00:13:11.040 the fruit he desires 00:13:11.040 --> 00:13:12.820 from his people. 00:13:13.480 --> 00:13:15.580 But they are repeatedly rejected. 00:13:16.580 --> 00:13:18.720 Sent away without that fruit 00:13:18.720 --> 00:13:19.600 being realized. 00:13:20.420 --> 00:13:21.600 Israel, her judges, 00:13:21.900 --> 00:13:23.200 priests, kings, 00:13:23.520 --> 00:13:23.940 others, 00:13:24.160 --> 00:13:26.000 they ignore one prophet 00:13:26.000 --> 00:13:26.680 after another 00:13:26.679 --> 00:13:27.839 and they want the fruit 00:13:27.839 --> 00:13:28.779 of the vineyard, 00:13:29.079 --> 00:13:29.839 so to speak, 00:13:30.139 --> 00:13:32.239 all for themselves. 00:13:32.739 --> 00:13:34.079 Their prestige 00:13:34.079 --> 00:13:34.939 among the nations. 00:13:35.059 --> 00:13:35.879 They want to be great. 00:13:36.639 --> 00:13:38.120 Their comfortable way 00:13:38.120 --> 00:13:38.639 of living. 00:13:39.179 --> 00:13:40.199 Their pleasures 00:13:40.199 --> 00:13:41.359 and riches 00:13:41.359 --> 00:13:42.500 the way they want 00:13:42.500 --> 00:13:43.199 to have them 00:13:43.199 --> 00:13:45.239 over God's priorities. 00:13:46.739 --> 00:13:47.539 They've even turned, 00:13:47.620 --> 00:13:48.439 we just read 00:13:48.439 --> 00:13:49.659 last passage, 00:13:49.919 --> 00:13:50.779 God's temple. 00:13:51.240 --> 00:13:51.799 Meant to be, 00:13:51.859 --> 00:13:52.199 it says, 00:13:52.259 --> 00:13:53.519 a house of prayer 00:13:53.519 --> 00:13:54.759 for all people. 00:13:55.059 --> 00:13:56.659 A place the nations come 00:13:56.659 --> 00:13:58.259 and call on Yahweh 00:13:58.259 --> 00:13:59.779 and meet Him 00:13:59.779 --> 00:14:00.840 and find Him 00:14:00.840 --> 00:14:01.639 to be sufficient. 00:14:01.960 --> 00:14:02.600 They've turned it 00:14:02.600 --> 00:14:03.120 into a place 00:14:03.120 --> 00:14:03.799 where the nations 00:14:03.799 --> 00:14:04.740 are kept distant. 00:14:05.620 --> 00:14:06.220 And when they do 00:14:06.220 --> 00:14:06.720 come around, 00:14:06.799 --> 00:14:07.600 they're used to line 00:14:07.600 --> 00:14:08.139 the pockets 00:14:08.139 --> 00:14:09.000 of the powerful 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:09.759 in Jerusalem. 00:14:11.399 --> 00:14:11.860 No. 00:14:13.860 --> 00:14:14.419 See, 00:14:14.480 --> 00:14:15.519 over and over again, 00:14:15.600 --> 00:14:17.059 they reject God's Word 00:14:17.059 --> 00:14:19.519 and God's priorities 00:14:19.519 --> 00:14:21.439 in favor of their own. 00:14:21.939 --> 00:14:22.599 And eventually, 00:14:22.859 --> 00:14:23.659 that culminates 00:14:23.659 --> 00:14:25.599 in rejecting God Himself. 00:14:27.219 --> 00:14:28.459 In rejecting the prophets, 00:14:28.639 --> 00:14:30.319 they reject God's invitation 00:14:30.319 --> 00:14:32.259 to fulfill the purpose 00:14:32.259 --> 00:14:32.939 He created 00:14:32.939 --> 00:14:34.559 and redeemed them for. 00:14:35.519 --> 00:14:37.039 They reject God Himself, 00:14:37.459 --> 00:14:38.679 their special relationship 00:14:38.679 --> 00:14:39.939 with Him. 00:14:41.399 --> 00:14:42.039 And that's always 00:14:42.039 --> 00:14:42.899 the way it is, right? 00:14:43.099 --> 00:14:44.039 Whether it's a parent, 00:14:44.239 --> 00:14:45.039 a teacher, 00:14:45.199 --> 00:14:45.599 a leader, 00:14:45.600 --> 00:14:47.060 whoever it is, 00:14:47.159 --> 00:14:48.779 that's the pattern set 00:14:48.779 --> 00:14:49.740 in rejecting 00:14:49.740 --> 00:14:51.000 someone's direction, 00:14:51.659 --> 00:14:52.680 in rejecting 00:14:52.680 --> 00:14:54.300 someone's priorities, 00:14:54.820 --> 00:14:56.100 you are rejecting 00:14:56.100 --> 00:14:57.800 that person Himself, 00:14:58.019 --> 00:14:58.460 aren't you? 00:14:58.960 --> 00:14:59.899 If you don't value 00:14:59.899 --> 00:15:00.659 their words, 00:15:00.940 --> 00:15:01.480 you don't value 00:15:01.480 --> 00:15:02.139 their authority, 00:15:02.279 --> 00:15:03.060 their values 00:15:03.060 --> 00:15:04.279 don't mean anything to you, 00:15:04.360 --> 00:15:05.879 you don't value them. 00:15:07.500 --> 00:15:08.440 Sure enough, 00:15:08.620 --> 00:15:09.600 that's the next step 00:15:09.600 --> 00:15:10.200 for the leaders 00:15:10.200 --> 00:15:11.440 of God's people. 00:15:11.580 --> 00:15:12.160 It's playing out 00:15:12.160 --> 00:15:13.279 right before our eyes 00:15:13.279 --> 00:15:14.379 in Luke, isn't it? 00:15:15.600 --> 00:15:16.420 Verse 13, 00:15:16.519 --> 00:15:17.220 Jesus tells them 00:15:17.220 --> 00:15:18.480 what's happening. 00:15:18.600 --> 00:15:19.700 The owner of the vineyard 00:15:19.700 --> 00:15:20.220 says, 00:15:20.659 --> 00:15:21.680 what shall I do? 00:15:24.060 --> 00:15:24.580 I know, 00:15:24.659 --> 00:15:25.360 I will send 00:15:25.360 --> 00:15:26.519 my beloved son. 00:15:27.080 --> 00:15:28.080 Perhaps they will 00:15:28.080 --> 00:15:29.540 respect him. 00:15:30.480 --> 00:15:31.560 Long-suffering 00:15:31.560 --> 00:15:32.180 Yahweh 00:15:32.180 --> 00:15:33.860 sends prophet 00:15:33.860 --> 00:15:35.040 after prophet 00:15:35.040 --> 00:15:36.240 to no avail, 00:15:37.240 --> 00:15:38.000 but rather than 00:15:38.000 --> 00:15:38.639 giving up, 00:15:39.240 --> 00:15:40.340 he sends his son. 00:15:41.639 --> 00:15:42.600 There's no question 00:15:42.600 --> 00:15:43.580 Jesus is talking 00:15:43.580 --> 00:15:44.660 about himself here. 00:15:44.740 --> 00:15:46.540 He uses the same phrase, 00:15:46.960 --> 00:15:48.379 my beloved son 00:15:48.379 --> 00:15:49.400 that's spoken 00:15:49.400 --> 00:15:50.180 from heaven 00:15:50.180 --> 00:15:51.320 at his baptism. 00:15:52.940 --> 00:15:54.639 He's the one sent. 00:15:55.280 --> 00:15:55.720 In fact, 00:15:55.800 --> 00:15:56.520 it's interesting, 00:15:56.639 --> 00:15:57.300 a good reminder 00:15:57.300 --> 00:15:58.259 to us of Jesus' 00:15:58.480 --> 00:15:58.980 awareness 00:15:58.980 --> 00:16:00.879 of his divine identity, 00:16:01.420 --> 00:16:02.520 of the reality 00:16:02.520 --> 00:16:03.240 of the Trinity, 00:16:03.500 --> 00:16:04.340 even though he never 00:16:04.340 --> 00:16:05.680 uses that word, 00:16:06.060 --> 00:16:07.139 he knows himself 00:16:07.139 --> 00:16:08.280 to be the son 00:16:08.280 --> 00:16:10.020 sent by the Father, 00:16:10.360 --> 00:16:11.980 the true heir. 00:16:11.980 --> 00:16:14.220 But, 00:16:14.700 --> 00:16:16.060 when the tenants 00:16:16.060 --> 00:16:16.659 saw him, 00:16:16.740 --> 00:16:17.899 they said to themselves, 00:16:18.360 --> 00:16:19.360 this is the heir, 00:16:20.019 --> 00:16:21.519 let us kill him 00:16:21.519 --> 00:16:24.000 so that the inheritance 00:16:24.000 --> 00:16:25.080 may be ours. 00:16:25.200 --> 00:16:25.940 And they threw him 00:16:25.940 --> 00:16:26.860 out of the vineyard 00:16:26.860 --> 00:16:28.620 and killed him. 00:16:30.060 --> 00:16:31.759 In their ultimate act 00:16:31.759 --> 00:16:32.980 of self-assertion 00:16:32.980 --> 00:16:34.700 and God-rejection, 00:16:35.259 --> 00:16:36.539 they will kill 00:16:36.539 --> 00:16:38.120 God's son. 00:16:38.120 --> 00:16:40.139 In their effort 00:16:40.139 --> 00:16:41.000 to solidify 00:16:41.000 --> 00:16:41.820 their control, 00:16:41.960 --> 00:16:42.899 to bear fruit 00:16:42.899 --> 00:16:43.720 for themselves 00:16:43.720 --> 00:16:44.659 what they want 00:16:44.659 --> 00:16:45.779 rather than for God 00:16:45.779 --> 00:16:46.700 what he wants, 00:16:48.120 --> 00:16:50.299 an example of them 00:16:50.299 --> 00:16:51.240 using people 00:16:51.240 --> 00:16:52.740 meant for God's glory 00:16:52.740 --> 00:16:54.179 for their own promotion, 00:16:54.679 --> 00:16:56.019 they will reject 00:16:56.019 --> 00:16:57.039 God's promised 00:16:57.039 --> 00:16:58.440 Messiah King. 00:16:58.440 --> 00:17:03.280 What then will the owner 00:17:03.280 --> 00:17:04.180 of the vineyard 00:17:04.180 --> 00:17:05.400 do to them? 00:17:05.940 --> 00:17:06.960 He will come 00:17:06.960 --> 00:17:08.100 and destroy 00:17:08.100 --> 00:17:08.860 those tenants 00:17:08.860 --> 00:17:10.360 and give the vineyard 00:17:10.360 --> 00:17:11.600 to others. 00:17:13.080 --> 00:17:14.259 Jesus warns them 00:17:14.259 --> 00:17:15.400 that they do this 00:17:15.400 --> 00:17:17.259 at their own peril. 00:17:17.600 --> 00:17:19.259 That those who reject him, 00:17:19.360 --> 00:17:20.200 God himself 00:17:20.200 --> 00:17:21.299 will reject. 00:17:21.500 --> 00:17:22.320 That ultimately 00:17:22.320 --> 00:17:23.960 the people of God, 00:17:24.059 --> 00:17:25.240 the true Israel, 00:17:25.559 --> 00:17:26.480 will be led by 00:17:26.480 --> 00:17:27.080 and composed 00:17:27.080 --> 00:17:28.320 of Gentiles. 00:17:29.440 --> 00:17:30.600 All the religious leaders 00:17:30.600 --> 00:17:31.920 and those who follow them 00:17:31.920 --> 00:17:32.720 in their rejection 00:17:32.720 --> 00:17:33.740 of the Messiah 00:17:33.740 --> 00:17:36.400 face destruction. 00:17:38.559 --> 00:17:40.019 It's not hidden, 00:17:40.160 --> 00:17:40.420 is it? 00:17:40.440 --> 00:17:41.820 It's a direct challenge 00:17:41.820 --> 00:17:43.080 and warning 00:17:43.080 --> 00:17:44.279 to align 00:17:44.279 --> 00:17:45.580 with the true King 00:17:45.580 --> 00:17:48.059 and His God-centered purposes 00:17:48.059 --> 00:17:49.420 or face destruction. 00:17:51.940 --> 00:17:52.640 See, 00:17:52.759 --> 00:17:53.940 it means what you thought. 00:17:55.360 --> 00:17:56.820 It's what the parable's about 00:17:56.820 --> 00:17:57.759 and the leaders 00:17:57.759 --> 00:17:58.539 heard it clearly. 00:18:00.819 --> 00:18:01.480 So what? 00:18:02.240 --> 00:18:03.319 How about application? 00:18:05.200 --> 00:18:05.799 I mean, 00:18:06.019 --> 00:18:06.859 this is going to be hard. 00:18:06.940 --> 00:18:08.259 We don't ever reject Jesus, 00:18:08.599 --> 00:18:08.920 do we? 00:18:09.299 --> 00:18:10.099 We're in church. 00:18:12.759 --> 00:18:13.519 We don't ever live 00:18:13.519 --> 00:18:14.539 for our own glory 00:18:14.539 --> 00:18:16.700 other than God's, 00:18:16.920 --> 00:18:17.279 do we? 00:18:19.819 --> 00:18:20.920 I thought this week, 00:18:20.920 --> 00:18:23.519 is there any description 00:18:23.519 --> 00:18:25.920 more true of the idolatry 00:18:25.920 --> 00:18:27.160 of our own age, 00:18:27.960 --> 00:18:29.259 of our own culture, 00:18:30.259 --> 00:18:32.300 of even our own church 00:18:32.300 --> 00:18:33.360 at times, 00:18:34.360 --> 00:18:35.519 than that we live 00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:36.600 for ourselves 00:18:36.600 --> 00:18:38.200 rather than for God? 00:18:38.200 --> 00:18:41.460 oftentimes we're proud of it. 00:18:41.519 --> 00:18:42.900 It's often very obvious. 00:18:43.319 --> 00:18:44.340 Have it your way 00:18:44.340 --> 00:18:45.100 right away. 00:18:46.000 --> 00:18:47.279 The consumer mentality, 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:48.779 it's all about you. 00:18:50.299 --> 00:18:51.400 The sidelining 00:18:51.400 --> 00:18:53.120 of clear biblical teaching 00:18:53.120 --> 00:18:54.700 and meaningful involvement 00:18:54.700 --> 00:18:56.160 in the church community 00:18:56.160 --> 00:18:57.220 of God's people 00:18:57.220 --> 00:18:59.440 in favor of self-help, 00:18:59.640 --> 00:19:00.880 celebrity advice, 00:19:01.519 --> 00:19:02.200 regular Netflix 00:19:02.200 --> 00:19:04.600 or blog binging 00:19:04.600 --> 00:19:05.380 in order to get 00:19:05.380 --> 00:19:06.080 what I need. 00:19:08.039 --> 00:19:09.340 Or the fact that 00:19:09.340 --> 00:19:11.059 what really grieves 00:19:11.059 --> 00:19:12.700 or upsets us, 00:19:12.819 --> 00:19:13.940 what really gets 00:19:13.940 --> 00:19:14.799 at the core 00:19:14.799 --> 00:19:15.440 of who we are 00:19:15.440 --> 00:19:16.819 is often not injustice 00:19:16.819 --> 00:19:18.140 and unrighteousness 00:19:18.140 --> 00:19:19.759 and the unbelief 00:19:19.759 --> 00:19:21.120 of our friends 00:19:21.120 --> 00:19:21.759 and neighbors 00:19:21.759 --> 00:19:22.640 or the nations. 00:19:24.400 --> 00:19:25.860 More often than those 00:19:25.860 --> 00:19:26.960 grieving our hearts, 00:19:27.100 --> 00:19:28.900 our own discomfort 00:19:28.900 --> 00:19:30.799 upsets us. 00:19:30.799 --> 00:19:32.180 A bad call 00:19:32.180 --> 00:19:33.059 in a football game. 00:19:34.099 --> 00:19:34.980 A disruption 00:19:34.980 --> 00:19:36.200 to my schedule. 00:19:39.500 --> 00:19:41.039 Sometimes it's really obvious. 00:19:42.740 --> 00:19:43.440 But often 00:19:43.440 --> 00:19:45.440 this living for ourselves 00:19:45.440 --> 00:19:46.359 rather than 00:19:46.359 --> 00:19:47.859 bearing fruit for God 00:19:47.859 --> 00:19:49.500 is more subtle 00:19:49.500 --> 00:19:50.720 than that. 00:19:51.579 --> 00:19:52.440 I'll tell you a little bit 00:19:52.440 --> 00:19:54.220 about my own heart 00:19:54.220 --> 00:19:54.879 this week. 00:19:55.740 --> 00:19:56.940 This week there were 00:19:56.940 --> 00:19:58.919 several unplanned, 00:19:59.099 --> 00:19:59.960 undesired, 00:19:59.960 --> 00:20:02.680 life events 00:20:02.680 --> 00:20:04.680 and Southwood staff members, 00:20:05.400 --> 00:20:07.220 Southwood congregation members, 00:20:07.539 --> 00:20:09.319 all seemed to happen 00:20:09.319 --> 00:20:10.680 at the same time 00:20:10.680 --> 00:20:12.160 and unravel together. 00:20:12.299 --> 00:20:13.700 My head was spinning. 00:20:15.079 --> 00:20:17.299 My heart was overwhelmed 00:20:17.299 --> 00:20:18.460 in many ways. 00:20:19.539 --> 00:20:20.559 And I wish 00:20:20.559 --> 00:20:22.720 that what overwhelmed 00:20:22.720 --> 00:20:24.140 my heart 00:20:24.140 --> 00:20:25.960 was this sense 00:20:25.960 --> 00:20:27.759 of what God was doing 00:20:27.759 --> 00:20:29.500 and cries of God. 00:20:29.559 --> 00:20:30.640 How can you be honored 00:20:30.640 --> 00:20:31.640 in the midst 00:20:31.640 --> 00:20:32.480 of these things? 00:20:32.480 --> 00:20:34.039 And God, 00:20:34.119 --> 00:20:34.960 what are you teaching 00:20:34.960 --> 00:20:35.680 this family 00:20:35.680 --> 00:20:36.900 and what are you teaching me 00:20:36.900 --> 00:20:38.900 in even this hard place? 00:20:40.099 --> 00:20:40.440 Or God, 00:20:40.559 --> 00:20:40.819 please, 00:20:40.920 --> 00:20:42.140 please bring fruit 00:20:42.140 --> 00:20:43.240 for your glory 00:20:43.240 --> 00:20:44.180 in this situation. 00:20:44.339 --> 00:20:45.319 Whatever happens 00:20:45.319 --> 00:20:46.000 to me, 00:20:46.039 --> 00:20:47.200 I'll wait on you. 00:20:47.259 --> 00:20:48.200 I wish that's what was 00:20:48.200 --> 00:20:49.680 overwhelming my heart. 00:20:49.680 --> 00:20:53.259 I wish that was 00:20:53.259 --> 00:20:53.860 all I felt. 00:20:55.840 --> 00:20:56.279 Instead, 00:20:56.820 --> 00:20:58.200 right there in my heart 00:20:58.200 --> 00:21:00.120 were other desires, 00:21:01.560 --> 00:21:03.759 other questions. 00:21:05.440 --> 00:21:06.180 Questions like, 00:21:06.380 --> 00:21:07.220 how am I going to come out 00:21:07.220 --> 00:21:08.140 looking to them 00:21:08.140 --> 00:21:08.720 in this? 00:21:09.400 --> 00:21:09.860 Impressive, 00:21:10.019 --> 00:21:10.400 I hope? 00:21:11.160 --> 00:21:11.600 Pastoral? 00:21:14.600 --> 00:21:16.080 How can I restore order 00:21:16.080 --> 00:21:16.980 to my life today? 00:21:17.060 --> 00:21:17.539 It wasn't supposed 00:21:17.539 --> 00:21:18.420 to be like this. 00:21:19.680 --> 00:21:22.000 How does all this 00:21:22.000 --> 00:21:23.180 reflect on my leadership? 00:21:23.440 --> 00:21:24.420 I wonder if I'm 00:21:24.420 --> 00:21:25.259 handling it right. 00:21:28.660 --> 00:21:29.299 Selfish, 00:21:30.420 --> 00:21:30.820 ugly, 00:21:31.420 --> 00:21:33.680 but true. 00:21:35.740 --> 00:21:37.019 I'm really thankful 00:21:37.019 --> 00:21:38.279 for godly pastors 00:21:38.279 --> 00:21:39.960 and staff members 00:21:39.960 --> 00:21:40.560 and elders 00:21:40.560 --> 00:21:41.640 who helped me. 00:21:42.340 --> 00:21:43.820 They helped me repent, 00:21:45.240 --> 00:21:46.120 see things through 00:21:46.120 --> 00:21:47.660 the lens of God's glory. 00:21:48.360 --> 00:21:48.440 Say, 00:21:48.480 --> 00:21:48.600 hey, 00:21:48.640 --> 00:21:49.320 he's at work. 00:21:49.680 --> 00:21:52.340 More than once, 00:21:52.400 --> 00:21:53.580 help me stop fighting 00:21:53.580 --> 00:21:54.580 for myself 00:21:54.580 --> 00:21:56.519 and sit down 00:21:56.519 --> 00:21:57.200 and pray 00:21:57.200 --> 00:21:58.660 for God's direction. 00:22:00.700 --> 00:22:00.920 See, 00:22:00.960 --> 00:22:01.880 we can make anything 00:22:01.880 --> 00:22:02.759 about ourselves, 00:22:02.880 --> 00:22:03.259 can't we? 00:22:04.140 --> 00:22:05.500 We're really good at that. 00:22:07.120 --> 00:22:08.519 The applications here 00:22:08.519 --> 00:22:09.720 are for all of us, 00:22:09.820 --> 00:22:10.299 but they are 00:22:10.299 --> 00:22:11.440 especially poignant 00:22:11.440 --> 00:22:12.980 for those of us 00:22:12.980 --> 00:22:13.680 called to lead 00:22:13.680 --> 00:22:14.539 God's people 00:22:14.539 --> 00:22:16.000 in any capacity. 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:18.220 Do we use our calling 00:22:18.220 --> 00:22:19.440 among God's people 00:22:19.440 --> 00:22:21.359 to pursue our own comfort, 00:22:22.119 --> 00:22:22.519 power, 00:22:22.859 --> 00:22:23.400 or prestige? 00:22:24.339 --> 00:22:26.099 Do we pursue ideas 00:22:26.099 --> 00:22:27.180 that we want to see happen 00:22:27.180 --> 00:22:28.779 because it's my family's preference? 00:22:29.779 --> 00:22:32.599 Or are we passionately pursuing 00:22:32.599 --> 00:22:34.259 God's glory, 00:22:34.640 --> 00:22:35.940 focusing on His word 00:22:35.940 --> 00:22:37.519 and His priorities, 00:22:37.880 --> 00:22:39.220 pushing ourselves and others 00:22:39.220 --> 00:22:40.839 to exalt and embrace Jesus 00:22:40.839 --> 00:22:42.339 because that's what really matters? 00:22:45.899 --> 00:22:46.579 Elders, 00:22:48.500 --> 00:22:49.019 deacons, 00:22:51.019 --> 00:22:52.279 ministry teams, 00:22:53.740 --> 00:22:55.599 leadership teams, 00:22:56.980 --> 00:22:57.839 small group leaders, 00:22:57.839 --> 00:22:57.939 church. 00:22:59.619 --> 00:23:00.959 This church 00:23:00.959 --> 00:23:04.439 is God's vineyard. 00:23:05.179 --> 00:23:05.759 He's the owner. 00:23:08.299 --> 00:23:09.159 Are you bearing fruit 00:23:09.159 --> 00:23:09.799 for yourself 00:23:09.799 --> 00:23:10.539 or for Him? 00:23:15.339 --> 00:23:16.339 If you're not sure, 00:23:16.419 --> 00:23:17.059 I found it to be 00:23:17.059 --> 00:23:18.220 a pretty good barometer 00:23:18.220 --> 00:23:19.879 of how you're doing 00:23:19.879 --> 00:23:20.480 with that, 00:23:21.119 --> 00:23:22.619 how often you're crying 00:23:22.619 --> 00:23:23.699 out to God 00:23:23.699 --> 00:23:25.379 on behalf 00:23:25.379 --> 00:23:27.079 of your people. 00:23:27.839 --> 00:23:29.439 His people. 00:23:31.019 --> 00:23:32.399 How often you're coming 00:23:32.399 --> 00:23:32.699 to Him 00:23:32.699 --> 00:23:33.819 in deep concern 00:23:33.819 --> 00:23:35.819 for their souls, 00:23:37.299 --> 00:23:38.079 desperate for them 00:23:38.079 --> 00:23:39.299 to embrace Jesus, 00:23:40.740 --> 00:23:41.919 not just you. 00:23:46.279 --> 00:23:48.119 If we ever find ourselves 00:23:48.119 --> 00:23:49.379 avoiding His word 00:23:49.379 --> 00:23:50.419 and His priorities, 00:23:50.799 --> 00:23:52.059 we will find ourselves 00:23:52.059 --> 00:23:53.159 and our people 00:23:53.159 --> 00:23:53.919 ultimately 00:23:53.919 --> 00:23:56.039 rejecting Him. 00:23:56.039 --> 00:23:59.079 and that's true 00:23:59.079 --> 00:23:59.659 not just for 00:23:59.659 --> 00:24:00.859 church leaders. 00:24:01.039 --> 00:24:01.099 See, 00:24:01.200 --> 00:24:02.879 those same issues 00:24:02.879 --> 00:24:04.220 apply to all of us 00:24:04.220 --> 00:24:06.059 in every relationship 00:24:06.059 --> 00:24:07.180 God gives us 00:24:07.180 --> 00:24:08.119 and in some ways 00:24:08.119 --> 00:24:08.920 all of us 00:24:08.920 --> 00:24:09.539 who know Jesus 00:24:09.539 --> 00:24:10.319 are leaders 00:24:10.319 --> 00:24:11.559 in His church 00:24:11.559 --> 00:24:13.000 and in other relationships. 00:24:14.599 --> 00:24:15.460 What are the vineyards 00:24:15.460 --> 00:24:16.680 where God has placed 00:24:16.680 --> 00:24:17.420 you? 00:24:19.420 --> 00:24:20.500 Are you using 00:24:20.500 --> 00:24:21.220 someone else 00:24:21.220 --> 00:24:21.859 for yourself 00:24:21.859 --> 00:24:23.599 or seeking fruit 00:24:23.599 --> 00:24:24.879 for God? 00:24:27.159 --> 00:24:27.759 Particularly, 00:24:27.899 --> 00:24:28.839 think of relationships 00:24:28.839 --> 00:24:29.959 where God has 00:24:29.959 --> 00:24:30.919 given you 00:24:30.919 --> 00:24:32.959 some spiritual stewardship 00:24:32.959 --> 00:24:34.459 of others. 00:24:37.459 --> 00:24:38.740 This brings us 00:24:38.740 --> 00:24:39.339 to the vineyard 00:24:39.339 --> 00:24:40.099 of kids. 00:24:41.419 --> 00:24:41.599 Hmm. 00:24:42.559 --> 00:24:43.539 One where it is 00:24:43.539 --> 00:24:44.379 so easy 00:24:44.379 --> 00:24:45.459 to reject 00:24:45.459 --> 00:24:47.119 God's priorities. 00:24:48.059 --> 00:24:48.959 To be seeking 00:24:48.959 --> 00:24:50.459 honor for yourself. 00:24:50.460 --> 00:24:51.860 What a smart kid. 00:24:52.220 --> 00:24:52.900 What an athletic 00:24:52.900 --> 00:24:54.100 kid you have. 00:24:55.319 --> 00:24:56.120 The respect 00:24:56.120 --> 00:24:56.680 of others. 00:24:57.259 --> 00:24:57.440 Oh, 00:24:57.500 --> 00:24:57.940 you're such 00:24:57.940 --> 00:24:59.240 a good parent. 00:25:00.039 --> 00:25:00.640 Doesn't that feel 00:25:00.640 --> 00:25:01.180 good to hear 00:25:01.180 --> 00:25:02.000 every once in a while? 00:25:04.079 --> 00:25:04.980 When actually 00:25:04.980 --> 00:25:05.640 the fruit 00:25:05.640 --> 00:25:06.740 God seeks 00:25:06.740 --> 00:25:08.220 is children 00:25:08.220 --> 00:25:08.840 with a love 00:25:08.840 --> 00:25:09.539 for Jesus, 00:25:10.039 --> 00:25:11.000 with hearts 00:25:11.000 --> 00:25:11.440 that love 00:25:11.440 --> 00:25:12.240 God's word 00:25:12.240 --> 00:25:13.059 and lives 00:25:13.059 --> 00:25:13.700 shaped by 00:25:13.700 --> 00:25:15.000 His priorities, 00:25:16.460 --> 00:25:18.059 that's the fruit 00:25:18.059 --> 00:25:18.920 God's looking for 00:25:18.920 --> 00:25:19.620 in that vineyard. 00:25:20.019 --> 00:25:20.580 Now parents, 00:25:20.720 --> 00:25:20.980 hear me, 00:25:21.160 --> 00:25:22.060 it's not all 00:25:22.060 --> 00:25:22.740 up to you. 00:25:22.840 --> 00:25:23.180 That's not 00:25:23.180 --> 00:25:24.100 what I'm saying. 00:25:25.800 --> 00:25:26.740 But is that 00:25:26.740 --> 00:25:27.640 fruit what you 00:25:27.640 --> 00:25:28.640 long for? 00:25:29.320 --> 00:25:30.240 Is that 00:25:30.240 --> 00:25:30.759 the fruit 00:25:30.759 --> 00:25:32.120 you invest in? 00:25:32.420 --> 00:25:32.820 Is that 00:25:32.820 --> 00:25:33.240 the fruit 00:25:33.240 --> 00:25:34.039 you're praying 00:25:34.039 --> 00:25:35.200 for? 00:25:38.500 --> 00:25:39.080 How about 00:25:39.080 --> 00:25:39.700 at the office? 00:25:40.759 --> 00:25:42.160 A great place 00:25:42.160 --> 00:25:42.759 to seek 00:25:42.759 --> 00:25:43.539 your own 00:25:43.539 --> 00:25:44.120 success 00:25:44.119 --> 00:25:46.000 and comfort 00:25:46.000 --> 00:25:47.079 and not have 00:25:47.079 --> 00:25:47.459 to worry 00:25:47.459 --> 00:25:48.279 about anybody 00:25:48.279 --> 00:25:48.859 else? 00:25:49.079 --> 00:25:49.839 To overlook 00:25:49.839 --> 00:25:51.099 the hurting 00:25:51.099 --> 00:25:52.159 employee? 00:25:54.579 --> 00:25:55.579 To overlook 00:25:55.579 --> 00:25:56.519 the unbelieving 00:25:56.519 --> 00:25:57.199 co-worker? 00:25:57.439 --> 00:25:58.559 The kingdom 00:25:58.559 --> 00:25:59.359 opportunity 00:25:59.359 --> 00:26:00.759 in your office? 00:26:04.259 --> 00:26:05.119 I hesitate 00:26:05.119 --> 00:26:05.899 even to say 00:26:05.899 --> 00:26:06.299 how about 00:26:06.299 --> 00:26:07.059 your marriage? 00:26:09.059 --> 00:26:09.859 A vineyard 00:26:09.859 --> 00:26:10.639 where we often 00:26:10.639 --> 00:26:11.379 approach our 00:26:11.379 --> 00:26:12.719 spouses primarily 00:26:12.720 --> 00:26:14.259 there for our 00:26:14.259 --> 00:26:14.799 pleasure? 00:26:15.559 --> 00:26:16.400 For our 00:26:16.400 --> 00:26:17.120 fulfillment? 00:26:17.940 --> 00:26:18.740 For our 00:26:18.740 --> 00:26:19.440 benefit? 00:26:21.180 --> 00:26:22.059 When God 00:26:22.059 --> 00:26:22.579 has designed 00:26:22.579 --> 00:26:23.220 us to seek 00:26:23.220 --> 00:26:23.900 each other's 00:26:23.900 --> 00:26:24.920 spiritual good, 00:26:25.000 --> 00:26:25.620 not our own, 00:26:26.079 --> 00:26:27.500 at great cost 00:26:27.500 --> 00:26:28.259 to ourselves 00:26:28.259 --> 00:26:28.819 and our own 00:26:28.819 --> 00:26:29.759 comfort even. 00:26:31.759 --> 00:26:32.360 Husbands, 00:26:32.920 --> 00:26:34.299 I'm talking 00:26:34.299 --> 00:26:35.019 to us 00:26:35.019 --> 00:26:36.400 in particular 00:26:36.400 --> 00:26:37.960 in case you 00:26:37.960 --> 00:26:38.519 didn't notice. 00:26:39.339 --> 00:26:39.779 In case that 00:26:39.779 --> 00:26:40.339 was unclear. 00:26:40.920 --> 00:26:41.579 Do you pray 00:26:41.579 --> 00:26:42.059 for your 00:26:42.059 --> 00:26:42.379 spouse? 00:26:43.659 --> 00:26:44.480 You push 00:26:44.480 --> 00:26:44.960 them to 00:26:44.960 --> 00:26:45.439 embrace 00:26:45.439 --> 00:26:46.139 Jesus in 00:26:46.139 --> 00:26:47.419 every situation? 00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:47.939 Do you 00:26:47.939 --> 00:26:48.759 talk together? 00:26:48.939 --> 00:26:49.159 Do you 00:26:49.159 --> 00:26:49.919 initiate those 00:26:49.919 --> 00:26:50.720 conversations 00:26:50.720 --> 00:26:51.679 about a 00:26:51.679 --> 00:26:52.199 marriage that's 00:26:52.199 --> 00:26:52.919 for the glory 00:26:52.919 --> 00:26:53.720 of the king 00:26:53.720 --> 00:26:54.279 rather than 00:26:54.279 --> 00:26:54.980 merely what 00:26:54.980 --> 00:26:55.199 are some 00:26:55.199 --> 00:26:55.379 of the 00:26:55.379 --> 00:26:55.779 things we 00:26:55.779 --> 00:26:56.099 want 00:26:56.099 --> 00:26:57.439 together? 00:26:59.759 --> 00:27:00.419 You begin 00:27:00.419 --> 00:27:01.159 to see how 00:27:01.159 --> 00:27:02.599 easy it can 00:27:02.599 --> 00:27:03.119 be to 00:27:03.119 --> 00:27:03.799 reject 00:27:03.799 --> 00:27:04.720 Jesus 00:27:04.720 --> 00:27:06.139 and 00:27:06.139 --> 00:27:07.539 sit in 00:27:07.539 --> 00:27:08.059 pews 00:27:08.059 --> 00:27:08.819 and stand 00:27:08.819 --> 00:27:09.119 behind 00:27:09.119 --> 00:27:09.759 pulpits? 00:27:09.759 --> 00:27:12.480 when we 00:27:12.480 --> 00:27:12.980 neglect 00:27:12.980 --> 00:27:13.279 his 00:27:13.279 --> 00:27:13.640 word, 00:27:14.180 --> 00:27:14.819 when we 00:27:14.819 --> 00:27:15.359 ignore 00:27:15.359 --> 00:27:15.799 his 00:27:15.799 --> 00:27:16.480 priorities, 00:27:16.700 --> 00:27:16.980 we 00:27:16.980 --> 00:27:17.579 ultimately 00:27:17.579 --> 00:27:18.220 reject 00:27:18.220 --> 00:27:18.640 him. 00:27:19.839 --> 00:27:20.539 We all 00:27:20.539 --> 00:27:21.160 heard the 00:27:21.160 --> 00:27:22.279 reading of 00:27:22.279 --> 00:27:23.119 God's law 00:27:23.119 --> 00:27:23.819 this morning. 00:27:24.480 --> 00:27:25.140 It's not a 00:27:25.140 --> 00:27:25.599 list of 00:27:25.599 --> 00:27:26.039 do's and 00:27:26.039 --> 00:27:26.619 don'ts as 00:27:26.619 --> 00:27:27.359 Ron said. 00:27:27.440 --> 00:27:27.700 It's a 00:27:27.700 --> 00:27:28.920 reflection of 00:27:28.920 --> 00:27:29.720 his heart, 00:27:30.319 --> 00:27:30.759 of his 00:27:30.759 --> 00:27:31.500 glorious 00:27:31.500 --> 00:27:32.420 character 00:27:32.420 --> 00:27:33.059 that he 00:27:33.059 --> 00:27:34.160 calls us 00:27:34.160 --> 00:27:34.480 to in 00:27:34.480 --> 00:27:35.200 relationship 00:27:35.200 --> 00:27:35.879 with him. 00:27:36.240 --> 00:27:36.579 Does it 00:27:36.579 --> 00:27:37.079 shape your 00:27:37.079 --> 00:27:37.480 life? 00:27:37.779 --> 00:27:38.119 Does it 00:27:38.119 --> 00:27:38.940 energize your 00:27:38.940 --> 00:27:39.160 heart? 00:27:39.220 --> 00:27:39.360 Is it 00:27:39.360 --> 00:27:39.700 what you're 00:27:39.700 --> 00:27:40.120 about? 00:27:41.799 --> 00:27:42.200 Do you 00:27:42.200 --> 00:27:42.799 long to 00:27:42.799 --> 00:27:43.080 live in 00:27:43.080 --> 00:27:43.799 fruitful 00:27:43.799 --> 00:27:44.519 relationship 00:27:44.519 --> 00:27:45.120 with him 00:27:45.120 --> 00:27:45.620 more and 00:27:45.620 --> 00:27:45.920 more? 00:27:48.740 --> 00:27:49.580 Jesus is 00:27:49.580 --> 00:27:50.360 warning us 00:27:50.360 --> 00:27:50.519 here. 00:27:50.620 --> 00:27:50.840 It's what 00:27:50.840 --> 00:27:51.460 this parable 00:27:51.460 --> 00:27:51.700 is. 00:27:51.779 --> 00:27:52.019 It's a 00:27:52.019 --> 00:27:52.440 warning, 00:27:52.740 --> 00:27:54.100 not just 00:27:54.100 --> 00:27:54.440 to get 00:27:54.440 --> 00:27:54.840 us, 00:27:56.420 --> 00:27:56.820 but so 00:27:56.820 --> 00:27:57.140 that we 00:27:57.140 --> 00:27:57.640 will see 00:27:57.640 --> 00:27:58.480 the danger 00:27:58.480 --> 00:27:59.460 in rejecting 00:27:59.460 --> 00:28:00.620 him and 00:28:00.620 --> 00:28:01.400 turn back 00:28:01.400 --> 00:28:02.100 instead to 00:28:02.100 --> 00:28:03.100 embrace him 00:28:03.100 --> 00:28:04.100 more fully. 00:28:04.360 --> 00:28:05.120 It ultimately 00:28:05.120 --> 00:28:05.799 comes down to 00:28:05.799 --> 00:28:06.000 that, 00:28:06.120 --> 00:28:06.500 doesn't it? 00:28:06.500 --> 00:28:08.000 when the 00:28:08.000 --> 00:28:08.640 vineyard owner 00:28:08.640 --> 00:28:09.960 finally sends 00:28:09.960 --> 00:28:10.579 his beloved 00:28:10.579 --> 00:28:11.079 son. 00:28:13.079 --> 00:28:14.059 Jesus the 00:28:14.059 --> 00:28:14.940 son warns 00:28:14.940 --> 00:28:15.519 us that if 00:28:15.519 --> 00:28:16.119 we don't 00:28:16.119 --> 00:28:17.140 receive him, 00:28:18.420 --> 00:28:19.579 prophet after 00:28:19.579 --> 00:28:20.480 prophet came, 00:28:20.720 --> 00:28:21.619 but God 00:28:21.619 --> 00:28:22.680 again sent 00:28:22.680 --> 00:28:24.099 his son, 00:28:24.519 --> 00:28:25.200 and if we 00:28:25.200 --> 00:28:26.200 don't receive 00:28:26.200 --> 00:28:26.759 him, 00:28:26.859 --> 00:28:27.539 we will be 00:28:27.539 --> 00:28:28.180 destroyed. 00:28:28.680 --> 00:28:29.160 And the 00:28:29.160 --> 00:28:30.359 religious people 00:28:30.359 --> 00:28:31.640 say to that 00:28:31.640 --> 00:28:32.279 message, 00:28:32.400 --> 00:28:32.599 what? 00:28:33.200 --> 00:28:34.619 Surely not! 00:28:34.619 --> 00:28:37.179 No way! 00:28:38.599 --> 00:28:39.699 I will hear 00:28:39.699 --> 00:28:40.599 it, but I 00:28:40.599 --> 00:28:41.739 won't believe 00:28:41.739 --> 00:28:42.099 it. 00:28:45.059 --> 00:28:45.959 They could 00:28:45.959 --> 00:28:47.000 not imagine 00:28:47.000 --> 00:28:48.119 that they 00:28:48.119 --> 00:28:48.539 were in 00:28:48.539 --> 00:28:49.019 church, 00:28:49.479 --> 00:28:50.000 that they 00:28:50.000 --> 00:28:50.419 were pretty 00:28:50.419 --> 00:28:51.379 good people, 00:28:52.039 --> 00:28:53.679 and that God 00:28:53.679 --> 00:28:54.359 would reject 00:28:54.359 --> 00:28:55.259 them in favor 00:28:55.259 --> 00:28:55.819 of some 00:28:55.819 --> 00:28:56.739 Gentiles. 00:28:58.839 --> 00:29:00.019 Verse 17, 00:29:00.019 --> 00:29:02.440 he looked 00:29:02.440 --> 00:29:04.279 directly at 00:29:04.279 --> 00:29:05.480 them and 00:29:05.480 --> 00:29:06.059 said, 00:29:06.900 --> 00:29:07.700 what then is 00:29:07.700 --> 00:29:08.440 this that is 00:29:08.440 --> 00:29:08.799 written, 00:29:09.299 --> 00:29:09.980 the stone 00:29:09.980 --> 00:29:10.420 that the 00:29:10.420 --> 00:29:11.539 builders rejected 00:29:11.539 --> 00:29:12.680 has become 00:29:12.680 --> 00:29:13.639 the cornerstone? 00:29:14.879 --> 00:29:15.700 Everyone who 00:29:15.700 --> 00:29:16.420 falls on that 00:29:16.420 --> 00:29:17.059 stone will be 00:29:17.059 --> 00:29:17.660 broken to 00:29:17.660 --> 00:29:18.000 pieces, 00:29:18.480 --> 00:29:19.099 and when it 00:29:19.099 --> 00:29:19.639 falls on 00:29:19.639 --> 00:29:20.000 anyone, 00:29:20.160 --> 00:29:20.559 it will 00:29:20.559 --> 00:29:21.240 crush him. 00:29:21.920 --> 00:29:22.859 Jesus quotes 00:29:22.859 --> 00:29:23.460 from the 00:29:23.460 --> 00:29:24.519 psalm that 00:29:24.519 --> 00:29:25.559 many just 00:29:25.559 --> 00:29:26.339 sang to 00:29:26.339 --> 00:29:26.839 him a 00:29:26.839 --> 00:29:27.460 couple days 00:29:27.460 --> 00:29:27.839 ago, 00:29:28.240 --> 00:29:29.039 blessed is 00:29:29.039 --> 00:29:29.599 the king 00:29:29.599 --> 00:29:30.259 who comes 00:29:30.259 --> 00:29:30.579 in the 00:29:30.579 --> 00:29:30.940 name of 00:29:30.940 --> 00:29:31.379 the Lord. 00:29:31.519 --> 00:29:31.619 Do you 00:29:31.619 --> 00:29:32.079 remember that? 00:29:32.220 --> 00:29:33.039 Psalm 118? 00:29:34.299 --> 00:29:35.039 They're saying, 00:29:35.119 --> 00:29:35.379 you're the 00:29:35.379 --> 00:29:35.980 Messiah, 00:29:36.319 --> 00:29:36.819 and Jesus 00:29:36.819 --> 00:29:37.379 quotes and 00:29:37.379 --> 00:29:37.579 says, 00:29:37.639 --> 00:29:38.059 you're right 00:29:38.059 --> 00:29:38.579 I am. 00:29:38.899 --> 00:29:39.299 Let's be 00:29:39.299 --> 00:29:39.920 clear on 00:29:39.920 --> 00:29:40.319 that. 00:29:43.059 --> 00:29:43.920 The picture 00:29:43.920 --> 00:29:44.559 he gives 00:29:44.559 --> 00:29:45.059 with the 00:29:45.059 --> 00:29:45.759 stone is 00:29:45.759 --> 00:29:47.000 of builders 00:29:47.000 --> 00:29:47.680 gathering 00:29:47.680 --> 00:29:48.700 stones for 00:29:48.700 --> 00:29:49.399 a building 00:29:49.399 --> 00:29:49.859 they're about 00:29:49.859 --> 00:29:50.359 to start, 00:29:50.460 --> 00:29:50.619 and they 00:29:50.619 --> 00:29:51.700 find one 00:29:51.700 --> 00:29:52.259 that's oddly 00:29:52.259 --> 00:29:52.920 shaped and 00:29:52.920 --> 00:29:53.579 doesn't appeal 00:29:53.579 --> 00:29:53.960 to them, 00:29:54.019 --> 00:29:54.259 and they 00:29:54.259 --> 00:29:55.019 discard it 00:29:55.019 --> 00:29:55.399 into the 00:29:55.399 --> 00:29:55.700 rubble 00:29:55.700 --> 00:29:56.139 pile, 00:29:57.420 --> 00:29:58.379 only to 00:29:58.380 --> 00:29:59.660 work long 00:29:59.660 --> 00:30:00.080 and hard 00:30:00.080 --> 00:30:00.420 on this 00:30:00.420 --> 00:30:00.940 building and 00:30:00.940 --> 00:30:01.400 get to the 00:30:01.400 --> 00:30:01.920 end and 00:30:01.920 --> 00:30:02.880 find they're 00:30:02.880 --> 00:30:03.860 missing one 00:30:03.860 --> 00:30:04.840 key piece 00:30:04.840 --> 00:30:05.500 that has this 00:30:05.500 --> 00:30:06.280 unique shape 00:30:06.280 --> 00:30:06.700 and it looks 00:30:06.700 --> 00:30:07.380 just like 00:30:07.380 --> 00:30:07.520 the, 00:30:07.720 --> 00:30:08.620 but they 00:30:08.620 --> 00:30:09.680 already rejected 00:30:09.680 --> 00:30:10.300 that one, 00:30:11.920 --> 00:30:12.380 threw it 00:30:12.380 --> 00:30:12.620 out, 00:30:13.240 --> 00:30:13.700 and he 00:30:13.700 --> 00:30:14.100 looked them 00:30:14.100 --> 00:30:14.360 in the 00:30:14.360 --> 00:30:15.580 eye and 00:30:15.580 --> 00:30:16.000 made the 00:30:16.000 --> 00:30:17.060 warning so 00:30:17.060 --> 00:30:17.540 clear, 00:30:18.000 --> 00:30:19.400 don't miss 00:30:19.400 --> 00:30:20.480 the Messiah, 00:30:21.020 --> 00:30:21.620 the corner 00:30:21.620 --> 00:30:22.260 stone. 00:30:23.940 --> 00:30:24.660 He's a 00:30:24.660 --> 00:30:25.160 stone that 00:30:25.160 --> 00:30:26.080 will crush 00:30:26.080 --> 00:30:26.880 you if you 00:30:26.880 --> 00:30:27.660 reject him, 00:30:27.660 --> 00:30:28.580 whatever you 00:30:28.580 --> 00:30:29.240 think you're 00:30:29.240 --> 00:30:30.000 building in 00:30:30.000 --> 00:30:30.460 your life 00:30:30.460 --> 00:30:31.519 will ultimately 00:30:31.519 --> 00:30:33.019 crumble without 00:30:33.019 --> 00:30:33.519 him. 00:30:34.040 --> 00:30:34.680 You can't 00:30:34.680 --> 00:30:35.680 just ignore 00:30:35.680 --> 00:30:36.720 him and do 00:30:36.720 --> 00:30:37.420 your best to 00:30:37.420 --> 00:30:38.200 live a pretty 00:30:38.200 --> 00:30:39.060 good life and 00:30:39.060 --> 00:30:40.000 be a decent 00:30:40.000 --> 00:30:40.880 guy and expect 00:30:40.880 --> 00:30:41.600 things to work 00:30:41.600 --> 00:30:42.160 out okay. 00:30:43.259 --> 00:30:44.680 No, he says, 00:30:44.700 --> 00:30:45.300 it's not how 00:30:45.300 --> 00:30:46.060 it works. 00:30:47.200 --> 00:30:47.840 Destruction 00:30:47.840 --> 00:30:49.660 comes. 00:30:50.860 --> 00:30:51.759 We must 00:30:51.759 --> 00:30:53.140 hear that 00:30:53.140 --> 00:30:53.700 warning. 00:30:55.759 --> 00:30:56.180 It's a 00:30:56.180 --> 00:30:57.279 warning that 00:30:57.279 --> 00:30:57.759 is laced 00:30:57.759 --> 00:30:59.160 with glorious 00:30:59.160 --> 00:30:59.740 hope. 00:31:02.180 --> 00:31:02.440 The one 00:31:02.440 --> 00:31:02.980 speaking, 00:31:03.500 --> 00:31:03.920 the warning, 00:31:04.160 --> 00:31:04.819 is the stone 00:31:04.819 --> 00:31:06.119 rejected that 00:31:06.119 --> 00:31:07.319 is also the 00:31:07.319 --> 00:31:08.000 cornerstone. 00:31:08.960 --> 00:31:09.639 The one who 00:31:09.639 --> 00:31:10.579 although rejected 00:31:10.579 --> 00:31:11.319 and killed 00:31:11.319 --> 00:31:12.180 will even 00:31:12.180 --> 00:31:12.899 through that 00:31:12.899 --> 00:31:14.299 be vindicated 00:31:14.299 --> 00:31:15.240 for those 00:31:15.240 --> 00:31:16.200 who embrace 00:31:16.200 --> 00:31:17.039 him. 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:18.259 Isn't that 00:31:18.259 --> 00:31:18.740 incredible? 00:31:19.859 --> 00:31:20.460 Isn't the 00:31:20.460 --> 00:31:21.420 love of Jesus 00:31:21.420 --> 00:31:22.420 amazing? 00:31:23.500 --> 00:31:24.059 He's the 00:31:24.059 --> 00:31:24.460 ultimate 00:31:24.460 --> 00:31:25.720 example of 00:31:25.720 --> 00:31:26.160 God's 00:31:26.160 --> 00:31:27.440 patience with 00:31:27.440 --> 00:31:29.079 failing people. 00:31:29.460 --> 00:31:30.100 He's about 00:31:30.100 --> 00:31:31.279 to go to 00:31:31.279 --> 00:31:32.400 the cross 00:31:32.400 --> 00:31:33.460 for those 00:31:33.460 --> 00:31:34.380 who reject 00:31:34.380 --> 00:31:35.120 him already. 00:31:36.120 --> 00:31:37.079 For those 00:31:37.079 --> 00:31:37.480 who will 00:31:37.480 --> 00:31:38.240 send him 00:31:38.240 --> 00:31:38.620 there. 00:31:39.019 --> 00:31:39.500 Who have 00:31:39.500 --> 00:31:40.180 already said 00:31:40.180 --> 00:31:40.720 we don't want 00:31:40.720 --> 00:31:41.440 anything to do 00:31:41.440 --> 00:31:41.779 with you. 00:31:41.940 --> 00:31:42.579 And he goes 00:31:42.579 --> 00:31:43.340 to the cross 00:31:43.340 --> 00:31:43.840 so there can 00:31:43.840 --> 00:31:44.740 be forgiveness 00:31:44.740 --> 00:31:45.759 for that 00:31:45.759 --> 00:31:46.440 rejection. 00:31:47.620 --> 00:31:48.620 An invitation 00:31:48.619 --> 00:31:51.159 even in 00:31:51.159 --> 00:31:52.059 your rejection 00:31:52.059 --> 00:31:52.619 of him 00:31:52.619 --> 00:31:53.679 to embrace 00:31:53.679 --> 00:31:55.119 him afresh 00:31:55.119 --> 00:31:55.539 today. 00:31:56.179 --> 00:31:57.179 He comes 00:31:57.179 --> 00:31:57.779 and goes to 00:31:57.779 --> 00:31:58.239 the cross 00:31:58.239 --> 00:31:58.899 for that 00:31:58.899 --> 00:31:59.699 so that there's 00:31:59.699 --> 00:32:00.279 an offer of 00:32:00.279 --> 00:32:01.139 hope to you 00:32:01.139 --> 00:32:02.159 this morning. 00:32:02.719 --> 00:32:03.339 Great British 00:32:03.339 --> 00:32:04.119 preacher Charles 00:32:04.119 --> 00:32:04.559 Spurgeon 00:32:04.559 --> 00:32:06.299 describes this 00:32:06.299 --> 00:32:07.159 amazing love 00:32:07.159 --> 00:32:07.599 of Jesus 00:32:07.599 --> 00:32:08.259 beautifully. 00:32:09.719 --> 00:32:10.539 If you 00:32:10.539 --> 00:32:11.419 reject him 00:32:11.419 --> 00:32:13.819 he answers 00:32:13.819 --> 00:32:14.339 you with 00:32:14.339 --> 00:32:14.859 tears. 00:32:15.759 --> 00:32:16.199 If you 00:32:16.199 --> 00:32:16.759 wound him 00:32:16.759 --> 00:32:17.339 he bleeds 00:32:17.339 --> 00:32:17.639 out 00:32:17.639 --> 00:32:18.259 cleansing. 00:32:18.619 --> 00:32:19.399 If you 00:32:19.399 --> 00:32:20.179 kill him 00:32:20.179 --> 00:32:21.159 he dies 00:32:21.159 --> 00:32:21.919 to redeem. 00:32:22.659 --> 00:32:23.219 If you 00:32:23.219 --> 00:32:24.219 bury him 00:32:24.219 --> 00:32:25.319 he rises 00:32:25.319 --> 00:32:26.000 again to 00:32:26.000 --> 00:32:26.419 bring 00:32:26.419 --> 00:32:27.259 resurrection. 00:32:28.019 --> 00:32:28.419 Jesus 00:32:28.419 --> 00:32:29.859 is love 00:32:29.859 --> 00:32:30.739 made 00:32:30.739 --> 00:32:31.719 manifest. 00:32:33.399 --> 00:32:34.299 Love 00:32:34.299 --> 00:32:34.719 made 00:32:34.719 --> 00:32:35.699 manifest 00:32:35.699 --> 00:32:36.719 to us. 00:32:37.959 --> 00:32:38.619 How could 00:32:38.619 --> 00:32:39.859 we ignore 00:32:39.859 --> 00:32:41.199 this 00:32:41.199 --> 00:32:41.619 Jesus? 00:32:42.179 --> 00:32:42.859 Why would 00:32:42.859 --> 00:32:44.179 we reject 00:32:44.179 --> 00:32:44.859 him and 00:32:44.859 --> 00:32:45.479 think it's 00:32:45.479 --> 00:32:46.500 actually better 00:32:46.500 --> 00:32:47.119 for us to 00:32:47.119 --> 00:32:47.759 build something 00:32:47.759 --> 00:32:48.579 for ourselves 00:32:48.579 --> 00:32:49.619 that is 00:32:49.619 --> 00:32:50.419 apart from 00:32:50.419 --> 00:32:51.179 his gracious 00:32:51.179 --> 00:32:51.720 heart? 00:32:51.819 --> 00:32:52.099 How could 00:32:52.099 --> 00:32:52.659 we think 00:32:52.659 --> 00:32:53.419 we'd build 00:32:53.419 --> 00:32:54.179 something better? 00:32:56.119 --> 00:32:56.519 What could 00:32:56.519 --> 00:32:57.199 this community 00:32:57.199 --> 00:32:57.919 be like 00:32:57.919 --> 00:32:59.039 if we 00:32:59.039 --> 00:32:59.539 together 00:32:59.539 --> 00:33:00.199 pushed each 00:33:00.199 --> 00:33:00.980 other to 00:33:00.980 --> 00:33:01.799 embrace him 00:33:01.799 --> 00:33:02.699 and exalt 00:33:02.699 --> 00:33:04.039 him in 00:33:04.039 --> 00:33:04.960 every relationship 00:33:04.960 --> 00:33:05.720 we have 00:33:05.720 --> 00:33:06.419 in every 00:33:06.419 --> 00:33:07.099 conversation 00:33:07.099 --> 00:33:07.839 every day? 00:33:09.460 --> 00:33:10.319 Let's pray 00:33:10.319 --> 00:33:10.759 and ask him 00:33:10.759 --> 00:33:11.240 to do that. 00:33:11.240 --> 00:33:16.079 Father, by 00:33:16.079 --> 00:33:16.740 the Holy 00:33:16.740 --> 00:33:17.539 Spirit, would 00:33:17.539 --> 00:33:18.640 you create 00:33:18.640 --> 00:33:19.059 that in 00:33:19.059 --> 00:33:19.700 this place? 00:33:20.960 --> 00:33:21.660 Would you 00:33:21.660 --> 00:33:22.599 take self-centered 00:33:22.599 --> 00:33:23.180 pastors 00:33:23.180 --> 00:33:26.279 and leaders 00:33:26.279 --> 00:33:27.819 and congregation 00:33:27.819 --> 00:33:28.640 members 00:33:28.640 --> 00:33:30.819 and make 00:33:30.819 --> 00:33:31.359 them those 00:33:31.359 --> 00:33:31.980 who long 00:33:31.980 --> 00:33:32.579 for your 00:33:32.579 --> 00:33:33.120 glory? 00:33:35.839 --> 00:33:37.299 Who long 00:33:37.299 --> 00:33:37.900 to embrace 00:33:37.900 --> 00:33:38.819 Jesus no matter 00:33:38.819 --> 00:33:39.480 what else 00:33:39.480 --> 00:33:40.240 comes? 00:33:41.779 --> 00:33:42.399 And we 00:33:42.399 --> 00:33:42.899 find great 00:33:42.899 --> 00:33:44.339 joy and 00:33:44.339 --> 00:33:47.579 life in 00:33:47.579 --> 00:33:48.279 worshiping him 00:33:48.279 --> 00:33:49.079 themselves and 00:33:49.079 --> 00:33:49.980 sharing of his 00:33:49.980 --> 00:33:50.599 glory with 00:33:50.599 --> 00:33:50.939 others. 00:33:51.339 --> 00:33:51.799 Father, you 00:33:51.799 --> 00:33:52.659 made us for 00:33:52.659 --> 00:33:53.000 that. 00:33:53.460 --> 00:33:54.059 Now would you 00:33:54.059 --> 00:33:54.879 remake us, 00:33:56.000 --> 00:33:56.480 cleanse our 00:33:56.480 --> 00:33:57.279 hearts, renew 00:33:57.279 --> 00:33:59.240 us, even this 00:33:59.240 --> 00:33:59.740 year in our 00:33:59.740 --> 00:34:01.159 love for our 00:34:01.159 --> 00:34:01.439 Savior. 00:34:02.039 --> 00:34:02.819 We ask it in 00:34:02.819 --> 00:34:03.339 his name. 00:34:03.339 --> 00:34:04.059 Amen. 00:34:07.919 --> 00:34:08.779 For more 00:34:08.779 --> 00:34:09.860 information, visit 00:34:09.860 --> 00:34:10.980 us online at 00:34:10.980 --> 00:34:11.880 southwood.org.