WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.639 Today's scripture reading comes from John 939-1021. 00:00:06.140 --> 00:00:07.980 Please follow along your Bible. 00:00:08.140 --> 00:00:13.720 ! If you don't have a Bible, please do still grab them from the front of the stage or at the back near the door. 00:00:13.720 --> 00:00:16.359 Our passage is on page 842. 00:00:18.039 --> 00:00:19.100 Jesus said, 00:00:19.679 --> 00:00:27.359 For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind. 00:00:28.160 --> 00:00:31.699 Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things and said to him, 00:00:32.140 --> 00:00:33.299 Are we also blind? 00:00:33.840 --> 00:00:34.920 Jesus said to them, 00:00:35.399 --> 00:00:38.100 If you were blind, you would have no guilt. 00:00:38.100 --> 00:00:42.000 But now that you say, we see, your guilt remains. 00:00:43.640 --> 00:00:50.960 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, 00:00:51.420 --> 00:00:53.539 that man is a thief and a robber. 00:00:53.539 --> 00:00:57.659 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 00:00:58.119 --> 00:01:00.379 To him the gatekeeper opens. 00:01:01.100 --> 00:01:05.939 The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 00:01:06.500 --> 00:01:13.719 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 00:01:14.560 --> 00:01:20.840 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. 00:01:20.840 --> 00:01:27.219 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 00:01:27.859 --> 00:01:29.240 So Jesus again said to them, 00:01:29.439 --> 00:01:32.880 Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 00:01:33.180 --> 00:01:35.859 All who come before me are thieves and robbers. 00:01:36.320 --> 00:01:38.379 But the sheep did not listen to them. 00:01:39.060 --> 00:01:39.960 I am the door. 00:01:40.219 --> 00:01:45.540 If anyone enters by me, he will be saved, and he will go in and out and find pasture. 00:01:46.200 --> 00:01:49.460 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. 00:01:49.459 --> 00:01:53.379 I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 00:01:54.259 --> 00:01:55.419 I am the good shepherd. 00:01:55.839 --> 00:01:58.500 The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 00:01:59.059 --> 00:02:07.060 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees. 00:02:07.599 --> 00:02:09.900 And the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 00:02:10.740 --> 00:02:15.579 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 00:02:15.580 --> 00:02:17.260 I am the good shepherd. 00:02:17.600 --> 00:02:19.900 I know my own, and my own knows me. 00:02:20.360 --> 00:02:22.900 Just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. 00:02:23.560 --> 00:02:25.520 And I lay down my life for the sheep. 00:02:26.040 --> 00:02:29.320 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. 00:02:29.720 --> 00:02:32.840 I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. 00:02:32.840 --> 00:02:35.840 So there will be one flock and one shepherd. 00:02:36.640 --> 00:02:42.599 For this reason, the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it up again. 00:02:43.280 --> 00:02:47.259 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. 00:02:47.780 --> 00:02:52.340 And I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. 00:02:52.920 --> 00:02:55.379 This charge I have received from my Father. 00:02:56.180 --> 00:02:59.640 There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. 00:02:59.639 --> 00:03:03.439 Many of them said, He has a demon and is insane. 00:03:03.659 --> 00:03:04.619 Why listen to him? 00:03:04.959 --> 00:03:08.959 Others said, These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. 00:03:09.459 --> 00:03:11.579 Can a demon open the eyes of the blind? 00:03:12.039 --> 00:03:13.359 This is the word of God. 00:03:13.879 --> 00:03:14.599 Okay, great. 00:03:14.679 --> 00:03:15.199 Thanks, Betty. 00:03:15.319 --> 00:03:18.179 Let me pray for us, and then let's look at this passage together. 00:03:18.359 --> 00:03:24.000 Father, this passage is sometimes hard, sometimes challenging, sometimes confrontational. 00:03:24.139 --> 00:03:27.019 But God, like all of your words, it is good. 00:03:27.020 --> 00:03:29.520 And Lord, we want to hear what you have to say. 00:03:29.659 --> 00:03:31.020 So come and speak to us. 00:03:31.719 --> 00:03:34.060 Jesus, help us to hear clearly your voice. 00:03:34.740 --> 00:03:36.760 And God, help us to respond. 00:03:37.520 --> 00:03:41.400 Spirit of God, we ask you to come and speak to us through your word. 00:03:41.960 --> 00:03:46.040 Lord, these are my words, my opinions don't count for anything. 00:03:47.060 --> 00:03:49.360 But God, we want to hear you speaking to us through your word. 00:03:49.420 --> 00:03:50.980 So help us to understand. 00:03:51.200 --> 00:03:52.100 Help us to respond. 00:03:52.620 --> 00:03:54.500 Help us to find life in your name, we pray. 00:03:55.080 --> 00:03:55.400 Amen. 00:03:55.939 --> 00:03:56.219 Amen. 00:03:56.219 --> 00:03:58.659 Friends, let me ask you a question. 00:03:59.060 --> 00:04:00.439 Who are you following? 00:04:01.240 --> 00:04:06.419 Obviously, not talking about social media, but who is leading you? 00:04:07.159 --> 00:04:12.039 Whose voice or opinions carries weight in your life? 00:04:12.539 --> 00:04:15.819 Who is shaping your life or influencing your decisions? 00:04:16.579 --> 00:04:19.379 Who is informing the kind of person that you become? 00:04:20.339 --> 00:04:25.079 Friends, whose opinions, words, or instructions cause you to do things? 00:04:25.079 --> 00:04:26.620 Maybe even difficult things? 00:04:26.959 --> 00:04:27.879 Costly things? 00:04:28.560 --> 00:04:29.319 Dangerous things? 00:04:29.979 --> 00:04:31.439 Who is leading you? 00:04:32.060 --> 00:04:33.199 Who are you following? 00:04:34.399 --> 00:04:37.659 For many of us, we like to think of ourselves as independent thinkers. 00:04:37.879 --> 00:04:39.379 We are not controlled by anybody. 00:04:39.379 --> 00:04:45.560 But actually, all of us have voices in our lives that shape us. 00:04:45.920 --> 00:04:47.759 For many of us, it will be our parents. 00:04:48.219 --> 00:04:49.659 Maybe for some of us, our grandparents. 00:04:50.159 --> 00:04:52.939 People that were formative in the early stages of our lives. 00:04:53.459 --> 00:04:57.600 And even though we've grown up, and sometimes maybe those people may have passed away. 00:04:57.600 --> 00:05:04.040 Still, their voice, their opinions, their desires can be so strong that they shape us. 00:05:04.260 --> 00:05:09.300 And that we dare not do anything that would disappoint them or go against their wishes. 00:05:09.760 --> 00:05:12.240 Even those that are no longer maybe in our lives. 00:05:12.320 --> 00:05:13.180 Maybe they've passed away. 00:05:13.260 --> 00:05:15.260 Or maybe we have grown up and have our own families. 00:05:15.700 --> 00:05:17.520 And yet their voice is still so prevalent. 00:05:18.240 --> 00:05:21.360 For some of us, maybe it's a mentor or a senior at work. 00:05:21.439 --> 00:05:21.980 A boss. 00:05:21.980 --> 00:05:27.360 For many years, I still thought about my first boss when I was in my early 20s. 00:05:27.379 --> 00:05:30.140 Even though I'd moved on from the company and I was working in church. 00:05:30.400 --> 00:05:33.200 For years, I thought, how would Jerome handle this situation? 00:05:33.360 --> 00:05:35.800 He was such an influential boss in my life. 00:05:36.520 --> 00:05:39.759 But for all of us, we've got these voices, these people, 00:05:40.340 --> 00:05:44.500 whose opinions and perspectives matter so much to us. 00:05:45.140 --> 00:05:46.500 Friends, who is leading you? 00:05:47.060 --> 00:05:48.439 Whose voice are you following? 00:05:48.439 --> 00:05:56.139 We who live in Asia have a very high regard generally for family and for community, 00:05:56.399 --> 00:05:57.160 for our tribe. 00:05:57.319 --> 00:05:59.620 Maybe much more so than our Western counterparts. 00:06:00.180 --> 00:06:06.519 People from Asia generally give a lot more authority and respect to those in positions of authority. 00:06:07.079 --> 00:06:09.779 But the question is, the people that have authority in our lives, 00:06:09.839 --> 00:06:11.459 are they trustworthy guides? 00:06:12.180 --> 00:06:14.279 What gives them the right to have that authority? 00:06:14.459 --> 00:06:15.500 Is it just their position? 00:06:16.019 --> 00:06:17.040 Or is it who they are? 00:06:17.040 --> 00:06:21.840 Now, we are working through John's gospel, and we're coming to the end of a section. 00:06:22.040 --> 00:06:23.819 John chapter 10 is the end of a section. 00:06:23.980 --> 00:06:27.740 And so next week will be our last sermon in this series until we get to Advent. 00:06:27.879 --> 00:06:29.680 We'll pick it up again next year. 00:06:30.000 --> 00:06:33.580 But in this passage, I wonder if you noticed from what Betty read to us, 00:06:34.040 --> 00:06:36.900 that the scripture we're looking at today, John chapter 10, 00:06:37.000 --> 00:06:39.080 flows straight out of John chapter 9. 00:06:39.280 --> 00:06:43.100 In fact, it's actually Jesus' speech is part of the same conversation. 00:06:43.100 --> 00:06:48.780 We must be careful when we read the Bible not to put too much weight on the chapter divisions. 00:06:49.360 --> 00:06:51.640 The chapters only came many hundreds of years later. 00:06:52.020 --> 00:06:56.400 But the very first audience or readers, they wouldn't have seen chapter 9, chapter 10. 00:06:56.620 --> 00:06:58.220 For them, it would have just been one book. 00:06:58.780 --> 00:07:00.740 And look at how Jesus' words flow here. 00:07:00.820 --> 00:07:03.560 At the end of chapter 9, remember from last week, 00:07:04.080 --> 00:07:06.000 he's quite confrontational with the leaders. 00:07:06.560 --> 00:07:07.820 They're religious leaders. 00:07:07.939 --> 00:07:08.760 They're Jewish leaders. 00:07:08.759 --> 00:07:09.980 And how does it end? 00:07:10.420 --> 00:07:11.759 Jesus says to them here, 00:07:12.219 --> 00:07:15.339 For judgment I came to the world, 00:07:15.399 --> 00:07:18.199 that those that do not see may see, 00:07:18.339 --> 00:07:21.420 and those who think that they see may be shown to be blind. 00:07:21.899 --> 00:07:22.819 Some of the leaders said, 00:07:22.959 --> 00:07:23.980 Are you talking about us? 00:07:24.060 --> 00:07:24.699 Are we blind? 00:07:25.099 --> 00:07:25.899 And Jesus says, 00:07:26.199 --> 00:07:27.800 If you were blind, you'd have no guilt. 00:07:28.219 --> 00:07:29.500 But now, because you insist, 00:07:29.599 --> 00:07:30.259 No, no, we're fine. 00:07:30.339 --> 00:07:30.699 We see. 00:07:30.779 --> 00:07:31.279 Don't worry. 00:07:31.620 --> 00:07:32.779 Actually, your guilt remains. 00:07:32.879 --> 00:07:35.800 And there's this conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders. 00:07:35.800 --> 00:07:38.439 And Jesus goes straight into that, 00:07:38.819 --> 00:07:40.460 into the passage that we're looking at today. 00:07:40.540 --> 00:07:42.879 Look at chapter 10, verse 1. 00:07:43.600 --> 00:07:46.600 The flow of thought continues straight away. 00:07:46.740 --> 00:07:47.819 Truly I say to you. 00:07:48.840 --> 00:07:49.720 And in this passage, 00:07:50.139 --> 00:07:54.160 there's this compare and contrast that's going on, right? 00:07:54.879 --> 00:07:58.680 Jesus is contrasting himself with the leaders of his day. 00:07:59.420 --> 00:08:01.580 And Jesus is saying, 00:08:01.720 --> 00:08:02.580 I am the good shepherd. 00:08:02.840 --> 00:08:04.060 They are thieves and robbers. 00:08:04.060 --> 00:08:04.920 Jesus says, 00:08:05.000 --> 00:08:06.240 I know my people intimately. 00:08:06.740 --> 00:08:08.439 They are strangers and hired hands. 00:08:08.839 --> 00:08:10.939 I lay down my life for my people. 00:08:11.160 --> 00:08:12.980 They run away at the first sign of danger. 00:08:13.680 --> 00:08:14.699 And throughout this passage, 00:08:14.860 --> 00:08:16.019 Jesus is saying, 00:08:16.379 --> 00:08:17.579 Who are the leaders in your life? 00:08:17.639 --> 00:08:18.660 Who are you going to listen to? 00:08:19.000 --> 00:08:19.939 Are you going to listen to me? 00:08:20.139 --> 00:08:22.439 Or to the other leaders of society? 00:08:22.579 --> 00:08:26.139 Those that hold a prominent voice in our culture, in our day. 00:08:26.860 --> 00:08:28.360 And Jesus is this back and forth. 00:08:28.439 --> 00:08:28.620 He says, 00:08:28.680 --> 00:08:29.379 This is who I am. 00:08:29.439 --> 00:08:30.240 This is who they are. 00:08:30.319 --> 00:08:31.259 This is how I behave. 00:08:31.360 --> 00:08:32.220 This is how they behave. 00:08:32.220 --> 00:08:33.700 This is what I've come to do. 00:08:33.920 --> 00:08:35.500 This is what they want to do. 00:08:36.120 --> 00:08:38.700 And Jesus here is being seriously confrontational. 00:08:39.379 --> 00:08:41.160 He's looking at the religious leaders, 00:08:41.379 --> 00:08:43.279 all the prevailing voices of the day, 00:08:43.340 --> 00:08:46.420 the people that everyone looked up to and respected and honored and thought, 00:08:46.500 --> 00:08:48.460 They are the people that I must really listen to. 00:08:49.080 --> 00:08:51.200 Jesus is kind of looking at all of them. 00:08:51.259 --> 00:08:51.759 And he's saying, 00:08:51.840 --> 00:08:52.160 In a way, 00:08:52.519 --> 00:08:53.540 You guys are frauds. 00:08:54.100 --> 00:08:55.160 You guys are charlatans. 00:08:55.639 --> 00:08:56.500 And it's a very, 00:08:56.600 --> 00:08:58.040 very confrontational passage. 00:08:58.039 --> 00:08:59.719 And Jesus says to them, 00:08:59.819 --> 00:09:00.399 And he says to us, 00:09:00.480 --> 00:09:01.740 If you follow them, 00:09:02.000 --> 00:09:03.539 It will destroy you. 00:09:04.539 --> 00:09:05.599 But if you follow me, 00:09:06.240 --> 00:09:07.480 I will lead you to life. 00:09:07.919 --> 00:09:08.039 Okay? 00:09:08.139 --> 00:09:09.620 And so the big idea here is, 00:09:10.179 --> 00:09:11.219 Follow Jesus. 00:09:11.759 --> 00:09:12.799 Listen to Jesus. 00:09:13.000 --> 00:09:14.219 Submit to his leadership. 00:09:14.759 --> 00:09:16.019 Jesus is a voice of authority, 00:09:16.159 --> 00:09:18.519 And he wants us to follow him and to listen to him, 00:09:18.819 --> 00:09:20.899 Because his way leads to life. 00:09:21.399 --> 00:09:21.620 Okay? 00:09:22.019 --> 00:09:22.299 So, 00:09:22.959 --> 00:09:24.099 As we look at this passage, 00:09:24.379 --> 00:09:26.399 Three simple questions I want us to think about. 00:09:26.399 --> 00:09:27.759 What does Jesus, 00:09:27.959 --> 00:09:29.220 Who does Jesus claim to be? 00:09:29.600 --> 00:09:30.899 Why should we trust him? 00:09:31.220 --> 00:09:33.019 And what does that mean for our lives? 00:09:33.199 --> 00:09:33.399 Okay? 00:09:33.899 --> 00:09:34.919 Who does Jesus claim to be? 00:09:35.039 --> 00:09:35.939 Why should we trust him? 00:09:36.019 --> 00:09:36.879 What does that mean for us? 00:09:36.919 --> 00:09:37.079 So, 00:09:37.519 --> 00:09:37.799 Firstly, 00:09:37.899 --> 00:09:39.120 Who does Jesus claim to be? 00:09:39.699 --> 00:09:39.939 Now, 00:09:40.000 --> 00:09:40.579 In this passage, 00:09:40.759 --> 00:09:44.799 Jesus uses a number of different analogies or pictures to describe himself. 00:09:44.879 --> 00:09:46.179 And it can be a bit confusing, 00:09:46.819 --> 00:09:49.879 Because he kind of alternates between these different imageries. 00:09:49.879 --> 00:09:50.319 And actually, 00:09:50.679 --> 00:09:51.620 It says in verse 6, 00:09:51.980 --> 00:09:53.759 This figure of speech Jesus used, 00:09:53.840 --> 00:09:54.879 They did not understand. 00:09:54.879 --> 00:09:54.960 And, 00:09:55.279 --> 00:09:55.559 Well, 00:09:55.779 --> 00:09:56.399 We also, 00:09:56.600 --> 00:09:58.200 Maybe sometimes struggle to understand. 00:09:58.759 --> 00:09:59.600 Because on one hand, 00:09:59.679 --> 00:10:00.200 Jesus says, 00:10:00.320 --> 00:10:01.299 I am like the door, 00:10:01.439 --> 00:10:03.059 Or the gate to the sheep pen. 00:10:03.159 --> 00:10:03.320 Okay? 00:10:03.399 --> 00:10:04.580 Verse 7 and 9, 00:10:04.659 --> 00:10:05.220 He says that. 00:10:05.240 --> 00:10:06.240 I am the door. 00:10:06.939 --> 00:10:07.200 And, 00:10:07.259 --> 00:10:09.139 What does he mean by that? 00:10:09.460 --> 00:10:10.019 Think of, 00:10:10.019 --> 00:10:12.460 A sheep pen. 00:10:12.820 --> 00:10:13.620 By the way, 00:10:13.899 --> 00:10:17.679 Jesus is going to use the picture of sheep and shepherds a lot. 00:10:18.080 --> 00:10:18.559 In the Bible, 00:10:18.740 --> 00:10:20.879 Shepherds is a picture of leadership, 00:10:21.080 --> 00:10:21.740 Spiritual leadership. 00:10:21.740 --> 00:10:23.039 And Jesus here, 00:10:23.120 --> 00:10:23.539 He says, 00:10:23.620 --> 00:10:23.879 Firstly, 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:25.560 I am the door to the sheep pen, 00:10:25.620 --> 00:10:26.360 To the sheep fold. 00:10:26.460 --> 00:10:26.620 Right? 00:10:26.700 --> 00:10:27.919 It's a bit of a strange picture. 00:10:28.060 --> 00:10:28.620 What does he mean? 00:10:29.159 --> 00:10:29.440 Well, 00:10:29.840 --> 00:10:30.720 What he's saying is, 00:10:30.799 --> 00:10:35.960 I am the legitimate way for the people of God to go in and out. 00:10:36.019 --> 00:10:36.200 Right? 00:10:36.200 --> 00:10:36.360 So, 00:10:36.360 --> 00:10:36.820 Think of, 00:10:37.140 --> 00:10:39.420 Sheep are in their pen at night, 00:10:39.480 --> 00:10:40.759 And they go through the doorway, 00:10:41.000 --> 00:10:42.100 Out to find pasture, 00:10:42.220 --> 00:10:43.240 And they feed during the day, 00:10:43.280 --> 00:10:45.120 And they come back through the doorway at night, 00:10:45.200 --> 00:10:46.660 And they find safety and security. 00:10:47.300 --> 00:10:47.480 And, 00:10:47.600 --> 00:10:48.280 The legitimate, 00:10:48.500 --> 00:10:49.080 The natural, 00:10:49.340 --> 00:10:52.340 The right way for that to happen is to go through the doorway. 00:10:52.860 --> 00:10:53.040 And, 00:10:53.120 --> 00:10:55.500 He compares and contrasts this with others. 00:10:55.560 --> 00:10:55.840 He says, 00:10:55.900 --> 00:10:56.360 There are others. 00:10:56.440 --> 00:10:57.560 There are thieves and robbers. 00:10:57.780 --> 00:10:58.660 They don't go that way. 00:10:58.720 --> 00:10:59.879 They climb over walls, 00:10:59.940 --> 00:11:00.940 And they steal sheep, 00:11:01.080 --> 00:11:02.020 And they want some sheep, 00:11:02.060 --> 00:11:03.259 And they throw them over the wall, 00:11:03.480 --> 00:11:05.180 And they maybe kick them or beat them. 00:11:05.179 --> 00:11:06.899 And Jesus is saying, 00:11:07.620 --> 00:11:08.679 That those shepherds, 00:11:08.759 --> 00:11:09.539 Those other voices, 00:11:10.219 --> 00:11:12.479 Those people that are asking you to follow them, 00:11:13.059 --> 00:11:14.579 They are illegitimate leaders. 00:11:15.359 --> 00:11:16.479 They are self-seeking. 00:11:16.620 --> 00:11:19.000 They don't care for the people of God. 00:11:19.359 --> 00:11:20.699 They are self-serving individuals. 00:11:20.899 --> 00:11:22.459 They care nothing for those that they're leading. 00:11:22.919 --> 00:11:24.959 They only think about what they can get out of it. 00:11:25.039 --> 00:11:25.579 But I, 00:11:25.779 --> 00:11:27.959 I am the legitimate leader. 00:11:28.379 --> 00:11:30.579 I'm the one that leads my people to life, 00:11:31.000 --> 00:11:31.459 To pasture, 00:11:31.599 --> 00:11:31.959 To feed, 00:11:32.039 --> 00:11:32.479 To health, 00:11:32.879 --> 00:11:34.339 And I lead them back to safety, 00:11:34.340 --> 00:11:36.500 I am the legitimate leader. 00:11:37.100 --> 00:11:37.600 But then, 00:11:37.720 --> 00:11:39.100 Jesus changes analogies, 00:11:39.180 --> 00:11:40.980 And he then talks about himself as a shepherd. 00:11:41.120 --> 00:11:42.680 And this is kind of the main picture, 00:11:42.920 --> 00:11:44.500 In this passage that he gets at. 00:11:44.519 --> 00:11:45.180 I am the shepherd. 00:11:45.259 --> 00:11:45.860 And he says here, 00:11:46.160 --> 00:11:46.840 A couple of times, 00:11:46.940 --> 00:11:48.780 Verse 11 and verse 14 again, 00:11:49.180 --> 00:11:50.300 I am the good shepherd. 00:11:50.940 --> 00:11:53.019 I lay down my life for my sheep. 00:11:53.100 --> 00:11:53.399 And again, 00:11:53.480 --> 00:11:53.780 14, 00:11:53.860 --> 00:11:54.879 I am the good shepherd. 00:11:55.240 --> 00:11:56.280 I know my own, 00:11:56.320 --> 00:11:57.460 And my own know me. 00:11:58.340 --> 00:11:58.639 Now, 00:11:58.680 --> 00:11:59.160 As I said, 00:11:59.600 --> 00:12:00.160 In the Bible, 00:12:00.160 --> 00:12:01.480 The picture of shepherds, 00:12:01.480 --> 00:12:03.160 Is a picture of spiritual leadership. 00:12:03.159 --> 00:12:05.339 It's those that care for, 00:12:05.480 --> 00:12:06.019 And guide, 00:12:06.159 --> 00:12:06.759 And look after, 00:12:06.899 --> 00:12:07.319 And feed, 00:12:07.419 --> 00:12:09.199 And protect God's people. 00:12:09.899 --> 00:12:11.959 And that's why in Psalm 78, 00:12:12.139 --> 00:12:12.360 Actually, 00:12:12.439 --> 00:12:13.539 God talks about David, 00:12:13.719 --> 00:12:14.799 His great leader, 00:12:14.919 --> 00:12:15.639 The King David. 00:12:16.100 --> 00:12:18.079 He speaks about him shepherding his people. 00:12:18.219 --> 00:12:18.439 Remember, 00:12:18.559 --> 00:12:20.639 David was a shepherd of his father's flocks, 00:12:20.839 --> 00:12:22.559 Ews and rams out on the mountainside. 00:12:22.959 --> 00:12:25.019 And God took him from shepherding sheep, 00:12:25.199 --> 00:12:26.539 To shepherding his people. 00:12:26.699 --> 00:12:26.819 Right? 00:12:26.919 --> 00:12:27.539 Same job, 00:12:27.639 --> 00:12:28.459 Different congregation, 00:12:28.620 --> 00:12:29.299 Different flock. 00:12:29.299 --> 00:12:30.159 And he says, 00:12:30.219 --> 00:12:31.599 You were shepherd of animals, 00:12:31.679 --> 00:12:33.599 Now I'm going to make you shepherd of my people. 00:12:34.379 --> 00:12:35.500 And so in the Bible, 00:12:35.620 --> 00:12:36.620 This picture of shepherd, 00:12:36.819 --> 00:12:38.639 Is always a picture of those that care for, 00:12:38.740 --> 00:12:39.319 God's people, 00:12:39.419 --> 00:12:40.359 And lead and guide them. 00:12:41.079 --> 00:12:42.279 And God's appointed leaders, 00:12:42.279 --> 00:12:43.279 Were often, 00:12:44.059 --> 00:12:45.099 Sometimes good, 00:12:45.219 --> 00:12:45.719 Like David, 00:12:45.839 --> 00:12:46.659 David was a good leader. 00:12:47.079 --> 00:12:47.459 Moses, 00:12:47.620 --> 00:12:48.659 Moses was a good leader. 00:12:48.959 --> 00:12:49.359 Abraham. 00:12:50.139 --> 00:12:51.919 But many of the leaders in the Bible, 00:12:52.099 --> 00:12:53.639 Were very terrible leaders. 00:12:53.859 --> 00:12:54.719 They were abusive, 00:12:54.959 --> 00:12:56.620 They used and abused people, 00:12:56.719 --> 00:12:57.719 They were just self-serving, 00:12:57.819 --> 00:12:58.740 Looking after themselves. 00:12:59.399 --> 00:13:01.360 And one of the most famous passages, 00:13:01.360 --> 00:13:02.159 In the Old Testament, 00:13:02.620 --> 00:13:03.899 Which is kind of the background, 00:13:03.899 --> 00:13:05.740 To this passage in John chapter 10, 00:13:06.060 --> 00:13:07.159 Is found in Ezekiel, 00:13:07.220 --> 00:13:07.980 Ezekiel 34. 00:13:08.560 --> 00:13:10.259 And in this very famous passage, 00:13:10.500 --> 00:13:12.980 God gives a stinging rebuke, 00:13:12.980 --> 00:13:14.220 To the leaders of Israel, 00:13:14.299 --> 00:13:15.100 The spiritual leaders. 00:13:15.180 --> 00:13:16.039 And look what he says here. 00:13:16.620 --> 00:13:16.940 He says, 00:13:17.019 --> 00:13:17.220 I, 00:13:17.360 --> 00:13:18.440 You shepherds of Israel, 00:13:18.980 --> 00:13:20.799 You who have been feeding yourselves, 00:13:21.379 --> 00:13:22.879 Should not shepherds feed the sheep? 00:13:23.360 --> 00:13:24.399 You eat the fat, 00:13:24.539 --> 00:13:26.039 You clothe yourself with their will, 00:13:26.340 --> 00:13:27.740 You slaughter the fat ones, 00:13:27.740 --> 00:13:29.340 But you do not feed, 00:13:29.419 --> 00:13:30.680 Or care for my sheep. 00:13:31.180 --> 00:13:32.399 The weak you have not strengthened, 00:13:32.779 --> 00:13:33.899 The sick you have not healed, 00:13:34.200 --> 00:13:35.700 The injured you have not bound up, 00:13:35.779 --> 00:13:37.299 The strayed you have not brought back, 00:13:37.600 --> 00:13:38.799 The lost you have not sought, 00:13:39.039 --> 00:13:41.100 But with force and harshness, 00:13:41.240 --> 00:13:42.279 You've ruled them. 00:13:43.019 --> 00:13:44.220 And every religious leader, 00:13:44.220 --> 00:13:45.039 In the first century, 00:13:45.120 --> 00:13:46.100 Would know this passage, 00:13:46.200 --> 00:13:46.500 It's a very, 00:13:46.580 --> 00:13:47.980 Very famous passage in the Bible. 00:13:48.379 --> 00:13:49.240 And Jesus, 00:13:49.620 --> 00:13:51.460 Is holding this passage up, 00:13:51.500 --> 00:13:51.940 And he's saying, 00:13:52.279 --> 00:13:52.960 This is you. 00:13:53.840 --> 00:13:55.160 This is the leaders of the day. 00:13:55.240 --> 00:13:55.980 This is the people, 00:13:55.980 --> 00:13:56.780 That you look up to, 00:13:56.820 --> 00:13:58.259 And respect and follow. 00:13:58.780 --> 00:13:59.740 This is what they like. 00:14:00.220 --> 00:14:00.879 And remember how, 00:14:01.200 --> 00:14:03.080 Chapter 9 finished last week. 00:14:03.480 --> 00:14:04.519 There is a man, 00:14:04.580 --> 00:14:05.920 Who's born blind, 00:14:06.040 --> 00:14:06.700 Visually impaired, 00:14:06.960 --> 00:14:08.100 And Jesus heals him. 00:14:08.620 --> 00:14:11.000 And how did the leaders treat him? 00:14:11.460 --> 00:14:12.879 Not with tenderness and grace, 00:14:13.460 --> 00:14:14.240 With scorn, 00:14:14.400 --> 00:14:15.000 And severity, 00:14:15.420 --> 00:14:16.139 And harshness. 00:14:16.820 --> 00:14:17.800 9 verse 28 says, 00:14:17.920 --> 00:14:19.000 They reviled him. 00:14:19.080 --> 00:14:19.960 That means they hurled, 00:14:20.000 --> 00:14:21.460 Abusive insults at him. 00:14:22.060 --> 00:14:22.680 Verse 34, 00:14:22.900 --> 00:14:23.540 They say to him, 00:14:23.720 --> 00:14:25.200 You were born an utter sin. 00:14:25.500 --> 00:14:26.820 How dare you teach us? 00:14:27.160 --> 00:14:28.460 And they cast him out. 00:14:29.120 --> 00:14:30.379 This is the leaders of Israel. 00:14:30.820 --> 00:14:32.620 How they treat their own people. 00:14:33.560 --> 00:14:34.720 And Jesus is talking about, 00:14:34.840 --> 00:14:35.840 These false shepherds, 00:14:35.900 --> 00:14:36.680 These hide hands, 00:14:36.759 --> 00:14:37.320 These strangers. 00:14:37.440 --> 00:14:38.720 And he's holding up Ezekiel 34, 00:14:38.840 --> 00:14:39.139 And he says, 00:14:39.600 --> 00:14:40.720 This is the leaders of Israel. 00:14:40.780 --> 00:14:41.480 This is the people, 00:14:41.580 --> 00:14:42.280 You're looking up to, 00:14:42.320 --> 00:14:43.060 To give you wisdom, 00:14:43.160 --> 00:14:43.620 And advice, 00:14:43.800 --> 00:14:45.940 And teach you how to go about life. 00:14:46.780 --> 00:14:48.500 But Ezekiel's passage, 00:14:48.500 --> 00:14:49.879 Wasn't just a reprimand, 00:14:49.940 --> 00:14:50.800 It was also a promise. 00:14:51.460 --> 00:14:51.780 And so, 00:14:51.879 --> 00:14:52.700 God says this, 00:14:52.860 --> 00:14:53.139 I, 00:14:53.259 --> 00:14:54.060 I myself, 00:14:54.160 --> 00:14:55.700 Will be the shepherd of my sheep. 00:14:56.300 --> 00:14:57.860 I will set up over them, 00:14:57.920 --> 00:14:58.420 One shepherd, 00:14:58.540 --> 00:14:59.240 My servant, 00:14:59.460 --> 00:14:59.820 David. 00:15:00.180 --> 00:15:01.360 He will be their shepherd. 00:15:01.460 --> 00:15:01.580 Now, 00:15:01.620 --> 00:15:03.160 David had long passed away, 00:15:03.259 --> 00:15:03.920 But God is saying, 00:15:04.000 --> 00:15:05.519 I'm going to set up a new king, 00:15:05.900 --> 00:15:06.440 A messiah, 00:15:06.540 --> 00:15:06.920 A ruler, 00:15:07.019 --> 00:15:08.300 Who will care for, 00:15:08.379 --> 00:15:09.360 And love my people. 00:15:09.480 --> 00:15:11.580 I will set up my king, 00:15:11.720 --> 00:15:12.040 David. 00:15:12.360 --> 00:15:14.139 He will lead them back to life, 00:15:14.180 --> 00:15:15.080 And flourishing. 00:15:15.519 --> 00:15:17.120 And Jesus stands up, 00:15:17.120 --> 00:15:18.320 In the midst of all these people, 00:15:18.320 --> 00:15:19.019 At the festival. 00:15:19.200 --> 00:15:19.759 And he says, 00:15:19.900 --> 00:15:20.920 This is me. 00:15:21.460 --> 00:15:23.500 I am the shepherd that Ezekiel spoke about. 00:15:23.580 --> 00:15:24.940 I am the good shepherd. 00:15:25.460 --> 00:15:25.620 Okay? 00:15:26.320 --> 00:15:26.660 Now, 00:15:26.780 --> 00:15:27.120 You say, 00:15:27.220 --> 00:15:27.480 Okay, 00:15:27.600 --> 00:15:27.800 Okay, 00:15:27.879 --> 00:15:29.360 So Jesus is a good leader. 00:15:29.480 --> 00:15:30.240 That's wonderful. 00:15:30.480 --> 00:15:31.580 But so what? 00:15:32.240 --> 00:15:33.600 But Jesus is saying more than that. 00:15:34.180 --> 00:15:35.300 Jesus is not just saying, 00:15:35.420 --> 00:15:36.519 I am a good leader. 00:15:36.700 --> 00:15:37.639 Listen to me. 00:15:37.639 --> 00:15:40.279 Jesus is saying, 00:15:40.319 --> 00:15:42.419 He's the only legitimate leader, 00:15:42.419 --> 00:15:44.539 To occupy the pace in our life, 00:15:44.539 --> 00:15:46.039 That speaks with authority. 00:15:46.799 --> 00:15:47.720 And Jesus says that, 00:15:48.059 --> 00:15:49.199 The choice between him, 00:15:49.240 --> 00:15:50.059 And every other leader, 00:15:50.179 --> 00:15:51.899 Is a choice between life and death. 00:15:52.720 --> 00:15:53.819 Do you notice how many times, 00:15:53.899 --> 00:15:55.559 This passage uses the word life? 00:15:56.019 --> 00:15:56.360 Life, 00:15:56.419 --> 00:15:57.500 I've come to give them life. 00:15:57.819 --> 00:15:58.620 Look at verse 10. 00:15:59.159 --> 00:15:59.580 Jesus says, 00:15:59.679 --> 00:16:00.699 All those other voices, 00:16:00.899 --> 00:16:02.200 That demand our attention, 00:16:02.340 --> 00:16:03.019 And our allegiance, 00:16:03.159 --> 00:16:03.639 And our hope. 00:16:04.080 --> 00:16:05.919 Voices of financial success, 00:16:05.919 --> 00:16:07.459 And financial prosperity, 00:16:08.039 --> 00:16:09.779 And voices of career progression, 00:16:10.219 --> 00:16:11.759 And voices of social status, 00:16:12.079 --> 00:16:13.559 And all those other voices, 00:16:13.939 --> 00:16:14.939 What does Jesus say? 00:16:15.279 --> 00:16:16.459 They end up stealing, 00:16:17.039 --> 00:16:18.039 And killing us, 00:16:18.219 --> 00:16:19.539 And destroying you. 00:16:20.879 --> 00:16:21.579 And Jesus says, 00:16:21.639 --> 00:16:22.059 But I, 00:16:22.120 --> 00:16:24.059 I have come to give life, 00:16:24.759 --> 00:16:25.899 And life in abundance. 00:16:26.699 --> 00:16:27.639 And in John's gospel, 00:16:27.759 --> 00:16:29.079 When Jesus used the word life, 00:16:29.139 --> 00:16:31.039 Often he talks about eternal life. 00:16:31.419 --> 00:16:32.639 Eternal life is not just, 00:16:32.639 --> 00:16:33.519 When you die, 00:16:33.599 --> 00:16:34.839 Then one day you get to heaven. 00:16:34.840 --> 00:16:36.240 It's talking about the life, 00:16:36.240 --> 00:16:37.399 That God designed for us, 00:16:37.420 --> 00:16:38.660 When he made us in the garden of Eden. 00:16:38.940 --> 00:16:39.980 A life of flourishing, 00:16:40.320 --> 00:16:40.940 And prosperity. 00:16:41.560 --> 00:16:43.100 And that has been destroyed, 00:16:43.180 --> 00:16:43.780 Because of sin. 00:16:43.879 --> 00:16:44.560 But Jesus says, 00:16:44.639 --> 00:16:45.480 That when you come to me, 00:16:45.519 --> 00:16:46.360 You experience life. 00:16:46.420 --> 00:16:46.740 It's like, 00:16:47.120 --> 00:16:50.040 In the concrete of our world, 00:16:50.519 --> 00:16:52.399 A shoot of hope, 00:16:52.720 --> 00:16:53.680 Bursts forth. 00:16:54.139 --> 00:16:55.139 And that will continue, 00:16:55.280 --> 00:16:55.800 Into eternity, 00:16:55.960 --> 00:16:56.160 Sure. 00:16:56.540 --> 00:16:57.360 But eternal life, 00:16:57.420 --> 00:16:58.040 In John's gospel, 00:16:58.180 --> 00:16:59.860 Is the life of heaven, 00:16:59.980 --> 00:17:01.840 That bursts into our life now, 00:17:02.080 --> 00:17:03.139 And that we get to experience, 00:17:03.280 --> 00:17:04.279 In this world now. 00:17:04.960 --> 00:17:05.680 Jesus says, 00:17:05.740 --> 00:17:06.859 I've come to give you life, 00:17:06.899 --> 00:17:08.339 Not just one day when you die, 00:17:08.639 --> 00:17:09.720 But in this world, 00:17:10.099 --> 00:17:11.299 In the midst of the storms, 00:17:11.399 --> 00:17:12.019 And the struggles, 00:17:12.180 --> 00:17:12.920 And the challenges, 00:17:13.379 --> 00:17:14.859 In the midst of parenting challenges, 00:17:14.980 --> 00:17:16.559 And financial challenges, 00:17:17.019 --> 00:17:18.299 And relational challenges, 00:17:18.299 --> 00:17:20.680 In the midst of all the brokenness, 00:17:20.680 --> 00:17:21.940 That this world brings, 00:17:22.359 --> 00:17:24.220 I've come to bring life. 00:17:25.059 --> 00:17:26.119 I've come to bring life, 00:17:26.200 --> 00:17:28.059 And that you may have it abundantly. 00:17:28.700 --> 00:17:30.019 And when I looked at this verse, 00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:30.559 For years, 00:17:30.619 --> 00:17:31.299 When Jesus says, 00:17:31.980 --> 00:17:33.579 The thief comes to steal, 00:17:33.740 --> 00:17:34.379 Kill and destroy, 00:17:34.740 --> 00:17:36.419 I thought that just spoke about the devil, 00:17:36.519 --> 00:17:36.659 Right? 00:17:36.720 --> 00:17:36.839 Okay, 00:17:36.839 --> 00:17:37.240 The devil, 00:17:37.359 --> 00:17:37.720 That's him, 00:17:37.919 --> 00:17:38.399 But Jesus. 00:17:38.519 --> 00:17:38.899 But actually, 00:17:38.980 --> 00:17:40.500 As I looked at this verse this week, 00:17:41.139 --> 00:17:41.599 What I realized, 00:17:41.720 --> 00:17:41.899 Yes, 00:17:41.900 --> 00:17:43.320 There's a devil behind all of that, 00:17:43.420 --> 00:17:43.600 Sure. 00:17:44.080 --> 00:17:45.220 But Jesus is actually talking about, 00:17:45.300 --> 00:17:47.080 The competing voices in our lives. 00:17:47.700 --> 00:17:48.600 The other leaders, 00:17:48.700 --> 00:17:49.920 That we give credence to, 00:17:49.980 --> 00:17:50.840 And authority to, 00:17:50.900 --> 00:17:51.720 And we listen to them, 00:17:51.740 --> 00:17:52.360 And we follow them. 00:17:52.460 --> 00:17:52.880 Jesus says, 00:17:52.960 --> 00:17:54.320 You follow them with your life, 00:17:54.580 --> 00:17:56.040 You give your devotion to them, 00:17:56.759 --> 00:17:58.740 Their heart is to kill you, 00:17:58.880 --> 00:18:00.620 To kill the joy out of your life, 00:18:01.180 --> 00:18:02.180 To suck the joy, 00:18:02.420 --> 00:18:04.600 And to steal hope, 00:18:04.960 --> 00:18:05.920 And to destroy you. 00:18:06.820 --> 00:18:07.680 And so friends, 00:18:07.759 --> 00:18:09.300 Whose voice is the loudest voice, 00:18:09.400 --> 00:18:10.019 In your heart? 00:18:11.080 --> 00:18:12.660 Whose voice are you listening to? 00:18:13.640 --> 00:18:14.740 Whose opinions, 00:18:14.880 --> 00:18:15.460 And word, 00:18:15.600 --> 00:18:16.539 Is guiding your life, 00:18:16.600 --> 00:18:18.039 And causing you to become the person, 00:18:18.140 --> 00:18:18.980 That you're called to be? 00:18:20.620 --> 00:18:21.539 And Jesus says that, 00:18:21.779 --> 00:18:23.340 That if you let him lead you, 00:18:23.820 --> 00:18:24.640 If you trust him, 00:18:24.680 --> 00:18:25.740 And yield to his leadership, 00:18:25.860 --> 00:18:26.480 And follow him, 00:18:26.920 --> 00:18:27.700 Though at times, 00:18:27.800 --> 00:18:29.220 He will lead you through the valley, 00:18:29.279 --> 00:18:30.120 Of the shadow of death, 00:18:30.180 --> 00:18:30.360 Right? 00:18:30.420 --> 00:18:31.420 Remember Psalm 23, 00:18:31.560 --> 00:18:32.460 The Lord is my shepherd. 00:18:32.980 --> 00:18:34.200 Sometimes he leads us through, 00:18:34.200 --> 00:18:35.600 What feels like the valley, 00:18:35.599 --> 00:18:36.519 Of the shadow of death, 00:18:36.799 --> 00:18:37.519 But Jesus says, 00:18:37.699 --> 00:18:38.719 I will be the one, 00:18:38.740 --> 00:18:40.299 That's leading you through that, 00:18:40.519 --> 00:18:41.359 Out the other side. 00:18:41.799 --> 00:18:42.879 I won't abandon you there. 00:18:43.439 --> 00:18:43.719 Yes, 00:18:43.740 --> 00:18:45.000 It will sometimes be hard, 00:18:45.259 --> 00:18:46.299 But I will lead you, 00:18:46.339 --> 00:18:47.139 I will guide you, 00:18:47.199 --> 00:18:48.319 You will follow me, 00:18:48.339 --> 00:18:49.659 And we'll come out the other side. 00:18:50.619 --> 00:18:50.899 Friends, 00:18:50.939 --> 00:18:51.759 Who is leading you? 00:18:52.359 --> 00:18:53.079 Who is shaping, 00:18:53.199 --> 00:18:54.139 And guiding your life? 00:18:55.119 --> 00:18:55.899 Whose opinions, 00:18:56.019 --> 00:18:57.179 Matter most to you? 00:18:58.240 --> 00:18:59.299 Who are you following? 00:19:00.779 --> 00:19:01.000 Friends, 00:19:01.039 --> 00:19:01.699 Maybe the people, 00:19:01.699 --> 00:19:03.419 Whose voices matter the most to us, 00:19:03.419 --> 00:19:04.259 Are actually people, 00:19:04.399 --> 00:19:05.299 We've never even met. 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:06.899 People online, 00:19:08.179 --> 00:19:08.959 Influencers, 00:19:09.759 --> 00:19:10.599 And we follow them, 00:19:10.639 --> 00:19:11.379 We give our devotion, 00:19:11.559 --> 00:19:12.959 To their words and opinions, 00:19:13.579 --> 00:19:14.899 But is it leading to life? 00:19:15.659 --> 00:19:16.439 And look at how Jesus, 00:19:16.439 --> 00:19:17.959 Describes the other voices here, 00:19:18.119 --> 00:19:18.480 He says, 00:19:18.539 --> 00:19:19.559 Though they are dressed up, 00:19:19.599 --> 00:19:20.740 In priestly robes, 00:19:20.740 --> 00:19:22.099 And they offer religious prayers, 00:19:22.519 --> 00:19:23.240 And they offer us, 00:19:23.279 --> 00:19:24.179 A kind of salvation, 00:19:24.399 --> 00:19:24.559 Right? 00:19:24.599 --> 00:19:24.939 They say, 00:19:25.079 --> 00:19:25.619 Follow me, 00:19:25.639 --> 00:19:26.579 And I will give you hope, 00:19:27.039 --> 00:19:27.619 Follow me, 00:19:27.659 --> 00:19:28.339 And I will lead you, 00:19:28.339 --> 00:19:29.559 To prosperity and abundance, 00:19:29.559 --> 00:19:30.939 Jesus says, 00:19:31.059 --> 00:19:32.759 They offer a kind of salvation, 00:19:32.919 --> 00:19:33.839 How does he describe them? 00:19:34.220 --> 00:19:35.079 They are thieves, 00:19:35.720 --> 00:19:36.419 They are robbers, 00:19:36.519 --> 00:19:37.319 They are strangers, 00:19:37.500 --> 00:19:38.539 They are hired hands, 00:19:39.379 --> 00:19:40.439 They are those that have no right, 00:19:40.519 --> 00:19:41.579 To the kind of devotion, 00:19:41.740 --> 00:19:42.720 That they ask for us, 00:19:43.139 --> 00:19:44.259 And in many ways, 00:19:44.359 --> 00:19:44.859 Jesus here, 00:19:44.939 --> 00:19:45.659 Is actually giving us, 00:19:45.699 --> 00:19:46.699 A binary choice, 00:19:47.099 --> 00:19:48.199 You notice the binary nature, 00:19:48.299 --> 00:19:49.139 Of his conversation here? 00:19:49.140 --> 00:19:50.220 It's a bit hard, 00:19:50.280 --> 00:19:51.280 Because in some ways, 00:19:51.340 --> 00:19:52.720 There are 10,000 voices, 00:19:52.720 --> 00:19:54.140 That are asking for our allegiance, 00:19:54.580 --> 00:19:55.240 There's the voice of, 00:19:55.280 --> 00:19:55.420 You know, 00:19:55.460 --> 00:19:56.400 The financial times, 00:19:56.480 --> 00:19:57.120 And our parents, 00:19:57.220 --> 00:19:58.000 And social media, 00:19:58.160 --> 00:19:58.580 And school, 00:19:58.880 --> 00:20:00.200 There are 10,000 voices, 00:20:00.680 --> 00:20:01.480 But in one sense, 00:20:01.600 --> 00:20:02.640 Jesus is putting up, 00:20:02.680 --> 00:20:03.440 A binary choice, 00:20:03.520 --> 00:20:03.759 He says, 00:20:03.840 --> 00:20:05.580 There are all these choices here, 00:20:05.840 --> 00:20:06.500 Or there's me, 00:20:07.360 --> 00:20:08.160 And these voices, 00:20:08.300 --> 00:20:09.100 There are many of them, 00:20:09.180 --> 00:20:10.580 There's lots of shades of gray, 00:20:10.820 --> 00:20:12.480 But they all lead to the same place, 00:20:12.980 --> 00:20:14.160 But there's one other voice, 00:20:14.160 --> 00:20:15.820 Who is the loudest voice in your heart? 00:20:15.940 --> 00:20:16.820 Who are you going to follow? 00:20:17.779 --> 00:20:18.500 And Jesus says, 00:20:18.579 --> 00:20:19.480 I am the shepherd, 00:20:19.859 --> 00:20:21.359 Who has come to lead you to life. 00:20:22.059 --> 00:20:22.299 Now, 00:20:22.399 --> 00:20:23.559 Why should we trust him? 00:20:24.259 --> 00:20:25.480 Why should we trust him? 00:20:26.159 --> 00:20:26.500 Well, 00:20:26.879 --> 00:20:27.779 You may think to yourself, 00:20:27.879 --> 00:20:28.259 Hang on, 00:20:28.419 --> 00:20:29.599 Why should I trust some guy, 00:20:29.679 --> 00:20:30.819 From 2,000 years ago, 00:20:31.159 --> 00:20:32.480 Who made some radical claims, 00:20:32.720 --> 00:20:34.000 Said some outrageous things, 00:20:34.359 --> 00:20:35.639 Why should I trust him? 00:20:36.279 --> 00:20:36.899 But actually, 00:20:37.000 --> 00:20:37.639 That question, 00:20:37.740 --> 00:20:39.179 Is not just a modern question, 00:20:39.319 --> 00:20:40.039 That's the question, 00:20:40.099 --> 00:20:40.879 That people asked, 00:20:40.879 --> 00:20:41.960 In the ancient days as well. 00:20:42.619 --> 00:20:43.579 Why should we trust, 00:20:43.639 --> 00:20:44.700 A penniless carpenter, 00:20:45.059 --> 00:20:46.179 Who was born to an unwed, 00:20:46.180 --> 00:20:46.880 Teenage mom, 00:20:47.360 --> 00:20:48.720 In the backwaters of Bethlehem, 00:20:48.840 --> 00:20:50.240 Some no name brand town, 00:20:50.600 --> 00:20:50.820 Right? 00:20:51.340 --> 00:20:52.759 Who makes some radical claims, 00:20:52.820 --> 00:20:53.840 Why should we follow him? 00:20:54.180 --> 00:20:54.539 And actually, 00:20:54.620 --> 00:20:56.580 If you look at verse 19 to 21, 00:20:56.720 --> 00:20:57.480 At the end of our passage, 00:20:57.660 --> 00:20:58.539 This is the division, 00:20:58.620 --> 00:20:59.240 That's going on, 00:20:59.279 --> 00:20:59.460 Right? 00:21:00.140 --> 00:21:00.779 There was again, 00:21:00.840 --> 00:21:01.360 A division, 00:21:01.500 --> 00:21:02.100 A schism, 00:21:02.299 --> 00:21:03.100 Amongst the people, 00:21:03.539 --> 00:21:04.580 Because of these words, 00:21:04.740 --> 00:21:05.259 Many said, 00:21:05.340 --> 00:21:05.980 He's a demon, 00:21:06.180 --> 00:21:06.799 He's insane, 00:21:06.880 --> 00:21:07.900 Why should we listen to him? 00:21:08.279 --> 00:21:08.720 Others said, 00:21:08.720 --> 00:21:09.539 These are not the words, 00:21:09.580 --> 00:21:10.700 Of one oppressed by a demon, 00:21:11.180 --> 00:21:12.060 Can a demon man, 00:21:12.140 --> 00:21:13.120 Open the eyes of the blind? 00:21:13.559 --> 00:21:14.759 So even in that day and age, 00:21:14.859 --> 00:21:16.199 People are asking the same question, 00:21:16.339 --> 00:21:17.839 Why should we trust him? 00:21:19.419 --> 00:21:20.500 Jesus here in this passage, 00:21:20.639 --> 00:21:21.719 Gives us two main reasons, 00:21:21.839 --> 00:21:22.819 Why we can trust him. 00:21:23.599 --> 00:21:24.479 And in both of them, 00:21:24.619 --> 00:21:26.079 Verse 11 and 14, 00:21:26.219 --> 00:21:26.659 Jesus says, 00:21:26.779 --> 00:21:27.739 I am the good shepherd, 00:21:28.119 --> 00:21:29.399 And then he gives us a reason, 00:21:29.519 --> 00:21:30.919 Why we should trust him. 00:21:31.459 --> 00:21:32.179 And he says this, 00:21:32.239 --> 00:21:33.239 He knows us better, 00:21:33.299 --> 00:21:34.339 Than we know ourselves, 00:21:35.199 --> 00:21:36.979 And he gave up his life for us, 00:21:37.019 --> 00:21:38.000 That we can have life. 00:21:38.459 --> 00:21:38.679 Okay? 00:21:38.859 --> 00:21:39.959 So let's look at those two things. 00:21:40.039 --> 00:21:40.299 Firstly, 00:21:40.299 --> 00:21:41.039 Look what Jesus says, 00:21:41.079 --> 00:21:41.879 Look at verse 14, 00:21:42.379 --> 00:21:43.500 I am the good shepherd, 00:21:43.960 --> 00:21:45.099 I know my own, 00:21:45.180 --> 00:21:46.680 And my own know me. 00:21:48.319 --> 00:21:49.099 I recently, 00:21:49.200 --> 00:21:49.740 Actually as elders, 00:21:49.839 --> 00:21:51.039 We recently received an email, 00:21:51.619 --> 00:21:53.019 From some person, 00:21:53.659 --> 00:21:55.339 And somewhere in the world, 00:21:55.859 --> 00:21:57.579 And I've never met this person, 00:21:57.639 --> 00:21:58.240 I don't know them, 00:21:58.359 --> 00:21:59.419 But when you read the email, 00:21:59.539 --> 00:22:01.539 It sounds like we are long lost friends, 00:22:01.619 --> 00:22:01.839 Right? 00:22:01.919 --> 00:22:02.740 Or brothers, 00:22:02.940 --> 00:22:04.240 That grew up together. 00:22:04.339 --> 00:22:06.039 Listen to how he starts off his email, 00:22:06.139 --> 00:22:06.700 He says this, 00:22:07.180 --> 00:22:08.000 Dear brother, 00:22:08.279 --> 00:22:09.519 Slash sister in Christ, 00:22:09.519 --> 00:22:10.779 Warmest greetings, 00:22:10.879 --> 00:22:12.220 From PSSWS, 00:22:12.500 --> 00:22:12.680 Okay? 00:22:13.480 --> 00:22:15.900 I know that you are a great servant of Christ, 00:22:16.299 --> 00:22:18.480 I know that God uses you for his glory, 00:22:18.700 --> 00:22:20.720 Like a great servant of Christ worldwide, 00:22:21.359 --> 00:22:23.440 I am blessed by your friendship, 00:22:23.619 --> 00:22:24.319 And relationship, 00:22:24.759 --> 00:22:26.019 Because you are so encouraging, 00:22:26.200 --> 00:22:26.740 And spiritual, 00:22:27.220 --> 00:22:28.220 I am so happy, 00:22:28.480 --> 00:22:30.019 With sharing this great prayer, 00:22:30.339 --> 00:22:32.339 For the African brothers and sisters with you, 00:22:32.579 --> 00:22:33.940 For your knowledge and information, 00:22:34.099 --> 00:22:34.319 Right? 00:22:34.619 --> 00:22:36.519 And then he goes on this whole long email, 00:22:36.519 --> 00:22:38.379 And it's like this very deep, 00:22:38.420 --> 00:22:38.940 And personal, 00:22:39.119 --> 00:22:39.799 Intimate email, 00:22:39.920 --> 00:22:40.799 Just between me, 00:22:41.119 --> 00:22:41.539 And him, 00:22:41.879 --> 00:22:43.579 And his other 400,000 people, 00:22:43.660 --> 00:22:44.400 In his mailing list, 00:22:44.460 --> 00:22:44.680 Right? 00:22:45.180 --> 00:22:46.559 And he doesn't know me at all, 00:22:46.639 --> 00:22:47.539 We've never met, 00:22:47.680 --> 00:22:50.319 But he writes with such personal kindness, 00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:52.220 Like with his long lost brothers, 00:22:52.619 --> 00:22:53.720 Friends, 00:22:53.799 --> 00:22:56.000 That's not how Jesus knows us, 00:22:56.660 --> 00:22:57.299 Sometimes they think, 00:22:57.339 --> 00:22:57.519 Yes, 00:22:57.559 --> 00:22:57.720 Okay, 00:22:57.779 --> 00:22:58.680 Jesus knows me, 00:22:59.039 --> 00:22:59.259 Okay, 00:22:59.279 --> 00:23:00.279 He knows I live in Hong Kong, 00:23:00.379 --> 00:23:01.859 Me and 8 million other people, 00:23:01.859 --> 00:23:02.220 Sure, 00:23:02.900 --> 00:23:04.059 But that's not what Jesus says, 00:23:04.099 --> 00:23:05.079 Look at what Jesus says here, 00:23:05.139 --> 00:23:05.859 Verse 14, 00:23:06.519 --> 00:23:07.400 I'm the good shepherd, 00:23:07.599 --> 00:23:08.379 I know my own, 00:23:08.460 --> 00:23:09.339 My own know me, 00:23:09.980 --> 00:23:12.180 Just as the father knows me, 00:23:12.579 --> 00:23:14.079 And I know the father, 00:23:16.319 --> 00:23:17.879 Jesus Christ says, 00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:19.900 He knows his people, 00:23:20.019 --> 00:23:21.539 He knows you and me, 00:23:22.220 --> 00:23:23.859 To the same degree, 00:23:24.379 --> 00:23:25.940 That he knows God the father, 00:23:26.059 --> 00:23:27.240 And God the father knows him, 00:23:27.879 --> 00:23:29.119 And that's remarkable, 00:23:30.639 --> 00:23:31.119 Friends, 00:23:31.119 --> 00:23:32.660 Is there anything in the relationship, 00:23:32.660 --> 00:23:34.420 Between Christ and the father, 00:23:34.420 --> 00:23:35.800 That is hidden, 00:23:36.300 --> 00:23:36.900 Or unknown, 00:23:37.800 --> 00:23:38.880 Anything in Jesus life, 00:23:38.940 --> 00:23:40.560 That the father hasn't discovered yet, 00:23:41.340 --> 00:23:43.420 Anything in Jesus life, 00:23:43.480 --> 00:23:44.820 That would cause God the father, 00:23:44.880 --> 00:23:45.940 To be disappointed, 00:23:46.140 --> 00:23:47.320 Or feel let down, 00:23:48.259 --> 00:23:49.360 Anything that God the father, 00:23:49.420 --> 00:23:49.779 Is going to say, 00:23:49.940 --> 00:23:50.180 Wow, 00:23:50.259 --> 00:23:51.259 I didn't see that coming, 00:23:51.420 --> 00:23:52.340 Is that how you behave? 00:23:54.140 --> 00:23:55.920 The father knows Jesus, 00:23:56.080 --> 00:23:57.660 100% intimately, 00:23:57.960 --> 00:23:58.640 Transparently, 00:23:58.960 --> 00:23:59.640 Vulnerably, 00:24:00.279 --> 00:24:01.279 Everything about him, 00:24:01.279 --> 00:24:02.779 And Jesus says, 00:24:02.839 --> 00:24:03.799 To the same degree, 00:24:03.980 --> 00:24:04.960 That God knows me, 00:24:04.980 --> 00:24:05.700 And I know him, 00:24:06.000 --> 00:24:06.940 I know you, 00:24:07.839 --> 00:24:08.819 I know your fears, 00:24:09.299 --> 00:24:10.279 I know your joys, 00:24:10.839 --> 00:24:11.720 I know your hopes, 00:24:12.319 --> 00:24:13.299 I know your worries, 00:24:13.899 --> 00:24:15.039 I know your shame, 00:24:15.599 --> 00:24:16.759 I know the trauma, 00:24:16.759 --> 00:24:17.720 That you've experienced, 00:24:18.240 --> 00:24:18.799 I know the way, 00:24:18.839 --> 00:24:19.680 That people have hurt you, 00:24:19.759 --> 00:24:20.440 And let you down, 00:24:20.920 --> 00:24:22.079 I know your desires, 00:24:22.879 --> 00:24:24.299 I know everything about you, 00:24:24.759 --> 00:24:25.819 And I love you still, 00:24:26.819 --> 00:24:27.059 Friends, 00:24:27.099 --> 00:24:27.639 Is there anything, 00:24:27.639 --> 00:24:28.639 That you think Jesus, 00:24:28.639 --> 00:24:30.039 Would discover about you, 00:24:30.039 --> 00:24:31.420 That would leave him disappointed, 00:24:31.579 --> 00:24:32.460 Or disillusioned, 00:24:32.799 --> 00:24:34.000 Or feeling frustrated, 00:24:34.159 --> 00:24:35.420 That he didn't know about before, 00:24:36.240 --> 00:24:38.500 Jesus Christ knows you and I, 00:24:38.680 --> 00:24:40.200 Better than we know ourselves, 00:24:41.000 --> 00:24:42.759 And though we may be disappointed, 00:24:42.940 --> 00:24:44.220 And dissatisfied with ourselves, 00:24:44.879 --> 00:24:45.799 He never is, 00:24:46.720 --> 00:24:48.579 He knows everything about us, 00:24:48.599 --> 00:24:49.779 And in a world that's becoming, 00:24:50.039 --> 00:24:51.319 More and more inauthentic, 00:24:51.720 --> 00:24:53.259 As we hide behind screens, 00:24:53.319 --> 00:24:54.279 And it's harder to know, 00:24:54.420 --> 00:24:55.579 Who really knows us, 00:24:55.920 --> 00:24:57.099 And who can we be vulnerable, 00:24:57.099 --> 00:24:58.119 And transparent with, 00:24:58.119 --> 00:24:59.639 There is a God in heaven, 00:24:59.639 --> 00:25:00.059 That says, 00:25:00.159 --> 00:25:01.099 I know you better, 00:25:01.099 --> 00:25:02.159 Than you know yourself, 00:25:02.159 --> 00:25:04.319 Jesus Christ, 00:25:04.379 --> 00:25:04.959 Our great shepherd, 00:25:04.959 --> 00:25:06.339 Invites us to come to him, 00:25:06.839 --> 00:25:08.139 And to bring our most genuine, 00:25:08.419 --> 00:25:09.259 Our most authentic, 00:25:09.959 --> 00:25:10.539 Self, 00:25:11.259 --> 00:25:12.899 To experience his most genuine, 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:14.139 Most authentic grace, 00:25:14.979 --> 00:25:15.759 Charles Spurgeon, 00:25:16.119 --> 00:25:16.759 Has a quote, 00:25:17.139 --> 00:25:18.399 I think we have it up here, 00:25:18.919 --> 00:25:19.219 He says, 00:25:19.299 --> 00:25:20.500 He who counts the stars, 00:25:20.579 --> 00:25:21.959 And calls them by their names, 00:25:22.459 --> 00:25:23.319 Is in no danger, 00:25:23.439 --> 00:25:24.559 Of forgetting his own children, 00:25:24.559 --> 00:25:26.339 He knows your case, 00:25:26.339 --> 00:25:27.480 As thoroughly as if you, 00:25:27.559 --> 00:25:29.220 The only creature he ever made, 00:25:29.679 --> 00:25:30.200 As if you, 00:25:30.279 --> 00:25:31.000 The only saint, 00:25:31.519 --> 00:25:32.319 He ever loved, 00:25:33.019 --> 00:25:33.940 I am the good shepherd, 00:25:34.440 --> 00:25:35.740 I know my own, 00:25:36.220 --> 00:25:37.200 And my own know me, 00:25:37.740 --> 00:25:39.159 As the father knows me, 00:25:39.539 --> 00:25:40.720 And as I know the father, 00:25:41.279 --> 00:25:41.539 Friends, 00:25:41.599 --> 00:25:42.399 We can trust him, 00:25:43.099 --> 00:25:44.000 We can trust him, 00:25:44.399 --> 00:25:45.000 And if you think about, 00:25:45.079 --> 00:25:46.339 What are the competing voices, 00:25:46.539 --> 00:25:47.460 In our world, 00:25:47.539 --> 00:25:47.759 Right? 00:25:48.299 --> 00:25:49.639 How well do they know us? 00:25:50.059 --> 00:25:50.299 Well, 00:25:50.419 --> 00:25:51.779 Some of them know us very well, 00:25:51.879 --> 00:25:53.399 Think of the social media companies, 00:25:53.400 --> 00:25:55.220 Sorry if you work for Meta, 00:25:55.259 --> 00:25:55.640 Or anything, 00:25:56.080 --> 00:25:57.519 They know you very well, 00:25:57.620 --> 00:25:57.900 Right? 00:25:58.700 --> 00:25:59.800 But do they care for you? 00:26:00.540 --> 00:26:01.720 Are they looking after, 00:26:01.720 --> 00:26:02.759 Your best interests? 00:26:03.600 --> 00:26:04.340 Or are you just, 00:26:04.980 --> 00:26:06.440 Contributing to their bottom line? 00:26:07.320 --> 00:26:08.140 Jesus says, 00:26:08.259 --> 00:26:09.340 I know my sheep, 00:26:09.420 --> 00:26:10.480 And I'm not a hired hand, 00:26:10.519 --> 00:26:11.759 I don't use and abuse them, 00:26:12.140 --> 00:26:12.780 I know them, 00:26:12.860 --> 00:26:13.400 And I care for them, 00:26:13.420 --> 00:26:14.040 But look at what else, 00:26:14.100 --> 00:26:14.759 Jesus says here, 00:26:14.920 --> 00:26:16.160 Look at verse 11 with me, 00:26:16.820 --> 00:26:17.220 He says, 00:26:17.400 --> 00:26:18.540 I'm the good shepherd, 00:26:19.040 --> 00:26:20.740 Who lays down his life, 00:26:20.820 --> 00:26:21.400 For his sheep, 00:26:21.780 --> 00:26:23.100 He who is a hired hand, 00:26:23.099 --> 00:26:23.879 And not the shepherd, 00:26:24.059 --> 00:26:25.000 Sees the wolf coming, 00:26:25.099 --> 00:26:25.980 And he leaves the sheep, 00:26:26.059 --> 00:26:26.599 And flees, 00:26:26.779 --> 00:26:27.619 He flees, 00:26:27.679 --> 00:26:28.759 Because he's a hired hand, 00:26:28.799 --> 00:26:30.219 And he cares nothing for the sheep, 00:26:30.559 --> 00:26:31.119 But I, 00:26:31.219 --> 00:26:32.299 I am the good shepherd, 00:26:32.419 --> 00:26:34.179 I lay down my life for my sheep, 00:26:34.459 --> 00:26:35.019 Verse 18, 00:26:35.199 --> 00:26:36.399 No one takes it from me, 00:26:36.519 --> 00:26:37.980 I lay it down of my own accord, 00:26:38.299 --> 00:26:40.000 I have the authority to lay it down, 00:26:40.359 --> 00:26:42.059 And I have authority to take it up again, 00:26:43.480 --> 00:26:43.919 Here again, 00:26:44.000 --> 00:26:45.159 In this sustained contrast, 00:26:45.259 --> 00:26:46.439 Between those who care nothing, 00:26:46.439 --> 00:26:48.079 For the people that they are called to lead, 00:26:48.139 --> 00:26:48.599 And guide, 00:26:49.079 --> 00:26:50.240 And they are responsible for, 00:26:50.419 --> 00:26:51.039 And himself, 00:26:51.039 --> 00:26:52.779 Jesus repeatedly tells us, 00:26:52.940 --> 00:26:53.899 That he's distinctive, 00:26:54.000 --> 00:26:55.559 From every other voice in our world, 00:26:55.700 --> 00:26:56.460 Every other voice, 00:26:56.559 --> 00:26:57.659 Because rather than seeking, 00:26:57.839 --> 00:26:59.200 What he can get from us, 00:26:59.720 --> 00:27:00.579 Jesus is, 00:27:00.980 --> 00:27:02.440 The whole basis of the relationship, 00:27:02.579 --> 00:27:03.940 Is what he can give to us, 00:27:04.539 --> 00:27:05.759 And what does he give to himself, 00:27:05.879 --> 00:27:06.639 Give us? 00:27:07.139 --> 00:27:08.220 He gives us himself, 00:27:08.720 --> 00:27:09.579 I am the good shepherd, 00:27:09.680 --> 00:27:11.480 I lay down my life for my sheep, 00:27:11.859 --> 00:27:12.940 No one takes it from me, 00:27:13.319 --> 00:27:14.839 No one demands that I give my life, 00:27:15.379 --> 00:27:17.099 I do this of my own accord, 00:27:17.099 --> 00:27:19.319 As we often say here at Watermark, 00:27:20.019 --> 00:27:22.379 Jesus Christ needs nothing that we have, 00:27:22.819 --> 00:27:24.439 And has everything that we need, 00:27:25.079 --> 00:27:26.279 And as we think about that, 00:27:26.399 --> 00:27:27.799 Jesus doesn't need our lives, 00:27:28.259 --> 00:27:29.199 He doesn't need our devotion, 00:27:29.879 --> 00:27:30.859 He doesn't need our worship, 00:27:31.099 --> 00:27:32.319 Jesus is not in heaven thinking, 00:27:32.439 --> 00:27:33.740 If only they would worship me, 00:27:33.819 --> 00:27:35.139 I wish someone would worship me, 00:27:35.559 --> 00:27:36.899 Jesus doesn't need our worship, 00:27:37.000 --> 00:27:37.779 Our devotion at all, 00:27:37.839 --> 00:27:39.379 He needs nothing that we have, 00:27:40.000 --> 00:27:40.559 But friends, 00:27:40.639 --> 00:27:41.179 Don't you know, 00:27:41.679 --> 00:27:43.539 He is the one that has everything, 00:27:43.539 --> 00:27:44.659 That we need, 00:27:44.660 --> 00:27:46.300 And out of the abundance, 00:27:46.440 --> 00:27:47.880 And the fullness of who he is, 00:27:48.180 --> 00:27:49.519 And the fullness of his grace, 00:27:49.620 --> 00:27:51.080 He pours into our lives, 00:27:51.220 --> 00:27:52.480 Grace upon grace, 00:27:52.820 --> 00:27:54.080 Life upon life, 00:27:54.660 --> 00:27:56.080 Hope upon hope, 00:27:56.720 --> 00:27:58.000 As the apostle Paul puts it, 00:27:58.380 --> 00:28:00.279 He who was infinitely rich, 00:28:00.940 --> 00:28:03.120 Became unfathomably poor, 00:28:03.600 --> 00:28:04.019 Naked, 00:28:04.440 --> 00:28:05.240 Abandoned, 00:28:05.680 --> 00:28:06.759 Destitute on the cross, 00:28:07.080 --> 00:28:07.380 Why? 00:28:07.840 --> 00:28:09.640 So that we who are spiritually rich, 00:28:10.240 --> 00:28:12.000 Could become infinite, 00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:13.420 We who are spiritually poor, 00:28:13.420 --> 00:28:13.720 Sorry, 00:28:14.220 --> 00:28:15.840 Could become infinitely rich in him, 00:28:16.460 --> 00:28:18.080 What Paul says in Philippians, 00:28:18.660 --> 00:28:19.259 Jesus Christ, 00:28:19.360 --> 00:28:19.660 The one who, 00:28:19.900 --> 00:28:21.120 Though he was truly God, 00:28:21.519 --> 00:28:22.279 He had everything, 00:28:22.539 --> 00:28:24.259 He did not account equality with God, 00:28:24.340 --> 00:28:25.300 Something to be grasped, 00:28:25.340 --> 00:28:25.920 Or held onto, 00:28:26.019 --> 00:28:26.900 Or entitled to, 00:28:27.320 --> 00:28:29.000 Rather he emptied himself, 00:28:29.140 --> 00:28:30.440 Taking the form of a servant, 00:28:30.960 --> 00:28:31.800 Humbled himself, 00:28:31.960 --> 00:28:32.160 Where? 00:28:32.539 --> 00:28:34.820 To the point of death on a cross, 00:28:35.500 --> 00:28:36.519 So that you and I, 00:28:36.980 --> 00:28:38.380 Could be raised up in glory, 00:28:38.600 --> 00:28:39.580 And seated with him, 00:28:40.200 --> 00:28:40.519 And friends, 00:28:40.519 --> 00:28:40.840 Ultimately, 00:28:41.060 --> 00:28:42.900 Jesus would lay down his life on the cross, 00:28:42.900 --> 00:28:45.000 As an atoning sacrifice, 00:28:45.300 --> 00:28:46.900 For our sin, 00:28:47.420 --> 00:28:49.280 Paying the price that our sin deserves, 00:28:49.380 --> 00:28:50.160 Cover our shame, 00:28:50.720 --> 00:28:51.519 Jesus Christ, 00:28:51.600 --> 00:28:53.200 The only legitimate leader, 00:28:53.560 --> 00:28:54.440 Of God's people, 00:28:54.620 --> 00:28:55.259 Of your life, 00:28:55.300 --> 00:28:55.880 And my life, 00:28:56.519 --> 00:28:58.480 Jesus would sacrifice himself for us, 00:28:58.920 --> 00:28:59.880 So that we can be freed, 00:28:59.960 --> 00:29:01.060 From the hellish tyranny, 00:29:01.120 --> 00:29:02.440 Of all the voices in our lives, 00:29:02.940 --> 00:29:03.900 Demanding that we, 00:29:04.420 --> 00:29:05.640 March to their drumbeat, 00:29:06.140 --> 00:29:07.380 Pulling each one of us up, 00:29:07.420 --> 00:29:08.200 In every direction, 00:29:08.200 --> 00:29:09.240 And shouting at us, 00:29:09.300 --> 00:29:10.360 In different commands, 00:29:10.359 --> 00:29:11.259 Jesus comes, 00:29:11.699 --> 00:29:12.179 And says, 00:29:12.579 --> 00:29:13.079 Follow me, 00:29:13.719 --> 00:29:14.079 Friends, 00:29:14.139 --> 00:29:15.179 Are you tired of giving yourself, 00:29:15.279 --> 00:29:16.119 To a thousand voices, 00:29:16.979 --> 00:29:17.979 Are you tired of trying to be, 00:29:18.079 --> 00:29:18.959 The perfect employee, 00:29:19.419 --> 00:29:20.240 The perfect boss, 00:29:20.679 --> 00:29:21.559 The perfect boyfriend, 00:29:21.699 --> 00:29:22.419 The perfect girlfriend, 00:29:23.019 --> 00:29:24.139 The perfect father, 00:29:24.259 --> 00:29:24.479 Mother, 00:29:24.639 --> 00:29:24.859 Son, 00:29:24.899 --> 00:29:25.339 Or daughter, 00:29:26.599 --> 00:29:27.939 Who or what are you giving yourself to, 00:29:27.940 --> 00:29:29.660 Jesus Christ, 00:29:29.779 --> 00:29:29.940 Heaven, 00:29:29.980 --> 00:29:30.740 Earth's true king, 00:29:31.320 --> 00:29:32.220 Invites you and I, 00:29:32.279 --> 00:29:33.140 To come to him, 00:29:33.740 --> 00:29:34.740 To follow him, 00:29:35.160 --> 00:29:36.960 To let him have the predominant voice, 00:29:37.539 --> 00:29:38.180 In our hearts, 00:29:38.680 --> 00:29:39.580 I am the good shepherd, 00:29:39.720 --> 00:29:41.380 I lay down my life for my sheep, 00:29:41.900 --> 00:29:42.900 No one takes it from me, 00:29:43.299 --> 00:29:44.700 I lay it down of my own accord, 00:29:45.380 --> 00:29:46.320 And so as we come to a close, 00:29:46.400 --> 00:29:47.140 Finally let me ask, 00:29:47.220 --> 00:29:48.440 What does this mean for us? 00:29:48.539 --> 00:29:48.759 Well, 00:29:49.059 --> 00:29:50.100 Two things very simply, 00:29:50.940 --> 00:29:51.620 Individually, 00:29:52.320 --> 00:29:52.700 Friends, 00:29:52.759 --> 00:29:53.759 Each one of us this week, 00:29:53.759 --> 00:29:55.420 Are going to hear a thousand voices, 00:29:55.980 --> 00:29:57.019 Calling for your attention, 00:29:57.019 --> 00:29:59.779 Asking you to march to their drumbeat, 00:30:00.460 --> 00:30:01.879 And asking you to follow them, 00:30:02.200 --> 00:30:04.119 To give yourself heart and soul to them, 00:30:04.259 --> 00:30:05.059 To listen to them, 00:30:05.079 --> 00:30:06.660 And let them have the place of authority, 00:30:06.839 --> 00:30:07.440 In your life, 00:30:08.200 --> 00:30:08.440 Friends, 00:30:08.460 --> 00:30:09.579 You are going to see things on Instagram, 00:30:10.160 --> 00:30:10.980 You are going to read things, 00:30:11.019 --> 00:30:12.000 In the financial times, 00:30:12.500 --> 00:30:14.539 You are going to get it from your family members, 00:30:15.019 --> 00:30:16.960 You are going to hear a voice in your own head, 00:30:17.099 --> 00:30:18.279 Telling you try harder, 00:30:18.440 --> 00:30:18.940 Be more, 00:30:19.259 --> 00:30:19.879 Be better, 00:30:20.420 --> 00:30:21.879 Your colleagues and your bosses, 00:30:21.879 --> 00:30:23.420 And your family are going to make comments, 00:30:23.420 --> 00:30:25.039 That make you feel like you are missing out, 00:30:25.559 --> 00:30:26.400 Getting left behind, 00:30:26.400 --> 00:30:27.220 If you don't listen, 00:30:27.860 --> 00:30:30.080 And in the midst of all the cacophony of voices, 00:30:30.220 --> 00:30:31.000 This loud, 00:30:31.320 --> 00:30:33.140 Din of voices, 00:30:33.259 --> 00:30:35.000 That are shouting at you from every angle, 00:30:35.560 --> 00:30:36.680 There is a still, 00:30:37.200 --> 00:30:38.440 Small voice, 00:30:38.580 --> 00:30:40.240 Almost a quiet whisper, 00:30:41.340 --> 00:30:42.620 The voice of Jesus saying, 00:30:43.320 --> 00:30:44.019 Listen to me, 00:30:44.780 --> 00:30:45.480 Follow me, 00:30:46.180 --> 00:30:47.000 I love you, 00:30:47.640 --> 00:30:48.920 I know what's best for you, 00:30:49.560 --> 00:30:50.340 Listen to me, 00:30:50.820 --> 00:30:51.519 And follow me, 00:30:51.519 --> 00:30:53.059 I will lead you to life, 00:30:53.859 --> 00:30:54.139 Friends, 00:30:54.160 --> 00:30:55.460 For those of you that aren't Christians, 00:30:56.279 --> 00:30:57.500 What are you waiting for, 00:30:58.379 --> 00:30:59.299 For how many decades, 00:30:59.400 --> 00:31:00.519 Have you been following the voice, 00:31:00.559 --> 00:31:01.819 Of society and culture, 00:31:02.319 --> 00:31:03.900 Pulling you in a thousand directions, 00:31:04.519 --> 00:31:05.819 And where has it got you, 00:31:06.519 --> 00:31:07.200 Jesus says, 00:31:07.299 --> 00:31:08.839 I'm the one who will lead you to life, 00:31:09.359 --> 00:31:10.059 Follow me, 00:31:10.639 --> 00:31:12.180 Why not let me lead you, 00:31:12.639 --> 00:31:12.859 Friends, 00:31:12.940 --> 00:31:13.920 So many of us in this room, 00:31:14.000 --> 00:31:14.819 Have come to the place, 00:31:14.920 --> 00:31:16.059 Where once upon a time, 00:31:16.139 --> 00:31:17.240 We had to make that decision, 00:31:17.599 --> 00:31:18.740 And we chose to follow, 00:31:18.980 --> 00:31:19.240 Friends, 00:31:19.240 --> 00:31:20.140 What are you waiting for, 00:31:20.740 --> 00:31:22.039 If you're not a follower of Jesus, 00:31:22.279 --> 00:31:23.740 Why not choose to follow him, 00:31:24.079 --> 00:31:24.440 Today, 00:31:25.259 --> 00:31:26.640 For those of us that are Christians, 00:31:26.779 --> 00:31:27.859 But have wandered from him, 00:31:28.200 --> 00:31:29.099 You come to church, 00:31:29.720 --> 00:31:30.559 But if you're honest, 00:31:31.240 --> 00:31:32.779 Jesus' voice is being drowned out, 00:31:32.859 --> 00:31:33.960 By a thousand other voices, 00:31:34.980 --> 00:31:36.579 Why not return to him today, 00:31:37.200 --> 00:31:38.480 Get rid of the hired hand, 00:31:39.039 --> 00:31:39.880 Get rid of the thief, 00:31:39.920 --> 00:31:40.900 That's climbing over the wall, 00:31:40.960 --> 00:31:41.819 And stealing your joy, 00:31:42.460 --> 00:31:44.259 Get rid of the stranger, 00:31:44.259 --> 00:31:45.859 That just wants you to do their bidding, 00:31:46.319 --> 00:31:47.940 Come to the shepherd of your soul, 00:31:48.000 --> 00:31:49.220 The one who laid down his life, 00:31:49.240 --> 00:31:50.400 Who died on the cross for you, 00:31:50.740 --> 00:31:51.960 Come and let him lead you, 00:31:52.519 --> 00:31:53.160 And then secondly, 00:31:53.400 --> 00:31:54.420 What does that mean for us individually, 00:31:54.599 --> 00:31:54.819 Secondly, 00:31:54.900 --> 00:31:56.039 What does it mean for us as a church, 00:31:56.180 --> 00:31:56.720 Very simply, 00:31:57.200 --> 00:31:58.240 Who is the ultimate leader, 00:31:58.339 --> 00:31:59.140 Of Watermark Church, 00:32:00.019 --> 00:32:00.240 Friends, 00:32:00.259 --> 00:32:01.380 Who is the one whose voice, 00:32:01.480 --> 00:32:03.259 Is most prominent in our church, 00:32:03.759 --> 00:32:04.400 Whose voice, 00:32:04.460 --> 00:32:05.180 Are we as a church, 00:32:05.240 --> 00:32:06.059 Going to listen to, 00:32:06.140 --> 00:32:06.960 In the good times, 00:32:07.019 --> 00:32:07.880 And the bad times, 00:32:08.500 --> 00:32:08.680 Friends, 00:32:08.839 --> 00:32:09.339 Can I say, 00:32:09.420 --> 00:32:10.180 It's not the elders, 00:32:10.839 --> 00:32:11.579 It's not me, 00:32:12.039 --> 00:32:13.799 I cannot be the leader of Watermark, 00:32:13.799 --> 00:32:15.079 My voice is fallible, 00:32:15.220 --> 00:32:15.640 And broken, 00:32:15.740 --> 00:32:16.759 I do not know all things, 00:32:16.819 --> 00:32:17.980 I do not know you perfectly, 00:32:17.980 --> 00:32:19.779 I did not go to the cross for you, 00:32:20.099 --> 00:32:21.960 But there is one who does know you, 00:32:22.380 --> 00:32:23.519 Who does know our church, 00:32:23.720 --> 00:32:25.220 Who laid down his life for you, 00:32:25.700 --> 00:32:25.980 Friends, 00:32:26.079 --> 00:32:28.640 Jesus Christ must be the most prominent voice, 00:32:28.640 --> 00:32:29.460 In our church, 00:32:29.819 --> 00:32:30.740 And in our lives, 00:32:31.259 --> 00:32:31.680 Jesus says, 00:32:31.759 --> 00:32:33.079 There's a cacophony of voices, 00:32:33.200 --> 00:32:34.740 That are clamoring for our attention, 00:32:35.140 --> 00:32:36.180 And there is one, 00:32:36.259 --> 00:32:37.799 That drowns them out, 00:32:37.839 --> 00:32:38.160 And says, 00:32:38.259 --> 00:32:38.680 Follow me, 00:32:38.779 --> 00:32:39.660 We as a church, 00:32:40.200 --> 00:32:40.960 Let's follow him, 00:32:41.339 --> 00:32:42.120 And so friends, 00:32:42.200 --> 00:32:42.980 We come to a conclusion, 00:32:42.980 --> 00:32:44.259 Jesus says, 00:32:44.259 --> 00:32:45.220 There are a lot of voices, 00:32:45.380 --> 00:32:46.120 Who are you going to follow, 00:32:46.799 --> 00:32:47.920 Who are we going to follow, 00:32:48.200 --> 00:32:48.940 This week, 00:32:49.500 --> 00:32:50.059 This year, 00:32:50.680 --> 00:32:51.779 For the rest of our lives, 00:32:52.740 --> 00:32:53.980 The thief comes to steal, 00:32:54.220 --> 00:32:54.920 Kill and destroy, 00:32:55.180 --> 00:32:57.000 I have come that you may have life, 00:32:57.539 --> 00:32:58.299 Let's follow him, 00:32:58.360 --> 00:32:58.940 And trust him, 00:32:59.160 --> 00:32:59.860 Let's pray together, 00:33:00.660 --> 00:33:02.339 Will Jesus help us to do that, 00:33:02.440 --> 00:33:02.960 We pray, 00:33:03.660 --> 00:33:04.059 God, 00:33:04.180 --> 00:33:04.920 In some ways, 00:33:04.980 --> 00:33:06.200 It's easy to sit in the seats, 00:33:06.319 --> 00:33:06.759 And listen, 00:33:07.200 --> 00:33:08.380 To this in theory, 00:33:08.480 --> 00:33:08.839 But God, 00:33:08.940 --> 00:33:10.599 When we go to work tomorrow, 00:33:10.599 --> 00:33:11.919 And our bosses are shouting at us, 00:33:12.000 --> 00:33:14.259 And the stock market is shouting at us, 00:33:14.719 --> 00:33:16.519 And our family are disappointed, 00:33:16.740 --> 00:33:16.919 God, 00:33:17.000 --> 00:33:17.759 Help us to remember, 00:33:17.939 --> 00:33:18.799 That your voice, 00:33:19.240 --> 00:33:20.519 Is a voice that leads to life, 00:33:20.980 --> 00:33:22.179 Help us to remember your ways, 00:33:22.240 --> 00:33:22.959 And to trust you, 00:33:22.980 --> 00:33:23.199 And God, 00:33:23.259 --> 00:33:24.159 For those of us this morning, 00:33:24.240 --> 00:33:26.079 That find it hard to trust you, 00:33:26.139 --> 00:33:27.679 Maybe we've never become Christians, 00:33:28.240 --> 00:33:29.599 Or maybe we've been Christians, 00:33:29.779 --> 00:33:30.639 But God, 00:33:30.699 --> 00:33:32.059 The other voices have drowned you out, 00:33:32.199 --> 00:33:32.500 Lord, 00:33:32.639 --> 00:33:33.500 Return our faith, 00:33:33.619 --> 00:33:34.259 Give us faith, 00:33:34.799 --> 00:33:35.779 Help us to trust you, 00:33:35.799 --> 00:33:36.399 And follow you, 00:33:37.099 --> 00:33:37.779 We need you, 00:33:37.839 --> 00:33:38.659 And so spirit of God, 00:33:38.740 --> 00:33:39.879 Come and work in our hearts, 00:33:39.880 --> 00:33:41.060 And have your way, 00:33:41.180 --> 00:33:41.560 I pray, 00:33:42.000 --> 00:33:42.820 In your great name, 00:33:43.380 --> 00:33:43.640 Amen.