WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.459 Please follow along on the screen, in your bulletin, or on your own Bible. 00:00:06.560 --> 00:00:10.339 In Matthew 8, verse 23, we read, 00:00:11.140 --> 00:00:15.780 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 00:00:16.460 --> 00:00:23.559 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swum by the waves. 00:00:24.080 --> 00:00:25.400 But he was asleep. 00:00:25.399 --> 00:00:30.739 And they went and woke him, saying, Save us, Lord, we are perishing. 00:00:31.519 --> 00:00:36.879 And he said to them, Why are you afraid, O you of little faith? 00:00:37.579 --> 00:00:44.079 Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 00:00:45.099 --> 00:00:52.539 And the men marveled, saying, What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him? 00:00:52.539 --> 00:01:00.600 And when he came to the other side, to the country of the gatherings, two demon-possessed men met him, 00:01:01.399 --> 00:01:06.120 coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. 00:01:06.760 --> 00:01:12.680 And behold, they cried out, What have you to do with us, O son of God? 00:01:13.180 --> 00:01:16.299 Have you come here to torment us before the time? 00:01:16.299 --> 00:01:21.679 Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. 00:01:22.259 --> 00:01:24.659 And the demons begged him, saying, 00:01:25.420 --> 00:01:30.019 If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs. 00:01:30.280 --> 00:01:32.259 And he said to them, Go. 00:01:32.879 --> 00:01:35.840 So they came out and went into the pigs. 00:01:36.400 --> 00:01:43.859 And behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters. 00:01:43.859 --> 00:01:49.280 The herd's men fled, and going into the city, they told everything, 00:01:49.920 --> 00:01:53.299 especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 00:01:53.920 --> 00:01:57.480 And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus. 00:01:58.180 --> 00:02:02.340 And when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region. 00:02:03.579 --> 00:02:08.360 And getting into a boat, he crossed over and came to his own city. 00:02:08.360 --> 00:02:15.080 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on their bed. 00:02:16.000 --> 00:02:19.460 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, 00:02:20.120 --> 00:02:23.460 Take heart, my son, your sins are forgiven. 00:02:24.500 --> 00:02:28.160 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, 00:02:28.740 --> 00:02:30.860 This man is blaspheming. 00:02:30.860 --> 00:02:34.900 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, 00:02:35.540 --> 00:02:37.800 Why do you think evil in your heart? 00:02:38.720 --> 00:02:40.840 And which is easier, to say, 00:02:41.320 --> 00:02:43.740 Your sins are forgiven, or to say, 00:02:44.180 --> 00:02:45.060 Rise and walk? 00:02:46.280 --> 00:02:51.440 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. 00:02:52.280 --> 00:02:54.100 And he then said to the paralytic, 00:02:54.820 --> 00:02:57.460 Rise, pick up your bed, and go home. 00:02:57.460 --> 00:03:00.219 And he rose and went home. 00:03:00.879 --> 00:03:03.939 When the crowd saw it, they were afraid, 00:03:04.320 --> 00:03:08.400 And they glorified God, and had given such authority to men. 00:03:09.040 --> 00:03:10.939 Amen. The Word of God. 00:03:12.879 --> 00:03:15.700 Great. Thank you so much, Edie and Iris. 00:03:15.900 --> 00:03:16.800 And good morning, everybody. 00:03:16.960 --> 00:03:19.200 It is great to be back with you again. 00:03:19.319 --> 00:03:20.640 If you don't know me, my name is Kevin. 00:03:20.719 --> 00:03:21.780 I'm one of the leaders here. 00:03:22.280 --> 00:03:26.520 And it really is a privilege to be able to speak to us this morning from God's Word. 00:03:26.520 --> 00:03:30.020 Most of this morning, I've just had this phrase in my heart, 00:03:30.640 --> 00:03:35.680 Who is worthy of such a task as bringing God's Word to us this morning? 00:03:35.800 --> 00:03:40.379 And I really do feel the gravity and the soberness of this this morning. 00:03:40.560 --> 00:03:44.080 And so I wonder if you can join me as we pray together. 00:03:44.160 --> 00:03:46.040 Let's ask God to really speak to us. 00:03:46.920 --> 00:03:49.660 We don't need to hear the opinions of me or anyone else. 00:03:49.800 --> 00:03:51.020 We want God to speak to us. 00:03:51.060 --> 00:03:52.300 And so let's come before His Word. 00:03:52.400 --> 00:03:55.420 Let's come and pray and ask Christ to speak to us. 00:03:55.420 --> 00:03:56.160 Will you join me? 00:03:56.520 --> 00:04:01.240 Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, 00:04:01.900 --> 00:04:04.040 The Triune God, 00:04:04.219 --> 00:04:06.660 The Lord of Heaven and Earth, 00:04:06.960 --> 00:04:08.600 The one we sang about this morning. 00:04:09.820 --> 00:04:14.160 God, we come before you this morning with a sense of fear and trembling, 00:04:14.280 --> 00:04:16.780 A sense of soberness and trepidation, 00:04:17.240 --> 00:04:19.560 That, God, we are in your presence. 00:04:20.240 --> 00:04:21.819 We come before your Word. 00:04:22.599 --> 00:04:28.019 God, it's astounding that you ask us to expand your Word and look at it. 00:04:28.139 --> 00:04:29.819 God, I pray that you'll speak to us this morning. 00:04:29.959 --> 00:04:34.180 Jesus, won't you help us to see more of you in your Word? 00:04:34.180 --> 00:04:40.780 Father, won't you help us to not come to your Word again this morning with a sense of familiarity, 00:04:40.779 --> 00:04:45.299 But to really see afreshly who you are. 00:04:47.159 --> 00:04:50.699 God, won't you also grow our faith this morning as we look at this passage. 00:04:51.699 --> 00:04:54.059 God, we come, some of us, with weak faith. 00:04:54.060 --> 00:04:57.360 Jesus, thank you for your mercy and your compassion. 00:04:57.480 --> 00:04:58.959 Won't you grow our faith today, Lord? 00:04:59.280 --> 00:05:01.480 Won't you help us to see you for who you are? 00:05:03.319 --> 00:05:04.600 Father, we also want to just, 00:05:05.420 --> 00:05:06.740 We really want to pray for our congregation. 00:05:06.939 --> 00:05:07.939 We want to pray for our city. 00:05:08.819 --> 00:05:12.319 We want to pray for those, God, that are maybe hurting or struggling, 00:05:12.560 --> 00:05:15.540 Those that are experiencing trauma or difficulty. 00:05:15.740 --> 00:05:19.019 God, we pray for your mercy and grace to really reach out to us today. 00:05:19.019 --> 00:05:21.859 Through your Word, won't you comfort us, God? 00:05:22.620 --> 00:05:23.699 Won't you draw us near? 00:05:25.279 --> 00:05:27.579 Spirit of God, we come before you this morning, 00:05:27.919 --> 00:05:31.659 Very cognizant of our need for you. 00:05:32.639 --> 00:05:34.519 And so come and have your way, God, we pray. 00:05:35.639 --> 00:05:39.299 God, this morning we also just want to pray for some of the families in our church 00:05:39.299 --> 00:05:41.139 That have recently had babies. 00:05:41.240 --> 00:05:44.339 We think of Chris and Fiona and their little girl Elodie. 00:05:44.959 --> 00:05:48.339 We thank you for the safe arrival of her this week, God. 00:05:48.339 --> 00:05:53.000 And we really pray for your favor and your blessing on the Thornton family and household. 00:05:54.000 --> 00:05:55.099 God, we want you to bless them. 00:05:55.139 --> 00:06:00.459 We think of Sandy from the office who had her son this week, Sandy and Ben. 00:06:01.539 --> 00:06:03.759 And their three boys. 00:06:04.319 --> 00:06:05.819 God, we pray for your favor to rest on them. 00:06:05.859 --> 00:06:08.859 And God, this morning we want to also just pray for Dina and Anando 00:06:08.859 --> 00:06:12.339 And their imminent arrival of their young one, God. 00:06:12.359 --> 00:06:17.259 And we pray for your favor to rest upon Dina and the doctors as she gives birth in the coming weeks. 00:06:17.259 --> 00:06:19.240 We really just want to bring them before you. 00:06:19.279 --> 00:06:22.719 God, we as a church come before you because we need you, Lord. 00:06:22.759 --> 00:06:25.060 We pray for your grace and your favor to rest on us this morning. 00:06:25.139 --> 00:06:26.480 Come and speak to us from your word. 00:06:27.500 --> 00:06:30.360 We pray these things in your wonderful and gracious name. 00:06:31.139 --> 00:06:31.399 Amen. 00:06:32.180 --> 00:06:32.519 Amen. 00:06:32.519 --> 00:06:32.639 Amen. 00:06:33.639 --> 00:06:40.620 In January 2007, the Washington Post conducted this social sciences experiment 00:06:40.620 --> 00:06:46.479 where a violinist went down to Union Station in Washington, D.C. 00:06:46.480 --> 00:06:53.220 And there for 45 minutes, he opened up his violin case on the floor of the train station 00:06:53.220 --> 00:06:57.000 and played six Bach concertos. 00:06:57.700 --> 00:07:02.520 And he was there for 45 minutes or so, and about a thousand people walked past him. 00:07:03.080 --> 00:07:06.680 Only six people stopped to listen to the music. 00:07:06.819 --> 00:07:10.800 One of them being a three-year-old boy who was quickly scolded by his mom 00:07:10.800 --> 00:07:12.520 for making her late for the train. 00:07:12.519 --> 00:07:17.819 She kind of pulled his arm and dragged him off as this three-year-old try to listen to this violinist. 00:07:18.439 --> 00:07:23.539 But out of the thousand people, only one person actually recognized the violinist for who he was. 00:07:24.079 --> 00:07:29.579 He is the world-famous Joshua Bell, one of the most prolific violinists in the world. 00:07:31.180 --> 00:07:38.139 And there he was playing on his $10 million Stradivari violin, a free concert for all to see, 00:07:38.139 --> 00:07:39.740 but very few noticed him. 00:07:40.399 --> 00:07:45.560 In the 45 minutes that he played some of the most complicated and technical musical pieces that you can, 00:07:46.199 --> 00:07:50.180 he received $27 in his violin case. 00:07:50.620 --> 00:07:55.800 But what was fascinating was just two nights before, he had played at a theater in Boston 00:07:55.800 --> 00:08:01.139 to a sell-out crowd, many of whom had paid hundreds of dollars for their tickets 00:08:01.139 --> 00:08:04.740 to watch this world-famous violinist play in front of them. 00:08:04.740 --> 00:08:09.840 And the point of the experiment was that when we see somebody great and awesome, 00:08:09.920 --> 00:08:15.180 but we see them in a very ordinary setting, how very often we miss them for who they really are. 00:08:15.660 --> 00:08:19.939 How often we can be blinded to who it is that's right in front of our very eyes, 00:08:20.079 --> 00:08:22.860 just because we see them in the very ordinary. 00:08:24.280 --> 00:08:28.060 We're working through Matthew's Gospel, and we are halfway through Chapter 8. 00:08:28.060 --> 00:08:34.080 And again this morning, we are going to look at three miracles that Matthew lines up for us. 00:08:34.139 --> 00:08:35.919 First, Jesus calms a momentous storm. 00:08:36.519 --> 00:08:40.840 Second, he drives our demons out of these two demon-possessed men. 00:08:41.360 --> 00:08:43.899 And thirdly, Jesus heals a paralytic. 00:08:44.600 --> 00:08:48.120 But just like the commuters in Washington, D.C., 00:08:48.120 --> 00:08:53.039 it's so easy for us to see Jesus and yet be blinded to who it is that stands in front of us. 00:08:53.039 --> 00:08:58.459 Matthew wants to help us not just be so familiar, so blinded with Jesus, 00:08:58.839 --> 00:09:02.240 that we miss who it is that stands before us. 00:09:03.439 --> 00:09:07.159 And so will you join me as we look at this first passage, this first pericope. 00:09:07.259 --> 00:09:09.959 Pericope is kind of a section in Scripture. 00:09:10.059 --> 00:09:12.319 Look at this first section with me. 00:09:12.439 --> 00:09:14.039 Jesus and his disciples have left Capernaum. 00:09:14.679 --> 00:09:17.779 Remember last week, Jesus has done these three miracles. 00:09:18.199 --> 00:09:20.899 He then issues this call for people to follow him. 00:09:20.899 --> 00:09:23.399 One man says, I'll follow you wherever you go. 00:09:23.539 --> 00:09:27.439 And another man says, Jesus, I'll follow you, but I've just got to take care of some family business. 00:09:27.539 --> 00:09:29.120 I'm just waiting for the inheritance to come. 00:09:29.879 --> 00:09:31.559 And Jesus challenges both of these men. 00:09:31.659 --> 00:09:37.699 And they then get in a boat to cross the Lake of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Galilee. 00:09:37.799 --> 00:09:38.679 But actually, it's a lake. 00:09:39.319 --> 00:09:41.500 And so Jesus' disciples are now in the boat. 00:09:41.600 --> 00:09:43.779 They go across the Lake of Galilee to the other side. 00:09:43.980 --> 00:09:49.799 And while they're on the water, this massive storm emerges on the lake. 00:09:49.799 --> 00:09:58.339 And the Greek word used here in verse 24 is actually the word seismos, from where we get the English word seismic, as in earthquake activity. 00:09:58.539 --> 00:09:59.879 It's the Greek word for an earthquake. 00:10:00.579 --> 00:10:06.919 And what Matthew's telling us is a storm that is so ferocious, it's like an earthquake has come upon the lake. 00:10:07.659 --> 00:10:10.620 Such was the ferocity of the storm. 00:10:11.259 --> 00:10:13.479 And the boat is threatening to sink. 00:10:14.279 --> 00:10:16.359 The disciples do what most of us would do. 00:10:16.439 --> 00:10:17.559 They wake up Jesus. 00:10:17.559 --> 00:10:19.119 Jesus is asleep in the boat. 00:10:19.579 --> 00:10:21.939 They wake him up and they say, Lord, save us. 00:10:22.000 --> 00:10:22.779 We are perishing. 00:10:23.039 --> 00:10:24.759 Literally, we are going to our destruction. 00:10:25.839 --> 00:10:27.719 And Jesus gets up. 00:10:27.879 --> 00:10:30.279 And with a word, he rebukes the wind. 00:10:30.379 --> 00:10:31.659 He rebukes the storm. 00:10:32.259 --> 00:10:41.239 And the lake is transformed from this ferocious storm almost instantly into this perfectly still day out in the lake. 00:10:41.240 --> 00:10:43.860 The disciples are left astounded. 00:10:45.000 --> 00:10:47.120 And look at what they say in verse 27. 00:10:47.320 --> 00:10:53.659 Someone pops up and says, what sort of man is this that even the wind and the sea obey him? 00:10:54.299 --> 00:10:57.539 And that's really the question that Matthew wants us to ask this morning. 00:10:57.659 --> 00:10:58.919 What sort of man is this? 00:10:58.980 --> 00:11:01.039 Who is this man? 00:11:01.560 --> 00:11:05.399 Who is this man that we've sung about and worshipped and adored this morning? 00:11:05.399 --> 00:11:08.840 Who is this man in whose name we've just prayed this morning? 00:11:08.840 --> 00:11:16.740 Who is this man that the Old Testament scriptures foretell and predict and that the gospel writers tell us about again and again and again? 00:11:17.600 --> 00:11:19.220 Who is this man called Jesus? 00:11:20.360 --> 00:11:24.759 In all of these accounts, Matthew wants us to see a number of things about Jesus. 00:11:25.379 --> 00:11:27.759 And Matthew is building up to something this morning. 00:11:27.919 --> 00:11:31.879 He's going to start off slow, but he's building up towards his climactic point. 00:11:31.879 --> 00:11:40.240 Now it's worth noticing that in all three of these accounts, there is a different audience in view. 00:11:40.360 --> 00:11:42.879 A different audience that views Jesus or encounters him. 00:11:42.960 --> 00:11:44.779 In the first miracle, it's the disciples. 00:11:44.960 --> 00:11:48.279 Probably the 12 disciples that he later calls to be apostles. 00:11:48.500 --> 00:11:50.600 They are in the boat with him and they're astounded. 00:11:50.759 --> 00:11:54.439 And they still come into grips with who is this man that's before them. 00:11:55.120 --> 00:11:59.539 In the second pericope, it's not so much the disciples, even though they are probably there, 00:11:59.539 --> 00:12:06.459 who Matthew highlights, it's the herdsmen and then the Gentile townsfolk who come and see Jesus. 00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:09.679 And who are astounded by who he is. 00:12:09.959 --> 00:12:11.819 And asking this question, who is this man? 00:12:12.360 --> 00:12:16.740 And then in the third story, it's the religious leaders and the scribes and the Pharisees 00:12:16.740 --> 00:12:20.059 that are asking the question, just who do you think that you are? 00:12:20.059 --> 00:12:25.259 And the point that Matthew wants us to get here is that every human being on the planet, 00:12:25.419 --> 00:12:29.559 whether Christians or seekers, whether religious or non-religious, 00:12:30.179 --> 00:12:36.099 whether educated or uneducated, right-wing, left-wing, cultural elites, manual laborers, 00:12:36.439 --> 00:12:40.819 every person needs to grapple with the question, who is this man called Jesus? 00:12:42.500 --> 00:12:46.439 Each one of these pericopes, Jesus reveals something about himself, 00:12:46.519 --> 00:12:48.979 which is both challenging, but also comforting. 00:12:48.980 --> 00:12:53.060 And that's one of the ways that you actually know you've encountered the real Jesus, 00:12:53.200 --> 00:12:55.460 not just a Jesus of your imagination. 00:12:56.320 --> 00:13:02.420 The real Jesus will always at the same time both comfort us and challenge us all at the same time. 00:13:03.200 --> 00:13:05.980 So let's look at this first story together. 00:13:07.259 --> 00:13:09.980 Jesus and his authority over creation. 00:13:11.720 --> 00:13:15.980 One of the wonderful things about this passage is we get to see both the humanity 00:13:15.980 --> 00:13:21.379 and the divinity of Jesus really side by side, juxtaposed together. 00:13:21.779 --> 00:13:23.259 We see Jesus' humanity. 00:13:23.420 --> 00:13:24.240 He's exhausted. 00:13:24.420 --> 00:13:25.279 He's worn out. 00:13:25.360 --> 00:13:26.060 He's tired. 00:13:26.480 --> 00:13:27.960 He's been ministering all day. 00:13:28.060 --> 00:13:29.340 There are demands from him. 00:13:29.659 --> 00:13:31.700 He gets into the boat and he crashes. 00:13:31.879 --> 00:13:32.659 He's fast asleep. 00:13:33.500 --> 00:13:35.180 But at the same time, we see his divinity. 00:13:35.320 --> 00:13:37.779 He wakes up and with almost a single word, 00:13:38.220 --> 00:13:42.600 he commands creation and creation listens to his word. 00:13:42.600 --> 00:13:45.320 He's still almost instantaneously. 00:13:46.480 --> 00:13:50.360 And while it's true that this passage reveals both his humanity and his divinity, 00:13:51.060 --> 00:13:54.980 Matthew really wants us to see the grandeur of his divinity here. 00:13:56.000 --> 00:13:57.759 In ancient literature, 00:13:59.139 --> 00:14:04.379 the seas are often pictured as a sign or a symbol of chaos and disorder. 00:14:04.940 --> 00:14:09.899 And it's God who has the authority to bring order to the disorder, 00:14:10.160 --> 00:14:11.440 order to the chaos. 00:14:11.440 --> 00:14:13.900 We see this throughout a lot of ancient writing, 00:14:14.100 --> 00:14:16.880 but we see this in the Old Testament and the New Testament again. 00:14:17.760 --> 00:14:21.460 We remember this when we preached in the book of Revelation a couple of years ago. 00:14:21.920 --> 00:14:24.640 In the book of Revelation, the sea is often tumultuous. 00:14:24.760 --> 00:14:27.220 It's full of chaos and disorder. 00:14:27.680 --> 00:14:30.320 But whenever there's a picture of the sea before God's throne, 00:14:30.500 --> 00:14:31.820 it's crystal clear. 00:14:31.980 --> 00:14:34.700 It's described as being clear as glass. 00:14:35.460 --> 00:14:38.000 God is the one who brings order to the chaos. 00:14:38.540 --> 00:14:39.700 Likewise, in the Old Testament, 00:14:39.700 --> 00:14:41.160 Psalm 89 says this, 00:14:41.440 --> 00:14:57.140 Matthew is telling us something. 00:14:57.139 --> 00:15:01.799 But notice, Jesus doesn't pray to God in this instance. 00:15:02.179 --> 00:15:05.019 He simply addresses the storm directly. 00:15:05.899 --> 00:15:08.500 Sally Lloyd-Jones, who wrote a wonderful children's Bible, 00:15:08.600 --> 00:15:09.480 she says it like this. 00:15:09.519 --> 00:15:10.299 She says it beautifully. 00:15:10.480 --> 00:15:10.720 She says, 00:15:10.720 --> 00:15:27.440 When Jesus speaks, he speaks as one by whom and for whom all things are made. 00:15:27.440 --> 00:15:31.260 The one who, as Hebrews 1 says, holds all things together, 00:15:31.760 --> 00:15:35.220 whether seas or weather, the very cosmos, 00:15:35.500 --> 00:15:38.100 Jesus holds them all together by the word of his power. 00:15:38.840 --> 00:15:43.700 It's almost like a dog that has been trained by its master to obey his voice. 00:15:44.180 --> 00:15:47.360 Jesus says one word and the storm is stilled. 00:15:47.360 --> 00:15:48.279 Matthew says, 00:15:48.279 --> 00:15:53.399 Matthew is telling us here that Jesus carries all authority over all creation, 00:15:53.539 --> 00:15:54.639 over all nature. 00:15:54.759 --> 00:15:58.460 There's nothing in the created world which is outside of his authority. 00:15:59.740 --> 00:16:04.399 Now, look with me for a second at Jesus' interaction with his disciples. 00:16:04.519 --> 00:16:06.240 Because I think this is one of the main points here. 00:16:06.240 --> 00:16:10.659 It's quite amazing to think that these seasoned fishermen, 00:16:10.940 --> 00:16:13.940 who would have spent years on the water, 00:16:14.060 --> 00:16:17.060 spent many nights on the water throughout the years, 00:16:17.399 --> 00:16:21.000 they are absolutely terrified by this earthquake-like storm 00:16:21.000 --> 00:16:22.480 that has arisen on the lake. 00:16:22.940 --> 00:16:25.539 These storms were quite common on the Lake of Galilee 00:16:25.539 --> 00:16:27.600 because of the geography and where it was placed. 00:16:27.720 --> 00:16:29.899 This was nothing particularly unusual. 00:16:31.180 --> 00:16:33.860 And yet still the disciples are absolutely terrified. 00:16:33.860 --> 00:16:38.600 And the disciples are convinced it's the end of their life. 00:16:39.600 --> 00:16:41.399 But notice the first thing that Jesus does. 00:16:41.680 --> 00:16:45.759 He challenges their fear and he calls them to grow in faith. 00:16:46.060 --> 00:16:46.980 Look what he says here. 00:16:47.519 --> 00:16:47.759 He says, 00:16:47.940 --> 00:16:51.519 Why are you afraid, O you of little faith? 00:16:52.419 --> 00:16:56.039 Jesus isn't asking this because he's unsure of the answer, 00:16:56.159 --> 00:16:59.500 but because like the parables, he's probing them, he's pushing them, 00:16:59.860 --> 00:17:02.740 he's wanting them to ask that question of themselves. 00:17:02.740 --> 00:17:04.519 Why are we so afraid? 00:17:05.220 --> 00:17:06.299 What's getting at us? 00:17:07.559 --> 00:17:09.740 What's causing this fear to arise? 00:17:10.359 --> 00:17:15.700 Jesus is asking them to see for themselves who he really is. 00:17:16.440 --> 00:17:21.859 Now in the scripture, fear and faith are not mutually exclusive. 00:17:22.359 --> 00:17:26.620 What that means is to have one doesn't mean you cannot have the other. 00:17:27.359 --> 00:17:30.960 To have faith doesn't mean that you can't have fear in your life. 00:17:30.960 --> 00:17:34.680 And likewise, to experience fear doesn't mean that you have no faith. 00:17:34.940 --> 00:17:36.180 They're not mutually exclusive. 00:17:36.799 --> 00:17:38.579 But they're also not equal. 00:17:39.460 --> 00:17:42.039 One will always trump over the other. 00:17:42.319 --> 00:17:46.819 Or another way of saying that is one will always have supremacy over the other. 00:17:47.440 --> 00:17:49.700 Either your faith will rule your fear, 00:17:50.180 --> 00:17:53.620 or otherwise your fears will diminish your faith. 00:17:53.619 --> 00:18:02.259 Friends, what fear has disproportionate grip on your life at the moment? 00:18:03.659 --> 00:18:07.000 What fear has disproportionate grip on your heart this morning? 00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:11.240 What fears drive us to work so hard? 00:18:11.980 --> 00:18:16.039 To say things that we cannot believe that we say? 00:18:16.160 --> 00:18:18.140 To do things that we hate to do? 00:18:18.799 --> 00:18:22.220 But somehow we feel like we are unable to not do them. 00:18:23.059 --> 00:18:25.940 Friends, what fears drive us to put on a facade? 00:18:26.599 --> 00:18:30.240 To present some image that isn't really the real us? 00:18:31.039 --> 00:18:32.599 Friends, for those of us that are Christians, 00:18:32.599 --> 00:18:35.759 what fear is causing us to compromise this morning? 00:18:36.059 --> 00:18:39.579 To engage in some sinful behavior that is both destructive to us, 00:18:39.679 --> 00:18:40.740 destructive to others? 00:18:41.779 --> 00:18:42.719 Friends, most importantly, 00:18:42.819 --> 00:18:46.159 what fears are keeping us from bringing our lives into the light? 00:18:46.619 --> 00:18:51.639 From genuinely engaging in repentance and humility before God? 00:18:53.579 --> 00:18:55.559 Look what happens here in this passage. 00:18:55.719 --> 00:18:58.539 On the one hand, Jesus accepts their weak faith. 00:18:58.539 --> 00:19:00.859 As Douglas O'Donnell says, 00:19:01.039 --> 00:19:02.200 Jesus doesn't say, 00:19:02.579 --> 00:19:03.639 You want me to do what? 00:19:04.579 --> 00:19:07.460 I'm not stopping the storm until I see some real faith. 00:19:07.940 --> 00:19:10.700 Wake me up again when your faith is stronger, you cowards. 00:19:11.119 --> 00:19:12.960 Jesus doesn't respond like that. 00:19:13.399 --> 00:19:14.779 He knows their faith is little. 00:19:15.339 --> 00:19:16.460 In Mark's gospel, he actually says, 00:19:16.559 --> 00:19:17.899 You have no faith. 00:19:18.480 --> 00:19:19.500 But Jesus doesn't, 00:19:19.859 --> 00:19:21.059 He doesn't shun them. 00:19:21.119 --> 00:19:22.220 He doesn't push them away. 00:19:22.879 --> 00:19:24.559 Jesus accepts them where they are. 00:19:24.680 --> 00:19:25.460 Weak faith and all. 00:19:25.759 --> 00:19:26.940 He hears their prayers. 00:19:26.940 --> 00:19:28.299 He stops the sea. 00:19:28.299 --> 00:19:29.779 He steals the storm. 00:19:30.500 --> 00:19:30.779 And friends, 00:19:30.879 --> 00:19:34.159 this shows that even little faith is still faith. 00:19:34.759 --> 00:19:37.299 And that Jesus helps us however we come to Him. 00:19:38.000 --> 00:19:39.259 Such is His grace. 00:19:39.460 --> 00:19:40.599 Such is His compassion. 00:19:41.139 --> 00:19:44.419 That Jesus will save even weak in faith disciples. 00:19:45.619 --> 00:19:46.859 And yet, on the other hand, 00:19:46.940 --> 00:19:50.740 notice Jesus is not flattened by weak faith. 00:19:51.399 --> 00:19:53.740 He wants us to see Him for who He is. 00:19:53.740 --> 00:19:55.759 And that's why Jesus doesn't say, 00:19:55.900 --> 00:19:56.920 Oh, you poor things. 00:19:57.319 --> 00:19:58.559 Oh, come and let me help you. 00:19:59.079 --> 00:20:00.240 Jesus doesn't say that. 00:20:00.480 --> 00:20:02.819 With the word, He calms the ravaging sea. 00:20:03.160 --> 00:20:05.400 With the word, He stills the storms. 00:20:05.640 --> 00:20:07.019 But then He turns to them and He says, 00:20:07.220 --> 00:20:09.140 Why are you so afraid? 00:20:09.880 --> 00:20:12.620 One old commentator, Matthew Henry, put it like this. 00:20:12.619 --> 00:20:16.739 Jesus does not rebuke them for disturbing Him with their prayers, 00:20:17.219 --> 00:20:20.079 but for disturbing themselves with their fears. 00:20:21.079 --> 00:20:22.039 In the scriptures, 00:20:22.259 --> 00:20:26.179 faith is not simply a passive acceptance of theological truth. 00:20:26.739 --> 00:20:28.500 To be a person of faith is not just to say, 00:20:28.659 --> 00:20:30.599 I believe that what the Bible says, 00:20:30.839 --> 00:20:34.159 historically or intellectually or academically. 00:20:34.160 --> 00:20:38.880 To be a person of faith is to have wholehearted confidence in who God is. 00:20:39.519 --> 00:20:40.560 As Douglas O'Donnell says, 00:20:40.680 --> 00:20:44.040 It's courageous confidence in exactly who Jesus is. 00:20:44.420 --> 00:20:48.420 A faith that doesn't dismiss our fears or mock at them or laugh at them, 00:20:48.480 --> 00:20:52.040 but a faith that somehow envelops them and swallows them up. 00:20:52.920 --> 00:20:55.940 In the New Testament, that's the kind of faith we see exhibited. 00:20:56.560 --> 00:21:00.420 It's a certainty of the kind of faith that we see Jesus commending, 00:21:00.540 --> 00:21:01.519 as we saw last week. 00:21:01.720 --> 00:21:03.640 A leper comes to Jesus and says, 00:21:03.640 --> 00:21:06.400 Jesus, if you will, you can heal me. 00:21:06.940 --> 00:21:08.840 A centurion comes to Jesus and says, 00:21:09.160 --> 00:21:10.600 Jesus, I know you have authority. 00:21:10.780 --> 00:21:11.740 Just say the word. 00:21:12.220 --> 00:21:13.340 This is the kind of faith, 00:21:13.440 --> 00:21:15.880 this bold confidence in who Jesus is, 00:21:16.060 --> 00:21:18.140 that Jesus is constantly commending. 00:21:19.100 --> 00:21:20.759 A faith that's not found in ourselves, 00:21:20.880 --> 00:21:22.280 but found in who He is. 00:21:23.420 --> 00:21:25.700 One of the most famous passages in the New Testament 00:21:25.700 --> 00:21:28.140 is Hebrews chapter 11, 00:21:28.300 --> 00:21:29.320 and it speaks about this. 00:21:29.320 --> 00:21:31.540 It speaks about these men and women 00:21:31.540 --> 00:21:33.120 who in the ages past 00:21:33.119 --> 00:21:35.259 exhibited this courageous confidence 00:21:35.259 --> 00:21:36.359 in who God is. 00:21:36.419 --> 00:21:38.639 Listen to how Hebrews 11 explains this. 00:21:38.639 --> 00:21:39.379 It says, 00:21:39.380 --> 00:22:09.380 00:22:09.380 --> 00:22:14.980 Friends, this is courageous, confident faith 00:22:14.980 --> 00:22:16.000 in who God is. 00:22:16.660 --> 00:22:18.320 And the writer goes on and he says, 00:22:18.520 --> 00:22:21.200 therefore, since this is the kind of faith 00:22:21.200 --> 00:22:22.820 of those that have gone before us, 00:22:23.220 --> 00:22:24.040 he says, therefore, 00:22:24.140 --> 00:22:26.180 let us exhibit the same kind of faith. 00:22:26.820 --> 00:22:28.620 Therefore, since we are surrounded 00:22:28.620 --> 00:22:30.260 by this cloud of witnesses, 00:22:31.220 --> 00:22:34.280 let us also lay aside the weight and the sin, 00:22:34.360 --> 00:22:35.660 the things that hold us back, 00:22:35.660 --> 00:22:38.720 the things that hinder our faith, 00:22:39.300 --> 00:22:40.480 things that cling to us, 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:42.880 and let us run with endurance, 00:22:43.000 --> 00:22:44.100 with steadfastness, 00:22:44.500 --> 00:22:46.140 the race that Christ has called us to, 00:22:46.820 --> 00:22:49.160 full of courageous faith, 00:22:49.940 --> 00:22:50.880 looking to Jesus, 00:22:51.100 --> 00:22:53.800 the founder and the perfecter of our faith. 00:22:54.320 --> 00:22:58.019 It's amazing that Jesus is the founder of our faith. 00:22:58.420 --> 00:22:59.580 Our faith is rooted in Him. 00:23:00.120 --> 00:23:02.640 But Jesus is also the perfecter of our faith. 00:23:02.640 --> 00:23:03.700 Jesus doesn't say, 00:23:04.160 --> 00:23:05.300 listen, I'll give you faith, 00:23:05.380 --> 00:23:06.120 but then it's up to you. 00:23:06.200 --> 00:23:07.400 You sort yourself out. 00:23:08.340 --> 00:23:09.180 Jesus comes and says, 00:23:09.320 --> 00:23:10.780 as you get to know me, 00:23:11.340 --> 00:23:12.740 as you get to trust me, 00:23:13.240 --> 00:23:16.420 as you bring your fears and submission to me, 00:23:16.820 --> 00:23:18.060 I will grow your faith. 00:23:18.160 --> 00:23:19.280 I'll perfect your faith. 00:23:19.800 --> 00:23:23.000 Your faith will grow from one degree to the next. 00:23:24.400 --> 00:23:25.800 Keep your eyes fixed on me. 00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:28.800 Jesus is the founder and the perfecter of our faith. 00:23:28.799 --> 00:23:33.700 Friends, at Watermark Church, 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:36.379 I think we're quite good at accepting, 00:23:37.379 --> 00:23:38.079 or understanding, 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:40.359 that Jesus accepts us where we're at. 00:23:41.139 --> 00:23:45.000 We're quite aware that Jesus is here for the weary and the broken. 00:23:45.839 --> 00:23:48.740 That the downcasts and those who feel beaten. 00:23:49.639 --> 00:23:50.700 We're very aware, 00:23:50.779 --> 00:23:51.500 and we speak often, 00:23:51.599 --> 00:23:54.220 that we don't need to put on an image. 00:23:54.279 --> 00:23:56.319 We can come to Jesus just as we are, 00:23:56.319 --> 00:23:58.159 broken and as we are, 00:23:58.220 --> 00:23:59.539 because we have a perfect Savior. 00:24:00.059 --> 00:24:01.200 And that's so clear. 00:24:01.279 --> 00:24:02.799 The Gospel is so clear on that. 00:24:04.059 --> 00:24:04.539 But friends, 00:24:04.859 --> 00:24:08.919 do we equally know that Jesus wants to call us to have courageous faith? 00:24:10.000 --> 00:24:11.119 Rooted in who He is. 00:24:11.720 --> 00:24:13.119 We look at the disciples here, 00:24:13.299 --> 00:24:15.220 and at the beginning of their journey, 00:24:15.399 --> 00:24:16.919 their faith is weak, 00:24:17.000 --> 00:24:17.899 and they're still grappling. 00:24:18.000 --> 00:24:18.919 They're still trying to make sense. 00:24:19.000 --> 00:24:20.059 Their faith is fledging. 00:24:20.159 --> 00:24:20.980 Who is this Jesus? 00:24:21.740 --> 00:24:22.980 But a couple of years later, 00:24:23.019 --> 00:24:23.980 we read in the book of Acts, 00:24:24.039 --> 00:24:25.399 they are bold and they're courageous. 00:24:25.400 --> 00:24:27.360 They are standing up for justice. 00:24:27.480 --> 00:24:28.800 They're pushing back darkness. 00:24:29.300 --> 00:24:30.480 They're preaching the Gospel. 00:24:30.600 --> 00:24:31.380 They get persecuted, 00:24:31.600 --> 00:24:32.300 thrown in jail. 00:24:32.860 --> 00:24:34.500 They go back to the town square, 00:24:34.600 --> 00:24:35.780 exactly where they're arrested, 00:24:35.880 --> 00:24:36.680 and they carry on. 00:24:37.259 --> 00:24:38.600 Sometimes they're thrown in jail. 00:24:39.080 --> 00:24:40.400 Sometimes they are martyred. 00:24:40.580 --> 00:24:43.580 They are killed for their belief in Jesus. 00:24:44.200 --> 00:24:45.400 Sometimes they are arrested. 00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:46.240 They don't give up. 00:24:46.340 --> 00:24:47.400 They surrender their possessions. 00:24:48.220 --> 00:24:49.680 They embrace persecution. 00:24:51.040 --> 00:24:51.320 And friends, 00:24:51.319 --> 00:24:54.200 the reason Jesus has put Watermark Church in Hong Kong 00:24:54.200 --> 00:24:55.399 at this time, 00:24:55.480 --> 00:24:56.659 for such a time as this, 00:24:56.740 --> 00:24:59.980 is that we too will be in some ways like the disciples. 00:25:00.159 --> 00:25:02.339 We will boldly proclaim who Jesus is. 00:25:02.559 --> 00:25:04.759 We will stand up for truth and righteousness. 00:25:05.200 --> 00:25:06.779 We will push back darkness. 00:25:06.939 --> 00:25:08.299 We will stand with the marginalized. 00:25:08.839 --> 00:25:10.740 We will embrace persecution, 00:25:10.939 --> 00:25:11.379 and preach, 00:25:11.460 --> 00:25:13.679 and declare to our city that Jesus is King, 00:25:13.720 --> 00:25:15.099 that He rules and He reigns, 00:25:15.220 --> 00:25:16.799 that there is one true God, 00:25:16.859 --> 00:25:17.960 and that His name is Jesus. 00:25:17.960 --> 00:25:19.259 But friends, 00:25:19.340 --> 00:25:21.200 how are we ever going to plant churches, 00:25:21.340 --> 00:25:22.500 and send out missionaries, 00:25:22.620 --> 00:25:23.759 and evangelize the lost, 00:25:23.860 --> 00:25:25.360 and witness to our neighbors, 00:25:25.480 --> 00:25:27.220 and take a stand for Jesus, 00:25:28.000 --> 00:25:30.579 when our faith is only weak and never grows? 00:25:33.860 --> 00:25:34.340 Friends, 00:25:34.600 --> 00:25:35.380 Jesus, 00:25:35.720 --> 00:25:36.579 in His grace, 00:25:37.600 --> 00:25:39.799 welcomes those with weak and fledging faith, 00:25:39.880 --> 00:25:41.400 but He doesn't want us to stay there. 00:25:43.740 --> 00:25:45.220 He wants to grow our faith. 00:25:45.220 --> 00:25:46.900 Friends, 00:25:46.980 --> 00:25:50.220 what's the condition of your faith like this morning? 00:25:50.519 --> 00:25:52.500 Have you surrendered faith to fear? 00:25:53.720 --> 00:25:54.319 No doubt, 00:25:54.420 --> 00:25:57.180 many of us here are facing all sorts of storms on our own. 00:25:58.259 --> 00:25:59.680 Jesus never turns us away, 00:25:59.759 --> 00:26:00.880 because our faith is weak. 00:26:01.360 --> 00:26:03.920 He never dismisses us. 00:26:04.039 --> 00:26:04.660 He never says, 00:26:04.779 --> 00:26:06.720 come back to me when you've got your life together. 00:26:06.940 --> 00:26:09.420 Jesus welcomes weak and faith disciples, 00:26:09.579 --> 00:26:11.039 but He doesn't want us to stay there. 00:26:12.079 --> 00:26:13.279 Jesus looks at these disciples, 00:26:13.279 --> 00:26:13.660 and He says, 00:26:13.799 --> 00:26:14.880 why are you so afraid? 00:26:15.220 --> 00:26:18.380 And the answer is because they still come into grips with who He is, 00:26:18.900 --> 00:26:21.259 because their faith is a fledgling faith. 00:26:22.140 --> 00:26:24.579 Yet His call is not so much a rebuke, 00:26:24.600 --> 00:26:26.880 as an invitation to discover Him for who He is. 00:26:27.420 --> 00:26:28.440 Who is this man? 00:26:29.079 --> 00:26:31.079 Jesus is the Lord of all creation, 00:26:31.200 --> 00:26:33.680 the one who has authority all over all creation. 00:26:35.059 --> 00:26:35.559 And therefore, 00:26:35.660 --> 00:26:37.700 He calls us to live by faith and not by fear. 00:26:38.259 --> 00:26:40.420 But that's not all Matthew wants us to see, 00:26:40.500 --> 00:26:42.319 because look at the second pericope here. 00:26:42.319 --> 00:26:43.539 And the second one, 00:26:43.619 --> 00:26:46.460 we see Jesus has authority over all evil, 00:26:46.659 --> 00:26:48.419 even over demonic forces. 00:26:49.240 --> 00:26:50.419 Jesus and His disciples, 00:26:50.599 --> 00:26:52.059 after the storm has been stilled, 00:26:52.059 --> 00:26:53.559 they reach the other side of the lake, 00:26:53.619 --> 00:26:54.779 and they disembark. 00:26:54.879 --> 00:26:58.259 They get to this region called the area of the Gadarenes. 00:26:59.000 --> 00:27:02.679 And there they encounter two men that are demon-possessed. 00:27:02.680 --> 00:27:06.460 Now, it's important to note that the New Testament differentiates 00:27:06.460 --> 00:27:09.940 between demon possession and demon oppression. 00:27:10.960 --> 00:27:14.620 To be possessed by something means it has a controlling influence of you. 00:27:15.420 --> 00:27:17.140 It is in control of your life. 00:27:17.759 --> 00:27:20.539 To be oppressed by something means it challenges you, 00:27:20.620 --> 00:27:21.440 it buffets you, 00:27:21.519 --> 00:27:22.960 it causes difficulty. 00:27:23.660 --> 00:27:28.039 The Bible says that Christians are never possessed by demons. 00:27:28.240 --> 00:27:29.980 We are possessed by the Holy Spirit. 00:27:29.980 --> 00:27:34.140 But Christians are certainly oppressed by demonic forces. 00:27:34.299 --> 00:27:35.599 We have an enemy called Satan. 00:27:36.019 --> 00:27:37.839 The Bible tells us Satan's job, 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:41.620 his goal is to rob, steal, and destroy. 00:27:42.160 --> 00:27:43.819 If you're a follower of Jesus this morning, 00:27:43.880 --> 00:27:45.000 you have an enemy called Satan 00:27:45.000 --> 00:27:46.900 that is going to buffet you and cause problems. 00:27:46.980 --> 00:27:49.059 He's going to try and attack you and distract you, 00:27:49.160 --> 00:27:50.539 take your eyes off of Jesus. 00:27:51.259 --> 00:27:53.860 But Christians are not possessed by evil spirits. 00:27:53.940 --> 00:27:55.720 We are possessed by the Holy Spirit. 00:27:55.720 --> 00:28:02.079 Here Jesus comes across two men that are demon possessed. 00:28:02.500 --> 00:28:05.039 They are under the spiritual control of demonic forces. 00:28:05.259 --> 00:28:07.660 But notice what happens when they encounter Jesus. 00:28:07.759 --> 00:28:09.559 Look at verse 29 here. 00:28:10.039 --> 00:28:10.360 They say, 00:28:10.500 --> 00:28:13.440 What have you to do with us, O Son of God? 00:28:14.059 --> 00:28:16.259 They immediately recognize who Jesus is. 00:28:17.380 --> 00:28:19.420 Friends, to know who Jesus is, 00:28:19.420 --> 00:28:21.980 and yet refuse to bow down to Him, 00:28:22.060 --> 00:28:25.920 is the ultimate picture of all that is demonic and satanic. 00:28:26.960 --> 00:28:27.960 But look what happens here. 00:28:28.019 --> 00:28:29.620 The demons know who Jesus is. 00:28:29.720 --> 00:28:30.720 And so they cry out, 00:28:31.259 --> 00:28:34.380 Have you come here to torment us before the time? 00:28:35.500 --> 00:28:36.240 Which means, 00:28:36.320 --> 00:28:39.740 Have you come to bring judgment on us before the appointed time? 00:28:39.740 --> 00:28:44.519 The demons know that hell awaits them at the end, 00:28:44.759 --> 00:28:46.039 and then finally. 00:28:46.700 --> 00:28:49.759 But they are anticipating this free reign until that time. 00:28:50.519 --> 00:28:52.019 But Jesus has gotten used to them. 00:28:52.120 --> 00:28:56.160 His arrival signals that Jesus has brought His kingdom. 00:28:56.940 --> 00:28:59.819 The first steps of His judgment is coming. 00:29:00.400 --> 00:29:02.140 And so the answer, in some small way, 00:29:02.279 --> 00:29:04.519 is yes, Jesus has come to bring His judgment 00:29:04.519 --> 00:29:07.859 on all that is evil and wrong with the world. 00:29:08.200 --> 00:29:09.519 That's exactly what He does. 00:29:10.059 --> 00:29:11.259 And so with one word, 00:29:11.500 --> 00:29:13.720 these demons end up in the pigs. 00:29:14.460 --> 00:29:15.920 Remember, in ancient Jewish culture, 00:29:16.160 --> 00:29:21.559 pigs is the ultimate picture of all that is unclean and immoral and ungodly. 00:29:22.579 --> 00:29:23.900 And so the demons say, 00:29:24.420 --> 00:29:25.980 If you're going to cast us out, 00:29:26.059 --> 00:29:27.480 at least let us go into the pigs. 00:29:27.539 --> 00:29:31.000 And it seems like Jesus is mercifully agreeing, 00:29:31.099 --> 00:29:32.480 but actually it's His form of judgment. 00:29:33.019 --> 00:29:34.480 It's a prototype of judgment. 00:29:34.480 --> 00:29:35.339 And Jesus says, 00:29:35.500 --> 00:29:36.440 Yes, go into the pigs. 00:29:36.599 --> 00:29:37.880 And notice what happens. 00:29:37.880 --> 00:29:40.260 The pigs don't just carry on life as normal. 00:29:40.360 --> 00:29:43.500 They don't go about their business grazing and lying in the mud. 00:29:44.000 --> 00:29:46.940 The pigs automatically stampede down the cliff, 00:29:47.060 --> 00:29:48.540 off the cliff and into the sea, 00:29:48.620 --> 00:29:51.860 the very sea that just try to swallow Jesus and the disciples. 00:29:52.280 --> 00:29:54.940 They are consumed into the depths. 00:29:54.940 --> 00:29:58.500 Jesus is showing us that as the Son of God, 00:29:58.600 --> 00:30:00.779 even the demons are subject to Him. 00:30:01.400 --> 00:30:06.080 That He has authority to judge all that is evil in the world. 00:30:06.079 --> 00:30:08.740 In some ways, 00:30:08.779 --> 00:30:10.659 it's a prototype of what's to come. 00:30:12.339 --> 00:30:13.179 Martin Luther, 00:30:13.779 --> 00:30:14.740 500 years ago, 00:30:14.819 --> 00:30:15.980 wrote this amazing hymn. 00:30:17.059 --> 00:30:18.679 And I want to show you these words. 00:30:18.779 --> 00:30:19.919 The English is a little bit old, 00:30:20.059 --> 00:30:21.059 so excuse that. 00:30:21.159 --> 00:30:22.419 But it's a beautiful hymn. 00:30:23.119 --> 00:30:24.519 There's a modern version of it, 00:30:24.559 --> 00:30:26.000 which maybe we can sing sometime. 00:30:26.639 --> 00:30:26.980 He says, 00:30:26.980 --> 00:30:54.200 He's talking about how as Christians, 00:30:54.200 --> 00:30:57.180 there's this enemy Satan that is buffering us. 00:30:57.279 --> 00:30:58.180 He rages. 00:30:58.620 --> 00:31:00.360 He threatens us. 00:31:00.539 --> 00:31:02.059 But we don't need to be afraid of Him. 00:31:02.559 --> 00:31:03.759 His doom is sure. 00:31:03.940 --> 00:31:06.140 One little word from Christ the King 00:31:06.140 --> 00:31:07.680 shall fail Him, 00:31:07.779 --> 00:31:08.920 shall undo Him. 00:31:09.980 --> 00:31:12.039 If you've got your Bible in front of you, 00:31:12.120 --> 00:31:12.819 what's fascinating, 00:31:12.940 --> 00:31:14.980 in this entire second story, 00:31:15.600 --> 00:31:17.480 Jesus only says one word. 00:31:18.100 --> 00:31:20.660 Look at it in verse 32. 00:31:21.460 --> 00:31:22.640 Jesus just says, 00:31:22.980 --> 00:31:23.620 Go. 00:31:24.559 --> 00:31:25.600 One little word, 00:31:25.700 --> 00:31:27.279 and these demons are cast out 00:31:27.279 --> 00:31:30.640 and end up in the depths of the sea. 00:31:31.519 --> 00:31:32.559 Here is a picture, 00:31:32.720 --> 00:31:34.440 a prototype of the judgment to come 00:31:34.440 --> 00:31:35.799 for all who refuse Him. 00:31:36.600 --> 00:31:37.680 In Revelation 20, 00:31:37.799 --> 00:31:39.420 at the end of the ages, 00:31:40.059 --> 00:31:41.519 Satan and his host of angels 00:31:41.519 --> 00:31:43.240 will not merely be allowed 00:31:43.240 --> 00:31:45.480 to run and drown in the sea, 00:31:45.600 --> 00:31:48.160 but will be cast for all eternally 00:31:48.160 --> 00:31:51.660 into a sea of ever-burning fire. 00:31:51.660 --> 00:31:54.560 They'll be tormented there day and night 00:31:54.560 --> 00:31:59.040 forever and ever and ever and ever. 00:31:59.039 --> 00:32:02.619 It's a sign of what's going to come. 00:32:04.000 --> 00:32:05.339 And in the first pericope, 00:32:05.420 --> 00:32:06.619 we see that God can, 00:32:06.859 --> 00:32:09.119 not only can God rule over all creation, 00:32:09.399 --> 00:32:11.659 Jesus as God's Son does that as well. 00:32:12.299 --> 00:32:12.960 In this story, 00:32:13.099 --> 00:32:14.519 we see not only does God 00:32:14.519 --> 00:32:16.319 ultimately judge all that's evil, 00:32:16.519 --> 00:32:18.899 Jesus as God's Son does that too. 00:32:18.900 --> 00:32:20.880 And fascinatingly, 00:32:20.940 --> 00:32:22.259 the people come out, 00:32:23.100 --> 00:32:24.259 or the herdsmen, 00:32:24.680 --> 00:32:26.280 they run off to the town 00:32:26.280 --> 00:32:27.660 and they go and call the villagers 00:32:27.660 --> 00:32:28.080 and say, 00:32:28.340 --> 00:32:30.120 see what's happened to your pigs. 00:32:30.700 --> 00:32:33.700 And the townsfolk run back to Jesus 00:32:33.700 --> 00:32:35.960 and they're told what's happened 00:32:35.960 --> 00:32:37.220 to the demon-possessed men. 00:32:37.920 --> 00:32:39.240 And Mark's gospel tells us 00:32:39.240 --> 00:32:40.720 that they see these two men 00:32:40.720 --> 00:32:41.960 sitting in their right mind 00:32:41.960 --> 00:32:43.700 at Jesus' feet, 00:32:44.140 --> 00:32:45.900 completely healed and set free. 00:32:45.900 --> 00:32:49.240 But look at what Matthew's gospel tells us. 00:32:49.680 --> 00:32:50.280 Verse 34, 00:32:50.900 --> 00:32:54.700 Behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus 00:32:54.700 --> 00:32:56.019 and when they saw him, 00:32:56.120 --> 00:32:59.120 they begged him to leave their region. 00:33:00.240 --> 00:33:01.360 It's interesting that Jesus, 00:33:01.640 --> 00:33:03.340 Matthew uses the same word here 00:33:03.340 --> 00:33:05.660 for how the townsfolk respond to Jesus 00:33:05.660 --> 00:33:08.240 as the way that the demons respond to Jesus 00:33:08.240 --> 00:33:08.940 a little earlier. 00:33:09.400 --> 00:33:10.340 In verse 33, 00:33:11.060 --> 00:33:13.660 both of them beg Jesus. 00:33:13.660 --> 00:33:16.840 Although they knew his power, 00:33:16.980 --> 00:33:18.060 they begged him to leave. 00:33:18.180 --> 00:33:20.100 And it's not the main point of the passage, 00:33:20.259 --> 00:33:21.440 but here we see a picture 00:33:21.440 --> 00:33:23.580 of a corrupted heart. 00:33:24.320 --> 00:33:26.540 These townsfolk act devilish themselves. 00:33:26.779 --> 00:33:27.900 Just like the demons, 00:33:28.040 --> 00:33:29.060 they begged Jesus. 00:33:29.620 --> 00:33:31.080 This time they begged him to leave. 00:33:31.660 --> 00:33:33.500 These townsfolk care more about their pigs 00:33:33.500 --> 00:33:34.440 than they do about people, 00:33:34.560 --> 00:33:35.480 more about their money 00:33:35.480 --> 00:33:37.740 than the well-being of these two men. 00:33:38.519 --> 00:33:39.920 And what's worse of all 00:33:39.920 --> 00:33:41.300 is that they had Jesus, 00:33:41.420 --> 00:33:42.200 the Son of God, 00:33:42.200 --> 00:33:42.920 in their midst, 00:33:43.360 --> 00:33:44.480 the one who with the word 00:33:44.480 --> 00:33:45.799 can still the storms, 00:33:45.920 --> 00:33:47.039 the one who with the word 00:33:47.039 --> 00:33:47.980 can bring freedom 00:33:47.980 --> 00:33:48.600 and healing 00:33:48.600 --> 00:33:49.640 and resolution, 00:33:49.819 --> 00:33:51.920 the one who can set people free. 00:33:53.220 --> 00:33:54.700 And they beg him to leave. 00:33:56.080 --> 00:33:57.700 Friends, what sort of man is this? 00:33:58.200 --> 00:33:59.100 He is Jesus, 00:33:59.220 --> 00:33:59.840 the Son of God, 00:33:59.920 --> 00:34:01.880 the one who has authority 00:34:01.880 --> 00:34:03.400 over all that is evil 00:34:03.400 --> 00:34:04.600 and wrong with this world, 00:34:04.680 --> 00:34:05.480 the one who has authority 00:34:05.480 --> 00:34:06.940 to cast out Satan. 00:34:07.620 --> 00:34:08.720 But that's still not 00:34:08.720 --> 00:34:09.800 Matthew's main point here, 00:34:09.800 --> 00:34:11.060 because Matthew's building 00:34:11.060 --> 00:34:11.820 towards something. 00:34:12.580 --> 00:34:13.920 And so look at the final pericope 00:34:13.920 --> 00:34:15.000 with me. 00:34:15.800 --> 00:34:17.120 In the final story today, 00:34:17.120 --> 00:34:18.140 we're not going to look at it 00:34:18.140 --> 00:34:18.960 in great detail 00:34:18.960 --> 00:34:19.940 because we're going to come back 00:34:19.940 --> 00:34:20.560 to it next week. 00:34:20.620 --> 00:34:22.220 But we see that Jesus has authority 00:34:22.220 --> 00:34:24.940 not only over all creation, 00:34:25.500 --> 00:34:27.120 not only over all that evil 00:34:27.120 --> 00:34:28.519 and unjust of the world, 00:34:28.640 --> 00:34:30.000 but Jesus has authority 00:34:30.000 --> 00:34:30.860 to forgive sin. 00:34:32.500 --> 00:34:32.940 Amazingly, 00:34:33.080 --> 00:34:35.120 Jesus obliges the request 00:34:35.119 --> 00:34:36.920 of these Gadarene people. 00:34:37.099 --> 00:34:38.279 And he leaves their town 00:34:38.279 --> 00:34:39.480 and he gets back on the boat 00:34:39.480 --> 00:34:40.880 and he crosses over 00:34:40.880 --> 00:34:41.739 to Capernaum. 00:34:42.559 --> 00:34:44.039 And some people bring him 00:34:44.039 --> 00:34:44.779 a paralytic. 00:34:45.019 --> 00:34:45.920 Mark and Luke tell us 00:34:45.920 --> 00:34:46.759 it's four friends. 00:34:47.500 --> 00:34:48.599 And they bring this paralytic 00:34:48.599 --> 00:34:49.119 to Jesus. 00:34:50.019 --> 00:34:51.960 And Jesus knows exactly 00:34:51.960 --> 00:34:52.920 what they're asking him to do. 00:34:53.259 --> 00:34:55.219 They want Jesus to heal him. 00:34:55.799 --> 00:34:57.400 But that's not what Jesus does. 00:34:57.400 --> 00:34:58.319 Not at first, 00:34:58.480 --> 00:34:59.279 in any way. 00:35:00.099 --> 00:35:01.000 Jesus says something 00:35:01.000 --> 00:35:02.119 completely different. 00:35:02.219 --> 00:35:03.380 He changes the subject. 00:35:03.380 --> 00:35:04.240 He says, 00:35:04.320 --> 00:35:05.220 Take heart, my son. 00:35:05.320 --> 00:35:07.360 Your sins are forgiven. 00:35:08.800 --> 00:35:09.360 Amazingly, 00:35:09.500 --> 00:35:11.140 Jesus sees their faith, 00:35:12.000 --> 00:35:13.500 their courageous confidence in him, 00:35:13.519 --> 00:35:14.099 and he declares 00:35:14.099 --> 00:35:15.680 on the basis of this faith, 00:35:16.220 --> 00:35:17.920 this man's sins are forgiven. 00:35:19.039 --> 00:35:19.880 But of course, 00:35:19.960 --> 00:35:21.180 that prompts the Pharisees 00:35:21.180 --> 00:35:22.740 to throw their hands in the air 00:35:22.740 --> 00:35:25.300 and to froth at the mouth 00:35:25.300 --> 00:35:25.680 and say, 00:35:25.960 --> 00:35:27.340 Who do you think you are? 00:35:27.680 --> 00:35:28.640 That's blasphemy. 00:35:28.740 --> 00:35:29.880 You can't say that. 00:35:30.559 --> 00:35:32.340 And so look at what Jesus says. 00:35:32.340 --> 00:35:33.519 He says, 00:35:33.880 --> 00:35:35.640 Which is easier to say? 00:35:36.260 --> 00:35:37.320 Your sins are forgiven? 00:35:37.660 --> 00:35:38.400 Or to say, 00:35:38.539 --> 00:35:39.780 Get up and walk? 00:35:41.079 --> 00:35:42.820 I've often wondered about that question. 00:35:42.940 --> 00:35:44.579 What does Jesus mean by that? 00:35:45.579 --> 00:35:46.059 Well, 00:35:46.559 --> 00:35:47.300 I guess what he's saying, 00:35:47.380 --> 00:35:49.039 Which is easier to do? 00:35:49.240 --> 00:35:49.640 To say, 00:35:50.200 --> 00:35:51.460 Your sins are forgiven? 00:35:51.960 --> 00:35:53.180 For which there's no kind of 00:35:53.180 --> 00:35:54.559 empirical verification. 00:35:55.300 --> 00:35:55.920 How do you know 00:35:55.920 --> 00:35:57.200 whether that's true or not? 00:35:57.780 --> 00:35:58.640 Or to say, 00:35:58.880 --> 00:35:59.559 Pick up your mat, 00:36:00.059 --> 00:36:00.800 get up and walk, 00:36:00.800 --> 00:36:01.500 and go home. 00:36:01.900 --> 00:36:02.720 For which there'd be 00:36:02.720 --> 00:36:03.560 an immediate 00:36:03.560 --> 00:36:05.820 kind of empirical verification 00:36:05.820 --> 00:36:07.600 if Jesus had any authority 00:36:07.600 --> 00:36:08.420 to say that. 00:36:09.660 --> 00:36:11.080 If you're going to go around 00:36:11.080 --> 00:36:13.300 saying pretty amazing things, 00:36:13.380 --> 00:36:14.240 much easier to say, 00:36:14.340 --> 00:36:14.440 Hey, 00:36:14.460 --> 00:36:15.280 your sins are forgiven, 00:36:15.420 --> 00:36:15.580 than, 00:36:16.120 --> 00:36:16.260 Hey, 00:36:16.460 --> 00:36:17.440 paralytic, 00:36:17.700 --> 00:36:19.460 pick up your mat and walk. 00:36:20.420 --> 00:36:22.400 Which is easier to say, 00:36:22.780 --> 00:36:23.160 Well, 00:36:23.560 --> 00:36:24.380 your sins are forgiven. 00:36:25.000 --> 00:36:26.720 But which is easier to do? 00:36:27.719 --> 00:36:28.879 That's another question. 00:36:30.019 --> 00:36:31.319 Throughout Matthew 8, 00:36:31.359 --> 00:36:33.359 we've seen Jesus do amazing things. 00:36:33.480 --> 00:36:34.219 And many times, 00:36:34.279 --> 00:36:35.939 with just one word or one phrase, 00:36:36.439 --> 00:36:37.419 He says to a leper, 00:36:38.000 --> 00:36:38.819 Be clean. 00:36:39.019 --> 00:36:40.319 He says to a centurion, 00:36:41.039 --> 00:36:41.699 It is done. 00:36:42.059 --> 00:36:43.319 He says to the storms, 00:36:43.759 --> 00:36:44.219 Peace. 00:36:44.679 --> 00:36:47.439 He says to demon-possessed men, 00:36:47.819 --> 00:36:48.480 Be healed. 00:36:48.599 --> 00:36:49.539 He says to the demons, 00:36:49.859 --> 00:36:50.099 Go. 00:36:50.559 --> 00:36:51.719 With almost one word, 00:36:51.819 --> 00:36:52.439 one phrase, 00:36:52.599 --> 00:36:53.539 Jesus encompasses 00:36:53.539 --> 00:36:55.179 these incredible things. 00:36:55.179 --> 00:36:57.879 But to forgive sins, 00:36:58.179 --> 00:36:59.899 that's going to require 00:36:59.899 --> 00:37:01.239 something altogether different. 00:37:02.219 --> 00:37:03.279 For Jesus to say, 00:37:03.519 --> 00:37:04.619 Your sins are forgiven, 00:37:04.879 --> 00:37:05.699 is going to require 00:37:05.699 --> 00:37:07.440 more than just words. 00:37:07.980 --> 00:37:09.699 It's going to require Him 00:37:09.699 --> 00:37:12.000 going to the cross. 00:37:12.639 --> 00:37:14.059 As our substitute, 00:37:14.919 --> 00:37:16.099 in our place, 00:37:17.099 --> 00:37:19.079 for Jesus to be separated 00:37:19.079 --> 00:37:19.879 from the Father, 00:37:20.719 --> 00:37:22.399 for Jesus Christ 00:37:22.399 --> 00:37:24.000 to take the sins 00:37:24.000 --> 00:37:25.559 of you and me 00:37:25.559 --> 00:37:26.579 upon Himself 00:37:26.579 --> 00:37:27.440 and to receive 00:37:27.440 --> 00:37:28.599 the judgment 00:37:28.599 --> 00:37:29.940 and the condemnation 00:37:29.940 --> 00:37:31.219 and the torment 00:37:31.219 --> 00:37:32.400 and the wrath of God. 00:37:32.480 --> 00:37:33.719 For Jesus to go 00:37:33.719 --> 00:37:34.719 to the very depths 00:37:34.719 --> 00:37:35.719 of hell Himself 00:37:35.719 --> 00:37:37.920 as He takes our sin 00:37:37.920 --> 00:37:38.800 upon Himself. 00:37:39.960 --> 00:37:41.119 For Jesus to say 00:37:41.119 --> 00:37:41.820 to you and I, 00:37:42.500 --> 00:37:43.840 Your sins are forgiven. 00:37:47.840 --> 00:37:48.639 When Mary, 00:37:48.860 --> 00:37:49.440 Jesus' mother, 00:37:49.539 --> 00:37:51.159 was told by the angel Gabriel 00:37:51.159 --> 00:37:52.659 that she was pregnant 00:37:52.659 --> 00:37:53.199 with child 00:37:53.199 --> 00:37:53.659 and she was going 00:37:53.659 --> 00:37:54.420 to bear Jesus, 00:37:54.619 --> 00:37:55.639 this Messiah, 00:37:56.559 --> 00:37:57.139 the angel Gabriel 00:37:57.139 --> 00:37:57.699 says to her, 00:37:57.759 --> 00:37:58.519 You shall call 00:37:58.519 --> 00:37:59.639 His name Jesus. 00:37:59.799 --> 00:38:01.039 Jesus is the Aramaic 00:38:01.039 --> 00:38:03.159 version of Joshua, 00:38:03.279 --> 00:38:04.799 which means God saves. 00:38:05.500 --> 00:38:06.179 You shall name 00:38:06.179 --> 00:38:07.179 His name Jesus, 00:38:07.739 --> 00:38:09.000 for He will save 00:38:09.000 --> 00:38:09.639 His people 00:38:09.639 --> 00:38:11.219 from their sins. 00:38:13.139 --> 00:38:13.980 The salvation 00:38:13.980 --> 00:38:14.759 from sins 00:38:14.759 --> 00:38:15.339 that happens 00:38:15.339 --> 00:38:16.619 is not when Jesus 00:38:16.619 --> 00:38:17.559 stretches out 00:38:17.559 --> 00:38:18.399 His arms 00:38:18.400 --> 00:38:19.559 to steal the sea, 00:38:20.119 --> 00:38:20.960 but when Jesus 00:38:20.960 --> 00:38:21.860 stretches them out 00:38:21.860 --> 00:38:22.460 on the cross 00:38:22.460 --> 00:38:23.160 to die 00:38:23.160 --> 00:38:24.380 for me 00:38:24.380 --> 00:38:25.300 and for you. 00:38:26.180 --> 00:38:26.539 Friends, 00:38:26.599 --> 00:38:27.720 this is why Jesus came. 00:38:28.780 --> 00:38:29.940 This is the authority 00:38:29.940 --> 00:38:31.660 that Jesus really possesses. 00:38:32.820 --> 00:38:33.740 In the first 00:38:33.740 --> 00:38:35.180 pericope, 00:38:35.260 --> 00:38:35.940 we see Jesus 00:38:35.940 --> 00:38:36.480 as authority 00:38:36.480 --> 00:38:37.360 over all creation. 00:38:38.180 --> 00:38:39.079 In the second pericope, 00:38:39.160 --> 00:38:39.760 we see Jesus 00:38:39.760 --> 00:38:40.559 even as authority 00:38:40.559 --> 00:38:41.320 over the demons 00:38:41.320 --> 00:38:43.079 and over demonic 00:38:43.079 --> 00:38:44.200 and evil forces. 00:38:44.800 --> 00:38:45.880 But look what He says here 00:38:45.880 --> 00:38:46.940 in verse 5 and 6. 00:38:46.940 --> 00:38:47.599 Jesus says, 00:38:47.679 --> 00:38:48.720 which is easier to say, 00:38:48.780 --> 00:38:49.740 your sins are forgiven 00:38:49.740 --> 00:38:50.360 or to say, 00:38:50.500 --> 00:38:51.360 rise up and walk. 00:38:51.960 --> 00:38:53.579 But that you may know 00:38:53.579 --> 00:38:55.159 that the Son of Man 00:38:55.159 --> 00:38:56.179 has authority 00:38:56.179 --> 00:38:57.300 on earth 00:38:57.300 --> 00:38:58.559 to forgive sins. 00:38:59.220 --> 00:39:00.240 He says to the man, 00:39:00.420 --> 00:39:00.760 rise, 00:39:00.900 --> 00:39:01.579 pick up your mat 00:39:01.579 --> 00:39:02.220 and go. 00:39:03.119 --> 00:39:03.519 Friends, 00:39:03.639 --> 00:39:04.539 this is the climax 00:39:04.539 --> 00:39:05.440 of the passage 00:39:05.440 --> 00:39:06.599 because this is the climax 00:39:06.599 --> 00:39:07.960 of the entire Bible. 00:39:08.480 --> 00:39:09.480 No doubt many of us 00:39:09.480 --> 00:39:10.320 are facing storms 00:39:10.320 --> 00:39:10.880 this morning 00:39:10.880 --> 00:39:12.159 and Christ in His grace 00:39:12.159 --> 00:39:12.880 and His compassion 00:39:12.880 --> 00:39:14.220 wants to be with us 00:39:14.220 --> 00:39:14.840 in the storms. 00:39:15.440 --> 00:39:15.860 But friends, 00:39:15.940 --> 00:39:16.519 can I say to you, 00:39:16.519 --> 00:39:18.099 that's not your biggest problem. 00:39:19.019 --> 00:39:19.340 Friends, 00:39:19.500 --> 00:39:20.239 many of us here 00:39:20.239 --> 00:39:21.000 are buffeted 00:39:21.000 --> 00:39:21.880 and oppressed 00:39:21.880 --> 00:39:22.960 by demonic forces. 00:39:23.119 --> 00:39:23.699 Some of us maybe 00:39:23.699 --> 00:39:24.420 are not Christians 00:39:24.420 --> 00:39:25.019 and are even 00:39:25.019 --> 00:39:26.739 under the control 00:39:26.739 --> 00:39:27.519 of demonic forces. 00:39:27.719 --> 00:39:28.280 Maybe you've done 00:39:28.280 --> 00:39:29.300 some ridiculous thing. 00:39:29.420 --> 00:39:30.360 You've played 00:39:30.360 --> 00:39:31.320 some demonic games. 00:39:31.480 --> 00:39:32.759 You've offered incense 00:39:32.759 --> 00:39:33.300 to idols 00:39:33.300 --> 00:39:34.920 and invited Satan 00:39:34.920 --> 00:39:36.059 to come and torment you 00:39:36.059 --> 00:39:37.699 and to have havoc 00:39:37.699 --> 00:39:38.320 in your life. 00:39:38.960 --> 00:39:39.179 Friends, 00:39:39.259 --> 00:39:39.639 can I say, 00:39:39.759 --> 00:39:40.480 that is not 00:39:40.480 --> 00:39:41.599 your ultimate problem, 00:39:41.679 --> 00:39:42.940 as serious as that is. 00:39:42.940 --> 00:39:44.440 The greatest problem 00:39:44.440 --> 00:39:46.059 that every human being faces 00:39:46.059 --> 00:39:47.980 is the problem of sin. 00:39:48.559 --> 00:39:50.000 That we have a charge over us 00:39:50.000 --> 00:39:50.320 which says, 00:39:50.539 --> 00:39:51.980 we have rebelled against God 00:39:51.980 --> 00:39:53.159 and we are under His judgment. 00:39:53.740 --> 00:39:54.760 But Jesus came, 00:39:54.820 --> 00:39:55.579 this is the good news 00:39:55.579 --> 00:39:56.159 of the gospel, 00:39:56.700 --> 00:39:58.440 Jesus came to die on the cross 00:39:58.440 --> 00:39:59.480 to take your sins 00:39:59.480 --> 00:40:01.159 and my sins upon Himself 00:40:01.159 --> 00:40:02.360 to hang it 00:40:02.360 --> 00:40:03.460 that He might say 00:40:03.460 --> 00:40:04.400 to each one of us 00:40:04.400 --> 00:40:05.460 to look us in the eye 00:40:05.460 --> 00:40:05.860 and say, 00:40:06.380 --> 00:40:06.840 friend, 00:40:06.940 --> 00:40:08.559 your sin can be forgiven. 00:40:08.559 --> 00:40:11.299 Jesus comes to all 00:40:11.299 --> 00:40:12.059 who will come to Him 00:40:12.059 --> 00:40:13.039 in faith and repentance 00:40:13.039 --> 00:40:13.559 and say, 00:40:13.940 --> 00:40:14.820 not guilty, 00:40:15.659 --> 00:40:17.079 your sin has forgiven you. 00:40:19.659 --> 00:40:20.099 Amazing. 00:40:21.239 --> 00:40:22.619 This is the climax 00:40:22.619 --> 00:40:23.299 of the Bible. 00:40:23.440 --> 00:40:24.199 This is the good news 00:40:24.199 --> 00:40:24.820 of the gospel. 00:40:26.099 --> 00:40:27.019 In Luke chapter 10, 00:40:27.559 --> 00:40:29.380 Jesus sends His disciples out 00:40:29.380 --> 00:40:30.759 to go do all sorts 00:40:30.759 --> 00:40:31.639 of amazing things. 00:40:31.920 --> 00:40:32.659 They come back 00:40:32.659 --> 00:40:33.639 and this is what they say. 00:40:34.039 --> 00:40:34.380 They say, 00:40:34.460 --> 00:40:34.739 Lord, 00:40:35.440 --> 00:40:36.320 even the demons 00:40:36.320 --> 00:40:37.179 are subject to us 00:40:37.179 --> 00:40:37.739 in Your name. 00:40:37.739 --> 00:40:39.000 We say these things, 00:40:39.119 --> 00:40:39.539 we pray, 00:40:39.659 --> 00:40:40.539 we cast out demons 00:40:40.539 --> 00:40:41.500 and they listen to us. 00:40:41.519 --> 00:40:42.079 It's amazing. 00:40:43.019 --> 00:40:43.919 I don't know how many of you 00:40:43.919 --> 00:40:44.739 have cast out demons. 00:40:44.859 --> 00:40:45.699 I've never done that. 00:40:46.339 --> 00:40:47.619 The disciples do this 00:40:47.619 --> 00:40:48.759 and they think it's amazing. 00:40:48.859 --> 00:40:49.599 This is incredible. 00:40:50.599 --> 00:40:51.199 Jesus says, 00:40:51.439 --> 00:40:52.759 I saw Satan fall 00:40:52.759 --> 00:40:54.159 like lightning from heaven. 00:40:55.259 --> 00:40:55.479 Behold, 00:40:55.539 --> 00:40:56.459 I've given you authority 00:40:56.459 --> 00:40:57.579 to tread on serpents 00:40:57.579 --> 00:40:58.339 and scorpions, 00:40:58.879 --> 00:40:59.619 to have power 00:40:59.619 --> 00:41:00.239 over the enemy. 00:41:01.179 --> 00:41:01.619 Nevertheless, 00:41:01.959 --> 00:41:03.259 do not rejoice in this. 00:41:03.319 --> 00:41:04.559 Don't find your hope in this, 00:41:05.039 --> 00:41:05.859 that the spirits 00:41:05.859 --> 00:41:06.739 are subject to you, 00:41:06.739 --> 00:41:08.339 but rejoice in this, 00:41:08.399 --> 00:41:09.739 that your name 00:41:09.739 --> 00:41:10.579 is written 00:41:10.579 --> 00:41:11.779 in heaven. 00:41:12.759 --> 00:41:13.119 Friends, 00:41:13.199 --> 00:41:14.679 this is the ultimate 00:41:14.679 --> 00:41:16.519 hope of the gospel. 00:41:17.439 --> 00:41:18.039 That though 00:41:18.039 --> 00:41:19.339 our sins are red 00:41:19.339 --> 00:41:20.079 like scarlet, 00:41:20.199 --> 00:41:21.179 Jesus will wash them 00:41:21.179 --> 00:41:21.899 white as snow. 00:41:23.579 --> 00:41:23.919 Friends, 00:41:24.000 --> 00:41:24.619 Jesus comes 00:41:24.619 --> 00:41:25.159 and offers us 00:41:25.159 --> 00:41:26.159 forgiveness of sins. 00:41:27.159 --> 00:41:28.399 How will we respond? 00:41:30.279 --> 00:41:30.719 Friends, 00:41:30.759 --> 00:41:31.679 will we come to Jesus 00:41:31.679 --> 00:41:32.939 with fledgling faith? 00:41:32.940 --> 00:41:34.260 Lord, 00:41:34.360 --> 00:41:34.860 I believe, 00:41:34.960 --> 00:41:36.179 but help my unbelief. 00:41:37.639 --> 00:41:38.079 Will we, 00:41:39.360 --> 00:41:40.280 like the Gadarenes, 00:41:40.360 --> 00:41:41.220 ask him to leave? 00:41:41.860 --> 00:41:42.440 Will we say, 00:41:42.559 --> 00:41:43.619 that's offensive to me, 00:41:43.700 --> 00:41:45.079 how dare you call me a sinner? 00:41:45.920 --> 00:41:47.460 Will we beg him to leave 00:41:47.460 --> 00:41:48.380 and take his message 00:41:48.380 --> 00:41:49.320 to someone else? 00:41:51.039 --> 00:41:51.380 Friends, 00:41:51.500 --> 00:41:52.000 amazingly, 00:41:52.360 --> 00:41:53.720 Jesus doesn't impose 00:41:53.720 --> 00:41:54.579 his will upon us. 00:41:54.720 --> 00:41:55.860 Jesus offers us 00:41:55.860 --> 00:41:56.740 the opportunity 00:41:56.740 --> 00:41:58.440 to receive his grace, 00:41:58.519 --> 00:41:59.400 but he doesn't impose 00:41:59.400 --> 00:42:00.900 it upon us. 00:42:00.900 --> 00:42:02.200 In a way, 00:42:02.320 --> 00:42:03.099 he's warning us 00:42:03.099 --> 00:42:03.980 of what's to come, 00:42:04.340 --> 00:42:05.940 but he offers us 00:42:05.940 --> 00:42:07.240 amnesty. 00:42:07.420 --> 00:42:08.579 He offers us his grace. 00:42:08.880 --> 00:42:09.019 Friends, 00:42:09.059 --> 00:42:09.820 how will we respond 00:42:09.820 --> 00:42:10.320 this morning? 00:42:12.300 --> 00:42:12.740 Friends, 00:42:12.840 --> 00:42:13.360 many of us 00:42:13.360 --> 00:42:13.980 are drowning 00:42:13.980 --> 00:42:15.519 in sin right now, 00:42:15.619 --> 00:42:16.619 even as we speak. 00:42:17.300 --> 00:42:18.200 We must do 00:42:18.200 --> 00:42:19.300 what the disciples did. 00:42:19.800 --> 00:42:21.099 We must come to Jesus 00:42:21.099 --> 00:42:21.460 and say, 00:42:21.619 --> 00:42:21.920 Lord, 00:42:22.099 --> 00:42:22.559 save us, 00:42:22.599 --> 00:42:23.240 we are drowning. 00:42:25.079 --> 00:42:26.180 Jesus is gracious 00:42:26.180 --> 00:42:26.900 and compassionate, 00:42:26.900 --> 00:42:27.800 even to those 00:42:27.800 --> 00:42:28.639 with fragile 00:42:28.639 --> 00:42:29.720 and fledgling faith, 00:42:29.840 --> 00:42:30.619 even to those 00:42:30.619 --> 00:42:31.440 with weak faith. 00:42:32.099 --> 00:42:32.799 Come to him, 00:42:32.880 --> 00:42:33.759 even weak faith 00:42:33.759 --> 00:42:35.039 is faith still. 00:42:36.139 --> 00:42:36.440 Friends, 00:42:36.500 --> 00:42:36.839 some of us 00:42:36.839 --> 00:42:37.400 think of ourselves 00:42:37.400 --> 00:42:37.980 as Christians, 00:42:38.139 --> 00:42:38.539 but really, 00:42:38.659 --> 00:42:39.859 we've never come to Jesus. 00:42:40.619 --> 00:42:41.359 We are slaves 00:42:41.359 --> 00:42:42.039 to our sin 00:42:42.039 --> 00:42:44.539 and we can't, 00:42:44.639 --> 00:42:44.799 friends, 00:42:44.859 --> 00:42:45.579 I've got to tell you, 00:42:45.679 --> 00:42:46.659 you cannot save yourself. 00:42:47.199 --> 00:42:48.359 You cannot do enough, 00:42:48.460 --> 00:42:49.559 you cannot serve enough, 00:42:49.679 --> 00:42:50.920 you cannot earn enough 00:42:50.920 --> 00:42:51.960 to merit 00:42:51.960 --> 00:42:53.319 or earn your salvation. 00:42:54.420 --> 00:42:55.099 One of the things 00:42:55.099 --> 00:42:56.059 that Jesus wants to tell us 00:42:56.059 --> 00:42:56.900 is we are all, 00:42:57.019 --> 00:42:58.239 all of us, 00:42:58.299 --> 00:42:58.880 like the disciples, 00:42:59.000 --> 00:42:59.519 are in a storm 00:42:59.519 --> 00:43:01.099 and there is nothing 00:43:01.099 --> 00:43:01.659 we can do 00:43:01.659 --> 00:43:02.500 to save ourselves 00:43:02.500 --> 00:43:03.019 from the storm 00:43:03.019 --> 00:43:03.539 that's coming. 00:43:04.159 --> 00:43:04.400 Friends, 00:43:04.440 --> 00:43:05.920 you cannot save yourself. 00:43:06.880 --> 00:43:08.179 You can only cast yourself 00:43:08.179 --> 00:43:09.340 at the mercy of Jesus. 00:43:10.559 --> 00:43:11.420 We have to do 00:43:11.420 --> 00:43:12.259 what the disciples did. 00:43:12.320 --> 00:43:13.360 We have to come to him. 00:43:14.259 --> 00:43:14.559 Friends, 00:43:14.639 --> 00:43:15.579 many are drowning, 00:43:15.719 --> 00:43:16.420 but we refuse 00:43:16.420 --> 00:43:17.159 to come to him. 00:43:17.840 --> 00:43:19.039 We ask him to leave. 00:43:19.259 --> 00:43:20.139 Jesus is here. 00:43:20.239 --> 00:43:21.039 He's here to save. 00:43:21.139 --> 00:43:21.860 He's here to forgive 00:43:21.860 --> 00:43:23.000 when we come to him today. 00:43:24.199 --> 00:43:24.460 Friends, 00:43:24.460 --> 00:43:25.420 some of us are Christians, 00:43:25.619 --> 00:43:27.639 but maybe we've wandered so far. 00:43:28.059 --> 00:43:29.840 We've drifted so far gone 00:43:29.840 --> 00:43:30.800 and we don't even know 00:43:30.800 --> 00:43:32.320 will Jesus accept us again. 00:43:33.220 --> 00:43:33.500 Friends, 00:43:33.539 --> 00:43:34.480 the good news of the gospel 00:43:34.480 --> 00:43:36.699 is Jesus is compassionate 00:43:36.699 --> 00:43:37.280 and gracious. 00:43:37.440 --> 00:43:38.960 If only we will come to him. 00:43:39.420 --> 00:43:40.519 If we'll come to him 00:43:40.519 --> 00:43:41.820 in simple faith. 00:43:42.099 --> 00:43:42.900 Weak faith still, 00:43:43.019 --> 00:43:43.519 but faith. 00:43:44.079 --> 00:43:45.059 If we'll come to him 00:43:45.059 --> 00:43:45.740 in repentance. 00:43:46.699 --> 00:43:47.639 If we'll come to him 00:43:47.639 --> 00:43:48.320 in sincerity. 00:43:49.460 --> 00:43:49.840 Friends, 00:43:49.940 --> 00:43:50.880 we're going to take communion 00:43:50.880 --> 00:43:51.840 in a few minutes' time. 00:43:51.960 --> 00:43:52.900 Dan is going to lead us 00:43:52.900 --> 00:43:53.480 in communion. 00:43:53.480 --> 00:43:54.500 And I want to ask us 00:43:54.500 --> 00:43:55.559 to come in sincerity. 00:43:56.240 --> 00:43:57.219 Don't come dishonestly. 00:43:57.420 --> 00:43:58.139 Don't just come 00:43:58.139 --> 00:43:58.920 and go through the motions. 00:43:59.139 --> 00:44:00.740 Let's come to King Jesus, 00:44:01.079 --> 00:44:02.360 the one we sang about 00:44:02.360 --> 00:44:02.960 this morning. 00:44:03.519 --> 00:44:04.559 Come to him in surrender. 00:44:05.119 --> 00:44:06.079 Come to him in repentance. 00:44:06.800 --> 00:44:08.079 But let's come to him now. 00:44:08.900 --> 00:44:09.539 Jesus is the one 00:44:09.539 --> 00:44:10.219 who has authority 00:44:10.219 --> 00:44:11.420 over all of creation. 00:44:12.159 --> 00:44:12.820 Jesus is the one 00:44:12.820 --> 00:44:13.460 who has authority 00:44:13.460 --> 00:44:15.219 over demons and evil. 00:44:15.880 --> 00:44:17.380 Jesus who has authority 00:44:17.380 --> 00:44:18.340 to forgive us 00:44:18.340 --> 00:44:18.940 of our sins 00:44:18.940 --> 00:44:20.159 and to welcome us 00:44:20.159 --> 00:44:20.780 into our family. 00:44:20.780 --> 00:44:22.120 Jesus who has authority 00:44:22.120 --> 00:44:25.080 to offer compassion 00:44:25.080 --> 00:44:25.600 and mercy 00:44:25.600 --> 00:44:27.140 to sinners like you and me. 00:44:27.640 --> 00:44:29.260 Let's come to him now.