WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.339 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.759 --> 00:00:10.500 ! Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us. 00:00:10.500 --> 00:00:19.800 ! Amen. That is a sermon and a song. It's good stuff. Thank you all. 00:00:19.800 --> 00:00:25.640 You don't want to skip over the other sermon though, right? We can still do the other one. 00:00:25.640 --> 00:00:31.920 No voting for that. We're studying through the book of Hebrews. 00:00:33.719 --> 00:00:42.100 Hebrews is a sermon written to an early church to urge them to hold on to Jesus because of His 00:00:42.100 --> 00:00:50.600 incomparable greatness. Last week, we started a long section of the book that talks about how Jesus 00:00:50.600 --> 00:00:59.480 is our great high priest, greater than any other priest. We talked about the fact that we need a 00:00:59.480 --> 00:01:09.400 priest to be our representative with God, to bring us access to God, the one who made us for relationship 00:01:09.400 --> 00:01:17.359 with Himself. We need that and we need a priest for that. Before we read this next passage, I want us to 00:01:17.359 --> 00:01:25.120 see this, what may be for many of us, an unfamiliar concept of our needing a priest through another 00:01:25.120 --> 00:01:36.939 lens. Let me ask it this way. Have you ever felt alone in this world? Have you ever felt alone in this 00:01:36.939 --> 00:01:46.780 world? I've told you before that when Christy and I were newlyweds and we were in seminary, we got pregnant. 00:01:47.359 --> 00:01:58.060 We were so excited. And then we miscarried our first child. It was hard on so many levels, 00:01:58.719 --> 00:02:10.159 but I remember having that feeling of being alone. We had prayed. We had asked God to care for our baby. 00:02:10.159 --> 00:02:16.680 And here we were, we thought we were doing what He wanted us to be doing. Where was He? 00:02:18.819 --> 00:02:26.539 On top of that, Christy and I were experiencing grief differently from one another. And so, 00:02:27.000 --> 00:02:35.000 we're the only two who knew at first. Then for a while, very few other people knew. And I felt alone 00:02:35.000 --> 00:02:44.080 in that. I was so discouraged after having been so excited. And with all those emotions, could I 00:02:44.080 --> 00:02:49.400 really talk to God about how I was feeling when that, I mean, that didn't turn out so great last time. 00:02:49.400 --> 00:03:01.280 I would learn soon how untrue this was, but I remember feeling alone in the world that day. 00:03:01.280 --> 00:03:12.479 Maybe you can relate to that feeling in one way or another. Perhaps you've been in a season of praying 00:03:12.479 --> 00:03:20.819 to God for good friends and then an injury comes and you're not able to be a part of that team or you 00:03:20.819 --> 00:03:26.280 get, you feel like you're losing out on a group of friends, right? The opposite of what you've been asking for. 00:03:28.120 --> 00:03:37.400 Maybe it's a breakup or a divorce and you're left hurting and feeling like no one really understands you, 00:03:37.539 --> 00:03:46.419 your specific experience. Perhaps you're later in life and you've lost loved ones. 00:03:46.419 --> 00:03:56.779 You feel like you're not able to engage the same way physically or mentally, just limited more than it used to be. 00:03:58.560 --> 00:04:06.139 Maybe for you, you've chased after sin and you know it. You've gotten stuck in addiction or you've run away 00:04:06.139 --> 00:04:13.479 from God and from others just hiding for so long that honestly, you look around and you say, no one knows the real me. 00:04:13.479 --> 00:04:18.379 And God seems like the last person that I could talk to about that. 00:04:20.500 --> 00:04:25.579 The first people reading Hebrews can relate to that feeling. 00:04:26.680 --> 00:04:32.339 They've embraced this Jesus whom some of them may have actually met in the flesh. 00:04:33.480 --> 00:04:38.360 They talk all about him, they sing about him, but he's not around anymore. 00:04:38.360 --> 00:04:44.660 They've lost so much of the community that they used to enjoy at the synagogue, 00:04:45.300 --> 00:04:51.040 plus the priests there and the sacrifices and the other things that reminded them about God. 00:04:51.120 --> 00:04:52.180 They're not around anymore. 00:04:52.720 --> 00:04:54.840 And now life is getting hard. 00:04:57.340 --> 00:04:58.780 Persecution is real. 00:04:58.879 --> 00:05:05.400 They've got other struggles already, but now the Romans are ramping up persecution and they're feeling the heat. 00:05:05.399 --> 00:05:09.279 Some of their fellow church members had just quit showing up altogether. 00:05:10.259 --> 00:05:15.079 And they've been praying for unity, for endurance, for perseverance. 00:05:15.759 --> 00:05:17.239 Was God even there? 00:05:18.120 --> 00:05:20.139 Was anyone listening to them? 00:05:20.339 --> 00:05:22.399 Was anyone fighting on their side? 00:05:23.959 --> 00:05:30.779 Or were they really alone to navigate an increasingly hostile world? 00:05:31.779 --> 00:05:33.339 That they lived in each day. 00:05:33.339 --> 00:05:37.079 They wondered, are we alone? 00:05:37.699 --> 00:05:41.579 Even in a room full of people, are we alone in this world? 00:05:43.479 --> 00:05:50.000 Hebrews speaks to these feelings and it offers hope in these struggles. 00:05:50.120 --> 00:05:56.359 As God continues to tell us about Jesus as our great high priest, that's why this matters. 00:05:58.099 --> 00:06:01.000 Let's listen to Hebrews chapter 5 at verse 1. 00:06:01.000 --> 00:06:04.480 This is God's word for our good. 00:06:06.240 --> 00:06:13.199 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, 00:06:13.300 --> 00:06:16.439 to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 00:06:17.000 --> 00:06:22.560 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward since he himself is beset with weakness. 00:06:23.459 --> 00:06:27.500 Because of this, he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins, 00:06:27.500 --> 00:06:30.240 just as he does for those of the people. 00:06:31.040 --> 00:06:36.600 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. 00:06:37.240 --> 00:06:41.060 So also, Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, 00:06:41.180 --> 00:06:43.579 but was appointed by him who said to him, 00:06:43.939 --> 00:06:47.079 you are my son, today I have begotten you. 00:06:47.939 --> 00:06:49.839 As he also says in another place, 00:06:49.839 --> 00:06:53.979 you are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. 00:06:55.379 --> 00:07:03.620 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears 00:07:03.620 --> 00:07:07.419 to him who was able to save him from death. 00:07:07.979 --> 00:07:10.539 And he was heard because of his reverence. 00:07:11.099 --> 00:07:14.459 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 00:07:14.459 --> 00:07:21.419 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him. 00:07:21.719 --> 00:07:27.439 Being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. 00:07:27.979 --> 00:07:29.099 This is God's word. 00:07:29.459 --> 00:07:30.539 Let's ask for his help. 00:07:34.060 --> 00:07:36.240 Father, would you speak to us now? 00:07:36.419 --> 00:07:39.839 We are those who need to hear your voice. 00:07:39.839 --> 00:07:47.279 Those who are prone to feeling like we may be alone and maybe you don't see us or hear us. 00:07:48.399 --> 00:07:51.219 Would you make yourself clear to us this morning? 00:07:51.739 --> 00:07:54.699 Reveal yourself through your word, by your spirit. 00:07:55.659 --> 00:07:57.399 We ask in the name of your son. 00:07:58.339 --> 00:07:58.620 Amen. 00:08:02.879 --> 00:08:06.739 This passage opens up by reminding us of the qualifications 00:08:06.740 --> 00:08:10.920 for being a high priest in the Old Testament. 00:08:10.920 --> 00:08:18.879 That basic idea we said last week was a representative for mankind in the presence of God. 00:08:19.920 --> 00:08:26.780 In other words, the high priest had a close connection to God's people and to God himself, right? 00:08:27.420 --> 00:08:34.500 He acts especially, it says, on behalf of men in relation to God. 00:08:34.500 --> 00:08:40.519 He's a mediator, a go-between, keeping God and man connected. 00:08:41.139 --> 00:08:43.259 That's what the sacrifices are all about, right? 00:08:43.419 --> 00:08:48.340 He offers sacrifices to God on behalf of those people who bring them. 00:08:48.460 --> 00:08:49.940 That's what the priest does. 00:08:50.139 --> 00:08:51.679 I think you get the idea. 00:08:51.799 --> 00:08:59.220 The high priest has to be qualified to represent the people and to be with God. 00:08:59.659 --> 00:09:00.620 Both of those things. 00:09:00.620 --> 00:09:05.120 First, he highlights here that he's connected to humanity. 00:09:06.539 --> 00:09:12.120 This is that idea we saw generally last week that he understands, that he can relate. 00:09:12.480 --> 00:09:19.179 He can be gentle with weak people because he's one of them, verse 2 says. 00:09:19.899 --> 00:09:26.060 I mean, can you imagine all of the people coming to the high priest with all of the stuff, 00:09:26.059 --> 00:09:34.779 all their situations, I ate the wrong thing, I touched the wrong thing, I lost my temper with 00:09:34.779 --> 00:09:44.659 my kids, I forgot to clean my room, I stole from my boss, I think, I violated the Sabbath, 00:09:45.159 --> 00:09:47.619 maybe, I don't know, did I, high priest? 00:09:47.620 --> 00:09:51.980 Think of all the stories he heard, right? 00:09:52.060 --> 00:09:53.539 Can you even imagine? 00:09:54.100 --> 00:09:59.139 These people needed to know what to do about their sins, especially the unintentional ones. 00:09:59.320 --> 00:10:00.419 Maybe they didn't even understand. 00:10:01.080 --> 00:10:04.879 What sacrifice should they make to honor their relationship with God? 00:10:04.940 --> 00:10:06.179 They had to ask the priest. 00:10:08.120 --> 00:10:12.220 The high priest needed to be able to respond truthfully, right? 00:10:12.220 --> 00:10:20.860 Honestly, not minimizing sin, that's important, but being gentle and tender as well. 00:10:22.139 --> 00:10:25.860 The high priest is not supposed to scoff and say, seriously? 00:10:26.779 --> 00:10:28.379 You did what? 00:10:29.220 --> 00:10:29.860 Again? 00:10:31.000 --> 00:10:31.860 What an idiot. 00:10:33.060 --> 00:10:35.460 No, that's not the high priest. 00:10:36.620 --> 00:10:39.940 No, he actually gets the struggle, right? 00:10:39.940 --> 00:10:46.420 Maybe he lost his temper with one of his kids before he came to the temple that morning. 00:10:47.500 --> 00:10:49.280 My kids were asleep when I left this morning. 00:10:49.360 --> 00:10:50.880 This is hypothetical, okay? 00:10:52.300 --> 00:10:54.980 Maybe, maybe he understands. 00:10:56.380 --> 00:11:01.180 He deals with pain and lust and greed and sickness. 00:11:02.340 --> 00:11:05.740 You can't surprise him when you bring your mess to him. 00:11:05.740 --> 00:11:13.000 In fact, the high priest himself may be our best reminder that weakness and ignorance and limited 00:11:13.000 --> 00:11:16.980 understanding of God shouldn't keep us from God. 00:11:17.180 --> 00:11:17.500 No. 00:11:17.879 --> 00:11:23.639 No, in fact, God himself is drawn to our weakness and our need for him. 00:11:23.840 --> 00:11:27.440 The one who comes closest to God, he's weak too. 00:11:27.659 --> 00:11:28.779 Don't forget that. 00:11:28.779 --> 00:11:37.980 And it's for just this reason that the priest also brought sacrifices for his own sins. 00:11:38.319 --> 00:11:42.879 Now, you can read about this in great detail all over the book of Leviticus. 00:11:43.000 --> 00:11:44.679 I'm just going to show you a couple places. 00:11:45.240 --> 00:11:49.559 And I'm doing this because it's important that we understand this concept. 00:11:49.559 --> 00:11:56.339 Because those of us who are priests or pastors these days, we have these same issues. 00:11:57.779 --> 00:12:03.279 Right at the beginning of the whole sacrificial system that God puts in place, it says the first 00:12:03.279 --> 00:12:08.459 thing he says, if anyone sins, and there's a lot of possible people who could sin, what's 00:12:08.459 --> 00:12:10.379 the first example God comes up with? 00:12:11.039 --> 00:12:14.459 If the anointed priest is the one who sins. 00:12:15.159 --> 00:12:16.659 That had crossed God's mind. 00:12:16.659 --> 00:12:22.039 He has provision for that right at the beginning of the everyday sacrificial system. 00:12:22.139 --> 00:12:24.600 God's not surprised the priest will be a sinner. 00:12:25.759 --> 00:12:31.459 Later, on this special day of atonement, the day when God especially is going to deal with 00:12:31.459 --> 00:12:40.259 the sins of his people, even after the priest puts on all the holy garments, and he gets ready 00:12:40.259 --> 00:12:45.159 to enter the holy place, he's had a good bath and everything, what does he still have to do 00:12:45.159 --> 00:12:45.759 first? 00:12:46.659 --> 00:12:54.659 He has to sacrifice a bull as a sin offering for himself and his family. 00:12:55.559 --> 00:13:01.120 Only then, not until he's done that and gone through a whole process and God has accepted 00:13:01.120 --> 00:13:05.559 the sacrifice, can he offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people. 00:13:05.559 --> 00:13:16.559 I just want to remind you to pray for your leaders to be quick and deep at repentance, at running 00:13:16.559 --> 00:13:23.179 to Jesus with their own sins so that they can be restored to him, so that they can then restore 00:13:23.179 --> 00:13:28.059 you with gentleness because they know what it's like to sin and they know what it's like 00:13:28.059 --> 00:13:29.059 to be forgiven. 00:13:29.059 --> 00:13:31.519 This is a huge deal. 00:13:31.519 --> 00:13:39.519 I'd love to talk about it more, but it's also not the main point of this passage. 00:13:39.519 --> 00:13:41.519 Human leaders are not the focus. 00:13:41.519 --> 00:13:44.519 Jesus is, actually, the great high priest. 00:13:44.519 --> 00:13:45.519 So, let's keep going. 00:13:45.519 --> 00:13:53.379 The high priest is connected to humanity, yes, but equally important, he's called by God. 00:13:54.519 --> 00:14:02.899 Verse 4, no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron 00:14:02.899 --> 00:14:03.460 was. 00:14:03.519 --> 00:14:06.259 Aaron, the first high priest. 00:14:06.259 --> 00:14:08.819 And you would assume that's what's happened, right? 00:14:08.840 --> 00:14:13.879 It was Aaron and then his son and then his son all the way down, but actually, we know 00:14:13.879 --> 00:14:20.259 that the priesthood had been corrupted for decades before Jesus arrives. 00:14:20.600 --> 00:14:24.419 Priest after priest were not even Levites. 00:14:25.340 --> 00:14:29.700 They weren't descendants of Aaron as God required in his word. 00:14:29.700 --> 00:14:35.700 See, what had happened is that many men, especially recently, the Romans, had started using 00:14:36.259 --> 00:14:42.919 those positions to appoint high priests for political influence, for good alliances or 00:14:42.919 --> 00:14:49.779 so they could keep control of things, using the religious power of God's people for worldly 00:14:49.779 --> 00:14:50.759 purposes. 00:14:51.620 --> 00:14:56.899 Friends, be warned, religion is not to be used for selfish gain. 00:14:57.220 --> 00:14:58.439 It's not a game. 00:14:58.720 --> 00:15:02.500 It's not to be co-opted for the purposes of power. 00:15:03.139 --> 00:15:03.679 No. 00:15:03.679 --> 00:15:03.819 No. 00:15:04.399 --> 00:15:12.879 God calls qualified representatives to serve his people before him, like Aaron and his 00:15:12.879 --> 00:15:16.559 descendants called to be the priestly tribe. 00:15:17.019 --> 00:15:18.019 Make sure. 00:15:19.239 --> 00:15:22.959 But that presents a problem for us, doesn't it? 00:15:23.000 --> 00:15:25.759 Because which tribe did Jesus come from? 00:15:26.039 --> 00:15:28.659 Is Jesus from the tribe of Levi, the priestly tribe? 00:15:28.659 --> 00:15:29.259 No. 00:15:29.259 --> 00:15:30.299 No. 00:15:30.299 --> 00:15:30.459 No. 00:15:31.339 --> 00:15:37.719 Jesus is from the tribe of Judah, the royal family line of David, right? 00:15:39.360 --> 00:15:47.100 And so, the author wants to make clear that Jesus actually fits and even exceeds the qualifications 00:15:47.100 --> 00:15:49.019 of a high priest. 00:15:49.279 --> 00:15:53.539 God appointed Jesus to this role, he says. 00:15:53.539 --> 00:15:56.459 Look back to Psalm 2, it's right there in his word. 00:15:56.759 --> 00:15:58.980 Appointed son and king. 00:15:59.360 --> 00:16:04.439 And then Psalm 110, where the king is appointed to be priest. 00:16:04.440 --> 00:16:09.620 We're going to talk about this Melchizedek guy later. 00:16:11.060 --> 00:16:16.540 He's a minor Old Testament character who gets a lot of attention later in Hebrews, so we're 00:16:16.540 --> 00:16:17.780 going to come back to it. 00:16:17.779 --> 00:16:26.799 But for now, for today, know that Melchizedek is an example of a king appointed by God as 00:16:26.799 --> 00:16:31.679 a permanent priest, even though he wasn't a descendant in Aaron's line. 00:16:32.000 --> 00:16:35.360 So, there's precedent for this, the author is telling us. 00:16:35.659 --> 00:16:38.240 God can appoint someone to this role. 00:16:38.459 --> 00:16:41.399 Jesus was called by God. 00:16:41.399 --> 00:16:48.139 God, and that's important, but if that's the case, is he truly connected to humanity? 00:16:48.299 --> 00:16:49.840 Because we need both, right? 00:16:52.519 --> 00:16:57.379 If you've gotten lost or distracted at this point, I understand it's a lot of priest talk 00:16:57.379 --> 00:16:58.620 and Old Testament stuff. 00:17:00.019 --> 00:17:01.419 Don't get distracted now. 00:17:01.519 --> 00:17:02.340 Don't miss this. 00:17:02.659 --> 00:17:05.759 These next verses are so good. 00:17:05.759 --> 00:17:13.279 Can Jesus relate to our struggles, to our feeling alone in this world? 00:17:13.339 --> 00:17:14.539 Look at verse 7. 00:17:14.859 --> 00:17:16.319 You bet he can. 00:17:16.879 --> 00:17:24.720 It takes us most vividly to the Garden of Gethsemane on the way to the cross, right, where we're told 00:17:24.720 --> 00:17:31.460 Jesus is alone while his closest friends in the world fall fast asleep. 00:17:31.460 --> 00:17:42.140 While God, his father, hears his prayers through loud cries and tears and sweating drops of blood 00:17:42.140 --> 00:17:46.980 and agony, but does God spare him from death on the cross? 00:17:49.559 --> 00:17:50.400 No. 00:17:52.400 --> 00:17:53.860 Now, let's be clear. 00:17:53.859 --> 00:18:02.139 Jesus was heard, especially in his reverent submission to his father's will. 00:18:02.279 --> 00:18:06.659 Not my will, father, but yours be done. 00:18:07.359 --> 00:18:11.959 God does hear even when he's not answering the way we want him to. 00:18:13.619 --> 00:18:18.199 And certainly there was a sense in which God would deliver Jesus from death, wasn't there? 00:18:18.219 --> 00:18:19.839 How did God deliver Jesus from death? 00:18:19.839 --> 00:18:24.299 Through the resurrection, eventually, that was coming. 00:18:24.919 --> 00:18:33.740 But the longing that Jesus expressed to avoid the pangs of death, the punishment of sin that he would bear for others on the cross, 00:18:34.079 --> 00:18:35.799 it's not granted. 00:18:35.799 --> 00:18:45.339 Do you think Jesus understands those dark times when you've prayed? 00:18:46.779 --> 00:18:55.440 You've asked God for something maybe over and over, and God promises, he hears, but nothing seems to go the way you ask. 00:18:56.240 --> 00:18:57.919 It doesn't change anything, you feel. 00:18:57.920 --> 00:19:01.420 Your child keeps wandering. 00:19:02.880 --> 00:19:04.800 Your loved one keeps declining. 00:19:05.320 --> 00:19:08.080 Your dark depression keeps returning. 00:19:10.560 --> 00:19:16.300 When you start to wonder if it would be better to try to handle things yourself, 00:19:16.400 --> 00:19:17.900 because you're just alone in the world, 00:19:19.060 --> 00:19:23.060 than to trust this God to come through for you, 00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:25.940 does Jesus understand that feeling? 00:19:25.940 --> 00:19:25.960 Does Jesus understand that feeling? 00:19:27.920 --> 00:19:29.279 Absolutely, he does. 00:19:29.720 --> 00:19:36.160 He has entered that exact situation that he feels most distant in. 00:19:36.259 --> 00:19:37.940 He has entered into it. 00:19:38.259 --> 00:19:42.880 Friend, you are not navigating life alone, 00:19:43.259 --> 00:19:44.700 even when it feels like it. 00:19:45.060 --> 00:19:47.420 And he knows that it does, 00:19:47.779 --> 00:19:48.740 so he says, 00:19:49.120 --> 00:19:50.300 I'm with you. 00:19:51.300 --> 00:19:52.580 Don't be afraid. 00:19:52.579 --> 00:19:55.899 And then verse 8. 00:19:56.679 --> 00:19:58.159 Although he was a son, 00:19:58.519 --> 00:20:02.279 he learned obedience through what he suffered. 00:20:03.119 --> 00:20:06.019 Obedience is certainly not natural for us. 00:20:06.439 --> 00:20:09.119 You don't even have to go down to the nursery to prove that, 00:20:09.319 --> 00:20:09.859 although you could. 00:20:10.279 --> 00:20:11.519 Adults will do just fine. 00:20:12.220 --> 00:20:14.759 We're not great at obedience, 00:20:14.759 --> 00:20:18.920 but it is needful to learn, isn't it? 00:20:20.920 --> 00:20:24.240 Can we really talk about Jesus that same way? 00:20:25.339 --> 00:20:27.960 He learned obedience? 00:20:27.960 --> 00:20:32.140 Does that mean that he used to be disobedient? 00:20:33.740 --> 00:20:34.340 No. 00:20:35.299 --> 00:20:42.519 It's saying that he doesn't merely remain blissfully obedient in heaven forever. 00:20:42.519 --> 00:20:45.859 Rather, he enters into our world, 00:20:46.160 --> 00:20:47.599 into real temptation, 00:20:48.319 --> 00:20:49.839 into real suffering, 00:20:50.359 --> 00:20:52.359 and into that real struggle, 00:20:52.500 --> 00:20:57.079 and he learns how to continue obeying in that context. 00:20:57.240 --> 00:20:59.960 He learns how to obey when it counts, 00:21:00.299 --> 00:21:01.799 when the game is on the line, 00:21:02.079 --> 00:21:05.500 when submission to God's will is required, 00:21:05.680 --> 00:21:08.379 not merely just doing my own will perfectly. 00:21:08.539 --> 00:21:11.379 That's not really all that hard to obey myself, right? 00:21:11.380 --> 00:21:15.180 I'll just perfectly do whatever I want and say I'm obeying. 00:21:15.300 --> 00:21:15.460 No. 00:21:15.720 --> 00:21:16.520 This is when, 00:21:17.780 --> 00:21:19.240 well, when Jesus is betrayed, 00:21:19.940 --> 00:21:23.100 but doesn't respond with vengeance. 00:21:24.820 --> 00:21:28.120 When Jesus is unjustly accused, 00:21:29.100 --> 00:21:30.920 and he's harshly treated, 00:21:31.200 --> 00:21:33.560 but he doesn't respond with unforgiveness, 00:21:34.360 --> 00:21:35.600 which would be so natural. 00:21:38.140 --> 00:21:40.840 See, Jesus was already God's son. 00:21:40.839 --> 00:21:43.480 That's not a change in position. 00:21:43.599 --> 00:21:46.159 He's this perfectly obedient son, 00:21:46.279 --> 00:21:50.179 but he hadn't yet been a son in this context. 00:21:50.379 --> 00:21:52.359 That's what the author is saying. 00:21:52.659 --> 00:21:55.119 You could think of it like a human son 00:21:55.119 --> 00:21:58.099 who's about to inherit his father's business. 00:21:58.819 --> 00:22:00.079 His father's gonna retire, 00:22:00.199 --> 00:22:01.399 give the business to his son, 00:22:01.779 --> 00:22:05.000 but he has first to learn every aspect of it, 00:22:05.039 --> 00:22:06.359 not just how to be the boss, 00:22:06.359 --> 00:22:10.179 but every aspect of the business from the ground up, 00:22:10.319 --> 00:22:14.019 from the lowest level employee with the dirt under his fingernails, 00:22:14.119 --> 00:22:15.879 to the guys above them, 00:22:15.879 --> 00:22:16.979 all the way up. 00:22:16.980 --> 00:22:22.240 Then he'll be ready to take the position of son 00:22:22.240 --> 00:22:25.339 with all it entails in that company. 00:22:27.920 --> 00:22:30.579 Y'all, submission in suffering 00:22:30.579 --> 00:22:35.579 is the process through which God shapes, 00:22:35.740 --> 00:22:40.339 like a diamond forged in heat and pressure, 00:22:40.339 --> 00:22:43.740 God shapes some of his most beautiful people, 00:22:44.139 --> 00:22:48.519 displays some of his most wonderful glory, isn't it? 00:22:48.659 --> 00:22:50.179 That's how he works. 00:22:50.639 --> 00:22:55.139 So it's not merely that God's great and glorious 00:22:55.139 --> 00:22:57.480 and far off and above others, 00:22:57.599 --> 00:23:01.500 but he's a God who hurts and hungers. 00:23:02.500 --> 00:23:04.439 He's a God who dwells with the lowly 00:23:04.439 --> 00:23:06.000 and is near the brokenhearted. 00:23:06.000 --> 00:23:08.339 He's a God who faces temptation 00:23:08.339 --> 00:23:11.299 and after resisting and obeying, 00:23:11.680 --> 00:23:14.019 still bears our sin. 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:19.519 That's what Jesus was doing as he learned obedience. 00:23:19.799 --> 00:23:21.039 Listen to these beautiful words 00:23:21.039 --> 00:23:25.160 from Bible teacher Nancy Guthrie about Jesus here. 00:23:26.480 --> 00:23:26.980 She says, 00:23:27.299 --> 00:23:29.660 his was not automatic obedience, 00:23:30.200 --> 00:23:32.119 it was authentic obedience. 00:23:32.119 --> 00:23:36.559 This obedience was prayed for and begged for 00:23:36.559 --> 00:23:40.519 and cried out for and wept over with tears. 00:23:41.579 --> 00:23:43.119 Jesus learned through his own experience 00:23:43.639 --> 00:23:46.599 what it feels like for obedience to God 00:23:46.599 --> 00:23:49.839 to cost something, something painful. 00:23:51.859 --> 00:23:52.579 Wow. 00:23:54.000 --> 00:23:57.859 Have you learned that kind of obedience? 00:23:57.859 --> 00:24:02.439 Is it possible that you're learning 00:24:02.439 --> 00:24:05.259 that kind of obedience right now? 00:24:07.059 --> 00:24:09.500 If so, I want to say to you, friend, 00:24:10.099 --> 00:24:15.099 you are not facing the struggles of life alone, 00:24:16.240 --> 00:24:18.199 even when it feels like it. 00:24:18.500 --> 00:24:20.039 And he knows it does, 00:24:20.259 --> 00:24:21.019 so he says, 00:24:21.299 --> 00:24:23.899 I'm strengthening you in your weakness. 00:24:24.059 --> 00:24:24.879 That's how I work. 00:24:25.139 --> 00:24:25.959 Don't give in. 00:24:25.960 --> 00:24:29.640 You can stand because I'm your strength. 00:24:32.079 --> 00:24:33.140 Verse nine. 00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:35.400 Being made perfect, 00:24:36.220 --> 00:24:39.019 he became the source of eternal salvation 00:24:39.019 --> 00:24:40.680 to all who obey him. 00:24:42.779 --> 00:24:44.079 Made perfect? 00:24:45.539 --> 00:24:47.299 You getting uncomfortable yet? 00:24:47.640 --> 00:24:49.140 He's pushing the envelope here, isn't he? 00:24:49.340 --> 00:24:50.799 Was Jesus imperfect? 00:24:52.180 --> 00:24:52.960 No. 00:24:53.759 --> 00:24:55.460 It's not a moral criticism. 00:24:55.460 --> 00:24:57.100 Of Jesus, right? 00:24:57.200 --> 00:24:57.759 Stay with me. 00:24:58.500 --> 00:25:00.840 God is reminding us that the high priest 00:25:00.840 --> 00:25:02.740 who could actually save us, 00:25:03.140 --> 00:25:06.680 who could represent us before the throne of God, 00:25:06.779 --> 00:25:08.220 who could connect, remember, 00:25:08.500 --> 00:25:10.420 humanity and divinity, 00:25:10.900 --> 00:25:14.500 had to obey when tempted and suffering. 00:25:15.180 --> 00:25:17.000 Jesus came down from heaven 00:25:17.000 --> 00:25:18.360 and was then fitted, 00:25:18.720 --> 00:25:21.180 qualified for the role of high priest 00:25:21.180 --> 00:25:22.180 by trusting God to the end. 00:25:22.180 --> 00:25:23.299 By trusting God to the end. 00:25:23.299 --> 00:25:25.299 By fulfilling all righteousness. 00:25:25.740 --> 00:25:28.980 By paying for our sin on the cross. 00:25:29.060 --> 00:25:30.400 That's what he means. 00:25:30.480 --> 00:25:31.620 Became perfect. 00:25:31.799 --> 00:25:32.600 Became fit. 00:25:32.820 --> 00:25:36.360 He became the source of eternal salvation. 00:25:37.019 --> 00:25:39.560 See, the one who didn't need to make a sacrifice 00:25:39.560 --> 00:25:41.060 for his own sins, right? 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:43.940 But bore the sins of many. 00:25:43.940 --> 00:25:46.900 He truly and finally and eternally 00:25:46.900 --> 00:25:48.900 made sufficient payment 00:25:48.900 --> 00:25:51.660 with his all-sufficient merit 00:25:51.660 --> 00:25:55.640 so that you and I can stand before the God of glory 00:25:55.640 --> 00:25:56.960 without guilt, 00:25:57.620 --> 00:25:59.259 without shame, 00:25:59.799 --> 00:26:03.420 but clothed in the glorious, righteous robes 00:26:03.420 --> 00:26:05.019 of our great high priest. 00:26:05.019 --> 00:26:12.119 Friend, if you will but trust Jesus today, 00:26:12.779 --> 00:26:17.879 if you'll ask him to be your great high priest, 00:26:18.240 --> 00:26:20.680 then no matter how far you've run, 00:26:21.400 --> 00:26:24.200 no matter how low you have fallen, 00:26:24.539 --> 00:26:28.079 no matter how far away God feels, 00:26:28.400 --> 00:26:32.259 you're not standing before God alone, 00:26:32.259 --> 00:26:35.039 alone, even when it feels like it. 00:26:35.700 --> 00:26:37.279 And he knows it does 00:26:37.279 --> 00:26:41.099 because you feel your failure so acutely 00:26:41.099 --> 00:26:43.000 when you think about him, don't you? 00:26:44.900 --> 00:26:46.099 So what does he say? 00:26:47.220 --> 00:26:49.400 He says, it is finished. 00:26:50.059 --> 00:26:52.299 I've paid it all. 00:26:52.599 --> 00:26:55.859 I am ever living to intercede for you 00:26:55.859 --> 00:26:57.220 before the Father. 00:26:57.379 --> 00:26:58.579 I am your advocate, 00:26:58.579 --> 00:27:02.339 your legal representation here to help 00:27:02.339 --> 00:27:04.439 Jesus Christ the righteous. 00:27:04.679 --> 00:27:06.859 He's yours by faith, 00:27:07.099 --> 00:27:08.199 your high priest. 00:27:09.179 --> 00:27:10.799 Listen to how our catechism says 00:27:10.799 --> 00:27:13.519 Jesus serves as our high priest. 00:27:13.839 --> 00:27:16.199 Christ executes the office of a priest 00:27:16.199 --> 00:27:19.240 in his once offering up himself 00:27:19.240 --> 00:27:22.099 a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice 00:27:22.099 --> 00:27:24.679 and to reconcile us to God 00:27:24.679 --> 00:27:31.519 and in making continual intercession for us. 00:27:31.579 --> 00:27:32.419 Do you see that? 00:27:32.899 --> 00:27:36.159 Yes, there's the sacrifice to secure our salvation 00:27:36.159 --> 00:27:39.539 and then the beautiful relationship with God 00:27:39.539 --> 00:27:41.759 that he restores as priest 00:27:41.759 --> 00:27:43.279 and right there with it. 00:27:44.259 --> 00:27:45.659 He doesn't just leave you. 00:27:46.139 --> 00:27:48.480 His ongoing intercession, 00:27:48.699 --> 00:27:50.539 today he's with you. 00:27:50.539 --> 00:27:51.539 You're not alone. 00:27:53.139 --> 00:27:54.440 Listen, I know sometimes 00:27:54.440 --> 00:27:56.759 it feels like he's not there. 00:27:57.779 --> 00:27:59.279 He doesn't know the struggle. 00:28:00.299 --> 00:28:02.940 He'll never accept someone like you 00:28:02.940 --> 00:28:06.059 but he is and he does 00:28:06.059 --> 00:28:07.299 and he will 00:28:07.299 --> 00:28:08.799 and you can count on it 00:28:08.799 --> 00:28:11.200 because we have a great high priest 00:28:11.200 --> 00:28:14.180 who does the job of connecting men 00:28:14.180 --> 00:28:17.139 to God exceedingly well. 00:28:17.500 --> 00:28:18.819 He is so great. 00:28:18.819 --> 00:28:22.379 He stretches to reach the furthest 00:28:22.379 --> 00:28:23.599 and bring us to God. 00:28:23.839 --> 00:28:24.759 Thank you, Jesus, 00:28:25.279 --> 00:28:26.379 that you reached that far 00:28:26.379 --> 00:28:27.659 because you had to go a long way 00:28:27.659 --> 00:28:28.379 to reach to me. 00:28:28.939 --> 00:28:29.139 Amen? 00:28:33.559 --> 00:28:34.619 Let me just notice 00:28:34.619 --> 00:28:36.619 one last wonderful reality 00:28:36.619 --> 00:28:39.000 before we come to this table. 00:28:39.000 --> 00:28:44.460 How do you think God feels 00:28:44.460 --> 00:28:47.579 when you feel alone? 00:28:48.920 --> 00:28:49.440 You ever wonder? 00:28:51.259 --> 00:28:52.380 A lot of times you feel that. 00:28:52.480 --> 00:28:52.680 You think, 00:28:52.799 --> 00:28:55.079 he doesn't care. 00:28:55.539 --> 00:28:56.779 That's where you already are, right? 00:28:56.980 --> 00:28:58.160 You think he doesn't hear. 00:28:58.819 --> 00:29:00.059 You think he doesn't see. 00:29:00.359 --> 00:29:01.539 You think he doesn't understand. 00:29:02.099 --> 00:29:03.359 You think he would never forgive. 00:29:03.359 --> 00:29:06.059 I want you to notice verse 10. 00:29:07.979 --> 00:29:11.379 Being designated by God 00:29:11.379 --> 00:29:13.619 a high priest 00:29:13.619 --> 00:29:15.779 in the permanent order. 00:29:17.919 --> 00:29:19.399 He's already proven to us 00:29:19.399 --> 00:29:21.319 that Jesus meets this qualification 00:29:21.319 --> 00:29:23.179 of being called by God 00:29:23.179 --> 00:29:23.899 to this role. 00:29:24.000 --> 00:29:25.219 This is something a little more. 00:29:26.059 --> 00:29:27.719 Now he is assuring us 00:29:27.719 --> 00:29:30.759 that God is so drawn to our need 00:29:30.759 --> 00:29:33.240 that his heart so goes out to you 00:29:33.240 --> 00:29:35.319 when you feel like he's far away 00:29:35.319 --> 00:29:38.000 that he actually enters into it 00:29:38.000 --> 00:29:38.700 in Jesus. 00:29:39.099 --> 00:29:40.339 He designates someone 00:29:40.339 --> 00:29:41.960 for exactly your problem 00:29:41.960 --> 00:29:43.779 so that the far away 00:29:43.779 --> 00:29:45.859 may be near to him. 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:47.279 Look what God is saying 00:29:47.279 --> 00:29:48.259 to those of us 00:29:48.259 --> 00:29:49.640 feeling he's far away. 00:29:50.000 --> 00:29:52.000 I want you close to me 00:29:52.000 --> 00:29:53.519 so much so 00:29:53.519 --> 00:29:54.960 that I sent my son 00:29:54.960 --> 00:29:56.240 to make sure that nothing, 00:29:56.579 --> 00:29:57.440 no struggle, 00:29:57.819 --> 00:29:58.680 no doubt, 00:29:59.039 --> 00:29:59.900 no sin 00:29:59.900 --> 00:30:01.240 would be strong enough 00:30:01.240 --> 00:30:02.759 to keep you away from me. 00:30:03.200 --> 00:30:04.259 I saw you 00:30:04.259 --> 00:30:05.600 out there wandering 00:30:05.600 --> 00:30:07.880 lost sheep 00:30:07.880 --> 00:30:08.960 and the one 00:30:08.960 --> 00:30:10.259 with a bunch of sheep 00:30:10.259 --> 00:30:11.700 already in his fold 00:30:11.700 --> 00:30:13.480 sends the good shepherd 00:30:13.480 --> 00:30:15.420 out after you. 00:30:16.240 --> 00:30:16.880 God says, 00:30:17.000 --> 00:30:17.700 I saw you 00:30:17.700 --> 00:30:19.100 lying face down 00:30:19.100 --> 00:30:20.259 in the pigsty 00:30:20.259 --> 00:30:21.740 having wrecked your life 00:30:21.740 --> 00:30:23.259 run as far away from me 00:30:23.259 --> 00:30:23.900 as you could 00:30:23.900 --> 00:30:25.120 and you're embarrassed 00:30:25.120 --> 00:30:25.980 and you're ashamed 00:30:25.980 --> 00:30:26.620 in your sin 00:30:26.620 --> 00:30:28.140 and I came running out 00:30:28.140 --> 00:30:28.840 to meet you 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:29.840 and brought you home 00:30:29.840 --> 00:30:30.520 as my child. 00:30:30.860 --> 00:30:32.580 That's why I designated 00:30:32.580 --> 00:30:33.620 a high priest 00:30:33.620 --> 00:30:35.400 because God never 00:30:35.400 --> 00:30:36.840 wants you alone again. 00:30:38.120 --> 00:30:39.600 So he designated 00:30:39.600 --> 00:30:41.360 a high priest 00:30:41.360 --> 00:30:42.780 for you. 00:30:43.000 --> 00:30:44.500 So he comes 00:30:44.500 --> 00:30:45.940 in the person of Jesus 00:30:45.940 --> 00:30:47.240 to be the perfect 00:30:47.240 --> 00:30:48.080 high priest 00:30:48.080 --> 00:30:49.620 offering the perfect 00:30:49.620 --> 00:30:50.259 sacrifice 00:30:50.259 --> 00:30:51.460 to bring you 00:30:51.460 --> 00:30:53.540 into perfect relationship 00:30:53.540 --> 00:30:54.180 with him. 00:30:54.780 --> 00:30:55.480 Isn't that amazing? 00:30:55.480 --> 00:30:57.299 That's how he feels 00:30:57.299 --> 00:30:59.579 when you feel alone. 00:31:00.079 --> 00:31:01.279 Does he even hear? 00:31:02.279 --> 00:31:03.299 Look at Jesus. 00:31:04.779 --> 00:31:06.279 You know he does. 00:31:07.319 --> 00:31:08.680 Can he even understand? 00:31:10.160 --> 00:31:11.180 Look at Jesus. 00:31:12.559 --> 00:31:14.059 You know he does. 00:31:15.539 --> 00:31:17.019 Will he even let me 00:31:17.019 --> 00:31:17.900 come back home? 00:31:17.940 --> 00:31:18.660 Is it possible? 00:31:20.400 --> 00:31:21.480 Look at Jesus. 00:31:21.480 --> 00:31:21.680 Jesus. 00:31:23.180 --> 00:31:24.460 You know he will. 00:31:26.960 --> 00:31:27.980 And this table 00:31:27.980 --> 00:31:29.779 is here today 00:31:29.779 --> 00:31:30.779 in part 00:31:30.779 --> 00:31:32.799 because God 00:31:32.799 --> 00:31:33.500 doesn't want you 00:31:33.500 --> 00:31:35.140 to just hear my voice 00:31:35.140 --> 00:31:36.299 and take it from me. 00:31:36.720 --> 00:31:37.740 It's not enough for him. 00:31:39.740 --> 00:31:40.740 He wants this 00:31:40.740 --> 00:31:42.700 gloriously good news 00:31:42.700 --> 00:31:45.099 to land on your tongue 00:31:45.099 --> 00:31:46.860 as well as your ears. 00:31:47.120 --> 00:31:48.440 To fill your 00:31:48.440 --> 00:31:49.900 your whole being 00:31:49.900 --> 00:31:51.700 not just your mind. 00:31:52.160 --> 00:31:53.779 He sets the table. 00:31:54.160 --> 00:31:55.519 He sends the priest 00:31:55.519 --> 00:31:57.100 with the sacrifice 00:31:57.100 --> 00:31:58.160 and he invites 00:31:58.160 --> 00:31:59.080 all of us 00:31:59.080 --> 00:32:00.400 who will trust him 00:32:00.400 --> 00:32:02.120 to draw near. 00:32:02.620 --> 00:32:04.059 To eat with him. 00:32:05.320 --> 00:32:06.200 This is the way 00:32:06.200 --> 00:32:07.340 Jesus explained it. 00:32:08.220 --> 00:32:09.240 The night that he was 00:32:09.240 --> 00:32:10.259 betrayed to die 00:32:10.259 --> 00:32:12.600 he took bread 00:32:12.600 --> 00:32:14.920 and he broke it 00:32:14.920 --> 00:32:16.420 and he gave it 00:32:16.420 --> 00:32:17.279 to his disciples 00:32:17.279 --> 00:32:18.980 as I ministering 00:32:18.980 --> 00:32:19.559 in his name 00:32:19.559 --> 00:32:20.740 give this bread to you. 00:32:21.539 --> 00:32:22.839 He said take and eat. 00:32:23.200 --> 00:32:24.259 This is my body 00:32:24.259 --> 00:32:25.839 given for you. 00:32:26.160 --> 00:32:26.839 Do this 00:32:26.839 --> 00:32:28.200 in remembrance of me. 00:32:28.720 --> 00:32:29.700 And in the same way 00:32:29.700 --> 00:32:30.639 after supper 00:32:30.639 --> 00:32:31.559 he took the cup 00:32:31.559 --> 00:32:32.299 and he said 00:32:32.299 --> 00:32:32.799 this cup 00:32:32.799 --> 00:32:33.819 is the new covenant 00:32:33.819 --> 00:32:34.839 in my blood 00:32:34.839 --> 00:32:35.960 shed for many 00:32:35.960 --> 00:32:36.859 for the forgiveness 00:32:36.859 --> 00:32:37.619 of sins. 00:32:37.960 --> 00:32:38.619 Drink from it 00:32:38.619 --> 00:32:39.279 all of you 00:32:39.279 --> 00:32:40.059 for as often 00:32:40.059 --> 00:32:41.099 as you eat this bread 00:32:41.099 --> 00:32:42.720 and drink this cup 00:32:42.720 --> 00:32:44.119 you proclaim 00:32:44.119 --> 00:32:45.859 the Lord's death 00:32:45.859 --> 00:32:47.519 until he comes. 00:32:47.819 --> 00:32:49.139 You say that this 00:32:49.139 --> 00:32:50.179 is where 00:32:50.179 --> 00:32:51.619 my hope is. 00:32:53.119 --> 00:32:54.179 Friends this is 00:32:54.179 --> 00:32:55.479 not the table 00:32:55.479 --> 00:32:56.479 of Southwood 00:32:56.479 --> 00:32:58.059 or of the 00:32:58.059 --> 00:32:59.319 Presbyterian church. 00:32:59.819 --> 00:33:01.459 This is the Lord's 00:33:01.459 --> 00:33:02.000 table. 00:33:02.739 --> 00:33:03.539 So if Jesus 00:33:03.539 --> 00:33:04.699 is your high priest 00:33:04.699 --> 00:33:05.879 if you look here 00:33:05.879 --> 00:33:06.579 and you see 00:33:06.579 --> 00:33:07.519 his body 00:33:07.519 --> 00:33:08.659 and his blood 00:33:08.659 --> 00:33:10.359 as your only hope 00:33:10.359 --> 00:33:12.279 of a restored 00:33:12.279 --> 00:33:12.979 relationship 00:33:12.979 --> 00:33:13.740 with God 00:33:13.740 --> 00:33:14.439 forever 00:33:14.439 --> 00:33:14.799 then 00:33:14.799 --> 00:33:16.059 if you've made 00:33:16.059 --> 00:33:16.719 that profession 00:33:16.719 --> 00:33:17.219 public 00:33:17.219 --> 00:33:17.699 you've been 00:33:17.699 --> 00:33:18.299 baptized 00:33:18.299 --> 00:33:19.719 into his church 00:33:19.719 --> 00:33:20.500 even if it's not 00:33:20.500 --> 00:33:20.959 this one 00:33:20.959 --> 00:33:21.599 then you come 00:33:21.599 --> 00:33:21.959 and eat 00:33:21.959 --> 00:33:22.719 with him 00:33:22.719 --> 00:33:23.419 and with us 00:33:23.419 --> 00:33:24.279 this morning. 00:33:24.399 --> 00:33:24.979 We'd love to 00:33:24.979 --> 00:33:25.899 celebrate with you. 00:33:27.699 --> 00:33:28.879 If that's not 00:33:28.879 --> 00:33:29.439 where you are 00:33:29.439 --> 00:33:29.919 this morning 00:33:29.919 --> 00:33:31.059 we want you 00:33:31.059 --> 00:33:31.299 to know 00:33:31.299 --> 00:33:32.339 we're so glad 00:33:32.339 --> 00:33:33.500 that you are here 00:33:33.500 --> 00:33:35.159 and we would 00:33:35.159 --> 00:33:35.740 invite you 00:33:35.740 --> 00:33:36.839 if you would like 00:33:36.839 --> 00:33:37.959 still to come 00:33:37.959 --> 00:33:39.059 forward with us 00:33:39.059 --> 00:33:39.859 when we celebrate 00:33:39.859 --> 00:33:40.259 this 00:33:40.259 --> 00:33:41.259 to observe 00:33:41.259 --> 00:33:43.240 to pray 00:33:43.240 --> 00:33:43.819 with us 00:33:43.819 --> 00:33:44.639 if you'd like 00:33:44.639 --> 00:33:45.359 just ask us 00:33:45.359 --> 00:33:46.379 we'd love that 00:33:46.379 --> 00:33:47.799 it's our great joy 00:33:47.799 --> 00:33:49.899 it's also okay 00:33:49.899 --> 00:33:50.719 if you'd prefer 00:33:50.719 --> 00:33:51.379 to remain 00:33:51.379 --> 00:33:52.379 right where you are 00:33:52.379 --> 00:33:54.219 there is no shame 00:33:54.219 --> 00:33:55.659 in letting these 00:33:55.659 --> 00:33:56.639 elements pass 00:33:56.639 --> 00:33:57.279 this morning 00:33:57.279 --> 00:33:59.240 but I do want 00:33:59.240 --> 00:33:59.619 to say 00:33:59.619 --> 00:34:00.559 that if right 00:34:00.559 --> 00:34:01.419 where you are 00:34:01.419 --> 00:34:03.799 is feeling alone 00:34:03.799 --> 00:34:05.359 in this world 00:34:05.359 --> 00:34:07.539 especially feeling 00:34:07.539 --> 00:34:08.179 alone 00:34:08.179 --> 00:34:09.899 before God 00:34:09.899 --> 00:34:12.419 don't miss 00:34:12.419 --> 00:34:14.039 the offer 00:34:14.039 --> 00:34:14.639 of Jesus 00:34:14.639 --> 00:34:15.960 it's not 00:34:15.960 --> 00:34:16.539 so much 00:34:16.539 --> 00:34:17.299 coming to take 00:34:17.299 --> 00:34:18.119 these elements 00:34:18.119 --> 00:34:19.259 would you 00:34:19.259 --> 00:34:20.519 as we celebrate 00:34:20.519 --> 00:34:22.059 consider his offer 00:34:22.059 --> 00:34:23.440 that he 00:34:23.440 --> 00:34:24.679 would stand 00:34:24.679 --> 00:34:25.319 with you 00:34:25.319 --> 00:34:27.899 would forgive you 00:34:27.899 --> 00:34:29.679 would welcome you 00:34:29.679 --> 00:34:31.119 would assure you 00:34:31.119 --> 00:34:32.279 of your standing 00:34:32.279 --> 00:34:33.039 with God 00:34:33.039 --> 00:34:33.699 forever 00:34:33.699 --> 00:34:35.139 he would offer 00:34:35.139 --> 00:34:35.559 you 00:34:35.559 --> 00:34:36.719 to be your 00:34:36.719 --> 00:34:37.879 high priest 00:34:37.879 --> 00:34:38.519 if you 00:34:38.519 --> 00:34:39.879 trust him 00:34:39.879 --> 00:34:40.719 today 00:34:40.719 --> 00:34:41.779 let's pray 00:34:41.779 --> 00:34:42.239 and we'll come 00:34:42.239 --> 00:34:43.019 and celebrate him 00:34:43.019 --> 00:34:43.419 together 00:34:43.419 --> 00:34:45.859 oh Jesus 00:34:45.859 --> 00:34:46.659 we thank you 00:34:46.659 --> 00:34:47.980 for your sacrifice 00:34:47.980 --> 00:34:48.679 for us 00:34:48.679 --> 00:34:49.179 that you have 00:34:49.179 --> 00:34:49.799 stood in 00:34:49.799 --> 00:34:51.019 where no one else 00:34:51.019 --> 00:34:53.179 was able 00:34:53.179 --> 00:34:54.179 to be perfectly 00:34:54.179 --> 00:34:54.839 human 00:34:54.839 --> 00:34:56.339 and perfectly 00:34:56.339 --> 00:34:56.980 divine 00:34:56.980 --> 00:34:58.119 and you have 00:34:58.119 --> 00:34:59.900 made a way 00:34:59.900 --> 00:35:00.619 for us 00:35:00.619 --> 00:35:02.599 to our 00:35:02.599 --> 00:35:02.940 father 00:35:02.940 --> 00:35:04.880 would you 00:35:04.880 --> 00:35:05.460 use now 00:35:05.460 --> 00:35:06.840 very common 00:35:06.840 --> 00:35:07.579 elements 00:35:07.579 --> 00:35:08.840 bread 00:35:08.840 --> 00:35:10.059 wine 00:35:10.059 --> 00:35:10.860 and juice 00:35:10.860 --> 00:35:13.500 that we 00:35:13.500 --> 00:35:13.760 would 00:35:13.760 --> 00:35:14.900 have 00:35:14.900 --> 00:35:16.460 assurance 00:35:16.460 --> 00:35:17.320 in our heart 00:35:17.320 --> 00:35:17.940 in a deep 00:35:17.940 --> 00:35:18.360 way 00:35:18.360 --> 00:35:19.300 that you're 00:35:19.300 --> 00:35:19.880 with us 00:35:19.880 --> 00:35:21.219 that you'll 00:35:21.219 --> 00:35:21.740 never leave 00:35:21.740 --> 00:35:22.119 us 00:35:22.119 --> 00:35:23.320 and that you 00:35:23.320 --> 00:35:23.920 welcome us 00:35:23.920 --> 00:35:24.320 home 00:35:24.320 --> 00:35:25.920 we come 00:35:25.920 --> 00:35:26.620 needy 00:35:26.620 --> 00:35:27.980 not with our 00:35:27.980 --> 00:35:28.300 record 00:35:28.300 --> 00:35:29.120 but with yours 00:35:29.120 --> 00:35:29.660 and we're so 00:35:29.660 --> 00:35:30.480 grateful to have 00:35:30.480 --> 00:35:30.680 it 00:35:30.680 --> 00:35:31.680 we give you 00:35:31.680 --> 00:35:32.180 thanks 00:35:32.180 --> 00:35:33.180 amen 00:35:33.180 --> 00:35:35.059 for more 00:35:35.059 --> 00:35:35.580 information 00:35:35.580 --> 00:35:36.420 visit us 00:35:36.420 --> 00:35:36.840 online 00:35:36.840 --> 00:35:37.140 at 00:35:37.140 --> 00:35:37.920 southwood.org