WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.419 A question that would invite personal reflection, a question that would invite someone to reveal 00:00:06.419 --> 00:00:13.859 a little more of themselves, or sometimes, like this one here, a question can challenge 00:00:13.859 --> 00:00:18.080 prevailing assumptions and wrong ideas. 00:00:19.339 --> 00:00:23.940 So just as we did last time, we're going to think about this question and ask ourselves, 00:00:24.060 --> 00:00:27.699 why is Jesus using it, in this case, in the Sermon on the Mount? 00:00:27.699 --> 00:00:34.719 What is he asking of us, and what can we learn from Jesus and his question? 00:00:36.960 --> 00:00:45.600 His question there, verse 46, if you love those who love you, what reward will you get? 00:00:46.280 --> 00:00:49.899 So Jesus makes clear that everyone is capable of love. 00:00:50.000 --> 00:00:56.239 We're made in the image of God, God who is love, and so everybody is capable of love for 00:00:56.240 --> 00:00:59.660 family, for friends, in community, in a church, for example. 00:01:00.880 --> 00:01:06.659 Now the challenge that Jesus identifies is how do we do when it comes to those who are unlike us? 00:01:08.180 --> 00:01:12.200 Are we able to love those who don't like or love us? 00:01:12.960 --> 00:01:14.200 Perhaps related. 00:01:14.920 --> 00:01:20.540 You know, everybody I imagine would agree that forgiveness is a good idea as an aspect of love 00:01:20.540 --> 00:01:27.500 for others. It always seems a really good idea and such an important thing to ask until we are wronged. 00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:29.680 And then it becomes the challenge. 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:31.980 Am I able to put it into practice? 00:01:32.140 --> 00:01:35.440 So Jesus forces us to ask ourselves the question, 00:01:36.580 --> 00:01:40.540 can I seek the best for someone who seeks my worst? 00:01:41.480 --> 00:01:42.560 How are we able? 00:01:42.920 --> 00:01:44.580 How can we be able to do that? 00:01:44.579 --> 00:01:49.920 I mentioned at the beginning that event with Dr. Brayhain for Release International. 00:01:51.079 --> 00:01:58.099 So Eritrea is in the top, certainly in the top five most persecuted places on earth. 00:01:58.519 --> 00:02:03.819 So there are tens of thousands of Eritrean Christians in prison camps, 00:02:04.340 --> 00:02:06.180 and Dr. Brayhain spent time there, 00:02:06.180 --> 00:02:11.759 and now he's actively serving Christians who are persecuted for their faith. 00:02:11.759 --> 00:02:19.039 And I have no doubt that to listen to somebody speaking from that kind of context, 00:02:19.679 --> 00:02:25.500 bringing that powerful story of the grace of God that enables him to love, 00:02:25.599 --> 00:02:27.019 even in that setting, 00:02:28.199 --> 00:02:29.379 we'll find ourselves asking, 00:02:29.500 --> 00:02:30.359 could I do that? 00:02:31.959 --> 00:02:33.139 How can he do that? 00:02:34.599 --> 00:02:38.060 This challenge to love our enemies is real. 00:02:38.060 --> 00:02:42.180 John Stott, a preacher down in London at the end of the 20th century, 00:02:42.599 --> 00:02:44.939 commented that nowhere, in his view, 00:02:45.000 --> 00:02:49.120 is the challenge of the Sermon on the Mount greater than in this little section. 00:02:51.259 --> 00:02:57.020 Nowhere is the distinctiveness of the Christian counterculture more obvious. 00:02:57.159 --> 00:03:00.860 Nowhere does it become more obvious that Christians are set apart as different, 00:03:00.860 --> 00:03:04.600 and nowhere is the need of the Holy Spirit more compelling 00:03:04.600 --> 00:03:09.300 than when it comes to the question of who we love and how we love. 00:03:10.040 --> 00:03:11.580 So from this question, this conversation, 00:03:11.580 --> 00:03:13.480 we're going to think about three things briefly together. 00:03:13.620 --> 00:03:16.600 One, the mistake that we often make, 00:03:16.920 --> 00:03:23.280 which we see from the Pharisees that Jesus is responding to in their false teaching. 00:03:23.680 --> 00:03:25.940 The model that we're called to follow, 00:03:25.939 --> 00:03:29.699 and the mercy that we need to receive. 00:03:30.439 --> 00:03:32.919 So let's begin with a mistake that we often make. 00:03:33.039 --> 00:03:35.000 In verse 43 and 44, 00:03:35.819 --> 00:03:39.240 Jesus is correcting a twisting of the law. 00:03:39.900 --> 00:03:41.520 You have heard it said. 00:03:42.139 --> 00:03:43.960 This isn't you have heard it said in the Bible, 00:03:44.960 --> 00:03:47.379 but they've heard it said by their religious teachers. 00:03:47.460 --> 00:03:50.219 They've heard it said by the Pharisees. 00:03:50.219 --> 00:03:56.340 But it's a twisting of the law that can so easily take place in a society, 00:03:56.520 --> 00:03:59.099 and indeed in our own hearts. 00:03:59.400 --> 00:04:05.960 So it seems that what's happened is that they've taken that quotation from Leviticus 19.18, 00:04:05.960 --> 00:04:06.699 which we read, 00:04:06.819 --> 00:04:08.060 you shall love your neighbor, 00:04:09.060 --> 00:04:12.659 and in the hands of someone with a sort of legalistic view, 00:04:12.659 --> 00:04:15.060 the logic applied is, 00:04:15.259 --> 00:04:16.420 well, in that text, 00:04:17.680 --> 00:04:19.920 it's written to Israelite people, 00:04:20.000 --> 00:04:22.420 and it only mentions fellow Israelites. 00:04:22.980 --> 00:04:25.439 Therefore, my neighbor must be somebody who is like me, 00:04:25.500 --> 00:04:26.759 who's part of my community. 00:04:27.219 --> 00:04:29.920 Therefore, and this is the extra step that they're taking, 00:04:30.680 --> 00:04:34.339 I am permitted to hate anyone who is an enemy, 00:04:34.839 --> 00:04:36.060 anyone who is a stranger, 00:04:36.579 --> 00:04:38.379 anyone who is other. 00:04:38.379 --> 00:04:41.879 So they take a demanding law, 00:04:42.240 --> 00:04:44.360 love your neighbor as yourself, 00:04:44.879 --> 00:04:49.139 and they're twisting it to try and read it in as convenient a way as possible, 00:04:49.620 --> 00:04:51.360 to make it comfortable for themselves. 00:04:51.500 --> 00:04:53.180 So they set a really low bar, 00:04:54.180 --> 00:04:56.100 and they have a really limited focus. 00:04:56.959 --> 00:04:59.180 And so Jesus wants to explode that logic, 00:04:59.480 --> 00:05:01.259 because Jesus rejects, first of all, 00:05:01.860 --> 00:05:05.459 he rejects the narrowing that takes place in that thinking. 00:05:05.459 --> 00:05:09.359 The narrow reading of love. 00:05:10.379 --> 00:05:12.000 So they hear, 00:05:12.419 --> 00:05:14.659 love your neighbor as yourself, 00:05:15.239 --> 00:05:16.279 and they think, 00:05:16.399 --> 00:05:19.139 well, my neighbor is somebody who is like me. 00:05:20.240 --> 00:05:23.199 We read to the end of Leviticus 19, 00:05:24.099 --> 00:05:26.000 where the command continues, 00:05:26.620 --> 00:05:30.139 to love the foreigner who lives among you. 00:05:30.139 --> 00:05:33.899 In Exodus 23, 00:05:33.899 --> 00:05:35.000 we could go there, 00:05:35.279 --> 00:05:37.319 where Moses teaches from God, 00:05:37.759 --> 00:05:42.099 if you happen to be walking in the open country, 00:05:42.199 --> 00:05:44.120 and you meet your enemy's animal, 00:05:44.680 --> 00:05:47.759 it is your duty and responsibility to bring it back to them. 00:05:49.839 --> 00:05:51.060 So God's law says, 00:05:51.139 --> 00:05:52.639 there's not to be a double standard, 00:05:53.519 --> 00:05:55.579 based on differences between people, 00:05:55.919 --> 00:05:57.419 there's not to be a double standard, 00:05:57.560 --> 00:05:59.279 based on preferences. 00:05:59.279 --> 00:06:04.379 So Jesus rejects any attempt at narrowing this command, 00:06:04.500 --> 00:06:05.659 this reading of love. 00:06:06.839 --> 00:06:11.019 He also rejects the narrow standard of love that they are applying. 00:06:12.000 --> 00:06:14.479 Because notice a phrase has been missed out. 00:06:14.559 --> 00:06:15.979 In Leviticus 19.18, 00:06:17.319 --> 00:06:18.059 God's law says, 00:06:18.279 --> 00:06:19.479 love your neighbor as yourself, 00:06:20.219 --> 00:06:22.079 but the Pharisees are only talking about, 00:06:22.719 --> 00:06:23.299 love your neighbor. 00:06:23.300 --> 00:06:30.259 When we think about how much love and care we show to ourselves, 00:06:30.639 --> 00:06:32.139 if we miss that out, 00:06:32.180 --> 00:06:33.439 it becomes much easier. 00:06:35.680 --> 00:06:40.400 But Jesus wants to have the more demanding level of love applied. 00:06:42.000 --> 00:06:43.580 One of the books I've been reading over the summer, 00:06:43.800 --> 00:06:46.139 rereading is C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity, 00:06:46.319 --> 00:06:49.360 which is a really interesting, helpful book in many parts. 00:06:49.360 --> 00:06:52.139 One thing he says there is that as people, 00:06:52.360 --> 00:06:54.520 we consistently apply the saying, 00:06:55.220 --> 00:06:56.420 and we'll probably know the saying, 00:06:56.800 --> 00:06:56.960 you know, 00:06:57.000 --> 00:06:57.660 hate the sin, 00:06:57.720 --> 00:06:58.580 but love the sinner. 00:06:59.500 --> 00:07:05.740 He says the one person that we always apply that principle to is ourselves. 00:07:06.740 --> 00:07:06.939 You know, 00:07:06.960 --> 00:07:08.680 we will hate the sin that we see in ourselves, 00:07:08.840 --> 00:07:10.360 but we will still love ourselves. 00:07:10.360 --> 00:07:12.819 And C.S. Lewis says, 00:07:12.920 --> 00:07:13.620 and Jesus says, 00:07:13.819 --> 00:07:17.280 we need to apply that same principle to everyone. 00:07:17.439 --> 00:07:18.759 Love your neighbor as yourself. 00:07:18.860 --> 00:07:22.560 So Jesus rejects that narrowing of the standard. 00:07:23.699 --> 00:07:28.240 And he also rejects that narrowing of the object of love. 00:07:29.480 --> 00:07:30.100 Because remember, 00:07:30.199 --> 00:07:31.340 they added the phrase, 00:07:31.800 --> 00:07:33.100 and hate your enemy. 00:07:34.240 --> 00:07:35.439 That doesn't come from the Bible. 00:07:35.580 --> 00:07:38.080 It certainly is not what we see from Jesus. 00:07:38.079 --> 00:07:41.419 Remember Jesus' famous parable of the Good Samaritan. 00:07:42.339 --> 00:07:43.419 Why was that told? 00:07:43.519 --> 00:07:50.419 It was told to challenge another man who had a very convenient idea about how to keep the law. 00:07:51.039 --> 00:07:51.300 Jesus, 00:07:51.419 --> 00:07:52.419 tell me who is my neighbor? 00:07:52.519 --> 00:07:53.259 What do they look like? 00:07:53.279 --> 00:07:54.139 And I'll tick the box. 00:07:54.259 --> 00:08:00.299 And Jesus tells the parable to say that any human being who we meet, 00:08:00.379 --> 00:08:01.279 who is in trouble, 00:08:01.419 --> 00:08:03.199 if we have the capacity to help, 00:08:03.879 --> 00:08:04.680 they're our neighbor. 00:08:04.680 --> 00:08:09.620 So Jesus is rejecting all of this narrowing. 00:08:11.019 --> 00:08:14.480 Maybe it's something of the natural tendency that we have as people 00:08:14.480 --> 00:08:18.840 to be exclusive in how we love. 00:08:19.400 --> 00:08:21.699 We love our friends and our family. 00:08:22.160 --> 00:08:25.240 And there are certain types of people that we naturally connect with 00:08:25.240 --> 00:08:26.720 and we find them easy to love. 00:08:27.420 --> 00:08:28.960 But if we push that too far, 00:08:29.280 --> 00:08:32.500 and where we can go wrong is we can ignore those who are unlike us. 00:08:32.500 --> 00:08:35.779 We can indeed despise people who are other than us. 00:08:37.200 --> 00:08:38.080 We see it, 00:08:38.139 --> 00:08:38.659 don't we, 00:08:39.279 --> 00:08:40.220 in our society? 00:08:40.360 --> 00:08:42.899 Perhaps we see it sometimes in our own hearts, 00:08:43.000 --> 00:08:46.500 that tendency to divide into them and us. 00:08:47.840 --> 00:08:51.779 That tribalism that we see based on nationality or race or status 00:08:51.779 --> 00:08:53.659 or even a person's point of view. 00:08:53.659 --> 00:08:58.439 Jesus says that way of love is too narrow, 00:08:58.639 --> 00:09:00.799 and he isn't loving at all. 00:09:01.120 --> 00:09:01.759 In many cases, 00:09:01.899 --> 00:09:04.240 Jesus rejects the narrowing that goes on, 00:09:04.480 --> 00:09:05.480 and connected to that, 00:09:05.579 --> 00:09:10.240 Jesus rejects the judging that takes place. 00:09:12.079 --> 00:09:13.799 In our relationships, 00:09:14.519 --> 00:09:15.559 with people that we know, 00:09:15.860 --> 00:09:17.279 and with people that we don't know, 00:09:18.240 --> 00:09:19.600 sometimes we're thinking about it, 00:09:19.639 --> 00:09:20.339 often we're not, 00:09:20.340 --> 00:09:22.080 but we are assessing, 00:09:23.000 --> 00:09:24.139 we can find ourselves assessing, 00:09:24.420 --> 00:09:27.759 what does this person deserve from me? 00:09:29.080 --> 00:09:32.759 And we often want to apply a rule of justice. 00:09:33.920 --> 00:09:34.840 How does that work? 00:09:35.019 --> 00:09:36.780 Well, if they do good to me, 00:09:37.639 --> 00:09:39.120 then I will do good in return. 00:09:40.200 --> 00:09:42.100 But if you do bad to me, 00:09:42.940 --> 00:09:43.680 what's our instinct? 00:09:44.460 --> 00:09:46.340 I will return bad to you. 00:09:46.340 --> 00:09:47.800 If you snub me, 00:09:47.879 --> 00:09:48.600 if you upset me, 00:09:48.660 --> 00:09:49.519 if you disappoint me, 00:09:49.560 --> 00:09:51.000 if you hurt me in some way, 00:09:52.000 --> 00:09:54.420 we'll return like for like. 00:09:57.340 --> 00:09:59.680 We can often apply a rule of justice. 00:09:59.820 --> 00:10:01.500 What do your words and actions merit 00:10:01.500 --> 00:10:03.480 by way of my response? 00:10:04.320 --> 00:10:05.519 And when we think like that, 00:10:05.560 --> 00:10:06.620 and Jesus points this out, 00:10:07.500 --> 00:10:09.420 if our thinking is always judging, 00:10:09.940 --> 00:10:10.900 what do they deserve? 00:10:10.980 --> 00:10:11.700 Are they like me or not? 00:10:12.060 --> 00:10:13.660 It plays out as love your neighbor, 00:10:13.659 --> 00:10:14.100 yes, 00:10:14.219 --> 00:10:16.559 but hate your enemy. 00:10:17.639 --> 00:10:19.039 And so we end up with these cycles 00:10:19.039 --> 00:10:20.559 of violence and revenge 00:10:20.559 --> 00:10:22.600 and the breakdown of relationships 00:10:22.600 --> 00:10:26.120 if we try to apply justice 00:10:26.120 --> 00:10:28.259 without mercy. 00:10:29.399 --> 00:10:31.199 So Jesus rejects that kind of narrowing 00:10:31.199 --> 00:10:31.620 and judging, 00:10:31.740 --> 00:10:33.139 and instead he teaches 00:10:33.139 --> 00:10:36.559 active loving, 00:10:36.679 --> 00:10:37.079 doesn't he? 00:10:37.659 --> 00:10:38.980 You've heard that it was said, 00:10:39.120 --> 00:10:40.220 love your neighbor and hate your enemy, 00:10:40.220 --> 00:10:41.620 but I tell you, 00:10:42.340 --> 00:10:43.779 love your enemies 00:10:43.779 --> 00:10:47.660 and pray for those who persecute you. 00:10:49.480 --> 00:10:50.500 Remember John Stott saying 00:10:50.500 --> 00:10:51.740 this is the most demanding part 00:10:51.740 --> 00:10:52.580 of the Sermon on the Mount. 00:10:53.080 --> 00:10:54.340 I remember years ago in Glasgow, 00:10:54.340 --> 00:10:56.300 I was part of an interfaith dialogue 00:10:56.300 --> 00:10:58.379 where we had eight minutes, 00:10:58.800 --> 00:11:00.279 different faith traditions 00:11:00.279 --> 00:11:01.399 had eight minutes 00:11:01.399 --> 00:11:03.100 on the topic, 00:11:03.240 --> 00:11:06.060 what does your holy book teach about love? 00:11:06.059 --> 00:11:09.479 And this was the text 00:11:09.479 --> 00:11:11.539 for explaining in eight minutes 00:11:11.539 --> 00:11:13.519 what Christianity taught, 00:11:13.579 --> 00:11:15.759 what Jesus taught about love, 00:11:16.019 --> 00:11:17.199 and then the other faiths 00:11:17.199 --> 00:11:18.179 did the same with theirs, 00:11:18.259 --> 00:11:20.259 and there was like roundtable discussions, 00:11:20.399 --> 00:11:21.199 and at the end, 00:11:21.559 --> 00:11:23.299 the moderator asked for a vote, 00:11:23.379 --> 00:11:25.559 which was the most demanding 00:11:25.559 --> 00:11:28.019 of all the ethics 00:11:28.019 --> 00:11:29.199 that were talked about. 00:11:29.739 --> 00:11:30.659 And to a person, 00:11:30.739 --> 00:11:31.059 everyone said, 00:11:31.119 --> 00:11:31.479 well, of course, 00:11:31.519 --> 00:11:32.599 it's the Christian ethic, 00:11:32.600 --> 00:11:34.700 because it's not just love 00:11:34.700 --> 00:11:35.899 for those who are like us, 00:11:35.960 --> 00:11:37.300 but it's love across difference, 00:11:37.379 --> 00:11:39.759 and it's love for an enemy. 00:11:43.360 --> 00:11:45.720 It's a love that serves. 00:11:46.740 --> 00:11:48.620 Jesus is calling us to a love 00:11:48.620 --> 00:11:51.200 that seeks the good of others, 00:11:51.620 --> 00:11:54.940 regardless of what they want for us. 00:11:56.159 --> 00:11:57.440 This isn't just, 00:11:57.820 --> 00:11:59.080 if somebody does wrong to me, 00:11:59.180 --> 00:12:00.180 I will be passive. 00:12:00.179 --> 00:12:02.819 Jesus is saying, 00:12:03.159 --> 00:12:04.699 you need to seek the good 00:12:04.699 --> 00:12:09.139 and to pray for enemies and persecutors. 00:12:11.279 --> 00:12:13.319 Again, to go back to C.S. Lewis 00:12:13.319 --> 00:12:14.319 and mere Christianity, 00:12:15.079 --> 00:12:17.899 he very helpfully gives this piece of advice 00:12:17.899 --> 00:12:19.799 when it comes to relationships 00:12:19.799 --> 00:12:20.939 with other people, 00:12:21.579 --> 00:12:25.439 don't wait to feel love towards them. 00:12:26.539 --> 00:12:28.259 Act as if you already do, 00:12:28.259 --> 00:12:30.539 and allow the feelings to follow. 00:12:31.559 --> 00:12:34.139 But Jesus calls us to a love that serves, 00:12:34.580 --> 00:12:35.879 and even more than that, 00:12:35.939 --> 00:12:38.879 he calls us to a love that prays. 00:12:39.759 --> 00:12:42.120 And this is hugely significant. 00:12:43.600 --> 00:12:44.860 Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, 00:12:45.120 --> 00:12:46.840 this is the supreme command. 00:12:47.960 --> 00:12:49.439 What Jesus is saying to us here 00:12:49.439 --> 00:12:49.720 is that, 00:12:50.519 --> 00:12:51.279 in Bonhoeffer's words, 00:12:51.379 --> 00:12:52.639 through the medium of prayer, 00:12:52.639 --> 00:12:54.899 we go to our enemy, 00:12:55.759 --> 00:12:57.840 we stand by his side, 00:12:58.559 --> 00:13:01.559 and we plead for him to God. 00:13:03.559 --> 00:13:06.779 It changes how we feel about another person 00:13:06.779 --> 00:13:08.120 when we pray for them. 00:13:08.939 --> 00:13:12.600 It is hard to continue to feel negatively 00:13:12.600 --> 00:13:13.819 towards someone 00:13:13.819 --> 00:13:16.819 when you go to a God of grace and mercy 00:13:16.819 --> 00:13:19.379 and you seek that in their life. 00:13:19.379 --> 00:13:24.059 And when we think about a love that serves, 00:13:24.939 --> 00:13:27.500 and when we think about a love that prays, 00:13:28.700 --> 00:13:30.279 and we think that this is Jesus 00:13:30.279 --> 00:13:31.939 who's speaking to us, 00:13:32.000 --> 00:13:35.500 we know that he practiced what he preached. 00:13:37.100 --> 00:13:39.860 Isn't this what we see and hear at the cross? 00:13:39.860 --> 00:13:40.740 Jesus, 00:13:41.279 --> 00:13:44.440 in serving sinful humanity, 00:13:44.700 --> 00:13:46.680 in serving his own people, 00:13:47.399 --> 00:13:49.879 went to the cross to suffer and die, 00:13:50.700 --> 00:13:52.200 and died praying, 00:13:52.659 --> 00:13:53.840 Father, forgive them. 00:13:54.820 --> 00:13:57.399 They don't know what they are doing. 00:14:00.320 --> 00:14:01.740 Well, let's move from there 00:14:01.740 --> 00:14:03.159 to think about what Jesus says 00:14:03.159 --> 00:14:04.639 in terms of the model 00:14:04.639 --> 00:14:07.379 that we are called to follow. 00:14:07.379 --> 00:14:10.620 It's from verse 45 onwards. 00:14:10.840 --> 00:14:11.340 Jesus says, 00:14:11.580 --> 00:14:12.080 Love your enemies 00:14:12.080 --> 00:14:13.879 and pray for those who persecute you 00:14:13.879 --> 00:14:15.919 that you may be children 00:14:15.919 --> 00:14:18.620 of your Father in heaven. 00:14:19.399 --> 00:14:20.840 It's interesting that modeling 00:14:20.840 --> 00:14:22.059 and imitation 00:14:22.059 --> 00:14:24.039 is an important part 00:14:24.039 --> 00:14:25.039 of the Christian faith. 00:14:25.700 --> 00:14:26.939 You go to the Old Testament 00:14:26.939 --> 00:14:28.539 and you find that 00:14:28.539 --> 00:14:31.779 the responsibility of passing faith 00:14:31.779 --> 00:14:33.340 down through the generations. 00:14:33.340 --> 00:14:34.620 That would be through teaching, 00:14:34.820 --> 00:14:36.500 but also through imitation. 00:14:37.379 --> 00:14:39.299 Think about the ministry of Jesus. 00:14:39.700 --> 00:14:42.139 He called his disciples to him 00:14:42.139 --> 00:14:44.379 and they learned from him 00:14:44.379 --> 00:14:45.480 by watching, 00:14:45.639 --> 00:14:46.220 by listening, 00:14:46.379 --> 00:14:47.299 by observing, 00:14:47.899 --> 00:14:49.720 and then they were commissioned. 00:14:49.899 --> 00:14:52.159 Now go and do likewise. 00:14:54.139 --> 00:14:56.120 Think about Paul the Apostle 00:14:56.120 --> 00:14:58.939 being able to say to young Christians, 00:14:59.439 --> 00:15:00.519 imitate me 00:15:00.519 --> 00:15:03.159 as I imitate Christ. 00:15:03.159 --> 00:15:04.480 To the extent 00:15:04.480 --> 00:15:05.899 that you see something 00:15:05.899 --> 00:15:07.219 Christ-like in me, 00:15:07.699 --> 00:15:08.659 pursue that. 00:15:09.179 --> 00:15:10.199 So modeling and imitation 00:15:10.199 --> 00:15:13.279 is a feature of our faith. 00:15:14.139 --> 00:15:15.159 It's a good thing, I think. 00:15:15.240 --> 00:15:18.000 We need and value role models. 00:15:19.439 --> 00:15:20.699 Here are the rules. 00:15:20.860 --> 00:15:21.959 Here are the principles. 00:15:22.199 --> 00:15:23.379 Here are the examples 00:15:23.379 --> 00:15:24.839 by which we live and work 00:15:24.839 --> 00:15:27.019 and carry out relationships. 00:15:27.019 --> 00:15:30.379 Perhaps we see modeling 00:15:30.379 --> 00:15:31.879 most clearly 00:15:31.879 --> 00:15:33.720 in a family setting. 00:15:34.519 --> 00:15:36.259 We have that related phrase 00:15:36.259 --> 00:15:37.220 like father, 00:15:37.419 --> 00:15:38.639 like son. 00:15:38.879 --> 00:15:39.879 So when people use that, 00:15:40.220 --> 00:15:41.559 sometimes that's purely 00:15:41.559 --> 00:15:43.079 about physical appearance. 00:15:44.539 --> 00:15:46.740 But it's often the case as well 00:15:46.740 --> 00:15:48.559 that children will pick up 00:15:48.559 --> 00:15:50.159 habits of speech, 00:15:50.699 --> 00:15:52.079 specific practices 00:15:52.079 --> 00:15:53.059 that they see 00:15:53.059 --> 00:15:55.159 from their parents. 00:15:55.159 --> 00:15:55.899 It's the more time 00:15:55.899 --> 00:15:57.079 that we spend watching 00:15:57.079 --> 00:15:57.919 and listening, 00:15:58.259 --> 00:15:59.539 the more likely we are 00:15:59.539 --> 00:16:00.339 to become 00:16:00.339 --> 00:16:02.179 like the person 00:16:02.179 --> 00:16:02.899 we observe. 00:16:05.100 --> 00:16:05.600 And think about 00:16:05.600 --> 00:16:06.939 what Jesus does here 00:16:06.939 --> 00:16:07.659 in his teaching 00:16:07.659 --> 00:16:08.740 on the Sermon on the Mount. 00:16:08.860 --> 00:16:09.539 He has challenged, 00:16:09.620 --> 00:16:09.879 he said, 00:16:10.039 --> 00:16:11.339 no to having 00:16:11.339 --> 00:16:12.659 a low bar of love 00:16:12.659 --> 00:16:13.559 that frees you up 00:16:13.559 --> 00:16:14.699 to hate your enemy, 00:16:15.259 --> 00:16:16.240 only to love those 00:16:16.240 --> 00:16:16.899 who are like you. 00:16:16.899 --> 00:16:19.000 Now Jesus raises the bar. 00:16:20.980 --> 00:16:21.539 Love 00:16:21.539 --> 00:16:23.519 like your Father in heaven. 00:16:23.519 --> 00:16:26.319 Show you are his children 00:16:26.319 --> 00:16:27.679 by the way 00:16:27.679 --> 00:16:28.480 that you love 00:16:28.480 --> 00:16:29.860 others. 00:16:31.139 --> 00:16:32.279 And I want us to notice 00:16:32.279 --> 00:16:33.199 two aspects 00:16:33.199 --> 00:16:34.360 of the Father's love 00:16:34.360 --> 00:16:35.319 that Jesus draws 00:16:35.319 --> 00:16:36.360 attention to. 00:16:37.340 --> 00:16:38.179 First of all, 00:16:38.279 --> 00:16:39.819 it's inclusive. 00:16:42.720 --> 00:16:44.240 Look at verse 45, 00:16:44.819 --> 00:16:45.980 continues there, 00:16:46.340 --> 00:16:46.899 speaking about 00:16:46.899 --> 00:16:48.360 the love of the Father. 00:16:48.360 --> 00:16:48.399 Father, 00:16:48.759 --> 00:16:50.360 he causes his Son 00:16:50.360 --> 00:16:52.560 to rise on the evil 00:16:52.560 --> 00:16:53.840 and the good 00:16:53.840 --> 00:16:55.620 and sends rain 00:16:55.620 --> 00:16:56.659 on the righteous 00:16:56.659 --> 00:16:59.480 and the unrighteous. 00:17:01.200 --> 00:17:02.200 There is no 00:17:02.200 --> 00:17:04.279 Christian weather forecast. 00:17:04.420 --> 00:17:04.839 There is no 00:17:04.839 --> 00:17:06.620 Christian weather system. 00:17:07.259 --> 00:17:08.860 There is no sense 00:17:08.860 --> 00:17:09.700 that Christians 00:17:09.700 --> 00:17:10.860 receive one thing 00:17:10.860 --> 00:17:11.880 and a person 00:17:11.880 --> 00:17:12.559 who has no thought 00:17:12.559 --> 00:17:13.460 of God receives 00:17:13.460 --> 00:17:14.460 something else 00:17:14.460 --> 00:17:15.779 when we think about 00:17:15.779 --> 00:17:17.400 common grace, 00:17:17.400 --> 00:17:18.960 the good things 00:17:18.960 --> 00:17:19.880 that we enjoy 00:17:19.880 --> 00:17:20.860 as we live 00:17:20.860 --> 00:17:21.460 in this world 00:17:21.460 --> 00:17:22.480 that God has made. 00:17:24.080 --> 00:17:25.780 We all enjoy 00:17:25.780 --> 00:17:26.840 the kindness 00:17:26.840 --> 00:17:27.480 of God. 00:17:27.840 --> 00:17:29.660 Everyone in our city 00:17:29.660 --> 00:17:30.200 right now, 00:17:30.300 --> 00:17:30.940 we experience 00:17:30.940 --> 00:17:33.120 the same weather patterns. 00:17:33.700 --> 00:17:34.480 We have the same 00:17:34.480 --> 00:17:36.280 provision being made. 00:17:36.620 --> 00:17:37.700 It's part of God's 00:17:37.700 --> 00:17:38.640 goodness 00:17:38.640 --> 00:17:40.460 to the people 00:17:40.460 --> 00:17:41.500 that he has made, 00:17:42.320 --> 00:17:43.560 giving us the things 00:17:43.560 --> 00:17:44.200 that we need 00:17:44.200 --> 00:17:45.660 and enjoy in life. 00:17:45.660 --> 00:17:46.100 Of course, 00:17:46.160 --> 00:17:46.740 we recognize 00:17:46.740 --> 00:17:47.200 that there is 00:17:47.200 --> 00:17:47.860 saving grace. 00:17:47.940 --> 00:17:49.200 That's of a different 00:17:49.200 --> 00:17:49.779 nature. 00:17:50.120 --> 00:17:51.240 But Jesus here 00:17:51.240 --> 00:17:52.500 is saying that God 00:17:52.500 --> 00:17:54.140 gives his everyday 00:17:54.140 --> 00:17:56.440 kindness to all people, 00:17:56.900 --> 00:17:57.860 whether they're evil 00:17:57.860 --> 00:17:59.060 or whether they're good, 00:17:59.480 --> 00:18:00.560 whether they're righteous 00:18:00.560 --> 00:18:01.900 or whether they're 00:18:01.900 --> 00:18:02.900 unrighteous. 00:18:05.200 --> 00:18:06.440 The worshiper 00:18:06.440 --> 00:18:08.180 on his knees, 00:18:09.180 --> 00:18:11.540 the average person 00:18:11.540 --> 00:18:12.120 on the street 00:18:12.120 --> 00:18:12.920 who has no thought 00:18:12.920 --> 00:18:13.440 of God, 00:18:13.759 --> 00:18:14.500 the atheist 00:18:14.500 --> 00:18:15.060 who says, 00:18:15.180 --> 00:18:16.180 I hate God, 00:18:16.880 --> 00:18:18.779 the same creator God 00:18:18.779 --> 00:18:20.720 gives the same breath 00:18:20.720 --> 00:18:23.560 to each of their lungs 00:18:23.560 --> 00:18:25.279 that enables them 00:18:25.279 --> 00:18:26.080 to either bless 00:18:26.080 --> 00:18:26.820 or curse. 00:18:28.539 --> 00:18:29.580 So we can't look out 00:18:29.580 --> 00:18:30.200 over Edinburgh 00:18:30.200 --> 00:18:31.100 and say, 00:18:31.600 --> 00:18:31.779 well, 00:18:31.900 --> 00:18:32.360 there's someone 00:18:32.360 --> 00:18:33.580 who's clearly 00:18:33.580 --> 00:18:34.340 a Christian 00:18:34.340 --> 00:18:34.759 because look, 00:18:34.820 --> 00:18:35.720 the sun is shining, 00:18:35.900 --> 00:18:37.039 their garden is growing, 00:18:37.200 --> 00:18:38.600 they're enjoying barbecues, 00:18:38.660 --> 00:18:39.600 but over here 00:18:39.600 --> 00:18:40.259 their neighbors 00:18:40.259 --> 00:18:41.840 must be pagans 00:18:41.839 --> 00:18:43.500 because there's hailstones 00:18:43.500 --> 00:18:44.240 and their gardens 00:18:44.240 --> 00:18:45.059 like a wilderness. 00:18:46.659 --> 00:18:48.159 God is kind 00:18:48.159 --> 00:18:51.119 to his creation. 00:18:53.459 --> 00:18:56.099 And we see this patterned 00:18:56.099 --> 00:18:57.679 in Jesus, 00:18:58.759 --> 00:18:59.939 in his ministry. 00:19:01.259 --> 00:19:02.480 It never ceases 00:19:02.480 --> 00:19:04.659 to be amazing 00:19:04.659 --> 00:19:06.139 that when you come 00:19:06.139 --> 00:19:07.339 to the Last Supper, 00:19:08.639 --> 00:19:09.359 the disciples 00:19:09.359 --> 00:19:10.879 to a man 00:19:10.879 --> 00:19:12.859 can be left confused 00:19:12.859 --> 00:19:13.579 and wondering, 00:19:14.439 --> 00:19:15.259 who is it 00:19:15.259 --> 00:19:16.719 that's going 00:19:16.719 --> 00:19:17.819 to betray Jesus? 00:19:18.479 --> 00:19:19.459 Because Jesus 00:19:19.459 --> 00:19:20.399 is treating them 00:19:20.399 --> 00:19:21.519 all the same. 00:19:22.599 --> 00:19:24.199 Judas had his feet 00:19:24.199 --> 00:19:25.099 washed, 00:19:26.939 --> 00:19:27.759 though Jesus knew 00:19:27.759 --> 00:19:28.679 he was the traitor. 00:19:29.859 --> 00:19:30.799 It's a remarkable 00:19:30.799 --> 00:19:32.459 quality of God 00:19:32.459 --> 00:19:33.699 and of his Son, 00:19:34.399 --> 00:19:35.000 this ability 00:19:35.000 --> 00:19:35.539 to show 00:19:35.539 --> 00:19:37.079 inclusive love. 00:19:37.079 --> 00:19:38.859 But also 00:19:38.859 --> 00:19:39.599 we recognize 00:19:39.599 --> 00:19:40.519 that the love 00:19:40.519 --> 00:19:41.139 of God 00:19:41.139 --> 00:19:43.460 is a merciful love. 00:19:44.279 --> 00:19:44.939 Because Jesus 00:19:44.939 --> 00:19:45.500 spells out 00:19:45.500 --> 00:19:46.220 this is a love 00:19:46.220 --> 00:19:47.259 that is even shown 00:19:47.259 --> 00:19:49.099 to the enemies 00:19:49.099 --> 00:19:50.079 of God. 00:19:51.759 --> 00:19:53.079 Good gifts 00:19:53.079 --> 00:19:54.399 are received. 00:19:56.379 --> 00:19:57.199 While God 00:19:57.199 --> 00:19:58.059 is perfectly 00:19:58.059 --> 00:19:59.559 within his rights 00:19:59.559 --> 00:20:01.519 to retaliate 00:20:01.519 --> 00:20:02.559 for dishonor, 00:20:02.759 --> 00:20:03.579 for rejection, 00:20:04.199 --> 00:20:05.259 he demonstrates 00:20:05.259 --> 00:20:06.039 a love 00:20:06.039 --> 00:20:07.140 that is patient. 00:20:09.359 --> 00:20:10.099 And Peter, 00:20:10.180 --> 00:20:10.579 as he thinks 00:20:10.579 --> 00:20:11.160 about that, 00:20:11.379 --> 00:20:12.799 recognizes 2 Peter 3, 00:20:13.700 --> 00:20:15.160 this is good news. 00:20:15.920 --> 00:20:16.819 That God 00:20:16.819 --> 00:20:17.940 is patient, 00:20:18.559 --> 00:20:18.960 gives us 00:20:18.960 --> 00:20:19.359 a chance 00:20:19.359 --> 00:20:19.920 to repent 00:20:19.920 --> 00:20:20.539 and to turn 00:20:20.539 --> 00:20:21.039 to God 00:20:21.039 --> 00:20:22.319 and to be saved. 00:20:25.299 --> 00:20:26.140 God's love 00:20:26.140 --> 00:20:27.500 is inclusive. 00:20:29.099 --> 00:20:30.059 God's love 00:20:30.059 --> 00:20:31.980 is merciful. 00:20:31.980 --> 00:20:32.099 faithful. 00:20:33.700 --> 00:20:34.319 Then we come 00:20:34.319 --> 00:20:34.900 to the love 00:20:34.900 --> 00:20:36.200 question itself. 00:20:36.799 --> 00:20:37.779 Verse 46, 00:20:37.900 --> 00:20:38.420 if you love 00:20:38.420 --> 00:20:39.319 those who love 00:20:39.319 --> 00:20:39.539 you, 00:20:39.640 --> 00:20:40.279 what reward 00:20:40.279 --> 00:20:41.120 will you get? 00:20:41.980 --> 00:20:43.099 And verse 47, 00:20:43.360 --> 00:20:44.180 and if you greet 00:20:44.180 --> 00:20:45.240 only your own 00:20:45.240 --> 00:20:45.799 people, 00:20:46.220 --> 00:20:47.000 what are you 00:20:47.000 --> 00:20:48.240 doing more 00:20:48.240 --> 00:20:49.640 than others? 00:20:49.920 --> 00:20:50.360 So again, 00:20:50.420 --> 00:20:51.039 Jesus returns 00:20:51.039 --> 00:20:51.440 to this point, 00:20:51.519 --> 00:20:52.660 everybody loves, 00:20:54.720 --> 00:20:55.559 even those 00:20:55.559 --> 00:20:56.059 who are 00:20:56.059 --> 00:20:56.900 considered the 00:20:56.900 --> 00:20:57.640 most immoral 00:20:57.640 --> 00:20:58.620 in their society, 00:20:58.700 --> 00:20:59.860 even tax collectors, 00:21:00.440 --> 00:21:00.920 show love 00:21:00.920 --> 00:21:01.560 and kindness 00:21:01.560 --> 00:21:03.160 to one another. 00:21:04.620 --> 00:21:05.380 But Jesus 00:21:05.380 --> 00:21:06.200 understands 00:21:06.200 --> 00:21:07.160 that the instinct 00:21:07.160 --> 00:21:08.160 of our heart 00:21:08.160 --> 00:21:09.960 is that our love 00:21:09.960 --> 00:21:10.480 be at least 00:21:10.480 --> 00:21:12.080 somewhat self-serving. 00:21:13.600 --> 00:21:14.720 Let me make sure 00:21:14.720 --> 00:21:15.680 that I show love 00:21:15.680 --> 00:21:16.440 to those who are 00:21:16.440 --> 00:21:17.600 of benefit to me. 00:21:18.420 --> 00:21:19.519 Let me make sure 00:21:19.519 --> 00:21:20.360 that I show love 00:21:20.360 --> 00:21:21.019 to those who are 00:21:21.019 --> 00:21:22.279 of my kind, 00:21:22.420 --> 00:21:23.800 of my tribe. 00:21:23.900 --> 00:21:24.640 And Jesus says 00:21:24.640 --> 00:21:26.420 the mark of Christian love 00:21:26.420 --> 00:21:29.200 is a loving 00:21:29.200 --> 00:21:29.960 more than others 00:21:29.960 --> 00:21:30.759 kind of love. 00:21:31.319 --> 00:21:32.079 It's above 00:21:32.079 --> 00:21:33.180 and beyond 00:21:33.180 --> 00:21:34.640 kind of a love. 00:21:34.920 --> 00:21:35.620 It's a love 00:21:35.620 --> 00:21:37.960 for one's enemies. 00:21:40.200 --> 00:21:41.660 So we are called 00:21:41.660 --> 00:21:43.940 as children of God 00:21:43.940 --> 00:21:44.519 to imitate 00:21:44.519 --> 00:21:45.900 the Father's inclusion, 00:21:47.019 --> 00:21:47.819 that the model 00:21:47.819 --> 00:21:48.340 that we are 00:21:48.340 --> 00:21:49.039 to follow 00:21:49.039 --> 00:21:50.100 is not that 00:21:50.100 --> 00:21:50.720 that we see 00:21:50.720 --> 00:21:51.380 in the world 00:21:51.380 --> 00:21:52.039 and the society 00:21:52.039 --> 00:21:52.680 around us, 00:21:52.960 --> 00:21:53.799 but to look 00:21:53.799 --> 00:21:54.500 to our Father 00:21:54.500 --> 00:21:55.640 and say, 00:21:55.720 --> 00:21:56.259 I want to be more 00:21:56.259 --> 00:21:57.120 like my Father 00:21:57.120 --> 00:21:58.539 in how I love. 00:21:58.539 --> 00:21:59.440 Of course, 00:21:59.559 --> 00:22:00.819 Jesus does expect 00:22:00.819 --> 00:22:01.500 us to love 00:22:01.500 --> 00:22:02.220 nice people, 00:22:02.859 --> 00:22:04.319 and it's a good thing 00:22:04.319 --> 00:22:05.079 that we have friends 00:22:05.079 --> 00:22:05.559 and family 00:22:05.559 --> 00:22:05.920 and people 00:22:05.920 --> 00:22:06.559 that we connect 00:22:06.559 --> 00:22:07.359 with easily, 00:22:07.899 --> 00:22:09.139 but we understand, 00:22:09.279 --> 00:22:09.460 I think, 00:22:09.500 --> 00:22:10.039 our own hearts, 00:22:10.079 --> 00:22:10.319 and we know 00:22:10.319 --> 00:22:11.519 even that in itself 00:22:11.519 --> 00:22:12.259 can be testing 00:22:12.259 --> 00:22:13.019 at times, 00:22:13.480 --> 00:22:14.799 but he certainly 00:22:14.799 --> 00:22:16.299 also does expect 00:22:16.299 --> 00:22:17.799 us to love 00:22:17.799 --> 00:22:18.659 the unlovely, 00:22:19.460 --> 00:22:19.960 those who are 00:22:19.960 --> 00:22:21.039 not nice to us, 00:22:21.299 --> 00:22:21.879 those who would 00:22:21.879 --> 00:22:22.599 make themselves 00:22:22.599 --> 00:22:25.000 enemies towards us. 00:22:26.200 --> 00:22:26.759 Jesus says 00:22:26.759 --> 00:22:27.440 we are to do that 00:22:27.440 --> 00:22:28.140 because it's the way 00:22:28.140 --> 00:22:28.680 of our Father 00:22:28.680 --> 00:22:29.279 in heaven. 00:22:30.539 --> 00:22:31.220 Our Father 00:22:31.220 --> 00:22:31.619 in heaven 00:22:31.619 --> 00:22:32.379 who sustains 00:22:32.379 --> 00:22:33.000 and provides 00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:33.799 for all kinds 00:22:33.799 --> 00:22:34.359 of people, 00:22:35.420 --> 00:22:36.000 sent Jesus 00:22:36.000 --> 00:22:37.099 to be the Savior 00:22:37.099 --> 00:22:38.059 for all kinds 00:22:38.059 --> 00:22:38.599 of people, 00:22:39.839 --> 00:22:40.900 demonstrated his love 00:22:40.900 --> 00:22:41.740 in giving his Son 00:22:41.740 --> 00:22:42.619 to make peace 00:22:42.619 --> 00:22:43.279 with enemies, 00:22:43.359 --> 00:22:44.240 to turn enemies 00:22:44.240 --> 00:22:45.779 into adopted children. 00:22:47.099 --> 00:22:48.119 So we're to imitate 00:22:48.119 --> 00:22:48.940 that inclusion 00:22:48.940 --> 00:22:50.000 and to mirror 00:22:50.000 --> 00:22:51.819 our Father's 00:22:51.819 --> 00:22:52.900 mercy, 00:22:52.900 --> 00:22:55.420 not applying 00:22:55.420 --> 00:22:56.200 that measure 00:22:56.200 --> 00:22:56.880 of justice. 00:22:56.880 --> 00:22:57.420 What does this 00:22:57.420 --> 00:22:58.519 person deserve? 00:22:59.259 --> 00:22:59.759 Because that will 00:22:59.759 --> 00:23:00.600 always tend 00:23:00.600 --> 00:23:01.380 to limit 00:23:01.380 --> 00:23:03.420 and to exclude, 00:23:04.180 --> 00:23:04.820 especially when it 00:23:04.820 --> 00:23:05.300 comes to people 00:23:05.300 --> 00:23:05.860 who are different 00:23:05.860 --> 00:23:06.440 to us. 00:23:06.860 --> 00:23:07.759 And we're not 00:23:07.759 --> 00:23:08.380 to do that, 00:23:08.460 --> 00:23:08.940 Jesus says, 00:23:09.040 --> 00:23:09.600 because remember 00:23:09.600 --> 00:23:10.360 the Father 00:23:10.360 --> 00:23:11.820 poured out mercy, 00:23:11.900 --> 00:23:12.580 he's always 00:23:12.580 --> 00:23:13.740 pouring out mercy, 00:23:14.540 --> 00:23:15.880 and he's 00:23:15.880 --> 00:23:16.759 pouring out mercy 00:23:16.759 --> 00:23:17.980 on unlovely, 00:23:18.600 --> 00:23:19.960 undeserving sinners, 00:23:21.160 --> 00:23:22.120 people like us. 00:23:22.119 --> 00:23:23.859 He didn't say to us, 00:23:23.939 --> 00:23:24.719 clean up your act 00:23:24.719 --> 00:23:25.479 first and then 00:23:25.479 --> 00:23:26.819 you can join my family. 00:23:27.179 --> 00:23:28.519 He showed grace, 00:23:28.939 --> 00:23:29.939 he showed mercy. 00:23:31.139 --> 00:23:32.159 So we're called 00:23:32.159 --> 00:23:33.259 to the Father's 00:23:33.259 --> 00:23:35.279 family values. 00:23:36.539 --> 00:23:36.939 And again, 00:23:37.039 --> 00:23:37.859 where do we see 00:23:37.859 --> 00:23:38.819 them displayed 00:23:38.819 --> 00:23:39.779 most clearly 00:23:39.779 --> 00:23:40.859 and perfectly? 00:23:41.279 --> 00:23:42.119 We see them 00:23:42.119 --> 00:23:43.379 displayed in Jesus 00:23:43.379 --> 00:23:43.959 Christ, 00:23:44.039 --> 00:23:45.199 the Son of God. 00:23:45.279 --> 00:23:46.079 We see it in the 00:23:46.079 --> 00:23:48.519 glory of his love. 00:23:49.479 --> 00:23:50.339 Think about his love 00:23:50.339 --> 00:23:51.659 and who he called 00:23:51.659 --> 00:23:53.679 to follow him. 00:23:54.519 --> 00:23:55.439 Some of the least 00:23:55.439 --> 00:23:56.859 likely candidates, 00:23:57.799 --> 00:23:58.579 many who were 00:23:58.579 --> 00:23:59.379 rejected 00:23:59.379 --> 00:24:00.679 and ignored 00:24:00.679 --> 00:24:02.059 and despised 00:24:02.059 --> 00:24:03.399 in society, 00:24:03.399 --> 00:24:04.399 but loved, 00:24:04.659 --> 00:24:05.019 valued, 00:24:05.220 --> 00:24:05.480 honored, 00:24:05.740 --> 00:24:06.899 saved by Jesus. 00:24:10.079 --> 00:24:10.720 Jesus, 00:24:10.879 --> 00:24:11.919 who showed the full 00:24:11.919 --> 00:24:13.779 extent of his love 00:24:13.779 --> 00:24:15.859 in giving himself 00:24:15.859 --> 00:24:17.819 over to his enemies 00:24:17.819 --> 00:24:20.440 to be put to death, 00:24:21.339 --> 00:24:22.440 praying forgiveness 00:24:22.440 --> 00:24:23.700 all the while 00:24:23.700 --> 00:24:25.460 for his enemies, 00:24:27.460 --> 00:24:28.160 dying 00:24:28.160 --> 00:24:29.940 that enemies 00:24:29.940 --> 00:24:30.680 and those facing 00:24:30.680 --> 00:24:31.859 the wrath of God 00:24:31.859 --> 00:24:33.639 may be saved 00:24:33.639 --> 00:24:35.980 and be drawn to him. 00:24:36.740 --> 00:24:37.759 And when we believe 00:24:37.759 --> 00:24:38.839 and when we experience 00:24:38.839 --> 00:24:40.220 the power of his love, 00:24:40.220 --> 00:24:42.839 we can be enabled 00:24:42.839 --> 00:24:43.700 to share it 00:24:43.700 --> 00:24:46.079 as we allow 00:24:46.079 --> 00:24:46.860 the love 00:24:46.860 --> 00:24:48.059 of our Father, 00:24:48.600 --> 00:24:49.120 the love 00:24:49.120 --> 00:24:50.180 of our Savior 00:24:50.180 --> 00:24:53.079 to overwhelm us. 00:24:53.819 --> 00:24:54.519 We can be like 00:24:54.519 --> 00:24:55.120 Stephen, 00:24:55.940 --> 00:24:56.539 the book of Acts, 00:24:56.600 --> 00:24:57.400 the first person 00:24:57.400 --> 00:24:58.039 to die 00:24:58.039 --> 00:24:59.759 for following Jesus. 00:25:00.680 --> 00:25:01.400 We turn to 00:25:01.400 --> 00:25:02.220 Acts 7 00:25:02.220 --> 00:25:03.799 just for a moment, 00:25:04.480 --> 00:25:06.279 a beautiful testimony 00:25:06.279 --> 00:25:08.059 to Stephen 00:25:08.059 --> 00:25:09.180 and his faith. 00:25:09.180 --> 00:25:11.200 Acts 7 00:25:11.200 --> 00:25:13.620 verse 59, 00:25:13.980 --> 00:25:14.600 while they were 00:25:14.600 --> 00:25:15.880 stoning Stephen, 00:25:16.840 --> 00:25:18.259 I see verse 55, 00:25:18.500 --> 00:25:18.900 first of all, 00:25:18.960 --> 00:25:19.220 Stephen, 00:25:19.360 --> 00:25:20.200 full of the Holy Spirit, 00:25:20.340 --> 00:25:21.160 looked up to heaven 00:25:21.160 --> 00:25:22.960 and saw the glory 00:25:22.960 --> 00:25:23.440 of God 00:25:23.440 --> 00:25:24.539 and Jesus standing 00:25:24.539 --> 00:25:25.460 at the right hand 00:25:25.460 --> 00:25:26.060 of God. 00:25:27.080 --> 00:25:27.640 And then while 00:25:27.640 --> 00:25:28.539 they were stoning him, 00:25:28.700 --> 00:25:29.700 Stephen prayed, 00:25:30.340 --> 00:25:31.240 Lord Jesus, 00:25:31.600 --> 00:25:32.920 receive my spirit. 00:25:33.560 --> 00:25:34.259 Then he fell 00:25:34.259 --> 00:25:34.799 on his knees 00:25:34.799 --> 00:25:35.799 and cried out, 00:25:35.940 --> 00:25:36.259 Lord, 00:25:36.900 --> 00:25:38.060 do not hold 00:25:38.060 --> 00:25:38.620 this sin 00:25:38.619 --> 00:25:39.379 against them. 00:25:39.959 --> 00:25:40.659 When he had said 00:25:40.659 --> 00:25:41.119 this, 00:25:42.159 --> 00:25:43.119 he fell asleep. 00:25:45.099 --> 00:25:45.939 Stephen was looking 00:25:45.939 --> 00:25:46.559 to Jesus 00:25:46.559 --> 00:25:48.679 and he was loving 00:25:48.679 --> 00:25:50.299 like Jesus. 00:25:51.719 --> 00:25:52.679 And when he died, 00:25:52.779 --> 00:25:53.519 he went to be 00:25:53.519 --> 00:25:54.899 with Jesus. 00:25:55.719 --> 00:25:56.939 So that's the model 00:25:56.939 --> 00:25:58.959 that we are to follow. 00:25:59.479 --> 00:26:00.159 It's the model 00:26:00.159 --> 00:26:01.000 of our Father. 00:26:01.679 --> 00:26:02.639 And finally and briefly, 00:26:02.739 --> 00:26:03.919 let's think thoroughly 00:26:03.919 --> 00:26:04.759 about the mercy 00:26:04.759 --> 00:26:07.379 that we all need. 00:26:08.579 --> 00:26:09.220 Again, 00:26:09.339 --> 00:26:10.259 to take Jesus' 00:26:11.019 --> 00:26:12.519 teaching seriously, 00:26:12.519 --> 00:26:14.599 I imagine, 00:26:14.819 --> 00:26:15.799 is to give us 00:26:15.799 --> 00:26:18.259 a sense of conviction, 00:26:19.359 --> 00:26:21.000 perhaps of failings 00:26:21.000 --> 00:26:22.339 that we are aware of. 00:26:23.379 --> 00:26:23.859 You know, 00:26:23.900 --> 00:26:26.339 if this is God's test, 00:26:26.420 --> 00:26:27.619 if this is what he calls us 00:26:27.619 --> 00:26:27.759 to, 00:26:27.920 --> 00:26:28.740 love your enemies 00:26:28.740 --> 00:26:29.660 and pray for those 00:26:29.660 --> 00:26:30.640 who persecute you. 00:26:30.640 --> 00:26:32.880 If he asks for us 00:26:32.880 --> 00:26:34.040 to go above 00:26:34.040 --> 00:26:34.980 and beyond 00:26:34.980 --> 00:26:35.900 the most loving 00:26:35.900 --> 00:26:36.800 and merciful 00:26:36.800 --> 00:26:37.540 non-Christian 00:26:37.540 --> 00:26:38.520 that we meet, 00:26:40.280 --> 00:26:41.500 if the standard 00:26:41.500 --> 00:26:43.100 that God expects 00:26:43.100 --> 00:26:44.520 is the standard 00:26:44.520 --> 00:26:45.640 of verse 48, 00:26:45.860 --> 00:26:47.360 be perfect, 00:26:47.580 --> 00:26:48.020 therefore, 00:26:49.600 --> 00:26:50.700 as your heavenly Father 00:26:50.700 --> 00:26:51.300 is perfect, 00:26:52.380 --> 00:26:53.640 you can possibly 00:26:53.640 --> 00:26:56.040 match up. 00:26:56.039 --> 00:26:57.220 Now, 00:26:57.259 --> 00:26:58.379 when Jesus says there, 00:26:58.480 --> 00:26:59.240 be perfect, 00:27:00.000 --> 00:27:01.099 he's not saying 00:27:01.099 --> 00:27:02.559 there will be a point, 00:27:02.639 --> 00:27:03.299 there should be a point 00:27:03.299 --> 00:27:04.659 where sinless moral perfection 00:27:04.659 --> 00:27:06.059 is possible in this life, 00:27:06.200 --> 00:27:07.059 because remember, 00:27:07.500 --> 00:27:08.379 Jesus teaches us 00:27:08.379 --> 00:27:08.859 to pray, 00:27:09.200 --> 00:27:10.200 forgive us our debts. 00:27:11.639 --> 00:27:12.940 Jesus says, 00:27:13.119 --> 00:27:14.339 blessed are those 00:27:14.339 --> 00:27:14.960 who hunger 00:27:14.960 --> 00:27:15.839 and thirst 00:27:15.839 --> 00:27:17.299 for righteousness. 00:27:18.619 --> 00:27:18.839 So, 00:27:18.899 --> 00:27:19.299 what does he mean 00:27:19.299 --> 00:27:19.819 when he's talking 00:27:19.819 --> 00:27:20.819 about being perfect 00:27:20.819 --> 00:27:21.920 as our heavenly Father? 00:27:23.220 --> 00:27:23.960 He means put on 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:25.480 a love like our Father's. 00:27:26.039 --> 00:27:27.559 Practice merciful, 00:27:27.839 --> 00:27:28.240 inclusive, 00:27:28.559 --> 00:27:29.359 extravagant, 00:27:29.720 --> 00:27:31.359 patient love. 00:27:33.319 --> 00:27:35.099 This is the requirement 00:27:35.099 --> 00:27:39.539 truly no one measures up. 00:27:40.579 --> 00:27:42.480 The law of love 00:27:42.480 --> 00:27:45.559 stands to condemn us, 00:27:46.259 --> 00:27:48.079 but at the same time 00:27:48.079 --> 00:27:49.359 points us to Christ. 00:27:49.859 --> 00:27:51.000 Because when we turn 00:27:51.000 --> 00:27:51.779 to Jesus, 00:27:52.319 --> 00:27:53.299 there is hope, 00:27:53.299 --> 00:27:54.740 there is good news, 00:27:54.740 --> 00:27:56.339 because Jesus perfectly 00:27:56.339 --> 00:27:57.660 kept the love command. 00:27:58.620 --> 00:27:59.920 He loved his neighbor 00:27:59.920 --> 00:28:01.000 as himself. 00:28:01.120 --> 00:28:01.940 He didn't hold 00:28:01.940 --> 00:28:03.099 anything back. 00:28:03.599 --> 00:28:04.299 He practiced 00:28:04.299 --> 00:28:05.480 what he preached 00:28:05.480 --> 00:28:07.859 in his conversations, 00:28:08.500 --> 00:28:09.640 in his tears 00:28:09.640 --> 00:28:11.019 over Jerusalem, 00:28:11.259 --> 00:28:12.519 unwilling to repent 00:28:12.519 --> 00:28:14.059 in the way he died 00:28:14.059 --> 00:28:14.859 on the cross. 00:28:15.880 --> 00:28:16.900 Jesus mirrored 00:28:16.900 --> 00:28:17.920 the Father's love. 00:28:18.200 --> 00:28:19.599 He is the glory of God 00:28:19.599 --> 00:28:20.519 in human form, 00:28:20.620 --> 00:28:21.200 so the love 00:28:21.200 --> 00:28:22.299 that we see in Jesus 00:28:22.299 --> 00:28:24.299 is the love of God. 00:28:25.659 --> 00:28:26.919 Utterly unique. 00:28:28.759 --> 00:28:30.059 Utterly transforming. 00:28:32.559 --> 00:28:33.700 We mentioned the 00:28:33.700 --> 00:28:34.879 Good Samaritan parable, 00:28:35.019 --> 00:28:35.299 of course. 00:28:35.460 --> 00:28:37.259 Jesus perfectly shows 00:28:37.259 --> 00:28:38.359 what it looks like 00:28:38.359 --> 00:28:40.799 to be the Great Samaritan. 00:28:42.579 --> 00:28:43.619 Sacrificing himself, 00:28:43.940 --> 00:28:44.799 giving everything, 00:28:44.960 --> 00:28:46.079 paying everything 00:28:46.079 --> 00:28:48.159 for helpless, 00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:50.699 hopeless people like us 00:28:50.699 --> 00:28:51.679 who could never 00:28:51.679 --> 00:28:53.059 hope to live, 00:28:53.179 --> 00:28:54.960 to enjoy God's presence 00:28:54.960 --> 00:28:56.399 without his mercy 00:28:56.399 --> 00:28:57.359 and grace. 00:28:58.079 --> 00:28:59.240 It is Jesus 00:28:59.240 --> 00:29:00.439 who shows us 00:29:00.439 --> 00:29:01.839 the beautiful, 00:29:02.019 --> 00:29:03.659 unique love of God. 00:29:05.319 --> 00:29:06.439 Romans 5, 00:29:06.519 --> 00:29:07.259 verse 10. 00:29:08.699 --> 00:29:09.539 The love of God 00:29:09.539 --> 00:29:11.079 that reconciles us. 00:29:11.759 --> 00:29:12.639 The love of God 00:29:12.639 --> 00:29:13.579 that saves us 00:29:13.579 --> 00:29:14.519 from his wrath. 00:29:14.519 --> 00:29:17.119 While we were enemies 00:29:17.119 --> 00:29:19.680 through the death 00:29:19.680 --> 00:29:20.279 of his Son. 00:29:22.579 --> 00:29:23.539 When we think about 00:29:23.539 --> 00:29:24.819 the question of love 00:29:24.819 --> 00:29:27.619 and our lack of love, 00:29:27.759 --> 00:29:29.319 often our greatest need 00:29:29.319 --> 00:29:31.500 is first and always 00:29:31.500 --> 00:29:32.379 to receive. 00:29:32.900 --> 00:29:34.980 To receive this merciful love 00:29:34.980 --> 00:29:35.879 for ourselves. 00:29:36.200 --> 00:29:37.200 By faith, 00:29:37.299 --> 00:29:39.160 to trust in Jesus as Lord 00:29:39.160 --> 00:29:40.160 to find forgiveness, 00:29:41.160 --> 00:29:42.200 eternal life, 00:29:42.200 --> 00:29:43.580 and to be brought 00:29:43.580 --> 00:29:45.019 into relationship 00:29:45.019 --> 00:29:45.620 with the God 00:29:45.620 --> 00:29:46.460 of perfect love. 00:29:47.380 --> 00:29:48.080 And it's then 00:29:48.080 --> 00:29:49.620 and only then 00:29:49.620 --> 00:29:51.440 that the power 00:29:51.440 --> 00:29:52.319 of the gospel 00:29:52.319 --> 00:29:54.080 begins to grip 00:29:54.080 --> 00:29:54.799 our hearts 00:29:54.799 --> 00:29:57.140 and can control 00:29:57.140 --> 00:29:59.080 who we love 00:29:59.080 --> 00:30:00.880 and how we love. 00:30:01.360 --> 00:30:02.500 As we understand 00:30:02.500 --> 00:30:03.440 that we are first 00:30:03.440 --> 00:30:04.059 and always 00:30:04.059 --> 00:30:05.200 subjects 00:30:05.200 --> 00:30:07.380 of a wonderful, 00:30:07.700 --> 00:30:09.220 gracious love 00:30:09.220 --> 00:30:11.819 from our God. 00:30:12.460 --> 00:30:13.519 As we allow that 00:30:13.519 --> 00:30:14.960 to shape our heart 00:30:14.960 --> 00:30:15.880 and our will 00:30:15.880 --> 00:30:17.340 so that we want 00:30:17.340 --> 00:30:18.440 to live the Father's way 00:30:18.440 --> 00:30:19.700 even when it's hard. 00:30:20.259 --> 00:30:21.160 Even if we might 00:30:21.160 --> 00:30:22.000 get rejected 00:30:22.000 --> 00:30:23.759 or be ignored. 00:30:26.140 --> 00:30:27.039 That the love 00:30:27.039 --> 00:30:27.980 that we receive 00:30:27.980 --> 00:30:29.200 would lead us 00:30:29.200 --> 00:30:29.980 to share 00:30:29.980 --> 00:30:31.819 the Father's love 00:30:31.819 --> 00:30:32.899 so that people 00:30:32.899 --> 00:30:33.720 around us, 00:30:34.480 --> 00:30:35.359 including enemies, 00:30:35.559 --> 00:30:36.079 including those 00:30:36.079 --> 00:30:36.659 who wrong us, 00:30:36.759 --> 00:30:37.259 including those 00:30:37.259 --> 00:30:38.359 who speak badly of us, 00:30:38.439 --> 00:30:38.919 including those 00:30:38.919 --> 00:30:39.720 who think the worst 00:30:39.720 --> 00:30:40.379 of us, 00:30:41.240 --> 00:30:42.359 would come to experience 00:30:42.359 --> 00:30:43.980 something of the Father's love 00:30:43.980 --> 00:30:45.579 from children 00:30:45.579 --> 00:30:46.240 who would follow 00:30:46.240 --> 00:30:46.980 in His footsteps. 00:30:47.919 --> 00:30:49.480 Let's pray together. 00:30:53.059 --> 00:30:53.579 Lord, 00:30:53.759 --> 00:30:54.659 our God, 00:30:55.359 --> 00:30:56.759 we recognize 00:30:56.759 --> 00:30:58.119 how incredibly 00:30:58.119 --> 00:30:58.839 demanding 00:30:58.839 --> 00:31:00.559 the teaching 00:31:00.559 --> 00:31:01.699 of Jesus is. 00:31:03.159 --> 00:31:04.119 We recognize 00:31:04.119 --> 00:31:05.819 how often 00:31:05.819 --> 00:31:06.819 we can lack love, 00:31:06.919 --> 00:31:07.899 we can grow tired 00:31:07.899 --> 00:31:08.220 of our love.