WEBVTT

00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.939
 God's Word, which I pray is well read and treasured in your hearts, and turn to Luke's first account, chapter 15.

00:00:08.939 --> 00:00:12.019
! This is the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15.

00:00:15.019 --> 00:00:23.760
 In case you've not been with us for the past two weeks, we've been considering together what is most often referred to as the parable of the prodigal son.

00:00:23.760 --> 00:00:32.840
 However, many people will miss the driving point of the story if we think that it is all about the younger of these two brothers.

00:00:34.300 --> 00:00:48.400
 In Luke, chapter 15, Jesus masterfully tells a story in order to expose the sinfulness of those who would grumble that this man receives sinners and eats with them.

00:00:48.399 --> 00:00:57.640
 So, the story is driving to a point which is made in the response of the older brother.

00:00:58.939 --> 00:01:11.579
 All the same, that does not mean that we shouldn't appreciate the other characters of the story and what we can learn of the folly of reckless living or of the licentious love of God.

00:01:11.579 --> 00:01:23.519
 Two weeks ago, we considered the younger son and his desire to be independent from his father and to have the possessions that his father would give to him so that he could spend it on himself.

00:01:24.560 --> 00:01:34.039
 We observed the younger son being brought to such a desperate state that he comes to his senses and decides to return to his father to live as a servant.

00:01:34.040 --> 00:01:50.060
 Last week, we considered the great compassion of the father as he shames himself in order to receive his son back and restore him fully to his status as a son with all of the honor and authority that accompanies it.

00:01:50.680 --> 00:01:55.700
 And then we saw the celebration of his restoration that follows.

00:01:55.700 --> 00:02:05.820
 Now, as Jesus is about to drive home his point, recall for us that this story is very endearing.

00:02:06.219 --> 00:02:09.360
 We can play the images out in our minds.

00:02:10.120 --> 00:02:15.599
 We love to consider a wayward son returning home and being embraced by his father.

00:02:15.599 --> 00:02:27.419
 But the Pharisees and the scribes would have been astonished that the father would have treated such a disrespectful son in this manner.

00:02:28.699 --> 00:02:33.639
 The younger son, in asking for his inheritance, was wishing the father dead.

00:02:34.139 --> 00:02:39.780
 And the Pharisees and the scribes could not fathom a father that would love his son in this way.

00:02:40.780 --> 00:02:43.719
 At this point, they would have been furious.

00:02:43.719 --> 00:02:50.879
 You see, the Pharisees and the scribes are represented by the older brother in the story.

00:02:51.919 --> 00:02:56.699
 They see Jesus with tax collectors and sinners drawing near to him.

00:02:56.939 --> 00:03:05.520
 And they say, as self-righteous religious elites, that they want to preserve their status as such.

00:03:06.479 --> 00:03:12.120
 They would never want the reputations of those drawing near to Jesus to solely their reputations.

00:03:12.120 --> 00:03:20.340
 And they, as we will see, want nothing to do with a God that would love the younger brothers of this world.

00:03:22.280 --> 00:03:26.099
 So let's read Luke chapter 15 in its entirety.

00:03:26.920 --> 00:03:32.319
 Our focus for this morning is going to be on verses 25 through 32.

00:03:32.319 --> 00:03:36.979
 Before I read, beloved, let me remind you that this is God's word to us.

00:03:37.780 --> 00:03:41.079
 It was written for his glory and for our good.

00:03:41.879 --> 00:03:48.599
 And as such, we would all do well to listen to it in order to believe its promises and obey its commands.

00:03:49.479 --> 00:03:50.959
 So beginning in verse 1.

00:03:50.960 --> 00:03:56.240
 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to him.

00:03:56.740 --> 00:03:59.420
 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying,

00:03:59.640 --> 00:04:01.980
 This man receives sinners and eats with them.

00:04:02.620 --> 00:04:04.560
 So he told them this parable.

00:04:05.360 --> 00:04:08.340
 What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them,

00:04:08.400 --> 00:04:13.439
 does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?

00:04:14.080 --> 00:04:16.900
 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

00:04:16.899 --> 00:04:21.339
 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them,

00:04:21.719 --> 00:04:24.779
 Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.

00:04:25.739 --> 00:04:29.699
 Just so I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents

00:04:29.699 --> 00:04:33.259
 than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

00:04:34.500 --> 00:04:38.319
 Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin,

00:04:38.799 --> 00:04:42.579
 does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?

00:04:43.159 --> 00:04:46.379
 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying,

00:04:46.379 --> 00:04:50.680
 Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.

00:04:51.459 --> 00:04:56.939
 Just so I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

00:04:57.839 --> 00:05:01.339
 And he said, There was a man who had two sons.

00:05:02.079 --> 00:05:03.920
 And the younger of them said to his father,

00:05:04.439 --> 00:05:07.240
 Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.

00:05:07.699 --> 00:05:09.659
 And he divided his property between them.

00:05:10.459 --> 00:05:15.240
 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country.

00:05:15.240 --> 00:05:18.860
 And there he squandered his property in reckless living.

00:05:19.819 --> 00:05:25.000
 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need.

00:05:25.560 --> 00:05:31.300
 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.

00:05:31.879 --> 00:05:36.840
 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

00:05:36.839 --> 00:05:39.859
 But when he came to himself, he said,

00:05:40.560 --> 00:05:44.919
 How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger.

00:05:45.500 --> 00:05:48.000
 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him,

00:05:48.419 --> 00:05:50.879
 Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.

00:05:51.279 --> 00:05:53.359
 I am no longer worthy to be called your son.

00:05:53.839 --> 00:05:55.620
 Treat me as one of your hired servants.

00:05:56.519 --> 00:05:58.120
 And he arose and came to his father.

00:05:58.120 --> 00:06:06.040
 But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

00:06:06.740 --> 00:06:07.639
 And the son said to him,

00:06:07.699 --> 00:06:09.740
 Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.

00:06:10.160 --> 00:06:12.660
 I am no longer worthy to be called your son.

00:06:13.300 --> 00:06:15.000
 But the father said to his servants,

00:06:15.660 --> 00:06:17.600
 Bring quickly the best robe and put it on him.

00:06:18.019 --> 00:06:20.860
 And put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet.

00:06:21.300 --> 00:06:25.340
 And bring the fattened calf and kill it and let us eat and celebrate.

00:06:25.339 --> 00:06:28.479
 For this my son was dead and is alive again.

00:06:28.939 --> 00:06:31.179
 He was lost and is found.

00:06:31.659 --> 00:06:33.500
 And they began to celebrate.

00:06:34.679 --> 00:06:36.519
 Now his older son was in the field.

00:06:36.639 --> 00:06:40.039
 And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.

00:06:40.539 --> 00:06:44.319
 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.

00:06:45.000 --> 00:06:45.879
 And he said to him,

00:06:46.359 --> 00:06:51.379
 Your brother has come and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.

00:06:52.059 --> 00:06:54.879
 But he was angry and refused to go in.

00:06:55.339 --> 00:06:57.979
 His father came out and entreated him.

00:06:58.359 --> 00:06:59.659
 But he answered his father,

00:07:00.219 --> 00:07:03.119
 Look, these many years I have served you.

00:07:03.439 --> 00:07:05.079
 And I never disobeyed your command.

00:07:05.579 --> 00:07:09.459
 Yet you never gave me a young goat that I might celebrate with my friends.

00:07:10.179 --> 00:07:12.139
 But when this son of yours came,

00:07:12.379 --> 00:07:14.819
 who has devoured your property with prostitutes,

00:07:15.219 --> 00:07:17.439
 you killed the fattened calf for him.

00:07:17.439 --> 00:07:19.300
 And he said to him,

00:07:19.899 --> 00:07:24.100
 Son, you are always with me and all that is mine is yours.

00:07:24.540 --> 00:07:26.980
 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad.

00:07:27.219 --> 00:07:29.660
 For this your brother was dead and is alive.

00:07:30.139 --> 00:07:32.639
 He was lost and is found.

00:07:32.639 --> 00:07:42.899
 Now the outline for our study this morning will juxtapose the failing love of the oldest son

00:07:42.899 --> 00:07:49.279
 with the unfailing love of the father in the following outline.

00:07:49.279 --> 00:07:55.519
 Number one, the failing love of the oldest son for his father.

00:07:57.919 --> 00:08:03.639
 Number two, the failing love of the oldest son for his younger brother.

00:08:03.639 --> 00:08:13.219
 And number three, the unfailing love of the father for his oldest son.

00:08:14.879 --> 00:08:19.759
 Number one, the failing love of the oldest son for his father.

00:08:19.819 --> 00:08:21.039
 I hope you're not getting those mixed up.

00:08:21.279 --> 00:08:25.519
 The failing love of the oldest son for his father.

00:08:25.560 --> 00:08:29.740
 And we see this mostly in verses 28 and 29.

00:08:29.740 --> 00:08:35.740
 You see that he was angry at this report that his younger brother had returned

00:08:35.740 --> 00:08:39.440
 and there was great rejoicing and the fattened calf had been killed

00:08:39.440 --> 00:08:44.060
 and he refused to go inside to the party.

00:08:44.700 --> 00:08:48.480
 The oldest son was so furious.

00:08:48.480 --> 00:08:51.480
 And he is furious with the father.

00:08:52.200 --> 00:08:55.860
 He stands outside of the celebration fuming.

00:08:57.060 --> 00:08:57.320
 Why?

00:08:57.320 --> 00:09:02.780
 Because his perceived rights have been trampled upon.

00:09:03.240 --> 00:09:06.740
 Because he didn't run about seeking his pleasure like his younger brother,

00:09:07.100 --> 00:09:11.520
 but stayed and shouldered more than his fair share of the work on his father's estate.

00:09:12.140 --> 00:09:13.140
 He's mad.

00:09:13.500 --> 00:09:16.340
 He wants justice, not mercy.

00:09:16.860 --> 00:09:19.980
 He wants his younger brother to get what is coming to him.

00:09:20.480 --> 00:09:24.100
 He wants him punished, not celebrated.

00:09:24.100 --> 00:09:30.899
 And so he begins grumbling, just as the Pharisees and scribes.

00:09:30.980 --> 00:09:36.840
 He says, look, these many years I have served you and I never disobeyed your command.

00:09:37.800 --> 00:09:42.980
 Now, is it true that the oldest son was never disobedient?

00:09:42.980 --> 00:09:45.139
 Of course not.

00:09:46.440 --> 00:09:48.460
 This is a parable, to be clear.

00:09:49.159 --> 00:09:52.399
 But there's no one who ever is perfectly obedient.

00:09:52.620 --> 00:09:54.000
 This is an impossibility, right?

00:09:54.279 --> 00:09:58.980
 But his perception is that he has been perfectly obedient.

00:09:59.440 --> 00:10:00.899
 He thinks so.

00:10:01.120 --> 00:10:03.960
 He is self-righteous.

00:10:03.960 --> 00:10:13.180
 He believes that he has been perfectly good, or at least good enough to earn his father's favor.

00:10:13.879 --> 00:10:17.800
 And this was the state of the Pharisees and the scribes.

00:10:17.799 --> 00:10:24.699
 In Luke chapter 5, verses 30 through 32, Luke records this.

00:10:24.819 --> 00:10:25.779
 It should sound familiar.

00:10:25.779 --> 00:10:30.899
 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying,

00:10:31.899 --> 00:10:36.259
 Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?

00:10:37.240 --> 00:10:38.959
 And Jesus answered them,

00:10:38.960 --> 00:10:44.700
 Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

00:10:45.259 --> 00:10:50.220
 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

00:10:51.300 --> 00:10:56.280
 Is Jesus suggesting in Luke chapter 15 and in Luke chapter 5,

00:10:56.420 --> 00:10:59.560
 that the Pharisees and scribes are well?

00:11:00.680 --> 00:11:02.300
 Absolutely not.

00:11:03.000 --> 00:11:07.120
 He is addressing their perception of themselves.

00:11:07.120 --> 00:11:08.960
 He is saying,

00:11:09.759 --> 00:11:12.179
 You do not see that you are sick,

00:11:12.639 --> 00:11:16.620
 so therefore you do not see your need of a physician.

00:11:19.039 --> 00:11:20.820
 Elsewhere, Matthew chapter 23.

00:11:21.159 --> 00:11:23.580
 This is verses 27 and 28.

00:11:24.500 --> 00:11:25.259
 Jesus says,

00:11:25.899 --> 00:11:30.740
 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

00:11:31.360 --> 00:11:34.500
 For you are like whitewashed tombs,

00:11:34.500 --> 00:11:36.279
 which outwardly appear beautiful,

00:11:36.279 --> 00:11:41.480
 but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanliness.

00:11:42.519 --> 00:11:45.720
 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others,

00:11:45.819 --> 00:11:50.220
 but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

00:11:50.620 --> 00:11:53.519
 You put on a very good show.

00:11:53.519 --> 00:12:00.179
 The Pharisees and scribes should have seen themselves in the older brother

00:12:00.179 --> 00:12:09.000
 and had been broken by their self-righteous indignation toward the younger sons who were gathering around Jesus.

00:12:09.439 --> 00:12:17.019
 They needed to lay aside their self-righteousness and see that they also hate the Father.

00:12:17.019 --> 00:12:25.579
 They should have humbled themselves and turned to the one who was telling them this story.

00:12:25.580 --> 00:12:29.460
 Jesus says in Matthew chapter 5 verse 3,

00:12:29.960 --> 00:12:33.080
 Blessed are the poor in spirit,

00:12:33.360 --> 00:12:35.600
 for theirs is the kingdom of God.

00:12:35.920 --> 00:12:43.320
 Blessed are those who recognize they have nothing by which to buy their place in the kingdom of God,

00:12:43.379 --> 00:12:46.200
 that they cannot earn their salvation.

00:12:46.200 --> 00:12:51.800
 Mankind's issue before God has never been one of outward activity,

00:12:51.800 --> 00:12:55.440
 but rather one of inward affection.

00:12:56.800 --> 00:13:00.440
 God wants our affections to be set on Him,

00:13:00.720 --> 00:13:03.300
 which to be clear yields obedience,

00:13:04.220 --> 00:13:07.680
 but that obedience is ultimately for God.

00:13:07.679 --> 00:13:15.059
 It is aimed at Him to please Him and to glorify Him because we love Him.

00:13:16.199 --> 00:13:19.979
 The oldest son is not obedient in order to please his father,

00:13:20.459 --> 00:13:24.799
 but he's rather obedient to get what he can from Him.

00:13:25.659 --> 00:13:27.359
 Look what he goes on to say, right?

00:13:27.539 --> 00:13:28.359
 He says essentially,

00:13:28.359 --> 00:13:31.059
 I have been so perfectly obedient,

00:13:31.059 --> 00:13:32.399
 and then,

00:13:33.139 --> 00:13:38.239
 yet you never gave me a young goat that I might celebrate with my friends.

00:13:39.119 --> 00:13:43.639
 He is angry at the father's celebration over the return of his younger brother,

00:13:44.759 --> 00:13:45.739
 not because,

00:13:47.179 --> 00:13:50.639
 so much because of the younger brother being celebrated,

00:13:50.739 --> 00:13:53.059
 but because he has not been celebrated.

00:13:55.500 --> 00:13:58.039
 Because he's not been given something material,

00:13:58.039 --> 00:14:01.559
 and look who he wants to celebrate with.

00:14:02.120 --> 00:14:06.240
 A young goat so that he might celebrate with his friends.

00:14:07.399 --> 00:14:09.819
 He wants nothing to do with the father,

00:14:10.120 --> 00:14:14.419
 just like the younger son wanted nothing to do with the father.

00:14:15.799 --> 00:14:19.799
 They both want, in the case of the younger brother at this point in our story,

00:14:20.059 --> 00:14:20.439
 wanted,

00:14:21.939 --> 00:14:26.819
 they both want or wanted the father dead.

00:14:28.039 --> 00:14:32.639
 The older brother failed to love the father.

00:14:33.939 --> 00:14:35.459
 Earlier in Luke 15,

00:14:35.980 --> 00:14:37.779
 the younger brother says to the father,

00:14:38.719 --> 00:14:42.339
 Father, give me the share of the property that is coming to me.

00:14:42.740 --> 00:14:43.480
 What he's saying is,

00:14:43.579 --> 00:14:46.659
 would you just go ahead and die?

00:14:47.259 --> 00:14:49.719
 I want what is mine.

00:14:50.179 --> 00:14:51.879
 And then very curiously,

00:14:52.120 --> 00:14:54.179
 verse 12, the last part of it,

00:14:55.719 --> 00:14:57.519
 Luke records for us that Jesus says,

00:14:57.519 --> 00:14:58.319
 and the father,

00:14:58.779 --> 00:15:01.100
 he divided his property between them.

00:15:01.139 --> 00:15:02.460
 So he grants the wish.

00:15:03.019 --> 00:15:05.279
 But does he grant it just to the younger son?

00:15:05.740 --> 00:15:07.819
 He grants it to both of them.

00:15:07.919 --> 00:15:10.639
 Both to the younger and to the older.

00:15:11.120 --> 00:15:11.939
 And Jesus at this point,

00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:12.939
 again, this is a parable.

00:15:13.019 --> 00:15:14.179
 He's telling the story.

00:15:14.620 --> 00:15:19.179
 We don't have the full detail of a real event here.

00:15:19.279 --> 00:15:20.419
 He's just telling a story.

00:15:20.419 --> 00:15:24.919
 But because he's driving at the heart of the scribes and the Pharisees,

00:15:25.299 --> 00:15:26.979
 note that he doesn't say here,

00:15:27.439 --> 00:15:31.399
 and the older brother wished the father not dead.

00:15:31.779 --> 00:15:33.579
 It seems that he takes his inheritance.

00:15:34.259 --> 00:15:38.679
 That he himself receives the property that is coming to him.

00:15:38.679 --> 00:15:43.059
 In verse 31, in our text today,

00:15:43.159 --> 00:15:44.159
 the father even says,

00:15:44.299 --> 00:15:45.000
 Son, you are always with me,

00:15:45.039 --> 00:15:47.659
 and all that is mine is yours.

00:15:47.779 --> 00:15:51.259
 It has already been granted to you.

00:15:52.919 --> 00:15:54.120
 So this morning,

00:15:54.579 --> 00:15:59.979
 you may have never placed believing faith in Jesus Christ.

00:15:59.980 --> 00:16:05.340
 You may identify with the older brother.

00:16:06.200 --> 00:16:09.340
 You may look really good on the outside.

00:16:10.200 --> 00:16:11.580
 But your obedience,

00:16:11.899 --> 00:16:15.519
 your imperfect obedience, I must add,

00:16:16.039 --> 00:16:19.039
 is not aimed at the pleasure and glory of God,

00:16:19.120 --> 00:16:20.440
 but at yourself.

00:16:21.720 --> 00:16:24.279
 You think that if you live just so,

00:16:24.800 --> 00:16:26.259
 you will earn God's favor.

00:16:26.259 --> 00:16:30.259
 And this type of thinking is damning.

00:16:31.879 --> 00:16:34.460
 Do not be like the younger brother,

00:16:34.679 --> 00:16:35.919
 turn to God in Christ.

00:16:36.159 --> 00:16:38.539
 Do not be like the older brother,

00:16:39.000 --> 00:16:41.799
 turn to God in Christ.

00:16:42.799 --> 00:16:45.360
 Recognize that no amount of your working

00:16:45.360 --> 00:16:48.980
 will ever earn you a place in his kingdom.

00:16:50.259 --> 00:16:52.559
 James wrote in James 2, verse 10,

00:16:52.639 --> 00:16:54.259
 For whoever keeps the whole law,

00:16:54.259 --> 00:16:57.399
 but fails in one point,

00:16:57.840 --> 00:17:00.860
 has become guilty of all of it.

00:17:01.740 --> 00:17:03.639
 Apart from the righteousness

00:17:03.639 --> 00:17:06.480
 that is given to us by Christ,

00:17:06.720 --> 00:17:07.920
 that is found in Him,

00:17:08.059 --> 00:17:10.220
 His perfect life,

00:17:10.480 --> 00:17:13.559
 all of us are utterly doomed.

00:17:14.220 --> 00:17:17.379
 We cannot fill the void

00:17:17.379 --> 00:17:19.039
 that our sin created.

00:17:19.200 --> 00:17:20.799
 It is impossible.

00:17:20.799 --> 00:17:23.339
 And that's what this older brother

00:17:23.339 --> 00:17:26.039
 thinks that he's accomplishing.

00:17:27.279 --> 00:17:29.619
 The offer of the gospel

00:17:29.619 --> 00:17:33.259
 is that by faith in the perfect life,

00:17:33.700 --> 00:17:34.960
 the perfect death,

00:17:35.079 --> 00:17:36.799
 and the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

00:17:37.159 --> 00:17:39.419
 you can have your record of guilt expunged,

00:17:39.440 --> 00:17:41.940
 and you can have the righteousness of Jesus.

00:17:42.399 --> 00:17:44.559
 You can be saved from God's wrath,

00:17:44.759 --> 00:17:46.139
 by God's mercy,

00:17:46.619 --> 00:17:49.180
 to God's presence.

00:17:49.180 --> 00:17:52.200
 What a glorious truth.

00:17:54.080 --> 00:17:55.580
 Now, some of you,

00:17:55.720 --> 00:17:57.279
 I think most of you,

00:17:57.400 --> 00:18:00.500
 have placed believing faith in Jesus Christ.

00:18:00.860 --> 00:18:04.039
 That's the status you hold this morning, right?

00:18:04.120 --> 00:18:05.039
 Beloved of God,

00:18:05.120 --> 00:18:07.440
 you are in Christ.

00:18:08.700 --> 00:18:10.980
 But we are so quick

00:18:10.980 --> 00:18:13.620
 to forget the great love of the Father for us,

00:18:13.920 --> 00:18:17.180
 and so quick to either presume upon His grace

00:18:17.180 --> 00:18:18.380
 with licentious living,

00:18:18.980 --> 00:18:21.680
 or believe we can earn His grace

00:18:21.680 --> 00:18:23.160
 with legalism.

00:18:24.000 --> 00:18:24.980
 Those who are in Christ

00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:28.279
 err in both ways all the time.

00:18:29.039 --> 00:18:30.740
 By thinking we can live however we want

00:18:30.740 --> 00:18:32.400
 because we're in Christ,

00:18:32.960 --> 00:18:35.160
 or thinking still

00:18:35.160 --> 00:18:37.700
 that somehow we're not pleasing to God

00:18:37.700 --> 00:18:40.660
 because we're just not good enough.

00:18:40.860 --> 00:18:43.120
 And both are errors.

00:18:43.119 --> 00:18:46.119
 Beloved, you are saved by grace alone

00:18:46.119 --> 00:18:47.439
 through faith alone.

00:18:48.059 --> 00:18:51.259
 Your faith will produce obedience in you.

00:18:51.479 --> 00:18:53.759
 It will produce obedience in you.

00:18:55.139 --> 00:18:56.979
 But let it be from a grateful heart

00:18:56.979 --> 00:19:00.299
 that loves to please and glorify God the Father.

00:19:00.500 --> 00:19:03.079
 It's a response to the work He's accomplished

00:19:03.079 --> 00:19:05.479
 on your behalf.

00:19:05.480 --> 00:19:08.200
 On the front of your bulletin

00:19:08.200 --> 00:19:08.900
 is your,

00:19:09.440 --> 00:19:11.339
 it seems like almost weekly Spurgeon quote.

00:19:13.620 --> 00:19:14.140
 Although,

00:19:14.599 --> 00:19:16.360
 this is a Spurgeon quote

00:19:16.360 --> 00:19:16.960
 where Spurgeon

00:19:16.960 --> 00:19:19.099
 is quoting Martin Luther.

00:19:19.460 --> 00:19:19.720
 So,

00:19:20.420 --> 00:19:22.200
 extra quote this morning.

00:19:27.620 --> 00:19:28.380
 Listen to this.

00:19:28.740 --> 00:19:29.120
 He says,

00:19:29.119 --> 00:19:31.099
 The whole Bible tells us

00:19:31.099 --> 00:19:32.179
 from beginning to end

00:19:32.179 --> 00:19:34.279
 that salvation is not by the works of the law

00:19:34.279 --> 00:19:36.919
 but by the deeds of grace.

00:19:37.879 --> 00:19:38.959
 Martin Luther declared

00:19:38.959 --> 00:19:40.539
 that he constantly preached

00:19:40.539 --> 00:19:42.439
 justification by faith alone

00:19:42.439 --> 00:19:42.859
 because,

00:19:43.319 --> 00:19:43.959
 said he,

00:19:44.500 --> 00:19:46.039
 the people would forget it

00:19:46.039 --> 00:19:47.579
 so that I was obliged

00:19:47.579 --> 00:19:49.439
 almost to knock my Bible

00:19:49.439 --> 00:19:50.639
 against their heads,

00:19:50.979 --> 00:19:53.219
 to send it into their hearts.

00:19:54.119 --> 00:19:55.059
 So it is true,

00:19:55.059 --> 00:19:56.759
 we constantly forget

00:19:56.759 --> 00:19:57.859
 that salvation

00:19:57.859 --> 00:19:59.559
 is by grace alone.

00:20:00.559 --> 00:20:02.059
 So even those of us

00:20:02.059 --> 00:20:03.079
 who aren't

00:20:03.079 --> 00:20:04.619
 off trying to earn salvation

00:20:04.619 --> 00:20:06.779
 in an absolute sense

00:20:06.779 --> 00:20:09.259
 or off living licentiously,

00:20:10.119 --> 00:20:12.180
 rejecting God at every turn,

00:20:12.279 --> 00:20:13.180
 those of us who are,

00:20:13.400 --> 00:20:13.759
 in fact,

00:20:13.960 --> 00:20:14.879
 restored to God

00:20:14.879 --> 00:20:16.099
 in Christ

00:20:16.099 --> 00:20:17.339
 can still err

00:20:17.339 --> 00:20:19.960
 in one of these two ways.

00:20:20.640 --> 00:20:21.640
 Let it not be so

00:20:21.640 --> 00:20:22.740
 amongst us.

00:20:24.180 --> 00:20:25.619
 So that's the failing love

00:20:25.619 --> 00:20:26.419
 of the oldest son

00:20:26.419 --> 00:20:28.500
 for his father.

00:20:28.959 --> 00:20:29.299
 Secondly,

00:20:29.419 --> 00:20:30.139
 the failing love

00:20:30.139 --> 00:20:31.039
 of the oldest son

00:20:31.039 --> 00:20:33.519
 for his younger brother.

00:20:36.859 --> 00:20:38.239
 In verse 30,

00:20:39.419 --> 00:20:40.679
 the oldest brother says

00:20:40.679 --> 00:20:42.919
 of his younger brother,

00:20:44.379 --> 00:20:47.259
 but when this son of yours

00:20:47.259 --> 00:20:48.699
 came,

00:20:49.279 --> 00:20:50.839
 he does not say

00:20:50.839 --> 00:20:52.839
 when my younger brother came,

00:20:53.099 --> 00:20:53.399
 he says,

00:20:53.400 --> 00:20:55.360
 when this son of yours

00:20:55.360 --> 00:20:56.440
 came,

00:20:56.560 --> 00:20:58.019
 he just altogether

00:20:58.019 --> 00:21:00.220
 disowns his brother.

00:21:00.800 --> 00:21:01.100
 Parents,

00:21:01.140 --> 00:21:01.660
 do you ever do that

00:21:01.660 --> 00:21:02.640
 to your spouse?

00:21:02.920 --> 00:21:03.620
 I do sometimes.

00:21:03.920 --> 00:21:04.640
 So you'll never believe

00:21:04.640 --> 00:21:05.660
 what your son just said.

00:21:07.700 --> 00:21:09.019
 That's in effect

00:21:09.019 --> 00:21:09.840
 what he is doing,

00:21:09.900 --> 00:21:10.600
 although I do it

00:21:10.600 --> 00:21:11.540
 with laughter.

00:21:12.220 --> 00:21:12.960
 He's doing it

00:21:12.960 --> 00:21:14.060
 with anger, right?

00:21:14.320 --> 00:21:15.960
 He is not concerned

00:21:15.960 --> 00:21:16.740
 at all

00:21:16.740 --> 00:21:18.920
 about his younger brother.

00:21:19.860 --> 00:21:20.960
 But this type of disowning

00:21:20.960 --> 00:21:22.460
 had happened long before

00:21:22.460 --> 00:21:23.779
 in Jesus' story.

00:21:24.600 --> 00:21:25.340
 The oldest brother

00:21:25.340 --> 00:21:26.799
 made no attempt

00:21:26.799 --> 00:21:27.519
 to reason

00:21:27.519 --> 00:21:28.579
 with his younger brother.

00:21:29.240 --> 00:21:29.880
 He did not try

00:21:29.880 --> 00:21:30.480
 to stop him

00:21:30.480 --> 00:21:31.180
 from sitting against

00:21:31.180 --> 00:21:31.559
 the father

00:21:31.559 --> 00:21:32.539
 so egregiously.

00:21:33.000 --> 00:21:33.960
 And he did not

00:21:33.960 --> 00:21:35.279
 seek his return

00:21:35.279 --> 00:21:36.819
 and restoration.

00:21:37.799 --> 00:21:37.880
 Right?

00:21:37.980 --> 00:21:38.660
 That would have been

00:21:38.660 --> 00:21:39.860
 the appropriate thing

00:21:39.860 --> 00:21:40.360
 to happen

00:21:40.360 --> 00:21:41.279
 in this day.

00:21:41.640 --> 00:21:41.880
 Right?

00:21:42.079 --> 00:21:43.220
 The father to stay

00:21:43.220 --> 00:21:43.840
 at home,

00:21:44.079 --> 00:21:46.420
 master of his domain.

00:21:46.700 --> 00:21:47.860
 It's the oldest brother

00:21:47.860 --> 00:21:48.880
 that should have gone out

00:21:48.880 --> 00:21:50.120
 and sought the younger brother

00:21:50.120 --> 00:21:53.100
 and brought the younger brother home.

00:21:53.820 --> 00:21:54.220
 In fact,

00:21:54.260 --> 00:21:55.140
 we can see from the text

00:21:55.140 --> 00:21:56.000
 that the oldest brother

00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:58.000
 knew where his younger brother was.

00:21:58.100 --> 00:21:59.060
 This distant land,

00:21:59.160 --> 00:22:00.080
 he was aware of it

00:22:00.080 --> 00:22:01.440
 and he knew

00:22:01.440 --> 00:22:02.580
 what he was up to.

00:22:03.340 --> 00:22:04.560
 But it did not go to him.

00:22:05.040 --> 00:22:05.940
 He says to the father,

00:22:06.100 --> 00:22:07.740
 this young son of yours

00:22:07.740 --> 00:22:09.040
 who has devoured

00:22:09.040 --> 00:22:10.180
 your property

00:22:10.180 --> 00:22:11.560
 with prostitutes.

00:22:11.640 --> 00:22:11.880
 He knows

00:22:12.400 --> 00:22:14.060
 what he has been up to.

00:22:14.380 --> 00:22:15.580
 He could have gone

00:22:15.580 --> 00:22:17.300
 and sought him out.

00:22:17.299 --> 00:22:19.139
 The oldest brother failed

00:22:19.139 --> 00:22:20.180
 to love

00:22:20.180 --> 00:22:21.680
 the younger brother.

00:22:22.680 --> 00:22:23.940
 At this point,

00:22:24.119 --> 00:22:25.899
 if you're in Christ,

00:22:26.899 --> 00:22:28.059
 I want you

00:22:28.059 --> 00:22:29.240
 to long

00:22:29.240 --> 00:22:30.639
 for the younger brother

00:22:30.639 --> 00:22:31.839
 to have a better

00:22:31.839 --> 00:22:33.899
 oldest brother.

00:22:34.680 --> 00:22:35.899
 A brother that would

00:22:35.899 --> 00:22:36.619
 humble himself

00:22:36.619 --> 00:22:38.819
 by going on a long journey

00:22:38.819 --> 00:22:40.339
 for his younger brother's

00:22:40.339 --> 00:22:40.859
 return

00:22:40.859 --> 00:22:42.039
 and restoration.

00:22:42.759 --> 00:22:43.759
 A brother who would

00:22:43.759 --> 00:22:45.200
 gladly share his inheritance

00:22:45.200 --> 00:22:46.299
 with his younger brother.

00:22:46.299 --> 00:22:48.399
 A brother who leads

00:22:48.399 --> 00:22:49.180
 his younger brother

00:22:49.180 --> 00:22:51.139
 in grateful obedience.

00:22:52.039 --> 00:22:53.200
 A brother who would

00:22:53.200 --> 00:22:54.240
 rejoice to see

00:22:54.240 --> 00:22:55.500
 his father rejoice

00:22:55.500 --> 00:22:57.299
 in his return.

00:22:58.559 --> 00:22:59.379
 Praise God

00:22:59.379 --> 00:23:01.039
 that if you are in Christ,

00:23:01.579 --> 00:23:03.379
 we have a perfect

00:23:03.379 --> 00:23:04.819
 older brother,

00:23:05.759 --> 00:23:06.579
 Christ himself.

00:23:07.879 --> 00:23:09.359
 But that is not this brother.

00:23:09.960 --> 00:23:10.940
 That is not who

00:23:10.940 --> 00:23:13.639
 this brother is.

00:23:14.139 --> 00:23:15.180
 He goes on to say,

00:23:15.180 --> 00:23:16.140
 you killed

00:23:16.140 --> 00:23:17.980
 the fattened calf

00:23:17.980 --> 00:23:18.420
 for him.

00:23:19.180 --> 00:23:19.860
 And it needs to

00:23:19.860 --> 00:23:20.840
 resonate around

00:23:20.840 --> 00:23:21.840
 in your head

00:23:21.840 --> 00:23:22.820
 the accusation

00:23:22.820 --> 00:23:23.500
 that the scribes

00:23:23.500 --> 00:23:24.240
 and the Pharisees

00:23:24.240 --> 00:23:25.940
 railed against Jesus.

00:23:26.340 --> 00:23:26.480
 Right?

00:23:27.340 --> 00:23:28.299
 The oldest brother

00:23:28.299 --> 00:23:29.100
 is saying to the father,

00:23:29.279 --> 00:23:30.220
 you have received

00:23:30.220 --> 00:23:30.740
 a sinner

00:23:30.740 --> 00:23:32.259
 and are eating

00:23:32.259 --> 00:23:32.740
 with him.

00:23:34.440 --> 00:23:35.680
 If the oldest brother

00:23:35.680 --> 00:23:36.759
 loved the father,

00:23:37.340 --> 00:23:38.400
 he would have also

00:23:38.400 --> 00:23:39.940
 loved what the father

00:23:39.940 --> 00:23:41.259
 loves.

00:23:41.259 --> 00:23:43.220
 the younger brother.

00:23:43.220 --> 00:23:44.339
 He would have also

00:23:44.339 --> 00:23:45.200
 loved the younger

00:23:45.200 --> 00:23:46.519
 brother.

00:23:47.920 --> 00:23:48.859
 You may find yourself

00:23:48.859 --> 00:23:49.420
 this morning

00:23:49.420 --> 00:23:51.240
 in Christ,

00:23:51.599 --> 00:23:52.759
 but loving

00:23:52.759 --> 00:23:53.759
 what the world

00:23:53.759 --> 00:23:54.559
 loves.

00:23:54.940 --> 00:23:55.859
 You just want to

00:23:55.859 --> 00:23:56.519
 celebrate with some

00:23:56.519 --> 00:23:57.220
 of your friends.

00:23:58.039 --> 00:23:58.480
 But what does

00:23:58.480 --> 00:23:59.660
 the father love?

00:24:00.680 --> 00:24:02.000
 The father loves

00:24:02.000 --> 00:24:03.299
 the restoration

00:24:03.299 --> 00:24:05.500
 of his sons.

00:24:05.500 --> 00:24:07.339
 The parable

00:24:07.339 --> 00:24:08.259
 of the lost sheep

00:24:08.259 --> 00:24:09.180
 and the parable

00:24:09.180 --> 00:24:10.059
 of the lost coin

00:24:10.059 --> 00:24:11.619
 are about the rejoicing

00:24:11.619 --> 00:24:12.920
 in heaven over sinners

00:24:12.920 --> 00:24:14.240
 who repent.

00:24:15.920 --> 00:24:17.819
 Jesus says in Luke 19.10,

00:24:17.960 --> 00:24:19.039
 For the Son of Man

00:24:19.039 --> 00:24:20.559
 came to seek

00:24:20.559 --> 00:24:21.900
 and to save

00:24:21.900 --> 00:24:23.079
 the lost.

00:24:23.140 --> 00:24:23.980
 This is why

00:24:23.980 --> 00:24:24.799
 Jesus came

00:24:24.799 --> 00:24:26.559
 to earth.

00:24:26.980 --> 00:24:27.240
 Jesus,

00:24:27.460 --> 00:24:28.500
 the perfect

00:24:28.500 --> 00:24:29.660
 oldest brother,

00:24:30.460 --> 00:24:31.160
 came to find

00:24:31.160 --> 00:24:31.599
 the lost

00:24:31.599 --> 00:24:32.299
 and he has given

00:24:32.299 --> 00:24:33.819
 us the same

00:24:33.819 --> 00:24:34.779
 charge.

00:24:35.720 --> 00:24:36.319
 Paul writes

00:24:36.319 --> 00:24:37.099
 to the Corinthian church

00:24:37.099 --> 00:24:37.859
 in 2 Corinthians

00:24:37.859 --> 00:24:38.839
 chapter 5,

00:24:39.579 --> 00:24:40.339
 verse 18

00:24:40.339 --> 00:24:41.279
 and following,

00:24:42.059 --> 00:24:43.299
 All this is from God,

00:24:43.319 --> 00:24:43.659
 and he's talking

00:24:43.659 --> 00:24:44.139
 about the new

00:24:44.139 --> 00:24:45.359
 creations that we are

00:24:45.359 --> 00:24:46.740
 in the preceding

00:24:46.740 --> 00:24:47.019
 verses.

00:24:47.159 --> 00:24:48.139
 All this is from God

00:24:48.139 --> 00:24:49.980
 who through Christ

00:24:49.980 --> 00:24:51.220
 reconciled us

00:24:51.220 --> 00:24:51.879
 to himself

00:24:51.879 --> 00:24:53.579
 and gave us

00:24:53.579 --> 00:24:53.960
 the ministry

00:24:53.960 --> 00:24:54.539
 of reconciliation.

00:24:54.940 --> 00:24:55.119
 So,

00:24:55.700 --> 00:24:56.639
 sons restored,

00:24:57.460 --> 00:24:58.159
 now given

00:24:58.159 --> 00:24:58.879
 the ministry

00:24:58.879 --> 00:25:00.240
 of reconciliation.

00:25:00.680 --> 00:25:01.259
 That is,

00:25:01.279 --> 00:25:02.159
 this is verse 19,

00:25:02.299 --> 00:25:03.379
 in Christ,

00:25:03.539 --> 00:25:04.700
 God was reconciling

00:25:04.700 --> 00:25:05.619
 the world to himself,

00:25:05.960 --> 00:25:07.059
 not counting their

00:25:07.059 --> 00:25:08.180
 trespasses against them,

00:25:08.480 --> 00:25:10.119
 and entrusting to us

00:25:10.119 --> 00:25:11.039
 the message

00:25:11.039 --> 00:25:12.460
 of reconciliation.

00:25:13.940 --> 00:25:14.359
 Therefore,

00:25:14.619 --> 00:25:15.440
 we are ambassadors

00:25:15.440 --> 00:25:16.399
 for Christ,

00:25:16.579 --> 00:25:18.159
 God making his appeal

00:25:18.159 --> 00:25:19.399
 through us.

00:25:19.859 --> 00:25:20.680
 We implore you

00:25:20.680 --> 00:25:21.799
 on behalf of Christ,

00:25:22.299 --> 00:25:23.259
 be reconciled

00:25:23.259 --> 00:25:24.319
 to God.

00:25:25.619 --> 00:25:26.339
 And so you see,

00:25:26.559 --> 00:25:28.119
 as Christ is the

00:25:28.119 --> 00:25:29.139
 perfect oldest

00:25:29.139 --> 00:25:30.159
 brother,

00:25:30.579 --> 00:25:30.759
 right,

00:25:30.759 --> 00:25:32.660
 as he has come

00:25:32.660 --> 00:25:33.440
 and sought

00:25:33.440 --> 00:25:34.680
 and saved,

00:25:34.720 --> 00:25:35.299
 we have been given

00:25:35.299 --> 00:25:36.420
 the same charge

00:25:36.420 --> 00:25:37.819
 to go and to seek

00:25:37.819 --> 00:25:39.299
 and to save,

00:25:39.400 --> 00:25:40.539
 and we ought not,

00:25:40.700 --> 00:25:42.500
 as God's sons,

00:25:42.839 --> 00:25:44.160
 disregard anybody

00:25:44.160 --> 00:25:45.379
 for that mission.

00:25:46.379 --> 00:25:47.160
 We're to go,

00:25:47.259 --> 00:25:48.359
 and we're to go far

00:25:48.359 --> 00:25:49.759
 to the very ends

00:25:49.759 --> 00:25:50.859
 of the earth.

00:25:51.420 --> 00:25:52.980
 It means your neighbor,

00:25:53.140 --> 00:25:54.259
 and it means the person

00:25:54.259 --> 00:25:55.359
 that doesn't speak

00:25:55.359 --> 00:25:56.000
 the language

00:25:56.000 --> 00:25:57.259
 that anybody knows

00:25:57.259 --> 00:25:57.900
 yet,

00:25:57.900 --> 00:25:59.860
 all the way

00:25:59.860 --> 00:26:00.560
 to the ends

00:26:00.560 --> 00:26:01.160
 of the earth

00:26:01.160 --> 00:26:01.920
 to bring

00:26:01.920 --> 00:26:03.700
 God's sons

00:26:03.700 --> 00:26:05.120
 home.

00:26:06.780 --> 00:26:07.200
 And so that's the

00:26:07.200 --> 00:26:09.060
 failing love,

00:26:09.140 --> 00:26:09.920
 boy, I screwed it up there,

00:26:09.980 --> 00:26:10.840
 the failing love

00:26:10.840 --> 00:26:12.200
 of the son

00:26:12.200 --> 00:26:12.720
 for his

00:26:12.720 --> 00:26:14.060
 younger brother.

00:26:14.460 --> 00:26:15.560
 May it not be so

00:26:15.560 --> 00:26:16.620
 amongst us.

00:26:18.420 --> 00:26:19.080
 And then thirdly,

00:26:19.120 --> 00:26:19.720
 let's look at the

00:26:19.720 --> 00:26:20.480
 unfailing love

00:26:20.480 --> 00:26:21.019
 of the father

00:26:21.019 --> 00:26:21.820
 for his

00:26:21.820 --> 00:26:22.400
 oldest

00:26:22.400 --> 00:26:23.840
 son.

00:26:23.839 --> 00:26:25.500
 The father

00:26:25.500 --> 00:26:26.459
 extends the

00:26:26.459 --> 00:26:27.439
 same love

00:26:27.439 --> 00:26:28.579
 he has for the

00:26:28.579 --> 00:26:29.240
 younger brother

00:26:29.240 --> 00:26:30.399
 to the oldest

00:26:30.399 --> 00:26:31.019
 brother.

00:26:31.859 --> 00:26:32.740
 The father's

00:26:32.740 --> 00:26:33.459
 love is

00:26:33.459 --> 00:26:34.519
 unfailing.

00:26:35.639 --> 00:26:36.039
 When

00:26:36.039 --> 00:26:37.799
 the oldest

00:26:37.799 --> 00:26:38.659
 son was angry

00:26:38.659 --> 00:26:39.319
 and refused

00:26:39.319 --> 00:26:40.000
 to go in,

00:26:40.139 --> 00:26:40.559
 what does the

00:26:40.559 --> 00:26:41.139
 father do?

00:26:41.240 --> 00:26:42.359
 He comes out

00:26:42.359 --> 00:26:42.919
 and he

00:26:42.919 --> 00:26:44.559
 entreats him,

00:26:45.099 --> 00:26:45.720
 which means

00:26:45.720 --> 00:26:46.619
 he urged

00:26:46.619 --> 00:26:47.639
 or implored

00:26:47.639 --> 00:26:48.720
 or encouraged

00:26:48.720 --> 00:26:49.559
 him to come

00:26:49.559 --> 00:26:50.679
 in and join

00:26:50.679 --> 00:26:52.359
 the celebration.

00:26:52.359 --> 00:26:54.319
 The father

00:26:54.319 --> 00:26:54.699
 could have

00:26:54.699 --> 00:26:55.539
 justly been

00:26:55.539 --> 00:26:56.219
 angry with

00:26:56.219 --> 00:26:56.539
 the oldest

00:26:56.539 --> 00:26:57.299
 son for

00:26:57.299 --> 00:26:58.419
 being outside

00:26:58.419 --> 00:26:58.859
 fuming,

00:26:59.079 --> 00:26:59.819
 not joining

00:26:59.819 --> 00:27:01.199
 the celebration.

00:27:01.419 --> 00:27:01.759
 He could have

00:27:01.759 --> 00:27:02.679
 sent a message

00:27:02.679 --> 00:27:03.240
 to him

00:27:03.240 --> 00:27:04.639
 via a servant,

00:27:04.839 --> 00:27:05.519
 get in here

00:27:05.519 --> 00:27:06.399
 or else.

00:27:07.299 --> 00:27:08.079
 But instead,

00:27:09.039 --> 00:27:09.839
 he comes

00:27:09.839 --> 00:27:10.379
 to him

00:27:10.379 --> 00:27:10.879
 and he

00:27:10.879 --> 00:27:11.759
 entreats

00:27:11.759 --> 00:27:12.059
 him,

00:27:12.740 --> 00:27:13.240
 don't be

00:27:13.240 --> 00:27:13.859
 this way.

00:27:14.939 --> 00:27:15.219
 You are

00:27:15.219 --> 00:27:16.039
 my son.

00:27:16.439 --> 00:27:16.719
 Love

00:27:16.719 --> 00:27:17.659
 what I

00:27:17.659 --> 00:27:18.039
 love.

00:27:18.179 --> 00:27:18.399
 Love

00:27:18.399 --> 00:27:19.039
 what I

00:27:19.039 --> 00:27:19.599
 love because

00:27:19.599 --> 00:27:20.799
 I love

00:27:20.799 --> 00:27:21.779
 you.

00:27:22.359 --> 00:27:23.279
 And I

00:27:23.279 --> 00:27:23.519
 hope to

00:27:23.519 --> 00:27:23.759
 help you

00:27:23.759 --> 00:27:24.740
 see the

00:27:24.740 --> 00:27:25.339
 connection.

00:27:26.919 --> 00:27:27.019
 He

00:27:27.019 --> 00:27:27.639
 entreats

00:27:27.639 --> 00:27:27.899
 him,

00:27:28.719 --> 00:27:29.359
 join in

00:27:29.359 --> 00:27:30.379
 the rejoicing

00:27:30.379 --> 00:27:31.259
 of heaven

00:27:31.259 --> 00:27:32.939
 for,

00:27:33.359 --> 00:27:34.279
 verse 32,

00:27:34.740 --> 00:27:35.279
 it was

00:27:35.279 --> 00:27:35.939
 fitting to

00:27:35.939 --> 00:27:36.500
 celebrate

00:27:36.500 --> 00:27:36.799
 and be

00:27:36.799 --> 00:27:37.339
 glad for

00:27:37.339 --> 00:27:37.839
 this your

00:27:37.839 --> 00:27:38.299
 brother was

00:27:38.299 --> 00:27:38.659
 dead and

00:27:38.659 --> 00:27:39.199
 is alive.

00:27:39.839 --> 00:27:40.219
 He was

00:27:40.219 --> 00:27:42.119
 lost and

00:27:42.119 --> 00:27:42.939
 is found.

00:27:44.199 --> 00:27:44.740
 Jesus

00:27:44.740 --> 00:27:45.539
 is making

00:27:45.539 --> 00:27:46.559
 a plea

00:27:46.559 --> 00:27:47.439
 to the

00:27:47.439 --> 00:27:47.899
 Pharisees

00:27:47.899 --> 00:27:48.179
 and the

00:27:48.179 --> 00:27:48.699
 scribes

00:27:48.699 --> 00:27:49.319
 to come

00:27:49.319 --> 00:27:49.979
 to him

00:27:49.979 --> 00:27:50.799
 by faith.

00:27:50.799 --> 00:27:52.139
 exactly

00:27:52.139 --> 00:27:52.359
 what's

00:27:52.359 --> 00:27:52.539
 going

00:27:52.539 --> 00:27:53.200
 on in

00:27:53.200 --> 00:27:53.419
 this

00:27:53.419 --> 00:27:53.879
 story.

00:27:54.099 --> 00:27:54.220
 So,

00:27:55.259 --> 00:27:55.879
 you see,

00:27:56.240 --> 00:27:56.740
 God's

00:27:56.740 --> 00:27:57.700
 sons love

00:27:57.700 --> 00:27:58.099
 what he

00:27:58.099 --> 00:27:58.720
 loves and

00:27:58.720 --> 00:27:59.819
 he loves

00:27:59.819 --> 00:28:00.139
 to see

00:28:00.139 --> 00:28:00.519
 sinners

00:28:00.519 --> 00:28:01.680
 come to

00:28:01.680 --> 00:28:02.059
 repentance.

00:28:03.079 --> 00:28:03.539
 He loves

00:28:03.539 --> 00:28:04.000
 to restore

00:28:04.000 --> 00:28:04.599
 those who

00:28:04.599 --> 00:28:04.919
 are poor

00:28:04.919 --> 00:28:05.440
 in spirit,

00:28:05.599 --> 00:28:06.539
 to lavishly

00:28:06.539 --> 00:28:07.240
 love those

00:28:07.240 --> 00:28:08.200
 who return

00:28:08.200 --> 00:28:08.700
 to him

00:28:08.700 --> 00:28:09.779
 in humility.

00:28:11.039 --> 00:28:11.680
 The Pharisees

00:28:11.680 --> 00:28:11.940
 and the

00:28:11.940 --> 00:28:12.240
 scribes

00:28:12.240 --> 00:28:12.579
 were showing

00:28:12.579 --> 00:28:13.099
 themselves

00:28:13.099 --> 00:28:13.700
 to not

00:28:13.700 --> 00:28:14.579
 be God's

00:28:14.579 --> 00:28:15.119
 sons

00:28:15.119 --> 00:28:15.700
 as they

00:28:15.700 --> 00:28:16.579
 grumbled,

00:28:16.759 --> 00:28:17.000
 saying,

00:28:17.139 --> 00:28:17.779
 this man

00:28:17.779 --> 00:28:18.299
 receives

00:28:18.299 --> 00:28:18.680
 sinners

00:28:18.680 --> 00:28:20.080
 and eats

00:28:20.080 --> 00:28:20.519
 with them.

00:28:21.880 --> 00:28:22.120
 And so,

00:28:22.200 --> 00:28:22.820
 Jesus tells

00:28:22.820 --> 00:28:23.640
 them three

00:28:23.640 --> 00:28:24.320
 parables

00:28:24.320 --> 00:28:25.140
 as a

00:28:25.140 --> 00:28:25.500
 mercy

00:28:25.500 --> 00:28:26.500
 to them.

00:28:28.279 --> 00:28:28.980
 Did they

00:28:28.980 --> 00:28:29.420
 heed that

00:28:29.420 --> 00:28:29.720
 warning?

00:28:32.720 --> 00:28:33.320
 Sadly,

00:28:33.440 --> 00:28:33.620
 no.

00:28:34.100 --> 00:28:34.840
 At least

00:28:34.840 --> 00:28:35.580
 not most

00:28:35.580 --> 00:28:36.820
 of those

00:28:36.820 --> 00:28:37.980
 self-righteous

00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:38.840
 religious

00:28:38.840 --> 00:28:39.640
 elite of

00:28:39.640 --> 00:28:40.019
 the day

00:28:40.019 --> 00:28:41.000
 turned to

00:28:41.000 --> 00:28:41.480
 God by

00:28:41.480 --> 00:28:41.900
 faith

00:28:41.900 --> 00:28:43.259
 in Christ.

00:28:43.700 --> 00:28:44.560
 The story

00:28:44.560 --> 00:28:45.240
 ends there

00:28:45.240 --> 00:28:45.560
 and it

00:28:45.560 --> 00:28:46.160
 ends rather

00:28:46.160 --> 00:28:46.660
 abruptly

00:28:46.660 --> 00:28:47.240
 and that's

00:28:47.240 --> 00:28:47.779
 because Jesus

00:28:47.779 --> 00:28:48.360
 has made

00:28:48.360 --> 00:28:49.000
 his point.

00:28:50.180 --> 00:28:50.860
 He has

00:28:50.860 --> 00:28:51.200
 said the

00:28:51.200 --> 00:28:51.940
 very thing

00:28:51.940 --> 00:28:52.180
 that he

00:28:52.180 --> 00:28:52.920
 was driving

00:28:52.920 --> 00:28:53.519
 to say

00:28:53.519 --> 00:28:53.900
 in these

00:28:53.900 --> 00:28:54.779
 three

00:28:54.779 --> 00:28:55.840
 parables.

00:28:56.500 --> 00:28:57.080
 But there

00:28:57.080 --> 00:28:57.940
 is a

00:28:57.940 --> 00:28:59.340
 real life

00:28:59.340 --> 00:29:00.400
 epilogue

00:29:00.400 --> 00:29:01.300
 to the

00:29:01.300 --> 00:29:01.600
 parable.

00:29:02.880 --> 00:29:03.800
 The oldest

00:29:03.800 --> 00:29:04.400
 son,

00:29:05.040 --> 00:29:05.519
 in his

00:29:05.519 --> 00:29:06.160
 rage

00:29:06.160 --> 00:29:06.800
 against the

00:29:06.800 --> 00:29:07.240
 father,

00:29:08.040 --> 00:29:08.400
 beats him

00:29:08.400 --> 00:29:08.920
 to death.

00:29:11.680 --> 00:29:12.440
 In John

00:29:12.440 --> 00:29:13.140
 chapter 11,

00:29:14.360 --> 00:29:15.279
 beginning in

00:29:15.279 --> 00:29:16.580
 verse 45,

00:29:16.660 --> 00:29:19.080
 this is

00:29:19.080 --> 00:29:20.320
 after Jesus

00:29:20.320 --> 00:29:20.740
 raises

00:29:20.740 --> 00:29:21.340
 Lazarus

00:29:21.340 --> 00:29:22.180
 from the

00:29:22.180 --> 00:29:22.440
 dead.

00:29:22.740 --> 00:29:23.380
 And if my

00:29:23.380 --> 00:29:23.860
 understanding

00:29:23.860 --> 00:29:24.580
 is correct,

00:29:24.920 --> 00:29:25.480
 it would

00:29:25.480 --> 00:29:25.740
 have been

00:29:25.740 --> 00:29:26.380
 about the

00:29:26.380 --> 00:29:27.420
 same time.

00:29:29.340 --> 00:29:29.420
 The

00:29:29.420 --> 00:29:30.320
 parable

00:29:30.320 --> 00:29:31.680
 of the

00:29:31.680 --> 00:29:32.080
 two sons

00:29:32.080 --> 00:29:32.460
 is only

00:29:32.460 --> 00:29:33.240
 recorded in

00:29:33.240 --> 00:29:33.680
 Luke's

00:29:33.680 --> 00:29:34.019
 account.

00:29:35.600 --> 00:29:36.240
 This

00:29:36.240 --> 00:29:36.660
 particular

00:29:36.660 --> 00:29:37.960
 record is

00:29:37.960 --> 00:29:38.700
 only in

00:29:38.700 --> 00:29:39.560
 John's

00:29:39.560 --> 00:29:39.940
 account,

00:29:40.340 --> 00:29:40.700
 but I

00:29:40.700 --> 00:29:41.019
 think they

00:29:41.019 --> 00:29:41.519
 were happening

00:29:41.519 --> 00:29:42.000
 at about

00:29:42.000 --> 00:29:42.740
 the same

00:29:42.740 --> 00:29:43.480
 time.

00:29:44.440 --> 00:29:45.360
 Verse 45

00:29:45.360 --> 00:29:45.800
 and following,

00:29:45.799 --> 00:29:47.500
 many of

00:29:47.500 --> 00:29:47.799
 the Jews

00:29:47.799 --> 00:29:48.139
 therefore,

00:29:48.259 --> 00:29:48.460
 who had

00:29:48.460 --> 00:29:48.940
 come with

00:29:48.940 --> 00:29:49.399
 Mary and

00:29:49.399 --> 00:29:49.859
 had seen

00:29:49.859 --> 00:29:50.200
 what he

00:29:50.200 --> 00:29:50.720
 did,

00:29:50.720 --> 00:29:51.399
 raising

00:29:51.399 --> 00:29:51.839
 Lazarus

00:29:51.839 --> 00:29:52.099
 from the

00:29:52.099 --> 00:29:52.359
 dead,

00:29:52.960 --> 00:29:53.500
 believed in

00:29:53.500 --> 00:29:53.799
 him.

00:29:54.659 --> 00:29:55.200
 But some

00:29:55.200 --> 00:29:55.539
 of them

00:29:55.539 --> 00:29:56.079
 went to

00:29:56.079 --> 00:29:56.859
 the Pharisees

00:29:56.859 --> 00:29:57.379
 and told

00:29:57.379 --> 00:29:57.899
 them what

00:29:57.899 --> 00:29:58.539
 Jesus had

00:29:58.539 --> 00:29:58.940
 done.

00:30:00.220 --> 00:30:00.859
 So the

00:30:00.859 --> 00:30:01.119
 chief

00:30:01.119 --> 00:30:01.619
 priests and

00:30:01.619 --> 00:30:02.139
 the Pharisees

00:30:02.139 --> 00:30:02.740
 gathered the

00:30:02.740 --> 00:30:03.339
 council and

00:30:03.339 --> 00:30:03.700
 said,

00:30:03.700 --> 00:30:04.980
 what are we

00:30:04.980 --> 00:30:05.380
 to do?

00:30:05.440 --> 00:30:05.740
 For this

00:30:05.740 --> 00:30:06.539
 man performs

00:30:06.539 --> 00:30:07.660
 many signs.

00:30:08.140 --> 00:30:08.600
 If we let

00:30:08.600 --> 00:30:09.180
 him go on

00:30:09.180 --> 00:30:09.680
 like this,

00:30:09.960 --> 00:30:10.580
 everyone will

00:30:10.580 --> 00:30:11.000
 believe in

00:30:11.000 --> 00:30:11.319
 him.

00:30:11.799 --> 00:30:12.140
 And the

00:30:12.140 --> 00:30:12.519
 Romans will

00:30:12.519 --> 00:30:12.819
 come and

00:30:12.819 --> 00:30:13.279
 take away

00:30:13.279 --> 00:30:13.900
 both our

00:30:13.900 --> 00:30:15.299
 place and

00:30:15.299 --> 00:30:15.900
 our nation.

00:30:16.640 --> 00:30:17.080
 Hear what

00:30:17.080 --> 00:30:17.600
 they're concerned

00:30:17.600 --> 00:30:17.980
 about.

00:30:18.380 --> 00:30:19.220
 This man is

00:30:19.220 --> 00:30:19.700
 performing

00:30:19.700 --> 00:30:20.700
 these miracles,

00:30:21.019 --> 00:30:21.259
 right?

00:30:21.799 --> 00:30:22.460
 Raised a

00:30:22.460 --> 00:30:22.880
 man from

00:30:22.880 --> 00:30:23.380
 the dead.

00:30:23.880 --> 00:30:24.539
 They're not

00:30:24.539 --> 00:30:25.319
 so concerned

00:30:25.319 --> 00:30:25.799
 about whether

00:30:25.799 --> 00:30:26.240
 or not it

00:30:26.240 --> 00:30:26.840
 actually even

00:30:26.840 --> 00:30:27.120
 happened.

00:30:27.200 --> 00:30:27.500
 They seem

00:30:27.500 --> 00:30:27.840
 to believe

00:30:27.840 --> 00:30:28.120
 that it

00:30:28.120 --> 00:30:28.400
 did.

00:30:28.400 --> 00:30:29.080
 But if

00:30:29.080 --> 00:30:29.400
 he keeps

00:30:29.400 --> 00:30:29.880
 doing this

00:30:29.880 --> 00:30:30.140
 kind of

00:30:30.140 --> 00:30:30.420
 thing,

00:30:31.240 --> 00:30:32.060
 if he

00:30:32.060 --> 00:30:33.080
 rises up

00:30:33.080 --> 00:30:33.600
 as a

00:30:33.600 --> 00:30:34.000
 ruler,

00:30:34.620 --> 00:30:34.960
 people are

00:30:34.960 --> 00:30:35.140
 going to be

00:30:35.140 --> 00:30:35.840
 following him

00:30:35.840 --> 00:30:36.220
 and Rome

00:30:36.220 --> 00:30:36.720
 is not

00:30:36.720 --> 00:30:36.920
 going to

00:30:36.920 --> 00:30:37.259
 like it.

00:30:37.300 --> 00:30:37.480
 And what

00:30:37.480 --> 00:30:37.980
 will happen?

00:30:38.480 --> 00:30:38.960
 We will

00:30:38.960 --> 00:30:39.840
 lose our

00:30:39.840 --> 00:30:41.640
 place and

00:30:41.640 --> 00:30:42.580
 our nation,

00:30:42.920 --> 00:30:44.500
 our status.

00:30:44.980 --> 00:30:45.300
 We will

00:30:45.300 --> 00:30:45.960
 not have

00:30:45.960 --> 00:30:46.519
 the power

00:30:46.519 --> 00:30:47.540
 that we

00:30:47.540 --> 00:30:48.160
 presently

00:30:48.160 --> 00:30:48.920
 enjoy.

00:30:49.720 --> 00:30:50.180
 Verse 49,

00:30:50.320 --> 00:30:50.700
 But one

00:30:50.700 --> 00:30:51.080
 of them,

00:30:51.220 --> 00:30:51.900
 Caiaphas,

00:30:52.380 --> 00:30:52.820
 who was

00:30:52.820 --> 00:30:53.460
 high priest

00:30:53.460 --> 00:30:53.900
 that year,

00:30:54.019 --> 00:30:54.380
 said to

00:30:54.380 --> 00:30:54.740
 them,

00:30:55.880 --> 00:30:56.640
 You know

00:30:56.640 --> 00:30:57.160
 nothing at

00:30:57.160 --> 00:30:57.480
 all,

00:30:57.800 --> 00:30:58.280
 nor do

00:30:58.279 --> 00:30:58.379
 you

00:30:58.379 --> 00:30:58.940
 understand

00:30:58.940 --> 00:30:59.240
 that it

00:30:59.240 --> 00:30:59.680
 is better

00:30:59.680 --> 00:31:00.220
 for you

00:31:00.220 --> 00:31:01.099
 that one

00:31:01.099 --> 00:31:01.599
 man should

00:31:01.599 --> 00:31:02.000
 die for

00:31:02.000 --> 00:31:02.539
 the people,

00:31:02.819 --> 00:31:03.359
 not that

00:31:03.359 --> 00:31:03.700
 the whole

00:31:03.700 --> 00:31:05.139
 nation should

00:31:05.139 --> 00:31:05.660
 perish.

00:31:06.960 --> 00:31:07.500
 This is

00:31:07.500 --> 00:31:07.879
 fascinating.

00:31:08.079 --> 00:31:08.339
 He did

00:31:08.339 --> 00:31:08.920
 not say

00:31:08.920 --> 00:31:09.500
 this of

00:31:09.500 --> 00:31:09.819
 his own

00:31:09.819 --> 00:31:10.240
 accord,

00:31:10.339 --> 00:31:10.700
 but being

00:31:10.700 --> 00:31:11.160
 high priest

00:31:11.160 --> 00:31:11.559
 that year,

00:31:11.839 --> 00:31:12.779
 he prophesied

00:31:12.779 --> 00:31:13.859
 that Jesus

00:31:13.859 --> 00:31:14.700
 would die

00:31:14.700 --> 00:31:15.700
 for the

00:31:15.700 --> 00:31:16.099
 nation.

00:31:17.160 --> 00:31:17.740
 But their

00:31:17.740 --> 00:31:18.240
 understanding

00:31:18.240 --> 00:31:18.539
 of it was

00:31:18.539 --> 00:31:19.220
 rather perverted,

00:31:19.279 --> 00:31:19.700
 wasn't it?

00:31:19.779 --> 00:31:20.139
 They were

00:31:20.139 --> 00:31:20.500
 saying,

00:31:20.839 --> 00:31:21.119
 if we can

00:31:21.119 --> 00:31:21.460
 kill this

00:31:21.460 --> 00:31:21.720
 guy and

00:31:21.720 --> 00:31:21.899
 get him

00:31:21.899 --> 00:31:22.079
 out of

00:31:22.079 --> 00:31:22.420
 the way,

00:31:22.500 --> 00:31:22.779
 we can

00:31:22.779 --> 00:31:23.279
 keep on

00:31:23.279 --> 00:31:23.819
 going the

00:31:23.819 --> 00:31:24.240
 way we

00:31:24.240 --> 00:31:24.599
 are.

00:31:25.119 --> 00:31:25.700
 Rather than

00:31:25.700 --> 00:31:26.160
 seeing that

00:31:26.160 --> 00:31:26.480
 the words

00:31:26.480 --> 00:31:26.779
 that God

00:31:26.779 --> 00:31:27.240
 was speaking

00:31:27.240 --> 00:31:28.099
 through him,

00:31:28.099 --> 00:31:29.000
 would be

00:31:29.000 --> 00:31:29.279
 to say

00:31:29.279 --> 00:31:29.879
 that Christ

00:31:29.879 --> 00:31:30.459
 came to

00:31:30.459 --> 00:31:31.599
 die for

00:31:31.599 --> 00:31:32.399
 them on

00:31:32.399 --> 00:31:33.139
 their behalf,

00:31:33.379 --> 00:31:33.619
 that they

00:31:33.619 --> 00:31:34.219
 might come

00:31:34.219 --> 00:31:34.759
 to God

00:31:34.759 --> 00:31:36.039
 by faith

00:31:36.039 --> 00:31:36.939
 in him.

00:31:36.980 --> 00:31:37.339
 It's a very

00:31:37.339 --> 00:31:38.859
 interesting turn

00:31:38.859 --> 00:31:39.459
 there.

00:31:40.459 --> 00:31:40.619
 And then

00:31:40.619 --> 00:31:41.099
 verse 52

00:31:41.099 --> 00:31:41.419
 says,

00:31:41.420 --> 00:31:58.660
 the older brother

00:31:58.660 --> 00:32:00.340
 beats the

00:32:00.340 --> 00:32:01.620
 father to

00:32:01.620 --> 00:32:01.920
 death.

00:32:03.400 --> 00:32:04.140
 Praise be to

00:32:04.140 --> 00:32:05.180
 God that

00:32:05.180 --> 00:32:05.940
 he purposed

00:32:05.940 --> 00:32:06.740
 that Jesus

00:32:06.740 --> 00:32:07.279
 should die.

00:32:07.279 --> 00:32:08.440
 that by

00:32:08.440 --> 00:32:09.019
 the hands

00:32:09.019 --> 00:32:09.440
 of wicked

00:32:09.440 --> 00:32:09.920
 men

00:32:09.920 --> 00:32:10.940
 our

00:32:10.940 --> 00:32:11.200
 savior

00:32:11.200 --> 00:32:11.420
 was

00:32:11.420 --> 00:32:11.759
 murdered,

00:32:12.220 --> 00:32:12.519
 but that

00:32:12.519 --> 00:32:12.899
 three days

00:32:12.899 --> 00:32:13.399
 later he

00:32:13.399 --> 00:32:13.819
 declared

00:32:13.819 --> 00:32:14.480
 victory over

00:32:14.480 --> 00:32:14.879
 sin and

00:32:14.879 --> 00:32:15.259
 death when

00:32:15.259 --> 00:32:15.599
 he was

00:32:15.599 --> 00:32:16.160
 raised from

00:32:16.160 --> 00:32:16.559
 the dead,

00:32:17.019 --> 00:32:17.339
 and that

00:32:17.339 --> 00:32:18.039
 now we

00:32:18.039 --> 00:32:19.200
 by faith

00:32:19.200 --> 00:32:19.579
 may have

00:32:19.579 --> 00:32:20.279
 life in

00:32:20.279 --> 00:32:20.579
 him.

00:32:21.460 --> 00:32:21.960
 What they

00:32:21.960 --> 00:32:22.339
 meant for

00:32:22.339 --> 00:32:22.680
 evil,

00:32:23.899 --> 00:32:24.180
 God

00:32:24.180 --> 00:32:24.519
 meant for

00:32:24.519 --> 00:32:24.839
 good.

00:32:25.899 --> 00:32:26.399
 This morning

00:32:26.399 --> 00:32:26.660
 let us

00:32:26.660 --> 00:32:27.399
 rejoice in

00:32:27.399 --> 00:32:28.160
 the unfailing

00:32:28.160 --> 00:32:29.639
 love of

00:32:29.639 --> 00:32:30.039
 the father.

00:32:30.680 --> 00:32:31.059
 Join me

00:32:31.059 --> 00:32:31.339
 in prayer.

00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779


00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.779