WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.639 All right, we're back in Mark tonight, our series in Mark. 00:00:05.799 --> 00:00:09.540 We're going to jump into Mark chapter 9 tonight. 00:00:09.839 --> 00:00:12.960 So if you want to turn there in the Black Pew Bible, it's page 844. 00:00:13.820 --> 00:00:15.220 I think we'll have it on the screens over. 00:00:15.700 --> 00:00:17.559 Yep, we'll have it up on the screens too. 00:00:17.660 --> 00:00:21.980 But if you want to turn there, Mark chapter 9, we're going to look at verses 2 through 00:00:21.980 --> 00:00:28.960 29, kind of a big chunk tonight, but I hope we'll see that they hang together in important 00:00:28.960 --> 00:00:29.440 ways. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.039 Page 844 in the Pew Bible. 00:00:34.859 --> 00:00:38.460 That song we just sang is actually a fitting introduction to this text because the themes 00:00:38.460 --> 00:00:44.539 of that song is basically what the end of chapter 8 is about, about Christ saying, if you're 00:00:44.539 --> 00:00:49.299 going to follow me, you need to take up your cross and come after me, and that you'll only 00:00:49.299 --> 00:00:51.500 find your life if you lose it. 00:00:52.780 --> 00:00:58.260 And then Mark records this in chapter 9, verse 2. 00:00:58.259 --> 00:01:04.459 And after six days, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain 00:01:04.459 --> 00:01:05.219 by themselves. 00:01:05.219 --> 00:01:12.579 And he was transfigured before them. 00:01:12.579 --> 00:01:14.039 And no one on earth could bleach them. 00:01:14.840 --> 00:01:19.079 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 00:01:19.900 --> 00:01:22.939 And Peter said to Jesus, Rabbi, it is good that we are here. 00:01:23.039 --> 00:01:27.099 Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah. 00:01:27.679 --> 00:01:30.519 For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 00:01:30.519 --> 00:01:35.439 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud. 00:01:36.060 --> 00:01:37.799 This is my beloved son. 00:01:38.479 --> 00:01:39.319 Listen to him. 00:01:40.359 --> 00:01:45.859 And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only. 00:01:47.120 --> 00:01:51.259 And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had 00:01:51.259 --> 00:01:53.519 seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 00:01:54.019 --> 00:01:58.420 So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean. 00:01:58.420 --> 00:02:03.099 And they asked him, why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come? 00:02:04.000 --> 00:02:07.060 And he said to them, Elijah does come first to restore all things. 00:02:07.840 --> 00:02:11.539 And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated 00:02:11.539 --> 00:02:12.219 with contempt? 00:02:12.879 --> 00:02:14.840 But I tell you that Elijah has come. 00:02:15.259 --> 00:02:18.680 And they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him. 00:02:21.080 --> 00:02:25.420 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them and scribes arguing 00:02:25.420 --> 00:02:25.900 with them. 00:02:25.900 --> 00:02:29.539 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him 00:02:29.539 --> 00:02:30.060 and greeted him. 00:02:30.240 --> 00:02:32.719 And he asked them, what are you arguing about with them? 00:02:33.659 --> 00:02:38.520 And someone from the crowd answered him, teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit 00:02:38.520 --> 00:02:39.360 that makes him mute. 00:02:39.520 --> 00:02:43.640 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes 00:02:43.640 --> 00:02:43.960 rigid. 00:02:44.280 --> 00:02:46.520 So I asked your disciples to cast it out. 00:02:46.759 --> 00:02:48.540 And they were not able. 00:02:48.539 --> 00:02:55.219 And he answered them, oh, faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? 00:02:55.780 --> 00:02:57.620 How long am I to bear with you? 00:02:58.359 --> 00:02:59.259 Bring him to me. 00:03:00.199 --> 00:03:01.659 And they brought the boy to him. 00:03:02.120 --> 00:03:05.680 And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy and he fell on the ground 00:03:05.680 --> 00:03:07.359 and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 00:03:07.919 --> 00:03:10.919 And Jesus asked his father, how long has this been happening to him? 00:03:10.919 --> 00:03:16.859 And he said, from childhood, and it has often cast him into fire and into water to destroy 00:03:16.859 --> 00:03:17.159 him. 00:03:17.419 --> 00:03:20.859 But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us. 00:03:21.959 --> 00:03:27.599 And Jesus said to him, if you can, all things are possible for the one who believes. 00:03:29.099 --> 00:03:35.859 Immediately, the father of the child cried out and said, I believe, help my unbelief. 00:03:35.860 --> 00:03:42.280 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying 00:03:42.280 --> 00:03:47.520 to it, you mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again. 00:03:48.220 --> 00:03:53.080 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out and the boy was like a corpse so 00:03:53.080 --> 00:03:55.020 that most of them said, he is dead. 00:03:55.640 --> 00:03:59.900 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up and he arose. 00:04:02.040 --> 00:04:05.840 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, why are you going to be 00:04:05.840 --> 00:04:07.080 why could we not cast it out? 00:04:07.960 --> 00:04:13.219 And he said to them, this kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer. 00:04:18.459 --> 00:04:20.199 So tonight, let me ask us a question. 00:04:21.680 --> 00:04:22.939 Who do we listen to? 00:04:24.040 --> 00:04:25.180 Who do you listen to? 00:04:26.579 --> 00:04:28.620 I don't mean what radio station do you like. 00:04:29.000 --> 00:04:32.780 I mean, on a deeper level, at the heart level, who are you listening to? 00:04:32.879 --> 00:04:35.379 Whose voice is running in your head? 00:04:36.599 --> 00:04:39.639 Because, you know, all of us are listening to someone at that level, right? 00:04:39.719 --> 00:04:40.619 Maybe it's your parents. 00:04:41.319 --> 00:04:44.979 Maybe it's their voice you hear, you know, whether you like it or not, when you're about 00:04:44.979 --> 00:04:50.099 to make a decision or when you get down to what makes you who you are and what gives 00:04:50.099 --> 00:04:50.439 you worth. 00:04:50.539 --> 00:04:54.399 Maybe you hear your parents' voice in your mind. 00:04:55.439 --> 00:04:57.500 Or maybe the voice that you're listening to are your peers. 00:04:58.219 --> 00:05:00.719 Maybe the voice of your friends or your colleagues or your neighbors. 00:05:00.720 --> 00:05:04.260 Maybe that's what's running and always running sort of in the background. 00:05:05.160 --> 00:05:09.520 That voice approving or disapproving of this or that and shaping what you value or what you 00:05:09.520 --> 00:05:09.900 pursue. 00:05:10.640 --> 00:05:11.960 Maybe you're listening to your peers. 00:05:12.180 --> 00:05:13.420 Maybe that's who you're listening to. 00:05:14.480 --> 00:05:16.460 Or maybe it's some figure that you respect. 00:05:16.600 --> 00:05:21.740 Maybe a teacher or a boss or a mentor or a coach that you've had along the way. 00:05:21.740 --> 00:05:27.740 Or maybe a historical figure that you really admire, whose works you've read, whose life 00:05:27.740 --> 00:05:29.100 you seek to emulate. 00:05:30.259 --> 00:05:31.540 Maybe that's who you listen to. 00:05:32.259 --> 00:05:34.759 Some sort of hero in your life. 00:05:35.960 --> 00:05:37.480 Or maybe it's none of those. 00:05:38.220 --> 00:05:42.560 Maybe you pride yourself on not listening to anyone, ultimately. 00:05:43.100 --> 00:05:45.379 Not listening to anyone but yourself. 00:05:45.379 --> 00:05:49.980 Ah, and there's some truth to that for all of us, isn't there? 00:05:50.839 --> 00:05:56.240 Paul Tripp, who's a pastor and a writer, has often said, you are the most influential 00:05:56.240 --> 00:06:01.219 person in your life because you are always talking to yourself. 00:06:03.319 --> 00:06:04.899 Do you see the point he's trying to make? 00:06:06.180 --> 00:06:07.939 Whose talk are you listening to? 00:06:08.339 --> 00:06:11.399 That's who's going to be most influential in your life. 00:06:11.399 --> 00:06:17.699 That voice will profoundly shape how you view yourself, your world, how you view God, what 00:06:17.699 --> 00:06:22.120 you make of right and wrong, what's good and beautiful and true, what to pursue, what 00:06:22.120 --> 00:06:26.560 to attract, what to reject, what to approve of, and what to condemn. 00:06:28.539 --> 00:06:29.839 Who are we listening to? 00:06:32.239 --> 00:06:36.219 And this dynamic happens not just on the individual level, but on a cultural level too. 00:06:36.459 --> 00:06:40.759 Aren't there cultural narratives or sort of stories that we share and that we listen to 00:06:40.759 --> 00:06:42.740 that shape our identity and our values? 00:06:42.860 --> 00:06:46.639 Just think of the classic sort of narrative of the American dream. 00:06:47.199 --> 00:06:47.740 What is it? 00:06:48.639 --> 00:06:53.420 Work hard, keep your nose out of trouble, and you will be successful and comfortable. 00:06:55.219 --> 00:06:58.719 And yet, we know that that's not always the case. 00:06:59.560 --> 00:07:02.519 Sometimes we work hard and we keep our noses out of trouble. 00:07:02.519 --> 00:07:08.699 And yet, we experience hardship and affliction and loss. 00:07:09.799 --> 00:07:15.519 But we've been listening to those voices for so long telling us that hard work must equal 00:07:15.519 --> 00:07:19.839 success and comfort that when it doesn't work out that way, what happens? 00:07:20.599 --> 00:07:25.659 We get bitter and angry and we start to blame others, or we start blaming ourselves and beating 00:07:25.659 --> 00:07:28.719 ourselves up, and we fall into depression and despair. 00:07:28.720 --> 00:07:32.400 You know, the same thing can happen spiritually, actually. 00:07:33.440 --> 00:07:38.160 We can buy into certain spiritual narratives and sort of keep on listening to them, even 00:07:38.160 --> 00:07:41.560 when they're not at all what God has revealed to be true. 00:07:42.640 --> 00:07:47.740 A number of years ago, two sociologists from UNC Chapel Hill did a study of the spirituality 00:07:47.740 --> 00:07:51.660 of young people, of teenagers, and then they actually did one a little later of young emerging 00:07:51.660 --> 00:07:52.100 adults. 00:07:52.520 --> 00:07:54.400 And here's what they found most of them believed. 00:07:54.760 --> 00:07:56.120 Here's how I would sum it up, anyway. 00:07:56.120 --> 00:08:01.340 They found in this sort of sociological survey that most people believed that God's main 00:08:01.340 --> 00:08:05.300 goal is to eliminate all of my discomforts and solve my problems. 00:08:05.879 --> 00:08:10.879 And if I do my part, if I'm good and nice and fair, then God will bless me with a happy, 00:08:11.040 --> 00:08:11.660 comfortable life. 00:08:14.019 --> 00:08:16.680 And if I'm good, I get to go to heaven when I die. 00:08:16.680 --> 00:08:23.680 Now, is that the narrative that we should be listening to? 00:08:26.500 --> 00:08:30.040 We've been studying the Gospel of Mark through the fall and now into the spring, and if you've 00:08:30.040 --> 00:08:35.720 been with us, you know that that narrative, my job is to live a good life and God's job 00:08:35.720 --> 00:08:42.540 is to fix my problems for me, doesn't square practically at all with the life and message 00:08:42.540 --> 00:08:43.019 of Jesus. 00:08:44.060 --> 00:08:50.700 What Jesus calls the Gospel, the good news, what Jesus calls the kingdom of God, God's 00:08:50.700 --> 00:08:54.840 reign, is almost utterly opposed to that. 00:08:54.840 --> 00:09:02.080 Last week, Jesus told his disciples back in chapter 8 that himself, as the Christ, as 00:09:02.080 --> 00:09:06.899 the Messiah, as the true King, that his mission meant the cross. 00:09:08.300 --> 00:09:13.940 And then he went on to say, perhaps even more shockingly, that our calling as his disciples 00:09:13.940 --> 00:09:19.139 meant nothing less than taking up our cross as well. 00:09:19.139 --> 00:09:26.379 But you know, that wasn't the spiritual narrative that the disciples had been listening to. 00:09:26.699 --> 00:09:32.340 Like so many of the other sort of Jewish people in that time, to them, the Messiah's job was 00:09:32.340 --> 00:09:35.779 to come and to triumph and to conquer, not to suffer. 00:09:36.899 --> 00:09:42.179 And that their place in God's kingdom would be determined by how worthy and faithful they 00:09:42.179 --> 00:09:43.039 were to him. 00:09:45.240 --> 00:09:48.039 That kind of sounds a lot like our default position, doesn't it? 00:09:49.139 --> 00:09:54.939 And you know, these voices that we listen to, whether individually, from our parents 00:09:54.939 --> 00:09:59.379 or peers or heroes, or whether communally, those sort of cultural and spiritual narratives 00:09:59.379 --> 00:10:04.240 that we share, the truth about those things is that they die hard. 00:10:06.580 --> 00:10:11.699 We can hear alternative truths again and again and again, but they just don't get through. 00:10:11.700 --> 00:10:20.379 So in our text tonight, Jesus takes Peter and James and John up on a mountain by themselves. 00:10:21.900 --> 00:10:29.020 And when they're up there, Mark says in very succinct language, he's transfigured before them. 00:10:31.259 --> 00:10:34.600 That is, his appearance is transformed. 00:10:35.759 --> 00:10:37.420 That's what the word transfigured means. 00:10:37.419 --> 00:10:39.059 It's the same word for transformation. 00:10:40.779 --> 00:10:46.819 This humble rabbi from Galilee is now blazing white before them. 00:10:47.519 --> 00:10:49.879 Don't you love that earthy detail that Mark gives? 00:10:50.579 --> 00:10:55.159 He was so white, whiter than anyone could possibly bleach their clothes. 00:10:55.159 --> 00:11:02.959 You see, for a moment, Jesus is revealing to them his divine nature. 00:11:03.839 --> 00:11:05.259 And what happens in verse 7? 00:11:05.519 --> 00:11:07.559 A cloud comes down upon them. 00:11:08.679 --> 00:11:13.740 It's just like Exodus, if you remember the Exodus story, when God appears to Moses and Israel 00:11:13.740 --> 00:11:17.399 at Mount Sinai in brightness, in fire, and in a cloud. 00:11:17.399 --> 00:11:23.039 And that cloud is just like the cloud that would come down in the Old Testament on the tabernacle 00:11:23.039 --> 00:11:27.740 and the temple, the very representation of God's own presence. 00:11:27.919 --> 00:11:32.740 So you see, what's happening here on the mountain is that for a moment, the curtain is being drawn back. 00:11:32.840 --> 00:11:41.299 For a moment, the eternal glory of the divine Son of God, hidden in human flesh, comes blazing through. 00:11:41.299 --> 00:11:47.240 Jesus reveals it to them, and they see it. 00:11:49.479 --> 00:11:51.000 But then something else happens. 00:11:52.139 --> 00:11:54.399 They also see Moses and Elijah. 00:11:55.299 --> 00:11:58.519 These two great pillars of Israel's faith. 00:11:58.919 --> 00:12:01.620 And the great pillars of the Old Testament Scripture as well. 00:12:02.219 --> 00:12:04.919 Moses, of course, representing the law, the first five books. 00:12:05.359 --> 00:12:07.159 And Elijah representing the prophets. 00:12:08.539 --> 00:12:10.979 And Peter, seeing all this, is terrified. 00:12:11.919 --> 00:12:15.299 And in classic Peter fashion, instead of being terrified and remaining silent, 00:12:15.519 --> 00:12:18.599 he's terrified and says something, which is sort of always how it goes with Peter. 00:12:20.359 --> 00:12:24.199 And he says, let's make three tents for each one of you equally. 00:12:24.679 --> 00:12:27.479 And let's stay here forever, and let's commemorate all three of you. 00:12:30.319 --> 00:12:32.379 And then God's voice comes from the cloud. 00:12:33.719 --> 00:12:35.139 This is my beloved Son. 00:12:35.959 --> 00:12:36.719 Listen to Him. 00:12:37.899 --> 00:12:41.219 Or we might better say, listen to Him. 00:12:41.299 --> 00:12:47.439 You see, Moses and Elijah are there to point to Jesus. 00:12:48.099 --> 00:12:52.839 As if to say that He is the fulfillment of all that they had spoken about. 00:12:52.840 --> 00:12:59.420 That Jesus Himself is, as it were, the true and final prophet. 00:12:59.560 --> 00:13:01.940 The true bringer of God's word. 00:13:02.180 --> 00:13:06.920 That the law and the prophets point to and are fulfilled in Him. 00:13:07.379 --> 00:13:10.320 You notice at the end of this story of the transfiguration, who's left? 00:13:11.320 --> 00:13:11.639 Jesus. 00:13:12.639 --> 00:13:12.960 Alone. 00:13:12.960 --> 00:13:18.680 It's like the book of Hebrews says, if you've been coming in the morning to our series in Hebrews. 00:13:18.680 --> 00:13:20.500 Do you remember how the book of Hebrews starts? 00:13:20.800 --> 00:13:27.820 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, like Moses and Elijah. 00:13:28.300 --> 00:13:34.540 But in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, 00:13:34.539 --> 00:13:37.179 through whom also He created the world. 00:13:39.240 --> 00:13:41.719 Listen to Him. 00:13:44.059 --> 00:13:47.059 If you remember Jesus' baptism back in Mark chapter 1, 00:13:48.480 --> 00:13:49.599 there are similar words, right? 00:13:50.299 --> 00:13:53.559 The skies rip open and there's a voice from heaven that says, 00:13:53.559 --> 00:13:54.860 This is my beloved Son. 00:13:55.120 --> 00:13:56.759 With you, I am well pleased. 00:13:57.500 --> 00:14:03.460 There and here in Mark chapter 9, God the Father is affirming the divine identity of Jesus. 00:14:03.939 --> 00:14:07.340 But you know, at the baptism, it almost seemed as if those words were directed to Jesus, 00:14:07.559 --> 00:14:09.799 as much as to us or as much as to the disciples. 00:14:09.939 --> 00:14:15.259 But now, you see, on the mountain, with Moses and Elijah standing by, 00:14:16.259 --> 00:14:17.639 it's a command to us. 00:14:18.840 --> 00:14:20.360 This is my beloved Son. 00:14:21.139 --> 00:14:22.000 Listen to Him. 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:27.200 Listen to Him who fulfills all that the prophets spoke about. 00:14:28.259 --> 00:14:31.539 Listen to Him who is the radiance of the glory of God 00:14:31.539 --> 00:14:34.940 and the exact imprint of God's nature. 00:14:37.100 --> 00:14:39.559 Now, put yourself in the disciples' shoes for a second. 00:14:40.460 --> 00:14:42.919 Jesus has just told them in chapter 8 00:14:42.919 --> 00:14:46.080 that the way of the kingdom is the way of the cross. 00:14:46.799 --> 00:14:51.500 That the path of glory is actually the path of sacrifice and suffering. 00:14:51.500 --> 00:14:55.559 That to gain our life, we have to lose it. 00:14:57.320 --> 00:15:02.860 And doesn't that cut against every single other voice that we listen to? 00:15:06.039 --> 00:15:11.240 So, are these just the ravings of a misguided rabbi from Galilee? 00:15:12.539 --> 00:15:16.899 Or are they the very message of life from God Himself? 00:15:16.899 --> 00:15:21.679 And in the transfiguration, we see the answer. 00:15:23.079 --> 00:15:24.459 The glory of Jesus is revealed. 00:15:25.279 --> 00:15:27.139 The Old Testament heroes show up. 00:15:27.759 --> 00:15:29.439 And the voice of God speaks. 00:15:30.439 --> 00:15:31.159 Listen to Him. 00:15:32.240 --> 00:15:33.539 What He's told you is true. 00:15:33.539 --> 00:15:38.980 And that means we should listen to Him 00:15:38.980 --> 00:15:41.719 when our families are telling us 00:15:41.719 --> 00:15:44.139 that our plans to follow Christ 00:15:44.139 --> 00:15:47.059 would mean to them throwing their lives away. 00:15:48.319 --> 00:15:49.639 And we should listen to Him 00:15:49.639 --> 00:15:51.919 when our heroes are telling us 00:15:51.919 --> 00:15:53.500 that greatness is found in power 00:15:53.500 --> 00:15:55.659 and achievement and self-improvement. 00:15:55.659 --> 00:15:58.620 And instead, we should listen to Him 00:15:58.620 --> 00:16:00.779 when our peers are telling us 00:16:00.779 --> 00:16:02.159 that you only live once 00:16:02.159 --> 00:16:04.980 and you've got to seek as much pleasure now 00:16:04.980 --> 00:16:06.679 in this life before it's too late. 00:16:07.819 --> 00:16:09.319 And we should listen to Him 00:16:09.319 --> 00:16:12.439 even when the broader world is telling us 00:16:12.439 --> 00:16:13.959 that God ought to be there 00:16:13.959 --> 00:16:15.519 to make our lives comfortable 00:16:15.519 --> 00:16:17.620 and that our performance 00:16:17.620 --> 00:16:19.539 will determine His ability to do so. 00:16:19.539 --> 00:16:25.240 Instead, we should be listening to Jesus. 00:16:28.559 --> 00:16:29.779 On their way back down the mountain, 00:16:29.919 --> 00:16:31.459 Jesus tells them again 00:16:31.459 --> 00:16:32.899 not to tell anyone 00:16:32.899 --> 00:16:35.199 until after His resurrection. 00:16:35.419 --> 00:16:37.439 And again, we've seen this motif a couple times, 00:16:37.539 --> 00:16:39.039 this theme in Mark a couple times, right? 00:16:39.059 --> 00:16:41.139 And again, the disciples are confused. 00:16:41.559 --> 00:16:43.379 And this time they ask Him about Elijah. 00:16:43.719 --> 00:16:45.000 Isn't Elijah supposed to come 00:16:45.000 --> 00:16:46.179 and restore all things? 00:16:46.179 --> 00:16:47.339 How can we be talking about 00:16:47.339 --> 00:16:48.779 crosses and suffering, Jesus? 00:16:48.779 --> 00:16:50.220 I thought Elijah was supposed to come 00:16:50.220 --> 00:16:51.419 and restore all things 00:16:51.419 --> 00:16:52.679 and then the day of the Lord would happen 00:16:52.679 --> 00:16:53.779 and the Messiah would show up 00:16:53.779 --> 00:16:55.659 and it would be peace and glory forevermore. 00:16:57.039 --> 00:16:58.419 And you know, that's not a silly question 00:16:58.419 --> 00:16:58.980 they're asking 00:16:58.980 --> 00:17:00.799 because at the end of the Old Testament 00:17:00.799 --> 00:17:03.259 in Malachi chapter 4, verses 5 and 6, 00:17:03.459 --> 00:17:05.500 literally the last verses 00:17:05.500 --> 00:17:07.379 of our English Old Testament, 00:17:08.940 --> 00:17:11.839 Malachi writes that Elijah will return 00:17:11.839 --> 00:17:15.079 before the great and awesome day of the Lord. 00:17:15.079 --> 00:17:20.139 But you see, Jesus helps them understand 00:17:20.139 --> 00:17:23.879 more properly what Malachi was saying 00:17:23.879 --> 00:17:25.119 and what's actually happening. 00:17:26.500 --> 00:17:27.819 Because did you notice Jesus says, 00:17:27.899 --> 00:17:28.720 Elijah has come 00:17:28.720 --> 00:17:31.119 and they did to him whatever they wanted. 00:17:32.159 --> 00:17:33.299 And of course, he's referencing there 00:17:33.299 --> 00:17:33.939 John the Baptist 00:17:33.939 --> 00:17:35.519 because for Jesus, 00:17:35.679 --> 00:17:37.379 John the Baptist has fulfilled 00:17:37.379 --> 00:17:39.859 Malachi's prophecy about Elijah. 00:17:40.399 --> 00:17:42.019 John the Baptist got everything ready 00:17:42.019 --> 00:17:42.960 for the day of the Lord. 00:17:45.059 --> 00:17:46.240 But what the scribes 00:17:46.240 --> 00:17:48.200 and even the disciples here failed to see 00:17:48.200 --> 00:17:51.279 is that the Old Testament also says 00:17:51.279 --> 00:17:52.079 that the Son of Man 00:17:52.079 --> 00:17:53.279 will be treated with contempt. 00:17:55.259 --> 00:17:57.200 Jesus probably has in mind Isaiah 53 00:17:57.200 --> 00:17:59.099 where the suffering servant of the Lord, 00:17:59.740 --> 00:18:00.680 do you remember that passage, 00:18:00.799 --> 00:18:01.980 is bruised and crushed 00:18:01.980 --> 00:18:03.339 for the sins of his people. 00:18:06.119 --> 00:18:08.359 So you see, even after the transfiguration, 00:18:08.480 --> 00:18:09.599 the disciples are still having 00:18:09.599 --> 00:18:10.599 a hard time seeing 00:18:10.599 --> 00:18:12.359 what Jesus wants them to see. 00:18:12.419 --> 00:18:13.619 But Jesus is adamant 00:18:13.619 --> 00:18:14.679 again and again and again 00:18:14.679 --> 00:18:16.459 that the way of the kingdom 00:18:16.459 --> 00:18:18.219 is the way of the cross. 00:18:20.039 --> 00:18:21.039 And then they're sort of making 00:18:21.039 --> 00:18:21.959 their way back down the mountain 00:18:21.959 --> 00:18:23.500 and finally they get to the bottom. 00:18:24.240 --> 00:18:26.259 And again, we see all this reinforced 00:18:26.259 --> 00:18:27.039 another time. 00:18:27.779 --> 00:18:29.879 There's a crowd and some scribes 00:18:29.879 --> 00:18:31.639 and there's an argument going on 00:18:31.639 --> 00:18:32.659 between the scribes 00:18:32.659 --> 00:18:33.579 and Jesus' disciples. 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:35.199 And Jesus enters into the crowd 00:18:35.199 --> 00:18:36.079 and gets involved, 00:18:37.279 --> 00:18:38.559 which is an interesting point, isn't it? 00:18:39.599 --> 00:18:41.019 He doesn't stay far off 00:18:41.019 --> 00:18:41.859 on the mountain, 00:18:42.419 --> 00:18:43.339 basking in glory. 00:18:44.119 --> 00:18:44.899 Christ comes down 00:18:44.899 --> 00:18:46.819 and gets into the mess 00:18:46.819 --> 00:18:48.319 of our broken and sinful lives. 00:18:49.439 --> 00:18:50.299 And the disciples too 00:18:50.299 --> 00:18:51.719 aren't allowed to stay 00:18:51.719 --> 00:18:52.419 on the mountaintop. 00:18:52.519 --> 00:18:54.099 They too are brought back down 00:18:54.099 --> 00:18:55.799 into the gritty realities of life. 00:18:57.139 --> 00:18:58.159 And all this is what Jesus 00:18:58.159 --> 00:18:59.039 has been telling them, 00:18:59.079 --> 00:19:01.259 that it's not a triumphant march 00:19:01.259 --> 00:19:01.819 to the throne, 00:19:01.879 --> 00:19:03.759 but it's the self-sacrificing 00:19:03.759 --> 00:19:04.480 way of the cross. 00:19:04.759 --> 00:19:06.139 And you know, now it seems 00:19:06.139 --> 00:19:07.459 at this point in the narrative 00:19:07.460 --> 00:19:08.900 that things have gotten even harder 00:19:08.900 --> 00:19:09.700 for the disciples. 00:19:10.880 --> 00:19:12.039 You remember back in chapter 6, 00:19:12.120 --> 00:19:13.019 Jesus gave the disciples 00:19:13.019 --> 00:19:14.440 the authority to cast out demons 00:19:14.440 --> 00:19:15.380 as they went around preaching 00:19:15.380 --> 00:19:16.319 and were given every reason 00:19:16.319 --> 00:19:17.799 to think that they were actually 00:19:17.799 --> 00:19:18.700 able to do so. 00:19:18.779 --> 00:19:19.539 They don't come back saying, 00:19:19.600 --> 00:19:20.160 Jesus, what happened? 00:19:20.200 --> 00:19:20.840 You gave us that authority 00:19:20.840 --> 00:19:21.420 and it didn't work. 00:19:22.140 --> 00:19:23.980 No, in fact, in Luke's gospel, 00:19:24.059 --> 00:19:24.779 they come back saying, 00:19:24.860 --> 00:19:25.420 we did it. 00:19:28.799 --> 00:19:29.819 But what happens here? 00:19:31.660 --> 00:19:32.799 They aren't able to do it. 00:19:33.539 --> 00:19:34.099 They're inadequate. 00:19:35.240 --> 00:19:36.220 They fall short. 00:19:37.500 --> 00:19:38.700 You see, as they progress 00:19:38.700 --> 00:19:40.200 in their time with Jesus, 00:19:41.159 --> 00:19:42.799 the battle isn't getting easier. 00:19:43.440 --> 00:19:45.039 It seems that it's getting harder. 00:19:46.259 --> 00:19:47.119 The scribes are getting 00:19:47.119 --> 00:19:48.019 more combative 00:19:48.019 --> 00:19:49.799 and the crowds are getting 00:19:49.799 --> 00:19:50.740 more hard-hearted, 00:19:50.859 --> 00:19:52.099 as Jesus says in verse 19. 00:19:52.180 --> 00:19:53.019 And the forces of evil 00:19:53.019 --> 00:19:54.440 are getting more entrenched 00:19:54.440 --> 00:19:55.460 and more immovable. 00:19:58.059 --> 00:19:59.159 And you see, that is often 00:19:59.159 --> 00:20:00.519 the way that the Lord will lead us. 00:20:00.519 --> 00:20:02.480 He shows us more of himself 00:20:02.480 --> 00:20:04.599 to prepare us 00:20:04.599 --> 00:20:06.079 for the greater challenges ahead. 00:20:08.079 --> 00:20:09.319 Didn't Peter want to stay 00:20:09.319 --> 00:20:09.839 on the mountain, 00:20:10.900 --> 00:20:11.700 build some tents, 00:20:12.139 --> 00:20:13.920 and leave all this messy business 00:20:13.920 --> 00:20:14.839 of sin and redemption 00:20:14.839 --> 00:20:15.440 down below? 00:20:16.000 --> 00:20:17.299 Let's just stay up here, Jesus. 00:20:18.160 --> 00:20:19.180 We'll build some tents. 00:20:19.339 --> 00:20:21.000 We'll start a tourism thing. 00:20:21.259 --> 00:20:21.980 You know, we'll get some people 00:20:21.980 --> 00:20:22.759 to come up the mountain, 00:20:23.400 --> 00:20:25.579 pay a few denarii or whatever 00:20:25.579 --> 00:20:27.240 to check out Moses and Elijah 00:20:27.240 --> 00:20:29.119 and you because you're blazing white. 00:20:29.119 --> 00:20:31.259 We'll make a little money. 00:20:31.539 --> 00:20:32.719 We won't have to get mixed up 00:20:32.719 --> 00:20:35.279 in the sticky, sinful realities of life. 00:20:37.399 --> 00:20:38.399 How often do we want 00:20:38.399 --> 00:20:39.939 our spiritual lives to be like that? 00:20:40.879 --> 00:20:42.959 Let's just stay away from the mess 00:20:42.959 --> 00:20:45.039 and the sort of experience 00:20:45.039 --> 00:20:46.519 up here on the mountaintop. 00:20:48.559 --> 00:20:50.299 But you see, the whole reason 00:20:50.299 --> 00:20:51.919 Jesus took them up there 00:20:51.919 --> 00:20:53.659 was so that they could get 00:20:53.659 --> 00:20:54.719 back on the road 00:20:54.719 --> 00:20:56.579 because he knew it was 00:20:56.579 --> 00:20:57.500 going to get harder 00:20:57.500 --> 00:20:59.440 and he wanted them to be prepared. 00:21:02.480 --> 00:21:04.180 And you see, if the transfiguration 00:21:04.180 --> 00:21:06.059 was meant to drive home the point 00:21:06.059 --> 00:21:08.339 that we must listen to Jesus 00:21:08.339 --> 00:21:09.420 above all else, 00:21:09.859 --> 00:21:11.000 then here at the bottom 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:11.680 of the mountain, 00:21:12.640 --> 00:21:13.839 we're taught a lesson 00:21:13.839 --> 00:21:15.720 in what it means to trust Jesus 00:21:15.720 --> 00:21:17.539 in spite of all else. 00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:22.319 When the father of the demon-possessed boy 00:21:22.319 --> 00:21:22.579 says, 00:21:22.579 --> 00:21:23.699 if you can do anything, 00:21:23.839 --> 00:21:24.939 have compassion on us 00:21:24.939 --> 00:21:25.619 and help us. 00:21:26.139 --> 00:21:27.000 You can almost hear 00:21:27.000 --> 00:21:28.379 the resignation in his voice, 00:21:28.480 --> 00:21:28.899 can't you? 00:21:29.059 --> 00:21:30.119 If you can do anything, 00:21:31.059 --> 00:21:32.519 have compassion on us 00:21:32.519 --> 00:21:33.159 and help us. 00:21:34.119 --> 00:21:35.559 You might be able to, Jesus. 00:21:37.079 --> 00:21:37.779 If you can. 00:21:37.919 --> 00:21:38.539 I hope you will. 00:21:40.299 --> 00:21:41.599 And then what does Jesus do? 00:21:42.519 --> 00:21:44.240 He challenges this man. 00:21:44.759 --> 00:21:45.939 And how does he challenge them? 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:46.319 He says, 00:21:46.319 --> 00:21:47.599 if you can, 00:21:48.659 --> 00:21:49.879 all things are possible 00:21:49.879 --> 00:21:51.220 for the one who believes. 00:21:53.299 --> 00:21:55.319 And with that question, 00:21:55.740 --> 00:21:56.740 it's not really a question, 00:21:56.879 --> 00:21:57.919 but with that remark, 00:21:59.059 --> 00:22:01.139 isn't Jesus forcing this man 00:22:01.139 --> 00:22:03.279 to reckon with his unbelief, 00:22:03.639 --> 00:22:06.139 to stare it straight in the face 00:22:06.139 --> 00:22:07.480 and to be honest? 00:22:07.480 --> 00:22:10.339 And at the same time, 00:22:10.620 --> 00:22:12.180 Jesus is drawing this man 00:22:12.180 --> 00:22:13.200 into a relationship. 00:22:16.400 --> 00:22:17.360 If you can. 00:22:18.120 --> 00:22:19.579 Aren't all things possible 00:22:19.579 --> 00:22:20.900 for the one who believes? 00:22:23.880 --> 00:22:25.059 And then the father utters 00:22:25.059 --> 00:22:26.700 one of the most honest prayers 00:22:26.700 --> 00:22:28.180 I think we can ever pray. 00:22:29.180 --> 00:22:29.519 He says, 00:22:29.599 --> 00:22:30.200 I believe. 00:22:31.380 --> 00:22:32.799 Help my unbelief. 00:22:36.000 --> 00:22:37.200 So what does it mean? 00:22:37.480 --> 00:22:38.480 To listen to Jesus. 00:22:38.660 --> 00:22:39.299 To trust him. 00:22:39.360 --> 00:22:40.120 To believe in him. 00:22:41.400 --> 00:22:42.500 It doesn't mean 00:22:42.500 --> 00:22:43.740 that we don't have doubts. 00:22:44.500 --> 00:22:45.400 And it doesn't mean 00:22:45.400 --> 00:22:46.400 that we don't have questions. 00:22:46.980 --> 00:22:47.779 And it doesn't mean 00:22:47.779 --> 00:22:49.319 that we have to be 100% 00:22:49.319 --> 00:22:50.620 completely certain. 00:22:50.980 --> 00:22:51.200 No. 00:22:52.420 --> 00:22:53.180 It means 00:22:53.180 --> 00:22:55.200 committing yourself to him. 00:22:55.920 --> 00:22:57.539 Even with your doubts 00:22:57.539 --> 00:22:58.740 and your questions. 00:22:59.920 --> 00:23:01.120 Because then what happens? 00:23:01.519 --> 00:23:02.740 The father has just admitted 00:23:02.740 --> 00:23:04.000 that his belief 00:23:04.000 --> 00:23:04.940 is loaded 00:23:04.940 --> 00:23:06.480 with all sorts of doubts 00:23:06.480 --> 00:23:07.120 and questions. 00:23:07.480 --> 00:23:10.039 It's like a piece of steak 00:23:10.039 --> 00:23:10.940 that's just run through 00:23:10.940 --> 00:23:11.980 with all sorts of fat 00:23:11.980 --> 00:23:12.660 and sinews 00:23:12.660 --> 00:23:13.519 and all sorts of stuff 00:23:13.519 --> 00:23:14.360 you really don't want 00:23:14.360 --> 00:23:14.759 in your meat. 00:23:15.599 --> 00:23:16.400 There I am Jesus. 00:23:16.620 --> 00:23:17.160 I believe. 00:23:17.279 --> 00:23:18.259 Help my unbelief. 00:23:19.140 --> 00:23:20.500 And how does Jesus respond? 00:23:21.900 --> 00:23:22.660 Is he offended 00:23:22.660 --> 00:23:23.360 by the man's 00:23:23.360 --> 00:23:24.420 less than certain faith? 00:23:24.980 --> 00:23:25.860 Did you see what I just did 00:23:25.860 --> 00:23:26.380 up on that mountain? 00:23:26.500 --> 00:23:26.819 Come on. 00:23:26.960 --> 00:23:27.360 You believe? 00:23:27.420 --> 00:23:28.099 Help my unbelief. 00:23:29.480 --> 00:23:29.880 No. 00:23:29.880 --> 00:23:29.940 No. 00:23:29.940 --> 00:23:33.539 Jesus receives the man 00:23:33.539 --> 00:23:35.799 and heals his son. 00:23:37.200 --> 00:23:39.000 It wasn't utter certainty 00:23:39.000 --> 00:23:40.539 that Jesus was looking for. 00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:42.820 And by all means 00:23:42.820 --> 00:23:43.700 it wasn't the sort of 00:23:43.700 --> 00:23:45.940 level of this man's faith 00:23:45.940 --> 00:23:48.039 that caused his son 00:23:48.039 --> 00:23:48.640 to be healed. 00:23:50.400 --> 00:23:52.200 What Jesus was looking for 00:23:52.200 --> 00:23:53.240 was just honesty 00:23:53.240 --> 00:23:55.660 and a commitment to him. 00:23:55.660 --> 00:23:57.900 even in the face of doubts. 00:23:59.840 --> 00:24:00.440 You see, 00:24:00.540 --> 00:24:01.980 truly trusting in Jesus, 00:24:02.140 --> 00:24:03.019 true faith, 00:24:03.820 --> 00:24:05.560 is a certain kind 00:24:05.560 --> 00:24:06.560 of helplessness. 00:24:06.559 --> 00:24:10.240 If the kind of faith 00:24:10.240 --> 00:24:11.000 Jesus required, 00:24:11.099 --> 00:24:11.579 think about it, 00:24:11.599 --> 00:24:12.759 was absolute certainty, 00:24:12.839 --> 00:24:13.519 if that's what Jesus 00:24:13.519 --> 00:24:14.299 was looking for, 00:24:14.839 --> 00:24:15.859 then wouldn't we come to him 00:24:15.859 --> 00:24:17.220 full of self-confidence, 00:24:17.859 --> 00:24:18.720 confident that we had 00:24:18.720 --> 00:24:19.679 it all figured out? 00:24:20.099 --> 00:24:21.299 If that's what Jesus wanted 00:24:21.299 --> 00:24:23.899 was 100% absolute certainty, 00:24:24.079 --> 00:24:25.839 and if I actually had that, 00:24:26.720 --> 00:24:28.019 it wouldn't be helplessness 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:28.859 with which I came. 00:24:31.039 --> 00:24:31.440 Instead, 00:24:31.579 --> 00:24:32.539 what Jesus wants us to do 00:24:32.539 --> 00:24:33.259 is to come 00:24:33.259 --> 00:24:34.759 with the helpless cry 00:24:34.759 --> 00:24:35.799 captured so well 00:24:35.799 --> 00:24:36.559 by this Father. 00:24:36.720 --> 00:24:37.019 Lord, 00:24:37.259 --> 00:24:38.139 I believe. 00:24:39.299 --> 00:24:40.359 Help my unbelief. 00:24:43.639 --> 00:24:44.379 And at the end 00:24:44.379 --> 00:24:44.839 of the section, 00:24:44.940 --> 00:24:45.759 the lesson is similar 00:24:45.759 --> 00:24:46.500 for the disciples, 00:24:46.639 --> 00:24:46.940 isn't it? 00:24:47.700 --> 00:24:48.819 You can only drive out 00:24:48.819 --> 00:24:50.079 this kind by prayer, 00:24:50.419 --> 00:24:51.180 Jesus says to them. 00:24:51.839 --> 00:24:52.639 And what is prayer 00:24:52.639 --> 00:24:53.259 after all? 00:24:54.200 --> 00:24:54.619 Isn't prayer 00:24:54.619 --> 00:24:55.619 the acknowledgement 00:24:55.619 --> 00:24:57.759 that we can't do it 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:58.220 ourselves? 00:24:59.339 --> 00:25:00.079 Isn't prayer 00:25:00.079 --> 00:25:00.859 an act 00:25:00.859 --> 00:25:02.960 speaking of our own 00:25:02.960 --> 00:25:03.680 insufficiency 00:25:03.680 --> 00:25:04.680 and inadequacy 00:25:04.680 --> 00:25:05.820 that we can't do it. 00:25:05.860 --> 00:25:06.960 That's why we pray. 00:25:08.180 --> 00:25:09.400 But we pray to a God 00:25:09.400 --> 00:25:10.320 who is sufficient 00:25:10.320 --> 00:25:11.680 and who is adequate 00:25:11.680 --> 00:25:13.039 and who is able. 00:25:15.700 --> 00:25:16.799 And this is what Jesus 00:25:16.799 --> 00:25:18.200 is trying to tell us. 00:25:18.660 --> 00:25:20.019 This is why we have 00:25:20.019 --> 00:25:21.480 to listen to him. 00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:23.680 Because you see, 00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:25.779 every other religion 00:25:25.779 --> 00:25:26.900 and every other voice 00:25:26.900 --> 00:25:27.940 that you will listen to, 00:25:28.600 --> 00:25:29.380 it will give you 00:25:29.380 --> 00:25:30.400 lots of advice 00:25:30.400 --> 00:25:32.240 on how to give up 00:25:32.240 --> 00:25:33.319 your self-gratification 00:25:33.319 --> 00:25:34.420 and even your 00:25:34.420 --> 00:25:35.359 self-determination 00:25:35.359 --> 00:25:36.299 for a greater good. 00:25:37.720 --> 00:25:38.539 Every other religion, 00:25:38.700 --> 00:25:39.400 every other parent, 00:25:39.519 --> 00:25:40.339 every other peer, 00:25:40.759 --> 00:25:41.519 every other hero 00:25:41.519 --> 00:25:41.920 will give you 00:25:41.920 --> 00:25:42.660 lots of advice 00:25:42.660 --> 00:25:43.259 on what pleasures 00:25:43.259 --> 00:25:43.859 to give up, 00:25:44.039 --> 00:25:45.120 on what rules to follow, 00:25:45.259 --> 00:25:46.319 on what paths to pursue, 00:25:46.420 --> 00:25:46.980 and what principles 00:25:46.980 --> 00:25:47.640 to adopt 00:25:47.640 --> 00:25:48.620 in order for you 00:25:48.620 --> 00:25:49.740 to make it in the end. 00:25:50.880 --> 00:25:51.460 But you see, 00:25:51.519 --> 00:25:52.839 Jesus is completely different. 00:25:52.839 --> 00:25:56.359 The ultimate cross 00:25:56.359 --> 00:25:57.419 that we must take up 00:25:57.419 --> 00:25:58.379 is not merely 00:25:58.379 --> 00:25:59.079 abandoning 00:25:59.079 --> 00:26:00.599 our self-gratification, 00:26:00.759 --> 00:26:01.139 doing things 00:26:01.139 --> 00:26:01.799 for our own pleasure, 00:26:02.179 --> 00:26:02.819 and giving up 00:26:02.819 --> 00:26:03.759 our self-determination, 00:26:04.119 --> 00:26:05.599 being our own Lord. 00:26:06.980 --> 00:26:07.799 But ultimately, 00:26:07.939 --> 00:26:08.359 Jesus says, 00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:09.000 here's what you put 00:26:09.000 --> 00:26:09.599 on the cross. 00:26:10.819 --> 00:26:12.259 Your self-justification. 00:26:13.899 --> 00:26:14.859 Your attempts 00:26:14.859 --> 00:26:16.279 to try 00:26:16.279 --> 00:26:17.959 to save yourself. 00:26:20.720 --> 00:26:21.659 And that's how you know 00:26:21.660 --> 00:26:22.759 you've finally crossed over 00:26:22.759 --> 00:26:23.960 to real faith in Christ. 00:26:24.700 --> 00:26:26.060 Not when you have 00:26:26.060 --> 00:26:26.759 all your answers, 00:26:27.279 --> 00:26:28.420 all your questions answered, 00:26:28.540 --> 00:26:29.019 not when you have 00:26:29.019 --> 00:26:30.120 all your doubts resolved, 00:26:30.860 --> 00:26:32.180 but when you've stopped 00:26:32.180 --> 00:26:33.120 trusting in your own 00:26:33.120 --> 00:26:33.960 works and efforts, 00:26:34.600 --> 00:26:35.240 when you've stopped 00:26:35.240 --> 00:26:36.600 trusting in your own worth 00:26:36.600 --> 00:26:38.560 to be accepted by God, 00:26:39.420 --> 00:26:40.279 and when you've stopped 00:26:40.279 --> 00:26:41.779 trusting even in the own 00:26:41.779 --> 00:26:43.860 quantity and quality 00:26:43.860 --> 00:26:44.660 of your faith, 00:26:46.660 --> 00:26:47.620 and you've just come 00:26:47.620 --> 00:26:49.000 to Jesus with honest 00:26:49.000 --> 00:26:50.200 and empty hands, 00:26:50.980 --> 00:26:51.360 and said, 00:26:51.359 --> 00:26:51.699 Lord, 00:26:51.919 --> 00:26:53.259 I believe. 00:26:54.219 --> 00:26:55.259 Help my unbelief. 00:26:57.979 --> 00:26:58.959 Let's pray together. 00:27:07.959 --> 00:27:08.639 Lord Jesus, 00:27:08.759 --> 00:27:09.319 tonight we want 00:27:09.319 --> 00:27:10.279 to acknowledge you 00:27:10.279 --> 00:27:13.500 as the one 00:27:13.500 --> 00:27:14.339 who is completely 00:27:14.339 --> 00:27:16.219 and fully divine. 00:27:16.220 --> 00:27:18.779 in this passage 00:27:18.779 --> 00:27:19.480 you show us 00:27:19.480 --> 00:27:20.740 just a glimpse 00:27:20.740 --> 00:27:23.079 of your supreme glory. 00:27:26.240 --> 00:27:26.700 Lord, 00:27:26.759 --> 00:27:27.299 as Peter will 00:27:27.299 --> 00:27:28.360 later write, 00:27:28.420 --> 00:27:28.980 he'll say that 00:27:28.980 --> 00:27:30.100 on the mountain 00:27:30.100 --> 00:27:30.779 they beheld 00:27:30.779 --> 00:27:31.579 your majesty. 00:27:34.160 --> 00:27:34.620 Lord, 00:27:34.700 --> 00:27:35.660 thank you for revealing 00:27:35.660 --> 00:27:36.400 your majesty 00:27:36.400 --> 00:27:37.120 to us 00:27:37.120 --> 00:27:38.360 in the words 00:27:38.360 --> 00:27:39.819 of this gospel. 00:27:39.819 --> 00:27:42.220 and Lord, 00:27:42.279 --> 00:27:43.000 we pray that we 00:27:43.000 --> 00:27:43.539 would listen 00:27:43.539 --> 00:27:44.119 to you 00:27:44.119 --> 00:27:47.059 above and over 00:27:47.059 --> 00:27:48.519 all the other voices 00:27:48.519 --> 00:27:49.339 that vie for our 00:27:49.339 --> 00:27:50.119 attention and for 00:27:50.119 --> 00:27:51.079 our heart's allegiance. 00:27:52.099 --> 00:27:52.220 Lord, 00:27:52.299 --> 00:27:53.299 help us to listen 00:27:53.299 --> 00:27:53.939 to you 00:27:53.939 --> 00:27:54.839 in the words 00:27:54.839 --> 00:27:56.379 of the scripture. 00:27:57.439 --> 00:27:57.960 Lord, 00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:58.759 where you speak 00:27:58.759 --> 00:27:59.899 to us clearly 00:27:59.899 --> 00:28:02.799 and powerfully. 00:28:02.799 --> 00:28:05.940 and Lord, 00:28:06.019 --> 00:28:06.740 for all of us 00:28:06.740 --> 00:28:07.180 here tonight, 00:28:07.279 --> 00:28:07.879 help us 00:28:07.879 --> 00:28:09.599 to come to you 00:28:09.599 --> 00:28:11.379 in genuine faith. 00:28:12.599 --> 00:28:13.039 Lord, 00:28:13.079 --> 00:28:13.599 not a faith 00:28:13.599 --> 00:28:14.220 that is anxious 00:28:14.220 --> 00:28:15.619 about how pure 00:28:15.619 --> 00:28:16.879 and how sound 00:28:16.879 --> 00:28:17.299 it is, 00:28:17.359 --> 00:28:17.740 but Lord, 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:19.779 that deep helplessness 00:28:19.779 --> 00:28:20.819 that acknowledges, 00:28:20.980 --> 00:28:21.159 Lord, 00:28:22.359 --> 00:28:23.819 that in our sin 00:28:23.819 --> 00:28:24.619 we are lost, 00:28:26.000 --> 00:28:27.700 but in you 00:28:27.700 --> 00:28:29.599 we find grace 00:28:29.599 --> 00:28:30.200 and peace. 00:28:32.799 --> 00:28:33.159 God, 00:28:33.220 --> 00:28:33.899 if any of my friends 00:28:33.899 --> 00:28:34.419 here tonight 00:28:34.419 --> 00:28:35.180 are struggling 00:28:35.180 --> 00:28:36.519 to believe in you, 00:28:37.359 --> 00:28:37.599 Lord, 00:28:37.659 --> 00:28:38.259 by your spirit 00:28:38.259 --> 00:28:39.399 would you grant them 00:28:39.399 --> 00:28:41.159 the gift of faith. 00:28:41.299 --> 00:28:42.000 Open their eyes, 00:28:42.139 --> 00:28:42.359 Lord, 00:28:42.960 --> 00:28:45.099 to see their own 00:28:45.099 --> 00:28:46.960 helplessness 00:28:46.960 --> 00:28:47.919 but your own 00:28:47.919 --> 00:28:48.960 Jesus' glory 00:28:48.960 --> 00:28:49.659 and sufficiency. 00:28:53.500 --> 00:28:53.919 Lord, 00:28:53.980 --> 00:28:54.279 thank you 00:28:54.279 --> 00:28:55.059 that you do this 00:28:55.059 --> 00:28:55.980 for your namesake. 00:28:56.960 --> 00:28:57.359 Amen. 00:28:59.779 --> 00:29:00.899 Thanks for coming tonight. 00:29:01.099 --> 00:29:01.619 In the back 00:29:01.619 --> 00:29:02.599 there's some coffee 00:29:02.599 --> 00:29:03.179 and some snacks. 00:29:03.279 --> 00:29:04.019 Feel free to stick around 00:29:04.019 --> 00:29:04.879 as long as you'd like 00:29:04.879 --> 00:29:06.240 to talk and just catch up. 00:29:06.319 --> 00:29:06.759 It's not like you got 00:29:06.759 --> 00:29:07.519 anything else going on 00:29:07.519 --> 00:29:08.099 tonight, right? 00:29:09.319 --> 00:29:10.339 That was a Super Bowl joke. 00:29:10.399 --> 00:29:10.980 That was my one 00:29:10.980 --> 00:29:12.019 Super Bowl joke of the night. 00:29:12.119 --> 00:29:12.619 Come on. 00:29:13.219 --> 00:29:13.939 Give me that one. 00:29:14.879 --> 00:29:15.199 Hey, 00:29:15.299 --> 00:29:15.839 this week, 00:29:16.159 --> 00:29:16.859 get a bulletin 00:29:16.859 --> 00:29:17.480 on the way out. 00:29:17.599 --> 00:29:18.259 Lots of small groups 00:29:18.259 --> 00:29:19.019 happening midweek, 00:29:19.139 --> 00:29:20.199 kind of kicking back in 00:29:20.199 --> 00:29:21.119 now that the spring is, 00:29:21.219 --> 00:29:21.839 or now that we're 00:29:21.839 --> 00:29:22.719 sort of into the new year. 00:29:23.099 --> 00:29:23.740 Most of the groups 00:29:23.740 --> 00:29:24.240 are up and running 00:29:24.240 --> 00:29:24.799 full-fledged. 00:29:24.879 --> 00:29:25.259 So if you're looking 00:29:25.259 --> 00:29:26.240 for some midweek fellowship 00:29:26.240 --> 00:29:27.199 and Bible study, 00:29:27.559 --> 00:29:28.500 connect with a small group. 00:29:29.839 --> 00:29:30.539 Let's end with 00:29:30.539 --> 00:29:31.179 the doxology 00:29:31.179 --> 00:29:32.019 from the book of Jude. 00:29:32.019 --> 00:29:33.259 Now to Him who is able 00:29:33.259 --> 00:29:34.660 to keep you from stumbling 00:29:34.660 --> 00:29:36.119 and to present you blameless 00:29:36.119 --> 00:29:36.879 before the presence 00:29:36.879 --> 00:29:37.460 of His glory 00:29:37.460 --> 00:29:38.619 with great joy, 00:29:39.160 --> 00:29:40.359 to the only God, 00:29:40.440 --> 00:29:40.940 our Savior, 00:29:41.079 --> 00:29:41.859 through Jesus Christ, 00:29:41.940 --> 00:29:42.299 our Lord, 00:29:42.359 --> 00:29:42.879 be glory, 00:29:43.339 --> 00:29:43.759 majesty, 00:29:44.059 --> 00:29:44.539 dominion, 00:29:44.599 --> 00:29:45.099 and authority 00:29:45.099 --> 00:29:46.019 before all time 00:29:46.019 --> 00:29:46.859 and now and forever. 00:29:47.559 --> 00:29:47.819 Amen.