WEBVTT 00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:06.000 So welcome again on this Ascension Sunday, and happy Mother's Day. 00:00:06.679 --> 00:00:12.980 My name is Jeff, and I'm one of the pastors here, and hopefully this will work. 00:00:13.679 --> 00:00:14.519 Is that good to go? 00:00:15.220 --> 00:00:15.820 I guess not. 00:00:16.019 --> 00:00:16.740 I'll just use this. 00:00:16.800 --> 00:00:17.179 That's great. 00:00:18.160 --> 00:00:24.920 So my sophomore year of college, one Tuesday afternoon, my roommate Matt and I, we skipped 00:00:24.920 --> 00:00:27.420 class and we drove to Richmond, Virginia. 00:00:27.420 --> 00:00:35.460 And that night, at a music venue in Richmond, one of my favorite bands was playing, the 00:00:35.460 --> 00:00:36.179 Goo Goo Dolls. 00:00:36.820 --> 00:00:38.960 I don't know if you've heard of this band, the Goo Goo Dolls. 00:00:39.020 --> 00:00:40.820 It might depend on which generation you're from. 00:00:41.179 --> 00:00:44.000 They were a popular band in the 90s and the 2000s. 00:00:44.219 --> 00:00:49.260 You may have heard some of their songs, Iris, Slide, Black Balloon. 00:00:49.920 --> 00:00:51.760 Those may or may not be familiar to you. 00:00:51.760 --> 00:00:56.380 But the reason why I was so excited is we weren't just going to attend a concert. 00:00:56.380 --> 00:01:03.520 My roommate Matt, his girlfriend at the time, actually happened to be the drummer of the 00:01:03.520 --> 00:01:04.500 band, Goo Goo Dolls. 00:01:04.900 --> 00:01:07.859 And he had gotten us all backstage passes. 00:01:08.620 --> 00:01:15.140 And I still remember getting there and arriving and going backstage, being escorted by security 00:01:15.140 --> 00:01:17.579 and getting to meet all of the band members. 00:01:18.420 --> 00:01:21.260 And I remember thinking, this is so surreal. 00:01:21.359 --> 00:01:22.680 I can't believe this is happening. 00:01:22.680 --> 00:01:27.200 I am getting to hang out backstage with one of my favorite bands. 00:01:27.860 --> 00:01:33.520 I remember watching Uncle John, the drummer, drink almost an entire pot of coffee before 00:01:33.520 --> 00:01:34.820 he went out on stage. 00:01:35.300 --> 00:01:41.640 I remember seeing the set list of all the songs posted on a wall and all of the guitars lined 00:01:41.640 --> 00:01:43.480 up for the whole concert. 00:01:44.219 --> 00:01:50.520 And John Resnick, the lead singer, I remember that he clearly had way too much Botox in his 00:01:50.520 --> 00:01:50.880 face. 00:01:50.879 --> 00:01:56.799 And right before he went on stage, he walked past me and he said something really sarcastic, 00:01:56.879 --> 00:02:03.259 not to me, but just as he walked past me, because he had to duct tape his mic pack to his belt 00:02:03.259 --> 00:02:04.799 because he couldn't quite get it on. 00:02:05.420 --> 00:02:07.939 And I still remember what that moment felt like. 00:02:07.979 --> 00:02:11.079 I remember all of these memories and these feelings of being backstage. 00:02:11.080 --> 00:02:22.300 It was this amazing experience because just for a moment, I felt like I was part of the inner circle of one of my favorite bands. 00:02:22.300 --> 00:02:26.060 And the truth is that all of us have this longing. 00:02:26.180 --> 00:02:31.020 We all have this longing to be on the inside, to be part of an inner circle. 00:02:31.800 --> 00:02:32.760 Maybe it's at work. 00:02:33.520 --> 00:02:35.060 Maybe there's a certain role. 00:02:35.260 --> 00:02:36.500 Maybe there's a certain team. 00:02:37.260 --> 00:02:41.680 Maybe there's another job that we've just always wanted to be part of. 00:02:41.680 --> 00:02:45.540 Maybe it's a group of friends at school, a social circle. 00:02:46.300 --> 00:02:47.900 Maybe it's a school that we're trying to get into. 00:02:49.300 --> 00:02:53.980 In his essay, The Inner Ring, C.S. Lewis describes this dynamic. 00:02:53.979 --> 00:03:00.060 In his essay, he says that in every person's life, we all have this desire to be on the inside of things. 00:03:00.699 --> 00:03:04.239 And we feel a certain pleasure when we get invited in. 00:03:05.500 --> 00:03:08.019 And we feel a certain anguish when we're excluded. 00:03:09.280 --> 00:03:12.479 This is also Aaron Burr's character in Hamilton. 00:03:12.979 --> 00:03:15.079 There's that song, right, where Aaron Burr sings what? 00:03:15.079 --> 00:03:19.759 He sings, I want to be in the room where it happens. 00:03:19.979 --> 00:03:21.780 I want to be in the room where it happens. 00:03:21.780 --> 00:03:29.360 In many ways, this is Washington, D.C., where there are large buildings where highly exclusive conversations happen, 00:03:29.900 --> 00:03:33.259 where only a select group of people get to make important decisions. 00:03:34.139 --> 00:03:38.840 And there's armed guards outside these buildings to remind you that you are not one of them. 00:03:40.120 --> 00:03:48.680 I think one of the more common features in our culture that creates this insider-outsider dynamic is perhaps the paywall. 00:03:48.680 --> 00:03:56.560 The paywalls that tell you that the exclusive content that you really want can be yours. 00:03:57.040 --> 00:04:00.920 If you click the subscribe button below and enter in your credit card information. 00:04:00.919 --> 00:04:07.619 There's so many dynamics in our culture that create this insider-outsider dynamic. 00:04:07.899 --> 00:04:12.779 And it speaks to this desire that we all have to be on the inside. 00:04:14.119 --> 00:04:15.599 To be part of an inner circle. 00:04:16.879 --> 00:04:21.599 And this core desire is actually what our passage in John 17 speaks to. 00:04:21.819 --> 00:04:25.199 It's one of the most unique passages in the whole Bible. 00:04:25.199 --> 00:04:27.479 Because it's a prayer of Jesus. 00:04:28.319 --> 00:04:34.120 And in fact, it is actually the longest recorded prayer of Jesus that we have. 00:04:34.740 --> 00:04:35.759 There's none other like it. 00:04:36.579 --> 00:04:43.039 And in this prayer, what we're given is we are given exclusive backstage access 00:04:43.039 --> 00:04:47.159 to the relationship that Jesus has with his Father. 00:04:47.160 --> 00:04:53.320 And by studying this passage, we not only get to listen in on the inner life of the Trinity, 00:04:53.980 --> 00:04:56.580 but we are actually invited to be part of it. 00:04:57.080 --> 00:04:59.800 To join in on the very life of God. 00:05:00.420 --> 00:05:02.980 So first of all, we're going to look at a few things. 00:05:03.020 --> 00:05:05.320 We're going to look at how Jesus prays in this prayer. 00:05:05.940 --> 00:05:08.379 We're going to look at what he prays and why it matters. 00:05:09.020 --> 00:05:11.520 How Jesus prays, what he prays, and why it matters. 00:05:11.680 --> 00:05:14.760 First of all, let's look at how Jesus prays. 00:05:14.759 --> 00:05:20.240 This passage in John 17 is part of what's called the upper room discourse. 00:05:20.920 --> 00:05:23.000 If you're following along in the Gospel of John, 00:05:23.060 --> 00:05:26.959 you'll notice that chapters 13 through 17 are all one scene. 00:05:27.759 --> 00:05:31.920 They're all part of Jesus in the upper room during the Passover meal, 00:05:32.000 --> 00:05:34.579 the night before he's arrested and betrayed. 00:05:35.699 --> 00:05:38.659 And in the upper room, following the Passover meal, 00:05:38.660 --> 00:05:45.439 Jesus spends an extended time teaching his disciples in chapters 13 through 16. 00:05:45.900 --> 00:05:49.300 And this prayer in chapter 17 comes at the end of all that. 00:05:49.560 --> 00:05:53.660 And this is right before he heads to the Garden of Gethsemane, 00:05:54.540 --> 00:05:56.660 where he is ultimately betrayed and arrested. 00:05:57.760 --> 00:06:02.340 And this prayer of Jesus is often called his high priestly prayer. 00:06:02.980 --> 00:06:04.120 His high priestly prayer. 00:06:04.120 --> 00:06:05.920 And if we're going to understand what that means, 00:06:05.980 --> 00:06:08.540 we need to do a little bit of Old Testament homework. 00:06:09.399 --> 00:06:15.439 The work of priests in the Old Testament was complex and multifaceted work. 00:06:16.180 --> 00:06:20.800 And it was the exclusive job of the high priest to offer a sacrifice for sin 00:06:20.800 --> 00:06:23.439 on behalf of all the people on the Day of Atonement. 00:06:24.100 --> 00:06:27.519 And this is a job that involved multiple detailed steps. 00:06:27.519 --> 00:06:35.000 The first thing the high priest would do would be to prepare his own body by bathing and cleansing himself. 00:06:35.419 --> 00:06:38.279 And then he would put on the priestly garments. 00:06:39.180 --> 00:06:43.659 This is what is referred to in our Old Testament reading, Exodus 28, that was read earlier. 00:06:44.439 --> 00:06:52.279 The priest would put on an undergarment, a robe, a turban on his head, a sash tied around the waist. 00:06:52.279 --> 00:06:59.139 But what Exodus chapter 28 goes into detail the most on is the breastplate. 00:07:00.059 --> 00:07:00.819 The breastplate. 00:07:00.919 --> 00:07:04.279 On the priest's breastplate were 12 precious jewels. 00:07:05.219 --> 00:07:08.959 And on each jewel were engraved the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. 00:07:09.739 --> 00:07:13.000 And so this is what, look at what Exodus 28 verse 29 says. 00:07:13.000 --> 00:07:20.240 So Aaron the high priest shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart 00:07:20.240 --> 00:07:25.600 when he goes into the holy place to bring them to regular remembrance before the Lord. 00:07:26.639 --> 00:07:34.899 So Aaron would carry the names of Israel engraved on his heart before the presence of God 00:07:34.899 --> 00:07:38.139 as he went to make the sacrifice of atonement. 00:07:38.139 --> 00:07:42.919 After putting on his priestly garments, he would then make two sacrifices. 00:07:43.919 --> 00:07:47.259 Two animals, one for himself and one for all of the people. 00:07:48.300 --> 00:07:51.279 And these sacrifices would be made outside the sanctuary. 00:07:52.219 --> 00:07:55.099 Outside the inner presence of God, the most holy place. 00:07:56.159 --> 00:07:59.019 And then the priest would bring the blood of the sacrifices. 00:07:59.860 --> 00:08:03.079 He would bring them inside, into the inner sanctuary, 00:08:03.419 --> 00:08:07.360 and sprinkle the altar with the blood of the sacrifice. 00:08:08.139 --> 00:08:14.719 Now, all of this is actually really important, both to understand our passage in John chapter 17 00:08:14.719 --> 00:08:18.599 and to understand what Ascension Sunday is all about. 00:08:19.259 --> 00:08:21.479 For understanding the significance of the ascension. 00:08:22.719 --> 00:08:28.240 See, the work of a high priest wasn't finished once the sacrifice was made. 00:08:29.519 --> 00:08:33.059 And that's because the sacrifice occurred outside the inner sanctuary. 00:08:33.059 --> 00:08:38.259 In order for the sacrifice to be effective on behalf of the people, it had to be brought in. 00:08:39.179 --> 00:08:43.000 It had to be brought into the holy of holies, the inner sanctuary. 00:08:44.339 --> 00:08:48.939 And so this is why when we think about Jesus being our great high priest, 00:08:50.679 --> 00:08:54.939 the cross actually isn't complete on its own. 00:08:54.940 --> 00:08:59.160 The cross isn't complete without the ascension. 00:08:59.360 --> 00:09:03.260 In his death, Jesus makes a sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. 00:09:04.040 --> 00:09:07.400 Only unlike Aaron, he doesn't make a sacrifice for himself because he was sinless. 00:09:08.200 --> 00:09:11.560 But it's in the ascension that he presents the finished work of his sacrifice 00:09:11.560 --> 00:09:15.380 into the inner presence of God, in the heavenly throne room, 00:09:15.960 --> 00:09:18.060 so that it becomes effective on our behalf. 00:09:18.059 --> 00:09:22.559 This is what much of the book of Hebrews talks about. 00:09:22.699 --> 00:09:24.379 Listen to Hebrews chapter 9, verse 24. 00:09:25.299 --> 00:09:28.419 For Christ has entered not into holy places made with hands, 00:09:28.979 --> 00:09:31.000 which are copies of the true things, 00:09:31.399 --> 00:09:33.379 but into heaven itself, 00:09:34.039 --> 00:09:37.019 now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. 00:09:38.019 --> 00:09:42.139 So in his death on the cross, Jesus pays the debt for our sin, 00:09:42.139 --> 00:09:45.879 but it's in the ascension, 00:09:46.500 --> 00:09:50.199 the ascension provides confirmation that that check has cleared. 00:09:52.000 --> 00:09:57.059 And this helps us understand part of what Jesus is doing in John chapter 17 00:09:57.059 --> 00:09:58.340 before he goes to the cross. 00:09:59.639 --> 00:10:00.939 In this prayer, 00:10:02.600 --> 00:10:04.860 Jesus is putting on his priestly garments. 00:10:06.080 --> 00:10:09.039 He's preparing for his atoning work. 00:10:09.039 --> 00:10:14.339 Just as Aaron bore the names of Israel on the jewels upon his heart, 00:10:15.120 --> 00:10:19.019 so Jesus Christ is putting on a much greater brush plate. 00:10:19.879 --> 00:10:24.379 He's bearing the names of all those for whom he would suffer and die. 00:10:26.179 --> 00:10:33.839 He's going to the cross with your name and my name engraved upon his heart, 00:10:33.840 --> 00:10:39.860 so much so that it calls him to pray for us, 00:10:39.899 --> 00:10:41.519 to intercede for us before the Father. 00:10:41.720 --> 00:10:42.840 He's saying to his Father, 00:10:43.300 --> 00:10:44.700 this is who I love the most. 00:10:45.759 --> 00:10:47.040 They are precious to me. 00:10:47.820 --> 00:10:49.480 They are jewels upon my heart, 00:10:49.860 --> 00:10:51.519 and I am praying for them. 00:10:52.720 --> 00:10:56.500 And so this is why Jesus' prayer here in John 17 00:10:56.500 --> 00:10:58.860 is called his high priestly prayer. 00:10:58.860 --> 00:10:59.759 And as we'll see, 00:11:00.320 --> 00:11:04.320 it's both a prayer that he prays for himself and for us. 00:11:04.840 --> 00:11:07.379 It's a prayer that he prays both for himself and for us. 00:11:07.419 --> 00:11:08.960 And that's the next thing that we're going to look at 00:11:08.960 --> 00:11:11.180 is what Jesus prays in this prayer. 00:11:12.080 --> 00:11:16.060 There are kind of three main things that Jesus prays for in John 17. 00:11:16.879 --> 00:11:18.159 He prays for his glory, 00:11:18.879 --> 00:11:20.379 for our holiness, 00:11:21.060 --> 00:11:22.200 and for the church's unity. 00:11:22.840 --> 00:11:24.200 He prays for our glory, 00:11:25.039 --> 00:11:25.639 his glory, 00:11:26.240 --> 00:11:26.759 our holiness, 00:11:26.920 --> 00:11:27.580 and the church's unity. 00:11:27.580 --> 00:11:28.960 So first of all, 00:11:29.020 --> 00:11:30.580 Jesus prays for his glory. 00:11:30.840 --> 00:11:32.660 And we see this in verses one and two. 00:11:34.139 --> 00:11:34.740 Jesus prays, 00:11:34.860 --> 00:11:36.240 Father, the hour has come. 00:11:37.440 --> 00:11:38.759 Glorify your Son, 00:11:39.420 --> 00:11:41.320 that the Son may glorify you, 00:11:41.879 --> 00:11:44.340 since you have given him authority over all flesh, 00:11:44.720 --> 00:11:47.740 to give eternal life to all whom you've given him. 00:11:48.580 --> 00:11:50.440 I glorified you on earth, 00:11:50.620 --> 00:11:52.740 having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 00:11:52.740 --> 00:11:54.320 Now, 00:11:54.360 --> 00:11:54.720 at first, 00:11:54.779 --> 00:11:57.899 it probably seems a bit egocentric 00:11:57.899 --> 00:12:01.340 for someone to pray for their own glory. 00:12:02.799 --> 00:12:03.799 And that's true 00:12:03.799 --> 00:12:06.100 for any person who isn't God. 00:12:06.840 --> 00:12:08.960 But for Jesus to pray for his own glory 00:12:08.960 --> 00:12:10.220 is actually a good thing. 00:12:10.259 --> 00:12:11.159 And I want to show you why. 00:12:11.840 --> 00:12:12.840 Because in this prayer, 00:12:12.840 --> 00:12:16.560 we see the mutually glorifying relationship 00:12:16.560 --> 00:12:17.280 of the Trinity. 00:12:18.800 --> 00:12:20.360 We see that the Son 00:12:20.360 --> 00:12:23.420 glorifies the Father 00:12:23.420 --> 00:12:26.660 by accomplishing the work 00:12:26.660 --> 00:12:28.600 that the Father gave him to do 00:12:28.600 --> 00:12:29.240 in his life, 00:12:29.320 --> 00:12:29.879 his ministry, 00:12:30.040 --> 00:12:30.620 his death. 00:12:31.940 --> 00:12:34.500 And the Father glorifies the Son 00:12:34.500 --> 00:12:37.139 by rising him from the dead 00:12:37.139 --> 00:12:38.179 and giving him authority 00:12:38.179 --> 00:12:38.899 over all things 00:12:38.899 --> 00:12:39.960 in his ascension. 00:12:41.460 --> 00:12:42.759 And even though the Holy Spirit 00:12:42.759 --> 00:12:44.480 isn't mentioned here, 00:12:44.519 --> 00:12:45.000 it's implied. 00:12:45.059 --> 00:12:46.019 Because how did the Father 00:12:46.019 --> 00:12:47.559 and the Son glorify one another? 00:12:49.080 --> 00:12:50.659 Through the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:12:51.580 --> 00:12:53.199 And so here in Jesus' prayer 00:12:53.199 --> 00:12:53.759 to his Father, 00:12:53.819 --> 00:12:55.460 we get this window, 00:12:55.720 --> 00:12:57.840 we get this backstage access 00:12:57.840 --> 00:13:01.279 into God's own Trinitarian life. 00:13:02.240 --> 00:13:04.120 The Trinity is this divine dance 00:13:04.120 --> 00:13:06.439 of mutually glorifying love. 00:13:07.139 --> 00:13:09.879 And the incredible thing 00:13:09.879 --> 00:13:13.039 is that we are invited to join in. 00:13:14.159 --> 00:13:16.059 We see this later in verse 24 00:13:16.059 --> 00:13:17.299 where Jesus prays this, 00:13:17.779 --> 00:13:19.779 Father, I desire that they also, 00:13:20.539 --> 00:13:21.679 whom you have given me, 00:13:22.439 --> 00:13:24.039 may be with me where I am, 00:13:24.860 --> 00:13:26.980 to see my glory that you have given me, 00:13:27.600 --> 00:13:28.639 because you love me 00:13:28.639 --> 00:13:30.059 before the foundation of the world, 00:13:30.580 --> 00:13:33.039 that the love with which you have loved me 00:13:33.039 --> 00:13:34.639 may be in them. 00:13:34.639 --> 00:13:38.580 One of the deepest desires of Jesus 00:13:38.580 --> 00:13:42.039 that he pleads for before the Father 00:13:42.039 --> 00:13:43.279 as our great high priest 00:13:43.279 --> 00:13:46.199 is that you and I 00:13:46.199 --> 00:13:47.460 would get to join in 00:13:47.460 --> 00:13:49.059 on the eternal glory 00:13:49.059 --> 00:13:51.580 and love and life 00:13:51.580 --> 00:13:54.220 that has existed 00:13:54.220 --> 00:13:55.960 before all eternity 00:13:55.960 --> 00:13:56.840 between the Father, 00:13:57.039 --> 00:13:57.460 the Son, 00:13:57.519 --> 00:13:58.259 and the Holy Spirit. 00:13:58.259 --> 00:14:00.539 In the Christian tradition, 00:14:00.759 --> 00:14:02.399 this has often been called to, 00:14:02.659 --> 00:14:03.759 been referred to as 00:14:03.759 --> 00:14:05.360 the beatific vision, 00:14:05.600 --> 00:14:07.019 the promise that one day 00:14:07.019 --> 00:14:07.960 we will see God 00:14:07.960 --> 00:14:09.500 and behold him in all his glory 00:14:09.500 --> 00:14:11.240 and experience loving, 00:14:11.480 --> 00:14:12.960 joyful communion with him forever. 00:14:13.620 --> 00:14:14.580 This same love, 00:14:14.659 --> 00:14:15.360 the same glory 00:14:15.360 --> 00:14:16.639 that has existed 00:14:16.639 --> 00:14:17.639 between the Trinity 00:14:17.639 --> 00:14:19.480 before all eternity. 00:14:19.480 --> 00:14:21.539 And this is why 00:14:21.539 --> 00:14:22.980 Jesus' prayer for his own glory 00:14:22.980 --> 00:14:24.420 is good news for us 00:14:24.420 --> 00:14:25.539 because it gives us 00:14:25.539 --> 00:14:26.659 insider access. 00:14:27.240 --> 00:14:29.039 It gives us backstage passes 00:14:29.039 --> 00:14:30.680 into the glory and love 00:14:30.680 --> 00:14:31.820 of the Trinity. 00:14:33.420 --> 00:14:34.940 Because our great high priest 00:14:34.940 --> 00:14:36.259 who has ascended into heaven 00:14:36.259 --> 00:14:39.080 bears our names 00:14:39.080 --> 00:14:41.200 engraved on his heart 00:14:41.200 --> 00:14:43.340 and he pleads before the Father 00:14:43.340 --> 00:14:44.700 that we would share 00:14:44.700 --> 00:14:46.019 in his divine glory 00:14:46.019 --> 00:14:47.360 and the prayers of Jesus 00:14:47.360 --> 00:14:49.100 are always effective. 00:14:49.480 --> 00:14:52.259 You might say, 00:14:53.480 --> 00:14:54.700 well Jeff, 00:14:54.779 --> 00:14:56.120 I know that you have to talk 00:14:56.120 --> 00:14:56.779 about this stuff 00:14:56.779 --> 00:14:57.879 because you're a pastor. 00:14:58.519 --> 00:14:58.820 You know, 00:14:58.879 --> 00:14:59.820 things like glory 00:14:59.820 --> 00:15:00.639 and love 00:15:00.639 --> 00:15:02.300 and the ascension. 00:15:03.600 --> 00:15:04.840 But if I'm being honest, 00:15:04.960 --> 00:15:06.000 this sounds like a lot 00:15:06.000 --> 00:15:07.940 of just super spiritual talk. 00:15:09.379 --> 00:15:10.440 What in the world 00:15:10.440 --> 00:15:11.279 does this have to do 00:15:11.279 --> 00:15:12.340 with my real life? 00:15:14.100 --> 00:15:15.000 And the answer 00:15:15.000 --> 00:15:15.879 that I would give you 00:15:15.879 --> 00:15:16.920 is everything. 00:15:17.759 --> 00:15:18.200 Everything. 00:15:18.200 --> 00:15:21.100 Because you and I 00:15:21.100 --> 00:15:21.780 were made 00:15:21.780 --> 00:15:23.140 for nothing less 00:15:23.140 --> 00:15:25.060 than infinite glory. 00:15:25.660 --> 00:15:27.640 We are glory hungry creatures. 00:15:27.780 --> 00:15:28.900 We long for recognition. 00:15:30.020 --> 00:15:31.200 We long for applause. 00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:33.060 We long for approval. 00:15:33.780 --> 00:15:35.140 We long for status. 00:15:36.540 --> 00:15:38.120 And we spend our lives 00:15:38.120 --> 00:15:38.620 seeking it 00:15:38.620 --> 00:15:40.000 in a thousand different places. 00:15:40.000 --> 00:15:41.679 in power, 00:15:41.679 --> 00:15:42.679 in fame, 00:15:43.460 --> 00:15:43.740 success, 00:15:44.100 --> 00:15:44.320 money, 00:15:44.500 --> 00:15:45.019 in jobs, 00:15:45.100 --> 00:15:45.720 in relationships, 00:15:46.580 --> 00:15:47.259 in promotions, 00:15:47.679 --> 00:15:48.200 in titles, 00:15:48.379 --> 00:15:49.460 in social media followers. 00:15:51.320 --> 00:15:52.659 But none of those 00:15:52.659 --> 00:15:54.019 can ever satisfy 00:15:54.019 --> 00:15:56.100 our deep longing 00:15:56.100 --> 00:15:57.419 for glory. 00:15:58.600 --> 00:15:59.240 Why? 00:16:00.899 --> 00:16:02.039 C.S. Lewis offers 00:16:02.039 --> 00:16:02.799 this answer 00:16:02.799 --> 00:16:03.480 in his sermon 00:16:03.480 --> 00:16:03.980 called 00:16:03.980 --> 00:16:04.820 The Weight of Glory. 00:16:04.980 --> 00:16:05.820 And he says this, 00:16:05.820 --> 00:16:07.620 If we consider 00:16:07.620 --> 00:16:09.040 the unblushing promises 00:16:09.040 --> 00:16:09.780 of reward 00:16:09.780 --> 00:16:11.840 and the staggering 00:16:11.840 --> 00:16:13.140 nature of the rewards 00:16:13.140 --> 00:16:14.060 promised to us 00:16:14.060 --> 00:16:15.000 in the Gospels, 00:16:15.320 --> 00:16:16.600 it would seem 00:16:16.600 --> 00:16:17.400 that our Lord 00:16:17.400 --> 00:16:18.980 finds our desires 00:16:18.980 --> 00:16:21.620 not too strong 00:16:21.620 --> 00:16:24.220 but too weak. 00:16:25.360 --> 00:16:27.040 We are half-hearted creatures 00:16:27.040 --> 00:16:28.020 fooling about 00:16:28.020 --> 00:16:28.600 with drink 00:16:28.600 --> 00:16:29.360 and sex 00:16:29.360 --> 00:16:29.940 and ambition 00:16:29.940 --> 00:16:32.260 when infinite joy 00:16:32.260 --> 00:16:33.140 is offered us. 00:16:33.139 --> 00:16:35.179 like an ignorant child 00:16:35.179 --> 00:16:36.179 who wants to go on 00:16:36.179 --> 00:16:37.139 making mud pies 00:16:37.139 --> 00:16:37.960 in a slum 00:16:37.960 --> 00:16:40.980 because he cannot 00:16:40.980 --> 00:16:42.139 imagine what is meant 00:16:42.139 --> 00:16:42.819 by the offer 00:16:42.819 --> 00:16:43.659 of a holiday 00:16:43.659 --> 00:16:44.340 at the sea. 00:16:45.399 --> 00:16:46.519 We are far 00:16:46.519 --> 00:16:47.840 too easily pleased. 00:16:49.299 --> 00:16:49.819 And this is 00:16:49.819 --> 00:16:50.580 the human condition 00:16:50.580 --> 00:16:52.379 that we are 00:16:52.379 --> 00:16:53.559 far too easily 00:16:53.559 --> 00:16:54.220 pleased. 00:16:54.299 --> 00:16:55.179 The small glories 00:16:55.179 --> 00:16:55.740 of money 00:16:55.740 --> 00:16:56.199 and fame 00:16:56.199 --> 00:16:56.720 and success 00:16:56.720 --> 00:16:57.279 and power 00:16:57.279 --> 00:16:58.559 are mud pies 00:16:58.559 --> 00:16:59.299 compared to the 00:16:59.299 --> 00:16:59.899 infinite glory 00:16:59.899 --> 00:17:00.580 that we have been 00:17:00.580 --> 00:17:01.319 invited into. 00:17:01.320 --> 00:17:03.500 Jesus not only 00:17:03.500 --> 00:17:04.259 prays that we will 00:17:04.259 --> 00:17:05.440 see the eternal 00:17:05.440 --> 00:17:06.519 beauty of God 00:17:06.519 --> 00:17:08.120 but that we will 00:17:08.120 --> 00:17:09.400 experience it 00:17:09.400 --> 00:17:11.000 and be transformed 00:17:11.000 --> 00:17:11.740 by it. 00:17:12.600 --> 00:17:13.500 And far from being 00:17:13.500 --> 00:17:14.539 an egocentric prayer 00:17:14.539 --> 00:17:15.940 this is the prayer 00:17:15.940 --> 00:17:16.779 that we most need 00:17:16.779 --> 00:17:17.660 because the glory 00:17:17.660 --> 00:17:18.299 of Jesus 00:17:18.299 --> 00:17:20.980 and our deepest joy 00:17:20.980 --> 00:17:22.759 are inextricably linked. 00:17:24.100 --> 00:17:24.880 And what follows 00:17:24.880 --> 00:17:25.500 in the rest 00:17:25.500 --> 00:17:26.360 of Jesus' prayer 00:17:26.360 --> 00:17:27.200 in John 17 00:17:27.200 --> 00:17:28.559 flows from 00:17:28.559 --> 00:17:30.700 this central reality. 00:17:30.700 --> 00:17:31.660 Jesus continues 00:17:31.660 --> 00:17:32.779 to pray 00:17:32.779 --> 00:17:33.799 for our holiness 00:17:33.799 --> 00:17:36.420 and for the church's unity 00:17:36.420 --> 00:17:38.580 but all of these 00:17:38.580 --> 00:17:39.380 things fit together 00:17:39.380 --> 00:17:40.120 because they're all 00:17:40.120 --> 00:17:41.319 about us participating 00:17:41.319 --> 00:17:42.920 in the divine glory 00:17:42.920 --> 00:17:43.519 of the Trinity. 00:17:44.759 --> 00:17:45.660 In verses 15 00:17:45.660 --> 00:17:46.140 through 19 00:17:46.140 --> 00:17:47.019 Jesus goes on 00:17:47.019 --> 00:17:47.880 to pray 00:17:47.880 --> 00:17:48.740 for our 00:17:48.740 --> 00:17:50.000 sanctification 00:17:50.000 --> 00:17:50.860 our holiness 00:17:50.860 --> 00:17:52.720 us growing 00:17:52.720 --> 00:17:53.299 to become 00:17:53.299 --> 00:17:54.100 more like him. 00:17:55.080 --> 00:17:56.180 And he prays this 00:17:56.180 --> 00:17:56.900 so that we might 00:17:56.900 --> 00:17:57.920 share in his 00:17:57.920 --> 00:17:58.700 nature 00:17:58.700 --> 00:17:59.120 that we might 00:17:59.120 --> 00:17:59.720 share in his 00:17:59.720 --> 00:18:00.059 glory. 00:18:01.200 --> 00:18:02.080 But this isn't 00:18:02.080 --> 00:18:02.559 a holiness 00:18:02.559 --> 00:18:04.140 that causes 00:18:04.140 --> 00:18:05.259 us to escape 00:18:05.259 --> 00:18:07.220 from the messiness 00:18:07.220 --> 00:18:08.140 and brokenness 00:18:08.140 --> 00:18:08.799 and fallenness 00:18:08.799 --> 00:18:09.340 of the world. 00:18:10.360 --> 00:18:11.220 It's actually 00:18:11.220 --> 00:18:11.759 a holiness 00:18:11.759 --> 00:18:12.640 that sends us 00:18:12.640 --> 00:18:13.640 out into the world 00:18:13.640 --> 00:18:14.720 on mission 00:18:14.720 --> 00:18:16.000 just like Christ. 00:18:16.519 --> 00:18:17.259 And he prays 00:18:17.259 --> 00:18:17.720 to the Father 00:18:17.720 --> 00:18:18.120 he says 00:18:18.120 --> 00:18:19.440 Father as you 00:18:19.440 --> 00:18:20.160 sent me 00:18:20.160 --> 00:18:20.980 into the world 00:18:20.980 --> 00:18:22.660 so I have 00:18:22.660 --> 00:18:23.480 sent them 00:18:23.480 --> 00:18:24.180 into the world. 00:18:24.180 --> 00:18:26.220 As we share 00:18:26.220 --> 00:18:26.820 in the glory 00:18:26.820 --> 00:18:27.400 of the Trinity 00:18:27.400 --> 00:18:29.840 we also share 00:18:29.840 --> 00:18:30.560 in the mission 00:18:30.560 --> 00:18:31.340 of the Trinity. 00:18:31.960 --> 00:18:32.799 As the Father 00:18:32.799 --> 00:18:33.680 sent the Son 00:18:33.680 --> 00:18:34.320 and the power 00:18:34.320 --> 00:18:34.960 of the Spirit 00:18:34.960 --> 00:18:36.960 he sends us 00:18:36.960 --> 00:18:38.060 also into the world. 00:18:38.840 --> 00:18:39.820 This same logic 00:18:39.820 --> 00:18:40.920 also applies 00:18:40.920 --> 00:18:41.740 to the church's unity 00:18:41.740 --> 00:18:42.600 which Jesus prays 00:18:42.600 --> 00:18:43.600 for in verses 00:18:43.600 --> 00:18:44.799 20 to 23. 00:18:45.759 --> 00:18:46.400 He says 00:18:46.400 --> 00:18:47.259 I do not ask 00:18:47.259 --> 00:18:47.920 for these only 00:18:47.920 --> 00:18:49.460 but also for those 00:18:49.460 --> 00:18:50.060 who will believe 00:18:50.060 --> 00:18:50.500 in me 00:18:50.500 --> 00:18:51.259 through their word 00:18:51.259 --> 00:18:52.539 that they may 00:18:52.539 --> 00:18:53.399 all be one 00:18:53.399 --> 00:18:55.099 just as you 00:18:55.099 --> 00:18:56.159 Father are in me 00:18:56.159 --> 00:18:57.259 and I in you 00:18:57.259 --> 00:18:58.639 that they also 00:18:58.639 --> 00:18:59.680 may be in us 00:18:59.680 --> 00:19:00.940 so that the world 00:19:00.940 --> 00:19:01.519 may believe 00:19:01.519 --> 00:19:02.460 that you have sent me. 00:19:03.799 --> 00:19:04.720 Why should we 00:19:04.720 --> 00:19:06.039 pursue unity 00:19:06.039 --> 00:19:06.819 in the church? 00:19:08.339 --> 00:19:09.460 So we can have 00:19:09.460 --> 00:19:10.740 peaceful community 00:19:10.740 --> 00:19:11.539 and avoid conflict 00:19:11.539 --> 00:19:13.720 so that we can 00:19:13.720 --> 00:19:15.059 pursue common goals? 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:17.920 Those are all 00:19:17.920 --> 00:19:18.839 good things 00:19:18.839 --> 00:19:19.519 but they are not 00:19:19.519 --> 00:19:20.200 the main reason. 00:19:21.180 --> 00:19:21.980 The reason 00:19:21.980 --> 00:19:23.339 that Jesus 00:19:23.339 --> 00:19:23.880 gives us 00:19:23.880 --> 00:19:24.360 is because 00:19:24.360 --> 00:19:25.099 the glory 00:19:25.099 --> 00:19:25.960 that the Father 00:19:25.960 --> 00:19:27.240 has given him 00:19:27.240 --> 00:19:29.579 he has given 00:19:29.579 --> 00:19:30.519 to the church. 00:19:31.420 --> 00:19:32.160 God himself 00:19:32.160 --> 00:19:33.539 is a communion 00:19:33.539 --> 00:19:36.019 of unity 00:19:36.019 --> 00:19:37.319 amid diversity. 00:19:38.559 --> 00:19:39.640 He's one God 00:19:39.640 --> 00:19:41.480 in three persons. 00:19:42.279 --> 00:19:43.259 This eternal 00:19:43.259 --> 00:19:44.160 communion 00:19:44.160 --> 00:19:45.579 of divine love. 00:19:47.680 --> 00:19:48.259 And because 00:19:48.259 --> 00:19:48.779 the church 00:19:48.779 --> 00:19:49.720 has been invited 00:19:49.720 --> 00:19:50.779 into this communion 00:19:50.779 --> 00:19:53.640 this is why 00:19:53.640 --> 00:19:54.240 the unity 00:19:54.240 --> 00:19:54.980 of the church 00:19:54.980 --> 00:19:56.059 is mission 00:19:56.059 --> 00:19:56.500 critical. 00:19:57.360 --> 00:19:58.079 Because when 00:19:58.079 --> 00:19:58.440 the church 00:19:58.440 --> 00:19:59.120 is unified 00:19:59.120 --> 00:20:00.140 amidst its own 00:20:00.140 --> 00:20:00.620 diversity 00:20:00.620 --> 00:20:02.339 it sends a 00:20:02.339 --> 00:20:03.019 powerful witness 00:20:03.019 --> 00:20:03.539 to the world 00:20:03.539 --> 00:20:04.660 that there is 00:20:04.660 --> 00:20:05.339 a Trinitarian 00:20:05.339 --> 00:20:06.019 God of love 00:20:06.019 --> 00:20:06.539 who joins 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:07.319 a diverse people 00:20:07.319 --> 00:20:08.279 into one body 00:20:08.279 --> 00:20:09.319 one family 00:20:09.319 --> 00:20:10.120 one communion 00:20:10.120 --> 00:20:10.600 of love. 00:20:11.600 --> 00:20:12.279 And when there 00:20:12.279 --> 00:20:13.460 is loving unity 00:20:13.460 --> 00:20:14.120 in the church 00:20:14.120 --> 00:20:14.720 it reflects 00:20:14.720 --> 00:20:15.559 the loving unity 00:20:15.559 --> 00:20:16.120 of the Trinity. 00:20:16.119 --> 00:20:16.219 community. 00:20:17.279 --> 00:20:17.919 And when there's 00:20:17.919 --> 00:20:18.319 not 00:20:18.319 --> 00:20:19.559 it robs 00:20:19.559 --> 00:20:20.039 the power 00:20:20.039 --> 00:20:20.339 of our 00:20:20.339 --> 00:20:20.719 witness. 00:20:22.039 --> 00:20:22.659 And that's 00:20:22.659 --> 00:20:23.439 true both 00:20:23.439 --> 00:20:24.239 in the 00:20:24.239 --> 00:20:25.199 universal 00:20:25.199 --> 00:20:26.099 global church 00:20:26.099 --> 00:20:27.879 and it's 00:20:27.879 --> 00:20:28.459 true in 00:20:28.459 --> 00:20:28.979 the local 00:20:28.979 --> 00:20:29.319 church. 00:20:30.799 --> 00:20:31.519 So we've 00:20:31.519 --> 00:20:31.979 covered a lot 00:20:31.979 --> 00:20:32.319 of ground 00:20:32.319 --> 00:20:32.719 here in 00:20:32.719 --> 00:20:33.259 John 17 00:20:33.259 --> 00:20:33.919 so let's 00:20:33.919 --> 00:20:34.439 bring it 00:20:34.439 --> 00:20:34.819 home and 00:20:34.819 --> 00:20:35.039 tie it 00:20:35.039 --> 00:20:35.419 all together. 00:20:37.119 --> 00:20:37.939 All of us 00:20:37.939 --> 00:20:38.439 have this 00:20:38.439 --> 00:20:39.199 longing to 00:20:39.199 --> 00:20:39.939 be inside. 00:20:40.899 --> 00:20:41.659 To be 00:20:41.659 --> 00:20:43.179 where things 00:20:43.179 --> 00:20:43.500 happen. 00:20:43.579 --> 00:20:43.839 To have 00:20:43.839 --> 00:20:44.439 insider 00:20:44.439 --> 00:20:45.039 access. 00:20:45.039 --> 00:20:46.379 And if 00:20:46.379 --> 00:20:46.700 you try 00:20:46.700 --> 00:20:47.299 to satisfy 00:20:47.299 --> 00:20:47.859 that longing 00:20:47.859 --> 00:20:48.399 by chasing 00:20:48.399 --> 00:20:49.500 after the 00:20:49.500 --> 00:20:50.119 inner circles 00:20:50.119 --> 00:20:51.700 of jobs 00:20:51.700 --> 00:20:52.420 and schools 00:20:52.420 --> 00:20:52.980 and social 00:20:52.980 --> 00:20:53.399 groups 00:20:53.399 --> 00:20:55.799 you'll never 00:20:55.799 --> 00:20:56.339 actually be 00:20:56.339 --> 00:20:56.859 satisfied. 00:20:58.079 --> 00:20:58.839 Because there 00:20:58.839 --> 00:20:59.339 will always 00:20:59.339 --> 00:20:59.879 be some 00:20:59.879 --> 00:21:00.420 inner circle 00:21:00.420 --> 00:21:01.079 that you 00:21:01.079 --> 00:21:01.379 will be 00:21:01.379 --> 00:21:01.799 excluded 00:21:01.799 --> 00:21:02.139 from. 00:21:04.279 --> 00:21:05.139 But don't 00:21:05.139 --> 00:21:05.619 you see 00:21:05.619 --> 00:21:07.000 that the 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:07.559 real inner 00:21:07.559 --> 00:21:08.000 circle that 00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:08.420 your soul 00:21:08.420 --> 00:21:08.859 was made 00:21:08.859 --> 00:21:10.920 for is 00:21:10.920 --> 00:21:11.539 the eternal 00:21:11.539 --> 00:21:12.079 dance of 00:21:12.079 --> 00:21:12.339 God. 00:21:13.359 --> 00:21:14.299 The glory 00:21:14.299 --> 00:21:15.119 and love 00:21:15.119 --> 00:21:15.740 and joy 00:21:15.740 --> 00:21:16.139 of the 00:21:16.139 --> 00:21:16.539 Father 00:21:16.539 --> 00:21:17.299 and the 00:21:17.299 --> 00:21:17.619 Son 00:21:17.619 --> 00:21:17.940 and the 00:21:17.940 --> 00:21:18.460 Holy Spirit 00:21:18.460 --> 00:21:19.480 that has 00:21:19.480 --> 00:21:19.960 existed 00:21:19.960 --> 00:21:20.639 before the 00:21:20.639 --> 00:21:21.200 world began. 00:21:22.799 --> 00:21:23.440 And don't 00:21:23.440 --> 00:21:23.740 you see 00:21:23.740 --> 00:21:24.240 that everything 00:21:24.240 --> 00:21:24.779 that Christ 00:21:24.779 --> 00:21:25.359 did was 00:21:25.359 --> 00:21:25.839 to give 00:21:25.839 --> 00:21:26.539 you access 00:21:26.539 --> 00:21:28.319 into that 00:21:28.319 --> 00:21:28.619 communion. 00:21:30.339 --> 00:21:30.879 And if 00:21:30.879 --> 00:21:31.279 you know 00:21:31.279 --> 00:21:31.579 that, 00:21:31.639 --> 00:21:31.960 if you know 00:21:31.960 --> 00:21:32.279 that you've 00:21:32.279 --> 00:21:32.740 been invited 00:21:32.740 --> 00:21:33.399 into that, 00:21:34.659 --> 00:21:35.220 you'll be 00:21:35.220 --> 00:21:35.579 able to 00:21:35.579 --> 00:21:36.419 experience a 00:21:36.419 --> 00:21:36.859 certain kind 00:21:36.859 --> 00:21:37.419 of rest, 00:21:38.159 --> 00:21:38.579 a certain 00:21:38.579 --> 00:21:38.940 kind of 00:21:38.940 --> 00:21:39.259 freedom, 00:21:39.919 --> 00:21:40.319 a certain 00:21:40.319 --> 00:21:40.599 kind of 00:21:40.599 --> 00:21:41.279 security in 00:21:41.279 --> 00:21:41.740 your heart. 00:21:41.740 --> 00:21:43.759 and that 00:21:43.759 --> 00:21:43.940 will be 00:21:43.940 --> 00:21:44.680 true regardless 00:21:44.680 --> 00:21:46.160 of whether 00:21:46.160 --> 00:21:46.660 or not you 00:21:46.660 --> 00:21:47.180 get invited 00:21:47.180 --> 00:21:47.519 to that 00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:48.079 job interview, 00:21:49.200 --> 00:21:49.740 whether or 00:21:49.740 --> 00:21:50.000 not you 00:21:50.000 --> 00:21:50.460 get invited 00:21:50.460 --> 00:21:51.460 to be part 00:21:51.460 --> 00:21:51.620 of that 00:21:51.620 --> 00:21:52.079 friend group 00:21:52.079 --> 00:21:53.160 or that 00:21:53.160 --> 00:21:54.079 school. 00:21:55.480 --> 00:21:56.099 You can 00:21:56.099 --> 00:21:56.519 relax. 00:21:56.640 --> 00:21:57.039 It won't 00:21:57.039 --> 00:21:57.819 threaten your 00:21:57.819 --> 00:21:58.980 core identity. 00:21:59.120 --> 00:21:59.279 It won't 00:21:59.279 --> 00:21:59.779 threaten your 00:21:59.779 --> 00:22:00.180 self-worth 00:22:00.180 --> 00:22:00.620 because you 00:22:00.620 --> 00:22:01.000 know that 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:01.279 you've been 00:22:01.279 --> 00:22:02.059 given access 00:22:02.059 --> 00:22:03.240 to the 00:22:03.240 --> 00:22:03.799 greatest inner 00:22:03.799 --> 00:22:04.559 circle of 00:22:04.559 --> 00:22:04.779 all. 00:22:06.779 --> 00:22:07.380 How many 00:22:07.380 --> 00:22:08.740 people in 00:22:08.740 --> 00:22:09.200 a city like 00:22:09.200 --> 00:22:09.559 Washington, 00:22:09.680 --> 00:22:10.000 D.C. 00:22:10.000 --> 00:22:11.380 have that 00:22:11.380 --> 00:22:11.660 kind of 00:22:11.660 --> 00:22:11.920 freedom, 00:22:12.839 --> 00:22:13.599 have that 00:22:13.599 --> 00:22:13.900 kind of 00:22:13.900 --> 00:22:14.299 rest, 00:22:14.880 --> 00:22:15.180 have that 00:22:15.180 --> 00:22:15.440 kind of 00:22:15.440 --> 00:22:15.960 security, 00:22:16.299 --> 00:22:16.660 that they 00:22:16.660 --> 00:22:18.279 know their 00:22:18.279 --> 00:22:19.000 life isn't 00:22:19.000 --> 00:22:19.640 just this 00:22:19.640 --> 00:22:20.440 rat race of 00:22:20.440 --> 00:22:21.059 trying to get 00:22:21.059 --> 00:22:21.500 in on the 00:22:21.500 --> 00:22:21.920 inner circle. 00:22:23.440 --> 00:22:24.180 Maybe others 00:22:24.180 --> 00:22:24.759 of you today 00:22:24.759 --> 00:22:26.759 need to hear 00:22:26.759 --> 00:22:27.660 about the 00:22:27.660 --> 00:22:28.359 assurance of 00:22:28.359 --> 00:22:28.799 God's love 00:22:28.799 --> 00:22:29.160 for you, 00:22:29.940 --> 00:22:30.319 that you 00:22:30.319 --> 00:22:31.000 really belong 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:31.279 to him, 00:22:31.319 --> 00:22:31.500 that he's 00:22:31.500 --> 00:22:31.819 with you. 00:22:31.880 --> 00:22:32.380 Maybe you've 00:22:32.380 --> 00:22:33.819 been doubting 00:22:33.819 --> 00:22:34.980 whether God 00:22:34.980 --> 00:22:35.700 actually loves 00:22:35.700 --> 00:22:36.140 you like he 00:22:36.140 --> 00:22:36.440 says he 00:22:36.440 --> 00:22:36.779 does. 00:22:38.140 --> 00:22:38.640 But don't 00:22:38.640 --> 00:22:39.160 you see that 00:22:39.160 --> 00:22:39.779 the great 00:22:39.779 --> 00:22:40.380 lengths and 00:22:40.380 --> 00:22:41.140 the extravagant 00:22:41.140 --> 00:22:42.120 detail that 00:22:42.120 --> 00:22:42.820 Jesus Christ 00:22:42.820 --> 00:22:43.980 went through 00:22:43.980 --> 00:22:44.460 for you to 00:22:44.460 --> 00:22:45.060 bring you 00:22:45.060 --> 00:22:45.600 into the 00:22:45.600 --> 00:22:46.140 very life 00:22:46.140 --> 00:22:46.519 of God. 00:22:48.120 --> 00:22:48.800 As your 00:22:48.800 --> 00:22:49.500 great high 00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:49.920 priest, 00:22:51.600 --> 00:22:52.360 he went 00:22:52.360 --> 00:22:52.640 to the 00:22:52.640 --> 00:22:53.120 cross 00:22:53.120 --> 00:22:55.759 with your 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:56.380 name 00:22:56.380 --> 00:22:58.000 engraved 00:22:58.000 --> 00:22:58.340 on his 00:22:58.340 --> 00:22:58.620 heart. 00:23:01.080 --> 00:23:01.700 And don't 00:23:01.700 --> 00:23:02.120 you see what 00:23:02.120 --> 00:23:02.560 the ascension 00:23:02.560 --> 00:23:02.800 means? 00:23:03.019 --> 00:23:03.740 It means that 00:23:03.740 --> 00:23:04.279 Jesus didn't 00:23:04.279 --> 00:23:04.620 just go to 00:23:04.620 --> 00:23:05.140 the cross 00:23:05.140 --> 00:23:05.519 with your 00:23:05.519 --> 00:23:06.480 name engraved 00:23:06.480 --> 00:23:06.820 on his 00:23:06.820 --> 00:23:07.000 heart. 00:23:07.040 --> 00:23:07.279 He didn't 00:23:07.279 --> 00:23:07.740 just bear 00:23:07.740 --> 00:23:08.240 your name 00:23:08.240 --> 00:23:08.880 on the 00:23:08.880 --> 00:23:09.160 cross, 00:23:09.200 --> 00:23:09.539 but he 00:23:09.539 --> 00:23:09.940 took it 00:23:09.940 --> 00:23:10.460 with him 00:23:10.460 --> 00:23:11.920 into the 00:23:11.920 --> 00:23:12.480 heavenly throne 00:23:12.480 --> 00:23:14.579 room before 00:23:14.579 --> 00:23:15.000 God the 00:23:15.000 --> 00:23:15.259 Father. 00:23:17.099 --> 00:23:17.700 And he 00:23:17.700 --> 00:23:19.000 still pleads 00:23:19.000 --> 00:23:19.460 for you and 00:23:19.460 --> 00:23:20.180 intercedes for 00:23:20.180 --> 00:23:20.859 you on your 00:23:20.859 --> 00:23:21.259 behalf. 00:23:22.799 --> 00:23:23.460 Think about 00:23:23.460 --> 00:23:23.799 that. 00:23:25.019 --> 00:23:25.620 And let 00:23:25.620 --> 00:23:26.220 that bring 00:23:26.220 --> 00:23:27.480 the deep 00:23:27.480 --> 00:23:29.279 assurance that 00:23:29.279 --> 00:23:29.819 God is with 00:23:29.819 --> 00:23:30.160 you, that he 00:23:30.160 --> 00:23:30.620 loves you, that 00:23:30.620 --> 00:23:31.279 he's for you. 00:23:32.960 --> 00:23:33.660 You're so 00:23:33.660 --> 00:23:34.240 precious to 00:23:34.240 --> 00:23:34.480 him. 00:23:35.660 --> 00:23:36.240 You're a 00:23:36.240 --> 00:23:36.900 jewel upon his 00:23:36.900 --> 00:23:37.180 heart. 00:23:38.519 --> 00:23:39.160 You're on the 00:23:39.160 --> 00:23:39.620 forefront of 00:23:39.620 --> 00:23:40.060 his mind. 00:23:42.320 --> 00:23:42.940 And finally, 00:23:43.060 --> 00:23:43.420 maybe there's 00:23:43.420 --> 00:23:43.800 some of you 00:23:43.800 --> 00:23:44.060 who would 00:23:44.060 --> 00:23:44.380 say, you 00:23:44.380 --> 00:23:44.680 know, my 00:23:44.680 --> 00:23:45.720 coming in 00:23:45.720 --> 00:23:46.019 this morning, 00:23:46.100 --> 00:23:46.560 my relationship 00:23:46.560 --> 00:23:47.019 with God 00:23:47.019 --> 00:23:47.480 just feels 00:23:47.480 --> 00:23:47.900 flat. 00:23:49.000 --> 00:23:49.580 My prayer 00:23:49.580 --> 00:23:50.040 life is 00:23:50.040 --> 00:23:50.380 stale. 00:23:51.040 --> 00:23:51.519 I just 00:23:51.519 --> 00:23:51.940 kind of feel 00:23:51.940 --> 00:23:52.280 like I'm 00:23:52.280 --> 00:23:52.700 in a 00:23:52.700 --> 00:23:53.080 spiritual 00:23:53.080 --> 00:23:53.460 plateau. 00:23:53.580 --> 00:23:53.680 I'm in 00:23:53.680 --> 00:23:54.060 a rut. 00:23:56.860 --> 00:23:57.220 What 00:23:57.220 --> 00:23:57.400 could 00:23:57.400 --> 00:23:58.019 motivate us 00:23:58.019 --> 00:24:00.519 more to 00:24:00.519 --> 00:24:01.200 experience 00:24:01.200 --> 00:24:01.580 fellowship 00:24:01.580 --> 00:24:02.000 with God? 00:24:02.040 --> 00:24:02.160 What 00:24:02.160 --> 00:24:02.320 could 00:24:02.320 --> 00:24:02.840 motivate us 00:24:02.840 --> 00:24:03.200 more to 00:24:03.200 --> 00:24:03.640 pray? 00:24:03.640 --> 00:24:06.880 knowing that 00:24:06.880 --> 00:24:07.560 Jesus Christ 00:24:07.560 --> 00:24:07.920 as our 00:24:07.920 --> 00:24:08.340 great high 00:24:08.340 --> 00:24:09.040 priest is 00:24:09.040 --> 00:24:09.780 already praying 00:24:09.780 --> 00:24:10.400 for us. 00:24:11.400 --> 00:24:12.060 He's praying 00:24:12.060 --> 00:24:12.640 for you right 00:24:12.640 --> 00:24:13.500 now, interceding 00:24:13.500 --> 00:24:14.100 for you before 00:24:14.100 --> 00:24:14.580 the Father. 00:24:15.180 --> 00:24:15.740 He's praying 00:24:15.740 --> 00:24:16.240 for you to 00:24:16.240 --> 00:24:17.340 experience the 00:24:17.340 --> 00:24:18.000 glory and the 00:24:18.000 --> 00:24:19.560 love that he 00:24:19.560 --> 00:24:20.460 experiences with 00:24:20.460 --> 00:24:21.040 the Father and 00:24:21.040 --> 00:24:21.440 the Spirit. 00:24:23.400 --> 00:24:24.100 And when we 00:24:24.100 --> 00:24:24.840 pray, we are 00:24:24.840 --> 00:24:26.140 joining our 00:24:26.140 --> 00:24:27.160 prayers to 00:24:27.160 --> 00:24:27.540 his. 00:24:28.080 --> 00:24:28.620 We are 00:24:28.620 --> 00:24:29.620 joining this 00:24:29.620 --> 00:24:30.480 Trinitarian 00:24:30.480 --> 00:24:31.320 dance, this 00:24:31.320 --> 00:24:31.680 Trinitarian 00:24:31.680 --> 00:24:32.740 conversation that 00:24:32.740 --> 00:24:33.220 has already 00:24:33.220 --> 00:24:33.660 been taking 00:24:33.660 --> 00:24:34.579 place before 00:24:34.579 --> 00:24:35.059 the foundation 00:24:35.059 --> 00:24:35.460 of the 00:24:35.460 --> 00:24:35.740 world. 00:24:37.900 --> 00:24:38.539 And that 00:24:38.539 --> 00:24:39.180 transforms the 00:24:39.180 --> 00:24:39.539 way we see 00:24:39.539 --> 00:24:39.779 prayer. 00:24:39.900 --> 00:24:40.339 Prayer isn't 00:24:40.339 --> 00:24:40.740 just a 00:24:40.740 --> 00:24:41.039 spiritual 00:24:41.039 --> 00:24:43.180 exercise, but 00:24:43.180 --> 00:24:43.640 it's about 00:24:43.640 --> 00:24:44.480 having access 00:24:44.480 --> 00:24:45.099 to the 00:24:45.099 --> 00:24:45.859 greatest inner 00:24:45.859 --> 00:24:46.400 circle of 00:24:46.400 --> 00:24:47.900 all, joining 00:24:47.900 --> 00:24:48.559 Jesus in 00:24:48.559 --> 00:24:49.440 conversation and 00:24:49.440 --> 00:24:50.579 fellowship and 00:24:50.579 --> 00:24:51.680 love with the 00:24:51.680 --> 00:24:51.900 Trinity. 00:24:53.940 --> 00:24:54.839 Prayer doesn't 00:24:54.839 --> 00:24:55.680 always feel 00:24:55.680 --> 00:24:56.059 glorious. 00:24:56.319 --> 00:24:57.500 In fact, most 00:24:57.500 --> 00:24:58.180 times we don't 00:24:58.180 --> 00:24:58.980 feel anything. 00:24:59.480 --> 00:25:00.420 It feels fairly 00:25:00.420 --> 00:25:01.680 ordinary and 00:25:01.680 --> 00:25:01.920 mundane. 00:25:02.740 --> 00:25:03.819 But the 00:25:03.819 --> 00:25:04.240 more that we 00:25:04.240 --> 00:25:04.799 learn to 00:25:04.799 --> 00:25:05.220 pray, the 00:25:05.220 --> 00:25:05.620 more that we 00:25:05.620 --> 00:25:06.500 get a real 00:25:06.500 --> 00:25:07.539 taste, a real 00:25:07.539 --> 00:25:09.380 experience of 00:25:09.380 --> 00:25:10.279 what our future 00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:11.120 glory will be 00:25:11.120 --> 00:25:11.940 like that Jesus 00:25:11.940 --> 00:25:13.620 promises here in 00:25:13.620 --> 00:25:14.940 John 17. 00:25:16.680 --> 00:25:18.980 And I've 00:25:18.980 --> 00:25:20.019 already quoted 00:25:20.019 --> 00:25:20.599 C.S. 00:25:20.660 --> 00:25:21.519 Lewis twice, so I 00:25:21.519 --> 00:25:22.140 figure I will end 00:25:22.140 --> 00:25:22.819 by quoting him a 00:25:22.819 --> 00:25:23.259 third time. 00:25:25.079 --> 00:25:25.740 At the end of 00:25:25.740 --> 00:25:26.240 his sermon, The 00:25:26.240 --> 00:25:26.720 Weight of Glory, 00:25:26.940 --> 00:25:27.200 C.S. 00:25:27.259 --> 00:25:28.079 Lewis says this, 00:25:28.079 --> 00:25:30.819 for if we take 00:25:30.819 --> 00:25:31.480 the image of 00:25:31.480 --> 00:25:31.740 Scripture 00:25:31.740 --> 00:25:34.299 seriously, if we 00:25:34.299 --> 00:25:35.119 believe that God 00:25:35.119 --> 00:25:36.099 will one day give 00:25:36.099 --> 00:25:36.679 us the morning 00:25:36.679 --> 00:25:39.000 star and cause 00:25:39.000 --> 00:25:40.059 us to put on the 00:25:40.059 --> 00:25:40.879 splendor of the 00:25:40.879 --> 00:25:43.980 sun, then we 00:25:43.980 --> 00:25:44.779 may surmise that 00:25:44.779 --> 00:25:45.480 both the ancient 00:25:45.480 --> 00:25:46.399 myths and modern 00:25:46.399 --> 00:25:47.439 poetry are true. 00:25:48.939 --> 00:25:49.819 At present, we 00:25:49.819 --> 00:25:50.279 are on the 00:25:50.279 --> 00:25:50.899 outside of the 00:25:50.899 --> 00:25:52.639 world, the wrong 00:25:52.639 --> 00:25:53.159 side of the 00:25:53.159 --> 00:25:53.359 door. 00:25:53.359 --> 00:25:55.359 We discern the 00:25:55.359 --> 00:25:56.059 freshness and 00:25:56.059 --> 00:25:56.719 purity of the 00:25:56.719 --> 00:25:58.699 morning, but they 00:25:58.699 --> 00:25:59.419 do not make us 00:25:59.419 --> 00:26:00.099 fresh and pure. 00:26:01.579 --> 00:26:02.979 We cannot mingle 00:26:02.979 --> 00:26:03.919 with the splendors 00:26:03.919 --> 00:26:04.559 that we see. 00:26:06.599 --> 00:26:07.599 But all the 00:26:07.599 --> 00:26:08.219 leaves of the New 00:26:08.219 --> 00:26:09.779 Testament are 00:26:09.779 --> 00:26:10.639 rustling with the 00:26:10.639 --> 00:26:11.819 rumor that it 00:26:11.819 --> 00:26:12.759 will not always be 00:26:12.759 --> 00:26:13.059 so. 00:26:14.859 --> 00:26:15.740 Someday, God 00:26:15.740 --> 00:26:17.219 willing, we 00:26:17.219 --> 00:26:19.119 shall get in. 00:26:20.299 --> 00:26:20.959 Let's pray. 00:26:23.359 --> 00:26:24.219 Our God and 00:26:24.219 --> 00:26:26.039 Father, we thank 00:26:26.039 --> 00:26:26.959 you that you have 00:26:26.959 --> 00:26:28.819 invited us into 00:26:28.819 --> 00:26:30.859 your inner circle, 00:26:32.019 --> 00:26:32.559 Father, Son, and 00:26:32.559 --> 00:26:33.219 Holy Spirit, through 00:26:33.219 --> 00:26:33.939 the work of Christ 00:26:33.939 --> 00:26:34.619 and the power of 00:26:34.619 --> 00:26:35.179 the Holy Spirit. 00:26:36.759 --> 00:26:37.839 I pray that we 00:26:37.839 --> 00:26:39.299 would, our hearts 00:26:39.299 --> 00:26:41.099 would be fed with 00:26:41.099 --> 00:26:41.899 the assurance that 00:26:41.899 --> 00:26:42.479 comes from that. 00:26:42.579 --> 00:26:44.299 I pray for those who 00:26:44.299 --> 00:26:45.639 long to experience 00:26:45.639 --> 00:26:47.099 you, who long to 00:26:47.099 --> 00:26:47.599 experience your 00:26:47.599 --> 00:26:49.099 fellowship, that you 00:26:49.099 --> 00:26:49.659 would pour your 00:26:49.659 --> 00:26:50.079 Holy Spirit. 00:26:50.079 --> 00:26:53.579 Jesus, thank you 00:26:53.579 --> 00:26:54.299 that you are our 00:26:54.299 --> 00:26:56.119 risen, ascended 00:26:56.119 --> 00:26:57.679 King. 00:26:57.839 --> 00:26:58.480 You're our risen, 00:26:58.619 --> 00:26:59.119 ascended High 00:26:59.119 --> 00:26:59.480 Priest. 00:27:00.299 --> 00:27:01.279 And you bear our 00:27:01.279 --> 00:27:02.619 names on your 00:27:02.619 --> 00:27:02.939 heart. 00:27:04.799 --> 00:27:05.740 I pray this in the 00:27:05.740 --> 00:27:06.679 Father, the Son, and 00:27:06.679 --> 00:27:07.199 the Holy Spirit. 00:27:07.740 --> 00:27:08.000 Amen. 00:27:08.000 --> 00:27:08.099 Amen.