WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.800 All right, well, turning to John chapter 11 then, opening thought for you this morning is that Jesus has divided people for 2,000 years. 00:00:12.560 --> 00:00:15.019 Now, most agree with some things. 00:00:15.120 --> 00:00:20.199 Most agree, for instance, that Jesus was a real person, that he lived and died in Palestine somewhere around AD 30. 00:00:21.160 --> 00:00:28.280 Most agree that he was unjustly crucified by the Roman authorities as a result of a conspiracy by the Jewish authorities. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:42.219 But when it comes to why Jesus died and the significance of his death, then we see the division open up in really severe terms. 00:00:44.340 --> 00:00:52.760 Albert Schweitzer, an influential German scholar, famously described the death of Jesus in very picturesque language. 00:00:52.760 --> 00:00:59.879 He says that Jesus was crushed by the wheel of history that he himself set in motion. 00:01:01.000 --> 00:01:03.100 It's a very graphic picture, isn't it? 00:01:04.239 --> 00:01:10.140 What he meant was this, that Schweitzer saw Jesus as an immeasurably good man. 00:01:10.819 --> 00:01:17.039 He even called him a true revolutionary who was passionate about being God's voice for transformation in a broken world. 00:01:17.040 --> 00:01:24.500 But ultimately, says Schweitzer, Jesus' death was just a tragic accident. 00:01:26.940 --> 00:01:32.560 It was the inevitable result of bad political strategies on Jesus' part. 00:01:33.280 --> 00:01:37.460 He got the Jewish religious authorities offside, and that was never going to end well for him. 00:01:37.459 --> 00:01:43.719 He underestimated the power of his enemies and the fickleness of public opinion. 00:01:45.639 --> 00:01:51.799 And so everything just went bad for Jesus, and he didn't get to do what he was supposed to do, what he wanted to do. 00:01:51.799 --> 00:01:56.539 But you see, that's very different from Jesus' own teaching. 00:01:57.939 --> 00:02:10.680 Because Jesus himself says that he died and came back from the grave very deliberately, very purposefully, sacrificially. 00:02:10.680 --> 00:02:12.680 Why? 00:02:12.680 --> 00:02:13.200 Why? 00:02:13.640 --> 00:02:18.219 To break the power of sin and death, is what Jesus says. 00:02:18.400 --> 00:02:29.080 To demonstrate that he is both Savior and King of this world, and then to call as Savior and King, to call all in this world, to live under his rule. 00:02:29.080 --> 00:02:42.640 And indeed, Jesus would say, and we'll see more of it this morning, unless a person understands and responds to this Jesus, King and Savior Jesus, 00:02:43.360 --> 00:02:51.560 they've not got the real Jesus, but a convenient substitute or even a counterfeit. 00:02:51.560 --> 00:03:00.039 And so the division often shows up these days among religious people. 00:03:01.599 --> 00:03:12.719 Most religious people are at odds with Jesus because religious people reduce Jesus simply to a good man who was a model of doing good things. 00:03:12.980 --> 00:03:17.819 And therefore, if we do good things, we will be accepted by God into heaven. 00:03:17.819 --> 00:03:23.359 And that puts religious people at odds with Jesus' own teaching. 00:03:24.739 --> 00:03:33.859 They will not accept, as Jesus teaches, that our rebellion, that our rejection of God cuts us off from God, 00:03:34.979 --> 00:03:45.819 and therefore required Jesus to die so that we might be restored to God, restored acceptance, restored relationship, and restored life. 00:03:47.819 --> 00:03:51.900 And so the division continues right down to our own day and age. 00:03:53.680 --> 00:03:54.560 Which Jesus? 00:03:57.780 --> 00:04:04.519 And this morning we jump into the debate, as it was happening right around Jesus, unfolding almost 2,000 years ago, 00:04:05.000 --> 00:04:08.439 in response to the miracle which trumped all miracles. 00:04:08.519 --> 00:04:12.019 The one we looked at last week, the raising of Lazarus from the dead. 00:04:12.020 --> 00:04:21.639 Four days dead, a rotting corpse, Jesus reverses the rottenness and calls Lazarus out of the grave as a newly formed person. 00:04:24.759 --> 00:04:27.860 And around that, the division opens up. 00:04:27.860 --> 00:04:32.060 So let me just recap the first 10 or 11 chapters of John. 00:04:32.180 --> 00:04:35.740 So John builds his biography, and that's what this Gospel of John is. 00:04:35.780 --> 00:04:37.800 It's really just a biography of the life of Jesus. 00:04:37.920 --> 00:04:41.980 Well, John builds the first half of it around seven signs or miracles. 00:04:42.920 --> 00:04:51.620 And each of those miracles point to Jesus and comes with an extended teaching from Jesus. 00:04:51.620 --> 00:05:00.879 And the miracle and the extended teaching together establish and illustrate his identity, his character, and his mission. 00:05:02.300 --> 00:05:07.040 And throughout the ministry of Jesus, which we estimate somewhere around three years, 00:05:07.579 --> 00:05:16.040 Jesus repeatedly teaches that he is the reality of everything pictured, everything promised in the Old Testament, 00:05:16.120 --> 00:05:17.699 that period leading up to his birth. 00:05:17.699 --> 00:05:21.639 Jesus says, I am the reality of all those things. 00:05:21.699 --> 00:05:23.879 I am the fulfillment of all those things promised. 00:05:25.300 --> 00:05:27.339 The reality of all those things pictured. 00:05:27.659 --> 00:05:32.000 All those things actually defined God's covenant people as nation Israel. 00:05:32.779 --> 00:05:36.839 All of those things are finding their reality now in me. 00:05:38.560 --> 00:05:43.240 And so at the very start of his ministry, the first miracle was turning water into wine at the wedding. 00:05:43.240 --> 00:05:52.800 And that pointed to the fact that Jesus was here to offer a fresh start to God's tired and disillusioned and failing people. 00:05:53.720 --> 00:05:58.740 The new wine of the Gospel would replace the failed wine of Old Testament Israel. 00:05:59.460 --> 00:06:02.340 And Jesus went on in that section to claim that he was the new temple. 00:06:02.339 --> 00:06:13.539 The place where God's people would come to now to have their sin dealt with and experience new births into new relationship with God. 00:06:14.179 --> 00:06:19.339 And the next miracles were the healing of a young boy and a severely crippled older man. 00:06:19.859 --> 00:06:23.120 And they pointed to the reality that Jesus was God. 00:06:23.500 --> 00:06:25.339 Only God could do that sort of stuff. 00:06:25.339 --> 00:06:36.119 And that he was with God and one with the Father in this mission to heal people from the disfiguring effects of sin. 00:06:37.339 --> 00:06:39.139 Sin and illness and death. 00:06:40.759 --> 00:06:44.979 Then he fed more than 5,000 people from a schoolboy's lunchbox. 00:06:46.539 --> 00:06:54.639 Then he walked on the Sea of Galilee coming to rescue and deliver his disciples when they were hopelessly caught up in a storm in the middle of the sea and were going to die. 00:06:55.339 --> 00:06:58.479 And these miracles point to his compassion. 00:06:59.919 --> 00:07:01.699 His compassion for his people. 00:07:02.599 --> 00:07:05.419 His commitment to rescuing them from destruction. 00:07:05.819 --> 00:07:12.739 His commitment to providing the essentials of life, bread and water, that will satisfy our deep thirst of hunger. 00:07:14.839 --> 00:07:19.639 Our deepest need of hunger and thirst. 00:07:19.919 --> 00:07:20.039 Sorry. 00:07:21.039 --> 00:07:24.519 And then he moves on to healing a blind man. 00:07:24.519 --> 00:07:29.379 Literally, quite literally, moving the man from darkness to light and life. 00:07:29.379 --> 00:07:37.959 And the teaching around that says that believing in Jesus is the pathway to receiving sight, true sight. 00:07:39.240 --> 00:07:42.420 And that leads into the passage on Jesus being the good shepherd. 00:07:43.219 --> 00:07:44.939 Recognizing Jesus as the good shepherd. 00:07:45.939 --> 00:07:48.560 Who has come to find his lost sheep. 00:07:49.199 --> 00:07:52.300 And calls them into light and life and safety. 00:07:52.300 --> 00:07:53.300 But the crescendo is the good shepherd. 00:07:53.300 --> 00:07:54.300 And the good shepherd. 00:07:54.300 --> 00:07:56.500 But the crescendo was last week. 00:07:56.620 --> 00:07:57.500 The seventh miracle. 00:07:57.860 --> 00:07:59.120 The end of his public ministry. 00:08:00.079 --> 00:08:04.259 The crescendo is Jesus moving Lazarus from death to life. 00:08:07.860 --> 00:08:14.680 Clearly, among all the other things that Jesus is, he is also the conqueror of death. 00:08:14.680 --> 00:08:24.759 Conqueror of death and conqueror of Satan who held the power of death. 00:08:25.879 --> 00:08:28.579 And that miracle trumped all other miracles. 00:08:29.840 --> 00:08:32.440 Illustrating his claim from the very beginning of his ministry. 00:08:32.440 --> 00:08:37.460 He said he had come into the world to dispel darkness and death. 00:08:38.200 --> 00:08:42.120 Which are the inevitable consequence of sin or rebellion against God. 00:08:42.860 --> 00:08:45.360 And replace them with light and life. 00:08:46.060 --> 00:08:51.060 Which are the inevitable consequence of renewed relationship with God. 00:08:53.280 --> 00:08:56.260 And forgiveness from sin. 00:08:56.259 --> 00:09:01.620 So John concludes his record of Jesus' public ministry. 00:09:03.539 --> 00:09:08.500 Not surprisingly, with yet more mixed response to all of this. 00:09:09.399 --> 00:09:10.759 Mixed response to Jesus. 00:09:11.779 --> 00:09:15.659 As I said before, division has been a constant theme in Jesus' ministry. 00:09:16.460 --> 00:09:17.600 And not surprisingly so. 00:09:17.679 --> 00:09:19.399 Because the whole point of this is. 00:09:19.799 --> 00:09:22.220 That as people observe Jesus and hear his teaching. 00:09:22.639 --> 00:09:24.620 They're forming conclusions about him. 00:09:26.259 --> 00:09:29.379 On the one hand, many believed. 00:09:29.939 --> 00:09:30.700 Verse 45. 00:09:31.740 --> 00:09:34.200 Very simple but profound voice. 00:09:34.360 --> 00:09:34.659 A verse. 00:09:34.879 --> 00:09:35.539 Many believed. 00:09:36.960 --> 00:09:39.399 After hearing Jesus' teaching. 00:09:39.919 --> 00:09:42.159 And saying with their own eyes. 00:09:42.580 --> 00:09:45.340 The power that Jesus had to deliver on his teaching. 00:09:45.840 --> 00:09:49.639 I am the one who can move people from death to life. 00:09:52.500 --> 00:09:53.500 People believed. 00:09:56.259 --> 00:10:03.500 They'd seen Jesus reassemble a rotting corpse. 00:10:06.379 --> 00:10:07.460 They believed. 00:10:09.039 --> 00:10:11.019 Like Martha in verse 27. 00:10:11.460 --> 00:10:13.559 They didn't necessarily understand how it all worked. 00:10:13.879 --> 00:10:16.899 But they recognized Jesus has to be God's king and savior. 00:10:17.360 --> 00:10:18.600 And as they believed that. 00:10:18.740 --> 00:10:20.179 Then they could see the glory. 00:10:20.179 --> 00:10:22.639 Of Jesus and his father. 00:10:22.819 --> 00:10:24.059 In this mission of salvation. 00:10:24.759 --> 00:10:25.339 And from there. 00:10:25.439 --> 00:10:27.239 They gladly aligned themselves. 00:10:28.019 --> 00:10:30.120 To live under his rule and authority. 00:10:33.459 --> 00:10:34.419 But as usual. 00:10:34.739 --> 00:10:35.799 Verse 46. 00:10:36.339 --> 00:10:37.159 There was rejection. 00:10:37.159 --> 00:10:40.980 Some people. 00:10:40.980 --> 00:10:42.459 At the same time as many were believing. 00:10:42.819 --> 00:10:45.459 Some in the crowd were so offended. 00:10:46.759 --> 00:10:47.919 By what they saw. 00:10:48.279 --> 00:10:48.919 And what they heard. 00:10:49.659 --> 00:10:52.279 That they went straight to the Jewish religious authorities. 00:10:52.919 --> 00:10:53.899 To dub Jesus in. 00:10:54.899 --> 00:10:55.679 And I suspect. 00:10:56.679 --> 00:10:58.100 It was with malice. 00:10:58.219 --> 00:10:58.539 Knowing. 00:10:59.319 --> 00:11:00.059 That that would. 00:11:00.959 --> 00:11:01.439 Expedite. 00:11:01.440 --> 00:11:02.580 The whole process. 00:11:02.680 --> 00:11:04.140 That was simmering under the surface. 00:11:04.380 --> 00:11:06.140 Of somebody taking action. 00:11:06.720 --> 00:11:07.820 To silence Jesus. 00:11:10.840 --> 00:11:13.140 And then verses 47 and 48. 00:11:13.260 --> 00:11:14.340 We see a different reaction. 00:11:14.480 --> 00:11:15.640 A reaction of fear. 00:11:16.040 --> 00:11:16.980 Deep fear. 00:11:17.720 --> 00:11:20.020 Of losing personal sovereignty. 00:11:20.940 --> 00:11:22.600 Look at verse 47 and 48. 00:11:22.600 --> 00:11:25.540 So the chief priests and the Pharisees. 00:11:25.700 --> 00:11:26.960 Gathered the council and said. 00:11:27.879 --> 00:11:28.879 What are we to do? 00:11:29.740 --> 00:11:31.700 For this man performs many signs. 00:11:31.960 --> 00:11:33.639 If we let him go on like this. 00:11:33.800 --> 00:11:35.100 Everyone will believe in him. 00:11:35.820 --> 00:11:37.120 And the Romans will come. 00:11:37.180 --> 00:11:38.720 And take away both our place. 00:11:39.120 --> 00:11:40.120 And our nation. 00:11:43.960 --> 00:11:44.399 Fear. 00:11:47.680 --> 00:11:48.920 When they receive. 00:11:48.920 --> 00:11:50.879 The political and religious leaders. 00:11:50.879 --> 00:11:51.740 The council. 00:11:52.080 --> 00:11:52.939 Or the Sanhedrin. 00:11:53.399 --> 00:11:54.639 When they receive the news. 00:11:54.740 --> 00:11:56.600 About Lazarus' resurrection. 00:11:57.220 --> 00:11:58.740 They did spring into action. 00:11:58.820 --> 00:11:59.620 They called a meeting. 00:12:02.779 --> 00:12:03.820 But their agenda. 00:12:03.960 --> 00:12:05.600 Wasn't what we might expect it to be. 00:12:06.679 --> 00:12:07.299 Their agenda. 00:12:07.299 --> 00:12:08.779 Was not to rejoice. 00:12:09.120 --> 00:12:10.840 At the very obvious power. 00:12:10.840 --> 00:12:11.419 Of Jesus. 00:12:11.820 --> 00:12:13.179 And a life restored. 00:12:16.559 --> 00:12:17.720 Nor was their agenda. 00:12:17.720 --> 00:12:19.259 To try and discover the truth. 00:12:19.340 --> 00:12:19.840 And understand. 00:12:19.840 --> 00:12:22.040 And the Lord's work among them. 00:12:22.120 --> 00:12:23.139 Through this person Jesus. 00:12:26.040 --> 00:12:26.860 Their meeting. 00:12:27.060 --> 00:12:27.720 And their agenda. 00:12:27.899 --> 00:12:28.780 Was driven by fear. 00:12:30.019 --> 00:12:31.300 For these guys. 00:12:32.600 --> 00:12:33.120 Jesus. 00:12:33.860 --> 00:12:34.340 Constituted. 00:12:34.540 --> 00:12:35.120 No more. 00:12:35.240 --> 00:12:36.620 Than a serious threat. 00:12:37.940 --> 00:12:39.060 To their lifestyle. 00:12:40.240 --> 00:12:40.899 And remind. 00:12:41.139 --> 00:12:41.940 I need to remind you. 00:12:42.000 --> 00:12:42.480 These guys. 00:12:42.580 --> 00:12:43.759 Had an affluent lifestyle. 00:12:44.580 --> 00:12:45.639 They had lots of money. 00:12:45.639 --> 00:12:46.180 Coming in. 00:12:46.340 --> 00:12:47.120 Through the temple. 00:12:47.120 --> 00:12:47.540 And through. 00:12:48.040 --> 00:12:48.600 Their leadership. 00:12:49.840 --> 00:12:53.120 They had political power. 00:12:53.680 --> 00:12:54.580 By the bag full. 00:12:55.000 --> 00:12:56.620 And that's what they saw threatened. 00:12:57.820 --> 00:12:58.759 By Jesus. 00:12:59.120 --> 00:12:59.780 Their agenda. 00:12:59.920 --> 00:13:00.300 In other words. 00:13:00.340 --> 00:13:01.379 Was self-interest. 00:13:03.460 --> 00:13:04.420 Even though. 00:13:05.060 --> 00:13:05.800 The responses. 00:13:06.120 --> 00:13:06.639 Cleverly. 00:13:06.740 --> 00:13:07.660 Put spin on it. 00:13:08.500 --> 00:13:09.139 Disguised it. 00:13:09.220 --> 00:13:09.360 With. 00:13:09.860 --> 00:13:10.899 Pious concerns. 00:13:11.180 --> 00:13:12.240 Pious sounding concerns. 00:13:12.240 --> 00:13:12.480 Anyway. 00:13:13.060 --> 00:13:14.160 As though they were acting. 00:13:14.160 --> 00:13:15.019 For God's honor. 00:13:15.920 --> 00:13:16.519 And acting. 00:13:16.519 --> 00:13:17.040 For the good. 00:13:17.039 --> 00:13:18.179 Of God's special people. 00:13:19.799 --> 00:13:20.779 Sounds a bit familiar. 00:13:20.839 --> 00:13:21.199 Doesn't it? 00:13:23.620 --> 00:13:24.319 You see. 00:13:24.599 --> 00:13:25.620 For these guys. 00:13:26.360 --> 00:13:27.240 The divide. 00:13:27.319 --> 00:13:27.699 Opens up. 00:13:27.740 --> 00:13:28.179 Like this. 00:13:29.159 --> 00:13:29.659 Fear. 00:13:29.779 --> 00:13:30.559 Of the Romans. 00:13:30.779 --> 00:13:31.240 Taking away. 00:13:31.319 --> 00:13:31.980 Their power. 00:13:32.179 --> 00:13:32.839 And their source. 00:13:32.879 --> 00:13:33.459 Of wealth. 00:13:35.719 --> 00:13:36.679 Was greater. 00:13:36.819 --> 00:13:37.399 Than their fear. 00:13:37.399 --> 00:13:37.919 Of God. 00:13:37.980 --> 00:13:38.459 Over sin. 00:13:38.460 --> 00:13:43.620 And not only that. 00:13:44.000 --> 00:13:45.160 But it blinded them. 00:13:45.840 --> 00:13:47.460 To what God was doing. 00:13:47.580 --> 00:13:48.180 In their midst. 00:13:48.460 --> 00:13:49.019 Through Jesus. 00:13:52.000 --> 00:13:53.200 All they could see. 00:13:53.300 --> 00:13:54.500 Was the business options. 00:13:54.879 --> 00:13:55.620 Under threat. 00:13:56.519 --> 00:13:57.639 And were blinded. 00:13:58.940 --> 00:14:00.720 To what Jesus was doing. 00:14:01.000 --> 00:14:02.360 He had come to deliver them. 00:14:02.420 --> 00:14:03.259 From that very thing. 00:14:04.960 --> 00:14:05.519 Darkness. 00:14:05.740 --> 00:14:06.180 And light. 00:14:06.180 --> 00:14:06.240 And light. 00:14:08.460 --> 00:14:11.480 Everything revolved. 00:14:11.480 --> 00:14:12.200 Around them. 00:14:12.680 --> 00:14:13.440 Our nation. 00:14:13.720 --> 00:14:14.420 Our position. 00:14:15.040 --> 00:14:15.940 Our place. 00:14:18.540 --> 00:14:19.620 These guys. 00:14:19.740 --> 00:14:20.879 Even though they're the leader. 00:14:20.879 --> 00:14:21.960 Of God's people. 00:14:23.400 --> 00:14:24.420 These guys. 00:14:24.420 --> 00:14:25.180 Were convinced. 00:14:25.519 --> 00:14:26.720 That the future. 00:14:26.720 --> 00:14:27.440 Salvation. 00:14:27.440 --> 00:14:28.280 Of the nation. 00:14:28.820 --> 00:14:29.920 Lay with them. 00:14:30.019 --> 00:14:31.180 And their strategies. 00:14:31.420 --> 00:14:32.340 Political strategies. 00:14:33.860 --> 00:14:34.960 And not with God. 00:14:34.960 --> 00:14:35.019 God. 00:14:35.019 --> 00:14:35.519 God. 00:14:42.720 --> 00:14:43.579 And ultimately. 00:14:44.480 --> 00:14:45.639 That led to murder. 00:14:46.319 --> 00:14:47.939 Verses 49 through 53. 00:14:50.539 --> 00:14:51.019 Caiaphas. 00:14:51.579 --> 00:14:52.379 You can almost picture. 00:14:52.500 --> 00:14:53.240 Sitting in the background. 00:14:53.799 --> 00:14:54.779 Hands behind his head. 00:14:55.899 --> 00:14:57.000 Suddenly pipes up. 00:14:57.120 --> 00:14:58.519 Obviously frustrated. 00:14:58.740 --> 00:14:59.600 With all the banter. 00:14:59.699 --> 00:15:00.659 That's been going back and forth. 00:15:00.720 --> 00:15:00.980 And he said. 00:15:01.019 --> 00:15:02.299 You guys have no idea. 00:15:02.299 --> 00:15:04.799 There's only one feasible solution. 00:15:04.799 --> 00:15:05.439 To our dilemma. 00:15:05.799 --> 00:15:06.819 Somebody needs to say it. 00:15:06.899 --> 00:15:07.859 Somebody needs to commit to it. 00:15:07.899 --> 00:15:08.399 Let's do it. 00:15:08.599 --> 00:15:10.000 We need to kill Jesus. 00:15:13.000 --> 00:15:14.419 That's the tone of those verses. 00:15:18.819 --> 00:15:20.419 Self-interested fear. 00:15:20.419 --> 00:15:20.539 Fear. 00:15:22.299 --> 00:15:24.299 Became a joint decision. 00:15:25.179 --> 00:15:26.039 To murder Jesus. 00:15:27.419 --> 00:15:28.000 Why? 00:15:28.599 --> 00:15:29.419 Quite simply. 00:15:29.899 --> 00:15:31.199 Because he was a threat. 00:15:31.659 --> 00:15:33.079 To their personal sovereignty. 00:15:37.519 --> 00:15:39.079 And that's an incredible irony. 00:15:39.219 --> 00:15:39.479 Isn't it? 00:15:41.179 --> 00:15:43.779 The one who came to save. 00:15:44.099 --> 00:15:44.879 And deliver. 00:15:46.759 --> 00:15:48.399 Would be destroyed. 00:15:48.579 --> 00:15:49.919 Out of fear of their enemies. 00:15:49.919 --> 00:15:51.639 By the leaders of God's people. 00:15:51.939 --> 00:15:52.459 And that. 00:15:52.579 --> 00:15:54.099 We're told during the Passover feast. 00:15:54.219 --> 00:15:55.279 That's when it was all going to happen. 00:15:56.299 --> 00:15:57.259 The Passover feast. 00:15:57.579 --> 00:15:58.759 In which God's people. 00:15:59.000 --> 00:16:00.539 Celebrated God's salvation. 00:16:01.299 --> 00:16:02.459 God's deliverance. 00:16:02.579 --> 00:16:03.199 From their enemies. 00:16:03.579 --> 00:16:04.819 By his special prophet. 00:16:04.939 --> 00:16:05.360 Moses. 00:16:09.759 --> 00:16:11.719 The irony is just palpable. 00:16:16.199 --> 00:16:17.199 And against that. 00:16:17.299 --> 00:16:18.299 As John loves to do. 00:16:18.339 --> 00:16:18.959 In his biography. 00:16:18.960 --> 00:16:20.120 He contrasts. 00:16:20.120 --> 00:16:20.139 He contrasts. 00:16:20.139 --> 00:16:21.639 The single-minded response. 00:16:21.639 --> 00:16:22.200 From Jesus. 00:16:22.200 --> 00:16:25.019 In the face of hostility. 00:16:25.500 --> 00:16:26.259 Rejection. 00:16:26.340 --> 00:16:28.360 And just unmitigated evil. 00:16:32.060 --> 00:16:34.379 Jesus always moving. 00:16:34.879 --> 00:16:35.980 Towards his father. 00:16:37.139 --> 00:16:38.639 And his father's glory. 00:16:38.980 --> 00:16:39.980 And glory for them both. 00:16:39.980 --> 00:16:42.399 See. 00:16:42.399 --> 00:16:43.320 A major theme. 00:16:43.320 --> 00:16:44.759 Throughout the whole biography. 00:16:44.759 --> 00:16:45.320 Has been. 00:16:46.240 --> 00:16:47.139 A major theme. 00:16:47.240 --> 00:16:47.820 In Jesus teaching. 00:16:47.820 --> 00:16:48.259 Has been. 00:16:48.460 --> 00:16:49.800 That he is one in nature. 00:16:50.060 --> 00:16:50.980 With his father. 00:16:51.320 --> 00:16:54.240 And in his father's salvation purpose. 00:16:54.980 --> 00:16:55.840 Salvation plan. 00:16:57.440 --> 00:16:59.600 Jesus had just restated that very thing. 00:17:00.000 --> 00:17:01.940 Just before he called Lazarus. 00:17:02.360 --> 00:17:02.980 Out of the grave. 00:17:03.060 --> 00:17:04.779 You look back to verse 41 and 42. 00:17:04.880 --> 00:17:05.460 He had that prayer. 00:17:05.460 --> 00:17:06.900 Which he quite consciously said. 00:17:07.019 --> 00:17:07.140 This. 00:17:07.319 --> 00:17:08.440 I'm not praying this for my benefit. 00:17:08.539 --> 00:17:09.880 I'm praying that for the benefit of everybody. 00:17:10.220 --> 00:17:10.920 That's standing around. 00:17:11.039 --> 00:17:11.860 Listening and looking. 00:17:12.240 --> 00:17:13.059 So that you understand. 00:17:13.180 --> 00:17:14.860 That I and the father are one in this. 00:17:19.900 --> 00:17:21.620 Every action of Jesus. 00:17:23.980 --> 00:17:25.220 Through his whole ministry. 00:17:25.220 --> 00:17:28.100 Was a joint operation with his father. 00:17:28.099 --> 00:17:29.939 To save God's people. 00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:30.799 By dying. 00:17:31.099 --> 00:17:32.679 To reverse the effects of sin. 00:17:34.579 --> 00:17:35.500 And now. 00:17:35.659 --> 00:17:37.480 We've got another irony operating here. 00:17:37.619 --> 00:17:39.819 Because this story is operating at two levels. 00:17:41.439 --> 00:17:41.980 Caiaphas. 00:17:42.679 --> 00:17:44.740 Thinks he's solving a personal problem. 00:17:48.259 --> 00:17:49.439 But the Lord. 00:17:49.639 --> 00:17:51.159 Is using Caiaphas. 00:17:51.519 --> 00:17:52.980 To affirm the truth. 00:17:53.079 --> 00:17:54.039 Of Jesus ministry. 00:17:54.039 --> 00:17:57.700 Even as he utters the words. 00:17:57.740 --> 00:17:59.319 Which become the death sentence. 00:17:59.720 --> 00:18:00.220 For Jesus. 00:18:02.440 --> 00:18:03.440 Because that's what he said. 00:18:03.519 --> 00:18:04.200 Look at verse 50. 00:18:04.539 --> 00:18:04.940 Under. 00:18:05.839 --> 00:18:06.899 God's influence. 00:18:07.579 --> 00:18:08.019 Caiaphas. 00:18:08.440 --> 00:18:09.460 Is speaking God's word. 00:18:09.539 --> 00:18:10.079 Or prophecy. 00:18:10.639 --> 00:18:11.879 So these are God's words. 00:18:11.980 --> 00:18:12.519 We're reading here. 00:18:12.759 --> 00:18:13.279 And look at what. 00:18:13.379 --> 00:18:14.039 Look how it starts. 00:18:14.039 --> 00:18:15.059 And I'm indebted to. 00:18:15.839 --> 00:18:16.559 John Piper. 00:18:16.700 --> 00:18:16.920 For this. 00:18:17.019 --> 00:18:17.519 This phrase. 00:18:18.200 --> 00:18:19.099 Or this idea. 00:18:20.059 --> 00:18:20.700 Verse 50. 00:18:21.059 --> 00:18:21.940 It is better. 00:18:24.039 --> 00:18:26.859 It is better for you. 00:18:27.460 --> 00:18:29.139 That one man should die. 00:18:30.759 --> 00:18:31.879 Now that's God's word. 00:18:31.960 --> 00:18:32.599 It's better. 00:18:32.940 --> 00:18:34.259 That one man should die. 00:18:35.059 --> 00:18:36.500 Better that Jesus should die. 00:18:38.799 --> 00:18:40.000 Huge call isn't it? 00:18:40.279 --> 00:18:41.819 And I'm so indebted to Piper. 00:18:41.960 --> 00:18:43.460 For helping me say that. 00:18:47.399 --> 00:18:48.740 It is better for you. 00:18:48.799 --> 00:18:50.099 That one man should die. 00:18:50.099 --> 00:18:50.639 For the people. 00:18:51.720 --> 00:18:53.220 Not that the whole nation. 00:18:53.460 --> 00:18:53.920 Should perish. 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:56.680 What a huge statement. 00:18:57.139 --> 00:18:57.859 By the father. 00:18:58.399 --> 00:18:59.559 In respect to his son. 00:19:02.399 --> 00:19:03.819 And so we've got this. 00:19:04.319 --> 00:19:05.240 Delightful irony. 00:19:05.379 --> 00:19:07.059 That as Caiaphas and his henchmen. 00:19:07.240 --> 00:19:08.759 Move towards the murder of Jesus. 00:19:09.819 --> 00:19:11.139 We discover in this. 00:19:11.399 --> 00:19:12.879 Very same circumstance. 00:19:13.559 --> 00:19:15.180 Jesus moving towards his father. 00:19:16.539 --> 00:19:16.980 Executing. 00:19:17.420 --> 00:19:18.700 Their plan for salvation. 00:19:18.700 --> 00:19:20.019 Friends. 00:19:23.019 --> 00:19:24.420 Sweitzer had it wrong. 00:19:25.960 --> 00:19:27.360 The death of Jesus. 00:19:27.360 --> 00:19:28.720 Was not simply. 00:19:28.980 --> 00:19:31.100 A political strategic tragedy. 00:19:31.900 --> 00:19:32.980 Which then God. 00:19:33.160 --> 00:19:33.779 Somehow or other. 00:19:33.900 --> 00:19:35.120 As they say in modern terms. 00:19:35.240 --> 00:19:36.000 After you get whipped. 00:19:36.160 --> 00:19:37.400 At cricket or rugby. 00:19:37.880 --> 00:19:39.319 That they get some positives from. 00:19:39.559 --> 00:19:41.180 It wasn't a tragic accident. 00:19:41.279 --> 00:19:42.299 That God just managed. 00:19:42.299 --> 00:19:43.600 To get some positives from. 00:19:43.599 --> 00:19:48.859 The death of Jesus. 00:19:48.859 --> 00:19:49.659 Was driven. 00:19:50.059 --> 00:19:51.319 By his love. 00:19:51.679 --> 00:19:52.519 God's love. 00:19:53.319 --> 00:19:54.279 And planned. 00:19:54.459 --> 00:19:55.019 By God. 00:19:55.199 --> 00:19:55.919 For our good. 00:19:56.559 --> 00:19:57.699 For his glory. 00:19:58.459 --> 00:19:59.279 And for the glory. 00:19:59.339 --> 00:20:00.039 Of the Lord Jesus. 00:20:00.039 --> 00:20:06.099 Let me say it even more starkly. 00:20:07.059 --> 00:20:08.220 God himself. 00:20:08.819 --> 00:20:10.119 Served the death warrant. 00:20:10.359 --> 00:20:10.940 On Jesus. 00:20:11.059 --> 00:20:11.779 His son Jesus. 00:20:13.039 --> 00:20:14.539 He didn't just predict it. 00:20:15.500 --> 00:20:16.839 He unleashed it. 00:20:20.799 --> 00:20:22.480 And Jesus willingly. 00:20:22.859 --> 00:20:24.159 Moved towards glory. 00:20:24.279 --> 00:20:24.899 For his father. 00:20:25.099 --> 00:20:26.680 In every stage of that plan. 00:20:27.180 --> 00:20:28.220 Right to the point. 00:20:28.339 --> 00:20:29.259 Of crucifixion. 00:20:29.500 --> 00:20:29.920 And burial. 00:20:30.039 --> 00:20:34.099 It is better. 00:20:34.539 --> 00:20:35.220 That he die. 00:20:39.839 --> 00:20:41.279 Jesus always moves. 00:20:41.460 --> 00:20:43.119 Towards his own death. 00:20:43.480 --> 00:20:44.339 Another major thing. 00:20:44.440 --> 00:20:45.099 In Jesus teaching. 00:20:45.240 --> 00:20:46.420 Is that of sacrifice. 00:20:46.480 --> 00:20:47.139 And substitution. 00:20:47.279 --> 00:20:48.099 That Marty's opened up. 00:20:48.180 --> 00:20:48.519 So well. 00:20:48.579 --> 00:20:49.279 Already this morning. 00:20:50.420 --> 00:20:51.619 At the very beginning. 00:20:51.619 --> 00:20:52.279 Of his ministry. 00:20:52.440 --> 00:20:53.359 John the Baptist. 00:20:54.240 --> 00:20:55.539 When he first engaged. 00:20:55.720 --> 00:20:56.759 Eyes with Jesus. 00:20:56.879 --> 00:20:57.039 Said. 00:20:57.319 --> 00:20:57.779 Behold. 00:20:57.899 --> 00:20:58.879 The Lamb of God. 00:20:59.259 --> 00:21:00.000 Who takes away. 00:21:00.000 --> 00:21:00.720 The sin of the world. 00:21:01.039 --> 00:21:02.259 The language of sacrifice. 00:21:02.940 --> 00:21:03.880 The language of mission. 00:21:03.980 --> 00:21:04.519 And purpose. 00:21:06.180 --> 00:21:06.920 Shortly after. 00:21:07.019 --> 00:21:08.000 Jesus goes into the temple. 00:21:08.319 --> 00:21:09.500 And he's outraged. 00:21:09.839 --> 00:21:10.779 At how it had been. 00:21:10.980 --> 00:21:11.839 Become debased. 00:21:11.920 --> 00:21:13.279 Into a money making venture. 00:21:13.279 --> 00:21:14.279 Declares. 00:21:14.279 --> 00:21:15.279 He declares. 00:21:15.279 --> 00:21:16.279 He declares. 00:21:16.279 --> 00:21:18.480 He declares that he will be the new temple. 00:21:18.680 --> 00:21:20.779 The fulfillment of all that the old temple. 00:21:21.019 --> 00:21:21.099 Picture. 00:21:21.799 --> 00:21:23.019 He would be the place. 00:21:23.139 --> 00:21:25.220 Where people would come to have their sins dealt with. 00:21:25.599 --> 00:21:26.559 And relationship. 00:21:26.920 --> 00:21:28.079 And life with God restored. 00:21:30.139 --> 00:21:30.579 Now. 00:21:30.779 --> 00:21:32.000 At the end of his ministry. 00:21:33.099 --> 00:21:35.940 We see it coinciding with the Jewish Passover feast. 00:21:35.940 --> 00:21:37.900 Where the blood of the lamb. 00:21:37.900 --> 00:21:39.039 Was a substitute. 00:21:39.820 --> 00:21:41.759 Which protected God's people. 00:21:41.980 --> 00:21:42.980 From the wrath of God. 00:21:44.980 --> 00:21:46.299 And delivered them. 00:21:46.660 --> 00:21:48.140 Into God's holy place. 00:21:48.660 --> 00:21:49.519 Under his rule. 00:21:52.100 --> 00:21:53.000 And again. 00:21:53.160 --> 00:21:54.480 God uses Caiaphas. 00:21:55.480 --> 00:21:57.039 To affirm this truth. 00:21:57.160 --> 00:21:57.920 Of sacrifice. 00:21:58.120 --> 00:21:58.779 And substitution. 00:21:58.779 --> 00:22:02.420 And here's how it works. 00:22:02.480 --> 00:22:02.759 You see. 00:22:03.139 --> 00:22:04.019 At different levels. 00:22:04.619 --> 00:22:05.339 For Caiaphas. 00:22:05.559 --> 00:22:06.379 In his mind. 00:22:07.139 --> 00:22:08.899 Fearing the wrath of the Romans. 00:22:09.039 --> 00:22:09.399 Most. 00:22:10.420 --> 00:22:11.359 Substitution is. 00:22:12.639 --> 00:22:14.440 We will kill Jesus. 00:22:14.839 --> 00:22:16.759 So the Romans won't kill us. 00:22:21.279 --> 00:22:22.339 For Jesus. 00:22:23.980 --> 00:22:25.119 In his mind. 00:22:25.720 --> 00:22:27.319 Fearing the wrath of God. 00:22:27.500 --> 00:22:28.420 Falling on his people. 00:22:28.420 --> 00:22:29.080 For their sin. 00:22:29.380 --> 00:22:30.640 The substitution is this. 00:22:31.660 --> 00:22:33.660 I will offer myself up. 00:22:33.880 --> 00:22:35.539 In a sacrificial death. 00:22:36.259 --> 00:22:37.660 So that God's wrath. 00:22:37.759 --> 00:22:38.580 Will not kill you. 00:22:43.480 --> 00:22:44.980 And in the mind of the father. 00:22:46.100 --> 00:22:47.420 The substitution is. 00:22:47.980 --> 00:22:49.720 I will kill my son. 00:22:50.279 --> 00:22:51.880 So that I don't have to kill you. 00:22:58.420 --> 00:23:11.100 God substitutes Jesus. 00:23:11.100 --> 00:23:11.660 For us. 00:23:11.660 --> 00:23:13.779 For us. 00:23:14.039 --> 00:23:14.519 His enemies. 00:23:17.720 --> 00:23:18.740 Do you get it? 00:23:19.980 --> 00:23:21.240 We can hear the words. 00:23:21.380 --> 00:23:22.039 We hear them regularly. 00:23:22.259 --> 00:23:23.480 It's our bread and butter. 00:23:23.580 --> 00:23:23.980 As Christians. 00:23:23.980 --> 00:23:24.340 Isn't it? 00:23:24.339 --> 00:23:25.819 But do you get it? 00:23:28.399 --> 00:23:29.939 Jesus moves himself. 00:23:29.939 --> 00:23:30.919 Towards death. 00:23:32.199 --> 00:23:33.740 Jesus moves himself. 00:23:33.740 --> 00:23:34.740 Towards death. 00:23:35.299 --> 00:23:37.500 As the means of moving you and me. 00:23:38.139 --> 00:23:38.679 To life. 00:23:38.680 --> 00:23:44.060 And life is acceptance with God. 00:23:44.140 --> 00:23:45.840 Abundant relationship with God. 00:23:45.920 --> 00:23:46.240 Forever. 00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:49.100 My friends. 00:23:49.340 --> 00:23:51.480 This reconciling love. 00:23:52.279 --> 00:23:54.240 Is the heart of the gospel. 00:23:54.740 --> 00:23:56.560 It's the heart of the Christian faith. 00:23:56.559 --> 00:24:00.339 And it's just utterly amazing. 00:24:06.039 --> 00:24:08.000 And Jesus always moving. 00:24:08.000 --> 00:24:09.359 Towards his people. 00:24:09.579 --> 00:24:10.200 His needy people. 00:24:10.319 --> 00:24:11.819 Even though they're hardwired. 00:24:11.980 --> 00:24:12.940 To reject him. 00:24:13.759 --> 00:24:14.919 Yet another central theme. 00:24:14.980 --> 00:24:15.659 In Jesus teaching. 00:24:16.139 --> 00:24:17.000 Is his commitment. 00:24:17.159 --> 00:24:18.740 To saving his rebellious people. 00:24:18.839 --> 00:24:20.079 Who don't even know. 00:24:20.379 --> 00:24:21.159 They're lost. 00:24:22.519 --> 00:24:23.079 Repeatedly. 00:24:23.539 --> 00:24:24.259 Jesus declares. 00:24:24.379 --> 00:24:25.000 That his works. 00:24:25.259 --> 00:24:26.119 And his words. 00:24:26.119 --> 00:24:27.019 His words. 00:24:27.019 --> 00:24:28.339 Words and associated miracles. 00:24:28.539 --> 00:24:29.439 Were designed. 00:24:30.399 --> 00:24:30.919 Specifically. 00:24:31.139 --> 00:24:32.139 To prompt belief. 00:24:33.619 --> 00:24:35.159 What a mark of God's commitment. 00:24:35.159 --> 00:24:35.979 To his people. 00:24:36.139 --> 00:24:37.059 To his sinful people. 00:24:37.419 --> 00:24:38.079 That he gives. 00:24:38.559 --> 00:24:40.139 Powerful visual aids. 00:24:40.859 --> 00:24:42.239 To help us believe. 00:24:42.759 --> 00:24:43.459 Jesus words. 00:24:45.819 --> 00:24:47.019 That's amazing itself. 00:24:47.119 --> 00:24:48.179 But even more amazing. 00:24:49.179 --> 00:24:50.439 Jesus also knew. 00:24:50.619 --> 00:24:51.459 That his people. 00:24:51.979 --> 00:24:53.219 Left to themselves. 00:24:53.439 --> 00:24:54.899 And left to their own choices. 00:24:54.900 --> 00:24:55.000 Jesus. 00:24:55.460 --> 00:24:56.120 Could not. 00:24:56.120 --> 00:24:56.920 And would not. 00:24:56.920 --> 00:24:57.540 Respond. 00:24:57.540 --> 00:24:58.680 In faith and belief. 00:24:59.480 --> 00:25:00.400 Because sin. 00:25:00.580 --> 00:25:01.640 Had rendered them blind. 00:25:06.019 --> 00:25:06.740 God's people. 00:25:07.000 --> 00:25:07.420 Jesus knew. 00:25:07.500 --> 00:25:08.200 Were blind. 00:25:08.380 --> 00:25:08.940 And lost. 00:25:09.060 --> 00:25:09.620 And hopeless. 00:25:10.480 --> 00:25:11.640 Had no way. 00:25:11.720 --> 00:25:12.019 Of knowing. 00:25:12.120 --> 00:25:12.720 Which way out. 00:25:13.480 --> 00:25:13.840 And if. 00:25:13.940 --> 00:25:14.860 Even if it could work out. 00:25:14.920 --> 00:25:15.340 Which way out. 00:25:15.400 --> 00:25:15.980 They had no way. 00:25:15.980 --> 00:25:17.100 Of achieving that. 00:25:17.200 --> 00:25:17.960 Through their own ability. 00:25:17.960 --> 00:25:23.420 And that's why. 00:25:23.559 --> 00:25:24.100 I think Jesus. 00:25:24.100 --> 00:25:24.740 Was so. 00:25:25.259 --> 00:25:25.740 Openly. 00:25:25.819 --> 00:25:26.579 And consistently. 00:25:26.579 --> 00:25:27.519 Opposed. 00:25:27.519 --> 00:25:28.440 To the Jewish. 00:25:28.559 --> 00:25:29.200 Religious leaders. 00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:29.539 Because. 00:25:30.019 --> 00:25:30.799 They were teaching. 00:25:30.980 --> 00:25:31.559 Quite openly. 00:25:31.680 --> 00:25:32.120 God's people. 00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:32.660 They were teaching. 00:25:32.779 --> 00:25:33.140 God's people. 00:25:33.259 --> 00:25:33.920 That acceptance. 00:25:34.180 --> 00:25:34.740 And forgiveness. 00:25:34.940 --> 00:25:35.579 And relationship. 00:25:35.740 --> 00:25:36.059 With God. 00:25:36.500 --> 00:25:37.340 Could be achieved. 00:25:37.500 --> 00:25:38.360 Simply by. 00:25:38.740 --> 00:25:40.079 Being good Jews. 00:25:40.920 --> 00:25:41.500 And doing. 00:25:41.940 --> 00:25:42.559 Your share. 00:25:42.559 --> 00:25:44.700 Of religious rituals. 00:25:45.659 --> 00:25:46.519 Going to the temple. 00:25:46.679 --> 00:25:47.480 Offering sacrifice. 00:25:47.619 --> 00:25:48.279 Saying the prayers. 00:25:48.519 --> 00:25:48.980 Giving your. 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:49.259 Your. 00:25:49.579 --> 00:25:50.419 Your tithe. 00:25:52.639 --> 00:25:53.460 But Jesus. 00:25:53.579 --> 00:25:54.220 Knew that his people. 00:25:54.399 --> 00:25:55.599 Would never be accepted. 00:25:56.000 --> 00:25:56.759 On the basis. 00:25:56.899 --> 00:25:57.700 Of performance. 00:25:59.139 --> 00:26:00.139 So he comes. 00:26:00.179 --> 00:26:00.919 Into this world. 00:26:01.299 --> 00:26:02.480 And passionately. 00:26:03.000 --> 00:26:04.119 Offers them grace. 00:26:04.460 --> 00:26:04.819 Over. 00:26:04.819 --> 00:26:05.700 And over. 00:26:06.019 --> 00:26:06.700 And over. 00:26:07.039 --> 00:26:07.839 And over again. 00:26:09.879 --> 00:26:11.059 And grace is. 00:26:11.539 --> 00:26:12.440 Being saved. 00:26:12.559 --> 00:26:14.019 By his efforts. 00:26:14.659 --> 00:26:15.599 On our behalf. 00:26:17.139 --> 00:26:17.700 Substitution. 00:26:19.299 --> 00:26:20.639 He can get it right. 00:26:20.980 --> 00:26:22.359 When we don't have a ghost. 00:26:22.460 --> 00:26:22.879 Of a chance. 00:26:22.960 --> 00:26:23.599 Of getting it right. 00:26:25.819 --> 00:26:27.359 And even more than that. 00:26:28.539 --> 00:26:30.240 Even more amazing than that. 00:26:30.919 --> 00:26:32.019 As was modeled. 00:26:32.619 --> 00:26:33.919 In moving Lazarus. 00:26:34.019 --> 00:26:34.839 From death to light. 00:26:35.379 --> 00:26:36.220 Jesus actually. 00:26:37.139 --> 00:26:37.500 Intervenes. 00:26:37.759 --> 00:26:38.539 In the lives. 00:26:38.639 --> 00:26:39.539 Of his dead people. 00:26:40.039 --> 00:26:41.279 And makes them alive. 00:26:41.359 --> 00:26:42.220 To truth and righteousness. 00:26:43.359 --> 00:26:43.679 Why? 00:26:44.779 --> 00:26:46.279 Because nothing less. 00:26:46.399 --> 00:26:46.799 Than God. 00:26:46.919 --> 00:26:47.980 Than Jesus intervention. 00:26:47.980 --> 00:26:48.799 In our lives. 00:26:48.879 --> 00:26:49.460 By his spirit. 00:26:49.539 --> 00:26:50.179 Will guarantee. 00:26:51.179 --> 00:26:52.440 God's salvation plan. 00:26:52.519 --> 00:26:53.279 Will be successful. 00:26:53.679 --> 00:26:54.299 And that God. 00:26:54.359 --> 00:26:55.059 Will be glorified. 00:26:56.819 --> 00:26:57.519 So Jesus. 00:26:57.659 --> 00:26:58.799 Can't leave it to chance. 00:26:58.839 --> 00:26:59.159 As it were. 00:26:59.259 --> 00:26:59.679 Can't. 00:26:59.940 --> 00:27:01.139 Give us any responsibility. 00:27:01.139 --> 00:27:02.159 For our own salvation. 00:27:02.159 --> 00:27:03.440 Because we could stuff it up. 00:27:03.679 --> 00:27:04.799 And most likely will. 00:27:05.519 --> 00:27:06.819 Or almost certainly will. 00:27:07.679 --> 00:27:08.099 So God. 00:27:08.240 --> 00:27:09.460 Jesus actually intervenes. 00:27:09.659 --> 00:27:10.700 And makes his alive. 00:27:13.579 --> 00:27:14.839 So that the plan. 00:27:14.939 --> 00:27:15.500 Of the father. 00:27:15.619 --> 00:27:16.740 Might be seen by all. 00:27:17.819 --> 00:27:18.939 And the father himself. 00:27:19.079 --> 00:27:19.799 Might be glorified. 00:27:19.799 --> 00:27:25.019 And again. 00:27:25.019 --> 00:27:25.680 In these verses. 00:27:26.000 --> 00:27:26.779 God calls. 00:27:26.919 --> 00:27:28.039 Caiphas. 00:27:28.720 --> 00:27:29.240 To affirm. 00:27:29.339 --> 00:27:29.759 That Jesus. 00:27:29.919 --> 00:27:30.819 Is the good shepherd. 00:27:32.019 --> 00:27:32.919 So that back. 00:27:32.919 --> 00:27:33.559 In chapter 10. 00:27:33.799 --> 00:27:34.500 Jesus spoke about. 00:27:34.599 --> 00:27:35.259 Being the good shepherd. 00:27:35.359 --> 00:27:36.119 Who would seek out. 00:27:36.200 --> 00:27:36.960 His lost sheep. 00:27:37.379 --> 00:27:39.119 From all different folds. 00:27:39.259 --> 00:27:39.419 Yes. 00:27:39.460 --> 00:27:40.179 There'd be some Jews. 00:27:40.279 --> 00:27:40.619 Would believe. 00:27:40.720 --> 00:27:41.259 But there'd be people. 00:27:41.379 --> 00:27:42.319 From all around the world. 00:27:44.399 --> 00:27:45.220 And this is what. 00:27:45.379 --> 00:27:46.419 Caiphas affirms. 00:27:47.399 --> 00:27:48.159 That Jesus. 00:27:48.339 --> 00:27:48.980 Would seek out. 00:27:49.059 --> 00:27:49.839 His lost sheep. 00:27:50.359 --> 00:27:51.279 And bring them. 00:27:51.480 --> 00:27:52.179 Safely home. 00:27:52.279 --> 00:27:53.539 To enjoy abundant life. 00:27:55.039 --> 00:27:55.859 Where before. 00:27:55.980 --> 00:27:56.500 His intervention. 00:27:56.720 --> 00:27:57.159 They were just. 00:27:57.379 --> 00:27:57.779 Aimless. 00:27:57.940 --> 00:27:58.440 And lost. 00:27:58.579 --> 00:27:58.940 And hopeless. 00:28:02.379 --> 00:28:03.200 So my friend. 00:28:03.200 --> 00:28:04.220 We pause the story. 00:28:04.400 --> 00:28:05.059 We'll continue it. 00:28:05.080 --> 00:28:05.759 In a few weeks time. 00:28:05.819 --> 00:28:06.620 But we pause the story. 00:28:06.759 --> 00:28:07.500 For a few moments. 00:28:08.340 --> 00:28:09.120 Because it's appropriate. 00:28:09.279 --> 00:28:09.799 That you also. 00:28:09.960 --> 00:28:11.059 Consider your response. 00:28:11.140 --> 00:28:11.580 To Jesus. 00:28:17.500 --> 00:28:18.420 And so your choices. 00:28:18.660 --> 00:28:19.580 Are a bit limited. 00:28:19.580 --> 00:28:19.940 Really. 00:28:20.100 --> 00:28:20.319 I suppose. 00:28:20.420 --> 00:28:21.059 In some senses. 00:28:21.440 --> 00:28:21.980 At least I think. 00:28:22.019 --> 00:28:22.360 They're limited. 00:28:22.559 --> 00:28:22.680 But. 00:28:23.920 --> 00:28:24.900 Here's the first option. 00:28:25.019 --> 00:28:25.700 It could be something. 00:28:25.840 --> 00:28:26.200 Like this. 00:28:27.819 --> 00:28:29.059 Will the stench. 00:28:29.240 --> 00:28:29.720 And decay. 00:28:30.380 --> 00:28:31.340 As we consider. 00:28:31.480 --> 00:28:32.460 The death of Lazarus. 00:28:32.460 --> 00:28:33.480 And consider. 00:28:33.480 --> 00:28:34.740 Our own impending death. 00:28:34.840 --> 00:28:35.519 Will the stench. 00:28:35.660 --> 00:28:36.120 And decay. 00:28:36.120 --> 00:28:36.819 Of death. 00:28:38.220 --> 00:28:38.940 Drive us. 00:28:39.019 --> 00:28:39.559 To Jesus. 00:28:39.559 --> 00:28:40.319 For life. 00:28:40.579 --> 00:28:41.140 The fragrance. 00:28:41.259 --> 00:28:41.700 Of life. 00:28:44.559 --> 00:28:45.079 Life. 00:28:45.160 --> 00:28:45.740 And security. 00:28:46.160 --> 00:28:46.640 Not only. 00:28:46.740 --> 00:28:47.259 In this world. 00:28:47.840 --> 00:28:48.700 But in all eternity. 00:28:50.740 --> 00:28:51.220 Or. 00:28:51.360 --> 00:28:51.880 Like some. 00:28:51.920 --> 00:28:52.539 In this passage. 00:28:52.660 --> 00:28:53.160 Will Jesus. 00:28:53.279 --> 00:28:54.579 Be such a stench. 00:28:56.019 --> 00:28:57.319 In your nostrils. 00:28:57.579 --> 00:28:58.019 That you will. 00:28:58.079 --> 00:28:58.900 Turn away from him. 00:28:58.900 --> 00:29:00.240 Through fear. 00:29:00.240 --> 00:29:04.320 Through fear. 00:29:04.440 --> 00:29:04.900 Of losing. 00:29:05.060 --> 00:29:05.740 Your own personal. 00:29:05.740 --> 00:29:06.259 Sovereignty. 00:29:10.100 --> 00:29:11.400 But I'd say to you. 00:29:12.019 --> 00:29:12.820 As you consider. 00:29:12.820 --> 00:29:13.660 That choice. 00:29:15.080 --> 00:29:16.280 You will lose. 00:29:16.340 --> 00:29:16.920 Your own personal. 00:29:16.920 --> 00:29:17.280 Sovereignty. 00:29:17.380 --> 00:29:17.740 One day. 00:29:18.340 --> 00:29:19.080 It's called death. 00:29:21.080 --> 00:29:21.880 Then what? 00:29:21.880 --> 00:29:27.180 Will you believe. 00:29:27.420 --> 00:29:28.400 King Jesus. 00:29:28.620 --> 00:29:29.160 Recognizing. 00:29:29.300 --> 00:29:30.100 That his grace. 00:29:30.420 --> 00:29:31.080 In salvation. 00:29:31.220 --> 00:29:31.860 Is precisely. 00:29:31.860 --> 00:29:32.440 What you need. 00:29:33.540 --> 00:29:34.600 And is what he. 00:29:34.760 --> 00:29:35.380 Offers you. 00:29:35.800 --> 00:29:36.660 Right now. 00:29:37.260 --> 00:29:37.700 Right. 00:29:38.160 --> 00:29:38.400 Here. 00:29:38.480 --> 00:29:38.960 This morning. 00:29:43.900 --> 00:29:44.460 Or. 00:29:45.160 --> 00:29:46.020 Will you try. 00:29:46.100 --> 00:29:46.340 And walk. 00:29:46.400 --> 00:29:47.160 A middle line. 00:29:47.160 --> 00:29:49.160 Responding. 00:29:49.820 --> 00:29:50.180 Responding. 00:29:50.180 --> 00:29:50.860 To a Jesus. 00:29:50.860 --> 00:29:51.640 As you fashion. 00:29:52.380 --> 00:29:52.840 According. 00:29:52.940 --> 00:29:53.279 To your own. 00:29:53.519 --> 00:29:54.080 Convenience. 00:29:56.320 --> 00:29:57.220 So you take. 00:29:57.320 --> 00:29:58.000 The bits of Jesus. 00:29:58.000 --> 00:29:58.640 You like. 00:29:59.680 --> 00:30:00.820 And just add them. 00:30:00.880 --> 00:30:01.460 To your existing. 00:30:01.779 --> 00:30:02.779 Religious lifestyle. 00:30:04.980 --> 00:30:06.380 So you can have Jesus. 00:30:07.180 --> 00:30:07.700 And maintain. 00:30:07.880 --> 00:30:08.100 Your own. 00:30:08.180 --> 00:30:08.900 Personal sovereignty. 00:30:09.500 --> 00:30:10.600 But never really. 00:30:11.779 --> 00:30:12.560 Come under. 00:30:12.840 --> 00:30:13.420 The lordship. 00:30:13.779 --> 00:30:14.400 And the kingship. 00:30:14.440 --> 00:30:14.860 Of Jesus. 00:30:14.859 --> 00:30:17.959 It's yours. 00:30:17.959 --> 00:30:18.419 To consider. 00:30:19.779 --> 00:30:20.500 Let me pray. 00:30:27.000 --> 00:30:27.399 Lord. 00:30:27.479 --> 00:30:28.039 Your word. 00:30:28.579 --> 00:30:28.599 Has. 00:30:28.839 --> 00:30:29.399 You've caused it. 00:30:29.439 --> 00:30:29.939 To be written. 00:30:30.299 --> 00:30:31.199 At such depth. 00:30:31.740 --> 00:30:32.799 And with so many layers. 00:30:35.159 --> 00:30:35.759 We pray. 00:30:35.839 --> 00:30:36.459 That our response. 00:30:36.539 --> 00:30:36.919 To your word. 00:30:37.119 --> 00:30:37.379 Might be. 00:30:37.599 --> 00:30:38.240 Equally deep. 00:30:39.000 --> 00:30:40.000 And equally nuanced. 00:30:41.939 --> 00:30:42.779 Help us lord. 00:30:42.899 --> 00:30:43.639 Not simply. 00:30:43.779 --> 00:30:44.059 To say. 00:30:44.179 --> 00:30:44.599 We believe. 00:30:44.599 --> 00:30:45.079 In Jesus. 00:30:46.939 --> 00:30:47.500 Help us. 00:30:47.500 --> 00:30:47.759 To. 00:30:48.759 --> 00:30:49.119 Examine. 00:30:50.399 --> 00:30:50.879 Precisely. 00:30:50.959 --> 00:30:51.379 The Jesus. 00:30:51.500 --> 00:30:52.159 We believe in. 00:30:53.619 --> 00:30:54.039 Lest. 00:30:54.139 --> 00:30:54.859 We be found. 00:30:55.659 --> 00:30:56.480 To have a substitute. 00:30:56.619 --> 00:30:57.219 Or counterfeit. 00:30:57.299 --> 00:30:57.579 Jesus. 00:30:57.699 --> 00:30:58.500 Which is not real. 00:30:58.579 --> 00:30:58.839 At all. 00:30:59.519 --> 00:31:00.059 Help us lord. 00:31:00.740 --> 00:31:02.139 To bring our lives. 00:31:02.699 --> 00:31:03.159 To give up. 00:31:03.240 --> 00:31:03.879 Our own sovereignty. 00:31:04.319 --> 00:31:05.759 And bring our lives. 00:31:06.459 --> 00:31:07.439 Under your sovereignty. 00:31:10.019 --> 00:31:10.839 In Jesus name. 00:31:10.919 --> 00:31:11.199 I pray. 00:31:11.519 --> 00:31:11.699 Amen. 00:31:11.740 --> 00:31:12.380 Thank you. 00:31:13.440 --> 00:31:14.200 Thank you for listening. 00:31:14.299 --> 00:31:14.440 We feel. 00:31:14.440 --> 00:31:15.160 Thank you for listening. 00:31:15.160 --> 00:31:15.360 Thank you for listening. 00:31:15.360 --> 00:31:16.180 Thank you for listening. 00:31:16.180 --> 00:31:27.779 Thank you for listening. 00:31:27.779 --> 00:31:27.900 Thank you. 00:31:27.900 --> 00:31:28.220 Thanks for listening. 00:31:28.220 --> 00:31:28.940 Thank you. 00:31:28.940 --> 00:31:28.960 Thank you. 00:31:28.960 --> 00:31:30.319 Thank you for listening. 00:31:30.319 --> 00:31:32.799 Thank you for listening. 00:31:32.799 --> 00:31:36.200 Thank you for listening. 00:31:36.200 --> 00:31:37.660 Thank you. 00:31:37.660 --> 00:31:38.100 Thank you for listening.