WEBVTT 00:00:00.260 --> 00:00:07.660 Good morning, my name is Becky and today Struan and I will be reading from John 21 verses 1 to 19. 00:00:08.880 --> 00:00:14.060 Afterwards, Jesus appeared again to his disciples by the Sea of Galilee. 00:00:14.960 --> 00:00:16.280 It happened this way. 00:00:16.980 --> 00:00:23.420 Simon Peter, Thomas, also known as Dimaeus, Nathaniel from Canaan in Galilee, 00:00:23.940 --> 00:00:27.920 the sons of Seventy and the two other disciples were together. 00:00:27.920 --> 00:00:34.000 I'm going out to fish, Simon Peter told them, and they said, we'll go with you. 00:00:34.900 --> 00:00:39.719 So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 00:00:40.800 --> 00:00:46.980 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realise that it was Jesus. 00:00:47.960 --> 00:00:51.439 He called out to them, friends, haven't you any fish? 00:00:52.439 --> 00:00:53.760 No, they answered. 00:00:53.759 --> 00:00:59.019 He said, throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some. 00:00:59.659 --> 00:01:05.019 When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 00:01:05.959 --> 00:01:10.700 Then the disciples, whom Jesus loved, said to Peter, it is the Lord. 00:01:11.239 --> 00:01:15.759 As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, it is the Lord, 00:01:15.760 --> 00:01:21.480 he wrapped his outer garment around him, for he had taken it off and jumped into the water. 00:01:22.240 --> 00:01:24.020 The other disciples followed. 00:01:24.719 --> 00:01:27.859 They were not far from shore, about a hundred metres. 00:01:28.800 --> 00:01:31.620 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals. 00:01:32.300 --> 00:01:34.560 There were fish on it and some bread. 00:01:35.660 --> 00:01:39.240 Jesus said to them, bring some of the fish you have just caught. 00:01:39.239 --> 00:01:44.259 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. 00:01:44.919 --> 00:01:51.719 It was full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three, but even with so many, the net was not torn. 00:01:52.560 --> 00:01:54.959 Jesus said to them, come and have breakfast. 00:01:55.739 --> 00:01:59.079 None of the disciples dared ask him, who are you? 00:01:59.780 --> 00:02:01.099 They knew it was the Lord. 00:02:01.619 --> 00:02:08.900 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them and did the same with the fish. 00:02:09.620 --> 00:02:16.140 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples, after he was raised from the dead. 00:02:16.960 --> 00:02:20.000 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 00:02:20.659 --> 00:02:24.200 Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? 00:02:25.060 --> 00:02:26.200 Yes, Lord, he said. 00:02:26.640 --> 00:02:27.960 You know that I love you. 00:02:28.600 --> 00:02:30.420 Jesus said, feed my lambs. 00:02:32.280 --> 00:02:36.540 Again, Jesus said, Simon, son of John, do you love me? 00:02:36.539 --> 00:02:40.340 He answered, yes, Lord, you know that I love you. 00:02:40.900 --> 00:02:43.180 Jesus said, take care of my sheep. 00:02:44.259 --> 00:02:49.239 The third time he said to him, Simon, son of John, do you love me? 00:02:50.539 --> 00:02:55.319 Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, do you love me? 00:02:55.459 --> 00:02:58.500 He said, Lord, you know all things. 00:02:58.859 --> 00:03:00.259 You know that I love you. 00:03:00.259 --> 00:03:03.179 Jesus said, feed my sheep. 00:03:03.579 --> 00:03:09.979 Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you dressed yourself and went where you wanted. 00:03:10.719 --> 00:03:18.419 But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go. 00:03:18.419 --> 00:03:24.519 Jesus said, this is to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. 00:03:25.299 --> 00:03:27.299 Then he said to him, follow me. 00:03:28.899 --> 00:03:30.560 We're just going to pray now for Graham. 00:03:31.919 --> 00:03:39.579 Dear Lord, thank you that we can meet virtually to come together as your church this morning, Lord. 00:03:39.580 --> 00:03:46.440 I just pray that you would be with Graham as he speaks to us to speak through the gospel of John. 00:03:46.920 --> 00:03:57.060 I pray that we can open up our ears, our hearts and our minds to your gospel, your word, your life-giving word to us this morning. 00:03:57.800 --> 00:04:02.700 Again, be with Graham, encourage him, your spirit be upon him as he speaks in your name. 00:04:02.939 --> 00:04:03.320 Amen. 00:04:05.260 --> 00:04:06.380 Well, good morning, everyone. 00:04:06.460 --> 00:04:08.460 It's great to have you with us. 00:04:08.460 --> 00:04:19.000 We are finishing our little series that we've been in over the summer months where we've been looking at the encounters that Jesus had with people as we meet him in John's gospel. 00:04:19.560 --> 00:04:20.560 So we're going to finish this morning. 00:04:20.639 --> 00:04:23.720 Let me invite you to come to John chapter 21. 00:04:23.960 --> 00:04:26.460 This is where we're going to be in these wonderful verses. 00:04:27.460 --> 00:04:35.100 You see, when I was at school, one of the biggest names in showbiz and in the music industry was Robbie Williams. 00:04:35.800 --> 00:04:35.939 Right? 00:04:35.939 --> 00:04:37.079 Robbie had just left. 00:04:37.680 --> 00:04:42.800 Take that to a lot of tears and he was determined to go as a solo artist. 00:04:43.300 --> 00:04:44.620 And fair play to the guy. 00:04:44.740 --> 00:04:49.879 I mean, over a number of years he recorded, and I wrote this down, 14 official number ones. 00:04:50.240 --> 00:04:56.159 And actually he had more chart-topping albums in the UK than Elvis Presley. 00:04:57.319 --> 00:05:00.079 I'll just give you a taste of how influential he was at school. 00:05:00.079 --> 00:05:01.359 How popular he was. 00:05:01.800 --> 00:05:04.159 I remember turning over an exam paper once. 00:05:04.279 --> 00:05:04.339 Right? 00:05:04.599 --> 00:05:06.000 Controversial week to talk about exam papers. 00:05:06.079 --> 00:05:06.680 So this is what I did. 00:05:07.060 --> 00:05:09.479 Turned over an exam paper to see his lyrics. 00:05:10.019 --> 00:05:11.759 And it simply said, discuss. 00:05:13.439 --> 00:05:17.659 I remember being at school when Robbie Williams released a song and it was called No Regrets. 00:05:18.199 --> 00:05:18.439 Right? 00:05:18.500 --> 00:05:18.959 No Regrets. 00:05:19.039 --> 00:05:19.500 No one of this. 00:05:20.019 --> 00:05:20.979 No regrets. 00:05:20.980 --> 00:05:22.060 They don't work. 00:05:22.439 --> 00:05:23.400 No regrets. 00:05:23.560 --> 00:05:24.560 They only hurt. 00:05:25.800 --> 00:05:28.840 And so this song comes out and all of a sudden it becomes the done thing. 00:05:28.920 --> 00:05:29.900 The fashionable thing. 00:05:30.060 --> 00:05:36.540 To look back on your life and talk about it like you wouldn't change a single thing about it. 00:05:37.060 --> 00:05:37.439 Right? 00:05:37.439 --> 00:05:46.019 So to admit a mistake or to show a bit of weakness was a telltale sign that you needed to develop a more positive way of thinking. 00:05:46.139 --> 00:05:48.399 A more positive mental attitude. 00:05:48.600 --> 00:05:52.600 So you would go into town on the train and in every shop you would see these t-shirts. 00:05:52.720 --> 00:05:54.779 And I went on Amazon and they're still selling them today. 00:05:54.879 --> 00:05:57.199 They just simply said, no regrets. 00:05:59.220 --> 00:06:01.819 But here's the thing you come to see, I guess, as you get older. 00:06:01.819 --> 00:06:06.219 And as you learn a few lessons in the school of life. 00:06:07.199 --> 00:06:07.300 Right? 00:06:07.680 --> 00:06:08.040 Regrets. 00:06:09.319 --> 00:06:10.920 Man, I've got thousands of them. 00:06:12.939 --> 00:06:13.920 I've got wee ones. 00:06:15.379 --> 00:06:16.459 And I've got big ones. 00:06:17.560 --> 00:06:17.959 Right? 00:06:18.019 --> 00:06:20.399 I've got actions I look back on I can't undo. 00:06:20.600 --> 00:06:23.360 I've got words that I look back on I can't take back. 00:06:23.459 --> 00:06:26.500 I look at opportunities that I missed. 00:06:27.920 --> 00:06:30.439 And the thing is, isn't it, with our regrets, 00:06:30.439 --> 00:06:33.719 they can sit on us, they can weigh on us, 00:06:33.759 --> 00:06:38.279 and they can lead to a sense of shame and guilt and fear. 00:06:38.399 --> 00:06:42.439 And how often do our regrets leave a lasting scar on our life, 00:06:42.500 --> 00:06:44.920 sometimes that we bear for the rest of our days? 00:06:45.339 --> 00:06:50.819 Many of you will know the pain of what it is to carry around something like that for years. 00:06:52.220 --> 00:06:55.720 And so here's the question that this passage would ask us, 00:06:57.159 --> 00:06:59.620 is where do you run with your regrets? 00:07:01.160 --> 00:07:01.399 Right? 00:07:01.459 --> 00:07:02.060 Where do you go? 00:07:03.980 --> 00:07:06.540 You see, central to our passage today is this man named Peter. 00:07:08.139 --> 00:07:10.600 And I'm sure if you'd have asked him, in his life, 00:07:10.680 --> 00:07:12.959 what his biggest life regret is, 00:07:13.300 --> 00:07:20.379 he would have undoubtedly led you to the time when he denied Jesus three times. 00:07:20.379 --> 00:07:23.120 And if you've got your Bibles there, here's the thing that you'll see. 00:07:23.199 --> 00:07:28.680 If you flick back a few pages to chapter 13 and verse 34. 00:07:29.899 --> 00:07:34.120 So Jesus is with his disciples and he's told them what's going to happen. 00:07:34.199 --> 00:07:38.139 He said that he's going to Jerusalem to lay down his life on the cross. 00:07:38.459 --> 00:07:43.699 And he said that where he is going, the disciples cannot come. 00:07:43.699 --> 00:07:48.959 And so Peter hears this and he's clearly taking his brave pills that morning. 00:07:49.159 --> 00:07:51.339 He points to the other disciples and he says, 00:07:51.420 --> 00:07:55.139 see them, even if they fall away, even if they disown you, 00:07:55.180 --> 00:07:55.539 do you know what? 00:07:55.539 --> 00:07:57.579 I'm going to be right here, right next to you. 00:07:57.620 --> 00:07:59.360 We're going right there and I'm going to be your wingman. 00:07:59.439 --> 00:08:00.339 This is what he says. 00:08:00.339 --> 00:08:05.199 And just like Jesus knew, when that time came, 00:08:06.199 --> 00:08:07.579 three times Peter crumbled. 00:08:10.659 --> 00:08:12.659 Context of John 21, just before it, 00:08:13.519 --> 00:08:16.179 Jesus has died, Jesus has risen. 00:08:17.079 --> 00:08:20.339 And as we saw last week, Jesus has appeared to his disciples. 00:08:21.299 --> 00:08:23.859 And this is where we tap into chapter 21. 00:08:24.039 --> 00:08:25.500 Now we're going to spend most of our time, 00:08:25.559 --> 00:08:28.759 if you've got the text there, in verses 15 to 19. 00:08:28.759 --> 00:08:33.200 But I want us to see the encounter that Jesus has with his disciples 00:08:33.200 --> 00:08:34.980 in the first half of John 21. 00:08:35.460 --> 00:08:42.960 Because they just paint for us a magnificent portrait of who Jesus is. 00:08:43.220 --> 00:08:43.580 Right? 00:08:43.659 --> 00:08:44.279 You'll love this. 00:08:44.340 --> 00:08:44.919 Come with me. 00:08:45.200 --> 00:08:47.299 So the disciples have made their way, verse 1, 00:08:47.360 --> 00:08:48.720 you'll see to the Sea of Galilee. 00:08:48.819 --> 00:08:51.600 So this is the place where Jesus has told them to go. 00:08:51.700 --> 00:08:52.439 What are they doing? 00:08:53.319 --> 00:08:54.059 They're out fishing. 00:08:54.500 --> 00:08:54.659 Right? 00:08:54.700 --> 00:08:55.759 That's what they're used to do in a job. 00:08:55.860 --> 00:08:56.939 Here they go, they're out fishing. 00:08:56.940 --> 00:09:01.740 I know there's two things here about the disciples and about Jesus. 00:09:02.700 --> 00:09:02.860 Okay? 00:09:04.560 --> 00:09:05.980 Or there's three things, rather, actually. 00:09:06.740 --> 00:09:07.860 The disciples are helpless. 00:09:08.120 --> 00:09:08.660 Do you see that? 00:09:09.440 --> 00:09:10.260 They've been all night. 00:09:11.540 --> 00:09:12.940 Out all night, they've caught nothing. 00:09:14.160 --> 00:09:19.040 Jesus provides for them fish to eat and to catch. 00:09:19.720 --> 00:09:20.960 The disciples are hungry. 00:09:21.060 --> 00:09:21.880 They've been out all night. 00:09:21.940 --> 00:09:22.600 They've caught nothing. 00:09:22.740 --> 00:09:25.120 Jesus provides breakfast for them. 00:09:25.120 --> 00:09:27.019 The disciples are weary. 00:09:27.139 --> 00:09:27.980 They've been out all night. 00:09:28.039 --> 00:09:28.700 They've caught nothing. 00:09:28.799 --> 00:09:30.460 And Jesus says, come and eat. 00:09:32.000 --> 00:09:37.639 In fact, the language there, it's the invitation is more than just come and fill your stomachs. 00:09:37.720 --> 00:09:37.820 Right? 00:09:37.940 --> 00:09:42.799 It's Jesus is saying, come and spend time with me. 00:09:42.799 --> 00:09:47.259 Let me refresh you with my presence. 00:09:48.019 --> 00:09:51.079 As you take in who I am and what's going on here. 00:09:51.419 --> 00:09:55.199 Do you see all the way through this little section, the initiative is all from Jesus. 00:09:56.679 --> 00:09:58.099 He's going towards them. 00:09:58.219 --> 00:09:59.219 He's making the moves. 00:09:59.319 --> 00:10:00.419 He's providing all the things. 00:10:00.699 --> 00:10:01.639 Here's the point. 00:10:01.639 --> 00:10:12.659 That before these men spend themselves in the service of Jesus, they must themselves be served by Jesus. 00:10:13.600 --> 00:10:24.120 You see, way before this Christian discipleship thing is about their commitment to him, it's first and foremost about his commitment to them. 00:10:24.120 --> 00:10:27.580 And so he says, come and have breakfast. 00:10:27.840 --> 00:10:33.620 I mean, how wonderful a lesson that is for everyday disciples then, everyday disciples now. 00:10:33.700 --> 00:10:45.019 The importance of spending time resting in, walking with, knowing every day that Jesus who has loved us. 00:10:45.019 --> 00:10:53.720 In fact, it was George Muller, the Christian evangelist who set up many orphanages down in Bristol. 00:10:53.840 --> 00:10:54.659 I remember he used to live there. 00:10:54.720 --> 00:10:55.960 He used to talk about this man. 00:10:56.159 --> 00:11:02.179 And he used to say, with so many pressing things, pressing in on his to-do list, so many things going around in his head. 00:11:02.240 --> 00:11:05.720 Somebody once asked him, what is the most important thing that you start your day with? 00:11:05.720 --> 00:11:15.920 And he said that the great and primary business to which he ought to attend every day was to have his soul happy in the Lord. 00:11:18.139 --> 00:11:19.840 Jesus says, come and have breakfast. 00:11:21.660 --> 00:11:28.540 In verse 15, the camera turns to focus in on this conversation between Peter and Jesus. 00:11:28.539 --> 00:11:41.219 And so with Peter's threefold denial of Jesus hanging here in the background, the Lamb of God, he goes straight for the elephant in the room. 00:11:42.839 --> 00:11:49.159 So I want you to savour two wonderful things about Jesus as we see him here. 00:11:49.959 --> 00:11:51.799 Okay, as we see him interacting with Peter. 00:11:51.899 --> 00:11:52.860 Here's the first one. 00:11:52.860 --> 00:11:58.300 And I want us to see and I want you to know how Jesus treats us when we fail him. 00:11:59.720 --> 00:12:02.080 Now let's pause here just for a minute. 00:12:02.259 --> 00:12:05.259 Okay, and here's what I was thinking this week. 00:12:05.340 --> 00:12:07.820 What would I have done in this situation if I were Jesus? 00:12:09.100 --> 00:12:09.379 Right? 00:12:09.560 --> 00:12:15.800 Given everything that Peter's done in this point, how would I have approached this conversation around this charcoal fire having breakfast? 00:12:15.940 --> 00:12:18.440 Here's what I would have been tempted to do. 00:12:18.440 --> 00:12:23.280 I would have been tempted to answer every question that somebody asked me with the words cock-a-doodle-doo. 00:12:23.400 --> 00:12:24.580 That's what I would have done, right? 00:12:25.080 --> 00:12:30.800 I would have scratched my ear with three fingers and I would have stared intently in Peter's direction. 00:12:32.440 --> 00:12:33.900 But that's not what Jesus does. 00:12:35.720 --> 00:12:37.780 Jesus has one simple question for Peter. 00:12:38.040 --> 00:12:38.580 Do you see it? 00:12:39.240 --> 00:12:44.300 Verse 15, he simply asks, do you love me? 00:12:44.299 --> 00:12:49.339 Again, verse 16, do you love me? 00:12:50.000 --> 00:12:54.559 And finally, verse 17, he says, do you love me? 00:12:55.979 --> 00:13:04.659 And I think what's going on here is Jesus is leading Peter back to that place of simple, childlike faith. 00:13:05.959 --> 00:13:07.659 I mean, that's all he's got, isn't it, Peter? 00:13:07.839 --> 00:13:08.620 That's all he's got. 00:13:08.679 --> 00:13:12.399 He can't point back to his past performance and say, see. 00:13:12.399 --> 00:13:13.500 Do you see it? 00:13:13.559 --> 00:13:14.799 Do you see what I did for you? 00:13:15.059 --> 00:13:16.659 Do you see how I performed for you? 00:13:16.740 --> 00:13:17.720 Do you see how I stood? 00:13:18.480 --> 00:13:19.459 No, he can't say that. 00:13:19.620 --> 00:13:24.740 He simply says, Lord, in my weakness and in my failing, you alone know my heart. 00:13:26.840 --> 00:13:42.159 And Jesus deals with Peter's three-time failure around a charcoal fire by bringing out from deep within him this three-fold confession of his simple love for him around another charcoal fire. 00:13:42.159 --> 00:13:43.399 On the beach. 00:13:44.399 --> 00:13:46.899 And just take a moment and take that in. 00:13:49.339 --> 00:13:52.100 Are you not so glad that Jesus is like this? 00:13:53.919 --> 00:14:02.399 That the posture that's most natural to him is not a finger whack, but rather it's wide open arms. 00:14:02.399 --> 00:14:09.259 That he doesn't back off when his people fall and say, you need to get your act together before I come close. 00:14:09.579 --> 00:14:13.600 It's almost like our failings instinctively draw him to us. 00:14:14.860 --> 00:14:15.939 He presses near. 00:14:16.799 --> 00:14:18.819 Those verses that we read right at the start. 00:14:19.019 --> 00:14:22.840 Truly a faint wick he will not snuff out. 00:14:23.220 --> 00:14:27.319 Truly a bruised reed he will not break. 00:14:27.320 --> 00:14:33.260 And the truth is, friends, that we have given Jesus countless reasons to discard us. 00:14:34.320 --> 00:14:36.500 To go and look for a better team member. 00:14:36.620 --> 00:14:39.780 To go and look for somebody who would perform better. 00:14:39.920 --> 00:14:42.980 And yet none of those reasons have changed his mind about us. 00:14:43.660 --> 00:14:45.020 He has loved us. 00:14:47.560 --> 00:14:49.600 And there's one author I read recently put it. 00:14:50.180 --> 00:14:50.920 This is great. 00:14:50.919 --> 00:14:53.399 Who would have come up with a Jesus? 00:14:56.719 --> 00:14:57.479 Now here's the thing. 00:14:57.559 --> 00:15:01.819 Before we think this is simply Jesus saying, Peter let's let bygones be bygones. 00:15:01.939 --> 00:15:05.259 And he's sweeping Peter's sin under the carpet. 00:15:05.439 --> 00:15:06.719 He gives him a slap on the wrist. 00:15:06.839 --> 00:15:07.679 And he says, denial. 00:15:07.879 --> 00:15:08.759 What denial? 00:15:09.240 --> 00:15:10.959 Remember the context of this. 00:15:12.079 --> 00:15:16.419 Jesus has died on the cross for the sins of his people. 00:15:16.419 --> 00:15:19.000 The sin, particularly Peter's situation here. 00:15:19.059 --> 00:15:22.299 The sin that he knew Peter was going to do. 00:15:22.459 --> 00:15:24.959 The sin that deserved God's righteous judgment. 00:15:25.539 --> 00:15:28.979 And for that judgment eternally to rely squarely on his people. 00:15:29.339 --> 00:15:32.919 Jesus drinks the cup of God's wrath dry. 00:15:33.079 --> 00:15:38.259 So that you and I do not need to swallow a drop of it if our faith is in him. 00:15:40.199 --> 00:15:41.740 And Jesus has really risen. 00:15:41.740 --> 00:15:50.139 Meaning that the price of our failures, of our sin, that price has been paid and has been paid in full. 00:15:50.220 --> 00:15:56.680 And that means that that guilty verdict which stood against us out with Jesus now says that it doesn't stand against you. 00:15:56.759 --> 00:16:03.360 Meaning that whatever you've done, the truth is that we cannot out sin the cross of Christ. 00:16:04.580 --> 00:16:08.159 That our sin is vast but his mercy is more. 00:16:08.159 --> 00:16:13.199 Though our shame is deep, his grace is deeper still. 00:16:13.620 --> 00:16:14.740 And that's the gospel. 00:16:16.419 --> 00:16:19.419 And this is where we see it in John chapter 21. 00:16:22.219 --> 00:16:27.360 You know, Alex and I, we had a few days away to get there recently in North Queensfery. 00:16:27.959 --> 00:16:29.779 Very exotic place. 00:16:30.659 --> 00:16:34.279 I remember for the first time in our lives what we did is we crossed the fourth road bridge. 00:16:34.360 --> 00:16:34.439 Right? 00:16:34.459 --> 00:16:36.419 I've never walked across the bridge before. 00:16:36.419 --> 00:16:38.860 I've lived here pretty much my entire life. 00:16:39.000 --> 00:16:42.419 And I remember going across that bridge when it was open. 00:16:42.500 --> 00:16:45.379 But today, that bridge only takes larger vehicles. 00:16:45.639 --> 00:16:45.719 Right? 00:16:45.740 --> 00:16:46.439 You might know that. 00:16:47.319 --> 00:16:51.539 So actually when we're walking across this bridge, it was a very peaceful experience. 00:16:51.659 --> 00:16:53.179 We're like, well this is really, really nice. 00:16:54.839 --> 00:16:59.179 Every so often what would happen though is that we'd feel the bridge beginning to shake. 00:16:59.899 --> 00:17:00.139 Right? 00:17:00.139 --> 00:17:04.099 And it seemed that the shaking increased all the time. 00:17:04.220 --> 00:17:07.079 To the point where we looked at one another and thought, what is going on here? 00:17:07.440 --> 00:17:09.619 And then we turned around simply to see. 00:17:09.700 --> 00:17:11.220 Do you know what it was that was causing the shake? 00:17:11.480 --> 00:17:12.180 One bus. 00:17:13.460 --> 00:17:14.160 One bus. 00:17:15.420 --> 00:17:18.220 And all of a sudden you realise that's why they needed to build the new bridge. 00:17:18.460 --> 00:17:18.879 Isn't it? 00:17:20.500 --> 00:17:22.379 And if you look at the new bridge, here's what you'll see. 00:17:22.380 --> 00:17:28.120 You'll see three massive towers which are holding the thing together. 00:17:28.860 --> 00:17:33.200 And here's what you'll read if you go on the website that the bridge has. 00:17:34.100 --> 00:17:39.940 You'll read that they spent, to get those towers in place, they spent 15 full days. 00:17:40.340 --> 00:17:41.140 Continuous days. 00:17:41.260 --> 00:17:42.020 24 hour days. 00:17:42.360 --> 00:17:43.320 15 days. 00:17:43.780 --> 00:17:48.140 Pouring concrete down underneath the bridge to get the foundations. 00:17:48.480 --> 00:17:48.600 Right? 00:17:48.720 --> 00:17:49.700 15 days. 00:17:49.700 --> 00:17:53.279 And here's what they knew as they learnt from the old bridge. 00:17:54.059 --> 00:17:56.720 That when the wind comes, and it comes, doesn't it? 00:17:57.600 --> 00:18:00.340 And when the storms fall over it. 00:18:00.440 --> 00:18:02.279 And the other night, woof, that was a storm. 00:18:03.160 --> 00:18:04.660 And when the waves batter it. 00:18:04.720 --> 00:18:06.580 When the traffic rallies across it. 00:18:06.620 --> 00:18:11.460 The only thing that's going to help that bridge stand against what comes against it. 00:18:12.460 --> 00:18:13.500 Is the foundations. 00:18:15.559 --> 00:18:16.880 It's all about the foundations. 00:18:16.880 --> 00:18:21.760 And the thing is, as we gaze at Jesus here. 00:18:22.760 --> 00:18:23.120 Right? 00:18:23.160 --> 00:18:26.360 And as we take in the full glory of the gospel. 00:18:27.700 --> 00:18:29.980 This is the concrete of the Christian life. 00:18:31.540 --> 00:18:34.260 Because here is what, and I was trying to get into this this week. 00:18:34.340 --> 00:18:35.340 Is thinking about Peter. 00:18:36.440 --> 00:18:38.700 Here is what, I reckon, blows his mind. 00:18:39.200 --> 00:18:40.180 In this moment. 00:18:40.240 --> 00:18:44.520 As he experiences the joy and the forgiveness and the redeeming grace of Jesus. 00:18:44.519 --> 00:18:44.819 Right? 00:18:45.299 --> 00:18:46.420 He looks at Jesus. 00:18:46.759 --> 00:18:47.539 And he thinks. 00:18:48.299 --> 00:18:49.859 If the one I failed. 00:18:50.599 --> 00:18:52.680 And the one I saw die now lives. 00:18:53.579 --> 00:18:53.960 And. 00:18:54.500 --> 00:18:55.900 If coupled with that. 00:18:56.119 --> 00:18:57.359 If he is not against me. 00:18:57.440 --> 00:18:58.599 He is for me. 00:18:59.559 --> 00:19:01.039 Bring those two things together. 00:19:01.400 --> 00:19:04.019 Then my life couldn't be in a better place. 00:19:04.019 --> 00:19:06.940 I mean friends. 00:19:06.980 --> 00:19:08.500 Isn't it interesting when you think about it. 00:19:08.539 --> 00:19:08.680 Right? 00:19:08.759 --> 00:19:12.879 That given the role that Jesus knows that Peter is going to play. 00:19:13.579 --> 00:19:18.200 From this point on in terms of the establishment and the growth of the capital C church. 00:19:18.960 --> 00:19:19.180 Right? 00:19:19.220 --> 00:19:21.440 That the last conversation that these two have. 00:19:21.740 --> 00:19:23.279 Before Jesus goes to heaven. 00:19:23.539 --> 00:19:25.759 Is not ten ways to grow the church. 00:19:26.619 --> 00:19:26.900 Right? 00:19:26.900 --> 00:19:30.319 Or five steps to be a brilliant leader. 00:19:30.319 --> 00:19:35.839 Or the seven most strategic cities to reach for the spread of Christianity. 00:19:36.939 --> 00:19:37.259 Right? 00:19:37.319 --> 00:19:39.639 Do you see how the last conversation these two have. 00:19:39.839 --> 00:19:41.419 With all that going on in the background. 00:19:41.559 --> 00:19:42.599 All that in front of them. 00:19:42.799 --> 00:19:45.759 Is all about Jesus establishing in Peter's mind. 00:19:46.059 --> 00:19:47.299 His commitment to. 00:19:47.559 --> 00:19:49.460 And his love for Peter. 00:19:51.539 --> 00:19:52.599 That's the foundation. 00:19:53.599 --> 00:19:54.700 Of all of this. 00:19:56.419 --> 00:19:57.799 Is the answer to that question. 00:19:57.879 --> 00:19:58.519 Do you love me? 00:19:58.519 --> 00:20:02.700 You know maybe you're watching this. 00:20:02.779 --> 00:20:03.519 Maybe you're tuning in. 00:20:04.639 --> 00:20:05.599 You're not a Christian. 00:20:05.759 --> 00:20:07.139 You wouldn't call yourself that. 00:20:07.240 --> 00:20:08.859 You wouldn't say that you follow Jesus. 00:20:09.019 --> 00:20:10.279 Here's the thing I want you to know. 00:20:10.920 --> 00:20:14.019 That you will not find a love like this. 00:20:15.079 --> 00:20:16.359 Anywhere else in your life. 00:20:18.220 --> 00:20:20.000 Maybe today is the day where you say. 00:20:20.119 --> 00:20:20.700 Yes Jesus. 00:20:20.839 --> 00:20:22.000 I do love you. 00:20:22.379 --> 00:20:23.440 In a simple way. 00:20:23.500 --> 00:20:23.819 But you know what? 00:20:23.839 --> 00:20:24.500 It's not about my. 00:20:24.740 --> 00:20:25.980 The strength of my faith. 00:20:25.980 --> 00:20:27.200 It's about who you are. 00:20:27.200 --> 00:20:29.100 Maybe that's what you need to do today. 00:20:29.539 --> 00:20:29.860 Do you know what? 00:20:29.900 --> 00:20:31.220 Maybe you are a Christian. 00:20:32.740 --> 00:20:33.920 Let me just ask you. 00:20:34.380 --> 00:20:35.779 Is your soul. 00:20:37.279 --> 00:20:38.500 Deeply satisfied. 00:20:40.220 --> 00:20:42.900 With the deep deep love of Jesus for you. 00:20:45.799 --> 00:20:46.720 Maybe once again. 00:20:46.819 --> 00:20:48.519 You need to open the curtains of your heart. 00:20:48.519 --> 00:20:52.160 And you need to let the light of his love for you. 00:20:52.539 --> 00:20:54.000 Flood every square inch. 00:20:54.500 --> 00:20:55.200 Of it. 00:20:57.500 --> 00:20:58.519 It's a foundation. 00:20:58.759 --> 00:20:59.619 This is the gospel. 00:20:59.799 --> 00:21:02.319 This is what we build our lives upon. 00:21:02.859 --> 00:21:03.700 We build it. 00:21:03.900 --> 00:21:04.559 Not on ourselves. 00:21:04.700 --> 00:21:05.379 We build it. 00:21:05.579 --> 00:21:07.099 On who Christ is. 00:21:07.420 --> 00:21:08.960 And you see flowing from that foundation. 00:21:09.119 --> 00:21:10.940 This is the second thing that I want us to see. 00:21:11.180 --> 00:21:14.139 Is how Jesus shows us how to follow him. 00:21:14.140 --> 00:21:16.640 So Jesus goes on. 00:21:16.680 --> 00:21:16.920 Doesn't he. 00:21:16.940 --> 00:21:18.700 To talk about how Peter's love for him. 00:21:19.380 --> 00:21:21.820 How it will manifest itself in his life. 00:21:22.780 --> 00:21:22.940 Right. 00:21:23.040 --> 00:21:24.759 And is it impassionate singing. 00:21:24.960 --> 00:21:26.100 Is it in fanatic reading. 00:21:26.300 --> 00:21:27.500 Is it in diligent serving. 00:21:27.620 --> 00:21:27.720 No. 00:21:27.780 --> 00:21:28.140 Actually. 00:21:28.520 --> 00:21:29.420 According to Jesus. 00:21:29.880 --> 00:21:31.700 How Peter's love for him. 00:21:31.759 --> 00:21:32.900 Is going to express itself. 00:21:33.000 --> 00:21:34.960 Is going to be in two very ordinary ways. 00:21:36.120 --> 00:21:36.420 Right. 00:21:36.480 --> 00:21:37.720 It will mean loving his people. 00:21:38.800 --> 00:21:39.980 Loving Jesus his people. 00:21:39.980 --> 00:21:42.440 So when Jesus says to Peter. 00:21:42.539 --> 00:21:43.480 Verse 16 and 17. 00:21:43.620 --> 00:21:43.839 He says. 00:21:43.920 --> 00:21:44.319 What did he say? 00:21:44.420 --> 00:21:45.460 Feed my lambs. 00:21:46.460 --> 00:21:47.519 Shepherd my sheep. 00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:49.559 He's talking about his people. 00:21:49.980 --> 00:21:50.880 And I want you to see. 00:21:51.059 --> 00:21:51.980 How much Jesus. 00:21:52.900 --> 00:21:53.339 Loves. 00:21:53.960 --> 00:21:54.799 His people. 00:21:54.980 --> 00:21:56.000 His commitment to them. 00:21:56.079 --> 00:21:56.539 Do you see it? 00:21:56.759 --> 00:21:57.980 The people that he's purchased. 00:21:58.339 --> 00:21:59.299 For himself. 00:21:59.420 --> 00:22:00.220 With his blood. 00:22:00.480 --> 00:22:01.519 On the cross. 00:22:01.640 --> 00:22:02.339 What does he say? 00:22:02.440 --> 00:22:03.360 He's saying isn't he? 00:22:03.500 --> 00:22:04.519 These are my people. 00:22:05.279 --> 00:22:06.599 They are precious to me. 00:22:06.680 --> 00:22:07.700 They are wonderful to me. 00:22:07.700 --> 00:22:08.440 And I love them. 00:22:08.440 --> 00:22:10.500 And he wants Peter to care for them. 00:22:10.600 --> 00:22:11.180 What job. 00:22:12.360 --> 00:22:13.100 What task. 00:22:13.220 --> 00:22:13.740 What a privilege. 00:22:13.900 --> 00:22:14.620 What a responsibility. 00:22:16.360 --> 00:22:17.480 To look after them. 00:22:17.660 --> 00:22:19.180 To provide for them. 00:22:19.299 --> 00:22:20.299 To seek them out. 00:22:20.420 --> 00:22:21.160 To care for them. 00:22:21.259 --> 00:22:22.200 To wash their feet. 00:22:22.320 --> 00:22:22.880 To visit them. 00:22:22.960 --> 00:22:23.640 To listen to them. 00:22:23.740 --> 00:22:24.340 To know them. 00:22:24.440 --> 00:22:25.160 To speak to them. 00:22:25.480 --> 00:22:26.660 To love them. 00:22:27.580 --> 00:22:30.019 Like Jesus has loved him. 00:22:30.320 --> 00:22:31.860 And so here's the pastoral equation. 00:22:31.980 --> 00:22:32.960 I think we need to see. 00:22:34.299 --> 00:22:35.480 Love for Jesus. 00:22:36.440 --> 00:22:36.880 Equals. 00:22:36.880 --> 00:22:38.520 Love for his people. 00:22:41.700 --> 00:22:42.620 You know I remember reading. 00:22:43.620 --> 00:22:45.080 A biography of John Newton. 00:22:45.080 --> 00:22:46.260 A few years ago. 00:22:46.440 --> 00:22:47.240 The English minister. 00:22:47.360 --> 00:22:48.660 The guy who wrote Amazing Grace. 00:22:48.820 --> 00:22:49.940 And it was incredible. 00:22:50.100 --> 00:22:50.760 Because the people. 00:22:51.100 --> 00:22:52.940 Who lived round about John Newton. 00:22:53.120 --> 00:22:53.220 Right. 00:22:53.260 --> 00:22:55.360 They just saw how he loved people. 00:22:55.920 --> 00:22:56.040 Right. 00:22:56.040 --> 00:22:56.860 Just everyday people. 00:22:56.980 --> 00:22:59.140 But particularly people in his church. 00:22:59.320 --> 00:23:01.180 And how he just welcomed people. 00:23:01.180 --> 00:23:02.100 Into his home. 00:23:02.099 --> 00:23:03.859 And the locals round about. 00:23:03.980 --> 00:23:05.099 Nicknamed his home. 00:23:05.439 --> 00:23:07.419 The Asylum for the Afflicted. 00:23:08.759 --> 00:23:10.119 As he saw how he loved people. 00:23:11.919 --> 00:23:12.740 And it's a wonderful picture. 00:23:12.839 --> 00:23:12.939 Isn't it? 00:23:12.939 --> 00:23:14.919 Of true biblical hospitality. 00:23:14.920 --> 00:23:18.279 You know I must say some of the stories. 00:23:18.279 --> 00:23:20.120 That have encouraged me the most. 00:23:20.759 --> 00:23:23.160 Over this incredibly difficult season. 00:23:23.160 --> 00:23:23.880 Of lockdown. 00:23:24.000 --> 00:23:24.620 As your pastor. 00:23:24.740 --> 00:23:24.860 Right. 00:23:24.880 --> 00:23:26.320 The stories that encourage me most. 00:23:26.380 --> 00:23:27.360 Are the ones where I've. 00:23:28.080 --> 00:23:29.700 I've heard about the phone calls. 00:23:30.120 --> 00:23:30.360 Right. 00:23:30.440 --> 00:23:31.940 And I've heard about the Zoom calls. 00:23:32.100 --> 00:23:32.840 And I've heard about the trips. 00:23:32.840 --> 00:23:34.320 That you've made to one another's houses. 00:23:34.320 --> 00:23:35.519 And you've waved at the window. 00:23:35.660 --> 00:23:35.840 Right. 00:23:35.839 --> 00:23:38.519 And just your way of expressing to one another. 00:23:38.759 --> 00:23:40.539 That you care for each other. 00:23:41.720 --> 00:23:42.859 It's wonderful to see. 00:23:43.459 --> 00:23:44.740 Because that's the way isn't it. 00:23:44.759 --> 00:23:46.819 That Jesus says that the world will know. 00:23:46.919 --> 00:23:47.799 And recognize us. 00:23:47.859 --> 00:23:50.439 That the way that we love one another. 00:23:52.619 --> 00:23:53.899 And you see how it's going to mean. 00:23:53.980 --> 00:23:54.519 Bringing the. 00:23:55.519 --> 00:23:56.259 For Peter here. 00:23:56.319 --> 00:23:57.779 The green grass of God's word. 00:23:57.779 --> 00:24:00.359 To God's people. 00:24:00.639 --> 00:24:01.539 To his flock. 00:24:01.639 --> 00:24:03.039 So that they can eat and live. 00:24:03.419 --> 00:24:04.279 And be nourished. 00:24:04.639 --> 00:24:05.519 By God's word. 00:24:06.759 --> 00:24:06.939 You know. 00:24:06.980 --> 00:24:07.599 As God's spirit. 00:24:07.879 --> 00:24:09.459 As he brings the. 00:24:10.259 --> 00:24:11.339 Spiritual nourishment. 00:24:11.599 --> 00:24:13.579 To the hearts of God's people. 00:24:13.819 --> 00:24:14.139 Through. 00:24:14.959 --> 00:24:15.720 The words. 00:24:17.059 --> 00:24:17.299 You know. 00:24:17.319 --> 00:24:17.679 I find. 00:24:17.779 --> 00:24:18.899 The more I go on in this. 00:24:20.119 --> 00:24:20.519 Job. 00:24:20.879 --> 00:24:21.959 Every time I go out. 00:24:22.000 --> 00:24:22.439 To meet somebody. 00:24:22.519 --> 00:24:23.279 I take my Bible. 00:24:24.759 --> 00:24:25.659 And what I love to do. 00:24:25.740 --> 00:24:27.199 Is just to speak truth to people. 00:24:27.199 --> 00:24:28.119 And so often. 00:24:28.279 --> 00:24:28.539 That the. 00:24:29.059 --> 00:24:29.639 What I share. 00:24:29.879 --> 00:24:31.539 Is never just the textbook verses. 00:24:31.740 --> 00:24:32.759 The ones that they teach you. 00:24:32.819 --> 00:24:33.439 In seminary. 00:24:33.579 --> 00:24:33.740 Right. 00:24:34.439 --> 00:24:35.339 The ones that I've found. 00:24:35.339 --> 00:24:36.119 Are most effective. 00:24:36.259 --> 00:24:37.699 Are the ones that I have fed. 00:24:38.000 --> 00:24:39.059 On in my own soul. 00:24:39.059 --> 00:24:39.619 That morning. 00:24:39.679 --> 00:24:40.619 And I'm just passing on. 00:24:41.619 --> 00:24:41.819 Right. 00:24:41.879 --> 00:24:42.659 As if to say. 00:24:43.119 --> 00:24:44.179 From one sheep. 00:24:44.299 --> 00:24:44.599 Who's. 00:24:45.839 --> 00:24:46.679 Chewed here. 00:24:46.759 --> 00:24:47.439 And as has found. 00:24:47.839 --> 00:24:48.199 Nourishment. 00:24:48.439 --> 00:24:49.500 And great delight here. 00:24:49.559 --> 00:24:51.119 Would you come and feast here. 00:24:51.199 --> 00:24:51.599 As well. 00:24:51.679 --> 00:24:53.159 And enjoy the good shepherd. 00:24:53.379 --> 00:24:54.039 Isn't it great. 00:24:56.539 --> 00:24:57.259 Following Jesus. 00:24:57.259 --> 00:24:58.480 Means loving his people. 00:24:59.199 --> 00:24:59.939 Loving his people. 00:24:59.940 --> 00:25:02.360 And it means carrying your cross. 00:25:03.600 --> 00:25:04.940 Verse 18 and 19. 00:25:05.820 --> 00:25:06.840 Jesus lays out. 00:25:06.920 --> 00:25:07.920 What life is going to be like. 00:25:08.100 --> 00:25:08.160 From. 00:25:08.299 --> 00:25:08.779 For Peter. 00:25:08.940 --> 00:25:09.160 From. 00:25:09.720 --> 00:25:10.620 This point on. 00:25:10.680 --> 00:25:11.539 Do you see what he says. 00:25:11.799 --> 00:25:13.019 His life will end with. 00:25:13.980 --> 00:25:15.440 Somebody taking him. 00:25:16.720 --> 00:25:17.580 To a place. 00:25:17.660 --> 00:25:19.140 That he does not want to go. 00:25:20.620 --> 00:25:20.900 Right. 00:25:20.940 --> 00:25:21.799 And if we were in any doubt. 00:25:21.920 --> 00:25:22.940 John adds verse 19. 00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:24.420 That Jesus is speaking about. 00:25:24.620 --> 00:25:25.360 His death. 00:25:25.440 --> 00:25:26.140 The way that he's. 00:25:26.480 --> 00:25:27.220 Going to die. 00:25:27.220 --> 00:25:28.220 Right. 00:25:28.819 --> 00:25:29.980 If you look up church tradition. 00:25:30.720 --> 00:25:31.680 You'll read that. 00:25:32.500 --> 00:25:34.059 Peter died upside down. 00:25:34.700 --> 00:25:34.880 Right. 00:25:34.940 --> 00:25:35.960 Didn't feel worthy of being. 00:25:36.100 --> 00:25:37.259 Crucified like his Lord. 00:25:37.700 --> 00:25:39.019 During the great fire of Rome. 00:25:39.059 --> 00:25:39.420 In Nero. 00:25:39.579 --> 00:25:40.519 64 BC. 00:25:41.240 --> 00:25:42.559 Now that may or may not have happened. 00:25:42.640 --> 00:25:43.740 Exactly like that. 00:25:43.839 --> 00:25:44.000 But. 00:25:44.539 --> 00:25:46.160 It's almost certain that. 00:25:46.380 --> 00:25:47.279 When this gospel. 00:25:47.620 --> 00:25:48.220 Is written. 00:25:48.220 --> 00:25:49.480 That Peter has lived. 00:25:49.640 --> 00:25:50.440 And has died. 00:25:51.440 --> 00:25:52.220 And so this is almost. 00:25:52.299 --> 00:25:53.059 John's way of seeing. 00:25:53.140 --> 00:25:54.200 Jesus knew exactly. 00:25:54.380 --> 00:25:55.100 What was going to happen. 00:25:55.220 --> 00:25:56.319 In Peter's life. 00:25:57.220 --> 00:25:59.960 And the point surely. 00:26:00.160 --> 00:26:00.660 Is that Peter. 00:26:00.900 --> 00:26:01.299 Is to go. 00:26:01.380 --> 00:26:02.600 Is going to glorify God. 00:26:02.860 --> 00:26:03.900 From this point on. 00:26:03.940 --> 00:26:04.460 In his life. 00:26:04.779 --> 00:26:05.759 All the way through. 00:26:05.860 --> 00:26:06.539 To his death. 00:26:07.740 --> 00:26:08.440 A life. 00:26:08.500 --> 00:26:09.160 And a death. 00:26:10.140 --> 00:26:11.000 That screams. 00:26:11.140 --> 00:26:11.860 To the world. 00:26:12.380 --> 00:26:13.120 That Jesus. 00:26:13.480 --> 00:26:14.799 Is worth it. 00:26:16.740 --> 00:26:18.200 I was praying this week. 00:26:18.200 --> 00:26:18.420 Right. 00:26:18.559 --> 00:26:18.660 And. 00:26:19.600 --> 00:26:20.140 As I. 00:26:20.140 --> 00:26:21.120 As I kind of responded. 00:26:21.120 --> 00:26:21.640 To this. 00:26:21.740 --> 00:26:22.360 My prayer. 00:26:22.640 --> 00:26:22.940 Was. 00:26:23.700 --> 00:26:23.880 Lord. 00:26:23.960 --> 00:26:24.400 Help me. 00:26:24.779 --> 00:26:25.140 Finish. 00:26:25.720 --> 00:26:26.059 Strong. 00:26:26.059 --> 00:26:28.539 Let me go hard. 00:26:29.099 --> 00:26:30.119 And let me finish. 00:26:30.779 --> 00:26:31.139 Well. 00:26:32.720 --> 00:26:33.500 Finish strong. 00:26:33.619 --> 00:26:33.779 Do you know. 00:26:33.859 --> 00:26:34.579 Our lives. 00:26:34.740 --> 00:26:36.200 They most likely won't. 00:26:36.500 --> 00:26:37.559 End like Peter's. 00:26:37.599 --> 00:26:37.720 Right. 00:26:37.779 --> 00:26:38.879 We most likely won't. 00:26:38.899 --> 00:26:39.700 Won't be crucified. 00:26:40.440 --> 00:26:41.339 But we have to remember. 00:26:41.500 --> 00:26:42.079 That that is a. 00:26:42.419 --> 00:26:43.460 Distinct possibility. 00:26:43.679 --> 00:26:44.659 For many Christians. 00:26:44.740 --> 00:26:45.359 Around the world. 00:26:45.480 --> 00:26:45.980 To own. 00:26:46.619 --> 00:26:47.779 And bear the name of Jesus. 00:26:47.980 --> 00:26:49.159 Their story will end like this. 00:26:49.220 --> 00:26:50.240 But ours might not. 00:26:50.740 --> 00:26:51.519 And yet the call. 00:26:51.599 --> 00:26:52.339 On our lives. 00:26:52.399 --> 00:26:53.319 As we follow. 00:26:53.319 --> 00:26:54.700 This man. 00:26:56.119 --> 00:26:57.319 Is to have our lives. 00:26:57.539 --> 00:26:58.480 Exclaimed to the world. 00:26:58.579 --> 00:26:59.419 That he is. 00:26:59.639 --> 00:27:00.059 Worth it. 00:27:00.819 --> 00:27:01.939 And to bear his name. 00:27:02.000 --> 00:27:02.740 Right to the end. 00:27:04.700 --> 00:27:05.059 Willingly. 00:27:05.200 --> 00:27:05.720 Own his name. 00:27:07.279 --> 00:27:07.460 You know. 00:27:07.460 --> 00:27:08.220 Many of you might know. 00:27:08.359 --> 00:27:09.019 Derek Prime. 00:27:09.119 --> 00:27:09.500 He was the. 00:27:10.159 --> 00:27:10.899 Former pastor. 00:27:10.899 --> 00:27:11.139 Of. 00:27:12.139 --> 00:27:12.939 Charlotte Chapel. 00:27:13.039 --> 00:27:13.679 A number of years ago. 00:27:13.779 --> 00:27:14.119 And he died. 00:27:14.220 --> 00:27:14.799 And went to be home. 00:27:14.919 --> 00:27:15.399 With the Lord. 00:27:15.639 --> 00:27:16.000 Recently. 00:27:17.039 --> 00:27:17.339 And you know. 00:27:17.399 --> 00:27:18.460 One of my favorite stories. 00:27:18.539 --> 00:27:19.240 I heard about him. 00:27:19.359 --> 00:27:19.460 Was. 00:27:20.099 --> 00:27:21.559 Right until the very end. 00:27:21.559 --> 00:27:22.220 Of his life. 00:27:23.159 --> 00:27:23.759 That he was. 00:27:24.319 --> 00:27:25.200 In his care home. 00:27:25.319 --> 00:27:25.639 Presumably. 00:27:25.740 --> 00:27:26.799 He was still handing out. 00:27:26.839 --> 00:27:27.639 Gospel tracts. 00:27:27.720 --> 00:27:28.079 And books. 00:27:28.159 --> 00:27:28.839 To his carers. 00:27:29.599 --> 00:27:30.639 And he often told them. 00:27:30.720 --> 00:27:31.259 About the hymns. 00:27:31.279 --> 00:27:31.859 That he'd been singing. 00:27:31.980 --> 00:27:32.480 That morning. 00:27:33.940 --> 00:27:34.559 And his grandson. 00:27:34.679 --> 00:27:34.960 Andy. 00:27:35.079 --> 00:27:35.980 Who's a friend of mine. 00:27:36.079 --> 00:27:36.700 He spoke about. 00:27:36.759 --> 00:27:37.240 How every time. 00:27:37.259 --> 00:27:38.519 He went to see his grandpa. 00:27:38.919 --> 00:27:39.859 It was almost like. 00:27:39.919 --> 00:27:41.359 Jesus was sitting next to him. 00:27:41.399 --> 00:27:41.899 In the room. 00:27:43.899 --> 00:27:44.480 And he's going right. 00:27:44.559 --> 00:27:45.559 Strong to the end. 00:27:46.819 --> 00:27:47.599 And being willing. 00:27:47.740 --> 00:27:48.779 In life and death. 00:27:48.940 --> 00:27:50.519 To live a life. 00:27:50.519 --> 00:27:51.339 That exclaims. 00:27:51.379 --> 00:27:52.740 That Jesus is worth it. 00:27:53.279 --> 00:27:54.299 That I willingly. 00:27:54.559 --> 00:27:55.139 And I love. 00:27:55.200 --> 00:27:55.819 And I love. 00:27:56.900 --> 00:27:57.299 Lovingly. 00:27:57.500 --> 00:27:58.359 Bear his name. 00:27:58.539 --> 00:27:59.639 I own his name. 00:27:59.779 --> 00:28:00.680 I'm with him. 00:28:02.119 --> 00:28:02.559 Dying. 00:28:02.680 --> 00:28:03.319 Going strong. 00:28:03.440 --> 00:28:03.940 For Jesus. 00:28:06.660 --> 00:28:07.220 So friends. 00:28:07.259 --> 00:28:07.920 Just as we finish. 00:28:07.980 --> 00:28:08.839 Let me ask you again. 00:28:09.519 --> 00:28:11.099 Where do you run with your regrets? 00:28:12.980 --> 00:28:14.519 Where do you go with your shame? 00:28:16.139 --> 00:28:16.400 You see. 00:28:16.440 --> 00:28:17.019 Here is Peter. 00:28:17.019 --> 00:28:19.180 He's a man who's experienced. 00:28:19.619 --> 00:28:20.720 The transforming. 00:28:21.639 --> 00:28:22.859 Grace of Jesus. 00:28:22.859 --> 00:28:23.879 In his life. 00:28:23.879 --> 00:28:24.879 And he testifies. 00:28:25.599 --> 00:28:26.339 To the truth. 00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:27.400 And here's the truth. 00:28:28.420 --> 00:28:29.299 That failure. 00:28:29.559 --> 00:28:29.879 Is never final. 00:28:30.799 --> 00:28:31.639 With God. 00:28:34.059 --> 00:28:35.220 And here's what he writes. 00:28:35.279 --> 00:28:35.859 In his letter. 00:28:36.000 --> 00:28:36.619 And you can read this. 00:28:36.700 --> 00:28:37.720 In 1 Peter 2. 00:28:37.839 --> 00:28:38.759 Verse 24. 00:28:39.139 --> 00:28:39.960 Here he is. 00:28:40.059 --> 00:28:40.940 Writing as a pastor. 00:28:41.980 --> 00:28:43.240 Writing to his flock. 00:28:43.299 --> 00:28:44.180 And he says this. 00:28:44.680 --> 00:28:44.960 He says. 00:28:45.039 --> 00:28:45.879 Get your eyes on Jesus. 00:28:45.880 --> 00:28:46.400 He says. 00:28:46.720 --> 00:28:47.600 He himself. 00:28:47.760 --> 00:28:49.100 Bore our sins. 00:28:49.580 --> 00:28:50.700 In his body. 00:28:51.040 --> 00:28:52.120 On the cross. 00:28:52.320 --> 00:28:53.140 So that. 00:28:53.700 --> 00:28:55.860 We might die to sins. 00:28:56.380 --> 00:28:58.000 And live for righteousness. 00:28:59.920 --> 00:29:01.380 By his wounds. 00:29:02.020 --> 00:29:02.420 You. 00:29:02.880 --> 00:29:03.240 Have. 00:29:03.580 --> 00:29:03.860 Been. 00:29:04.480 --> 00:29:04.880 Healed. 00:29:05.540 --> 00:29:06.820 Where does he take his sheep? 00:29:06.900 --> 00:29:08.420 He takes them straight to the. 00:29:09.060 --> 00:29:10.940 The feet of the great physician. 00:29:13.040 --> 00:29:13.640 He says. 00:29:13.740 --> 00:29:14.440 Run to Jesus. 00:29:14.440 --> 00:29:15.440 He says. 00:29:15.440 --> 00:29:15.900 He hears. 00:29:15.900 --> 00:29:16.080 He hears. 00:29:16.080 --> 00:29:16.200 He hears. 00:29:16.360 --> 00:29:17.920 What the gospel says. 00:29:18.539 --> 00:29:20.860 And I want you to hear me clearly. 00:29:21.779 --> 00:29:23.220 That the scars. 00:29:23.220 --> 00:29:24.580 From your regrets. 00:29:25.340 --> 00:29:25.420 That. 00:29:25.640 --> 00:29:26.039 That. 00:29:26.039 --> 00:29:26.160 That. 00:29:26.160 --> 00:29:26.480 That. 00:29:26.480 --> 00:29:28.460 Can often define your life. 00:29:28.559 --> 00:29:29.420 And who you are. 00:29:29.539 --> 00:29:30.400 Do they define you? 00:29:30.519 --> 00:29:30.759 No. 00:29:31.299 --> 00:29:32.400 What defines you. 00:29:32.480 --> 00:29:32.700 Rather. 00:29:32.880 --> 00:29:33.700 Is the scars. 00:29:33.700 --> 00:29:34.880 That Jesus bore. 00:29:34.880 --> 00:29:35.580 For us. 00:29:35.640 --> 00:29:36.500 On the cross. 00:29:36.680 --> 00:29:37.700 And that he still. 00:29:37.960 --> 00:29:38.259 Bears. 00:29:38.380 --> 00:29:39.720 In his resurrected body. 00:29:40.059 --> 00:29:40.920 Those are the things. 00:29:40.920 --> 00:29:41.539 That define. 00:29:42.059 --> 00:29:42.860 Who we are. 00:29:42.859 --> 00:29:45.559 The world says. 00:29:45.639 --> 00:29:46.439 No regrets. 00:29:47.279 --> 00:29:47.599 Right. 00:29:48.679 --> 00:29:49.779 But the gospel says. 00:29:49.779 --> 00:29:50.879 Something so much better. 00:29:50.979 --> 00:29:51.279 It says. 00:29:51.339 --> 00:29:52.319 No condemnation. 00:29:53.879 --> 00:29:54.519 It says. 00:29:54.659 --> 00:29:55.359 No thing. 00:29:56.079 --> 00:29:57.839 Will be able to separate you. 00:29:58.339 --> 00:29:59.839 From the love of God. 00:30:00.159 --> 00:30:00.539 In. 00:30:01.079 --> 00:30:01.839 Christ Jesus. 00:30:02.419 --> 00:30:02.979 So friends. 00:30:03.059 --> 00:30:04.379 Where do we run with our regrets? 00:30:04.740 --> 00:30:06.519 We run to the son of God. 00:30:06.639 --> 00:30:07.719 Who loved us. 00:30:07.959 --> 00:30:09.619 And gave himself for us. 00:30:09.619 --> 00:30:11.439 And so I'm going to pray. 00:30:11.579 --> 00:30:12.339 Just as we close. 00:30:12.439 --> 00:30:13.439 But here's what I want you to do. 00:30:13.459 --> 00:30:14.559 I just want you to take a minute. 00:30:15.879 --> 00:30:17.739 And I just want you to think on these things. 00:30:17.799 --> 00:30:19.199 We're going to have a few questions after this. 00:30:19.259 --> 00:30:20.559 But just in this moment of silence. 00:30:20.599 --> 00:30:21.479 I just want you to. 00:30:22.199 --> 00:30:22.959 Spend time. 00:30:23.659 --> 00:30:24.379 With your Lord. 00:30:25.459 --> 00:30:26.619 Just before we close. 00:30:26.619 --> 00:30:47.779 So Father. 00:30:47.859 --> 00:30:48.939 I thank you for your word. 00:30:50.939 --> 00:30:52.159 That tells us. 00:30:53.259 --> 00:30:55.419 About your incredible love for us. 00:30:55.420 --> 00:30:59.100 That sent Jesus. 00:31:00.460 --> 00:31:01.400 Who is. 00:31:01.779 --> 00:31:03.560 Love covered over in flesh. 00:31:04.660 --> 00:31:06.480 And I pray for those of us. 00:31:07.539 --> 00:31:08.539 Listening today. 00:31:09.320 --> 00:31:10.140 Who feel. 00:31:10.700 --> 00:31:11.300 Burdened. 00:31:11.580 --> 00:31:12.340 And weary. 00:31:13.539 --> 00:31:14.560 I pray that. 00:31:14.980 --> 00:31:16.740 The sweetness of the gospel. 00:31:17.940 --> 00:31:20.000 Would impact their hearts. 00:31:21.279 --> 00:31:21.680 Father. 00:31:21.820 --> 00:31:23.019 Thank you so much for your. 00:31:23.519 --> 00:31:24.360 Great love for us. 00:31:24.359 --> 00:31:25.459 Thank you that Jesus. 00:31:26.119 --> 00:31:26.979 He lives. 00:31:27.639 --> 00:31:28.359 And he ever. 00:31:28.659 --> 00:31:29.459 Pleads for us. 00:31:29.539 --> 00:31:30.459 At your right hand. 00:31:31.059 --> 00:31:31.500 And so. 00:31:31.819 --> 00:31:32.939 He is our confidence. 00:31:33.539 --> 00:31:34.259 And it's in his. 00:31:34.379 --> 00:31:35.559 Precious and worthy name. 00:31:35.599 --> 00:31:36.059 That we pray. 00:31:36.679 --> 00:31:37.079 Amen.