WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:29.480 Well we're diving right into the middle section of Luke's Gospel this morning and if we're unfamiliar with Luke there's a bit of a change of direction in his whole gospel there's a new energy and there's a new focus because Luke chapter 9 verse 51 marks the start of a journey for the Lord Jesus if you look there when the days drew near for him to be taken up Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:54.019 And this journey to Jerusalem is a kind of constant theme really from this point really until the end of the Gospel of Luke and along the way people will come and listen to Jesus' road trip soundtrack as he travels along he'll hear them teach and preach and they'll either join him on the journey or they'll let him pass them by. 00:00:54.020 --> 00:01:04.939 Luke punctuates his narrative for the next 10 chapters with little journey markers like verse 57 if you look there as they were going along the road. 00:01:05.980 --> 00:01:08.740 And then chapter 10 verse 38 there's another one. 00:01:09.140 --> 00:01:11.340 Now as they went on their way. 00:01:12.300 --> 00:01:18.200 You see this is now all about this momentum forwards going with Jesus on this journey. 00:01:18.200 --> 00:01:26.260 I've noticed in our passage there are words like go and going and follow and following repeated again and again. 00:01:26.740 --> 00:01:40.840 Jesus is moving forwards on his mission on this journey and he calls people to join with him and to move with him and to go with him and to press on to journey and to follow. 00:01:40.840 --> 00:01:43.840 There is this forward momentum in Luke. 00:01:44.880 --> 00:01:47.420 And he wants movement from us. 00:01:47.520 --> 00:01:50.840 He wants progress as we follow him. 00:01:50.840 --> 00:02:01.359 But in our section today Jesus meets three characters three would be followers who are resisting this momentum. 00:02:02.600 --> 00:02:05.780 There's a pull in another direction from them. 00:02:06.719 --> 00:02:09.300 And in response Jesus makes a bold claim. 00:02:09.520 --> 00:02:14.259 He claims that there is nothing as important as him. 00:02:15.199 --> 00:02:17.699 And there is nothing as good as him. 00:02:17.699 --> 00:02:25.579 In life there is no one who takes higher priority and nothing that deserves higher praise. 00:02:26.019 --> 00:02:28.419 So we need to go in the direction of Jesus. 00:02:29.419 --> 00:02:34.179 And not to resist that momentum as he calls us to follow him. 00:02:35.019 --> 00:02:36.819 We're going to think about those two things. 00:02:38.159 --> 00:02:41.560 Nothing is as important and nothing is as good as Jesus Christ. 00:02:42.339 --> 00:02:45.919 We're looking at verses 57 to 62. 00:02:46.120 --> 00:02:47.259 So the second paragraph. 00:02:47.699 --> 00:02:48.299 Particularly. 00:02:49.439 --> 00:02:51.759 Lots of things are important in life aren't they? 00:02:52.780 --> 00:02:55.939 But nothing is as important as Jesus Christ to us of all. 00:02:56.060 --> 00:03:00.679 And we see don't we three potential followers in this little chunk here. 00:03:01.299 --> 00:03:05.219 And two of these potential followers want to come with Jesus. 00:03:06.500 --> 00:03:08.639 But they have prior duties. 00:03:08.899 --> 00:03:10.239 They have prior engagements. 00:03:10.240 --> 00:03:13.659 Important things that they need to do. 00:03:13.659 --> 00:03:17.000 And they want to settle before they follow Jesus. 00:03:17.400 --> 00:03:19.000 Look at the guy in verse 59. 00:03:19.700 --> 00:03:21.420 Jesus says follow me. 00:03:22.379 --> 00:03:27.040 But he says Lord let me first go and bury my father. 00:03:27.039 --> 00:03:30.939 And then there's the guy in verse 61 isn't there. 00:03:30.939 --> 00:03:36.959 I will follow you Lord but let me first say farewell to everyone at my house. 00:03:37.639 --> 00:03:38.280 In my home. 00:03:39.419 --> 00:03:42.979 You see with both of those men or people. 00:03:43.379 --> 00:03:44.959 The momentum is forward isn't it? 00:03:45.000 --> 00:03:46.840 But there is this sense of hesitancy. 00:03:47.680 --> 00:03:50.019 And of delay and of holding back. 00:03:50.020 --> 00:03:56.140 You are important Lord but let me first go and do this. 00:03:57.160 --> 00:03:58.820 Yes Lord you are important. 00:03:59.219 --> 00:04:00.660 Forward is the right thing. 00:04:00.800 --> 00:04:03.020 But I have to take a step backwards. 00:04:04.480 --> 00:04:07.920 I am following but I need to look back just for this one thing. 00:04:07.919 --> 00:04:11.199 They are people who hold back aren't they? 00:04:11.559 --> 00:04:15.879 Because they don't see the importance of following Jesus. 00:04:17.740 --> 00:04:20.779 And they have got other things that they feel are more important. 00:04:22.539 --> 00:04:26.459 Now actually both of them have got pretty important things to do haven't they? 00:04:26.519 --> 00:04:29.120 They have got important reasons to hold back maybe. 00:04:30.060 --> 00:04:33.379 And it sounds a bit like Jesus is being a bit impatient. 00:04:33.379 --> 00:04:38.600 And the guy who needs to bury his father. 00:04:38.740 --> 00:04:42.019 Jesus says to him let the dead bury their own dead. 00:04:42.959 --> 00:04:46.620 The one who wants to say goodbye to people at his home. 00:04:46.719 --> 00:04:50.480 He says no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God. 00:04:52.219 --> 00:04:54.060 Jesus is very clear isn't he? 00:04:54.180 --> 00:04:56.819 I am more important than your father's burial. 00:04:57.899 --> 00:05:02.000 I am more important than your family connections and your affections. 00:05:02.000 --> 00:05:06.759 And if you don't agree with that then you are not fit for the kingdom of God. 00:05:07.879 --> 00:05:08.339 It's brutal. 00:05:10.379 --> 00:05:11.819 They are pretty important requests. 00:05:12.300 --> 00:05:14.560 They are pretty good excuses it feels like. 00:05:14.939 --> 00:05:17.480 The first one seems totally legit doesn't it? 00:05:17.519 --> 00:05:19.040 Even in Jewish law. 00:05:19.540 --> 00:05:21.519 To go and bury his father. 00:05:22.399 --> 00:05:27.500 You can read in Deuteronomy about important responsibilities that families had. 00:05:28.000 --> 00:05:29.339 To care for the elderly. 00:05:29.339 --> 00:05:31.819 And to bury them in the right way. 00:05:33.019 --> 00:05:41.060 And remember that Jesus himself has commanded that caring for elderly parents is an important duty. 00:05:41.179 --> 00:05:46.139 If you were here a few Sunday mornings ago when Paul preached from Matthew 15. 00:05:46.639 --> 00:05:51.379 Do you remember there were people who were getting through loopholes. 00:05:51.379 --> 00:05:53.699 Man made loopholes in God's law. 00:05:54.300 --> 00:05:57.139 To keep money back from elderly care. 00:05:58.819 --> 00:06:03.420 They were using it on religious observance weren't they? 00:06:03.480 --> 00:06:05.759 And they were saying to their parents listen it's okay. 00:06:06.100 --> 00:06:08.920 Because what would have been given to you has been given to God. 00:06:09.600 --> 00:06:11.279 And Jesus slams them for that. 00:06:12.139 --> 00:06:14.439 He says no you're breaking the fifth commandment. 00:06:15.079 --> 00:06:16.779 To honour your father and your mother. 00:06:16.779 --> 00:06:19.579 And so if you follow Jesus. 00:06:20.579 --> 00:06:24.459 This is something that he is going to direct you to do isn't it? 00:06:24.500 --> 00:06:25.759 To care for the elderly. 00:06:26.159 --> 00:06:27.519 And to look after your parents. 00:06:28.000 --> 00:06:29.239 And to treat them with dignity. 00:06:31.119 --> 00:06:34.019 And so is Jesus contradicting himself suddenly? 00:06:34.019 --> 00:06:43.399 Why does Jesus seem to respond to this request of burying his father so insensitively? 00:06:45.180 --> 00:06:47.479 Well this is a unique moment isn't it? 00:06:47.659 --> 00:06:50.819 This is a moment where a comparison is being made. 00:06:51.919 --> 00:06:55.019 And a question of priority is being asked. 00:06:56.279 --> 00:06:58.139 Yes elderly care is a duty. 00:06:58.719 --> 00:07:02.639 But it falls under the greater priority of following Jesus. 00:07:04.019 --> 00:07:07.060 In fact following Jesus gives importance. 00:07:08.120 --> 00:07:11.539 And meaning to the command to care for the elderly. 00:07:12.539 --> 00:07:18.680 But the man is asking for permission to fulfil what he saw as a more important thing. 00:07:19.659 --> 00:07:22.240 Before coming to the Lord Jesus isn't he? 00:07:22.539 --> 00:07:27.159 He is prioritising this duty over the duty to follow Jesus. 00:07:28.159 --> 00:07:30.379 And it is funny how Jesus answers isn't it? 00:07:30.439 --> 00:07:31.659 If you look in verse 16. 00:07:31.660 --> 00:07:36.560 Leave the dead to bury their own dead. 00:07:37.900 --> 00:07:41.340 But as for you go and proclaim the kingdom of God. 00:07:42.700 --> 00:07:45.180 Sounds like something out of a zombie movie. 00:07:45.460 --> 00:07:47.800 Leave the dead to bury their own dead. 00:07:48.320 --> 00:07:49.600 I think what he is saying there. 00:07:49.640 --> 00:07:52.180 He is talking there about the spiritually dead. 00:07:52.180 --> 00:07:55.860 Burying the physically dead. 00:07:57.060 --> 00:07:57.800 He is saying. 00:07:57.800 --> 00:07:58.840 Hang on a minute. 00:07:59.600 --> 00:08:00.939 The task. 00:08:01.160 --> 00:08:01.819 The job. 00:08:02.000 --> 00:08:02.939 The priority. 00:08:03.180 --> 00:08:05.199 The thing that you need to do. 00:08:05.360 --> 00:08:08.060 The task of burying your father. 00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:10.759 Can be left to. 00:08:10.920 --> 00:08:12.720 And done perfectly well. 00:08:12.819 --> 00:08:13.660 By others. 00:08:14.460 --> 00:08:17.060 Who have not received the privilege. 00:08:17.060 --> 00:08:19.280 Of knowing me and my message. 00:08:20.740 --> 00:08:22.160 And non-believers. 00:08:23.300 --> 00:08:25.699 He calls them the spiritually dead. 00:08:25.699 --> 00:08:29.439 And what you should do now. 00:08:29.439 --> 00:08:30.459 He says to the man. 00:08:30.659 --> 00:08:32.200 Now that you've met me. 00:08:32.439 --> 00:08:33.759 Is do something. 00:08:34.259 --> 00:08:35.600 That only now. 00:08:35.600 --> 00:08:39.319 Now you have the gift and ability to be able to do. 00:08:39.799 --> 00:08:42.580 Which is to go and proclaim the kingdom of God. 00:08:42.580 --> 00:08:45.480 In other words. 00:08:45.639 --> 00:08:46.420 There are times. 00:08:46.560 --> 00:08:47.980 When it's not wrong. 00:08:48.300 --> 00:08:50.340 To let the spiritually dead. 00:08:50.440 --> 00:08:51.600 As Jesus calls them. 00:08:51.960 --> 00:08:53.220 Of non-believers. 00:08:53.360 --> 00:08:54.060 Or the world. 00:08:54.180 --> 00:08:55.580 Outside the church. 00:08:56.300 --> 00:08:58.680 Do what they can do for themselves. 00:09:00.080 --> 00:09:03.100 So as to have more time to do for them. 00:09:03.200 --> 00:09:05.120 What they cannot do for themselves. 00:09:06.920 --> 00:09:08.320 Now you have me. 00:09:08.440 --> 00:09:09.900 You have a greater responsibility. 00:09:10.259 --> 00:09:11.520 And a greater priority. 00:09:11.700 --> 00:09:12.320 Jesus says. 00:09:12.320 --> 00:09:14.379 Now let me try and illustrate this a little bit. 00:09:14.980 --> 00:09:17.340 I think we've got a few doctors in this morning. 00:09:17.440 --> 00:09:18.220 We've got a few nurses. 00:09:18.340 --> 00:09:18.760 Haven't we? 00:09:19.240 --> 00:09:20.980 I think we've even got a heart surgeon. 00:09:21.280 --> 00:09:22.620 David Lefroy is in. 00:09:22.760 --> 00:09:23.980 Our resident heart surgeon. 00:09:24.780 --> 00:09:26.440 Now I am not certain about this. 00:09:26.500 --> 00:09:28.160 I haven't spoken to David about this. 00:09:28.240 --> 00:09:29.900 But I reckon there's a pretty good chance. 00:09:30.060 --> 00:09:32.240 That David has never received a patient. 00:09:33.220 --> 00:09:34.379 In his surgery. 00:09:34.660 --> 00:09:36.720 And he's ready in his scrubs. 00:09:36.800 --> 00:09:37.340 And all of that. 00:09:38.080 --> 00:09:39.340 And just before. 00:09:39.760 --> 00:09:41.680 Performing vital heart surgery. 00:09:41.679 --> 00:09:43.599 Says to his patients. 00:09:44.500 --> 00:09:46.779 Do you mind if I polish your shoes for you? 00:09:48.479 --> 00:09:50.679 Would you like me to sing you a little song? 00:09:51.779 --> 00:09:53.899 Would you like me to give you a little puppet show? 00:09:54.699 --> 00:09:56.379 Or read you a bedtime story? 00:09:56.379 --> 00:10:00.480 Those things are not wrong things to do are they? 00:10:00.539 --> 00:10:01.720 They're great things to do. 00:10:02.679 --> 00:10:04.879 But if that was me under the scalpel. 00:10:05.399 --> 00:10:08.279 Just before the anesthetic took hold on me. 00:10:08.360 --> 00:10:09.299 I'd want to say David. 00:10:09.419 --> 00:10:09.659 Look. 00:10:10.000 --> 00:10:10.899 Don't waste your time. 00:10:10.980 --> 00:10:12.519 That is not what you are here for. 00:10:13.519 --> 00:10:14.939 Get on and do the job. 00:10:15.000 --> 00:10:16.559 That only you can do. 00:10:17.559 --> 00:10:18.700 Be a surgeon. 00:10:18.700 --> 00:10:25.120 Somebody once said that a surgeon doesn't waste time polishing his patient's shoes. 00:10:26.680 --> 00:10:31.220 And with the unique gifts that he or she has. 00:10:31.900 --> 00:10:34.100 There comes a new set of priorities. 00:10:34.300 --> 00:10:34.840 Doesn't there? 00:10:34.840 --> 00:10:37.480 As a patient comes in. 00:10:37.560 --> 00:10:38.540 One after the other. 00:10:38.860 --> 00:10:40.500 On the NHS I'm sure. 00:10:41.060 --> 00:10:43.860 The priority is to get them operated on. 00:10:43.920 --> 00:10:44.300 Isn't it? 00:10:45.460 --> 00:10:50.180 And not to mess around with things that other people could be doing for them. 00:10:50.179 --> 00:10:56.959 And so the man who delays here with some kind of sense of duty for the greater good of burying his father. 00:10:57.459 --> 00:11:00.299 Doesn't understand the gift that he's been given. 00:11:00.979 --> 00:11:02.199 As he meets Jesus. 00:11:03.819 --> 00:11:07.099 He's been negligent of the more important thing now. 00:11:08.500 --> 00:11:11.779 Because he's been given a greater duty and a greater priority. 00:11:13.719 --> 00:11:16.139 And if he doesn't fulfil that duty. 00:11:16.399 --> 00:11:20.159 He's even being false and negligent to his father isn't he? 00:11:20.639 --> 00:11:21.899 Who he's so worried about. 00:11:23.120 --> 00:11:26.979 Because he's ignored his father's most important need. 00:11:27.299 --> 00:11:29.099 Which is to hear the gospel of the kingdom. 00:11:31.620 --> 00:11:33.620 Jesus says now you know me. 00:11:33.699 --> 00:11:34.839 I am more important. 00:11:35.120 --> 00:11:36.839 And there is nothing as important as me. 00:11:37.799 --> 00:11:41.500 And so your priorities have shifted around me and my message. 00:11:43.959 --> 00:11:46.539 That's why all we seek to do as a church. 00:11:46.559 --> 00:11:49.899 If you're a visitor today and you're kind of wondering what are we about. 00:11:50.179 --> 00:11:51.719 What is this church about? 00:11:51.720 --> 00:11:58.100 All we do is under the greater priority of proclaiming the kingdom of God. 00:11:59.340 --> 00:12:01.360 That is what makes us tick. 00:12:02.139 --> 00:12:03.379 That is what we're about. 00:12:04.060 --> 00:12:05.560 All that we do is about that. 00:12:05.820 --> 00:12:08.800 To bring glory to God and to tell people about him. 00:12:08.799 --> 00:12:12.759 To make disciples of all nations. 00:12:13.179 --> 00:12:16.139 Baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. 00:12:17.099 --> 00:12:19.819 And to teach them to observe all that Jesus has taught. 00:12:19.919 --> 00:12:23.199 That is Jesus' great commission to his church isn't it? 00:12:23.200 --> 00:12:27.820 We recognise that the gift of the gospel. 00:12:28.540 --> 00:12:30.400 Of having met with the Lord Jesus. 00:12:30.640 --> 00:12:33.620 The message of God's kingdom through the Lord Jesus. 00:12:34.080 --> 00:12:37.860 Is the only thing that the world does not have. 00:12:38.580 --> 00:12:39.620 That we have. 00:12:41.220 --> 00:12:44.120 And we've got to shift our priorities around that gift. 00:12:44.759 --> 00:12:46.200 The message of the kingdom of God. 00:12:46.200 --> 00:12:52.840 And of course we get involved don't we in things that the world does around us. 00:12:53.780 --> 00:12:55.560 We feed homeless people. 00:12:56.500 --> 00:12:58.080 We care for the elderly. 00:12:59.520 --> 00:13:03.820 But we feed homeless people under that one ultimate priority. 00:13:04.100 --> 00:13:07.120 And we care for the elderly and for the unborn. 00:13:07.820 --> 00:13:09.780 Because of that one ultimate priority. 00:13:09.779 --> 00:13:14.939 And when that ultimate priority is challenged by some other priority. 00:13:15.159 --> 00:13:16.879 Whether it is a social convention. 00:13:17.579 --> 00:13:18.740 Or popularity. 00:13:19.539 --> 00:13:21.000 Or a political agenda. 00:13:22.299 --> 00:13:25.139 We need to realise that we're doing the world a disservice. 00:13:26.500 --> 00:13:29.639 And we're starting to neglect the one job. 00:13:29.720 --> 00:13:30.860 And the one gift. 00:13:31.279 --> 00:13:32.339 That we can offer. 00:13:32.419 --> 00:13:33.299 That the world cannot. 00:13:35.199 --> 00:13:37.559 And we might neglect it in favour of jobs. 00:13:37.559 --> 00:13:40.679 That actually the world that non-believers can do. 00:13:41.119 --> 00:13:42.699 And often better than we can. 00:13:44.839 --> 00:13:47.559 We're not all called to become full-time mission reason evangelists. 00:13:48.379 --> 00:13:49.139 Don't get me wrong. 00:13:49.259 --> 00:13:50.939 That's not what I'm saying. 00:13:52.099 --> 00:13:53.419 But in all of our lives. 00:13:53.539 --> 00:13:54.199 Whatever we do. 00:13:54.299 --> 00:13:56.279 It is with Jesus as the goal isn't it. 00:13:57.759 --> 00:13:59.619 And Jesus is showing this man. 00:13:59.699 --> 00:14:00.559 That in Christian discipleship. 00:14:01.359 --> 00:14:02.599 And in following him. 00:14:03.419 --> 00:14:06.000 The parameters and limits of our goals. 00:14:06.000 --> 00:14:07.519 Become much more focused. 00:14:07.679 --> 00:14:08.200 Don't they? 00:14:09.720 --> 00:14:10.500 Jesus says. 00:14:10.620 --> 00:14:12.799 Some things have greater priority. 00:14:14.240 --> 00:14:15.600 And there is a fencing offer. 00:14:15.759 --> 00:14:17.519 The priorities for us to pursue. 00:14:17.860 --> 00:14:19.039 In what we do. 00:14:19.159 --> 00:14:20.659 And why we do those things. 00:14:20.899 --> 00:14:22.220 Whether it's changing a nappy. 00:14:22.919 --> 00:14:24.159 Or running a home. 00:14:24.279 --> 00:14:25.080 Or running a business. 00:14:25.419 --> 00:14:26.080 Or studying. 00:14:26.360 --> 00:14:27.299 Or doing your homework. 00:14:28.580 --> 00:14:29.659 Anything we do. 00:14:30.240 --> 00:14:32.240 Is all done for the glory of God. 00:14:32.320 --> 00:14:33.740 And the proclamation of his kingdom. 00:14:33.740 --> 00:14:36.259 Otherwise we're being false. 00:14:37.680 --> 00:14:40.320 And we're being false to people's greatest needs. 00:14:40.460 --> 00:14:43.620 And suddenly the surgeons are polishing shoes. 00:14:46.019 --> 00:14:48.299 The man wants to follow in a way. 00:14:48.460 --> 00:14:49.940 But he doesn't see the priority. 00:14:51.279 --> 00:14:53.000 And if he really wanted to follow. 00:14:53.299 --> 00:14:54.080 And tell the gospel. 00:14:54.220 --> 00:14:57.120 He wouldn't wait until his audience had died. 00:14:57.299 --> 00:14:58.220 Before he did that. 00:14:58.299 --> 00:14:58.600 Would he? 00:14:58.600 --> 00:15:01.639 What his father needs. 00:15:01.720 --> 00:15:03.700 Is to hear Jesus' message. 00:15:04.740 --> 00:15:06.100 Give him that thirst. 00:15:07.120 --> 00:15:08.840 And live your life around him. 00:15:08.899 --> 00:15:09.560 With that goal. 00:15:09.680 --> 00:15:11.540 Because Jesus is more important. 00:15:13.019 --> 00:15:14.399 It's similar with the third guy. 00:15:14.480 --> 00:15:15.779 In verse 61 isn't it? 00:15:16.800 --> 00:15:19.080 The one who wants to first say goodbye. 00:15:19.080 --> 00:15:19.920 To his family. 00:15:19.919 --> 00:15:24.039 Now we might spend a bit more time looking at him tonight. 00:15:24.179 --> 00:15:26.699 Because I think there's a link with this third guy. 00:15:27.240 --> 00:15:28.159 And Elisha. 00:15:28.319 --> 00:15:29.519 In 1 Kings 19. 00:15:29.620 --> 00:15:30.679 Who we'll look at tonight. 00:15:32.219 --> 00:15:34.860 But just to say that he is a man with a double mind. 00:15:34.939 --> 00:15:35.219 Isn't he? 00:15:35.240 --> 00:15:36.500 He said he'll follow Jesus. 00:15:36.639 --> 00:15:39.620 But he keeps looking back at a previous life. 00:15:39.719 --> 00:15:41.919 At the things that he wants to be involved with. 00:15:42.319 --> 00:15:43.399 Before he met Jesus. 00:15:44.559 --> 00:15:46.519 To say goodbye to his household. 00:15:46.519 --> 00:15:48.879 And in this culture. 00:15:49.039 --> 00:15:50.279 What he's probably asking for. 00:15:50.419 --> 00:15:50.740 Actually. 00:15:50.899 --> 00:15:54.220 Is a succession of farewell dinner parties. 00:15:54.419 --> 00:15:56.360 This isn't just a quick toodaloo. 00:15:56.460 --> 00:15:58.379 This is a kind of a bigger thing. 00:15:59.120 --> 00:15:59.860 Where often. 00:16:00.159 --> 00:16:01.299 The leaving. 00:16:01.559 --> 00:16:02.439 Would have been delayed. 00:16:02.679 --> 00:16:03.519 And put off. 00:16:04.919 --> 00:16:06.500 And so he's against the momentum. 00:16:06.500 --> 00:16:07.500 And the priority. 00:16:10.079 --> 00:16:12.059 And if you have to choose. 00:16:12.720 --> 00:16:14.139 When push comes to shove. 00:16:14.139 --> 00:16:16.120 Even the most important. 00:16:16.360 --> 00:16:17.059 And sacred. 00:16:17.580 --> 00:16:18.500 Social conventions. 00:16:18.819 --> 00:16:19.460 And demands. 00:16:19.620 --> 00:16:20.120 And duties. 00:16:21.360 --> 00:16:23.379 Are not as important as Jesus. 00:16:23.580 --> 00:16:24.000 And actually. 00:16:24.139 --> 00:16:24.519 Jesus. 00:16:24.819 --> 00:16:26.519 Is the one who gives them importance. 00:16:26.519 --> 00:16:27.399 As we do them. 00:16:28.799 --> 00:16:29.559 And all we do. 00:16:29.699 --> 00:16:30.919 Is focus under him. 00:16:31.000 --> 00:16:31.799 And is for him. 00:16:33.600 --> 00:16:34.439 But secondly. 00:16:34.580 --> 00:16:35.439 The reason for that. 00:16:35.559 --> 00:16:36.519 Is not just. 00:16:37.039 --> 00:16:38.259 Barefaced arrogance. 00:16:38.259 --> 00:16:39.019 From Jesus. 00:16:39.519 --> 00:16:40.179 He's not. 00:16:40.340 --> 00:16:41.980 Just got a big ego here. 00:16:41.980 --> 00:16:44.300 Nothing. 00:16:44.300 --> 00:16:45.920 Is as important as Jesus. 00:16:46.100 --> 00:16:46.879 And his message. 00:16:47.860 --> 00:16:48.259 Because. 00:16:48.500 --> 00:16:48.860 Secondly. 00:16:49.019 --> 00:16:49.320 Nothing. 00:16:49.320 --> 00:16:50.940 Is as good as Jesus. 00:16:52.420 --> 00:16:52.740 Nothing. 00:16:52.899 --> 00:16:53.920 Is as good as Jesus. 00:16:56.039 --> 00:16:57.460 Just look at the first guy. 00:16:57.539 --> 00:16:58.340 We haven't seen him. 00:16:58.360 --> 00:16:58.680 Have we? 00:16:58.820 --> 00:17:00.000 In verse 57. 00:17:01.019 --> 00:17:01.920 He comes to Jesus. 00:17:02.960 --> 00:17:03.600 And he says. 00:17:03.659 --> 00:17:04.700 I will follow you. 00:17:04.759 --> 00:17:05.839 Wherever you go. 00:17:07.079 --> 00:17:08.120 Jesus responds. 00:17:08.319 --> 00:17:09.400 Foxes have holes. 00:17:09.579 --> 00:17:10.819 And birds have nests. 00:17:10.819 --> 00:17:12.339 But the son of man. 00:17:12.460 --> 00:17:13.980 Has nowhere to lay his head. 00:17:14.700 --> 00:17:15.899 It's a great sales technique. 00:17:15.899 --> 00:17:16.359 Isn't it? 00:17:16.419 --> 00:17:17.439 Come and follow me. 00:17:17.539 --> 00:17:18.139 And be homeless. 00:17:19.460 --> 00:17:20.559 Come and follow me. 00:17:20.619 --> 00:17:21.759 And you'll be worse off. 00:17:21.819 --> 00:17:22.679 Than birds. 00:17:22.939 --> 00:17:23.679 And animals. 00:17:24.779 --> 00:17:25.099 So. 00:17:25.220 --> 00:17:26.119 What are you waiting for? 00:17:26.179 --> 00:17:27.039 Come and follow me. 00:17:28.319 --> 00:17:29.379 And how can Jesus. 00:17:29.379 --> 00:17:30.579 Still expect. 00:17:31.259 --> 00:17:32.019 This guy. 00:17:32.119 --> 00:17:32.859 To be interested. 00:17:34.500 --> 00:17:35.659 And what kind of people. 00:17:35.659 --> 00:17:36.899 Are going to join him. 00:17:37.000 --> 00:17:37.759 In this world. 00:17:37.960 --> 00:17:38.599 When he's saying. 00:17:38.759 --> 00:17:39.919 You'll be destitute. 00:17:39.920 --> 00:17:40.700 In this world. 00:17:42.940 --> 00:17:43.380 Well. 00:17:43.539 --> 00:17:43.940 They are. 00:17:44.039 --> 00:17:44.700 The kind of people. 00:17:44.860 --> 00:17:46.060 Who are looking for something. 00:17:46.240 --> 00:17:47.440 Greater than this world. 00:17:47.539 --> 00:17:48.000 Aren't they? 00:17:49.519 --> 00:17:51.100 And Jesus is claiming. 00:17:51.100 --> 00:17:52.200 With this guy here. 00:17:53.460 --> 00:17:55.120 That he is worth having. 00:17:55.259 --> 00:17:56.100 Even if you. 00:17:56.259 --> 00:17:57.640 Can't have anything else. 00:17:59.080 --> 00:18:00.019 Even if you. 00:18:00.200 --> 00:18:01.320 Lose everything else. 00:18:03.000 --> 00:18:03.680 Even if. 00:18:03.840 --> 00:18:04.400 With him. 00:18:04.519 --> 00:18:05.560 You've got no place. 00:18:05.560 --> 00:18:06.259 To lay your head. 00:18:06.380 --> 00:18:07.000 In this world. 00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:10.039 Luke gives us. 00:18:10.220 --> 00:18:10.640 Some clues. 00:18:10.740 --> 00:18:11.279 To show us. 00:18:11.359 --> 00:18:12.059 That there is something. 00:18:12.380 --> 00:18:13.660 Stunning about Jesus. 00:18:13.940 --> 00:18:14.819 And where he is. 00:18:14.920 --> 00:18:15.960 Taking his people. 00:18:17.480 --> 00:18:18.019 We know. 00:18:18.180 --> 00:18:18.519 In Luke. 00:18:18.599 --> 00:18:19.980 That Jesus is in Galilee. 00:18:20.220 --> 00:18:20.940 In the north. 00:18:21.099 --> 00:18:22.240 And he's heading. 00:18:22.380 --> 00:18:23.059 On this journey. 00:18:23.180 --> 00:18:23.859 To Jerusalem. 00:18:23.859 --> 00:18:24.640 In the south. 00:18:24.700 --> 00:18:25.220 Isn't he? 00:18:26.299 --> 00:18:27.099 But Luke's. 00:18:27.099 --> 00:18:27.900 Original readers. 00:18:28.079 --> 00:18:28.720 Would know. 00:18:28.920 --> 00:18:29.660 That Jerusalem. 00:18:30.660 --> 00:18:31.460 Is loaded. 00:18:31.700 --> 00:18:33.059 With historical. 00:18:33.420 --> 00:18:34.099 And theological. 00:18:34.099 --> 00:18:35.759 And metaphorical. 00:18:35.980 --> 00:18:36.899 And emotional. 00:18:37.179 --> 00:18:37.859 Significance. 00:18:38.319 --> 00:18:38.719 It's like. 00:18:38.839 --> 00:18:39.480 If we say. 00:18:40.039 --> 00:18:41.199 Downing Street. 00:18:41.859 --> 00:18:43.199 Or Buckingham Palace. 00:18:44.539 --> 00:18:45.259 And Jerusalem. 00:18:45.259 --> 00:18:46.059 Is a place. 00:18:46.059 --> 00:18:46.919 That means. 00:18:46.919 --> 00:18:48.119 Something more. 00:18:48.279 --> 00:18:48.839 Than just. 00:18:49.099 --> 00:18:50.359 A physical place. 00:18:51.740 --> 00:18:52.259 And this. 00:18:52.259 --> 00:18:53.199 Isn't just. 00:18:53.419 --> 00:18:54.159 A literal. 00:18:54.419 --> 00:18:54.819 Journey. 00:18:56.639 --> 00:18:57.500 This isn't. 00:18:57.500 --> 00:18:57.799 Just. 00:18:57.959 --> 00:18:58.199 Jesus. 00:18:58.339 --> 00:18:58.919 Calling people. 00:18:59.059 --> 00:18:59.659 On a nice trip. 00:18:59.759 --> 00:19:00.319 Down south. 00:19:00.439 --> 00:19:00.779 For some. 00:19:00.939 --> 00:19:01.519 Warmer weather. 00:19:01.519 --> 00:19:03.319 As they go. 00:19:03.319 --> 00:19:04.359 On a literal. 00:19:04.359 --> 00:19:04.839 Road. 00:19:04.839 --> 00:19:05.599 To the literal. 00:19:05.599 --> 00:19:06.000 Place. 00:19:06.180 --> 00:19:06.819 Jerusalem. 00:19:07.379 --> 00:19:08.160 They are going. 00:19:08.160 --> 00:19:08.579 On a. 00:19:08.579 --> 00:19:09.859 Theological. 00:19:10.920 --> 00:19:12.119 And spiritual. 00:19:12.119 --> 00:19:12.680 Road. 00:19:13.400 --> 00:19:14.460 To a place. 00:19:14.559 --> 00:19:15.799 With spiritual. 00:19:15.940 --> 00:19:16.740 Significance. 00:19:17.900 --> 00:19:18.680 And so. 00:19:18.799 --> 00:19:19.519 He claims. 00:19:19.619 --> 00:19:20.299 A greater. 00:19:20.799 --> 00:19:21.319 Priority. 00:19:22.299 --> 00:19:23.139 Because his. 00:19:23.240 --> 00:19:23.599 Followers. 00:19:23.700 --> 00:19:24.139 Are going. 00:19:24.259 --> 00:19:24.639 With him. 00:19:24.859 --> 00:19:25.319 Somewhere. 00:19:27.220 --> 00:19:27.859 That has. 00:19:27.920 --> 00:19:28.500 A greater. 00:19:28.500 --> 00:19:29.379 Significance. 00:19:29.460 --> 00:19:30.160 Than a place. 00:19:30.240 --> 00:19:30.559 In this. 00:19:30.700 --> 00:19:31.099 World. 00:19:31.519 --> 00:19:31.879 World. 00:19:31.879 --> 00:19:32.200 World. 00:19:32.200 --> 00:19:32.200 00:19:32.200 --> 00:19:32.200 00:19:33.200 --> 00:19:33.960 Somewhere. 00:19:34.599 --> 00:19:35.819 Up until now. 00:19:36.079 --> 00:19:36.639 Pictures. 00:19:37.220 --> 00:19:37.400 And. 00:19:37.940 --> 00:19:38.619 Metaphors. 00:19:38.779 --> 00:19:39.519 And theology. 00:19:39.799 --> 00:19:40.420 In the scriptures. 00:19:40.799 --> 00:19:41.480 Have helped them. 00:19:41.559 --> 00:19:42.359 To understand. 00:19:44.639 --> 00:19:45.359 Somewhere. 00:19:45.720 --> 00:19:46.539 With someone. 00:19:46.859 --> 00:19:47.200 Who is. 00:19:47.339 --> 00:19:47.819 Who is. 00:19:48.420 --> 00:19:49.180 Greater than. 00:19:49.319 --> 00:19:49.639 Anything. 00:19:49.779 --> 00:19:50.379 That this world. 00:19:50.460 --> 00:19:51.180 Has ever seen. 00:19:53.119 --> 00:19:53.859 Because. 00:19:54.019 --> 00:19:54.480 Actually. 00:19:54.599 --> 00:19:54.740 The. 00:19:54.920 --> 00:19:55.619 Physical. 00:19:55.619 --> 00:19:56.200 City. 00:19:56.200 --> 00:19:57.019 Of Jerusalem. 00:19:57.019 --> 00:19:57.420 Is. 00:19:57.420 --> 00:19:57.700 Is. 00:19:57.700 --> 00:19:58.059 Not. 00:19:58.160 --> 00:19:58.619 The final. 00:19:58.619 --> 00:19:59.339 Destination. 00:19:59.339 --> 00:20:01.359 As. 00:20:01.459 --> 00:20:01.659 Jesus. 00:20:01.819 --> 00:20:02.099 Calls. 00:20:02.159 --> 00:20:02.379 People. 00:20:02.379 --> 00:20:03.279 To follow him. 00:20:03.599 --> 00:20:04.619 To Jerusalem. 00:20:05.659 --> 00:20:06.159 That. 00:20:06.259 --> 00:20:06.720 That place. 00:20:06.799 --> 00:20:07.099 Actually. 00:20:07.199 --> 00:20:07.500 Is not. 00:20:07.579 --> 00:20:07.939 Is not. 00:20:07.939 --> 00:20:08.379 Where he's. 00:20:08.419 --> 00:20:08.899 Leading them. 00:20:09.439 --> 00:20:09.799 The end. 00:20:09.839 --> 00:20:10.559 Is somewhere else. 00:20:10.619 --> 00:20:10.819 Look. 00:20:10.819 --> 00:20:11.220 Look again. 00:20:11.259 --> 00:20:12.039 At verse 51. 00:20:12.199 --> 00:20:12.619 And have a look. 00:20:12.699 --> 00:20:13.000 A bit more. 00:20:13.079 --> 00:20:13.480 Closely. 00:20:13.559 --> 00:20:14.079 This time. 00:20:14.079 --> 00:20:16.359 Jesus. 00:20:16.359 --> 00:20:16.439 Jesus. 00:20:16.639 --> 00:20:17.460 Sets his face. 00:20:17.460 --> 00:20:17.960 Towards. 00:20:17.960 --> 00:20:18.599 Jerusalem. 00:20:19.339 --> 00:20:19.839 When. 00:20:21.039 --> 00:20:22.220 When the days. 00:20:22.339 --> 00:20:23.019 Drew near. 00:20:23.220 --> 00:20:23.679 For him. 00:20:23.799 --> 00:20:25.259 To be taken up. 00:20:27.419 --> 00:20:27.980 Jesus. 00:20:28.220 --> 00:20:28.740 Journey. 00:20:29.039 --> 00:20:29.779 To Jerusalem. 00:20:29.919 --> 00:20:30.259 Actually. 00:20:30.419 --> 00:20:30.899 Jerusalem. 00:20:31.139 --> 00:20:31.199 Is. 00:20:31.259 --> 00:20:31.659 Is not. 00:20:31.799 --> 00:20:32.359 The end point. 00:20:32.439 --> 00:20:32.659 Is it. 00:20:32.699 --> 00:20:32.819 That. 00:20:32.879 --> 00:20:33.399 That's the kind of. 00:20:33.500 --> 00:20:34.279 Stopping point. 00:20:36.199 --> 00:20:36.939 To him. 00:20:37.039 --> 00:20:37.359 Being. 00:20:37.679 --> 00:20:38.559 Taken up. 00:20:39.599 --> 00:20:40.539 Beyond the world. 00:20:40.619 --> 00:20:41.299 As we know it. 00:20:42.299 --> 00:20:42.720 Via. 00:20:42.859 --> 00:20:43.299 Jerusalem. 00:20:45.039 --> 00:20:46.099 To journey. 00:20:46.099 --> 00:20:46.599 With him. 00:20:46.720 --> 00:20:47.039 Will mean. 00:20:47.240 --> 00:20:48.179 Starting out. 00:20:48.279 --> 00:20:48.859 On a road. 00:20:49.039 --> 00:20:49.599 That doesn't. 00:20:49.720 --> 00:20:50.259 Just lead. 00:20:50.339 --> 00:20:50.799 To a better. 00:20:50.980 --> 00:20:51.299 Place. 00:20:51.419 --> 00:20:52.299 In this world. 00:20:53.559 --> 00:20:54.619 But it leads. 00:20:54.720 --> 00:20:55.339 To a better. 00:20:55.339 --> 00:20:55.740 World. 00:20:55.960 --> 00:20:56.359 Altogether. 00:20:58.059 --> 00:20:58.779 Where his. 00:20:58.899 --> 00:20:59.220 Followers. 00:20:59.299 --> 00:20:59.480 Will. 00:20:59.559 --> 00:21:00.159 Will give up. 00:21:00.159 --> 00:21:01.179 On this world. 00:21:01.279 --> 00:21:01.679 As their. 00:21:01.759 --> 00:21:02.500 Ultimate home. 00:21:03.500 --> 00:21:04.059 And be led. 00:21:04.139 --> 00:21:05.139 To a new world. 00:21:06.299 --> 00:21:06.980 Where his. 00:21:07.039 --> 00:21:07.339 Followers. 00:21:07.379 --> 00:21:07.639 Will be. 00:21:07.879 --> 00:21:08.359 Travelers. 00:21:08.439 --> 00:21:08.960 With no. 00:21:09.079 --> 00:21:09.419 Place. 00:21:09.480 --> 00:21:09.859 To really. 00:21:10.000 --> 00:21:10.500 Settle down. 00:21:10.579 --> 00:21:11.159 In this world. 00:21:11.319 --> 00:21:11.819 As it is. 00:21:11.819 --> 00:21:12.779 This side of heaven. 00:21:12.779 --> 00:21:14.759 It will feel a bit like. 00:21:14.819 --> 00:21:15.440 You're never really. 00:21:15.440 --> 00:21:16.279 At home here. 00:21:17.599 --> 00:21:18.240 Where even. 00:21:18.460 --> 00:21:18.940 Foxes. 00:21:19.019 --> 00:21:19.480 And birds. 00:21:19.539 --> 00:21:20.119 And animals. 00:21:20.119 --> 00:21:20.799 Will feel. 00:21:20.799 --> 00:21:22.180 More part of the furniture. 00:21:22.180 --> 00:21:22.839 In this world. 00:21:22.940 --> 00:21:23.460 Than you do. 00:21:25.139 --> 00:21:26.200 Where this world. 00:21:26.299 --> 00:21:26.639 Will become. 00:21:26.799 --> 00:21:27.379 A purely. 00:21:27.799 --> 00:21:28.399 Transitional. 00:21:28.639 --> 00:21:29.000 Place. 00:21:29.399 --> 00:21:29.920 This world. 00:21:30.059 --> 00:21:30.399 And this. 00:21:30.660 --> 00:21:31.059 Life. 00:21:32.180 --> 00:21:32.819 With its. 00:21:32.920 --> 00:21:33.279 Pain. 00:21:33.420 --> 00:21:33.819 And with its. 00:21:34.039 --> 00:21:34.480 Frustration. 00:21:34.740 --> 00:21:35.379 And with its. 00:21:35.539 --> 00:21:35.940 Death. 00:21:35.940 --> 00:21:36.059 Life. 00:21:37.420 --> 00:21:38.299 This life. 00:21:38.380 --> 00:21:38.880 As it is. 00:21:38.880 --> 00:21:39.200 Will. 00:21:39.420 --> 00:21:40.000 Simply become. 00:21:40.160 --> 00:21:40.860 A drop off. 00:21:41.000 --> 00:21:41.360 Point. 00:21:42.380 --> 00:21:42.960 A stop off. 00:21:43.019 --> 00:21:43.340 Point. 00:21:44.759 --> 00:21:45.279 And we will. 00:21:45.360 --> 00:21:45.799 Desire. 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:46.680 A person. 00:21:46.920 --> 00:21:47.100 Who. 00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:47.960 Leads us. 00:21:48.039 --> 00:21:48.680 To a place. 00:21:48.860 --> 00:21:49.180 That is. 00:21:49.299 --> 00:21:50.039 Even better. 00:21:50.180 --> 00:21:50.860 Than the best. 00:21:50.980 --> 00:21:51.580 That this world. 00:21:51.680 --> 00:21:52.360 Can give us. 00:21:54.740 --> 00:21:55.539 A Puritan. 00:21:55.660 --> 00:21:56.000 Pastor. 00:21:56.120 --> 00:21:56.960 Nathaniel Vincent. 00:21:56.960 --> 00:21:57.799 Was thrown out. 00:21:57.840 --> 00:21:58.120 Of his. 00:21:58.240 --> 00:21:58.559 Parish. 00:21:58.640 --> 00:21:59.059 Church. 00:21:59.180 --> 00:22:00.500 In 1662. 00:22:00.680 --> 00:22:01.279 Along with many. 00:22:01.279 --> 00:22:01.840 Other pastors. 00:22:01.840 --> 00:22:02.340 In the. 00:22:02.340 --> 00:22:02.900 Great. 00:22:02.980 --> 00:22:03.519 Objection. 00:22:03.620 --> 00:22:03.900 For his. 00:22:04.019 --> 00:22:04.380 Faith. 00:22:04.380 --> 00:22:05.600 And he was put. 00:22:05.720 --> 00:22:06.240 In prison. 00:22:06.440 --> 00:22:07.260 Several times. 00:22:07.360 --> 00:22:07.660 For his. 00:22:07.740 --> 00:22:08.060 Faith. 00:22:09.080 --> 00:22:09.820 He suffered. 00:22:10.260 --> 00:22:10.980 Poor health. 00:22:11.080 --> 00:22:11.860 He was moved. 00:22:11.980 --> 00:22:12.720 From house. 00:22:13.140 --> 00:22:13.740 To house. 00:22:13.900 --> 00:22:14.960 And on the face of it. 00:22:15.720 --> 00:22:16.540 He had nowhere. 00:22:16.740 --> 00:22:17.300 Permanent. 00:22:17.440 --> 00:22:18.180 To lay his head. 00:22:18.240 --> 00:22:19.620 He had a pretty dreadful life. 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:19.960 Really. 00:22:20.060 --> 00:22:20.880 Humanly speaking. 00:22:22.180 --> 00:22:22.980 But he once. 00:22:23.140 --> 00:22:23.620 Compared. 00:22:23.900 --> 00:22:24.660 The desires. 00:22:24.820 --> 00:22:25.280 Of people. 00:22:25.400 --> 00:22:26.380 Who've never met. 00:22:26.380 --> 00:22:27.180 The Lord Jesus. 00:22:28.580 --> 00:22:29.520 And the desires. 00:22:29.520 --> 00:22:30.040 Of people. 00:22:30.240 --> 00:22:31.260 Who now know him. 00:22:31.420 --> 00:22:32.140 And love him. 00:22:33.300 --> 00:22:33.960 He says. 00:22:33.960 --> 00:22:35.640 Someone who doesn't know Jesus. 00:22:36.380 --> 00:22:38.140 When he comes to die. 00:22:39.180 --> 00:22:40.340 Will choose. 00:22:40.640 --> 00:22:41.079 Heaven. 00:22:41.240 --> 00:22:42.360 Over hell. 00:22:43.480 --> 00:22:44.460 And that's often. 00:22:44.620 --> 00:22:45.319 The reason given. 00:22:45.440 --> 00:22:45.700 Isn't it? 00:22:45.740 --> 00:22:46.600 To trust Jesus. 00:22:46.680 --> 00:22:48.019 So you don't go to hell. 00:22:48.059 --> 00:22:48.740 And that's right. 00:22:50.000 --> 00:22:50.840 And most people. 00:22:51.019 --> 00:22:51.579 Obviously. 00:22:51.740 --> 00:22:52.460 Prefer that. 00:22:52.579 --> 00:22:53.640 It's an easy choice. 00:22:53.700 --> 00:22:54.079 Isn't it? 00:22:54.299 --> 00:22:54.860 Choosing. 00:22:55.100 --> 00:22:55.460 Heaven. 00:22:55.600 --> 00:22:56.259 Over hell. 00:22:56.680 --> 00:22:57.680 But Vincent said. 00:22:57.680 --> 00:22:59.400 That there must be more than that. 00:23:00.799 --> 00:23:02.360 Someone who doesn't know Jesus. 00:23:02.359 --> 00:23:03.399 prefers heaven. 00:23:03.399 --> 00:23:04.199 Over hell. 00:23:04.759 --> 00:23:07.179 But someone who does know Jesus. 00:23:08.000 --> 00:23:09.839 Even prefers heaven. 00:23:09.979 --> 00:23:11.139 Over earth. 00:23:12.759 --> 00:23:14.439 If Christ is ours. 00:23:14.519 --> 00:23:15.740 Then all is ours. 00:23:15.799 --> 00:23:16.299 He says. 00:23:17.419 --> 00:23:18.599 He is better. 00:23:18.719 --> 00:23:19.779 Even than the best. 00:23:19.859 --> 00:23:20.899 That earth has to offer. 00:23:20.900 --> 00:23:23.960 And so this journey. 00:23:23.960 --> 00:23:25.200 That we take with Jesus. 00:23:25.200 --> 00:23:26.960 It's not just about avoiding hell. 00:23:28.220 --> 00:23:29.340 But this journey. 00:23:29.540 --> 00:23:30.519 Leads us somewhere. 00:23:30.700 --> 00:23:31.940 Even better than earth. 00:23:33.120 --> 00:23:34.720 Better than the best. 00:23:34.820 --> 00:23:35.420 That we can get. 00:23:35.540 --> 00:23:36.400 From this world. 00:23:36.440 --> 00:23:37.019 As it is. 00:23:38.660 --> 00:23:39.680 And just flick back with me. 00:23:39.740 --> 00:23:40.620 To Luke 9. 00:23:40.740 --> 00:23:41.360 23. 00:23:41.359 --> 00:23:46.579 Jesus has already been calling people. 00:23:46.579 --> 00:23:47.439 To follow him. 00:23:47.799 --> 00:23:49.659 Before he sets out on his journey. 00:23:50.799 --> 00:23:51.719 And he says. 00:23:52.000 --> 00:23:52.779 In chapter 9. 00:23:52.819 --> 00:23:53.399 Verse 23. 00:23:53.519 --> 00:23:55.019 If anyone would come after me. 00:23:55.179 --> 00:23:56.719 Let him deny himself. 00:23:57.679 --> 00:23:59.059 And take up his cross. 00:23:59.159 --> 00:24:00.240 Daily and follow me. 00:24:01.339 --> 00:24:03.619 For whoever would save his life. 00:24:04.339 --> 00:24:05.439 Would lose it. 00:24:05.440 --> 00:24:09.799 But whoever loses his life. 00:24:09.860 --> 00:24:10.440 For my sake. 00:24:10.519 --> 00:24:11.380 Will save it. 00:24:12.700 --> 00:24:13.559 And the question. 00:24:13.779 --> 00:24:14.340 You've got to ask. 00:24:14.440 --> 00:24:14.720 Isn't it. 00:24:15.120 --> 00:24:16.600 With these doubters. 00:24:16.759 --> 00:24:17.620 And these delayers. 00:24:17.740 --> 00:24:18.200 And somebody. 00:24:18.380 --> 00:24:19.880 Who's just heard him say that. 00:24:19.940 --> 00:24:21.500 Who would take up an offer like this. 00:24:21.559 --> 00:24:23.539 Who would follow Jesus like this. 00:24:23.580 --> 00:24:25.220 Who would take up their cross. 00:24:25.299 --> 00:24:25.600 Daily. 00:24:25.759 --> 00:24:26.940 And lose their life. 00:24:27.420 --> 00:24:28.180 For this Jesus. 00:24:28.360 --> 00:24:29.240 To go on this journey. 00:24:29.660 --> 00:24:31.519 Not just to give up this world. 00:24:31.779 --> 00:24:32.440 As it is. 00:24:32.920 --> 00:24:34.460 But to give up their own life. 00:24:34.460 --> 00:24:34.579 Life. 00:24:35.220 --> 00:24:36.220 What kind of a person. 00:24:36.220 --> 00:24:36.900 Would do that. 00:24:39.120 --> 00:24:40.360 Well it's the kind of person. 00:24:40.360 --> 00:24:41.700 Who is looking for something. 00:24:41.860 --> 00:24:43.220 Not just better than this world. 00:24:45.019 --> 00:24:47.100 For someone who finds Jesus. 00:24:47.319 --> 00:24:48.180 And realises it. 00:24:48.539 --> 00:24:49.140 Realises it. 00:24:49.200 --> 00:24:50.779 That he is giving us something. 00:24:50.940 --> 00:24:52.920 Even better than life itself. 00:24:54.819 --> 00:24:56.819 Where nothing is as good as him. 00:24:57.059 --> 00:24:58.180 Not even life. 00:25:00.980 --> 00:25:02.340 That's what he goes on to say. 00:25:02.400 --> 00:25:02.680 Isn't it. 00:25:02.720 --> 00:25:03.460 In chapter 9. 00:25:03.539 --> 00:25:04.180 Whoever would. 00:25:04.460 --> 00:25:05.660 Save his life. 00:25:05.779 --> 00:25:06.600 Will lose it. 00:25:07.079 --> 00:25:09.000 But whoever loses his life. 00:25:09.140 --> 00:25:10.039 For my sake. 00:25:10.140 --> 00:25:11.799 Whoever chooses me. 00:25:11.880 --> 00:25:12.759 Over life. 00:25:13.620 --> 00:25:15.039 Whoever sees me. 00:25:15.120 --> 00:25:16.519 As more important. 00:25:16.660 --> 00:25:18.160 And as better as life. 00:25:19.100 --> 00:25:20.799 Will save their life. 00:25:23.600 --> 00:25:24.600 David Livingstone. 00:25:24.740 --> 00:25:25.860 Was a missionary to Africa. 00:25:26.039 --> 00:25:27.200 In the 1800s. 00:25:27.500 --> 00:25:27.759 And he. 00:25:27.840 --> 00:25:28.579 He spoke. 00:25:28.660 --> 00:25:30.100 After some of his missionary trips. 00:25:30.220 --> 00:25:30.900 To students. 00:25:30.900 --> 00:25:31.640 At Cambridge University. 00:25:31.640 --> 00:25:32.240 At Cambridge University. 00:25:32.240 --> 00:25:34.180 And he wanted to encourage them. 00:25:34.280 --> 00:25:35.980 To go out on trips as well. 00:25:37.080 --> 00:25:38.900 And he kept using the phrase. 00:25:39.080 --> 00:25:41.140 It was about leaving the benefits. 00:25:41.140 --> 00:25:42.200 Of England behind. 00:25:42.600 --> 00:25:44.200 It was about trying to get them. 00:25:44.200 --> 00:25:45.340 To see the glory. 00:25:45.340 --> 00:25:46.740 Of serving the Lord Jesus. 00:25:47.460 --> 00:25:49.080 And leaving comfort behind. 00:25:49.079 --> 00:25:51.759 And he speaks about what it means. 00:25:51.759 --> 00:25:53.240 To sacrifice things. 00:25:53.240 --> 00:25:54.460 To serve Christ. 00:25:54.460 --> 00:25:55.220 Which is what. 00:25:55.220 --> 00:25:58.159 The Lord Jesus is asking these people to do. 00:25:58.240 --> 00:25:58.740 Isn't it. 00:25:58.740 --> 00:26:01.920 It's a bit of a long section. 00:26:02.019 --> 00:26:02.960 But it's worth reading. 00:26:03.500 --> 00:26:05.759 In one of his biographies. 00:26:05.859 --> 00:26:06.220 He says. 00:26:06.299 --> 00:26:07.279 For my own part. 00:26:07.359 --> 00:26:08.960 I've never ceased to rejoice. 00:26:09.519 --> 00:26:11.240 That God has appointed me. 00:26:11.319 --> 00:26:12.440 To such an office. 00:26:13.720 --> 00:26:15.799 People talk of the sacrifice. 00:26:15.799 --> 00:26:16.740 That I've made. 00:26:16.819 --> 00:26:18.839 In spending so much of my life. 00:26:18.839 --> 00:26:19.400 In Africa. 00:26:20.660 --> 00:26:21.859 It's a sacrifice. 00:26:21.859 --> 00:26:24.660 Which brings its own blessed reward. 00:26:25.500 --> 00:26:26.880 In healthful activity. 00:26:26.880 --> 00:26:28.780 The consciousness of doing good. 00:26:29.220 --> 00:26:29.940 Peace of mind. 00:26:30.020 --> 00:26:30.860 And a bright hope. 00:26:30.920 --> 00:26:32.300 Of a glorious destiny. 00:26:33.660 --> 00:26:35.000 So in such a view. 00:26:35.060 --> 00:26:35.600 He says. 00:26:35.740 --> 00:26:37.080 Away with the word. 00:26:38.260 --> 00:26:39.640 Away with such a thought. 00:26:41.100 --> 00:26:42.540 It is emphatically. 00:26:42.740 --> 00:26:44.140 No sacrifice. 00:26:44.420 --> 00:26:44.820 He says. 00:26:45.620 --> 00:26:46.580 Say rather. 00:26:46.700 --> 00:26:47.420 It's a privilege. 00:26:48.220 --> 00:26:49.180 When anxiety. 00:26:49.180 --> 00:26:49.900 And sickness. 00:26:50.160 --> 00:26:50.660 And suffering. 00:26:50.880 --> 00:26:51.100 Come. 00:26:51.240 --> 00:26:51.820 Or danger. 00:26:51.960 --> 00:26:52.680 Now and then. 00:26:53.680 --> 00:26:54.660 With a foregoing. 00:26:54.840 --> 00:26:56.360 Of the common conveniences. 00:26:56.359 --> 00:26:57.339 And the charities. 00:26:57.339 --> 00:26:58.279 Of this life. 00:26:58.859 --> 00:27:00.139 May make me pause. 00:27:00.919 --> 00:27:02.079 And cause my spirit. 00:27:02.199 --> 00:27:02.679 To waver. 00:27:03.059 --> 00:27:03.859 And my soul. 00:27:03.939 --> 00:27:04.500 To sink. 00:27:05.199 --> 00:27:06.559 But it's only for a moment. 00:27:07.699 --> 00:27:08.500 And all these. 00:27:08.539 --> 00:27:08.919 Are nothing. 00:27:09.019 --> 00:27:09.740 When compared. 00:27:09.859 --> 00:27:10.519 With the glory. 00:27:10.639 --> 00:27:11.599 That shall be revealed. 00:27:11.839 --> 00:27:13.179 In and for us. 00:27:13.879 --> 00:27:14.259 No. 00:27:14.919 --> 00:27:16.500 I never made a sacrifice. 00:27:18.500 --> 00:27:19.359 But was. 00:27:19.699 --> 00:27:20.099 Livingston. 00:27:20.259 --> 00:27:20.519 Right. 00:27:20.639 --> 00:27:21.359 To say that. 00:27:22.039 --> 00:27:23.439 I never made a sacrifice. 00:27:23.440 --> 00:27:24.500 It was a hard life. 00:27:24.500 --> 00:27:24.900 For him. 00:27:25.840 --> 00:27:26.460 He suffered. 00:27:28.059 --> 00:27:29.360 He didn't delay. 00:27:29.600 --> 00:27:30.740 And he didn't hold back. 00:27:30.820 --> 00:27:31.640 And he didn't look back. 00:27:31.720 --> 00:27:32.539 And he went forward. 00:27:32.700 --> 00:27:33.200 With Jesus. 00:27:33.720 --> 00:27:34.779 And he had no place. 00:27:34.820 --> 00:27:35.660 To lay his head. 00:27:37.100 --> 00:27:38.180 He went with Jesus. 00:27:38.259 --> 00:27:38.900 The one who says. 00:27:38.980 --> 00:27:39.240 Whoever. 00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:40.380 Comes after me. 00:27:40.420 --> 00:27:41.620 Should take up his cross. 00:27:42.279 --> 00:27:43.240 And die to self. 00:27:43.340 --> 00:27:43.640 And have. 00:27:43.960 --> 00:27:45.160 No place in this world. 00:27:45.660 --> 00:27:47.120 Where animals are better off. 00:27:47.259 --> 00:27:48.120 Than you may be. 00:27:49.279 --> 00:27:50.480 And to let go of this world. 00:27:50.559 --> 00:27:52.120 And to even let go of life. 00:27:52.119 --> 00:27:52.939 Is that right? 00:27:53.059 --> 00:27:53.919 No sacrifice? 00:27:56.139 --> 00:27:56.719 Of course. 00:27:56.819 --> 00:27:57.459 It's not wrong. 00:27:57.539 --> 00:27:58.199 To acknowledge. 00:27:58.339 --> 00:27:58.699 Suffering. 00:27:58.799 --> 00:27:59.539 As he does. 00:28:00.919 --> 00:28:01.759 But Jesus. 00:28:01.959 --> 00:28:02.899 Is telling us here. 00:28:02.979 --> 00:28:03.199 Isn't he. 00:28:03.219 --> 00:28:04.019 That ultimately. 00:28:04.219 --> 00:28:04.779 If we think. 00:28:04.859 --> 00:28:06.199 That the Christian life. 00:28:06.859 --> 00:28:08.139 And following Jesus. 00:28:08.319 --> 00:28:09.939 Is a life of loss. 00:28:10.959 --> 00:28:12.159 Rather than gain. 00:28:13.199 --> 00:28:13.739 Then we. 00:28:13.759 --> 00:28:14.779 We just don't get it. 00:28:14.819 --> 00:28:15.159 Do we? 00:28:16.359 --> 00:28:17.799 And we dishonor him. 00:28:19.379 --> 00:28:19.919 He's saying. 00:28:19.920 --> 00:28:21.220 Even if you. 00:28:21.420 --> 00:28:22.740 Have to lose your life. 00:28:22.860 --> 00:28:23.460 Even if you. 00:28:23.759 --> 00:28:24.539 Lose everything. 00:28:25.440 --> 00:28:26.900 If you have me. 00:28:27.140 --> 00:28:28.279 You have everything. 00:28:29.480 --> 00:28:30.759 And you've saved your life. 00:28:33.380 --> 00:28:34.720 As we close this morning. 00:28:34.920 --> 00:28:35.900 We have to recognise. 00:28:36.019 --> 00:28:36.380 Don't we? 00:28:36.640 --> 00:28:37.680 What Jesus Christ. 00:28:37.779 --> 00:28:38.640 Is claiming here. 00:28:40.539 --> 00:28:41.420 He is saying. 00:28:41.560 --> 00:28:42.340 I am not somebody. 00:28:42.460 --> 00:28:43.779 That you can relativise. 00:28:44.920 --> 00:28:45.660 I can't be. 00:28:45.820 --> 00:28:46.640 One of the many. 00:28:46.640 --> 00:28:47.200 Tunes. 00:28:47.340 --> 00:28:47.980 That you can play. 00:28:48.100 --> 00:28:49.180 On your journey of life. 00:28:49.240 --> 00:28:49.940 As and when you. 00:28:50.120 --> 00:28:50.860 Feel like it. 00:28:51.800 --> 00:28:52.700 Jesus demands. 00:28:53.300 --> 00:28:53.740 Exclusivity. 00:28:55.160 --> 00:28:55.840 And he. 00:28:55.980 --> 00:28:56.900 And his message. 00:28:57.460 --> 00:28:57.860 Are. 00:28:58.120 --> 00:28:58.880 So good. 00:28:58.980 --> 00:29:00.180 They are too good. 00:29:00.259 --> 00:29:00.920 To neglect. 00:29:01.860 --> 00:29:02.420 And to not. 00:29:02.560 --> 00:29:03.240 Prioritise. 00:29:04.620 --> 00:29:05.060 He. 00:29:05.240 --> 00:29:05.880 And his message. 00:29:05.980 --> 00:29:06.740 Are the one. 00:29:06.980 --> 00:29:07.340 Thing. 00:29:07.860 --> 00:29:08.840 That we have. 00:29:08.920 --> 00:29:09.759 That the rest of the world. 00:29:09.840 --> 00:29:10.580 Does not have. 00:29:11.480 --> 00:29:12.080 The one thing. 00:29:12.080 --> 00:29:12.500 That the world. 00:29:12.580 --> 00:29:13.320 Most needs. 00:29:13.319 --> 00:29:16.419 And so we go. 00:29:16.659 --> 00:29:16.939 With him. 00:29:17.019 --> 00:29:17.359 Can we? 00:29:17.460 --> 00:29:18.460 And all we do. 00:29:18.539 --> 00:29:19.299 Is for him. 00:29:19.359 --> 00:29:20.079 And we follow. 00:29:20.319 --> 00:29:20.579 And we. 00:29:21.059 --> 00:29:21.460 Journey. 00:29:22.399 --> 00:29:23.259 In the momentum. 00:29:23.259 --> 00:29:24.000 Of his. 00:29:24.099 --> 00:29:24.980 Being taken up. 00:29:25.059 --> 00:29:26.019 To a greater glory. 00:29:27.659 --> 00:29:28.700 And once you've met. 00:29:28.740 --> 00:29:28.980 Jesus. 00:29:29.099 --> 00:29:29.839 And you've followed him. 00:29:29.879 --> 00:29:30.639 Your priorities. 00:29:30.879 --> 00:29:31.460 And your goals. 00:29:31.519 --> 00:29:32.319 Are twisted around. 00:29:34.859 --> 00:29:36.000 But if we're honest. 00:29:36.000 --> 00:29:36.339 Isn't it. 00:29:36.379 --> 00:29:36.779 This morning. 00:29:36.779 --> 00:29:38.019 Maybe we recognise. 00:29:38.299 --> 00:29:38.700 Ourselves. 00:29:38.819 --> 00:29:39.099 In these. 00:29:39.299 --> 00:29:39.740 Delayers. 00:29:39.859 --> 00:29:40.059 Here. 00:29:41.659 --> 00:29:42.299 And if we're. 00:29:42.419 --> 00:29:43.259 Brutally honest. 00:29:43.839 --> 00:29:44.799 If we're honest. 00:29:44.799 --> 00:29:45.399 This morning. 00:29:45.579 --> 00:29:46.379 We do. 00:29:46.619 --> 00:29:47.919 Treat other things. 00:29:49.099 --> 00:29:50.179 As if they were. 00:29:50.279 --> 00:29:51.139 As good as Jesus. 00:29:51.339 --> 00:29:51.759 Don't we? 00:29:52.419 --> 00:29:53.419 If not better than him. 00:29:54.899 --> 00:29:56.299 We look back. 00:29:57.059 --> 00:29:58.299 And we refuse. 00:29:58.399 --> 00:29:59.639 To prioritise him. 00:30:01.399 --> 00:30:02.339 And Jesus says. 00:30:02.439 --> 00:30:03.539 When we're like that. 00:30:03.619 --> 00:30:04.359 We're not fit. 00:30:04.359 --> 00:30:05.179 For God's kingdom. 00:30:08.599 --> 00:30:09.839 But don't we long. 00:30:09.980 --> 00:30:10.740 To desire him. 00:30:10.859 --> 00:30:11.500 More than anything. 00:30:11.500 --> 00:30:14.640 Don't we long. 00:30:14.640 --> 00:30:15.640 To start. 00:30:16.460 --> 00:30:17.200 Wanting him. 00:30:17.319 --> 00:30:17.940 More than anything. 00:30:19.220 --> 00:30:20.500 To value him. 00:30:20.579 --> 00:30:21.880 More than life itself. 00:30:23.460 --> 00:30:25.099 And since we do. 00:30:25.299 --> 00:30:25.920 Have him. 00:30:26.420 --> 00:30:27.380 People of God. 00:30:27.480 --> 00:30:28.339 We do have him. 00:30:28.400 --> 00:30:28.859 Don't we? 00:30:29.640 --> 00:30:30.440 As our Lord. 00:30:30.519 --> 00:30:31.339 And our saviour. 00:30:32.380 --> 00:30:33.559 We can long. 00:30:33.680 --> 00:30:34.859 And we can pray. 00:30:35.599 --> 00:30:36.740 That as we talk. 00:30:36.819 --> 00:30:37.500 Of sacrifice. 00:30:37.500 --> 00:30:39.160 We will be able to say. 00:30:39.259 --> 00:30:40.099 Hand on heart. 00:30:41.119 --> 00:30:42.559 It is no sacrifice. 00:30:44.559 --> 00:30:45.220 Let's pray. 00:30:45.660 --> 00:30:45.799 Let's pray. 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:45.799