WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.600 First, a little housekeeping detail. 00:00:10.919 --> 00:00:22.719 If the sound system doesn't like me, I am going to try to stay in front of the microphone 00:00:22.719 --> 00:00:27.839 ! If that doesn't work, we're going to go George Whitefield on you. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:35.740 He preached to thousands without a sound system. 00:00:36.920 --> 00:00:42.539 I do want to say a word of thanks to Gar Phillips and to those who work in the sound booth. 00:00:43.759 --> 00:00:49.260 Gar is a professional at what he does in more than one area. 00:00:50.700 --> 00:00:55.640 He is an electrical engineer, I think. Am I correct on that? Yeah? Okay. 00:00:55.640 --> 00:01:01.980 So whoever's running the sound booth is not just a neophyte, a newbie without experience. 00:01:03.160 --> 00:01:09.460 Gar runs sound for Ohio State Fair, and he ad-libs at other places. 00:01:09.680 --> 00:01:13.280 So he came up and told me that we were having frequency issues. 00:01:13.560 --> 00:01:18.060 That means that other people get to share with us, and we don't invite them to do that. 00:01:18.280 --> 00:01:19.560 That's what's going on. 00:01:19.560 --> 00:01:26.719 Second thing that I would encourage you to do is remember that you have a sober responsibility this morning. 00:01:28.140 --> 00:01:32.620 Yes, you are here to listen to the teaching and the preaching of the Word of God. 00:01:33.480 --> 00:01:38.680 And that actually requires something on your part in relationship to, first of all, 00:01:38.840 --> 00:01:46.020 consciously and deliberately asking the Spirit of God to give you a heart that is open to hear. 00:01:46.019 --> 00:01:51.039 It's quite easy to come and sit and tune out. 00:01:52.979 --> 00:01:56.079 I'm going to venture to guess most of you have read this passage before. 00:01:57.599 --> 00:01:58.859 Yeah, I know that. 00:02:00.759 --> 00:02:05.519 And so I'm reminded of the prayer in Psalm 119 where the psalmist says, 00:02:05.739 --> 00:02:09.240 Open mine eyes that I might behold wondrous truths out of thy law. 00:02:09.240 --> 00:02:21.939 And so some of what you walk away with will be the result of having a heart that pleads with the Holy Spirit to help you hear properly. 00:02:23.280 --> 00:02:30.560 Third, I don't think I've asked you to pray for me lately in a public fashion for probably several weeks. 00:02:30.700 --> 00:02:31.960 You know, it's like, so it's overdue. 00:02:31.960 --> 00:02:41.240 The apostle was more consistent in asking people to pray for him than almost any other thing he asked for. 00:02:44.280 --> 00:02:48.960 And so I would plead with you that you remember to pray for me. 00:02:49.040 --> 00:02:53.140 In fact, in the midst of a sermon, there's nothing wrong at all with stopping and saying, 00:02:53.260 --> 00:02:53.960 He needs help. 00:02:54.140 --> 00:02:56.200 Ask him or help him, Lord, please. 00:02:56.600 --> 00:02:58.600 And so I trust that he answers your prayer. 00:02:58.599 --> 00:03:03.099 Now, that being said, turn in your Bibles to John chapter 13. 00:03:04.180 --> 00:03:07.479 And all I want you to do is put your finger there. 00:03:09.280 --> 00:03:12.780 I want you to turn, finger in John 13. 00:03:13.579 --> 00:03:21.240 I want you to turn forward just a little bit to the passage in Romans chapter 3. 00:03:21.240 --> 00:03:31.719 I want to read to you Romans chapter 3, beginning there in verse 9. 00:03:32.760 --> 00:03:33.240 What then? 00:03:33.960 --> 00:03:35.480 Are we Jews any better off? 00:03:35.680 --> 00:03:36.700 No, not at all. 00:03:37.680 --> 00:03:46.260 For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin as it is written. 00:03:46.400 --> 00:03:50.860 Stop just for a moment and remember that in the Scriptures, when this kind of statement is made, 00:03:50.860 --> 00:03:58.980 as it is written, the apostle, the writer of the Scripture, is bringing to mind or to the argument 00:03:58.980 --> 00:04:04.680 the most persuasive element of the issue. 00:04:05.280 --> 00:04:06.780 He is reciting Scripture. 00:04:06.940 --> 00:04:07.100 He says, 00:04:07.099 --> 00:04:33.759 As we go back to John chapter 13, we are going to be looking this morning 00:04:33.759 --> 00:04:40.060 at the passage that begins there in John chapter 13, verse 18. 00:04:41.219 --> 00:04:45.079 And I will read it for you as we take the passage in hand. 00:04:46.439 --> 00:04:48.139 I am not speaking of all of you. 00:04:48.779 --> 00:04:52.120 I know whom I have chosen, but the Scriptures must be fulfilled. 00:04:52.560 --> 00:04:56.959 He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me. 00:04:56.959 --> 00:04:59.739 Let's take a moment and pray. 00:05:01.739 --> 00:05:08.759 Father, I am reminded of the fact that it is not by might nor by power, but by your Spirit 00:05:08.759 --> 00:05:17.159 that we as your people can thankfully depend upon your enabling, both in my preaching 00:05:17.159 --> 00:05:21.579 and in the application of the Word in the lives of those who sit here this morning. 00:05:21.579 --> 00:05:24.979 Many are here today as believers. 00:05:27.560 --> 00:05:32.479 And thankfully, they have come to that place where your grace, first of all, drew them to 00:05:32.479 --> 00:05:38.519 realize the darkness of their own soul and gave them relief through salvation in the Lord 00:05:38.519 --> 00:05:38.919 Jesus. 00:05:41.159 --> 00:05:44.259 There are those here also today that do not know Christ. 00:05:44.259 --> 00:05:49.819 And it is my prayer that this morning as they see the sweetness of our Lord Jesus Christ 00:05:49.819 --> 00:05:56.420 and the absolute depravity and darkness of sin and their own soul, that they would call 00:05:56.420 --> 00:06:00.480 out and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ in whom alone is salvation. 00:06:02.139 --> 00:06:05.120 And I ask this, Lord, in your name. 00:06:05.740 --> 00:06:06.060 Amen. 00:06:06.060 --> 00:06:06.199 Amen. 00:06:07.759 --> 00:06:13.819 Well, we're looking at a passage this morning that is important to us because it is here 00:06:13.819 --> 00:06:20.300 for our edification and our benefit, and we're actually looking at what is an ongoing pattern 00:06:20.300 --> 00:06:23.939 of John that is going to take place actually all the way through chapter 19. 00:06:25.240 --> 00:06:32.959 Interestingly enough, John puts the most amount of time in his writing, the gospel, he puts the 00:06:32.959 --> 00:06:36.399 most amount of time into the last five hours of Christ's life. 00:06:37.239 --> 00:06:41.060 And so you always have to ask yourself, why is this part here? 00:06:42.000 --> 00:06:42.859 Why is it here? 00:06:43.479 --> 00:06:49.699 The answer, if you remember from John chapter 20, verse 31, is these things are written. 00:06:49.819 --> 00:06:52.859 How many of you more or less have the drift and can answer the question? 00:06:53.099 --> 00:06:54.259 Why is it here? 00:06:54.259 --> 00:07:00.419 It is here so that you might know that Jesus is the Christ and believing have eternal life. 00:07:00.420 --> 00:07:07.379 Like, this passage fits into the larger perspective of the material that John gives to us so that 00:07:07.379 --> 00:07:12.600 you who sit under the teaching of the Word of God, who read the Word of God, who meditate 00:07:12.600 --> 00:07:19.500 upon the Word of God, may have it firmly fixed in your mind that Jesus is the Christ and that 00:07:19.500 --> 00:07:21.139 believing you can have eternal life. 00:07:21.939 --> 00:07:25.800 So what we're going to do this morning as we look at this passage, beginning there in John 00:07:25.800 --> 00:07:31.819 chapter 13, verse 18 and carrying on down through 30, we're going to look, first of all, at a 00:07:31.819 --> 00:07:35.939 broad summary of the material that is in hand at the moment. 00:07:36.400 --> 00:07:41.340 Secondly, we're going to take a look at Judas, which is a typical sinner. 00:07:41.920 --> 00:07:44.259 And third, we are going to look at Jesus. 00:07:44.439 --> 00:07:49.800 Now, before we go there, let me bring you back just for a moment to the passage that Seth read. 00:07:49.800 --> 00:07:51.840 How many of you remember it offhand? 00:07:53.220 --> 00:07:54.720 Seth remembers because he read it. 00:07:55.000 --> 00:07:56.199 Thank you for reading that. 00:07:56.920 --> 00:07:58.480 1 Timothy chapter 1. 00:07:59.720 --> 00:08:00.460 What was it? 00:08:06.840 --> 00:08:09.019 Right, you remember it in the King James Version, right? 00:08:09.439 --> 00:08:10.500 Of whom I am chief. 00:08:11.120 --> 00:08:12.879 Seth, how did it go in the ESV? 00:08:14.259 --> 00:08:15.480 Pull it up so you remember. 00:08:15.620 --> 00:08:17.780 He said, Pastor, do you have it in the ESV? 00:08:17.779 --> 00:08:19.879 Okay, I'm just calling out the names here. 00:08:20.839 --> 00:08:22.099 Who has it in ESV? 00:08:22.199 --> 00:08:23.379 I don't have that turned out. 00:08:23.419 --> 00:08:24.119 This is important. 00:08:27.639 --> 00:08:30.379 And everybody's waiting for the electronics to kick in, right? 00:08:32.779 --> 00:08:36.839 Of whom I am foremost, okay? 00:08:37.500 --> 00:08:39.699 In other words, here is the apostle. 00:08:39.919 --> 00:08:42.439 By the way, he is writing this for our edification. 00:08:43.259 --> 00:08:44.319 Let me ask you a question. 00:08:44.320 --> 00:08:48.360 Is he practicing false humility? 00:08:48.600 --> 00:08:50.500 How many of you know what false humility looks like? 00:08:51.060 --> 00:08:51.780 I'll give you a picture. 00:08:52.700 --> 00:08:57.320 A girl who is fairly attractive walks out of the dressing room where she's trying something on, 00:08:57.460 --> 00:09:00.060 and she knows she's a knockout, and she says to her friends, 00:09:00.360 --> 00:09:01.600 I look terrible, don't I? 00:09:03.060 --> 00:09:05.300 What happens if your friends agree with you? 00:09:06.379 --> 00:09:07.780 They don't ride home with you. 00:09:07.860 --> 00:09:09.380 I mean, that's false humility. 00:09:09.740 --> 00:09:11.900 Paul, is he practicing false humility? 00:09:11.899 --> 00:09:13.860 The answer is no. 00:09:14.919 --> 00:09:25.559 He is speaking with a clear understanding of the darkness of his own heart 00:09:25.559 --> 00:09:28.899 and his deep need for the grace of God. 00:09:28.959 --> 00:09:29.480 Isn't that right? 00:09:30.319 --> 00:09:34.639 Now, another passage that I could recite as we kind of work our way into this text 00:09:34.639 --> 00:09:37.840 is I could recite Jeremiah chapter 17, 9. 00:09:37.919 --> 00:09:38.980 How many of you know that one? 00:09:38.980 --> 00:09:44.019 The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. 00:09:44.139 --> 00:09:45.060 Who can know it? 00:09:45.560 --> 00:09:49.460 Your heart is an absolute black hole. 00:09:52.519 --> 00:09:54.639 And this morning as we look at this passage, 00:09:54.759 --> 00:09:58.800 I think it is important for us to dive in and understand very carefully 00:09:58.799 --> 00:10:08.019 that this portion has been given to us to confirm the ability of Christ to save anyone, including me. 00:10:09.419 --> 00:10:10.500 Let's look at the summary. 00:10:11.179 --> 00:10:17.599 Recognize here, first of all, that John 13 is actually the beginning of a seven-chapter study 00:10:17.599 --> 00:10:21.399 of the last few hours of the Lord Jesus' life before the cross. 00:10:21.399 --> 00:10:30.399 We're going to hear in these chapters Jesus teach on the relationship of believers to him as the vine. 00:10:31.059 --> 00:10:37.419 We're going to hear him teach an extensive portion in relationship to the ministry of the Holy Spirit 00:10:37.419 --> 00:10:39.480 in the life of the New Testament believer, 00:10:39.600 --> 00:10:43.319 a very significant part that we're going to really enjoy and be enriched by. 00:10:43.320 --> 00:10:49.100 We're also going to be ushered in in John chapter 17 to listen to the Lord Jesus as he prays for us, 00:10:49.440 --> 00:10:50.260 prays for his own. 00:10:51.460 --> 00:10:55.240 John 13 actually also comes at the end of the Passover meal 00:10:55.240 --> 00:10:59.780 that Jesus had eaten with his disciples on the night that he was betrayed. 00:10:59.779 --> 00:11:06.079 And as you look at verse 18 on, what you also understand is that in this context, 00:11:06.240 --> 00:11:11.779 Jesus revealed that he knew who was going to betray him in accordance with the Old Testament passage. 00:11:12.839 --> 00:11:16.399 In Psalm 41, verse 9, the statement of the psalmist is this, 00:11:16.500 --> 00:11:21.100 that there would be someone who would betray Christ who had eaten his bread. 00:11:22.419 --> 00:11:28.720 And in saying that, he was referring to someone close that was by Jesus and part of the inner circle. 00:11:28.720 --> 00:11:33.860 So as you look at this passage, understand several significant things have happened. 00:11:34.220 --> 00:11:36.500 For one, he'd already instituted the Lord's table. 00:11:37.379 --> 00:11:43.560 And I believe that Judas had joined at taking the bread or had joined in in taking the bread in the cup. 00:11:43.920 --> 00:11:50.759 I confess that the idea can prove to be a little unsettling to stop and think that Judas had been at the table. 00:11:51.519 --> 00:11:52.840 He had had the bread in the cup. 00:11:52.840 --> 00:12:02.700 And particularly if you are of the inaccurate persuasion that communion has anything whatsoever to do with your salvation. 00:12:03.740 --> 00:12:05.960 Taking communion doesn't get you to heaven. 00:12:06.960 --> 00:12:12.580 Sinners can take communion, and Judas is the perfect illustration of that happening. 00:12:13.160 --> 00:12:16.200 In order to confirm that truth, keep your finger in John. 00:12:16.200 --> 00:12:17.240 We're coming right back. 00:12:17.700 --> 00:12:23.300 But I want you to turn to Luke chapter 22, and let me just read verse 19 through 23. 00:12:23.460 --> 00:12:27.040 The reason that I say Judas took the Lord's table. 00:12:28.900 --> 00:12:32.500 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 00:12:32.620 --> 00:12:34.820 This is my body, which is given for you. 00:12:34.920 --> 00:12:36.360 Do this in remembrance of me. 00:12:37.060 --> 00:12:39.480 And likewise the cup, after they had supped, saying, 00:12:39.700 --> 00:12:42.160 This cup is poured out for you. 00:12:42.159 --> 00:12:44.419 It is the new covenant in my blood. 00:12:44.539 --> 00:12:50.000 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me. 00:12:50.079 --> 00:12:50.480 Where? 00:12:51.539 --> 00:12:52.899 On the table. 00:12:53.279 --> 00:12:56.259 Right here in among us. 00:12:58.379 --> 00:13:02.579 I want you to understand that not only had Jesus instituted the Lord's table, 00:13:02.699 --> 00:13:04.019 and Judas had been part of that, 00:13:04.219 --> 00:13:07.059 but we also know that he had washed the disciples' feet. 00:13:07.059 --> 00:13:14.039 And so you can understand that these two powerful illustrations of the heart of Christ 00:13:14.039 --> 00:13:18.459 must have weighed on the heart of every one of the disciples 00:13:18.459 --> 00:13:22.259 when Jesus said what he did there in verse 18 in John chapter 3. 00:13:22.659 --> 00:13:26.299 I am not speaking of all of you. 00:13:27.819 --> 00:13:29.359 So there he makes that statement. 00:13:29.360 --> 00:13:35.440 And we have to understand that Judas was just as close to Jesus in the proximity 00:13:35.440 --> 00:13:38.139 as Peter, James, and John, and all the rest. 00:13:38.279 --> 00:13:43.940 In fact, there are those who would say that Judas actually was sitting on the left hand of Jesus. 00:13:44.899 --> 00:13:49.240 Remember, he just dipped the bread in the sauce and handed it to him. 00:13:49.960 --> 00:13:52.259 John was on the right hand, Judas on the left. 00:13:52.259 --> 00:13:58.080 And here we find this moment of betrayal in the journey of the Lord Jesus to the cross 00:13:58.080 --> 00:14:03.240 is set out for us here in rather significant proportion 00:14:03.240 --> 00:14:10.200 for us to really pay attention to Judas as a classic illustration of what a sinner is really like. 00:14:11.480 --> 00:14:15.639 Now, I want you to stop for a moment and just really consider the sober reality 00:14:15.639 --> 00:14:17.860 of what Judas was going to do in just a moment 00:14:17.860 --> 00:14:21.700 in order to understand the issues that are in hand. 00:14:22.120 --> 00:14:24.940 Turn forward just a little bit over to Acts chapter 2. 00:14:25.779 --> 00:14:27.779 Acts chapter 2, verse 22. 00:14:32.580 --> 00:14:39.279 We're looking at a passage where the apostle, Peter, is preaching on the day of Pentecost. 00:14:40.659 --> 00:14:42.600 And let me read the verses for you. 00:14:42.680 --> 00:14:44.200 Acts chapter 2, verse 22. 00:14:44.200 --> 00:14:45.680 It says there, 00:14:45.679 --> 00:14:48.379 Men of Israel, hear these words. 00:14:48.539 --> 00:14:53.579 Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs 00:14:53.579 --> 00:14:55.919 that God did through him in your midst. 00:14:56.039 --> 00:15:03.819 As you yourselves know, this Jesus delivered up according to the definite plan 00:15:03.819 --> 00:15:09.879 and foreknowledge of God you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 00:15:09.879 --> 00:15:17.860 God raised him up, losing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 00:15:18.620 --> 00:15:26.080 So here we are in the passage in John chapter 13, and I want you to understand that what the setting is, 00:15:26.120 --> 00:15:34.659 is here is Jesus, moments before the cross, ministering for one last time to the principal illustration 00:15:34.659 --> 00:15:37.039 of what a sinful heart is like. 00:15:37.039 --> 00:15:43.579 You recognize that in this passage in verse 18, Jesus predicted his betrayal by a disciple, 00:15:44.279 --> 00:15:46.500 and Jesus even pointed out his betrayer. 00:15:47.199 --> 00:15:50.559 Now let me make one more observation before we actually get into the text itself. 00:15:50.559 --> 00:15:54.699 The practical question is this, is why is this here? 00:15:55.839 --> 00:15:57.339 Why is this here? 00:15:58.099 --> 00:16:04.739 In fact, I would encourage you to ask that question to yourself often when you are having your own personal devotions. 00:16:05.059 --> 00:16:07.399 How many of you know what it is to speed read on devotions? 00:16:09.299 --> 00:16:12.539 Devotional speed readers, raise your hands just so I know that I'm not the only one. 00:16:12.759 --> 00:16:17.099 What I mean by that is you've got four verses to do in order to be godly for the day, 00:16:17.100 --> 00:16:19.000 and so what you do is done. 00:16:20.139 --> 00:16:21.820 How many of you have been speed readers before? 00:16:23.180 --> 00:16:24.560 There are some of you that are not being truthful. 00:16:24.720 --> 00:16:25.720 Are your hands cramping up? 00:16:25.759 --> 00:16:27.639 I don't know which it is, but we all have done it, right? 00:16:28.460 --> 00:16:30.659 We have to remind ourselves, why is this here? 00:16:31.519 --> 00:16:35.879 Let me give you two reasons, not exhaustive, but at least two reasons to hold on to. 00:16:36.279 --> 00:16:39.279 One thing, it says in 1 Corinthians 10, verse 11, 00:16:39.680 --> 00:16:42.560 Scriptures are written for our instruction and warning. 00:16:42.559 --> 00:16:50.639 It's here to advise me of just how dark my heart is and to warn me. 00:16:51.679 --> 00:16:54.319 Furthermore, Scripture is written to give us hope. 00:16:54.419 --> 00:16:56.359 In Romans chapter 15, it says, 00:16:56.659 --> 00:16:59.099 These things are written that you might have hope in the Scriptures. 00:16:59.599 --> 00:17:01.919 And so when I look at the illustration of Judas, 00:17:02.259 --> 00:17:08.740 I am reminded that Jesus, in His unfailing love for Judas, pursued Him to the end. 00:17:08.740 --> 00:17:14.640 And I am thankful that in every gospel opportunity that I have been given in my life, 00:17:14.799 --> 00:17:19.620 I know for a reason, I know with confidence, that Jesus can save that person. 00:17:20.120 --> 00:17:23.480 Not only that, but I know Jesus isn't letting go of me. 00:17:23.960 --> 00:17:26.259 If He loved Judas the way He loved Judas, 00:17:26.500 --> 00:17:31.220 and He was willing to minister persistently to Judas right to the last moment, 00:17:31.500 --> 00:17:34.519 I have confidence of His love in my life as well. 00:17:35.339 --> 00:17:38.500 Let's think now more practically about Judas, the typical sinner. 00:17:39.359 --> 00:17:42.380 And stop just for a minute and ask yourself the question, 00:17:42.759 --> 00:17:47.019 Does it grate a little bit on your psyche, on your thinking, 00:17:47.319 --> 00:17:50.480 to kind of think of yourself as being kind of like Judas? 00:17:51.859 --> 00:17:55.000 I thought about introducing myself this morning, but most of you know me. 00:17:55.380 --> 00:17:58.000 My name is Timothy Judas Knoyer. 00:17:59.859 --> 00:18:02.099 My parents named me Douglas for the middle name, 00:18:02.099 --> 00:18:06.059 but the truth of the matter is, is that when I stop and think about Judas' heart, 00:18:06.419 --> 00:18:15.719 I recognize in him lie every conceivable sin that I imagine to be true also in my own life. 00:18:16.639 --> 00:18:20.259 And so here we are looking, and I remind you, Judas is the typical sinner. 00:18:20.259 --> 00:18:26.700 I want you to look now, you're in John chapter 13, but look there at verse 21. 00:18:26.879 --> 00:18:31.000 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in His spirit. 00:18:31.920 --> 00:18:35.759 He had identified the reality that His betrayer was at the table with Him, 00:18:35.759 --> 00:18:39.799 and He had indicated in verse 19 that in doing so, 00:18:40.140 --> 00:18:46.379 He was giving His disciples an indication, yet another indication of His divinity, 00:18:46.539 --> 00:18:47.440 His divine ability. 00:18:47.720 --> 00:18:48.859 He was predicting the future. 00:18:48.940 --> 00:18:49.480 It's going to happen. 00:18:49.480 --> 00:18:52.940 And when it comes about, you know that I am God. 00:18:54.720 --> 00:18:58.160 And so I want you to stop and just ask yourself a question here when it says 00:18:58.160 --> 00:19:01.220 that Jesus was troubled in His spirit. 00:19:02.140 --> 00:19:03.559 What was it that troubled Him? 00:19:04.259 --> 00:19:07.960 Well, for one thing, we do know that the passage tells us there in verse 21, 00:19:08.420 --> 00:19:12.819 truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me. 00:19:12.819 --> 00:19:22.179 And so let's think a little more carefully about what Judas had received in those three years 00:19:22.179 --> 00:19:27.919 that he'd been a disciple and use that as a backdrop against the reality of his eventual 00:19:27.919 --> 00:19:30.139 betrayal of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:19:31.019 --> 00:19:33.099 Judas had been blessed with abundant truth. 00:19:33.139 --> 00:19:33.700 Isn't that right? 00:19:34.559 --> 00:19:38.179 How many of you recognize that there are people all over the world that have not really had 00:19:38.179 --> 00:19:41.119 a great deal of information about the Lord Jesus Christ? 00:19:41.119 --> 00:19:46.239 I remember not long ago sharing the gospel with an individual who professed that they'd 00:19:46.239 --> 00:19:47.459 never heard of Him before. 00:19:48.500 --> 00:19:50.059 And there are people all over the world. 00:19:50.179 --> 00:19:54.899 That's one of the reasons why we as God's people should have a heart for missions because 00:19:54.899 --> 00:19:57.799 there are people who've not heard the name of the Lord Jesus. 00:19:58.159 --> 00:20:04.699 Judas, on the other hand, he had been a personal disciple right there by Jesus, entire three-year 00:20:04.699 --> 00:20:05.139 ministry. 00:20:05.500 --> 00:20:08.119 He had been there when Jesus had performed every blessing. 00:20:08.559 --> 00:20:10.079 He had seen every miracle. 00:20:10.079 --> 00:20:11.799 He had heard Jesus teach. 00:20:13.399 --> 00:20:18.460 And I want you to understand that at the same time as Judas had received all these blessings, 00:20:18.960 --> 00:20:25.339 we also understand that he had been quietly deceitful, quietly deceitful. 00:20:25.460 --> 00:20:29.839 Judas had been entrusted with the offerings that had been gathered, and he was responsible 00:20:29.839 --> 00:20:33.699 for giving out gifts to meet the needs of individuals as the group traveled. 00:20:33.700 --> 00:20:38.140 And he had been carrying the money and dipping into it all along. 00:20:38.279 --> 00:20:43.160 And it's really interesting to recognize that even in the midst of him doing all this, the 00:20:43.160 --> 00:20:46.799 disciples never really suspicioned him of being guilty of that. 00:20:48.000 --> 00:20:50.140 Now, do you think Jesus knew what was happening? 00:20:50.960 --> 00:20:51.580 What do you think? 00:20:52.259 --> 00:20:53.900 Do you think Jesus knew what was happening? 00:20:54.019 --> 00:20:57.799 Can anybody help me know why we think Jesus may have known? 00:20:57.799 --> 00:21:03.059 Remember when the disciples were carrying on their typical intramural argument, which was 00:21:03.059 --> 00:21:03.559 about what? 00:21:04.740 --> 00:21:06.000 Oh, I want you to be first. 00:21:06.099 --> 00:21:06.819 No, I want you to be. 00:21:06.859 --> 00:21:07.299 No, no, no. 00:21:07.519 --> 00:21:09.460 Yeah, what were they arguing about all the time? 00:21:10.519 --> 00:21:11.659 Who was going to be number one? 00:21:11.759 --> 00:21:15.379 Now, they had the decency to have these arguments down the road away from Jesus. 00:21:15.919 --> 00:21:19.139 And when they'd get a little closer, he'd say, hey, hey, guys, what were you talking about? 00:21:19.319 --> 00:21:19.819 Oh, no, no. 00:21:20.000 --> 00:21:20.399 It's nothing. 00:21:20.400 --> 00:21:24.720 How many of you know when your kids tell you it's nothing, it's wrong time to take their 00:21:24.720 --> 00:21:25.259 word for it? 00:21:27.519 --> 00:21:30.280 Jesus knew exactly what was going on with Judas. 00:21:30.720 --> 00:21:33.400 He knew Judas and his deceitful heart. 00:21:34.040 --> 00:21:35.300 He knew what was happening. 00:21:36.320 --> 00:21:42.180 I want you to recognize that this quiet deceit of Judas was of such a nature that the disciples 00:21:42.180 --> 00:21:43.400 didn't suspicion him. 00:21:44.280 --> 00:21:46.320 You're there in John chapter 13. 00:21:46.440 --> 00:21:47.740 Look at it in verse 22. 00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:53.000 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 00:21:55.099 --> 00:21:56.240 It's interesting. 00:21:56.740 --> 00:21:57.460 Here's Jesus. 00:21:58.000 --> 00:22:00.039 One of you is going to betray me. 00:22:01.660 --> 00:22:01.940 You? 00:22:02.980 --> 00:22:03.620 You? 00:22:05.380 --> 00:22:06.440 I'm struck. 00:22:07.660 --> 00:22:14.539 This is a rare moment in the decency of the disciples' lives where instead of having ill-spirited 00:22:14.539 --> 00:22:16.799 thoughts of one another, they were curious. 00:22:16.799 --> 00:22:21.980 Now, we also know, and turn in your Bible, if you will, go over to Matthew chapter 26. 00:22:22.960 --> 00:22:24.539 This is interesting. 00:22:25.359 --> 00:22:26.460 You know, it gives me hope. 00:22:26.819 --> 00:22:29.859 If the disciples can pick it up and learn, so maybe can I. 00:22:30.419 --> 00:22:32.579 Matthew chapter 26, verse 25. 00:22:32.759 --> 00:22:36.559 Jesus says, one of you is going to betray me, and here is what happens. 00:22:36.559 --> 00:22:44.259 After the statement is made, look what happens. 00:22:45.299 --> 00:22:46.059 Verse 22. 00:22:46.539 --> 00:22:53.139 They were very sorrowful and began to say to him, began to say to him, began to say to Jesus, 00:22:53.779 --> 00:22:55.279 am I the one? 00:22:56.339 --> 00:22:56.940 Look up. 00:22:56.940 --> 00:23:08.559 Here are the disciples struck by the sober reality that one of them on the table that had enjoyed 00:23:08.559 --> 00:23:12.779 communion and had had their feet washed was going to betray Jesus. 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:20.660 And when he told them that, it's like, here is an illustration of people who had a sense 00:23:20.660 --> 00:23:22.019 of their own sinfulness. 00:23:23.480 --> 00:23:27.379 How many of you have thought to yourself, I would never do that? 00:23:28.539 --> 00:23:28.759 Huh? 00:23:29.980 --> 00:23:36.819 I remember when I was a young pastor early in my 30s, and we had a guy who was 80s. 00:23:36.819 --> 00:23:40.279 I don't know if I'll live that long, but he came to preach to us young pastors about pastoral 00:23:40.279 --> 00:23:40.700 ministry. 00:23:41.240 --> 00:23:45.439 And he was talking about the matter of moral purity in the ministry, and he shared, there 00:23:45.439 --> 00:23:53.379 are so many pastors that blow it, fall, dishonor the testimony of Christ. 00:23:56.240 --> 00:24:01.419 And I remember when he said to me and said to us, he says, when I was a young pastor, I 00:24:01.419 --> 00:24:03.740 used to think to myself, that'll never happen to me. 00:24:03.740 --> 00:24:12.680 And he says, now at 80, I constantly think, Lord, by your grace, never let that happen to 00:24:12.680 --> 00:24:12.900 me. 00:24:15.599 --> 00:24:20.980 Here are the disciples at a rare moment when Jesus says, one of you is going to betray me. 00:24:22.039 --> 00:24:24.099 Instead of sitting there, how many of you do this? 00:24:24.120 --> 00:24:25.920 And don't raise your hand because it's so embarrassing. 00:24:26.859 --> 00:24:29.759 How many of you think ill of other people? 00:24:31.579 --> 00:24:32.620 You know what I'm saying. 00:24:32.619 --> 00:24:36.179 How many of you know what other people are thinking without their help? 00:24:37.479 --> 00:24:42.079 You know, they're in the lobby and you say hi to them and they don't answer. 00:24:42.199 --> 00:24:45.179 And you think to yourself, oh, I know they don't like me. 00:24:45.959 --> 00:24:51.719 Or, you know, for one rare moment, here are the disciples. 00:24:51.959 --> 00:24:54.259 Jesus says, one of you is going to betray me. 00:24:54.559 --> 00:24:58.519 And they have the humility to say, am I the one? 00:24:58.519 --> 00:25:00.180 Now, mark what we said. 00:25:00.639 --> 00:25:03.099 Look at how long this goes on. 00:25:03.740 --> 00:25:06.660 Guess who the last disciple is to ask the question? 00:25:08.279 --> 00:25:10.119 I mean, here's John. 00:25:10.500 --> 00:25:11.359 Is it me? 00:25:12.319 --> 00:25:13.900 Peter, is it me? 00:25:14.740 --> 00:25:16.220 Andrew, is it me? 00:25:17.220 --> 00:25:19.019 Oh, and 11 of them in a row. 00:25:19.019 --> 00:25:22.259 Oh, and the last one is, okay. 00:25:22.579 --> 00:25:23.960 I don't want to be too obvious here. 00:25:26.359 --> 00:25:27.160 Is it me? 00:25:27.879 --> 00:25:28.980 Judas, verse 25. 00:25:31.240 --> 00:25:32.639 And what does Jesus say? 00:25:33.379 --> 00:25:34.259 Verse 25. 00:25:35.220 --> 00:25:36.019 You've said so. 00:25:36.400 --> 00:25:36.599 Yeah. 00:25:37.039 --> 00:25:37.680 You're the guy. 00:25:37.680 --> 00:25:46.920 Well, I want you to recognize as you continue here that Judas was also willing to yield to Satan and to give himself over to sin. 00:25:48.039 --> 00:25:53.360 Going back to the passage in John chapter 13, verse 27. 00:25:54.680 --> 00:25:55.299 It says, 00:25:55.299 --> 00:25:57.940 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. 00:25:58.019 --> 00:26:00.100 Jesus said to him, what you're going to do, do quickly. 00:26:01.779 --> 00:26:06.180 When Jesus had dipped the bread in the sauce and handed it to Judas. 00:26:06.180 --> 00:26:13.299 You have to understand that in the ancient culture, that was generally seen as a sign of honor and respect. 00:26:14.900 --> 00:26:17.519 I mean, everybody is responsible to do their own eating. 00:26:17.660 --> 00:26:18.340 Do you follow that? 00:26:19.519 --> 00:26:23.700 How many of you have been to weddings where there is, sometimes they do it. 00:26:23.759 --> 00:26:25.340 You know, they cut a piece of cake. 00:26:25.420 --> 00:26:27.340 The bride cuts a piece and the broom cuts a piece. 00:26:27.880 --> 00:26:31.880 And because they're juvenile, they generally try to stuff it in each other's mouth. 00:26:31.880 --> 00:26:36.480 That's really not the plan in theory. 00:26:36.540 --> 00:26:37.220 Do you understand it? 00:26:37.600 --> 00:26:40.400 It's, we're about serving one another. 00:26:40.640 --> 00:26:43.220 You know, it's like, oh yeah, you're cutting cake. 00:26:43.500 --> 00:26:50.600 See, some father-in-laws have said to young men, don't you stuff that cake into my daughter's mouth. 00:26:52.940 --> 00:26:54.560 Anyway, that's off the subject. 00:26:54.680 --> 00:26:55.700 Don't remember that, please. 00:26:55.700 --> 00:26:57.559 Here's the note. 00:26:59.180 --> 00:27:06.740 Here is Jesus doing what was understood to be the most distinguished way of passing honor. 00:27:06.980 --> 00:27:09.580 He dipped the sop and he gave it to Judas. 00:27:11.480 --> 00:27:14.500 And here was Judas taking it. 00:27:15.480 --> 00:27:19.220 And with this final warning, you're going to go do this. 00:27:20.100 --> 00:27:20.819 Get on with it. 00:27:21.740 --> 00:27:23.220 Out he goes into the night. 00:27:23.220 --> 00:27:31.360 Well, I want you to know that the Bible passage we're looking at this morning is instructive to each of us for several reasons. 00:27:31.460 --> 00:27:35.860 For one, those who are saved should be able to see themselves in Judas. 00:27:36.880 --> 00:27:38.019 Can I say that again slowly? 00:27:38.819 --> 00:27:47.640 Those who are saved should be able to see themselves in Judas and recognize that the grace of God found you as an absolutely morally bankrupt Christian. 00:27:47.640 --> 00:27:55.540 And until you are persuaded of the darkness of your heart, you really don't realize how desperately you need Christ. 00:27:57.780 --> 00:28:04.759 Most of the people that I have the privilege of sharing the gospel with, when we really get started with it and I ask them the question, why should God let you into heaven? 00:28:05.120 --> 00:28:06.060 Guess what they tell me? 00:28:07.620 --> 00:28:08.020 Surprising. 00:28:08.580 --> 00:28:10.440 They say, I'm a pretty good person. 00:28:11.440 --> 00:28:13.320 I am not like Judas. 00:28:14.320 --> 00:28:16.200 Had I been there, I would have never been. 00:28:16.200 --> 00:28:17.080 Yes, I would. 00:28:19.559 --> 00:28:25.660 And so I want you to understand when you think about Judas, you recognize that those who are saved can see themselves in Judas. 00:28:27.160 --> 00:28:30.460 Recognize how dark and how desperate your heart is. 00:28:30.460 --> 00:28:38.900 Can I give you a little indicator of what is a signal of spiritual growth? 00:28:39.340 --> 00:28:40.160 Everybody look up. 00:28:40.160 --> 00:28:48.779 It is your growing appreciation for how dark your heart can be. 00:28:50.040 --> 00:29:00.080 Now, by the way, don't go out in the lobby and advise us of how nasty you are so we'll pat you on the shoulder and say, oh, I really appreciate how godly you are. 00:29:00.140 --> 00:29:01.019 It's not going to happen. 00:29:01.019 --> 00:29:01.500 Okay. 00:29:01.500 --> 00:29:01.859 Okay. 00:29:02.079 --> 00:29:07.879 But privately, man, but by the grace of God, there go I. 00:29:08.139 --> 00:29:09.240 Well, here's another point. 00:29:10.200 --> 00:29:15.940 Those who are not saved must know that they're in grave danger of hardening their heart. 00:29:16.059 --> 00:29:18.680 If it says great, thank you, Connie, for catching that. 00:29:19.559 --> 00:29:21.960 There was a typo on my notes and it's like, we got it. 00:29:22.599 --> 00:29:23.480 Grave danger. 00:29:23.700 --> 00:29:24.460 Great danger. 00:29:24.460 --> 00:29:25.079 Do you follow me? 00:29:25.140 --> 00:29:35.579 When you think about Judas, you think to yourself, man, here is Judas with all the information available to him around the Lord Jesus and all these blessings. 00:29:35.860 --> 00:29:37.100 And he hardened his heart. 00:29:38.519 --> 00:29:47.360 Don't fall into the trap of hardening your heart against the grace of God and the things that God is doing to show you his kindness. 00:29:47.359 --> 00:29:53.439 So the picture of Judas should humble our heart and lead us to worship. 00:29:54.899 --> 00:29:58.219 Now, by the way, stop just for a moment because I have a little sidebar note here to say. 00:30:01.399 --> 00:30:05.079 It's fairly popular to be depressed on a regular basis in our culture today. 00:30:05.179 --> 00:30:05.679 Did you know that? 00:30:06.240 --> 00:30:07.899 Depression is something we specialize in. 00:30:08.179 --> 00:30:09.319 By the way, everybody listen. 00:30:10.479 --> 00:30:12.740 People have been depressed ever since the fall. 00:30:13.659 --> 00:30:14.759 No more, no less. 00:30:14.819 --> 00:30:15.459 Does that make sense? 00:30:15.460 --> 00:30:21.740 There really is one particular remedy for the depressed heart. 00:30:22.480 --> 00:30:23.100 Guess what it is? 00:30:24.279 --> 00:30:26.319 Don't think about yourself. 00:30:26.660 --> 00:30:31.259 Think about the only one who can love a Judas. 00:30:33.840 --> 00:30:34.779 You got that? 00:30:36.340 --> 00:30:39.880 Judas reminds me of me. 00:30:39.880 --> 00:30:48.140 And thinking about Judas draws my heart to delight in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the lover of lost mankind, 00:30:48.820 --> 00:30:52.280 and came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am what? 00:30:53.240 --> 00:30:56.000 I'm the best example I can think of, the worst. 00:30:57.140 --> 00:31:00.600 Well, let's think of one more important person, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:31:00.599 --> 00:31:06.439 Now, you look there at the little verse in John chapter 13, verse 21. 00:31:06.559 --> 00:31:07.399 I'll read it for you again. 00:31:07.619 --> 00:31:11.899 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in His spirit. 00:31:11.900 --> 00:31:23.840 Now, for the most part, the picture that we get of Jesus as the Scriptures unfold is of a wonderful man, 00:31:24.720 --> 00:31:35.480 the Son of God, marching deliberately towards the cross with confidence every step of the mission and outcome of what He was going to be engaged in. 00:31:35.519 --> 00:31:35.980 Isn't that right? 00:31:35.980 --> 00:31:40.120 For the most part, we don't see a lot of emotional turmoil. 00:31:40.559 --> 00:31:43.319 And we know He was angry when He cleansed the temple. 00:31:44.240 --> 00:31:52.779 But how many of you have just been overwhelmed on occasion when you stop and think of how He dealt with the disciples over and over again when they were so immature? 00:31:53.900 --> 00:31:55.279 How many of you get tired of being a parent? 00:31:56.279 --> 00:31:57.440 You know, it's like, not me. 00:31:57.660 --> 00:31:58.500 I'm done with that. 00:31:59.240 --> 00:32:00.039 No, I'm not. 00:32:00.039 --> 00:32:04.559 But here was Jesus, for the most part, pretty calm. 00:32:04.799 --> 00:32:09.019 But here it is in the face of the cross, in the face of His betrayer. 00:32:09.079 --> 00:32:10.680 It says He was troubled with spirit. 00:32:12.920 --> 00:32:14.859 He'd wept over Jerusalem. 00:32:16.759 --> 00:32:19.180 He'd been grieved at the hardness of the Pharisees' hearts. 00:32:19.259 --> 00:32:24.399 But in particular, here He is right on the cusp of His betrayal and His crucifixion. 00:32:24.480 --> 00:32:26.259 It says He was troubled of heart. 00:32:26.339 --> 00:32:26.659 Why? 00:32:26.660 --> 00:32:32.220 For one, I have to think that Jesus was troubled by the blind rebellion of sin. 00:32:33.540 --> 00:32:37.180 How many of you have ever looked at what someone else is doing? 00:32:37.360 --> 00:32:39.840 I mean, sympathetically and with a broken heart. 00:32:40.000 --> 00:32:45.360 You've looked at what someone else is doing and you've thought to yourself, why don't they get it? 00:32:45.779 --> 00:32:46.720 Have you done that? 00:32:47.860 --> 00:32:48.560 Have you done that? 00:32:48.559 --> 00:32:58.179 You see someone walk away from the marriage or you see someone engage in that which is undeniably going to be destructive to them. 00:32:58.480 --> 00:33:00.259 And you think, what's wrong? 00:33:02.319 --> 00:33:06.859 Jesus had to be troubled at the blind rebellion of sinners. 00:33:07.000 --> 00:33:08.399 He had come to save sinners. 00:33:08.400 --> 00:33:30.220 Jesus had to be troubled by the vileness of sin. 00:33:30.220 --> 00:33:44.720 For all eternity, Judas will carry the reality of a heart that willingly chose to betray Christ. 00:33:44.720 --> 00:33:58.160 And Judas could not say, I didn't know what I was going to do and what I was doing. 00:33:59.240 --> 00:34:00.200 Do you follow that? 00:34:00.200 --> 00:34:14.679 How many of you have had that afterthought, after you've committed a sin and then endured the consequences and the Spirit of God had worked to bring about a sense of conviction, 00:34:15.139 --> 00:34:19.039 you've said to yourself, I shouldn't have done that. 00:34:20.220 --> 00:34:21.900 I knew this was wrong. 00:34:21.900 --> 00:34:29.139 But you also thought, you know, on the first side of this, I really didn't think very much about that. 00:34:30.539 --> 00:34:37.960 And here is Jesus looking at Judas and he says, man, look at the vileness and the hardness of Judas' heart willingly doing this. 00:34:40.480 --> 00:34:44.180 Jesus also had to be troubled by the eternal judgment of sin. 00:34:45.480 --> 00:34:50.240 I don't want you to turn there for a moment, but I do want to remind you of what it says in Ezekiel chapter 18. 00:34:50.239 --> 00:34:52.279 It's a very poignant statement. 00:34:52.479 --> 00:34:57.899 It says this, I have no joy in the death of the wicked. 00:34:58.159 --> 00:35:00.819 It's God speaking in that prophetic utterance. 00:35:00.899 --> 00:35:04.539 And he makes this statement, God takes no pleasure in the destruction of the wicked. 00:35:06.559 --> 00:35:13.500 God grieves at how many of you as a parent have enjoyed taking your son up to the upper room. 00:35:13.579 --> 00:35:14.379 You take him to the bedroom. 00:35:14.479 --> 00:35:15.459 You take him away from the family. 00:35:15.460 --> 00:35:19.900 And with my children, I'd send them up there to think about it a little bit. 00:35:20.019 --> 00:35:21.480 Actually, it was me quieting my heart. 00:35:21.920 --> 00:35:22.820 And I'd go up there. 00:35:22.860 --> 00:35:23.920 I'll be up there in a couple minutes. 00:35:24.039 --> 00:35:27.900 And then I'd, particularly my sons, I'd send them up there. 00:35:28.000 --> 00:35:30.139 And I've got to go up there and spank them again. 00:35:30.619 --> 00:35:32.539 You know, it's like, this is my favorite part. 00:35:32.820 --> 00:35:34.119 I love doing this. 00:35:34.240 --> 00:35:34.360 No. 00:35:35.820 --> 00:35:36.519 Up you go. 00:35:37.179 --> 00:35:41.840 You know, God has no pleasure in the judgment of the wicked. 00:35:41.840 --> 00:35:47.860 And I have to think that as Jesus thought about what Judas was going to do, 00:35:48.340 --> 00:35:55.079 there had to be a part of him that was just kind of burdened with eventual judgment that was coming. 00:35:55.200 --> 00:35:59.120 Oh, Judas, don't you know what's going to happen eventually? 00:36:01.380 --> 00:36:08.180 Jesus also had to be troubled by being so close to the blackness and the wickedness 00:36:08.180 --> 00:36:11.460 of the sin that he was going to carry on the cross. 00:36:11.460 --> 00:36:14.099 It's one thing to carry something in an abstract sense, right? 00:36:14.460 --> 00:36:15.960 I mean, yeah, I'm taking all the sin. 00:36:16.019 --> 00:36:16.519 You can think that. 00:36:16.579 --> 00:36:19.780 But here's Jesus right next to the one who was going to betray him. 00:36:20.179 --> 00:36:26.539 And Jesus was going to pay for all the sins of all the world for all eternity. 00:36:29.139 --> 00:36:34.559 The prospect of being the sin bearer and suffering the judgment of God 00:36:34.559 --> 00:36:44.820 and being separated for a time from the Father had to weigh on him as he sat by the one who was by his elbow 00:36:44.820 --> 00:36:47.420 who was going to bring this about. 00:36:49.960 --> 00:36:56.320 Jesus must have also been troubled to know that Judas had refused the hope of salvation. 00:36:56.320 --> 00:37:00.000 How many of you have ever had that experience? 00:37:01.039 --> 00:37:11.080 You have prayed and pled and shared and grieved and wept with a person that you know desperately needs the Lord Jesus Christ 00:37:11.080 --> 00:37:17.820 and over and over and over again they harden their heart against the sweetness and the hope of the gospel 00:37:17.820 --> 00:37:20.700 and that has to trouble your spirit, doesn't it? 00:37:20.699 --> 00:37:27.139 I can tell you there have been moments where I have preached sermons for funerals for individuals 00:37:27.139 --> 00:37:29.919 who I have shared the gospel with over and over again 00:37:29.919 --> 00:37:33.279 and they have turned and walked away from the hope of the gospel 00:37:33.279 --> 00:37:36.739 and when the family invites me to preach that sermon 00:37:36.739 --> 00:37:40.599 my heart's broken. 00:37:42.119 --> 00:37:45.599 I don't mind telling them that I have a burden on my heart 00:37:45.599 --> 00:37:49.419 because I don't know for certain the eternal destiny of that individual 00:37:49.420 --> 00:37:53.639 and you know apart from the grace of Christ and the work of God 00:37:53.639 --> 00:37:56.659 any person who doesn't come to Christ 00:37:56.659 --> 00:38:01.480 it has to be profoundly troubling to the soul of the person who knows the Lord Jesus. 00:38:04.139 --> 00:38:06.079 I want you to understand one other thing. 00:38:07.800 --> 00:38:09.000 Jesus had to be troubled 00:38:09.000 --> 00:38:13.740 because he knew the greater judgment that would fall on Judas 00:38:13.740 --> 00:38:16.119 and all who refused the truth. 00:38:16.180 --> 00:38:17.139 I want you to listen carefully. 00:38:19.420 --> 00:38:24.760 There is a sense in which eternal judgment is amplified 00:38:24.760 --> 00:38:27.700 by the opportunity you receive. 00:38:27.780 --> 00:38:28.519 Does that make sense? 00:38:29.240 --> 00:38:31.280 Let me recite a passage just kind of off the top here. 00:38:31.700 --> 00:38:34.960 Unto whom much is given, much is required. 00:38:36.860 --> 00:38:39.700 I have on more than one occasion said to individuals 00:38:39.700 --> 00:38:41.300 after I've shared the gospel with them 00:38:41.300 --> 00:38:44.980 and it's kind of one of those sober moments where I tell them 00:38:44.980 --> 00:38:45.840 do you know what? 00:38:45.840 --> 00:38:51.940 If I understand you are willingly rejecting the sweet hope of the gospel 00:38:51.940 --> 00:38:55.099 that offers you complete forgiveness for all of your sins 00:38:55.099 --> 00:38:56.559 and eternal joy 00:38:56.559 --> 00:38:58.980 and you're saying no! 00:39:01.179 --> 00:39:02.639 And I want to tell you 00:39:02.639 --> 00:39:06.340 I firmly believe the day is coming 00:39:06.340 --> 00:39:07.440 when in eternity 00:39:07.440 --> 00:39:11.519 you are going to answer for rejecting what you have heard. 00:39:11.519 --> 00:39:16.579 It's one thing to sin in relative ignorance. 00:39:17.239 --> 00:39:19.759 It's another thing to sin 00:39:19.759 --> 00:39:24.519 in the face of clear, distinct gospel presentation. 00:39:24.659 --> 00:39:25.380 Does that make sense? 00:39:26.380 --> 00:39:27.219 And I got to tell you 00:39:27.219 --> 00:39:29.780 Judas heard the message 00:39:29.780 --> 00:39:31.679 and he saw the testimony 00:39:31.679 --> 00:39:35.280 and he was observant of all the things that Jesus did 00:39:35.280 --> 00:39:37.739 and had to have a heart that troubled Jesus 00:39:37.739 --> 00:39:39.619 when he looked at Judas and realized 00:39:39.619 --> 00:39:42.439 here's a person who's turning his back 00:39:42.439 --> 00:39:46.399 on the only hope he could possibly have. 00:39:48.939 --> 00:39:51.559 So let me close with a couple practical points this morning 00:39:51.559 --> 00:39:52.539 for you to hold on to. 00:39:54.619 --> 00:39:55.699 If you're a believer 00:39:55.699 --> 00:39:57.879 you're here this morning and you know Christ 00:39:57.879 --> 00:39:59.459 as your personal Savior 00:39:59.459 --> 00:40:01.799 you ought to just absolutely rejoice 00:40:01.799 --> 00:40:02.819 because here's the fact 00:40:02.820 --> 00:40:04.600 you were once a betrayer 00:40:04.600 --> 00:40:07.700 and he found you 00:40:07.700 --> 00:40:11.340 in the dark and miserable condition of your soul 00:40:11.340 --> 00:40:13.320 and he drew you to the cross 00:40:13.320 --> 00:40:14.680 and he drew you to hope. 00:40:14.980 --> 00:40:16.200 You didn't save yourself 00:40:16.200 --> 00:40:17.360 because you figured out 00:40:17.360 --> 00:40:19.280 it was an intelligent thing to do. 00:40:29.580 --> 00:40:30.780 I think about the song 00:40:30.780 --> 00:40:32.340 that was sung this morning as a special. 00:40:32.820 --> 00:40:35.059 How deep the Father's love for us. 00:40:37.559 --> 00:40:39.240 A love beyond all measure. 00:40:39.440 --> 00:40:39.640 Why? 00:40:41.800 --> 00:40:47.180 That he would make a wretch his treasure. 00:40:48.920 --> 00:40:50.120 Let me tell you something. 00:40:51.100 --> 00:40:51.860 Listen to me. 00:40:52.519 --> 00:40:53.860 If you're a naval gazer 00:40:53.860 --> 00:40:55.100 do you know what a naval gazer is? 00:40:56.039 --> 00:41:00.400 A naval gazer is a free description 00:41:00.400 --> 00:41:02.240 of people that are all focused on themselves. 00:41:02.820 --> 00:41:06.240 If you're a naval gazer 00:41:06.240 --> 00:41:08.160 you're doomed to unhappy thinking. 00:41:09.980 --> 00:41:11.180 You get a crick in your neck. 00:41:12.000 --> 00:41:13.680 But if you're looking up at Jesus 00:41:13.680 --> 00:41:15.059 you get me? 00:41:17.059 --> 00:41:18.340 You're going to be overwhelmed. 00:41:19.860 --> 00:41:21.480 And that ought to be the characteristic 00:41:21.480 --> 00:41:22.160 of the believer. 00:41:22.159 --> 00:41:25.699 You were once a betrayer 00:41:25.699 --> 00:41:27.779 and he pursued you 00:41:27.779 --> 00:41:29.279 and saved you. 00:41:30.079 --> 00:41:31.219 Another thing is this 00:41:31.219 --> 00:41:31.899 is if Jesus 00:41:31.899 --> 00:41:33.980 could love Judas like this 00:41:33.980 --> 00:41:37.139 he can certainly be trusted 00:41:37.139 --> 00:41:38.319 to love the people 00:41:38.319 --> 00:41:39.059 that you are 00:41:39.059 --> 00:41:40.759 drawing your heart out 00:41:40.759 --> 00:41:41.559 and pleading with 00:41:41.559 --> 00:41:42.679 that they would come to Christ. 00:41:42.679 --> 00:41:46.799 don't ever think 00:41:46.799 --> 00:41:47.460 do not 00:41:47.460 --> 00:41:48.919 do not ever think 00:41:48.919 --> 00:41:49.859 that anyone is beyond 00:41:49.859 --> 00:41:50.519 the grace of God. 00:41:53.019 --> 00:41:53.239 Hey 00:41:53.239 --> 00:41:54.139 he loved Judas 00:41:54.139 --> 00:41:56.159 and he loved me 00:41:56.159 --> 00:41:58.339 and he is pursuing 00:41:58.339 --> 00:41:59.079 and by the way 00:41:59.099 --> 00:42:00.419 because he is active 00:42:00.419 --> 00:42:01.159 in that pursuit 00:42:01.159 --> 00:42:02.440 do you know what I ought to be doing? 00:42:03.339 --> 00:42:03.480 Huh? 00:42:04.019 --> 00:42:04.960 I ought to be active 00:42:04.960 --> 00:42:05.559 in that pursuit. 00:42:05.639 --> 00:42:06.099 I got to tell you 00:42:06.099 --> 00:42:06.599 one of the things 00:42:06.599 --> 00:42:07.219 that's a blessing 00:42:07.219 --> 00:42:08.579 to be involved 00:42:08.579 --> 00:42:09.559 in the oatmeal ministry 00:42:09.559 --> 00:42:10.460 is I go down 00:42:10.460 --> 00:42:11.179 every other week 00:42:11.179 --> 00:42:12.679 and I talk to people 00:42:12.679 --> 00:42:13.360 who I know 00:42:13.360 --> 00:42:14.500 have no hope 00:42:14.500 --> 00:42:16.840 except in Jesus. 00:42:20.659 --> 00:42:21.880 If you're here this morning 00:42:21.880 --> 00:42:23.199 and you do not know Christ 00:42:23.199 --> 00:42:25.579 I got to tell you 00:42:25.579 --> 00:42:28.679 this morning 00:42:28.679 --> 00:42:32.719 the gospel truth is this 00:42:32.719 --> 00:42:33.519 is Christ Jesus 00:42:33.519 --> 00:42:34.460 that came into the world 00:42:34.460 --> 00:42:35.259 to save sinners. 00:42:36.059 --> 00:42:37.179 of whom I'm chief. 00:42:38.340 --> 00:42:39.579 He came to save you. 00:42:40.880 --> 00:42:42.099 He cares about the hardness 00:42:42.099 --> 00:42:42.799 of your heart 00:42:42.799 --> 00:42:44.000 and I got to tell you 00:42:44.000 --> 00:42:45.199 if you're sitting there 00:42:45.199 --> 00:42:45.840 and there's something 00:42:45.840 --> 00:42:46.639 tugging on it 00:42:46.639 --> 00:42:47.519 you ought to say 00:42:47.519 --> 00:42:49.440 Lord I need your help 00:42:49.440 --> 00:42:50.159 I'm not all there 00:42:50.159 --> 00:42:51.699 but I don't need 00:42:51.699 --> 00:42:53.400 any more empirical evidence 00:42:53.400 --> 00:42:54.360 of how messy 00:42:54.360 --> 00:42:56.079 my life can be 00:42:56.079 --> 00:42:58.659 and I need you to save me. 00:43:00.239 --> 00:43:01.420 Don't walk out that door 00:43:01.420 --> 00:43:02.259 and say no to him. 00:43:04.099 --> 00:43:04.799 Let's pray. 00:43:05.559 --> 00:43:10.039 Father God 00:43:10.039 --> 00:43:12.599 we will spend 00:43:12.599 --> 00:43:14.179 all of eternity 00:43:14.179 --> 00:43:17.900 enjoying the Lord Jesus Christ 00:43:17.900 --> 00:43:21.159 enjoying the blessing 00:43:21.159 --> 00:43:22.960 of being in the presence 00:43:22.960 --> 00:43:23.759 of our Savior 00:43:23.759 --> 00:43:24.779 who loved us 00:43:24.779 --> 00:43:27.980 broken and ruined sinners 00:43:27.980 --> 00:43:30.599 and was willing to die 00:43:30.599 --> 00:43:31.320 on the cross 00:43:31.320 --> 00:43:33.599 to satisfy the judgment 00:43:33.599 --> 00:43:34.380 that we deserve 00:43:34.380 --> 00:43:35.139 for our sin. 00:43:36.599 --> 00:43:37.619 We want Jesus 00:43:37.619 --> 00:43:38.340 to be the one 00:43:38.340 --> 00:43:39.159 that is exalted 00:43:39.159 --> 00:43:39.920 this morning 00:43:39.920 --> 00:43:42.579 that what we do here 00:43:42.579 --> 00:43:43.780 together this morning 00:43:43.780 --> 00:43:45.659 is just warm up 00:43:45.659 --> 00:43:47.860 for eternity. 00:43:49.300 --> 00:43:50.860 Help us to walk out of here 00:43:50.860 --> 00:43:51.559 with a passion 00:43:51.559 --> 00:43:52.440 for godliness 00:43:52.440 --> 00:43:54.500 with a desire 00:43:54.500 --> 00:43:55.760 for humility 00:43:55.760 --> 00:43:57.980 and a desire 00:43:57.980 --> 00:43:59.079 to lift up Jesus 00:43:59.079 --> 00:44:00.280 in whom alone 00:44:00.280 --> 00:44:00.900 is hope 00:44:00.900 --> 00:44:02.300 and salvation. 00:44:03.099 --> 00:44:04.760 We ask this in Jesus name. 00:44:05.220 --> 00:44:05.519 Amen. 00:44:05.519 --> 00:44:07.179 you 00:44:07.179 --> 00:44:07.179 00:44:07.179 --> 00:44:07.179 00:44:07.179 --> 00:44:07.179 00:44:07.179 --> 00:44:07.179 00:44:07.179 --> 00:44:07.179 00:44:07.179 --> 00:44:07.179 00:44:07.179 --> 00:44:07.179 00:44:07.179 --> 00:44:07.179 00:44:07.179 --> 00:44:07.179 00:44:07.179 --> 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