WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.940 So what do I want these verses to do for you this evening? 00:00:03.800 --> 00:00:11.939 I hope that what they might do for you is that you will see that your feelings are not the most important thing in the end. 00:00:13.400 --> 00:00:15.380 ! It is the facts that are. 00:00:16.740 --> 00:00:22.920 And so in Mark chapter 15, from what we read, we see a man traveling to the cross. 00:00:23.620 --> 00:00:27.660 He is planning to collect the body of Jesus and bury it. 00:00:27.660 --> 00:00:30.740 And he is feeling quite courageous. 00:00:31.920 --> 00:00:35.140 And even though he has very few facts to go on. 00:00:35.840 --> 00:00:40.019 And then we see a few women in chapter 16 traveling to the tomb. 00:00:40.759 --> 00:00:44.240 And they are planning to anoint the dead body of Jesus. 00:00:44.400 --> 00:00:46.200 And they are feeling nervous. 00:00:47.240 --> 00:00:48.420 Nervous about everything. 00:00:49.299 --> 00:00:53.539 But eventually the facts will break in on them and change them. 00:00:55.039 --> 00:00:55.600 Eternally. 00:00:55.600 --> 00:01:07.740 I think it's a fact that the world in which we live puts very little thought into how we will land safely in the next world. 00:01:07.739 --> 00:01:15.239 Do you meet people who are thinking and planning and trying to work out how they will land safely in the next world? 00:01:15.459 --> 00:01:17.359 It's very rare, I find. 00:01:18.659 --> 00:01:25.340 But we do have, don't we, lots and lots of people in this world who are thinking and working out how to stay safe in this world. 00:01:25.399 --> 00:01:26.280 Very much so at the moment. 00:01:26.280 --> 00:01:31.579 People desperate to stay alive and to stay safe. 00:01:32.579 --> 00:01:33.640 And rightly so. 00:01:34.960 --> 00:01:38.560 But they show no concern or little concern about the next world. 00:01:38.560 --> 00:01:42.620 And so I want us to be very sure of the facts tonight. 00:01:43.939 --> 00:01:46.700 Somebody has said that you're entitled to your own opinions. 00:01:47.780 --> 00:01:50.020 You're entitled to your own feelings. 00:01:50.019 --> 00:01:52.719 But you're not entitled to your own facts. 00:01:54.000 --> 00:01:56.679 And I want to think about this evening under two headings. 00:01:57.099 --> 00:01:59.640 The two headings are number one, a brave trip to the cross. 00:02:01.319 --> 00:02:03.359 And number two, a nervous trip to the tomb. 00:02:04.539 --> 00:02:06.919 First of all, a brave trip to the cross. 00:02:07.019 --> 00:02:08.639 Look at verses 42 to 47. 00:02:09.519 --> 00:02:10.680 It's the night of Good Friday. 00:02:10.680 --> 00:02:13.340 And there is a dead Jesus on the cross. 00:02:14.200 --> 00:02:17.719 There's a man called Joseph who decides to bury him. 00:02:18.819 --> 00:02:25.900 And normally, normally criminals on crosses would be thrown into common graves unless the family stepped in and they did something for the deceased. 00:02:27.200 --> 00:02:31.300 And we can't be sure why Jesus's family have not shown up at this point. 00:02:32.040 --> 00:02:36.100 But this man, Jesus, this man, Joseph, takes the initiative. 00:02:36.099 --> 00:02:42.819 But we're told in verse 43, can you see that, that he was an honorary member of the Jewish council. 00:02:44.120 --> 00:02:45.479 And that's fascinating, isn't it? 00:02:45.500 --> 00:02:49.099 Because the Jewish council had just voted to kill Jesus. 00:02:50.139 --> 00:02:55.680 It's obvious that Joseph is a very different member from the Jewish council. 00:02:56.740 --> 00:03:00.379 In fact, we're told in verse 43 that he was a secret believer. 00:03:01.459 --> 00:03:04.019 Because he was expecting the kingdom of God. 00:03:04.020 --> 00:03:10.219 And that doesn't mean he was a typical Jewish man waiting for the Messiah one day to come. 00:03:10.280 --> 00:03:14.520 It means that he believed that Jesus had brought the kingdom of God. 00:03:15.540 --> 00:03:18.360 And Jesus would soon fulfill the kingdom of God. 00:03:19.219 --> 00:03:20.600 He was persuaded of that. 00:03:20.660 --> 00:03:24.540 And so he goes to Pilate, Pilate the governor, and he asks, can I have the corpse? 00:03:26.280 --> 00:03:28.260 Now, why is that an interesting moment? 00:03:30.240 --> 00:03:32.100 Joseph, I'm going to Pilate. 00:03:32.099 --> 00:03:39.120 Imagine we could ring Mark, the gospel writer, tonight on his mobile in heaven. 00:03:40.060 --> 00:03:43.039 And imagine we could say something to him like this. 00:03:43.240 --> 00:03:45.419 Mark, why are you giving us these details? 00:03:46.379 --> 00:03:49.639 Of all the things that you could tell us of the death and the resurrection, 00:03:51.019 --> 00:03:53.000 you know we are busy. 00:03:53.199 --> 00:03:54.039 Well, we're normally busy. 00:03:54.039 --> 00:03:57.479 You know that we've got very short concentration spans. 00:03:57.719 --> 00:03:59.659 And we want to know things that are important. 00:04:01.019 --> 00:04:03.459 In other gospels, I'm sure there was an earthquake. 00:04:04.079 --> 00:04:05.579 There's two men traveling down the road. 00:04:06.099 --> 00:04:09.159 There was the time of Thomas and his doubting and then his believing. 00:04:10.319 --> 00:04:11.399 And the eating of the fish. 00:04:11.840 --> 00:04:13.539 So why, Mark, do you give us this? 00:04:14.859 --> 00:04:17.219 And I wonder whether Mark would say something like this. 00:04:17.220 --> 00:04:20.260 Because Joseph made a decision. 00:04:22.000 --> 00:04:24.380 Joseph made a decision. 00:04:26.480 --> 00:04:28.340 Joseph didn't know everything. 00:04:29.380 --> 00:04:32.900 But he knew enough to pin his colors to Christ. 00:04:32.899 --> 00:04:37.899 And even though at this point Jesus is between death and resurrection, 00:04:39.139 --> 00:04:42.759 Joseph is persuaded that Jesus of Nazareth can be trusted. 00:04:45.179 --> 00:04:45.699 Pilate. 00:04:46.819 --> 00:04:47.719 Do you remember? 00:04:48.000 --> 00:04:49.699 He refused to make a decision. 00:04:51.060 --> 00:04:55.259 He held off, didn't he, from doing anything until the crowd forced his hand. 00:04:55.759 --> 00:04:59.679 And Pilate is like many people in this city that want to be agnostic. 00:04:59.680 --> 00:05:10.400 But really, I wonder whether there is too much pride or cowardice to actually make a decision about Jesus, the King of Kings. 00:05:11.680 --> 00:05:18.579 And because Pilate made a decision to stay uncommitted, he stayed actually opposed to Christ. 00:05:19.340 --> 00:05:20.259 But not Joseph. 00:05:21.920 --> 00:05:23.879 And I say Joseph didn't know everything. 00:05:24.480 --> 00:05:28.040 The one thing he knew for sure pretty well is that Jesus was dead. 00:05:28.040 --> 00:05:31.160 You don't survive crucifixion. 00:05:32.900 --> 00:05:36.540 And Mark wants us to know, he wants you to know that Jesus was really dead. 00:05:36.660 --> 00:05:38.540 We read in verse 44. 00:05:38.720 --> 00:05:39.319 Can you see there? 00:05:39.900 --> 00:05:42.100 Jesus was dead. 00:05:42.680 --> 00:05:43.200 Pilate checked. 00:05:45.500 --> 00:05:47.100 And verse 44, Pilate checks. 00:05:47.340 --> 00:05:49.840 Verse 45, the soldier comes back and says, yeah, he's dead. 00:05:50.500 --> 00:05:54.420 Verse 45, Pilate says, you can have your dead Jesus. 00:05:54.420 --> 00:05:59.360 Verse 46, Joseph wrapped and buried dead Jesus. 00:05:59.360 --> 00:06:03.180 Verse 47, other people saw dead Jesus get buried. 00:06:04.780 --> 00:06:07.980 And that is what makes Joseph's decision very, very special. 00:06:08.939 --> 00:06:12.280 Because the council had voted against Jesus. 00:06:12.279 --> 00:06:19.859 And Joseph now turns his back on the council and he turns his face towards Jesus Christ. 00:06:21.479 --> 00:06:26.859 And I imagine that there were lots of people in that council who turned their back on Jesus. 00:06:28.319 --> 00:06:30.739 And it all looked pretty successful, didn't it? 00:06:30.740 --> 00:06:34.500 And a hundred years later, that council, or where are they? 00:06:36.759 --> 00:06:41.819 Joseph turns his back on the council, puts his trust in Jesus. 00:06:42.259 --> 00:06:44.139 And a hundred years later, where is Joseph? 00:06:47.439 --> 00:06:50.120 I've no doubt that it was the end for Joseph. 00:06:50.120 --> 00:06:54.500 Of any kind of welcome back into the council. 00:06:55.759 --> 00:06:59.959 You can imagine, can't you, the conversation that took place in the days that followed. 00:07:00.120 --> 00:07:00.959 Did you hear about Joseph? 00:07:02.399 --> 00:07:03.360 He's betrayed us. 00:07:04.819 --> 00:07:07.300 He's thrown his lot in with the dead Nazarene. 00:07:07.379 --> 00:07:08.259 What a tragedy. 00:07:08.780 --> 00:07:10.060 What a tragedy for him. 00:07:10.199 --> 00:07:11.540 What a tragedy for his family. 00:07:12.019 --> 00:07:13.280 He must have lost his mind. 00:07:13.379 --> 00:07:14.240 Is he insane? 00:07:14.240 --> 00:07:18.900 If he thinks that a dead man holds the key to the future. 00:07:20.780 --> 00:07:23.920 But I wonder whether Joseph had been listening to Jesus very carefully. 00:07:25.800 --> 00:07:27.340 I wonder whether he'd heard of the miracles. 00:07:28.560 --> 00:07:33.019 I wonder whether he'd heard of the healing of the sick and the raising of the dead. 00:07:34.360 --> 00:07:37.060 That he'd listened to the promises of Jesus. 00:07:37.379 --> 00:07:40.759 When Jesus says, I am the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. 00:07:40.759 --> 00:07:44.240 When Jesus says, I am the resurrection and the life. 00:07:45.620 --> 00:07:48.339 Had he heard that prediction to die and rise. 00:07:48.539 --> 00:07:49.740 To die and rise. 00:07:50.099 --> 00:07:51.060 To die and rise. 00:07:52.420 --> 00:07:56.139 And it seems that the truth had penetrated his mind and heart. 00:07:57.199 --> 00:07:59.319 And found its way into his new life. 00:08:00.800 --> 00:08:04.699 And Joseph was persuaded that Jesus died for him. 00:08:04.920 --> 00:08:07.360 And held the keys of the future. 00:08:07.680 --> 00:08:09.959 And he was willing to bet everything on Christ. 00:08:11.659 --> 00:08:13.519 And so it's no wonder in verse 43. 00:08:13.680 --> 00:08:14.120 Can you see it? 00:08:14.139 --> 00:08:14.980 He went boldly. 00:08:16.000 --> 00:08:17.219 To ask for the body. 00:08:18.279 --> 00:08:20.219 And he did this before the resurrection. 00:08:20.219 --> 00:08:22.000 With less info that you and I. 00:08:22.240 --> 00:08:23.300 Than you and I have today. 00:08:23.980 --> 00:08:25.079 And yet it was enough for Joseph. 00:08:27.420 --> 00:08:28.879 And therefore I consider Joseph. 00:08:28.879 --> 00:08:30.939 As one of the greatest men of the New Testament. 00:08:32.740 --> 00:08:35.220 He's one of the unsung heroes. 00:08:35.600 --> 00:08:36.819 Of the New Testament. 00:08:37.439 --> 00:08:38.580 Because here is a man. 00:08:38.580 --> 00:08:40.259 Who's prepared to leave the crowd. 00:08:40.259 --> 00:08:45.039 And pin his hopes very wisely on Jesus Christ. 00:08:46.919 --> 00:08:48.319 And it is amazing isn't it? 00:08:48.399 --> 00:08:50.279 That this weekend. 00:08:50.600 --> 00:08:51.399 In our country. 00:08:51.500 --> 00:08:52.939 Which is a very secular country. 00:08:52.940 --> 00:08:56.840 We're given this magnificent weekend. 00:08:56.840 --> 00:08:58.660 And it's an opportunity for rest. 00:08:58.660 --> 00:08:59.820 And family time. 00:08:59.980 --> 00:09:00.660 And normally. 00:09:01.080 --> 00:09:02.640 We can go out and about. 00:09:03.280 --> 00:09:04.840 It's a little bit different this weekend. 00:09:04.960 --> 00:09:06.060 But people love Easter holidays. 00:09:06.060 --> 00:09:06.380 Don't they? 00:09:08.280 --> 00:09:10.320 When I used to work in BT. 00:09:10.320 --> 00:09:10.460 Tea. 00:09:11.660 --> 00:09:14.060 And my friend used to blasphemously say. 00:09:14.280 --> 00:09:16.280 Thank Jesus for this bank holiday weekend. 00:09:16.379 --> 00:09:16.760 Leavey. 00:09:18.980 --> 00:09:20.440 But people won't go on their knees. 00:09:20.500 --> 00:09:21.160 The Jesus will they. 00:09:22.280 --> 00:09:23.560 And ask for that forgiveness. 00:09:24.060 --> 00:09:24.720 And that mercy. 00:09:25.000 --> 00:09:25.660 And that new life. 00:09:25.760 --> 00:09:26.480 Which he came to bring. 00:09:26.480 --> 00:09:26.920 And. 00:09:29.539 --> 00:09:30.480 I watched a video. 00:09:30.659 --> 00:09:31.700 Recently of Chris Pitchens. 00:09:33.259 --> 00:09:34.480 Very very famous. 00:09:34.759 --> 00:09:35.259 Atheist. 00:09:36.259 --> 00:09:36.899 He's a very very. 00:09:37.139 --> 00:09:38.060 Intelligent man. 00:09:39.100 --> 00:09:40.139 And I watched the video. 00:09:40.360 --> 00:09:41.159 Partly thinking. 00:09:41.340 --> 00:09:42.639 I need to know the arguments. 00:09:44.080 --> 00:09:45.080 He obviously thinks. 00:09:45.159 --> 00:09:45.960 I'm a total idiot. 00:09:46.100 --> 00:09:46.740 For believing. 00:09:46.740 --> 00:09:47.820 In Christ. 00:09:49.919 --> 00:09:50.960 And I watched the video. 00:09:51.080 --> 00:09:52.279 And I waited for the arguments. 00:09:52.360 --> 00:09:53.399 And the arguments are terrible. 00:09:54.039 --> 00:09:54.779 They are woeful. 00:09:56.320 --> 00:09:57.000 And Christopher Pitchens. 00:09:57.120 --> 00:09:57.820 Who no doubt. 00:09:57.879 --> 00:09:59.320 Was a very very intelligent man. 00:09:59.440 --> 00:10:00.919 Said on the subject of the resurrection. 00:10:01.240 --> 00:10:01.980 I am glad. 00:10:02.100 --> 00:10:03.279 It is not true. 00:10:04.019 --> 00:10:05.240 Because it would be horrible. 00:10:07.039 --> 00:10:08.279 Where is the weight. 00:10:08.600 --> 00:10:08.980 In that. 00:10:11.120 --> 00:10:12.340 And we have to ask ourselves. 00:10:12.500 --> 00:10:14.100 Why is there such disinterest. 00:10:15.399 --> 00:10:16.159 In Christ. 00:10:16.159 --> 00:10:17.319 The best man who's ever lived. 00:10:19.000 --> 00:10:19.860 Why is there. 00:10:19.980 --> 00:10:20.839 So much hostility. 00:10:20.839 --> 00:10:21.600 To Jesus. 00:10:22.399 --> 00:10:23.079 A man. 00:10:23.199 --> 00:10:24.379 Who's come into this world. 00:10:24.600 --> 00:10:25.740 Who's taken away. 00:10:25.860 --> 00:10:26.379 The danger. 00:10:26.379 --> 00:10:28.000 Of our very real sin. 00:10:28.339 --> 00:10:29.779 And has opened the door. 00:10:30.079 --> 00:10:31.600 Of very real death. 00:10:31.819 --> 00:10:32.740 And we say to him. 00:10:32.740 --> 00:10:33.379 No thanks. 00:10:36.620 --> 00:10:37.639 And I think if. 00:10:38.079 --> 00:10:39.579 Mark was preaching to us tonight. 00:10:40.539 --> 00:10:41.579 He would say. 00:10:42.019 --> 00:10:43.699 It's because people are more like. 00:10:44.059 --> 00:10:44.519 Pilate. 00:10:45.360 --> 00:10:46.139 Than Joseph. 00:10:46.159 --> 00:10:49.240 That people are short. 00:10:49.339 --> 00:10:50.139 Of courage. 00:10:50.139 --> 00:10:51.659 To go with the facts. 00:10:52.740 --> 00:10:53.879 But Joseph was not. 00:10:55.480 --> 00:10:56.419 A brave trip. 00:10:56.600 --> 00:10:57.059 To the cross. 00:10:57.179 --> 00:10:57.500 Secondly. 00:10:57.740 --> 00:10:58.699 A nervous trip. 00:10:58.899 --> 00:10:59.259 To the tomb. 00:10:59.339 --> 00:10:59.799 That's in verses. 00:11:00.019 --> 00:11:00.500 And one to eight. 00:11:01.899 --> 00:11:02.839 A nervous trip. 00:11:02.839 --> 00:11:03.379 To the tomb. 00:11:03.620 --> 00:11:04.339 And we come to the women. 00:11:06.539 --> 00:11:07.659 They've seen the burial. 00:11:08.179 --> 00:11:08.459 In fact. 00:11:08.500 --> 00:11:09.480 They've seen the crucifixion. 00:11:10.159 --> 00:11:10.480 These women. 00:11:10.600 --> 00:11:11.199 They've seen the burial. 00:11:12.699 --> 00:11:14.299 And in the last verse of 15. 00:11:14.439 --> 00:11:14.899 Can you see. 00:11:14.899 --> 00:11:15.259 They. 00:11:16.340 --> 00:11:17.319 They are planning a trip. 00:11:17.379 --> 00:11:17.779 To the tomb. 00:11:18.519 --> 00:11:19.259 In chapter 16. 00:11:20.379 --> 00:11:21.639 To anoint the body of Jesus. 00:11:21.779 --> 00:11:22.659 And I have to tell you something. 00:11:22.819 --> 00:11:23.519 That's very unpopular. 00:11:23.699 --> 00:11:24.259 It's a terrible thing. 00:11:24.299 --> 00:11:25.139 To say in our day. 00:11:25.579 --> 00:11:26.120 But women. 00:11:26.379 --> 00:11:27.279 In the first century. 00:11:27.279 --> 00:11:28.620 Were discredited. 00:11:28.620 --> 00:11:29.360 As witnesses. 00:11:30.639 --> 00:11:31.019 Not. 00:11:31.019 --> 00:11:32.519 As far as God. 00:11:32.879 --> 00:11:33.379 Was concerned. 00:11:34.659 --> 00:11:35.799 Not as far as. 00:11:35.959 --> 00:11:36.220 Jesus. 00:11:36.220 --> 00:11:37.240 Is concerned. 00:11:37.240 --> 00:11:37.639 Christians. 00:11:37.639 --> 00:11:38.980 But they were discredited. 00:11:38.980 --> 00:11:39.620 By Rome. 00:11:40.620 --> 00:11:41.960 And they were discredited. 00:11:41.960 --> 00:11:42.659 By many. 00:11:42.659 --> 00:11:43.620 Of the religious. 00:11:45.120 --> 00:11:45.919 And that's why. 00:11:46.000 --> 00:11:46.659 These verses. 00:11:47.139 --> 00:11:48.419 Seeing the burial. 00:11:48.940 --> 00:11:49.759 And these women. 00:11:49.919 --> 00:11:51.259 Being at the tomb. 00:11:51.580 --> 00:11:52.340 And then the women. 00:11:52.680 --> 00:11:53.200 Announcing. 00:11:53.279 --> 00:11:54.000 The resurrection. 00:11:54.259 --> 00:11:55.340 Are so powerful. 00:11:55.340 --> 00:11:57.139 Because if Mark. 00:11:57.139 --> 00:11:58.040 Was an inventor. 00:11:59.220 --> 00:12:00.180 He would have put in. 00:12:00.320 --> 00:12:01.139 Some very impressive. 00:12:01.360 --> 00:12:01.759 Statements. 00:12:01.920 --> 00:12:02.940 But he's not an inventor. 00:12:03.259 --> 00:12:04.340 He sticks to the truth. 00:12:05.480 --> 00:12:06.560 And the truth is. 00:12:06.700 --> 00:12:07.040 God. 00:12:07.360 --> 00:12:07.800 Chose. 00:12:07.940 --> 00:12:08.860 Women to be there. 00:12:09.500 --> 00:12:10.280 For the burial. 00:12:10.660 --> 00:12:11.600 And for the resurrection. 00:12:13.100 --> 00:12:13.620 And as we know. 00:12:13.680 --> 00:12:13.879 Of course. 00:12:13.899 --> 00:12:14.639 These women were there. 00:12:14.720 --> 00:12:15.500 At the cross as well. 00:12:15.700 --> 00:12:16.379 And even though. 00:12:16.460 --> 00:12:17.040 The culture. 00:12:17.500 --> 00:12:18.139 We live in. 00:12:18.460 --> 00:12:19.400 May now decide. 00:12:19.759 --> 00:12:20.620 We only want. 00:12:20.820 --> 00:12:21.680 Impressive witnesses. 00:12:21.680 --> 00:12:22.139 And. 00:12:25.340 --> 00:12:27.420 But in the first century. 00:12:28.700 --> 00:12:29.500 These women. 00:12:29.620 --> 00:12:30.759 Are perfectly fine witnesses. 00:12:31.660 --> 00:12:32.920 But they are nervous. 00:12:34.180 --> 00:12:35.300 They are nervous. 00:12:35.300 --> 00:12:36.259 Because they think. 00:12:36.399 --> 00:12:37.580 That Jesus is dead. 00:12:38.820 --> 00:12:39.960 They're going to the tomb. 00:12:40.100 --> 00:12:41.060 To anoint his body. 00:12:41.160 --> 00:12:41.820 Chapter 16. 00:12:41.920 --> 00:12:42.540 In verse 1. 00:12:44.259 --> 00:12:44.980 Of course. 00:12:45.060 --> 00:12:45.780 He had said. 00:12:45.899 --> 00:12:47.080 He would be alive. 00:12:48.300 --> 00:12:49.280 By Sunday. 00:12:49.280 --> 00:12:49.860 But they obviously. 00:12:49.860 --> 00:12:50.660 Didn't believe that. 00:12:50.720 --> 00:12:51.420 Or forgotten that. 00:12:52.540 --> 00:12:54.040 And so they are nervous. 00:12:54.040 --> 00:12:55.220 He is dead. 00:12:56.240 --> 00:12:57.280 They are nervous. 00:12:57.379 --> 00:12:57.960 Because there's going to be. 00:12:58.040 --> 00:12:58.580 A big stone. 00:12:58.680 --> 00:12:59.259 In front of the tomb. 00:12:59.320 --> 00:12:59.840 Verse 3. 00:13:00.220 --> 00:13:00.980 Who is going to move. 00:13:01.040 --> 00:13:01.460 The stone. 00:13:03.860 --> 00:13:04.620 And notice. 00:13:04.960 --> 00:13:05.280 Incidentally. 00:13:05.580 --> 00:13:06.280 They don't need. 00:13:06.280 --> 00:13:06.860 To be nervous. 00:13:08.259 --> 00:13:09.100 And when they see. 00:13:09.180 --> 00:13:10.259 The stone has been removed. 00:13:10.560 --> 00:13:11.680 And Mark doesn't even. 00:13:11.680 --> 00:13:12.680 Stop to explain. 00:13:12.680 --> 00:13:13.519 How this happened. 00:13:13.600 --> 00:13:14.360 He just tells us. 00:13:14.379 --> 00:13:15.220 The stone was moved. 00:13:15.920 --> 00:13:16.840 The tomb is opened. 00:13:18.220 --> 00:13:19.120 And when the women. 00:13:19.360 --> 00:13:19.820 Walk in. 00:13:19.879 --> 00:13:20.840 They see a young man. 00:13:21.019 --> 00:13:21.800 Sitting there. 00:13:21.980 --> 00:13:22.800 They are nervous. 00:13:22.799 --> 00:13:25.159 They are nervous. 00:13:25.279 --> 00:13:25.620 Nervous. 00:13:25.740 --> 00:13:26.199 Nervous. 00:13:26.559 --> 00:13:27.339 Their feelings. 00:13:27.339 --> 00:13:28.679 Are all over the place. 00:13:30.679 --> 00:13:31.359 As indeed. 00:13:31.459 --> 00:13:32.399 The disciples feelings. 00:13:32.399 --> 00:13:33.719 Were all over the place. 00:13:33.899 --> 00:13:34.919 And this young man. 00:13:34.919 --> 00:13:35.339 In the tomb. 00:13:35.399 --> 00:13:35.759 Is no doubt. 00:13:35.819 --> 00:13:36.219 An angel. 00:13:36.339 --> 00:13:37.120 Matthew tells us. 00:13:37.120 --> 00:13:37.699 He's an angel. 00:13:39.039 --> 00:13:39.779 There's an angel. 00:13:39.779 --> 00:13:40.839 At the birth of Jesus. 00:13:41.519 --> 00:13:42.279 There's an angel. 00:13:42.359 --> 00:13:43.439 At the baptism of Jesus. 00:13:43.639 --> 00:13:44.439 There was angels. 00:13:44.439 --> 00:13:45.539 In the life of Jesus. 00:13:45.639 --> 00:13:46.099 There's an angel. 00:13:46.199 --> 00:13:46.919 In Gethsemane. 00:13:47.019 --> 00:13:47.539 There's an angel. 00:13:47.639 --> 00:13:48.159 At the resurrection. 00:13:48.159 --> 00:13:50.439 You cannot remove. 00:13:50.439 --> 00:13:51.159 The supernatural. 00:13:51.159 --> 00:13:52.139 From Christianity. 00:13:53.519 --> 00:13:54.339 You cannot. 00:13:54.699 --> 00:13:55.120 Understand. 00:13:55.299 --> 00:13:55.639 Jesus. 00:13:55.819 --> 00:13:56.879 Without the supernatural. 00:13:57.399 --> 00:13:58.059 But when the women. 00:13:58.259 --> 00:13:58.939 See the stone. 00:13:59.039 --> 00:13:59.500 Is moved. 00:13:59.600 --> 00:14:00.000 And the tomb. 00:14:00.079 --> 00:14:00.519 Is empty. 00:14:00.860 --> 00:14:01.740 And the young man. 00:14:02.039 --> 00:14:02.439 Standing. 00:14:05.179 --> 00:14:06.000 The angel. 00:14:06.079 --> 00:14:06.959 Inside the tomb. 00:14:07.120 --> 00:14:08.039 They are no clearer. 00:14:09.419 --> 00:14:10.419 They are still. 00:14:10.539 --> 00:14:10.879 Unsure. 00:14:10.959 --> 00:14:11.500 And they need someone. 00:14:11.579 --> 00:14:12.339 To explain things. 00:14:12.419 --> 00:14:12.699 To them. 00:14:13.259 --> 00:14:14.159 Because seeing. 00:14:14.339 --> 00:14:15.240 Is not always believing. 00:14:15.240 --> 00:14:15.399 Him. 00:14:16.600 --> 00:14:17.560 So this young man. 00:14:17.639 --> 00:14:18.440 In verses 6. 00:14:18.539 --> 00:14:19.460 And 7. 00:14:19.759 --> 00:14:20.320 He begins. 00:14:20.320 --> 00:14:21.379 To explain everything. 00:14:21.919 --> 00:14:22.980 Because you and I. 00:14:23.060 --> 00:14:23.399 Need things. 00:14:23.480 --> 00:14:24.019 To be explained. 00:14:26.980 --> 00:14:27.779 We might look. 00:14:27.779 --> 00:14:28.480 At the cross. 00:14:28.680 --> 00:14:29.299 On Good Friday. 00:14:29.480 --> 00:14:29.639 And think. 00:14:29.720 --> 00:14:30.720 Oh what a tragedy. 00:14:32.360 --> 00:14:33.480 But it's not a tragedy. 00:14:35.419 --> 00:14:36.279 We might say. 00:14:36.460 --> 00:14:37.759 He's setting an example. 00:14:38.259 --> 00:14:39.100 But he's not just. 00:14:39.320 --> 00:14:39.820 Setting an example. 00:14:41.379 --> 00:14:41.639 No. 00:14:41.720 --> 00:14:42.299 God tells us. 00:14:42.340 --> 00:14:43.200 He died in your place. 00:14:45.240 --> 00:14:46.240 We might stand. 00:14:46.340 --> 00:14:47.159 At the empty tomb. 00:14:47.240 --> 00:14:47.440 And say. 00:14:47.560 --> 00:14:47.680 Well. 00:14:47.759 --> 00:14:47.960 Well. 00:14:48.080 --> 00:14:48.340 Well. 00:14:48.720 --> 00:14:50.019 Somebody stole the body. 00:14:50.639 --> 00:14:51.840 But somebody didn't steal the body. 00:14:52.940 --> 00:14:53.899 And we might say. 00:14:54.320 --> 00:14:54.500 Oh. 00:14:54.539 --> 00:14:55.500 We're at the wrong tomb. 00:14:55.580 --> 00:14:56.639 But we're not at the wrong tomb. 00:14:58.139 --> 00:14:59.039 And God says. 00:14:59.039 --> 00:14:59.820 He's been raised. 00:14:59.960 --> 00:15:01.139 And this angel in the tomb. 00:15:01.259 --> 00:15:02.519 He says 10 things to the women. 00:15:02.820 --> 00:15:03.419 Can you count them. 00:15:03.560 --> 00:15:03.820 With me. 00:15:04.779 --> 00:15:05.720 Here are the 10 things. 00:15:06.080 --> 00:15:06.240 Okay. 00:15:06.399 --> 00:15:07.000 Number one. 00:15:07.700 --> 00:15:08.560 Don't be frightened. 00:15:09.980 --> 00:15:10.820 Number two. 00:15:11.440 --> 00:15:12.519 You're looking for Jesus. 00:15:13.720 --> 00:15:14.639 Number three. 00:15:14.639 --> 00:15:15.639 He was crucified. 00:15:16.639 --> 00:15:17.419 Number four. 00:15:17.500 --> 00:15:18.519 He's now been risen. 00:15:18.639 --> 00:15:19.220 He's raised. 00:15:20.360 --> 00:15:21.000 Number five. 00:15:21.100 --> 00:15:21.740 He's not here. 00:15:22.779 --> 00:15:23.620 Number six. 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:24.720 Go and tell the disciples. 00:15:25.199 --> 00:15:25.740 Number seven. 00:15:25.860 --> 00:15:26.779 He's gone ahead of you. 00:15:27.059 --> 00:15:27.620 Number eight. 00:15:27.759 --> 00:15:28.480 He's in Galilee. 00:15:28.840 --> 00:15:29.439 Number nine. 00:15:29.559 --> 00:15:31.360 You will see him when you go to Galilee. 00:15:31.939 --> 00:15:32.360 And number 10. 00:15:32.399 --> 00:15:33.360 He's already told you this. 00:15:34.340 --> 00:15:34.939 10 things. 00:15:36.539 --> 00:15:38.100 It's a great summary. 00:15:38.740 --> 00:15:40.299 And Jesus had said to them. 00:15:40.460 --> 00:15:40.700 Hadn't he? 00:15:40.740 --> 00:15:41.679 I'll see you in Galilee. 00:15:41.679 --> 00:15:44.639 And so these events are crucial. 00:15:44.839 --> 00:15:46.120 But God has to explain them. 00:15:47.139 --> 00:15:48.879 And now he has explained them. 00:15:49.159 --> 00:15:51.439 We want the women in the last verse of Mark's gospel. 00:15:51.559 --> 00:15:53.079 In chapter 16 and verse 8. 00:15:53.179 --> 00:15:54.000 To say great. 00:15:54.559 --> 00:15:55.179 Got it. 00:15:56.139 --> 00:15:56.620 Hallelujah. 00:15:58.039 --> 00:15:59.339 It all makes sense. 00:15:59.459 --> 00:16:00.679 And happily ever after. 00:16:02.719 --> 00:16:05.059 We're full of joy and courage and confidence. 00:16:05.839 --> 00:16:07.379 We're going to run and tell everyone. 00:16:07.539 --> 00:16:08.240 But look at verse 8. 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:08.240 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:08.740 Verse 8. 00:16:11.679 --> 00:16:13.059 And they went out and fled from the tomb. 00:16:14.339 --> 00:16:16.359 For trembling and astonishment had seized them. 00:16:16.739 --> 00:16:17.979 And they said nothing to anyone. 00:16:18.179 --> 00:16:18.839 For they were afraid. 00:16:19.919 --> 00:16:22.979 What a terrible way to end a gospel. 00:16:25.799 --> 00:16:27.859 And it is a terrible way to finish. 00:16:29.620 --> 00:16:30.099 That people. 00:16:30.339 --> 00:16:30.959 So terrible. 00:16:31.079 --> 00:16:33.579 That the people down the years thought this is not good enough. 00:16:33.879 --> 00:16:35.959 We must tack something more onto the gospel. 00:16:36.439 --> 00:16:37.479 And that is why in your Bible. 00:16:38.000 --> 00:16:39.259 You've got these other verses. 00:16:39.259 --> 00:16:40.959 Which have been tacked on a little bit later. 00:16:40.960 --> 00:16:44.560 So let's get our phone out. 00:16:45.639 --> 00:16:47.200 Let's call Mark in heaven again. 00:16:47.460 --> 00:16:47.879 And say to him. 00:16:47.920 --> 00:16:48.680 What are you doing? 00:16:50.400 --> 00:16:52.200 Why would you finish your gospel. 00:16:52.379 --> 00:16:54.800 With this depressing verse 8. 00:16:56.480 --> 00:16:58.379 And I wonder whether Mark would say something like this. 00:16:58.840 --> 00:16:59.460 The feelings. 00:17:00.120 --> 00:17:00.879 Of these women. 00:17:02.000 --> 00:17:02.720 Are not the point. 00:17:04.680 --> 00:17:06.279 It doesn't matter that they're nervous. 00:17:07.860 --> 00:17:09.440 It doesn't matter that they're confused. 00:17:09.440 --> 00:17:09.720 It doesn't matter that they're confused. 00:17:10.960 --> 00:17:13.460 Because soon the facts will break in on them. 00:17:15.259 --> 00:17:16.120 And of course. 00:17:16.340 --> 00:17:16.860 In the short term. 00:17:16.940 --> 00:17:17.600 They're telling nobody. 00:17:18.799 --> 00:17:19.880 But we know soon. 00:17:19.940 --> 00:17:20.759 They'll be telling everybody. 00:17:22.059 --> 00:17:24.559 And the feelings are not the point. 00:17:24.559 --> 00:17:28.359 And so I want to say to you this evening. 00:17:28.480 --> 00:17:29.700 I don't know how you feel. 00:17:32.059 --> 00:17:33.839 I don't know how you feel tonight. 00:17:35.619 --> 00:17:38.179 But your feelings are not the major issue. 00:17:40.079 --> 00:17:43.480 The major issue is that somebody has died for you. 00:17:43.480 --> 00:17:46.860 And has risen from the grave. 00:17:46.860 --> 00:17:50.079 And holds out to you as a gift. 00:17:50.460 --> 00:17:51.819 At his expense. 00:17:52.120 --> 00:17:53.700 Forgiveness and eternal life. 00:17:55.539 --> 00:17:58.200 Which you must go to him on your knees and gather. 00:17:58.200 --> 00:18:01.380 And you may be unsure. 00:18:01.580 --> 00:18:02.620 And you may be unconvinced. 00:18:02.779 --> 00:18:03.319 This evening. 00:18:04.180 --> 00:18:04.779 And saying. 00:18:05.279 --> 00:18:07.080 I'll believe it when I get proof. 00:18:07.200 --> 00:18:08.180 And I want to say to you tonight. 00:18:08.220 --> 00:18:09.160 You'll never get proof. 00:18:10.519 --> 00:18:11.880 You'll only get evidence. 00:18:13.539 --> 00:18:15.120 Evidence is not the same as proof. 00:18:15.119 --> 00:18:18.899 I can't prove tonight. 00:18:19.459 --> 00:18:20.559 That anybody loves you. 00:18:21.919 --> 00:18:23.959 But I think I could collect and gather. 00:18:24.279 --> 00:18:25.759 Some evidence that somebody loves you. 00:18:27.099 --> 00:18:29.139 And God has given us evidence. 00:18:29.519 --> 00:18:30.299 Not proof. 00:18:33.259 --> 00:18:34.059 And you may be a believer. 00:18:34.259 --> 00:18:34.759 This evening. 00:18:34.879 --> 00:18:35.399 And you say. 00:18:35.839 --> 00:18:37.719 I'm still very nervous. 00:18:39.579 --> 00:18:40.319 How come. 00:18:41.119 --> 00:18:42.819 The Christian faith has not taken away. 00:18:42.939 --> 00:18:43.899 All my nervousness. 00:18:45.119 --> 00:18:47.219 And I need to say to you tonight. 00:18:48.479 --> 00:18:51.419 Your nerves are not the most important thing. 00:18:53.099 --> 00:18:54.359 The most important thing. 00:18:54.519 --> 00:18:55.419 Is that there is somebody. 00:18:55.639 --> 00:18:57.019 Who's taken away the danger. 00:18:57.879 --> 00:19:00.079 And has opened the door of glory. 00:19:00.239 --> 00:19:02.299 And is going to safely carry you through. 00:19:02.899 --> 00:19:04.319 Because you've put your trust in him. 00:19:05.879 --> 00:19:07.139 The answer is yes. 00:19:09.979 --> 00:19:10.899 So you see. 00:19:10.979 --> 00:19:12.139 Joseph and the women. 00:19:12.399 --> 00:19:12.699 They are. 00:19:13.379 --> 00:19:14.439 On their way. 00:19:14.440 --> 00:19:16.340 They are both on journeys. 00:19:16.340 --> 00:19:16.820 Aren't there. 00:19:17.039 --> 00:19:17.880 One to the cross. 00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:18.799 And one to the tomb. 00:19:19.980 --> 00:19:21.960 They both have very different feelings. 00:19:22.360 --> 00:19:23.460 One is courageous. 00:19:24.740 --> 00:19:26.220 One is nervous. 00:19:27.320 --> 00:19:28.420 And it doesn't really matter. 00:19:30.600 --> 00:19:31.779 The important thing is this. 00:19:32.000 --> 00:19:33.500 Joseph has his faith. 00:19:33.580 --> 00:19:34.700 In Jesus Christ. 00:19:34.740 --> 00:19:35.460 Who is the rock. 00:19:37.240 --> 00:19:38.080 And the women. 00:19:38.320 --> 00:19:39.000 Have their faith. 00:19:39.100 --> 00:19:39.799 In Jesus Christ. 00:19:39.860 --> 00:19:40.680 Who is their rock. 00:19:40.759 --> 00:19:41.740 That is an important thing. 00:19:41.740 --> 00:19:41.840 And the women. 00:19:44.440 --> 00:19:46.700 And you are never going to be. 00:19:46.759 --> 00:19:48.000 And I am never going to be given. 00:19:48.220 --> 00:19:49.600 Some test tube. 00:19:49.980 --> 00:19:50.779 Watertight. 00:19:51.200 --> 00:19:52.320 Type evidence. 00:19:53.920 --> 00:19:55.580 You are just going to have the evidence. 00:19:55.700 --> 00:19:56.660 That we've all been given. 00:19:56.820 --> 00:19:57.720 That's there in front of you. 00:19:59.460 --> 00:20:01.140 And a watertight person. 00:20:01.539 --> 00:20:02.420 Named Jesus Christ. 00:20:02.420 --> 00:20:08.100 Let me finish by telling you. 00:20:08.920 --> 00:20:09.960 Something I read recently. 00:20:10.160 --> 00:20:11.640 It concerns the Empress of Russia. 00:20:13.400 --> 00:20:14.200 Catherine the Great. 00:20:14.259 --> 00:20:15.560 She lived in the 18th century. 00:20:16.680 --> 00:20:18.500 And she invited the great philosopher. 00:20:18.500 --> 00:20:19.500 Who was called Diderot. 00:20:19.900 --> 00:20:21.140 To come to her palace. 00:20:22.400 --> 00:20:23.880 This man had collected. 00:20:24.560 --> 00:20:26.600 What he called the knowledge of the world. 00:20:26.599 --> 00:20:29.719 He put it into 17 volumes. 00:20:29.919 --> 00:20:31.599 He was like a human Wikipedia. 00:20:32.359 --> 00:20:35.159 He was the original kind of encyclopedia. 00:20:35.599 --> 00:20:36.480 And Catherine the Great. 00:20:36.599 --> 00:20:38.299 Invited him to spend hours. 00:20:38.500 --> 00:20:39.279 Talking with her. 00:20:40.259 --> 00:20:40.959 Talking with her. 00:20:41.019 --> 00:20:41.819 About all sorts of things. 00:20:41.899 --> 00:20:43.579 But mainly about the truths of the world. 00:20:44.579 --> 00:20:45.719 And they spent hours. 00:20:45.839 --> 00:20:46.299 And hours. 00:20:46.399 --> 00:20:46.779 And hours. 00:20:46.919 --> 00:20:47.259 Talking. 00:20:47.679 --> 00:20:49.159 And when the conversation was over. 00:20:49.219 --> 00:20:50.339 This is what she said to him. 00:20:50.559 --> 00:20:51.179 She said to him. 00:20:51.179 --> 00:20:52.139 Mr. Diderot. 00:20:52.339 --> 00:20:53.099 I've listened. 00:20:53.240 --> 00:20:54.359 With great pleasure. 00:20:54.359 --> 00:20:56.859 You work on paper. 00:20:57.959 --> 00:20:59.379 I work on skin. 00:21:02.079 --> 00:21:03.539 You work on paper. 00:21:05.000 --> 00:21:06.219 I work on skin. 00:21:06.599 --> 00:21:07.119 What does she mean? 00:21:08.459 --> 00:21:09.139 In other words. 00:21:09.179 --> 00:21:09.599 She said to him. 00:21:09.639 --> 00:21:09.759 Listen. 00:21:09.839 --> 00:21:10.439 Your theories. 00:21:10.599 --> 00:21:11.299 And your knowledge. 00:21:11.539 --> 00:21:12.479 Are nice. 00:21:12.639 --> 00:21:13.459 But I want reality. 00:21:14.939 --> 00:21:15.899 Your clouds. 00:21:15.899 --> 00:21:17.019 Are pretty. 00:21:17.199 --> 00:21:19.039 But I'm dealing with life and death. 00:21:22.359 --> 00:21:23.539 A number of months ago. 00:21:23.539 --> 00:21:24.680 I went to see somebody. 00:21:24.680 --> 00:21:26.019 Who was on the edge of dying. 00:21:28.039 --> 00:21:28.839 They said to me. 00:21:28.899 --> 00:21:29.599 I'm not afraid. 00:21:31.099 --> 00:21:31.879 If I stay. 00:21:31.980 --> 00:21:32.759 That would be good. 00:21:33.879 --> 00:21:35.180 If I go to be with Christ. 00:21:35.220 --> 00:21:35.879 That would be good. 00:21:37.619 --> 00:21:38.279 And as I. 00:21:38.639 --> 00:21:39.420 Talk to them. 00:21:40.159 --> 00:21:40.700 I thought. 00:21:40.759 --> 00:21:41.899 What should be the subject. 00:21:41.899 --> 00:21:42.839 Of this conversation. 00:21:44.899 --> 00:21:45.720 Should I tell them. 00:21:45.720 --> 00:21:46.399 That Swansea. 00:21:46.700 --> 00:21:47.940 Are very unlikely. 00:21:48.259 --> 00:21:49.180 To get into the playoffs. 00:21:49.299 --> 00:21:50.000 And the championship. 00:21:50.180 --> 00:21:50.639 This season. 00:21:50.640 --> 00:21:54.060 Should I. 00:21:54.380 --> 00:21:55.420 Speak to this person. 00:21:55.620 --> 00:21:56.840 About the cost of living. 00:21:57.000 --> 00:21:57.560 In London. 00:21:57.660 --> 00:21:58.900 That it's just extortionate. 00:22:00.940 --> 00:22:01.880 Should I tell them. 00:22:02.100 --> 00:22:02.840 That Lidl. 00:22:03.620 --> 00:22:04.620 Have some amazing. 00:22:04.780 --> 00:22:05.320 Offers on. 00:22:05.840 --> 00:22:06.640 Power washers. 00:22:06.720 --> 00:22:07.520 This coming week. 00:22:09.160 --> 00:22:09.940 Of course not. 00:22:11.700 --> 00:22:12.960 The look on the face. 00:22:13.080 --> 00:22:13.640 Was just. 00:22:13.820 --> 00:22:14.740 Tell me the things. 00:22:15.060 --> 00:22:16.180 That are important. 00:22:17.320 --> 00:22:18.160 The things. 00:22:18.360 --> 00:22:18.759 That are. 00:22:19.140 --> 00:22:19.460 Eternal. 00:22:19.460 --> 00:22:22.759 And I want to say to you. 00:22:22.819 --> 00:22:23.980 That on this Easter day. 00:22:24.059 --> 00:22:25.000 That the resurrection. 00:22:25.000 --> 00:22:26.019 Is the most. 00:22:26.160 --> 00:22:27.140 Important subject. 00:22:27.319 --> 00:22:28.039 In all the world. 00:22:29.279 --> 00:22:30.519 Because it is the subject. 00:22:30.519 --> 00:22:31.279 Of life. 00:22:31.420 --> 00:22:31.819 And death. 00:22:32.100 --> 00:22:32.980 It is for people. 00:22:33.200 --> 00:22:34.000 With skin. 00:22:35.640 --> 00:22:36.640 Who by putting. 00:22:36.819 --> 00:22:37.400 Their faith. 00:22:37.600 --> 00:22:38.319 In Jesus Christ. 00:22:38.400 --> 00:22:39.039 Will one day. 00:22:39.180 --> 00:22:40.200 Have a resurrection. 00:22:40.200 --> 00:22:40.680 Body. 00:22:42.160 --> 00:22:42.799 And so. 00:22:42.920 --> 00:22:43.539 I remind you. 00:22:43.640 --> 00:22:44.039 This evening. 00:22:44.160 --> 00:22:44.600 That God. 00:22:44.680 --> 00:22:45.440 Has given us. 00:22:45.519 --> 00:22:46.059 His son. 00:22:46.660 --> 00:22:47.380 The savior. 00:22:47.380 --> 00:22:48.079 Of the world. 00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:49.019 The king. 00:22:49.019 --> 00:22:50.079 Of kings. 00:22:50.679 --> 00:22:52.019 And his desire. 00:22:52.439 --> 00:22:52.919 For you. 00:22:53.259 --> 00:22:53.899 Is whatever. 00:22:54.259 --> 00:22:54.899 Your feelings. 00:22:55.039 --> 00:22:55.460 Tonight. 00:22:57.339 --> 00:22:58.519 You would stand. 00:22:58.740 --> 00:22:59.279 On the firm. 00:22:59.419 --> 00:22:59.779 Fact. 00:23:00.779 --> 00:23:01.819 Of Christ. 00:23:01.960 --> 00:23:02.599 Who lived. 00:23:03.500 --> 00:23:04.039 Died. 00:23:05.059 --> 00:23:05.639 And rose. 00:23:05.759 --> 00:23:06.079 Again. 00:23:07.179 --> 00:23:08.439 And that you would live. 00:23:09.759 --> 00:23:10.500 And that you would. 00:23:10.559 --> 00:23:11.240 Rejoice in him. 00:23:11.240 --> 00:23:13.299 Let's thank him. 00:23:13.359 --> 00:23:13.980 Let's bow our heads. 00:23:13.980 --> 00:23:14.299 Let's thank him. 00:23:14.299 --> 00:23:14.039 Let's bow our heads.