WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.560 So do turn with me to Luke 10. 00:00:01.960 --> 00:00:03.859 If you go to church Bible, it's page 868. 00:00:04.580 --> 00:00:03.859 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.960 Kurt Sernu had a job, but he was anxious whether he'd keep it. 00:00:35.619 --> 00:00:39.799 The government are anxious, aren't they, that they keep unemployment levels low. 00:00:42.100 --> 00:00:44.539 And lots of us, we enjoy holidays, don't we? 00:00:44.620 --> 00:00:46.620 Easter holidays, two weeks away, three weeks away. 00:00:47.359 --> 00:00:48.679 And we enjoy rest. 00:00:49.460 --> 00:00:53.719 But human beings have a sense, a strong sense of the need to work. 00:00:54.960 --> 00:00:57.299 Our country needs a workforce to function properly. 00:00:57.299 --> 00:01:04.179 But it's often in that realm that our thoughts about work often start and finish. 00:01:06.079 --> 00:01:10.379 We don't often think of ourselves as workers outside of the jobs we do, do we? 00:01:11.299 --> 00:01:16.200 The possible exception is on Saturday, we think, I've got loads of jobs, I've got work around the house. 00:01:17.739 --> 00:01:20.579 But when it comes to our role within the kingdom of God, 00:01:20.579 --> 00:01:27.319 I'm not sure that worker is a common way that we tend to think of ourselves. 00:01:29.099 --> 00:01:30.620 Disciple, yes. 00:01:31.500 --> 00:01:33.280 Child of God, probably. 00:01:34.379 --> 00:01:36.280 Ambassador for Christ, hopefully. 00:01:36.739 --> 00:01:37.459 But worker. 00:01:37.459 --> 00:01:45.439 It's probably not your first instinct that we describe ourselves as, our identity as Christians. 00:01:46.799 --> 00:01:52.519 I certainly don't hear people using that language much in their conversations or in their prayers. 00:01:53.819 --> 00:01:56.759 But it's definitely a key word for Jesus here in verse 10. 00:01:57.060 --> 00:02:00.099 So verse 2, the ESV uses the word laborer. 00:02:00.099 --> 00:02:03.199 He says, the workers are few. 00:02:04.619 --> 00:02:08.680 And he encourages his disciples to ask God to send out more workers. 00:02:10.180 --> 00:02:14.740 At the same time, Jesus is sending out his disciples on a mission of their own. 00:02:14.979 --> 00:02:17.120 He's employing them in his workforce. 00:02:17.299 --> 00:02:18.280 They are his laborers. 00:02:19.019 --> 00:02:21.740 And that's confirmed by the phrase Jesus uses in verse 7. 00:02:22.599 --> 00:02:25.959 He says that the laborer, the worker, deserves his wages. 00:02:25.960 --> 00:02:30.620 And so Jesus is saying, isn't it, his kingdom needs workers. 00:02:31.920 --> 00:02:32.800 But what is the work? 00:02:34.760 --> 00:02:38.480 Well, the context of the work that Jesus speaks about here is the harvest. 00:02:38.700 --> 00:02:40.700 Look at verse 2, the harvest is plentiful. 00:02:42.020 --> 00:02:44.020 The workers are needed for the harvest field. 00:02:44.060 --> 00:02:44.620 But what does he mean? 00:02:45.920 --> 00:02:50.960 Back in chapter 3 of Luke's Gospel, John the Baptist said that when the Messiah comes, 00:02:50.960 --> 00:02:58.100 he would come and he would arrive with a winnowing fork in his hand to clear his threshing floor. 00:02:59.140 --> 00:03:03.980 He would gather the wheat into the barn, but he'd burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. 00:03:05.020 --> 00:03:10.780 And so right from the very beginning of the Gospel, we've been invited to see Jesus' ministry as a harvesting ministry. 00:03:12.340 --> 00:03:14.520 Jesus is gathering his people into the kingdom. 00:03:15.400 --> 00:03:18.740 But he's pronouncing his judgment on those who reject him. 00:03:18.740 --> 00:03:24.000 And what we see here, Jesus is recruiting workers to help him with his harvesting. 00:03:25.159 --> 00:03:29.020 He's inviting his disciples, his followers, to join him in the work. 00:03:29.360 --> 00:03:35.120 So verse 2 is not primarily about the need for full-time ministers or missionaries. 00:03:36.120 --> 00:03:42.620 Even though there's whole organizations set up that have reductionally interpreted that verse in that way. 00:03:42.620 --> 00:03:48.379 No, verse 2 is primarily a verse about Jesus recruiting his followers to share in his work. 00:03:48.740 --> 00:03:54.600 It's a verse about disciples learning to do what disciples are meant to do. 00:03:56.300 --> 00:03:57.939 And that's what we're going to think about together tonight. 00:03:59.020 --> 00:04:02.719 What does it mean for us to follow Jesus by working for him? 00:04:04.060 --> 00:04:07.219 And our passage falls really neatly into two sections. 00:04:07.420 --> 00:04:08.420 You can see it really obviously. 00:04:08.800 --> 00:04:10.980 In verses 1 to 16, there's a sending out. 00:04:11.959 --> 00:04:14.119 And then in verses 17 to 24, there's a coming back. 00:04:15.679 --> 00:04:16.800 So let's consider each and two. 00:04:16.980 --> 00:04:18.779 Look at point 1, the sending out. 00:04:18.839 --> 00:04:19.860 Look at verses 1 to 16. 00:04:20.159 --> 00:04:22.839 They're all about Jesus sending a large group of disciples out. 00:04:23.240 --> 00:04:23.639 72. 00:04:25.399 --> 00:04:30.159 If you go back to Luke chapter 9, right at the start, he sent 12 disciples out on a similar mission. 00:04:30.160 --> 00:04:36.300 But now Jesus widens the circle and there's a wider group of disciples to help him. 00:04:37.500 --> 00:04:42.900 And as verse 1 tells us, they were sent out in pairs to the places that Jesus was about to go. 00:04:43.880 --> 00:04:47.020 They were preparing the way for him, a bit like John the Baptist had. 00:04:48.700 --> 00:04:53.140 It couldn't be clearer that they are working for Jesus in the ministry of Jesus. 00:04:54.180 --> 00:04:55.400 It's his harvest. 00:04:55.760 --> 00:04:56.780 He is sending them out. 00:04:56.779 --> 00:05:00.379 They do what he needs them to do. 00:05:02.259 --> 00:05:04.439 And so they get to do what Jesus does. 00:05:05.559 --> 00:05:08.000 Just like the 12 did in chapter 9. 00:05:08.199 --> 00:05:08.799 They heal the sick. 00:05:08.879 --> 00:05:09.559 They proclaim the kingdom. 00:05:10.659 --> 00:05:12.819 They are to imitate Jesus' compassion. 00:05:13.819 --> 00:05:16.119 And they are to be heralds of Jesus' message. 00:05:17.399 --> 00:05:19.839 And they are to engage in their work prayerfully. 00:05:19.919 --> 00:05:20.439 Look at verse 2. 00:05:20.439 --> 00:05:22.660 They are to ask the Lord of the harvest. 00:05:23.819 --> 00:05:27.339 To multiply disciples as they play their part. 00:05:28.660 --> 00:05:31.639 They are to engage in their work with undistracted focus. 00:05:31.719 --> 00:05:32.160 Verse 4. 00:05:33.279 --> 00:05:35.660 And they are not to worry about how God will provide for them. 00:05:36.600 --> 00:05:41.579 And in this way, Jesus echoes the hard sayings that Luke collected together at the end of chapter 9. 00:05:41.579 --> 00:05:44.000 To follow Jesus. 00:05:44.579 --> 00:05:47.859 To leave behind lesser preoccupations. 00:05:48.399 --> 00:05:52.199 And give yourself heart and soul to the supremely important work of the kingdom. 00:05:52.199 --> 00:06:00.800 But given that Jesus' harvest includes both gathering wheat and burning chaff. 00:06:02.479 --> 00:06:09.919 It's unsurprising, isn't it, that Jesus teaches his disciples to expect varied and opposite reactions. 00:06:10.659 --> 00:06:11.779 As they prepare the way for him. 00:06:13.120 --> 00:06:17.079 So he says, you should expect some to welcome you. 00:06:17.659 --> 00:06:18.919 And others to reject you. 00:06:18.920 --> 00:06:25.020 And it seems to me that those contrasting responses, they are right at the heart of the first 16 verses. 00:06:26.520 --> 00:06:30.340 So, in these 16 verses, can you see the expectation of welcome? 00:06:32.540 --> 00:06:37.420 To begin with, Jesus teaches his disciples to expect some to welcome him. 00:06:38.620 --> 00:06:42.300 To begin with, when he says in verse 2, that the harvest is plentiful. 00:06:42.860 --> 00:06:43.300 You see that? 00:06:43.300 --> 00:06:50.240 He seems to imply that there's reason to expect the sowing of his kingdom seed. 00:06:50.360 --> 00:06:51.060 It will bear fruit. 00:06:53.960 --> 00:06:56.480 We preached through Luke's gospel probably about five years ago now. 00:06:56.580 --> 00:06:58.939 And we saw that the message of the kingdom is for everyone. 00:07:00.280 --> 00:07:01.480 It's not just for Jews. 00:07:01.600 --> 00:07:02.280 It's for Gentiles. 00:07:03.220 --> 00:07:05.540 It's not just for the religious. 00:07:05.780 --> 00:07:06.540 It's for the irreligious. 00:07:06.540 --> 00:07:09.060 It is not just for the rich. 00:07:09.220 --> 00:07:09.879 It is for the poor. 00:07:10.240 --> 00:07:11.560 It is for all people. 00:07:13.240 --> 00:07:18.900 And Jesus says, as they go ahead of him, it will become plain where the fruitful soil lies. 00:07:21.240 --> 00:07:26.620 Because those inclined to receive Jesus' message will be those inclined to receive them. 00:07:26.620 --> 00:07:31.579 And there's a link here, isn't there, between hospitality, welcoming him, and salvation. 00:07:33.139 --> 00:07:38.480 Verses 5 and 6 talk about those who welcome the blessing of peace which the disciples will utter. 00:07:40.579 --> 00:07:45.620 Such people will welcome the disciples into their homes because they themselves are children of peace. 00:07:47.040 --> 00:07:51.240 And when they're welcomed like this, Jesus encourages his disciples to stay in those homes. 00:07:52.000 --> 00:07:52.920 To eat what they're offered. 00:07:53.040 --> 00:07:53.780 To heal the sick. 00:07:54.280 --> 00:07:55.060 To proclaim the message. 00:07:55.060 --> 00:07:57.680 The kingdom of God has come near to you. 00:07:58.259 --> 00:07:59.240 The expectation of welcome. 00:08:00.800 --> 00:08:02.959 But there's also the expectation of rejection. 00:08:05.120 --> 00:08:09.780 And Jesus teaches his disciples to expect this kind of welcome. 00:08:10.840 --> 00:08:13.819 But he also teaches them to expect this kind of rejection. 00:08:15.860 --> 00:08:19.379 And it's his tender kindness that causes him to do so. 00:08:19.379 --> 00:08:25.420 If you've got a task for someone that's pretty straightforward. 00:08:27.279 --> 00:08:32.659 Then you're generally happy, aren't you, to jump into it without any need for the fine print, as it were. 00:08:32.659 --> 00:08:41.419 But if you need to do something for someone, and it's going to be difficult in some way, you appreciate, don't you, the heads up if it's going to be tricky. 00:08:42.039 --> 00:08:42.759 Some prior warning. 00:08:43.259 --> 00:08:45.819 No one likes to be caught by unpleasant surprises. 00:08:47.079 --> 00:08:47.919 It's a kind. 00:08:48.159 --> 00:08:52.079 It's kind of the task giver to prepare the task doer. 00:08:52.080 --> 00:08:52.920 And so it is here. 00:08:54.520 --> 00:08:57.320 Jesus loves his disciples enough to tell them it's straight. 00:08:57.420 --> 00:08:58.240 Look at verse 3. 00:09:00.160 --> 00:09:03.660 Go your way, behold, I'm sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 00:09:04.960 --> 00:09:06.200 It's not encouraging, is it? 00:09:08.280 --> 00:09:09.740 One commentator says this. 00:09:09.920 --> 00:09:13.020 The simile points to both danger and helplessness. 00:09:13.080 --> 00:09:14.360 That's not a great combination. 00:09:14.360 --> 00:09:21.379 It's kind of manageable, isn't it, to be in danger if you can combat it in some way. 00:09:23.340 --> 00:09:25.720 It's okay to be weak as long as you're not in danger. 00:09:26.399 --> 00:09:29.740 But to be endangered and helpless is terrifying. 00:09:30.740 --> 00:09:35.560 It means that you are entirely dependent on someone else to help you. 00:09:36.960 --> 00:09:42.800 So it's good, isn't it, that those who work for Jesus have the Lord of the harvest in their corner. 00:09:44.960 --> 00:09:48.840 But of course, it's not just in verse 3 that Jesus prepares his disciples for the risk of rejection. 00:09:49.100 --> 00:09:50.480 It's also in verse 10 and following. 00:09:52.180 --> 00:09:56.259 He says in verse 8 and 9, some will open their homes and some will welcome you. 00:09:56.639 --> 00:09:57.440 And then verse 10. 00:09:59.440 --> 00:10:02.539 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 00:10:02.539 --> 00:10:06.000 even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we will wipe off against you. 00:10:07.279 --> 00:10:09.759 Nevertheless, know this, that the kingdom of God has come near. 00:10:10.060 --> 00:10:13.580 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. 00:10:14.360 --> 00:10:21.379 Do you notice that the message the disciples bring to those who reject them 00:10:21.379 --> 00:10:25.740 is very similar to the message that they will bring to those who welcome them? 00:10:25.740 --> 00:10:33.320 So verse 11 and verse 9 are nearly identical. 00:10:36.500 --> 00:10:42.419 Except in verse 9, the message for those who receive the disciples is that the kingdom of God has come near to you. 00:10:43.899 --> 00:10:48.019 In verse 11, the kingdom of God has come near, full stop. 00:10:48.019 --> 00:10:52.779 And I think that difference is meant to be significant. 00:10:54.480 --> 00:11:00.100 The lordship of Jesus is the reality that everyone must contend with. 00:11:02.620 --> 00:11:07.360 For those who believe the lordship of Jesus is a reality to rest in. 00:11:08.360 --> 00:11:10.659 The kingdom of God has come near to you. 00:11:11.220 --> 00:11:11.620 To you. 00:11:11.620 --> 00:11:15.139 You have a relationship with this king. 00:11:15.940 --> 00:11:17.060 You know this king. 00:11:17.259 --> 00:11:18.080 You welcome this king. 00:11:18.399 --> 00:11:23.860 But to those who don't believe, the lordship of Jesus is a reality to be feared. 00:11:24.700 --> 00:11:26.379 The kingdom of God has come. 00:11:26.519 --> 00:11:27.299 Jesus is Lord. 00:11:27.360 --> 00:11:28.440 What are you going to do about it? 00:11:30.419 --> 00:11:33.860 And from verses 12 to 15, Jesus underlines this very point. 00:11:35.860 --> 00:11:37.060 Do you remember Sodom? 00:11:38.259 --> 00:11:41.419 Sodom was absolutely decimated by God's judgment. 00:11:41.620 --> 00:11:45.500 But it will be far worse. 00:11:45.620 --> 00:11:50.659 Far worse for those who reject Jesus when the day of judgment comes. 00:11:52.440 --> 00:11:55.600 The people of Tyre and Sidon, they were stubborn and unrepentant. 00:11:55.679 --> 00:11:58.299 But even they, says Jesus, would have bent the knee. 00:11:59.600 --> 00:12:03.639 When they saw the incredible miracles Jesus and his disciples performed. 00:12:03.940 --> 00:12:06.700 But not so the people of Chorazin and Bethsaida. 00:12:06.700 --> 00:12:16.840 So the judgment on Jesus' contemporaries will be worse than that which even Tyre and Sidon faced. 00:12:18.780 --> 00:12:21.120 Their destiny, can you see it in verse 17? 00:12:21.120 --> 00:12:29.179 In verse 15, it's not the heavens, it is Hades, it's hell. 00:12:29.179 --> 00:12:35.899 And that's because by rejecting the harvest workers, they reject the Lord. 00:12:37.899 --> 00:12:40.539 By rejecting Jesus' messengers, they reject Jesus. 00:12:40.539 --> 00:12:46.039 And if they reject Jesus, they likewise reject the one who sent him. 00:12:46.139 --> 00:12:48.860 Verse 16, the one who hears you, hears me. 00:12:49.579 --> 00:12:51.419 The one who rejects you, rejects me. 00:12:52.379 --> 00:12:54.639 And the one who rejects me, rejects the one who sent me. 00:12:54.639 --> 00:13:05.259 And so on the day that Jesus sends out these 72 workers, he wants them to make sure that they expect both welcome and rejection. 00:13:07.679 --> 00:13:12.899 And even now, Jesus wants his disciples this evening to be armed with those two expectations. 00:13:14.799 --> 00:13:21.679 Those who do the work of Christ will encounter polar opposites as to how people respond. 00:13:21.679 --> 00:13:25.779 And so Jesus helps us tonight with these words. 00:13:27.639 --> 00:13:29.500 He helps you in the language class. 00:13:29.579 --> 00:13:33.120 He helps you at Little Stars in Club 16 and Ignite at the book table. 00:13:35.459 --> 00:13:40.699 Do we expect rejection and suffering as we labor in the harvest? 00:13:42.319 --> 00:13:44.559 But do we also expect welcome? 00:13:44.559 --> 00:13:53.319 I suspect if you look over history, it's easier to expect one of those things than the other. 00:13:55.599 --> 00:14:00.059 There have been times in this country, and even now in some places in the world, 00:14:00.319 --> 00:14:04.059 where the gospel seems to be welcomed more than it's rejected. 00:14:04.059 --> 00:14:11.539 And it's vital in those situations that God's people remember it's not always going to be like this. 00:14:13.679 --> 00:14:16.239 But at this point in history, in our part of the world, 00:14:16.719 --> 00:14:22.179 I suspect it's far easier for you and I to believe in rejection than in welcome. 00:14:22.179 --> 00:14:28.859 And in days like these, we need the word of Jesus, the Lord of the harvest, 00:14:29.039 --> 00:14:34.239 to remind us that the good shepherd has sheep out there who will come into the fold. 00:14:36.039 --> 00:14:39.939 There is wheat still in the field waiting to be gathered. 00:14:42.120 --> 00:14:47.339 Some will welcome us when we come with the message of Christ's kingdom. 00:14:48.559 --> 00:14:50.000 And we ought to expect no less. 00:14:50.000 --> 00:14:54.820 Second half of the chapter is in verse 17 and 24. 00:14:54.960 --> 00:14:55.720 It's the coming back. 00:14:56.960 --> 00:14:57.840 The coming back. 00:14:59.860 --> 00:15:03.360 And that's what Jesus says when the disciples are sent out. 00:15:03.419 --> 00:15:05.200 So what about the words of Jesus when they come back? 00:15:07.159 --> 00:15:10.259 Well, if the focus of verses 1 to 16 is a contrast, 00:15:10.399 --> 00:15:15.720 the focus of verses 17 to 24 is a contrast between two types of joy. 00:15:17.480 --> 00:15:19.559 First of all, a joy in serving. 00:15:20.000 --> 00:15:22.360 Can you see that? 00:15:22.840 --> 00:15:25.360 There's the joy of 72 disciples. 00:15:25.600 --> 00:15:26.919 They come back from their mission. 00:15:27.919 --> 00:15:31.500 And it's a joy I think that many of you will be familiar with. 00:15:31.500 --> 00:15:37.519 Maybe you've done the language class. 00:15:37.600 --> 00:15:39.299 Maybe you've done little stars. 00:15:39.519 --> 00:15:42.580 Maybe you've had an opportunity to share the gospel. 00:15:43.960 --> 00:15:47.659 Maybe youth group has gone really, really well. 00:15:47.659 --> 00:15:53.219 Maybe at house group Bible study, people have engaged with your questions. 00:15:53.220 --> 00:15:56.440 They've prayed about what you've studied in the passage. 00:15:56.620 --> 00:15:57.180 Imagine that. 00:15:57.179 --> 00:16:00.079 And you feel elated. 00:16:00.080 --> 00:16:02.639 And you go to home. 00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:03.539 You put your head on the pillow. 00:16:03.659 --> 00:16:06.379 And you are full of joy at what God has done. 00:16:06.379 --> 00:16:12.659 And you're thrilled at how God has used you in his service. 00:16:14.439 --> 00:16:18.019 There are times I drive away on a Sunday night and I'm ecstatic. 00:16:18.019 --> 00:16:24.799 I can remember times walking away from the youth group or home group feeling the sin. 00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:26.620 The joy of serving Christ. 00:16:26.919 --> 00:16:30.539 The joy of knowing you've contributed to the work of the kingdom of God. 00:16:30.539 --> 00:16:34.819 And it's very kind of God to do that, isn't it, I think. 00:16:37.339 --> 00:16:44.699 To be sent out as a lamb amongst wolves and to return with a bursting heart. 00:16:44.860 --> 00:16:45.699 It's quite something. 00:16:47.019 --> 00:16:48.240 Given how hard it can be. 00:16:50.179 --> 00:16:54.839 And so I think it is a wonderful thing that God has made ministry so richly enjoyable. 00:16:57.299 --> 00:16:59.240 And so it was with the disciples on this occasion. 00:16:59.299 --> 00:17:00.299 Look at verse 17 with me. 00:17:00.539 --> 00:17:02.159 The 72 returned with joy. 00:17:02.259 --> 00:17:03.019 You can hear it, can't you? 00:17:03.019 --> 00:17:04.059 Lord, Lord, Lord. 00:17:04.359 --> 00:17:06.899 Even the demons are subject to us in your name. 00:17:07.899 --> 00:17:08.799 They proclaimed the gospel. 00:17:08.940 --> 00:17:09.579 They healed the sick. 00:17:09.659 --> 00:17:10.720 They'd been casting out demons. 00:17:11.480 --> 00:17:14.740 And they were amazed they'd been able to help people in that way. 00:17:16.119 --> 00:17:19.819 Perhaps they even felt empowered by the authority that Jesus had given them. 00:17:20.299 --> 00:17:22.079 And Jesus doesn't rain on their parade. 00:17:23.659 --> 00:17:27.839 His first instinct is to recognize the authority that they have. 00:17:27.839 --> 00:17:36.639 And he carefully reminds them in verse 19 that it's an authority that was given to them by his power and his grace. 00:17:36.640 --> 00:17:41.140 But he does affirm, doesn't he, they're doing his work. 00:17:41.780 --> 00:17:43.580 The harvest was advanced. 00:17:45.060 --> 00:17:46.720 And Satan's work is being unbound. 00:17:47.040 --> 00:17:48.300 I think that's the point of verse 18. 00:17:48.299 --> 00:17:50.339 They're casting out demons. 00:17:51.019 --> 00:17:53.740 It's as if Jesus can see into the heavens. 00:17:55.019 --> 00:17:58.159 And he can see as if Satan is falling before his very eyes. 00:17:58.160 --> 00:18:02.120 And so Jesus affirms here, doesn't he? 00:18:02.220 --> 00:18:04.960 He's not only granted them power, but also protection. 00:18:05.960 --> 00:18:07.259 While they were doing his work. 00:18:08.519 --> 00:18:10.240 And so he welcomes their joy. 00:18:12.840 --> 00:18:14.380 Joy in serving. 00:18:18.120 --> 00:18:22.560 But he also goes on to the deeper point of joy in seeing. 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:26.840 Can you see in verses 20 to 24? 00:18:26.839 --> 00:18:31.199 Or he speaks to them about another joy, a better joy. 00:18:33.240 --> 00:18:36.099 I don't think Jesus is rebuking them in verse 20. 00:18:38.819 --> 00:18:45.019 It's as if more, if I can put it like this way, he wants to tease them into an even richer rejoicing. 00:18:48.619 --> 00:18:51.859 Imagine a dad on Christmas Eve. 00:18:51.859 --> 00:18:55.019 And he hears his daughter praying. 00:18:56.500 --> 00:19:03.740 And his daughter prays, Lord, please may I get lots of gifts tomorrow on Christmas Day. 00:19:03.740 --> 00:19:09.279 May I get the joy I want from the gifts. 00:19:10.900 --> 00:19:11.900 What does the dad do? 00:19:13.900 --> 00:19:15.180 Dad says, you mustn't pray like that. 00:19:15.299 --> 00:19:15.799 No, he doesn't. 00:19:17.680 --> 00:19:22.920 The dad says, listen, you want to pray that your family members would enjoy Christmas? 00:19:22.920 --> 00:19:28.560 You want to give thanks that Christmas is about a greater joy than presents? 00:19:29.920 --> 00:19:32.580 The father doesn't tell his daughter off for praying for something. 00:19:32.720 --> 00:19:34.100 She's perfectly entitled to pray for. 00:19:35.820 --> 00:19:37.380 But he coaxes her, doesn't he? 00:19:37.380 --> 00:19:42.180 To pray in a way that's more deeply in tune with the purposes of God. 00:19:42.880 --> 00:19:44.720 With the perspective of his father in heaven. 00:19:46.360 --> 00:19:47.420 I think that's what Jesus is doing here. 00:19:47.860 --> 00:19:51.080 The disciples are perfectly entitled to rejoice in ministry. 00:19:52.160 --> 00:19:53.080 And its effectiveness. 00:19:53.340 --> 00:19:53.920 That's a good thing. 00:19:55.200 --> 00:20:00.880 But he coaxes them into a joy that is more in tune with his heavenly father's perspective. 00:20:00.880 --> 00:20:06.360 He sees their good joy, but he invites them into a deeper joy. 00:20:07.640 --> 00:20:12.640 And he wants them to rejoice not so much in serving, but also to rejoice in seeing. 00:20:15.500 --> 00:20:18.140 Seeing is the way Jesus describes it in verses 23 and 24. 00:20:18.240 --> 00:20:19.440 Look at verses 23 and 24. 00:20:21.580 --> 00:20:23.180 Turning to the disciples, he said privately, 00:20:23.580 --> 00:20:25.100 Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 00:20:26.800 --> 00:20:30.480 For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see and did not see it, 00:20:30.480 --> 00:20:33.019 and to hear what you hear and did not hear it. 00:20:35.279 --> 00:20:35.940 Think of that. 00:20:38.720 --> 00:20:43.440 The Old Testament is full of Old Testament rulers that saw God do pretty remarkable things. 00:20:45.360 --> 00:20:50.099 It's full of prophets that heard the voice of God unmistakably in their ears. 00:20:52.740 --> 00:20:58.380 Isaiah, Jeremiah, David, Elijah, Elisha, Moses. 00:21:00.480 --> 00:21:07.880 Every single one of them would gladly trade places with the littlest person in Jesus' kingdom. 00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:08.839 What a thing to say. 00:21:11.059 --> 00:21:15.860 Jesus' disciples then and now are the envy of prophets and kings. 00:21:17.000 --> 00:21:17.440 Why? 00:21:18.000 --> 00:21:18.960 Because of what they see. 00:21:19.019 --> 00:21:20.519 They see Jesus, God's Messiah. 00:21:20.519 --> 00:21:24.359 The prophet of prophets and the king of kings. 00:21:25.559 --> 00:21:31.480 And these disciples, in Luke 10, they saw him, they heard him. 00:21:33.980 --> 00:21:37.579 And though differently, we still see him. 00:21:38.740 --> 00:21:40.139 We still hear him. 00:21:40.140 --> 00:21:46.940 But the seeing of verses 23 to 24 is the equivalent of knowing of verse 22. 00:21:47.060 --> 00:21:47.780 Look at verse 22. 00:21:49.220 --> 00:21:51.440 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, 00:21:51.820 --> 00:21:54.640 and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, 00:21:55.300 --> 00:21:57.180 or who the Father is except the Son, 00:21:57.500 --> 00:22:00.100 and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 00:22:01.540 --> 00:22:02.940 No one knows the Son like the Father. 00:22:02.940 --> 00:22:05.960 No one knows the Father like the Son, 00:22:07.480 --> 00:22:10.120 except those to whom the Son reveals the Father. 00:22:11.019 --> 00:22:13.000 Can you see that? 00:22:14.220 --> 00:22:17.299 We know him just like the Son does. 00:22:19.299 --> 00:22:21.140 And again, that's an astonishing thing to say, 00:22:21.259 --> 00:22:27.820 that the Son shares his intimate knowledge of the Father with his disciples, 00:22:28.759 --> 00:22:30.759 then and now. 00:22:30.759 --> 00:22:33.799 Because we see the Son, 00:22:34.500 --> 00:22:35.220 we know the Father. 00:22:36.480 --> 00:22:38.839 And we know him because Jesus has revealed him. 00:22:39.119 --> 00:22:41.019 So verse 22, but also verse 21. 00:22:43.160 --> 00:22:45.299 In that same hour, he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, 00:22:45.400 --> 00:22:46.799 I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, 00:22:46.819 --> 00:22:48.879 that you've hidden these things from the wise and understanding, 00:22:49.019 --> 00:22:50.259 and you've revealed them to little children. 00:22:50.359 --> 00:22:52.519 Yes, Father, such was your gracious will. 00:22:52.859 --> 00:22:57.599 Notice that both the Father and the Son are described as revealers here. 00:22:57.599 --> 00:23:06.359 The Father and the Son work in unison to open the eyes of Jesus' followers, 00:23:07.240 --> 00:23:10.179 so that you tonight can see his kingdom clearly. 00:23:10.180 --> 00:23:13.759 The wise and the learned, 00:23:14.100 --> 00:23:16.080 they don't necessarily know the things of the kingdom, 00:23:16.160 --> 00:23:19.360 because you can't buy them, 00:23:20.060 --> 00:23:21.299 you can't acquire them, 00:23:21.840 --> 00:23:23.340 you can't learn them. 00:23:23.480 --> 00:23:24.640 Rather, it is revealed. 00:23:26.120 --> 00:23:28.580 Which is why even babies can have this blessing. 00:23:28.579 --> 00:23:33.779 It is a gift from God. 00:23:36.379 --> 00:23:37.679 And with these words, 00:23:37.819 --> 00:23:40.059 Jesus makes grace bright. 00:23:42.480 --> 00:23:43.559 As he loves to do. 00:23:45.099 --> 00:23:47.839 As if seeing is equivalent to knowing, 00:23:48.179 --> 00:23:52.379 and as if knowing is a gift of God's initiative and grace. 00:23:52.380 --> 00:23:57.900 And then it all adds up to your name being written in heaven. 00:23:58.020 --> 00:23:58.920 Look at verse 20. 00:24:00.780 --> 00:24:03.720 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, 00:24:04.820 --> 00:24:06.260 that the spirits are subject to you, 00:24:06.320 --> 00:24:10.080 but rejoice that your name is written in heaven. 00:24:12.920 --> 00:24:13.740 Jesus is saying, 00:24:14.360 --> 00:24:15.840 listen, here's the thing to rejoice in. 00:24:17.360 --> 00:24:19.180 Rejoice in your serving by all means, 00:24:19.760 --> 00:24:21.360 but there's a greater joy to be had, 00:24:21.359 --> 00:24:23.319 and Jesus wants to tease us into it. 00:24:24.779 --> 00:24:26.779 The joy of seeing, of knowing, 00:24:27.039 --> 00:24:29.319 of being the recipient of divine revelation. 00:24:30.740 --> 00:24:33.039 Of having your name written in God's book. 00:24:34.240 --> 00:24:35.899 And your place in heaven guaranteed. 00:24:40.000 --> 00:24:42.019 How easily confused I get about this. 00:24:45.579 --> 00:24:47.799 I've often driven home on a Sunday night elated, 00:24:48.059 --> 00:24:49.500 because of what God has done. 00:24:49.500 --> 00:24:52.900 And how he's used me in the preaching of his word. 00:24:53.240 --> 00:24:54.480 I don't always drive away like that. 00:24:56.519 --> 00:24:57.839 But when I drive away like that, 00:24:57.880 --> 00:24:58.960 and my heart is elated, 00:24:59.579 --> 00:25:02.440 did not my heart have a million reasons to burst, 00:25:02.599 --> 00:25:04.019 even before the Sunday had begun? 00:25:07.920 --> 00:25:09.220 Does not my heart, 00:25:09.299 --> 00:25:10.400 as a follower of the Lord Jesus, 00:25:10.500 --> 00:25:11.059 and your heart, 00:25:11.119 --> 00:25:12.299 if you're a follower of the Lord Jesus, 00:25:12.380 --> 00:25:14.680 have a million reasons to swell with joy, 00:25:14.720 --> 00:25:16.619 every single hour of every single day? 00:25:16.619 --> 00:25:19.000 Jesus says it does. 00:25:21.319 --> 00:25:23.000 And Jesus coaxes us to see 00:25:23.000 --> 00:25:25.259 that there is really no greater joy than that. 00:25:28.339 --> 00:25:29.339 And so as I finish, 00:25:30.339 --> 00:25:31.859 I want to ask a question, 00:25:31.959 --> 00:25:33.019 and the question I want to ask is, 00:25:33.099 --> 00:25:33.599 who am I? 00:25:36.219 --> 00:25:38.839 In each of the talks of these next three weeks, 00:25:38.839 --> 00:25:42.519 I want to finish by asking a question 00:25:42.519 --> 00:25:45.119 about how Jesus sees who we are. 00:25:47.619 --> 00:25:48.899 In Luke chapter 9, 00:25:49.119 --> 00:25:49.839 Mark chapter 8, 00:25:49.959 --> 00:25:51.899 Jesus asks his disciples the famous question, 00:25:52.279 --> 00:25:53.240 who do you say that I am? 00:25:53.259 --> 00:25:54.539 It's the big question of Christianity. 00:25:56.179 --> 00:25:57.259 And I want to take that question, 00:25:57.339 --> 00:25:58.059 and I want to turn it around. 00:26:00.299 --> 00:26:02.139 And so I want us to turn to Jesus tonight, 00:26:02.240 --> 00:26:03.379 and I want to ask him, 00:26:03.480 --> 00:26:05.039 who do you say I am? 00:26:07.039 --> 00:26:08.079 That's how I want to finish tonight. 00:26:08.079 --> 00:26:11.259 And so according to Jesus, 00:26:11.359 --> 00:26:11.879 who am I? 00:26:14.199 --> 00:26:15.980 And I think the passage we've looked at tonight 00:26:15.980 --> 00:26:17.699 gives you two answers to that question. 00:26:19.399 --> 00:26:21.519 The first answer that this passage gives you 00:26:21.519 --> 00:26:22.720 to the question, who am I, 00:26:22.799 --> 00:26:24.859 is you're a worker if you're in the kingdom. 00:26:27.299 --> 00:26:27.919 I'm a worker, 00:26:27.980 --> 00:26:29.819 and that is as much true for me as it is for you. 00:26:31.919 --> 00:26:33.159 I'm not a worker for Jesus 00:26:33.159 --> 00:26:35.599 because I'm a full-time Christian worker. 00:26:35.599 --> 00:26:38.519 I'm a worker for Jesus 00:26:38.519 --> 00:26:39.879 because I'm a disciple of Jesus. 00:26:41.579 --> 00:26:43.579 And to become a disciple of Jesus 00:26:43.579 --> 00:26:46.799 is to embrace the master's disciple-making work. 00:26:48.419 --> 00:26:49.579 We fish for people 00:26:49.579 --> 00:26:50.799 because Jesus fishes for people. 00:26:52.740 --> 00:26:54.359 We help in the work of harvesting 00:26:54.359 --> 00:26:56.000 because harvesting is what Jesus does. 00:26:56.000 --> 00:26:59.960 And Jesus calls all his disciples 00:26:59.960 --> 00:27:01.220 to share in the work of the Lord. 00:27:03.019 --> 00:27:04.579 The work which the Apostle Paul says 00:27:04.579 --> 00:27:05.619 is never in vain. 00:27:07.980 --> 00:27:09.180 And so what does this look like? 00:27:11.920 --> 00:27:12.759 Well, it looks like 00:27:12.759 --> 00:27:14.779 that I share the compassion of Jesus 00:27:14.779 --> 00:27:16.500 as I care for the people I meet 00:27:16.500 --> 00:27:17.619 and interact with each day. 00:27:17.619 --> 00:27:21.819 And I'm serious about the message of Jesus too. 00:27:21.919 --> 00:27:23.479 So I do look for opportunities 00:27:23.479 --> 00:27:25.439 to share the message with those same people 00:27:25.439 --> 00:27:26.739 I love because Jesus loved. 00:27:28.859 --> 00:27:31.019 I'm a herald of the news of Jesus' kingdom. 00:27:33.500 --> 00:27:34.939 But being a worker for Jesus 00:27:34.939 --> 00:27:36.000 doesn't just have implications 00:27:36.000 --> 00:27:38.079 for how I live and how I speak in the world. 00:27:39.319 --> 00:27:40.759 It has implications, doesn't it, 00:27:40.759 --> 00:27:42.599 for the way that I conduct myself 00:27:42.599 --> 00:27:43.639 behind closed doors. 00:27:43.640 --> 00:27:47.520 Because being a worker for Jesus 00:27:47.520 --> 00:27:50.500 means being a prayer for Jesus' work. 00:27:53.340 --> 00:27:54.620 In fact, that is, I think, 00:27:54.700 --> 00:27:55.940 in some ways, the big shock 00:27:55.940 --> 00:27:57.940 of the passage. 00:27:58.060 --> 00:27:59.720 The harvest is plentiful, 00:27:59.920 --> 00:28:02.060 so get out there and share the message. 00:28:02.540 --> 00:28:02.880 No. 00:28:04.460 --> 00:28:05.960 That's not the first thing Jesus says. 00:28:07.820 --> 00:28:09.960 He says the harvest is plentiful, 00:28:09.960 --> 00:28:12.320 so pray. 00:28:14.240 --> 00:28:14.720 Ask. 00:28:15.820 --> 00:28:17.040 Ask the Lord of the harvest 00:28:17.040 --> 00:28:17.920 to multiply the workers. 00:28:19.820 --> 00:28:20.820 And this will happen 00:28:20.820 --> 00:28:22.200 as more people become disciples 00:28:22.200 --> 00:28:24.540 and so join the disciple-making work. 00:28:26.540 --> 00:28:27.460 And this will happen 00:28:27.460 --> 00:28:28.460 the more Christ's people 00:28:28.460 --> 00:28:29.720 see the world as he does. 00:28:29.880 --> 00:28:30.900 If I'm a worker, 00:28:31.040 --> 00:28:31.920 I'm also a prayer. 00:28:33.700 --> 00:28:35.280 And I will pray specifically 00:28:35.280 --> 00:28:36.740 for more workers. 00:28:39.420 --> 00:28:41.000 But being a worker for Jesus 00:28:41.000 --> 00:28:42.519 also means loving, 00:28:42.839 --> 00:28:43.279 speaking, 00:28:44.279 --> 00:28:46.279 and praying with clear expectations. 00:28:46.500 --> 00:28:46.779 Do you remember 00:28:46.779 --> 00:28:48.059 what those expectations are? 00:28:49.559 --> 00:28:51.740 I expect that some will reject 00:28:51.740 --> 00:28:52.599 the message 00:28:52.599 --> 00:28:53.559 and they will reject me. 00:28:53.559 --> 00:28:56.440 I will expect 00:28:56.440 --> 00:28:58.059 that some of my prayers 00:28:58.059 --> 00:28:59.919 for people 00:28:59.919 --> 00:29:00.639 will not lead 00:29:00.639 --> 00:29:01.419 to their salvation. 00:29:02.980 --> 00:29:04.240 And that's a painful thing 00:29:04.240 --> 00:29:04.839 to have to acknowledge, 00:29:04.960 --> 00:29:05.259 isn't it? 00:29:06.539 --> 00:29:07.740 But Jesus teaches us 00:29:07.740 --> 00:29:08.619 to acknowledge that. 00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:11.059 And yet, 00:29:11.159 --> 00:29:11.960 I also expect 00:29:12.519 --> 00:29:14.220 some to welcome me 00:29:14.220 --> 00:29:15.539 as I share the message 00:29:15.539 --> 00:29:16.200 of Christ's kingdom. 00:29:17.960 --> 00:29:18.839 I would expect 00:29:18.839 --> 00:29:20.500 my prayers for some 00:29:20.500 --> 00:29:21.619 will lead to them 00:29:21.619 --> 00:29:22.379 becoming Christians. 00:29:22.380 --> 00:29:22.540 Christians. 00:29:25.980 --> 00:29:26.800 And I think 00:29:26.800 --> 00:29:27.580 in our day, 00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:28.460 in this country, 00:29:28.780 --> 00:29:29.260 in this church, 00:29:29.300 --> 00:29:30.360 we don't find it easy 00:29:30.360 --> 00:29:31.540 to love, speak, 00:29:31.660 --> 00:29:32.120 and pray 00:29:32.120 --> 00:29:33.600 with this expectation. 00:29:36.340 --> 00:29:37.320 We see 00:29:37.320 --> 00:29:38.680 so much 00:29:38.680 --> 00:29:39.560 rejection 00:29:39.560 --> 00:29:42.020 that we're lulled 00:29:42.020 --> 00:29:42.540 into believing 00:29:42.540 --> 00:29:43.400 that's all there is. 00:29:44.760 --> 00:29:45.780 But we mustn't be. 00:29:47.800 --> 00:29:48.320 Rather, 00:29:48.440 --> 00:29:49.280 we share 00:29:49.280 --> 00:29:49.860 the message 00:29:49.860 --> 00:29:50.440 of Jesus 00:29:50.440 --> 00:29:51.200 anticipating 00:29:51.200 --> 00:29:52.039 that some 00:29:52.039 --> 00:29:53.220 will believe it. 00:29:55.420 --> 00:29:56.200 And our prayers 00:29:56.200 --> 00:29:56.759 should be full 00:29:56.759 --> 00:29:57.559 of real hope 00:29:57.559 --> 00:29:58.660 for changed lives. 00:30:00.279 --> 00:30:01.220 We expect 00:30:01.220 --> 00:30:02.299 some to welcome us 00:30:02.299 --> 00:30:03.559 and so to welcome Christ. 00:30:03.819 --> 00:30:04.460 And that's what it means 00:30:04.460 --> 00:30:04.960 to be a worker. 00:30:05.120 --> 00:30:05.519 And that is, 00:30:05.819 --> 00:30:06.519 this is who I am. 00:30:08.100 --> 00:30:08.779 And if you are 00:30:08.779 --> 00:30:09.660 a disciple of Jesus, 00:30:09.799 --> 00:30:10.900 then this is who you are too. 00:30:12.539 --> 00:30:13.259 You're a worker. 00:30:13.259 --> 00:30:14.259 You're a little child. 00:30:14.259 --> 00:30:15.259 You're a little child. 00:30:15.259 --> 00:30:19.279 You're a little child. 00:30:21.859 --> 00:30:22.680 There's something else, 00:30:22.759 --> 00:30:22.960 isn't there, 00:30:22.980 --> 00:30:23.640 that Jesus says 00:30:23.640 --> 00:30:24.599 about our identity 00:30:24.599 --> 00:30:25.259 in these verses. 00:30:26.720 --> 00:30:27.539 And it's something 00:30:27.539 --> 00:30:28.460 we must not miss. 00:30:28.539 --> 00:30:29.099 I'm a worker 00:30:29.099 --> 00:30:29.920 in Jesus' kingdom, 00:30:30.420 --> 00:30:30.980 but I'm also 00:30:30.980 --> 00:30:31.619 a little child. 00:30:33.339 --> 00:30:33.720 And that's how 00:30:33.720 --> 00:30:34.460 Jesus refers to 00:30:34.460 --> 00:30:34.900 his disciples 00:30:34.900 --> 00:30:35.519 in verse 21. 00:30:35.599 --> 00:30:35.799 I don't know 00:30:35.799 --> 00:30:36.400 whether you noticed it. 00:30:36.480 --> 00:30:37.339 In that same hour, 00:30:37.640 --> 00:30:38.819 he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit 00:30:38.819 --> 00:30:39.059 and said, 00:30:39.059 --> 00:30:39.659 I thank you, 00:30:39.740 --> 00:30:39.899 Father, 00:30:40.019 --> 00:30:40.740 Lord of heaven and earth, 00:30:40.759 --> 00:30:41.259 that you've hidden 00:30:41.259 --> 00:30:41.819 these things 00:30:41.819 --> 00:30:42.440 from the wise 00:30:42.440 --> 00:30:43.119 and understanding 00:30:43.119 --> 00:30:43.859 and revealed them 00:30:43.859 --> 00:30:45.359 to little children. 00:30:50.839 --> 00:30:52.319 I'm like a little child 00:30:52.319 --> 00:30:53.240 in Christ's kingdom 00:30:53.240 --> 00:30:56.000 because everything I have 00:30:56.000 --> 00:30:57.019 has been given to me. 00:30:59.799 --> 00:31:01.179 I'm not part of Christ's kingdom 00:31:01.179 --> 00:31:02.079 because I'm wise. 00:31:03.399 --> 00:31:04.960 And I'm not part of Christ's kingdom 00:31:04.960 --> 00:31:06.019 because I'm learned. 00:31:06.159 --> 00:31:07.720 And I'm not part of Christ's kingdom 00:31:07.720 --> 00:31:08.980 because I've logicked it out 00:31:08.980 --> 00:31:12.940 and I'm certainly not part 00:31:12.940 --> 00:31:13.740 of Christ's kingdom 00:31:13.740 --> 00:31:14.880 because I'm a worker in it. 00:31:16.920 --> 00:31:17.740 First and foremost, 00:31:17.900 --> 00:31:19.500 I am part of the kingdom of God 00:31:19.500 --> 00:31:20.660 and my name is written in heaven 00:31:20.660 --> 00:31:22.220 because the Father and the Son 00:31:22.220 --> 00:31:24.680 have revealed themselves to me. 00:31:26.660 --> 00:31:27.579 I'm part of the kingdom 00:31:27.579 --> 00:31:29.420 because grace is bright in my life. 00:31:31.000 --> 00:31:31.720 I'm blessed. 00:31:33.519 --> 00:31:35.700 I'm the envy of prophets and kings. 00:31:35.700 --> 00:31:39.500 And so like Jesus did in verse 21, 00:31:39.620 --> 00:31:40.319 I praise God. 00:31:41.900 --> 00:31:43.640 I praise God because it's his grace 00:31:43.640 --> 00:31:45.100 that's won this blessing for me. 00:31:46.720 --> 00:31:48.259 I praise God now and forever. 00:31:48.380 --> 00:31:49.580 I praise God like Jesus did 00:31:49.580 --> 00:31:50.460 with a heart full of joy 00:31:50.460 --> 00:31:51.160 through the Holy Spirit. 00:31:51.259 --> 00:31:51.640 And this, 00:31:52.120 --> 00:31:52.840 chiefly this, 00:31:53.500 --> 00:31:54.840 must be the source of my joy. 00:31:54.839 --> 00:32:01.119 I may have days of great joy 00:32:01.119 --> 00:32:03.019 because the Spirit submit to me. 00:32:05.119 --> 00:32:07.179 I may have days of great joy 00:32:07.179 --> 00:32:08.939 because the mission goes well 00:32:08.939 --> 00:32:10.319 and the sermon is a humdinger. 00:32:10.319 --> 00:32:14.819 I may have days of joy 00:32:14.819 --> 00:32:16.700 because it's genuinely a thrilling thing 00:32:16.700 --> 00:32:19.159 to be a worker in Christ's kingdom. 00:32:21.379 --> 00:32:22.720 But I have a joy 00:32:22.720 --> 00:32:26.679 that surpasses even the most elated day 00:32:26.679 --> 00:32:27.720 as Christ's servant. 00:32:29.279 --> 00:32:30.819 It's the joy not of serving, 00:32:31.319 --> 00:32:32.119 but of seeing. 00:32:34.059 --> 00:32:35.579 Of seeing Jesus' glory 00:32:35.579 --> 00:32:36.700 and hearing Jesus' voice 00:32:36.700 --> 00:32:39.419 and knowing Jesus' Father. 00:32:41.279 --> 00:32:42.759 And believing with assurance 00:32:42.759 --> 00:32:44.799 that my name is written in his book. 00:32:46.059 --> 00:32:47.079 And that one day 00:32:47.079 --> 00:32:48.179 I will be in heaven with him. 00:32:50.899 --> 00:32:52.980 And that must be more precious to me 00:32:52.980 --> 00:32:54.319 than all the ministry 00:32:54.319 --> 00:32:56.799 that I can ever exercise as a worker. 00:32:58.179 --> 00:32:59.799 That I'm a little child in his kingdom. 00:33:02.579 --> 00:33:03.960 And so particularly for preachers, 00:33:04.000 --> 00:33:04.740 speaking to myself, 00:33:04.939 --> 00:33:07.319 and for those in full-time ministry, 00:33:07.399 --> 00:33:09.139 I think no passage of the Bible 00:33:09.140 --> 00:33:12.060 should shape our sense of self 00:33:12.060 --> 00:33:12.900 than this one. 00:33:16.300 --> 00:33:17.900 And as I've thought about this passage 00:33:17.900 --> 00:33:19.600 over years and years and years, 00:33:20.100 --> 00:33:22.400 this passage must make a huge difference 00:33:22.400 --> 00:33:23.800 to the way we value ourselves. 00:33:26.320 --> 00:33:27.540 And so these words of Jesus 00:33:27.540 --> 00:33:29.600 have taught me not to find my identity 00:33:29.600 --> 00:33:30.560 in my ministry 00:33:30.560 --> 00:33:33.100 for Jesus, 00:33:33.099 --> 00:33:34.339 but in who I am 00:33:34.339 --> 00:33:35.279 before God 00:33:35.279 --> 00:33:36.099 because of Jesus. 00:33:39.179 --> 00:33:40.939 Because I am not defined 00:33:40.939 --> 00:33:42.719 by what I do for him, 00:33:44.299 --> 00:33:46.099 but by what he's done for me. 00:33:46.099 --> 00:33:51.179 And these words profoundly reshape 00:33:51.179 --> 00:33:52.519 how we see ourselves. 00:33:54.459 --> 00:33:56.480 Not first and foremost 00:33:56.480 --> 00:33:57.339 as a pastor, 00:33:57.539 --> 00:33:58.439 as a worker, 00:33:58.579 --> 00:33:59.319 as a leader, 00:34:01.019 --> 00:34:02.699 but first and foremost 00:34:02.699 --> 00:34:04.740 as a disciple, 00:34:05.019 --> 00:34:05.899 as a little child. 00:34:05.900 --> 00:34:09.500 And it's with these words 00:34:09.500 --> 00:34:10.660 that Jesus calls us 00:34:10.660 --> 00:34:12.360 to be workers for him 00:34:12.360 --> 00:34:14.720 whose work is radically humble. 00:34:17.300 --> 00:34:17.860 In fact, 00:34:17.900 --> 00:34:18.900 I think that's the big theme 00:34:18.900 --> 00:34:20.240 as you go through Luke 10 00:34:20.240 --> 00:34:21.039 of humility. 00:34:23.280 --> 00:34:24.539 To follow Jesus, 00:34:25.539 --> 00:34:27.619 to be his disciple, 00:34:28.820 --> 00:34:29.780 is at its course 00:34:29.780 --> 00:34:30.840 a life of humility. 00:34:30.840 --> 00:34:30.920 humility. 00:34:32.720 --> 00:34:33.760 As we've seen today, 00:34:33.940 --> 00:34:34.579 humble working. 00:34:36.180 --> 00:34:37.559 Because I am not only 00:34:37.559 --> 00:34:38.820 a worker, 00:34:39.000 --> 00:34:40.280 but I'm also a little child. 00:34:40.640 --> 00:34:41.620 I'm his little child. 00:34:44.360 --> 00:34:44.840 Nevertheless, 00:34:45.140 --> 00:34:46.160 do not rejoice in this, 00:34:46.220 --> 00:34:46.820 that the spirits 00:34:46.820 --> 00:34:48.200 are subject to you, 00:34:49.600 --> 00:34:51.120 but rejoice 00:34:51.120 --> 00:34:52.079 that your names 00:34:52.079 --> 00:34:53.120 are written in heaven. 00:34:55.120 --> 00:34:56.140 And in that same hour, 00:34:56.220 --> 00:34:56.820 he rejoiced 00:34:56.820 --> 00:34:57.660 in the Holy Spirit 00:34:57.660 --> 00:34:58.160 and said, 00:34:58.519 --> 00:34:59.420 I thank you, Father. 00:35:00.840 --> 00:35:01.980 Lord of heaven and earth, 00:35:03.340 --> 00:35:04.079 that you have hidden 00:35:04.079 --> 00:35:04.559 these things 00:35:04.559 --> 00:35:05.260 from the wise 00:35:05.260 --> 00:35:06.000 and understanding 00:35:06.000 --> 00:35:08.100 and you've revealed them 00:35:08.100 --> 00:35:08.720 to the little children. 00:35:10.360 --> 00:35:10.980 Yes, Father, 00:35:12.260 --> 00:35:13.420 for such was your gracious will. 00:35:15.059 --> 00:35:15.700 Let's pray.