WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.000 Now we've talked to my children in this series quite a bit about that picture in the lion, the witch and the wardrobe. 00:00:05.960 --> 00:00:05.000 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.259 Anania is restored to what it was meant to be. 00:00:34.560 --> 00:00:36.600 Aslan walks through the land. 00:00:37.600 --> 00:00:54.560 And what we find in the Gospels, we find this beautiful picture of God made man walking on this earth, restoring, remaking, renewing, the ice melting and the world and creation being seen for what it is. 00:00:54.560 --> 00:01:07.680 And it's a bit like the show homes, isn't it? You know in Ealing there's loads of old places that are pulled down and the boards go round the building and they say new flats coming soon, new homes for Ealing. 00:01:08.820 --> 00:01:14.980 And then at some point the boards are removed and there is a show flat, isn't there? 00:01:14.980 --> 00:01:17.359 Or there is a show home while the building continues. 00:01:17.359 --> 00:01:26.239 And you can go into that flat and you see you're given a picture of what one day will be the whole flat or the whole block. 00:01:26.680 --> 00:01:35.239 It's a little picture, isn't it? It's a fortis of what it will be like to live in that flat, that block of flats when it's done. 00:01:36.200 --> 00:01:39.620 And Matthew 8 and 9 particularly is showing us that. 00:01:40.439 --> 00:01:42.460 It is showing Aslan on the move. 00:01:42.760 --> 00:01:46.599 It is showing us the show home of the new creation that will one day come. 00:01:47.359 --> 00:01:50.780 Now do you remember I did a little bit of work with you last time on the structure. 00:01:51.319 --> 00:01:52.620 And I think it's important that you understand it. 00:01:52.700 --> 00:02:00.239 In chapter 4 and verse 23 Jesus goes through all of Galilee, the synagogues and he does three things. 00:02:00.400 --> 00:02:05.939 He teaches in the synagogues, he proclaims the gospel of the kingdom and he heals all the diseases. 00:02:07.019 --> 00:02:11.860 And then you get another bookmark in chapter 9 and verse 35 where you get the same thing. 00:02:11.860 --> 00:02:16.660 He goes through all the cities and the villages and he teaches in the synagogues. 00:02:17.000 --> 00:02:20.460 He proclaims the gospel of the kingdom and he heals every disease. 00:02:20.600 --> 00:02:21.380 He does miracles. 00:02:22.480 --> 00:02:24.920 He shows what life is like in the kingdom of God. 00:02:25.100 --> 00:02:27.980 So chapter 5, 6 and 7, do you remember that? 00:02:28.320 --> 00:02:30.460 They are the words, the teaching of the kingdom. 00:02:31.520 --> 00:02:34.820 And then chapter 8 and 9 you see the works of the kingdom. 00:02:34.819 --> 00:02:38.259 And chapter 8 and 9 have got one message, one point. 00:02:39.620 --> 00:02:43.060 It is about the transforming joy of Jesus the king. 00:02:45.000 --> 00:02:50.340 It's all about what the gospel really means for the world and the people of this world. 00:02:51.400 --> 00:02:52.359 And it's a great message. 00:02:52.479 --> 00:02:54.879 It's the message of the recreation of the universe. 00:02:54.879 --> 00:02:59.359 It's a message of the reversal of the curse of sin. 00:03:00.099 --> 00:03:03.060 That pervades the whole world and every human being. 00:03:04.079 --> 00:03:09.060 And Jesus in his works is acting out what he's already proclaimed in his word. 00:03:10.039 --> 00:03:12.900 He's acting out his authority and power over sin. 00:03:13.259 --> 00:03:14.599 And all the effects of sin. 00:03:15.680 --> 00:03:18.740 We saw last time, two weeks ago, we saw in the first 22 verses, 00:03:19.159 --> 00:03:21.560 the tragic helplessness of sin. 00:03:21.560 --> 00:03:28.539 We saw that sin has the power to exclude helpless human beings from life as it should be. 00:03:28.900 --> 00:03:30.740 The life that we were created for. 00:03:31.020 --> 00:03:35.120 The life with God himself in fellowship and friendship with him. 00:03:35.159 --> 00:03:36.300 And sin has ruined that. 00:03:37.280 --> 00:03:39.840 But Jesus reverses that helplessness. 00:03:41.180 --> 00:03:46.560 He reverses the power of sin to exclude from life as it's meant to be. 00:03:46.560 --> 00:03:51.800 We saw him bringing the outcast home right into his presence. 00:03:52.199 --> 00:03:58.400 We saw him with the unclean leper and the untouchable Gentile and the unnamed woman. 00:03:59.599 --> 00:04:06.180 But here in these next three stories, we see, if you like, another acted out word of Jesus' authority. 00:04:07.280 --> 00:04:13.879 That Jesus coming and Jesus' kingdom destroy the terrifying hold of sin. 00:04:13.879 --> 00:04:22.439 The wonderful news that Jesus liberates men and women and boys and girls from the sin that enslaves us. 00:04:24.240 --> 00:04:27.500 Now you and I need to understand something important here about sin. 00:04:28.719 --> 00:04:34.100 The Bible teaches that sin is not just the fruit of our rebellion against God. 00:04:34.100 --> 00:04:37.540 It's not just sins, plural. 00:04:38.560 --> 00:04:42.140 The things that we do and the consequences of it. 00:04:42.439 --> 00:04:44.460 And the guilt that we face before God. 00:04:44.700 --> 00:04:46.820 Now it's far, far more than this. 00:04:48.060 --> 00:04:50.820 Sin, according to the Bible, is a mighty power. 00:04:51.900 --> 00:04:53.360 It's a personal power. 00:04:54.980 --> 00:04:58.939 Sin is a power that has become a ruler in this world, the cosmos. 00:04:58.939 --> 00:05:28.920 Sin is a power that has become a ruler in this world. 00:05:28.920 --> 00:05:32.199 The hearts and minds of men and women and boys and girls. 00:05:32.939 --> 00:05:37.199 So we're not just hopeless and excluded from God. 00:05:37.319 --> 00:05:38.900 The Bible's picture is even worse. 00:05:39.520 --> 00:05:43.040 It's that we are enslaved under sin's power and dominion. 00:05:44.879 --> 00:05:47.960 That we are ruled by a dark and a sinister force. 00:05:50.500 --> 00:05:54.920 And so Romans 6 teaches us that sin is a great power. 00:05:54.920 --> 00:05:59.180 He describes sin there as an evil monarch. 00:06:00.199 --> 00:06:01.900 As a slave master. 00:06:02.800 --> 00:06:03.759 And as a general. 00:06:04.620 --> 00:06:08.060 As a brutal employer who pays wages. 00:06:09.180 --> 00:06:12.480 And that is the deepest truth about sin according to the Bible. 00:06:12.480 --> 00:06:15.740 And that's what explains our world. 00:06:17.060 --> 00:06:19.520 It explains the brutality of our world. 00:06:19.600 --> 00:06:21.819 And the inhumanity that we see. 00:06:22.220 --> 00:06:24.439 And the evil that you read about on the internet. 00:06:24.819 --> 00:06:26.720 And the evil you watch on your TV. 00:06:27.580 --> 00:06:29.960 And the horror and the wickedness. 00:06:31.060 --> 00:06:33.800 The world and its people, according to the Bible, 00:06:34.360 --> 00:06:37.120 is in slavery to the power of sin. 00:06:37.520 --> 00:06:38.420 And the power of evil. 00:06:38.420 --> 00:06:42.340 But the message of the Bible. 00:06:43.220 --> 00:06:44.520 And the message of the kingdom. 00:06:44.680 --> 00:06:46.740 Declares that Jesus' authority. 00:06:47.280 --> 00:06:51.100 Is an authority which is over every power of darkness. 00:06:52.420 --> 00:06:54.439 And over the power of sin in this world. 00:06:55.800 --> 00:06:57.280 And that's what Jesus is showing you here. 00:06:58.180 --> 00:07:00.540 That's what Jesus is acting out before us. 00:07:00.759 --> 00:07:03.040 His authority over the power of sin. 00:07:03.400 --> 00:07:04.160 In this world. 00:07:04.160 --> 00:07:08.620 And so Matthew chapter 8 and 9 is written very, very carefully. 00:07:09.860 --> 00:07:11.380 There are three miracles. 00:07:12.060 --> 00:07:15.380 And then there is teaching on what it means to be a disciple. 00:07:15.580 --> 00:07:16.980 And then there are another three miracles. 00:07:17.640 --> 00:07:20.400 And then there is teaching given on what it means to be a disciple. 00:07:20.680 --> 00:07:22.260 And then there are another three miracles. 00:07:23.300 --> 00:07:25.920 And teaching is given on what it means to be a disciple. 00:07:26.260 --> 00:07:27.340 And we're in the second section. 00:07:27.420 --> 00:07:28.680 I preached on these individually. 00:07:28.960 --> 00:07:29.760 And it's good to do that. 00:07:29.760 --> 00:07:31.379 But I think we want to see this morning. 00:07:31.780 --> 00:07:33.160 Matthew's big point. 00:07:34.160 --> 00:07:37.500 And so the first section is in verse 23 and following. 00:07:37.900 --> 00:07:40.760 Jesus rebukes with authority. 00:07:41.360 --> 00:07:44.660 The power of sin and evil at work in creation. 00:07:45.820 --> 00:07:47.880 Jesus rebukes with authority. 00:07:48.860 --> 00:07:49.800 The power of sin. 00:07:50.920 --> 00:07:52.860 So let's read from verse 23. 00:07:53.800 --> 00:07:54.740 When he got into a boat. 00:07:55.540 --> 00:07:56.800 His disciples followed him. 00:07:58.460 --> 00:08:01.480 And behold there arose a great storm on the sea. 00:08:01.480 --> 00:08:04.900 So that the boat was being swamped by the waves. 00:08:05.000 --> 00:08:06.319 But he was asleep. 00:08:07.520 --> 00:08:09.740 And they went and woke him saying. 00:08:10.360 --> 00:08:11.280 Save us Lord. 00:08:11.920 --> 00:08:12.960 We are perishing. 00:08:14.319 --> 00:08:15.160 And he said to them. 00:08:15.400 --> 00:08:17.000 Why are you afraid are you of little faith? 00:08:18.100 --> 00:08:19.000 Then he rose. 00:08:20.200 --> 00:08:22.020 And rebuked the winds and the sea. 00:08:23.160 --> 00:08:24.379 And there was a great calm. 00:08:24.379 --> 00:08:26.379 The men marveled. 00:08:27.639 --> 00:08:28.959 Saying what sort of man is this. 00:08:28.980 --> 00:08:31.000 That even the wind and the seas obey him. 00:08:32.480 --> 00:08:33.960 Now we all know this story very well. 00:08:34.000 --> 00:08:34.439 Most of us. 00:08:35.559 --> 00:08:37.799 But I want to believe grasped the significance of it. 00:08:39.159 --> 00:08:41.519 Because it's not just about Jesus. 00:08:42.120 --> 00:08:43.779 Power over the natural world. 00:08:45.059 --> 00:08:47.139 It's actually evidence of his power. 00:08:47.139 --> 00:08:48.600 Over the supernatural world. 00:08:48.600 --> 00:08:51.800 The powers of evil at work in this world. 00:08:52.159 --> 00:08:52.659 In the Bible. 00:08:52.779 --> 00:08:54.019 When you read through the Old Testament. 00:08:54.540 --> 00:08:55.920 You will find that the sea. 00:08:56.580 --> 00:08:58.159 And particularly storms. 00:08:58.779 --> 00:09:00.779 And darkness of the sea. 00:09:01.220 --> 00:09:02.659 Represent the powers of evil. 00:09:03.180 --> 00:09:05.840 And the powers of chaos in the world. 00:09:07.279 --> 00:09:08.639 So think back right to the very beginning. 00:09:08.680 --> 00:09:09.019 In the Bible. 00:09:09.139 --> 00:09:10.879 When God created the world. 00:09:11.879 --> 00:09:14.920 When it was a formless void. 00:09:15.379 --> 00:09:17.379 Of darkness and waters. 00:09:17.379 --> 00:09:19.779 And out of that. 00:09:19.980 --> 00:09:21.399 God called forth. 00:09:21.500 --> 00:09:23.340 Light and life and beauty. 00:09:23.519 --> 00:09:24.100 In creation. 00:09:26.019 --> 00:09:27.240 But the darkness. 00:09:28.539 --> 00:09:29.360 The waters. 00:09:30.639 --> 00:09:31.919 The storms of the sea. 00:09:32.159 --> 00:09:33.620 Are always something. 00:09:33.779 --> 00:09:35.320 That represents the enemy. 00:09:35.500 --> 00:09:36.659 And the enemies of God. 00:09:39.019 --> 00:09:41.179 That's why we sang Psalm 46. 00:09:42.279 --> 00:09:44.240 Because it speaks about not fearing. 00:09:44.340 --> 00:09:44.580 Doesn't it? 00:09:44.620 --> 00:09:45.940 The people of faith. 00:09:46.320 --> 00:09:46.919 That even though. 00:09:46.919 --> 00:09:48.620 The mountains will trotter. 00:09:48.860 --> 00:09:49.599 And quake. 00:09:49.959 --> 00:09:52.479 And they'll fall into the surging waves. 00:09:52.479 --> 00:09:53.139 Of the sea. 00:09:54.539 --> 00:09:55.299 In Psalm 46. 00:09:55.599 --> 00:09:56.419 It represents. 00:09:56.519 --> 00:09:56.839 Doesn't it? 00:09:56.879 --> 00:09:58.039 This raging sea. 00:09:58.199 --> 00:09:59.599 The evil powers of the world. 00:09:59.679 --> 00:10:00.559 Arrayed against God. 00:10:01.279 --> 00:10:02.019 And God's people. 00:10:03.219 --> 00:10:04.539 And if you go to the very end of the Bible. 00:10:04.639 --> 00:10:06.120 That picture of the new creation. 00:10:06.240 --> 00:10:07.120 In Revelation 21. 00:10:07.459 --> 00:10:09.019 You will find that there is. 00:10:09.240 --> 00:10:10.519 A really interesting phrase. 00:10:10.579 --> 00:10:10.740 Isn't it? 00:10:10.740 --> 00:10:11.599 It says in the new creation. 00:10:11.659 --> 00:10:12.659 There will be no more sea. 00:10:12.659 --> 00:10:15.240 That's not something to worry about. 00:10:15.279 --> 00:10:16.339 If you like beach holidays. 00:10:17.219 --> 00:10:18.120 If you like sailing. 00:10:18.339 --> 00:10:19.899 Or you like sea fishing. 00:10:21.100 --> 00:10:23.860 It doesn't mean that there will be no swimming in the sea. 00:10:23.959 --> 00:10:24.860 In the new creation. 00:10:26.000 --> 00:10:26.179 No. 00:10:26.240 --> 00:10:26.839 What it means. 00:10:26.899 --> 00:10:27.839 Is it's saying to us. 00:10:27.939 --> 00:10:28.379 Understand. 00:10:28.539 --> 00:10:31.379 There will be no dark powers of evil. 00:10:31.600 --> 00:10:33.719 There will be nothing left in opposition. 00:10:34.399 --> 00:10:35.000 To God. 00:10:35.120 --> 00:10:35.779 And his people. 00:10:35.940 --> 00:10:37.080 It's picture language. 00:10:38.500 --> 00:10:39.600 And what is happening here. 00:10:39.879 --> 00:10:41.019 And that's why in verse 26. 00:10:41.340 --> 00:10:43.820 Jesus rebukes the wind and the waves. 00:10:44.960 --> 00:10:45.440 Why? 00:10:45.700 --> 00:10:47.340 Because the wind and the waves. 00:10:47.540 --> 00:10:48.720 Are daring to rebel. 00:10:50.040 --> 00:10:51.440 They're daring to rebel. 00:10:51.440 --> 00:10:53.320 Against their rightful lord and master. 00:10:53.820 --> 00:10:55.160 And God made Adam. 00:10:55.240 --> 00:10:55.639 Do you remember? 00:10:56.560 --> 00:10:58.220 He made Adam that first man. 00:10:58.220 --> 00:11:00.519 To be lord over all creation. 00:11:01.560 --> 00:11:03.259 But here at last. 00:11:03.259 --> 00:11:04.259 On that boat. 00:11:04.860 --> 00:11:06.000 Is a true man. 00:11:07.179 --> 00:11:08.980 Is a new Adam. 00:11:09.460 --> 00:11:10.639 Who will not fall. 00:11:11.559 --> 00:11:12.500 Here at last. 00:11:12.860 --> 00:11:14.259 Waking up on that boat. 00:11:14.360 --> 00:11:16.059 Is man as he is meant to be. 00:11:16.899 --> 00:11:18.299 The true image of God. 00:11:19.159 --> 00:11:20.639 Ruling over creation. 00:11:21.259 --> 00:11:23.399 And nature is no longer enslaved. 00:11:23.539 --> 00:11:24.939 To the powers of darkness. 00:11:25.419 --> 00:11:27.259 Because Aslan is on the move. 00:11:28.120 --> 00:11:29.840 And darkness defeated. 00:11:30.720 --> 00:11:31.799 And Eden is restored. 00:11:31.799 --> 00:11:33.599 And that's what happens. 00:11:33.659 --> 00:11:34.439 In Jesus presence. 00:11:35.179 --> 00:11:36.759 That not even the powers of darkness. 00:11:36.759 --> 00:11:37.719 Can overcome him. 00:11:38.000 --> 00:11:39.259 Not even when he's asleep. 00:11:40.240 --> 00:11:41.399 And any attempt to do so. 00:11:41.459 --> 00:11:43.019 Is met with a stern telling off. 00:11:43.099 --> 00:11:43.479 Or a boot. 00:11:44.539 --> 00:11:45.959 And there is silence. 00:11:47.240 --> 00:11:48.479 With stern authority. 00:11:49.539 --> 00:11:51.419 Because Jesus is the lord of creation. 00:11:52.979 --> 00:11:54.679 Jesus Christ has the authority. 00:11:54.679 --> 00:11:56.259 Over the power of sin. 00:11:59.139 --> 00:12:00.199 That means doesn't it. 00:12:01.079 --> 00:12:02.500 That one day in the new creation. 00:12:02.620 --> 00:12:03.659 There will be no more earthquakes. 00:12:04.719 --> 00:12:06.179 And there will be no more tsunamis. 00:12:07.459 --> 00:12:11.500 And there will be no more of those so called natural disasters in the new creation. 00:12:12.279 --> 00:12:13.259 They are not natural. 00:12:14.419 --> 00:12:16.339 They are not natural to the world that God made. 00:12:16.659 --> 00:12:17.419 They can't be. 00:12:17.419 --> 00:12:21.839 And there can't be these new disasters in the new creation. 00:12:22.179 --> 00:12:24.779 Because the world will be made by true human beings. 00:12:25.939 --> 00:12:27.559 As God purposed them to be. 00:12:28.759 --> 00:12:31.799 Men and women made right and righteous in Christ. 00:12:31.799 --> 00:12:35.059 You see the gospel. 00:12:35.759 --> 00:12:36.659 In the bible. 00:12:37.620 --> 00:12:39.319 Is never a word that says. 00:12:39.419 --> 00:12:41.519 God is going to make this world just a little bit better. 00:12:43.799 --> 00:12:46.620 God is going to make the world just a little bit better than it was before. 00:12:47.500 --> 00:12:48.279 Nothing like it. 00:12:49.299 --> 00:12:50.439 The gospel says. 00:12:50.699 --> 00:12:51.620 In Jesus Christ. 00:12:52.459 --> 00:12:53.799 God is remaking. 00:12:55.000 --> 00:12:56.039 The whole creation. 00:12:57.479 --> 00:12:59.419 And he's driving out evil powers. 00:13:00.120 --> 00:13:01.439 And all darkness. 00:13:02.719 --> 00:13:03.799 So let's think of the second story. 00:13:03.919 --> 00:13:05.279 In verses 28 to 34. 00:13:06.599 --> 00:13:10.319 And we see that Jesus not only rebukes with authority the power of sin. 00:13:10.719 --> 00:13:12.620 But he removes with authority. 00:13:13.219 --> 00:13:14.240 The personality. 00:13:15.419 --> 00:13:16.240 Behind sin. 00:13:17.639 --> 00:13:19.799 That's what the story of the demons is about. 00:13:19.879 --> 00:13:20.659 Let's read it. 00:13:21.699 --> 00:13:23.319 When he came to the other side. 00:13:23.419 --> 00:13:24.500 To the country of the gatherings. 00:13:25.459 --> 00:13:27.819 Two demon possessed men met him. 00:13:28.699 --> 00:13:29.639 Coming out of the tomb. 00:13:29.799 --> 00:13:30.500 So fierce. 00:13:30.500 --> 00:13:33.220 That no one could pass that way. 00:13:34.600 --> 00:13:34.960 And behold. 00:13:35.039 --> 00:13:36.100 They cried out. 00:13:36.360 --> 00:13:37.379 What have you to do with us? 00:13:37.460 --> 00:13:38.059 Oh son of God. 00:13:38.120 --> 00:13:40.440 Have you come here to torment us before the time? 00:13:40.799 --> 00:13:43.840 Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. 00:13:44.480 --> 00:13:45.779 And the demons begged him. 00:13:45.879 --> 00:13:45.980 Saying. 00:13:46.059 --> 00:13:47.059 If you cast us out. 00:13:47.200 --> 00:13:48.840 Send us away into the herd of pigs. 00:13:48.840 --> 00:13:50.160 And he said to them. 00:13:50.160 --> 00:13:50.639 Go. 00:13:51.519 --> 00:13:52.399 So they came out. 00:13:52.500 --> 00:13:53.200 And went into the pigs. 00:13:53.379 --> 00:13:53.639 And behold. 00:13:53.700 --> 00:13:55.820 The whole herd rushed down the steep bank of the sea. 00:13:55.899 --> 00:13:57.320 And drowned in the waters. 00:13:58.160 --> 00:13:59.320 The herdsmen fled. 00:13:59.460 --> 00:14:00.220 And going into the city. 00:14:00.280 --> 00:14:00.960 They told everything. 00:14:01.060 --> 00:14:03.320 Especially what had happened to the demon possessed men. 00:14:03.740 --> 00:14:04.379 And behold. 00:14:04.500 --> 00:14:06.399 All the city came out to meet Jesus. 00:14:06.620 --> 00:14:07.800 And when they saw him. 00:14:07.799 --> 00:14:11.219 They begged him to leave their region. 00:14:13.859 --> 00:14:15.099 Do you see what we're being told? 00:14:15.100 --> 00:14:19.200 The Bible is very clear. 00:14:20.320 --> 00:14:22.899 That behind the power of sin. 00:14:23.840 --> 00:14:27.100 Lurks always the dark personality. 00:14:27.279 --> 00:14:28.639 The author of sin himself. 00:14:29.360 --> 00:14:30.240 The devil. 00:14:31.940 --> 00:14:34.940 The one who holds this world in darkness. 00:14:35.120 --> 00:14:35.680 And blindness. 00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:36.560 And bondage. 00:14:36.639 --> 00:14:38.180 But look again at verse 32. 00:14:40.420 --> 00:14:43.160 Jesus has power to conquer these powers. 00:14:43.440 --> 00:14:44.200 With a word. 00:14:45.899 --> 00:14:47.680 And you notice the way in this story. 00:14:48.000 --> 00:14:49.200 That the demons have got. 00:14:49.360 --> 00:14:49.639 Haven't they? 00:14:49.700 --> 00:14:51.779 The very best theology in the gospels. 00:14:52.639 --> 00:14:54.080 Don't you notice that again and again? 00:14:54.980 --> 00:14:55.820 In verse 29. 00:14:55.960 --> 00:14:56.720 They know who he is. 00:14:56.879 --> 00:14:57.740 He's the son of God. 00:14:58.940 --> 00:15:00.080 And they know why he'd come. 00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:02.620 And they know that the day is coming. 00:15:02.920 --> 00:15:03.759 For their destruction. 00:15:04.100 --> 00:15:05.279 On the great day of judgment. 00:15:05.820 --> 00:15:07.159 But what's shocking for the demons. 00:15:07.259 --> 00:15:08.540 Is what we're told in verse 29. 00:15:09.100 --> 00:15:10.220 Have you come before time? 00:15:11.940 --> 00:15:13.139 Isn't this too early? 00:15:13.139 --> 00:15:17.279 Haven't you come before the day of judgment? 00:15:17.399 --> 00:15:18.059 Not yet. 00:15:19.899 --> 00:15:22.159 Because Jesus coming and his kingdom. 00:15:22.939 --> 00:15:24.960 Signals that the already. 00:15:25.720 --> 00:15:26.779 Has already begun. 00:15:26.779 --> 00:15:30.759 Now is the time for rescue. 00:15:32.159 --> 00:15:33.879 The rescue of human beings. 00:15:33.879 --> 00:15:35.240 From the dark powers. 00:15:35.459 --> 00:15:36.279 Of the whole of sin. 00:15:37.860 --> 00:15:38.519 And you see. 00:15:38.579 --> 00:15:40.399 That is what the gospel of Jesus does. 00:15:40.579 --> 00:15:41.360 It did then. 00:15:41.399 --> 00:15:42.079 And it does now. 00:15:42.139 --> 00:15:42.519 Doesn't it? 00:15:43.319 --> 00:15:45.399 The truth will set you free. 00:15:46.679 --> 00:15:47.659 Free from. 00:15:48.120 --> 00:15:49.100 The bondage. 00:15:49.459 --> 00:15:51.459 Free from the terrifying hold. 00:15:51.460 --> 00:15:53.040 Of the power of sin. 00:15:54.000 --> 00:15:54.960 Because Jesus. 00:15:55.120 --> 00:15:55.720 And his kingdom. 00:15:55.879 --> 00:15:56.720 Have authority. 00:15:57.300 --> 00:15:58.400 Over the powers of sin. 00:15:58.460 --> 00:15:59.300 In this world. 00:15:59.700 --> 00:16:00.920 And over the dark personality. 00:16:00.920 --> 00:16:01.400 Of sin. 00:16:02.980 --> 00:16:04.320 Over the evil one. 00:16:04.400 --> 00:16:04.940 Who stands. 00:16:05.160 --> 00:16:05.900 Behind it all. 00:16:07.800 --> 00:16:08.440 He came. 00:16:08.840 --> 00:16:09.460 John said. 00:16:09.540 --> 00:16:09.740 Didn't he? 00:16:09.740 --> 00:16:11.080 To destroy the works of the devil. 00:16:13.200 --> 00:16:14.139 And I have seen. 00:16:14.220 --> 00:16:15.000 Like you have seen. 00:16:15.139 --> 00:16:15.500 People. 00:16:16.720 --> 00:16:17.940 People in this church. 00:16:18.060 --> 00:16:19.639 Liberated from the powers of darkness. 00:16:19.639 --> 00:16:22.639 Transformed. 00:16:23.919 --> 00:16:25.980 From the terrifying hold. 00:16:26.120 --> 00:16:26.860 Of sin. 00:16:27.740 --> 00:16:28.879 That was enslaving them. 00:16:29.000 --> 00:16:29.759 And holding them back. 00:16:29.899 --> 00:16:30.460 Holding them back. 00:16:30.500 --> 00:16:32.720 That they maybe even weren't aware of. 00:16:32.980 --> 00:16:33.720 In bondage. 00:16:33.779 --> 00:16:35.319 And the gospel sets them free. 00:16:36.759 --> 00:16:38.059 That's what the gospel does. 00:16:39.519 --> 00:16:40.759 There's a third dimension. 00:16:40.879 --> 00:16:41.120 Isn't there? 00:16:41.159 --> 00:16:41.559 To Jesus. 00:16:41.879 --> 00:16:42.720 Destruction of sins. 00:16:42.799 --> 00:16:42.960 Hold. 00:16:43.039 --> 00:16:44.220 And that is in verses 1 to 8. 00:16:46.379 --> 00:16:47.379 And there we see. 00:16:47.519 --> 00:16:48.879 That Jesus releases. 00:16:49.639 --> 00:16:50.879 With authority. 00:16:51.539 --> 00:16:53.059 From the penalty of sin. 00:16:54.819 --> 00:16:56.059 He rebukes. 00:16:56.059 --> 00:16:57.059 The power of sin. 00:16:58.100 --> 00:16:59.039 He removes. 00:16:59.179 --> 00:17:00.159 The penalty of sin. 00:17:00.559 --> 00:17:01.919 And then he gloriously. 00:17:02.159 --> 00:17:03.419 Releases human beings. 00:17:03.580 --> 00:17:04.619 From the penalty of sin. 00:17:05.940 --> 00:17:06.859 And that's what this story. 00:17:06.920 --> 00:17:07.420 About the paralytic. 00:17:07.559 --> 00:17:07.980 Is all about. 00:17:08.079 --> 00:17:08.819 Just look at verse 1. 00:17:10.319 --> 00:17:10.819 After 9. 00:17:10.900 --> 00:17:11.500 Getting into a boat. 00:17:11.559 --> 00:17:12.039 He crossed over. 00:17:12.139 --> 00:17:13.079 And he came to his own city. 00:17:14.240 --> 00:17:14.579 And behold. 00:17:14.660 --> 00:17:15.460 Some people brought to him. 00:17:15.480 --> 00:17:16.039 A paralytic. 00:17:16.139 --> 00:17:16.900 Lying on a bed. 00:17:16.960 --> 00:17:18.240 And when Jesus saw their faith. 00:17:18.240 --> 00:17:19.500 He said to the paralytic. 00:17:19.579 --> 00:17:20.200 Take heart. 00:17:20.299 --> 00:17:20.720 My son. 00:17:20.779 --> 00:17:22.059 Your sins are forgiven. 00:17:23.759 --> 00:17:24.120 And behold. 00:17:24.220 --> 00:17:25.319 Some of the scribes. 00:17:25.400 --> 00:17:26.160 Said to themselves. 00:17:26.240 --> 00:17:27.740 This man is blaspheming. 00:17:27.819 --> 00:17:28.359 They realise. 00:17:28.420 --> 00:17:29.319 He's claiming to be God. 00:17:29.599 --> 00:17:30.099 But Jesus. 00:17:30.200 --> 00:17:31.000 Knowing their thoughts. 00:17:31.299 --> 00:17:31.539 Said. 00:17:31.620 --> 00:17:33.299 Why do you think evil in your hearts? 00:17:33.359 --> 00:17:34.920 For which is easier to say. 00:17:35.319 --> 00:17:37.059 Your sins are forgiven. 00:17:37.559 --> 00:17:38.120 Or to say. 00:17:38.200 --> 00:17:39.180 Rise up and walk. 00:17:40.539 --> 00:17:41.640 But that you may know. 00:17:41.700 --> 00:17:42.380 That the son of man. 00:17:42.380 --> 00:17:43.319 Has authority on earth. 00:17:43.319 --> 00:17:44.079 To forgive sins. 00:17:44.200 --> 00:17:45.299 He then said to the paralytic. 00:17:45.420 --> 00:17:45.819 Rise. 00:17:45.960 --> 00:17:46.579 Pick up your bed. 00:17:46.579 --> 00:17:47.059 Let him go home. 00:17:48.339 --> 00:17:49.039 And he rose. 00:17:49.339 --> 00:17:49.740 Went home. 00:17:51.199 --> 00:17:52.119 And when the crowd saw it. 00:17:52.139 --> 00:17:52.699 They were afraid. 00:17:52.839 --> 00:17:53.939 And they glorified God. 00:17:53.980 --> 00:17:55.480 Who had given such authority to man. 00:17:57.619 --> 00:17:58.740 Now when we read this story. 00:17:58.799 --> 00:17:59.179 Very often. 00:17:59.339 --> 00:18:00.339 Our whole. 00:18:02.240 --> 00:18:02.720 Emphasis. 00:18:03.740 --> 00:18:04.500 And the focus. 00:18:04.539 --> 00:18:05.319 Of what we look at. 00:18:05.339 --> 00:18:06.339 Is on the healing of the man. 00:18:07.919 --> 00:18:08.879 And even our bible. 00:18:09.039 --> 00:18:10.099 Gives a title. 00:18:10.299 --> 00:18:11.039 To that story. 00:18:11.119 --> 00:18:11.559 Doesn't it? 00:18:11.559 --> 00:18:13.480 Jesus heals. 00:18:13.480 --> 00:18:14.519 A paralytic. 00:18:16.639 --> 00:18:17.379 Translators of the bible. 00:18:17.480 --> 00:18:17.960 Have put that in. 00:18:18.019 --> 00:18:19.220 I think that's the wrong title. 00:18:20.440 --> 00:18:21.039 Because again. 00:18:21.099 --> 00:18:22.359 What is Jesus interested in? 00:18:22.440 --> 00:18:23.299 What is Matthew. 00:18:23.619 --> 00:18:24.259 Interested in? 00:18:25.819 --> 00:18:27.000 The whole point. 00:18:27.000 --> 00:18:27.419 Of the story. 00:18:27.539 --> 00:18:28.299 Is in verse 6. 00:18:29.579 --> 00:18:30.299 That Jesus. 00:18:30.480 --> 00:18:32.039 Does the visible miracle. 00:18:32.039 --> 00:18:33.200 That you can see. 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:34.740 To show you. 00:18:34.799 --> 00:18:35.359 That he does. 00:18:35.480 --> 00:18:36.579 The invisible miracle. 00:18:36.700 --> 00:18:37.539 That you can't see. 00:18:38.700 --> 00:18:39.419 The whole point. 00:18:39.460 --> 00:18:40.000 Is in verse 6. 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:41.099 Jesus has the authority. 00:18:41.220 --> 00:18:41.880 On earth. 00:18:42.859 --> 00:18:43.980 To forgive sins. 00:18:45.400 --> 00:18:46.460 He has the authority. 00:18:46.599 --> 00:18:47.079 On earth. 00:18:47.160 --> 00:18:47.619 To release. 00:18:47.700 --> 00:18:48.180 Men and women. 00:18:48.279 --> 00:18:48.920 And boys and girls. 00:18:48.980 --> 00:18:50.059 From the penalty of sin. 00:18:50.119 --> 00:18:50.660 And it's guilt. 00:18:52.319 --> 00:18:52.960 And that is. 00:18:53.000 --> 00:18:53.240 Isn't it? 00:18:53.240 --> 00:18:55.079 A far greater release. 00:18:55.079 --> 00:18:56.700 Than any paralysis. 00:18:58.380 --> 00:18:59.259 A release. 00:19:00.119 --> 00:19:01.019 From guilt. 00:19:01.119 --> 00:19:01.940 Before God. 00:19:02.960 --> 00:19:04.079 And an eternal. 00:19:04.259 --> 00:19:05.279 Sentence of death. 00:19:05.680 --> 00:19:06.660 That is far. 00:19:06.839 --> 00:19:07.940 Far more amazing. 00:19:08.160 --> 00:19:08.319 Than. 00:19:08.319 --> 00:19:09.619 Than any cure. 00:19:09.700 --> 00:19:10.879 Of any physical illness. 00:19:12.240 --> 00:19:13.319 And if we could get the paralytic. 00:19:13.419 --> 00:19:14.319 Back from heaven this morning. 00:19:14.379 --> 00:19:15.240 He would say the same thing. 00:19:15.259 --> 00:19:15.639 Wouldn't he? 00:19:16.559 --> 00:19:17.480 If we said to him. 00:19:17.480 --> 00:19:19.099 What was the most amazing thing. 00:19:19.179 --> 00:19:20.279 That happened on that day. 00:19:20.379 --> 00:19:21.119 What would he say? 00:19:22.299 --> 00:19:22.679 Would he say? 00:19:22.720 --> 00:19:23.399 Well it was incredible. 00:19:23.480 --> 00:19:24.419 I could run the park run. 00:19:24.500 --> 00:19:25.139 The following week. 00:19:26.099 --> 00:19:28.319 I suddenly started to play squash. 00:19:29.339 --> 00:19:30.379 Of course he wouldn't. 00:19:31.399 --> 00:19:31.779 He would say. 00:19:31.779 --> 00:19:33.019 The most amazing thing. 00:19:33.099 --> 00:19:33.539 That day. 00:19:33.700 --> 00:19:34.500 Is my sins. 00:19:34.639 --> 00:19:35.059 Were forgiven. 00:19:35.059 --> 00:19:37.879 You see. 00:19:37.940 --> 00:19:39.299 Are you getting Matthew's message. 00:19:39.299 --> 00:19:40.279 In any of these stories? 00:19:41.619 --> 00:19:42.539 Jesus Christ. 00:19:42.619 --> 00:19:43.319 Has authority. 00:19:43.559 --> 00:19:44.240 And power. 00:19:44.440 --> 00:19:44.700 Over. 00:19:45.679 --> 00:19:47.359 Every power of sin. 00:19:48.259 --> 00:19:49.619 That enslaves humanity. 00:19:51.119 --> 00:19:52.720 He bursts the fetters. 00:19:53.940 --> 00:19:54.859 He breaks. 00:19:54.859 --> 00:19:55.700 The terrifying. 00:19:55.700 --> 00:19:57.200 Hold of sin. 00:19:57.339 --> 00:19:57.839 At work. 00:19:57.980 --> 00:19:58.460 In your life. 00:19:58.500 --> 00:19:58.899 And in mine. 00:20:00.399 --> 00:20:01.240 He breaks. 00:20:01.319 --> 00:20:02.559 The power of cancelled sin. 00:20:03.240 --> 00:20:04.399 And sets the prisoner free. 00:20:04.400 --> 00:20:07.019 And that is the gospel. 00:20:08.140 --> 00:20:09.300 That's what the gospel means. 00:20:11.040 --> 00:20:12.720 And that's why Matthew applies it. 00:20:12.840 --> 00:20:14.220 In verses 9 to 17. 00:20:15.700 --> 00:20:16.640 Three miracles. 00:20:16.920 --> 00:20:17.700 And then teaching on. 00:20:17.780 --> 00:20:18.700 What does it look like. 00:20:18.740 --> 00:20:19.820 To live as a Christian. 00:20:21.019 --> 00:20:23.259 And he gives us his own personal testimony. 00:20:23.640 --> 00:20:25.080 It's all about Matthew himself. 00:20:25.180 --> 00:20:25.680 The author. 00:20:26.080 --> 00:20:27.420 Let's read verses 9 to 17. 00:20:28.900 --> 00:20:30.320 And as Jesus passed on from there. 00:20:30.460 --> 00:20:31.540 He saw a man called Matthew. 00:20:32.220 --> 00:20:33.240 Sitting in the tax booth. 00:20:33.240 --> 00:20:33.839 And he said to him. 00:20:33.839 --> 00:20:34.460 Follow me. 00:20:35.700 --> 00:20:36.500 Again he rose. 00:20:36.859 --> 00:20:37.380 And follows him. 00:20:38.339 --> 00:20:40.299 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house. 00:20:40.420 --> 00:20:40.700 Behold. 00:20:40.940 --> 00:20:42.480 Many tax collectors and sinners. 00:20:42.620 --> 00:20:44.740 Came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 00:20:45.299 --> 00:20:46.500 And when the Pharisees saw this. 00:20:46.539 --> 00:20:47.460 They said to his disciples. 00:20:47.799 --> 00:20:50.900 Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? 00:20:52.259 --> 00:20:53.140 But when he heard it. 00:20:53.160 --> 00:20:53.480 He said. 00:20:53.559 --> 00:20:54.279 Those who are well. 00:20:54.339 --> 00:20:55.339 Have no need of a physician. 00:20:56.140 --> 00:20:57.220 But those who are sick. 00:20:58.079 --> 00:20:59.319 And so go and learn what this means. 00:20:59.319 --> 00:21:01.160 I desire mercy and not sacrifice. 00:21:01.160 --> 00:21:03.180 For I came not to call the righteous but sinners. 00:21:04.519 --> 00:21:05.980 And then the disciples of John came to him. 00:21:06.019 --> 00:21:06.120 Saying. 00:21:06.620 --> 00:21:08.340 Why do we and the Pharisees fast? 00:21:08.420 --> 00:21:09.980 And your disciples do not fast. 00:21:10.519 --> 00:21:11.400 And Jesus said to them. 00:21:11.480 --> 00:21:13.380 Can the wedding guests mourn? 00:21:13.980 --> 00:21:15.460 As long as the bridegroom is with them. 00:21:16.259 --> 00:21:17.180 The days will come. 00:21:17.220 --> 00:21:18.980 When the bridegroom is taken away from them. 00:21:19.019 --> 00:21:19.420 And they will. 00:21:19.740 --> 00:21:20.840 And then they will fast. 00:21:20.940 --> 00:21:23.140 And no one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth. 00:21:23.220 --> 00:21:23.980 On an old garment. 00:21:24.300 --> 00:21:26.019 For the patched hair is away from the garment. 00:21:26.940 --> 00:21:28.220 And a worse hair is made. 00:21:28.220 --> 00:21:30.480 Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. 00:21:31.180 --> 00:21:31.680 If it is. 00:21:31.759 --> 00:21:32.720 The skins burst. 00:21:32.880 --> 00:21:33.900 And the wine is spilt. 00:21:34.039 --> 00:21:35.240 And the skins are destroyed. 00:21:35.720 --> 00:21:37.860 But new wine is put into fresh wineskins. 00:21:38.799 --> 00:21:39.900 And so both are preserved. 00:21:42.279 --> 00:21:43.700 I don't know if you can spot it. 00:21:43.839 --> 00:21:44.559 But again. 00:21:44.960 --> 00:21:46.819 That is a wonderful story of liberation. 00:21:48.380 --> 00:21:49.559 Of Matthew's liberation. 00:21:50.740 --> 00:21:51.819 Out of all those who are with him. 00:21:52.059 --> 00:21:54.079 He is called out of his tax booth. 00:21:55.259 --> 00:21:57.279 He is called out from being a slave. 00:21:57.279 --> 00:21:59.059 To the Roman occupying forces. 00:21:59.059 --> 00:22:01.379 And he is called to follow a new master. 00:22:02.819 --> 00:22:04.679 He is liberated from his isolation. 00:22:04.679 --> 00:22:05.759 As a tax collector. 00:22:05.859 --> 00:22:06.159 And a sinner. 00:22:06.539 --> 00:22:08.519 And he is suddenly brought into fellowship. 00:22:09.159 --> 00:22:10.079 And friendship. 00:22:10.339 --> 00:22:11.559 And not fellowship and friendship. 00:22:11.700 --> 00:22:12.379 With just anybody. 00:22:12.899 --> 00:22:13.919 But verse 10 says. 00:22:15.119 --> 00:22:16.299 With the son of God himself. 00:22:19.579 --> 00:22:21.339 And fellowship with the people of God. 00:22:22.500 --> 00:22:23.980 The people of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:22:23.980 --> 00:22:24.960 They are in his household. 00:22:26.339 --> 00:22:27.759 And he is with Jesus. 00:22:27.920 --> 00:22:29.759 And they are all in his household. 00:22:30.160 --> 00:22:31.460 He is with Jesus. 00:22:31.579 --> 00:22:32.779 And with all of Jesus' people. 00:22:34.620 --> 00:22:36.360 All because of the victory. 00:22:37.740 --> 00:22:39.759 That Jesus has over the power of sin. 00:22:40.799 --> 00:22:41.839 And sins. 00:22:42.599 --> 00:22:44.339 And Satan to enslave. 00:22:44.500 --> 00:22:45.700 And destroy human life. 00:22:45.700 --> 00:22:48.779 And that is why there is joy. 00:22:50.460 --> 00:22:52.380 And that is why there is feasting. 00:22:52.460 --> 00:22:53.720 At the table of Jesus. 00:22:55.240 --> 00:22:56.200 Because it reflects. 00:22:56.740 --> 00:22:57.500 The joy of heaven. 00:22:59.039 --> 00:23:00.720 It reflects that victory feast. 00:23:00.819 --> 00:23:01.539 That we saw last time. 00:23:01.580 --> 00:23:02.140 In chapter 8. 00:23:02.180 --> 00:23:03.279 In verses 11 to 12. 00:23:03.640 --> 00:23:04.819 It is a foretaste. 00:23:05.180 --> 00:23:07.039 Of what we read about in Romans chapter 8. 00:23:08.200 --> 00:23:09.100 Romans chapter 8. 00:23:09.360 --> 00:23:10.700 Describes the freedom. 00:23:11.080 --> 00:23:11.880 Of the children. 00:23:12.519 --> 00:23:13.080 Of God. 00:23:13.079 --> 00:23:15.619 That when Jesus returns. 00:23:15.740 --> 00:23:16.879 We will be liberated. 00:23:19.319 --> 00:23:21.079 And we will have resurrection bodies. 00:23:22.319 --> 00:23:23.539 And there will be a liberation. 00:23:23.699 --> 00:23:24.439 Of the holy universe. 00:23:25.179 --> 00:23:27.059 And this is a foretaste of that. 00:23:28.379 --> 00:23:29.819 And Matthew is telling you and I. 00:23:29.879 --> 00:23:31.179 What does it mean to be a Christian. 00:23:31.279 --> 00:23:32.099 To be a disciple. 00:23:32.259 --> 00:23:33.299 And a follower of Jesus. 00:23:33.720 --> 00:23:35.960 It is not just that we have forgiven us of sins. 00:23:37.559 --> 00:23:39.079 And our guilt is dealt with. 00:23:39.099 --> 00:23:40.159 As wonderful as that is. 00:23:40.159 --> 00:23:41.220 But it liberates us. 00:23:41.339 --> 00:23:42.279 And sets us free. 00:23:42.279 --> 00:23:43.399 From the power of sin. 00:23:45.180 --> 00:23:46.039 Do you see what he is saying? 00:23:46.099 --> 00:23:46.339 He is saying. 00:23:46.420 --> 00:23:47.740 When you become a Christian. 00:23:48.879 --> 00:23:50.220 It is not just that you are adding. 00:23:50.339 --> 00:23:51.480 Something new to your life. 00:23:53.720 --> 00:23:54.460 No he is saying. 00:23:54.519 --> 00:23:55.680 That when you put your trust. 00:23:55.799 --> 00:23:56.619 In the Lord Jesus. 00:23:57.619 --> 00:23:58.740 He is giving you a whole. 00:23:59.139 --> 00:24:00.259 New life altogether. 00:24:01.460 --> 00:24:02.259 Of liberation. 00:24:03.859 --> 00:24:05.500 That is what being a Christian is. 00:24:05.500 --> 00:24:09.660 And why he speaks in verse 16 and 17. 00:24:09.660 --> 00:24:10.779 Of a new garment. 00:24:11.460 --> 00:24:13.000 And a new wineskin. 00:24:13.700 --> 00:24:14.759 A new wine. 00:24:15.859 --> 00:24:18.759 That Jesus has not just come to do a patch up job. 00:24:18.880 --> 00:24:19.640 On humanity. 00:24:20.059 --> 00:24:22.180 He has come to make up all things new. 00:24:23.519 --> 00:24:24.920 He liberates us from sin. 00:24:24.980 --> 00:24:26.319 He gives us new clothes. 00:24:27.299 --> 00:24:28.720 The clothes of his righteousness. 00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:33.220 Nor is he coming just to give you a little bit of a new experience. 00:24:33.319 --> 00:24:34.460 Tacked onto your old life. 00:24:34.500 --> 00:24:36.240 Like new wine and old wineskins. 00:24:36.640 --> 00:24:38.700 No he has come to give you new life altogether. 00:24:38.700 --> 00:24:43.420 And that is what Matthew is recording here. 00:24:43.480 --> 00:24:43.779 He is saying. 00:24:43.840 --> 00:24:44.799 That is my story. 00:24:45.900 --> 00:24:47.000 That is my testimony. 00:24:48.319 --> 00:24:49.200 That is me. 00:24:49.279 --> 00:24:50.960 That is what I was once like. 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:52.080 But look at me now. 00:24:52.160 --> 00:24:53.059 I am a new man. 00:24:54.120 --> 00:24:56.299 I am a new creation in Christ Jesus. 00:24:57.580 --> 00:24:59.080 I have been set free. 00:25:00.420 --> 00:25:01.799 I have been transformed. 00:25:01.799 --> 00:25:03.720 By the grace and the kindness. 00:25:04.140 --> 00:25:04.700 Of God. 00:25:05.000 --> 00:25:05.720 In Christ. 00:25:07.319 --> 00:25:07.960 And so now. 00:25:07.960 --> 00:25:08.960 I am rejoicing. 00:25:09.180 --> 00:25:10.640 With my brothers and sisters. 00:25:11.079 --> 00:25:12.779 In the presence of Jesus the bridegroom. 00:25:14.299 --> 00:25:15.380 And that is what it means. 00:25:15.440 --> 00:25:16.100 To be a Christian. 00:25:16.200 --> 00:25:17.620 It means that we are made new. 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:21.019 We have been liberated. 00:25:21.620 --> 00:25:22.680 For a new world. 00:25:24.360 --> 00:25:25.120 And of course. 00:25:25.279 --> 00:25:26.140 People can't see that. 00:25:26.220 --> 00:25:26.480 Can they? 00:25:28.519 --> 00:25:29.519 It is plain isn't it. 00:25:29.519 --> 00:25:30.100 In this passage. 00:25:30.220 --> 00:25:31.519 That there is a vast gulf. 00:25:31.940 --> 00:25:33.660 Between the new world people. 00:25:33.920 --> 00:25:35.120 And the old world people. 00:25:36.620 --> 00:25:37.440 In verse 10. 00:25:37.440 --> 00:25:39.340 We have the people of the new world. 00:25:40.340 --> 00:25:41.100 And they are joyful. 00:25:41.420 --> 00:25:42.720 And they are feasting. 00:25:42.720 --> 00:25:43.740 In the presence of Jesus. 00:25:43.880 --> 00:25:45.019 They are a motley crew. 00:25:47.059 --> 00:25:47.500 Oddballs. 00:25:47.759 --> 00:25:48.220 Sinners. 00:25:48.400 --> 00:25:49.220 Tax collectors. 00:25:49.220 --> 00:25:52.440 While the men of this world. 00:25:52.440 --> 00:25:53.420 Of the old world. 00:25:53.420 --> 00:25:55.039 Well they are fasting. 00:25:55.039 --> 00:25:55.720 Verse 11. 00:25:55.940 --> 00:25:56.740 The Pharisees. 00:25:58.740 --> 00:26:00.180 Why are you feasting? 00:26:00.360 --> 00:26:01.400 Verse 14. 00:26:02.640 --> 00:26:04.880 Why are you not fasting with us? 00:26:05.100 --> 00:26:06.600 They just cannot understand. 00:26:06.700 --> 00:26:07.059 Can they? 00:26:07.319 --> 00:26:08.279 The joy. 00:26:08.819 --> 00:26:09.579 Of the person. 00:26:09.720 --> 00:26:11.039 Who has had their sins forgiven. 00:26:11.400 --> 00:26:12.220 And has been liberated. 00:26:12.220 --> 00:26:16.180 On the other side. 00:26:16.240 --> 00:26:16.940 Look at verse 15. 00:26:18.700 --> 00:26:19.539 There will come a time. 00:26:19.579 --> 00:26:20.960 When the people of the new world. 00:26:21.460 --> 00:26:22.420 They fast. 00:26:24.019 --> 00:26:24.700 They fast. 00:26:24.759 --> 00:26:26.259 Because Jesus returns to heaven. 00:26:27.539 --> 00:26:28.559 And they long. 00:26:28.660 --> 00:26:29.700 For his coming again. 00:26:31.339 --> 00:26:31.960 And of course. 00:26:32.039 --> 00:26:32.819 The people of this world. 00:26:32.900 --> 00:26:33.519 They don't care. 00:26:33.600 --> 00:26:34.880 About Jesus coming again. 00:26:36.079 --> 00:26:37.160 They don't long for his coming. 00:26:37.220 --> 00:26:37.880 They are quite happy. 00:26:38.279 --> 00:26:38.960 Without Jesus. 00:26:39.059 --> 00:26:39.839 Probably a lot happier. 00:26:39.839 --> 00:26:42.059 That's so true. 00:26:42.059 --> 00:26:42.480 Isn't it? 00:26:43.859 --> 00:26:44.839 It's what we see. 00:26:44.980 --> 00:26:45.500 In the world. 00:26:45.639 --> 00:26:46.019 Again. 00:26:46.139 --> 00:26:46.599 And again. 00:26:46.919 --> 00:26:48.019 This vast gulf. 00:26:48.119 --> 00:26:48.699 Between the people. 00:26:48.759 --> 00:26:49.740 Of the new creation. 00:26:50.359 --> 00:26:51.000 And the people. 00:26:51.079 --> 00:26:51.879 Of the old world. 00:26:53.359 --> 00:26:54.279 And we know. 00:26:54.359 --> 00:26:54.599 Don't we? 00:26:54.639 --> 00:26:55.000 We know. 00:26:55.059 --> 00:26:55.419 That we are. 00:26:55.480 --> 00:26:55.899 As Christians. 00:26:56.019 --> 00:26:56.459 Are living. 00:26:56.579 --> 00:26:57.939 In a day of fasting. 00:26:58.359 --> 00:26:59.279 We are waiting. 00:26:59.480 --> 00:27:00.339 For the joy. 00:27:00.459 --> 00:27:01.039 Of the kingdom. 00:27:01.119 --> 00:27:02.019 To come in its fullness. 00:27:03.079 --> 00:27:03.819 When Jesus. 00:27:03.899 --> 00:27:04.639 Will come again. 00:27:06.259 --> 00:27:07.399 The people of this world. 00:27:07.439 --> 00:27:08.319 They are not longing for that. 00:27:08.319 --> 00:27:10.460 Their horizons. 00:27:10.460 --> 00:27:11.519 Are this world. 00:27:12.460 --> 00:27:13.279 They have no longing. 00:27:13.379 --> 00:27:14.259 No future thoughts. 00:27:15.339 --> 00:27:16.259 They are taken up. 00:27:16.359 --> 00:27:16.899 With the here. 00:27:17.019 --> 00:27:17.799 And the now. 00:27:18.039 --> 00:27:19.000 And material things. 00:27:19.099 --> 00:27:19.799 With education. 00:27:20.279 --> 00:27:21.039 With advancement. 00:27:21.139 --> 00:27:21.879 Whatever it is. 00:27:23.139 --> 00:27:24.099 But the true Christian. 00:27:24.200 --> 00:27:24.779 Will recognize. 00:27:24.779 --> 00:27:26.039 That this time. 00:27:26.179 --> 00:27:26.579 Is a time. 00:27:26.679 --> 00:27:27.259 For fasting. 00:27:28.839 --> 00:27:29.799 Because we wait. 00:27:29.859 --> 00:27:30.159 Don't we? 00:27:30.339 --> 00:27:30.919 We wait. 00:27:30.980 --> 00:27:32.139 For the full salvation. 00:27:32.279 --> 00:27:32.819 That is promised. 00:27:34.759 --> 00:27:35.779 So we are waiting. 00:27:35.779 --> 00:27:38.599 And yet. 00:27:38.700 --> 00:27:40.220 Even as we wait. 00:27:40.420 --> 00:27:42.240 And even as we fast. 00:27:43.160 --> 00:27:43.879 The Christian life. 00:27:43.960 --> 00:27:44.639 Is one of joy. 00:27:46.399 --> 00:27:47.099 Isn't it? 00:27:48.680 --> 00:27:49.579 It's a joy. 00:27:49.660 --> 00:27:50.799 Of many forties. 00:27:52.960 --> 00:27:54.220 And so just like. 00:27:54.319 --> 00:27:54.639 Jesus. 00:27:55.180 --> 00:27:55.680 Disciples. 00:27:55.799 --> 00:27:56.660 Had that day. 00:27:56.779 --> 00:27:57.559 In Matthew's house. 00:27:57.899 --> 00:27:59.000 We have the joy. 00:27:59.059 --> 00:27:59.399 Don't we? 00:27:59.460 --> 00:27:59.759 Today. 00:27:59.859 --> 00:28:00.480 Of fellowship. 00:28:00.480 --> 00:28:01.160 With Jesus. 00:28:01.660 --> 00:28:02.359 And his people. 00:28:02.359 --> 00:28:05.099 We have the joy. 00:28:05.219 --> 00:28:06.219 Of seeing people. 00:28:06.399 --> 00:28:07.299 Being liberated. 00:28:07.599 --> 00:28:08.119 From sin. 00:28:08.219 --> 00:28:09.079 By this message. 00:28:09.959 --> 00:28:10.879 Of the kingdom. 00:28:12.559 --> 00:28:13.399 And the world. 00:28:13.519 --> 00:28:14.740 Can never understand it. 00:28:16.139 --> 00:28:17.379 Why are you fasting? 00:28:17.500 --> 00:28:18.000 They say. 00:28:19.240 --> 00:28:20.399 They just see. 00:28:20.839 --> 00:28:21.779 If they could look at us. 00:28:21.799 --> 00:28:22.339 This morning. 00:28:23.119 --> 00:28:24.319 A bunch of odd balls. 00:28:25.419 --> 00:28:26.519 A motley crew. 00:28:27.319 --> 00:28:28.799 Of undesirable people. 00:28:28.799 --> 00:28:29.539 They might say. 00:28:29.619 --> 00:28:30.579 They're pathetic people. 00:28:30.579 --> 00:28:32.619 They're certainly unimpressive people. 00:28:33.000 --> 00:28:33.519 Some of them. 00:28:33.559 --> 00:28:34.599 Are deluded people. 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:37.079 That's what the world sees. 00:28:37.159 --> 00:28:38.299 When it looks at the church. 00:28:39.339 --> 00:28:40.619 That's what they would think. 00:28:41.859 --> 00:28:42.699 And the world. 00:28:42.819 --> 00:28:43.039 When it. 00:28:43.599 --> 00:28:44.519 Sees our joy. 00:28:45.099 --> 00:28:46.460 It thinks it's fanaticism. 00:28:46.539 --> 00:28:46.980 Doesn't it? 00:28:48.779 --> 00:28:49.799 So the child. 00:28:49.919 --> 00:28:50.759 Or the young person. 00:28:50.939 --> 00:28:52.139 That goes on camp. 00:28:52.240 --> 00:28:52.720 This summer. 00:28:53.720 --> 00:28:55.139 And comes to know. 00:28:55.319 --> 00:28:56.379 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:28:56.460 --> 00:28:57.179 As their saviour. 00:28:57.279 --> 00:28:58.419 And their sins forgiven. 00:28:58.420 --> 00:29:00.440 And they go home. 00:29:00.600 --> 00:29:01.820 And tell their parents. 00:29:03.580 --> 00:29:05.039 The first thing the parents say. 00:29:05.140 --> 00:29:05.440 Well look. 00:29:05.519 --> 00:29:06.420 That's all well and good. 00:29:06.500 --> 00:29:07.960 But don't become too fanatical. 00:29:09.000 --> 00:29:09.759 Isn't that right? 00:29:11.400 --> 00:29:12.920 They see our joy. 00:29:13.080 --> 00:29:14.320 As fanaticism. 00:29:15.920 --> 00:29:16.519 They say. 00:29:16.580 --> 00:29:16.660 Well. 00:29:16.800 --> 00:29:18.140 We hope they'll just grow out of it. 00:29:18.960 --> 00:29:20.060 It'll just be a stage. 00:29:21.759 --> 00:29:22.740 Or worst of all. 00:29:22.800 --> 00:29:23.600 You might say to them. 00:29:23.680 --> 00:29:25.200 I'm thinking of changing career. 00:29:25.200 --> 00:29:28.480 The world has great needs. 00:29:28.580 --> 00:29:30.500 I'm thinking of maybe doing missions work abroad. 00:29:30.640 --> 00:29:32.400 I'm thinking of going into full time Christian work. 00:29:32.640 --> 00:29:35.019 And you're full of joy at the prospect. 00:29:35.920 --> 00:29:37.759 But they are just full of horror. 00:29:39.799 --> 00:29:42.360 Sometimes even very religious people like us can be like that. 00:29:43.559 --> 00:29:44.539 Even church people. 00:29:46.420 --> 00:29:49.200 Sometimes we can be like the Pharisees in this passage. 00:29:49.279 --> 00:29:49.600 Can't we? 00:29:49.599 --> 00:29:52.679 Especially when we see our very respectable church. 00:29:53.179 --> 00:29:55.699 Becoming full of undesirable people. 00:29:56.799 --> 00:29:58.819 Tax collectors and sinners. 00:30:00.159 --> 00:30:02.779 People who bring something of the mess. 00:30:03.939 --> 00:30:05.219 Of their past. 00:30:05.299 --> 00:30:06.139 And people don't like it. 00:30:07.439 --> 00:30:11.139 People don't like real gospel liberating life. 00:30:11.419 --> 00:30:12.779 Breaking into a church. 00:30:13.179 --> 00:30:14.259 Upsetting our patterns. 00:30:15.559 --> 00:30:16.980 Of how we usually do things. 00:30:16.980 --> 00:30:19.360 It's so easy isn't it? 00:30:19.380 --> 00:30:21.039 To be like the elder brother of Luke 15. 00:30:21.360 --> 00:30:24.420 And not want to get involved in the party. 00:30:26.140 --> 00:30:27.860 And the joy of that sort of thing. 00:30:30.759 --> 00:30:33.460 And sometimes we need to look at verse 13 don't we? 00:30:33.579 --> 00:30:34.500 And chew on it. 00:30:36.099 --> 00:30:39.819 Because Jesus is not interested in religious clutter this morning. 00:30:39.819 --> 00:30:43.899 But he does want sacrifices. 00:30:45.779 --> 00:30:47.299 And he does love mercy. 00:30:49.980 --> 00:30:51.319 He does love mercy. 00:30:52.980 --> 00:30:54.339 He didn't come for the righteous. 00:30:54.460 --> 00:30:55.519 The self-righteous certainly. 00:30:57.039 --> 00:30:57.679 But sinners. 00:30:58.819 --> 00:30:59.259 Yes. 00:31:00.339 --> 00:31:01.879 And he makes them new completely. 00:31:03.319 --> 00:31:04.980 It's not just a patch up job. 00:31:05.919 --> 00:31:07.539 Not just a charity case. 00:31:07.539 --> 00:31:11.240 But gloriously new and liberated people. 00:31:12.659 --> 00:31:14.279 And because Jesus and his kingdom. 00:31:14.399 --> 00:31:16.519 Destroys the terrifying hold of sin. 00:31:17.240 --> 00:31:19.859 Don't ever let the joy. 00:31:20.119 --> 00:31:21.859 Of that true liberation be forgotten. 00:31:23.839 --> 00:31:26.339 Liberation from the terrifying hold of sin. 00:31:26.519 --> 00:31:27.279 In this world. 00:31:28.519 --> 00:31:29.259 And in its people. 00:31:30.879 --> 00:31:32.200 He breaks the power. 00:31:33.000 --> 00:31:34.159 Of cancelled sin. 00:31:35.159 --> 00:31:36.659 He sets the prisoner free. 00:31:37.539 --> 00:31:38.220 Let's pray. 00:31:38.220 --> 00:31:38.220 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.220 Let's pray. 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.220 Let's pray. 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.220 Let's pray. 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.220 Let's pray. 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.220 Let's pray. 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.220 Let's pray. 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.220 Let's pray. 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.220 Let's pray. 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.220 Let's pray. 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.220 Let's pray. 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.119 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:39.119 Sorry.