WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.000 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:07.000 --> 00:00:12.000 ! Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us. 00:00:12.000 --> 00:00:13.000 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:37.000 Insurance, meals, reports, tests, relationships. 00:00:37.000 --> 00:00:44.000 There is so much going on, isn't there? 00:00:45.000 --> 00:00:51.000 The stuff of life can be overwhelming. It can draw all of our attention. 00:00:51.000 --> 00:00:57.000 And this morning, God wants to lift up our heads, okay? 00:00:57.000 --> 00:01:01.000 And all of that is going on. He wants to lift your head. 00:01:01.000 --> 00:01:06.000 We're getting to the main event in human history. 00:01:06.000 --> 00:01:11.000 The one that is at the center of all of life. 00:01:11.000 --> 00:01:15.000 It gives meaning to all that other daily stuff. 00:01:16.000 --> 00:01:22.000 Now, to be fair, we do talk about the cross of Jesus all the time around here. 00:01:22.000 --> 00:01:25.000 But this is a little bit different, especially this week. 00:01:25.000 --> 00:01:28.000 Especially this week. It's not just another story in that story. 00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:37.000 We finally arrive in John's account of all of these events at the crucifixion itself. 00:01:37.000 --> 00:01:40.000 John slows down here. 00:01:40.000 --> 00:01:43.000 And we will too. I know you're not surprised. 00:01:43.000 --> 00:01:48.000 For these next four weeks leading up to Easter, we'll be at the cross. 00:01:48.000 --> 00:02:02.000 Before we look at these few verses in John 19, I want us to remember that this whole story from Jesus' closest friend has been pointing to this moment. 00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:04.000 Over and over, we've read, 00:02:04.000 --> 00:02:07.000 My hour has not yet come. 00:02:07.000 --> 00:02:09.000 And now it has. 00:02:09.000 --> 00:02:15.000 We've heard Jesus also say the Son of Man must be lifted up. 00:02:15.000 --> 00:02:21.000 Echoing those other gospel accounts where Jesus repeatedly says, I must suffer and die. 00:02:21.000 --> 00:02:24.000 This is central to Jesus. 00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:36.000 The cross of Jesus is so central in the early church that the primary good news of Christianity is sometimes summarized as the message of the cross. 00:02:36.000 --> 00:02:43.000 When Paul says what's of first importance, he starts with that Christ died. 00:02:43.000 --> 00:02:48.000 So we preach Christ crucified, he says. 00:02:48.000 --> 00:02:53.000 The power of God and the wisdom of God is Christ crucified. 00:02:53.000 --> 00:02:55.000 And it's not just in biblical accounts. 00:02:55.000 --> 00:02:57.000 I mean, it's all through the Bible. 00:02:57.000 --> 00:03:01.000 But it's featured by Jewish writers, Roman historians. 00:03:01.000 --> 00:03:06.000 You could easily make the case that it is the most well-attested event in all of ancient history. 00:03:06.000 --> 00:03:12.000 But the cross is not just ancient history, is it? 00:03:12.000 --> 00:03:21.000 To this day, over 2,000 years later from the event itself, people wear crosses around their necks every day. 00:03:21.000 --> 00:03:25.000 Put them on church buildings around the world. 00:03:25.000 --> 00:03:28.000 Hang crosses on the walls of their homes in every country. 00:03:28.000 --> 00:03:32.000 It's a symbol of Christian faith, right? 00:03:32.000 --> 00:03:34.000 Isn't that something? 00:03:34.000 --> 00:03:44.000 An instrument of torture and execution so beloved by so many. 00:03:44.000 --> 00:03:50.000 There must be more than meets the eye going on with the cross. 00:03:50.000 --> 00:03:55.000 What about the person hung on the cross? 00:03:55.000 --> 00:04:03.000 The man who said he was the life was there put to death. 00:04:03.000 --> 00:04:09.000 And yet so many understand the cross as crucial to their life. 00:04:09.000 --> 00:04:14.000 Their relationship with this Jesus centers on the cross. 00:04:14.000 --> 00:04:25.000 See, the cross is central in ancient history and in life today because it is the turning point in the big story of the whole universe. 00:04:25.000 --> 00:04:27.000 Did you know that? 00:04:27.000 --> 00:04:31.000 The story that begins even before human history begins. 00:04:31.000 --> 00:04:34.000 I need you to hang with me if you don't believe this, okay? 00:04:34.000 --> 00:04:41.000 But the guy who died on the cross claims that before any person walked on this earth, 00:04:41.000 --> 00:04:46.000 before the first flower bloomed or the first star shone in our galaxy, 00:04:46.000 --> 00:04:56.000 he and his father got together and determined that the cross would be the decisive battle in the war of good versus evil. 00:04:56.000 --> 00:05:03.000 In fact, it would be the way for God's whole world. 00:05:03.000 --> 00:05:14.000 For the people like you and me living in it to be restored to what we would be created for, to our great purpose. 00:05:14.000 --> 00:05:16.000 That's what the cross is about. 00:05:16.000 --> 00:05:30.000 That's the story, that cosmic story, that's the one that your doctor's appointments and your soccer practices and your dirty diapers and all of the rest are a part of. 00:05:30.000 --> 00:05:35.000 They matter because of the cross. 00:05:35.000 --> 00:05:42.000 Because the cross brings your daily story into this grand story. 00:05:42.000 --> 00:05:49.000 So, as we look at the cross, let's listen really carefully and really hopefully. 00:05:49.000 --> 00:05:52.000 God's word. 00:05:52.000 --> 00:05:57.000 Just a couple verses in John 19 for now, before we pray. 00:05:57.000 --> 00:06:04.000 Pilate has finally handed Jesus over to the crowds calling for his crucifixion. 00:06:04.000 --> 00:06:08.000 We'll pick up at the end of verse 16. 00:06:08.000 --> 00:06:21.000 So they took Jesus and he went out bearing his own cross to the place called the place of a skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. 00:06:21.000 --> 00:06:23.000 He carried the cross. 00:06:23.000 --> 00:06:29.000 The picture you should have is of this cross bar, the horizontal bar across his shoulders. 00:06:29.000 --> 00:06:32.000 Think of the weight of it. 00:06:32.000 --> 00:06:37.000 The pain having already been beaten of carrying that. 00:06:37.000 --> 00:06:43.000 The other gospel accounts tell us Jesus physically doesn't make it all the way beyond the city. 00:06:43.000 --> 00:06:49.000 And Simon has to carry the cross for him the rest of the way. 00:06:49.000 --> 00:06:52.000 All the way outside the city. 00:06:52.000 --> 00:06:54.000 Away from the temple. 00:06:54.000 --> 00:06:57.000 Away from God's presence. 00:06:57.000 --> 00:07:03.000 There, they crucified him. 00:07:03.000 --> 00:07:07.000 And with him two others. 00:07:07.000 --> 00:07:09.000 One on either side. 00:07:09.000 --> 00:07:12.000 And Jesus between them. 00:07:12.000 --> 00:07:14.000 Let's pray. 00:07:14.000 --> 00:07:25.000 God, we see your son there numbered with transgressors. 00:07:25.000 --> 00:07:30.000 Jesus on a cross in the center. 00:07:30.000 --> 00:07:33.000 The center cross. 00:07:33.000 --> 00:07:40.000 Might it be, Father, that you would help us to see him there this morning. 00:07:40.000 --> 00:07:46.000 To keep him there in our vision every moment of every day. 00:07:46.000 --> 00:07:48.000 Keep us near the cross. 00:07:48.000 --> 00:07:53.000 Keep his cross at the center of our vision and our lives. 00:07:53.000 --> 00:07:57.000 Help us in that, we ask in Jesus' name. 00:07:57.000 --> 00:07:58.000 Amen. 00:07:58.000 --> 00:08:09.000 Well, John next gives us three views around the cross of Jesus that will help us understand what's going on. 00:08:09.000 --> 00:08:14.000 And each of them, because of Jesus, because he's the one on the cross, 00:08:14.000 --> 00:08:21.000 it brings a surprising reversal of what we would normally expect at a crucifixion. 00:08:21.000 --> 00:08:25.000 We'll pick up the reading at verse 19. 00:08:25.000 --> 00:08:29.000 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. 00:08:29.000 --> 00:08:30.000 It read, 00:08:30.000 --> 00:08:35.000 Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. 00:08:35.000 --> 00:08:40.000 Many of the Jews read this inscription for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city. 00:08:40.000 --> 00:08:44.000 And it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. 00:08:44.000 --> 00:08:47.000 So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, 00:08:47.000 --> 00:08:52.000 Do not write the King of the Jews, but rather this man said, 00:08:52.000 --> 00:08:55.000 I am the King of the Jews. 00:08:55.000 --> 00:08:57.000 And Pilate answered, 00:08:57.000 --> 00:09:00.000 What I have written, I have written. 00:09:00.000 --> 00:09:05.000 We talked a lot about Jesus being King last week, right? 00:09:05.000 --> 00:09:10.000 Here, Pilate, who has not been able to hold the line on Jesus' innocence, 00:09:10.000 --> 00:09:18.000 even though he was convinced, refuses to back down from calling him the King of the Jews. 00:09:18.000 --> 00:09:19.000 King. 00:09:19.000 --> 00:09:23.000 Is that even possible? 00:09:23.000 --> 00:09:35.000 How could you be any more powerless, any less kingly than hanging on a cross, 00:09:35.000 --> 00:09:44.000 where we can still see the blood running down his face from the mocking crown of thorns on his head? 00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:45.000 King? 00:09:45.000 --> 00:09:57.000 And yet, Jesus has been in control every step of the way from the garden to the cross these last few days, hasn't he? 00:09:57.000 --> 00:10:03.000 He had to help them arrest him when they had all fallen down in awe of him. 00:10:03.000 --> 00:10:07.000 He reminded Pilate where true power rests. 00:10:07.000 --> 00:10:10.000 And here, he doesn't fight. 00:10:10.000 --> 00:10:14.000 He carries his cross willingly, doesn't he? 00:10:14.000 --> 00:10:15.000 That's John's point. 00:10:15.000 --> 00:10:20.000 Jesus has been saying he would be crowned when he was lifted up on a cross. 00:10:20.000 --> 00:10:21.000 Is it possible? 00:10:21.000 --> 00:10:24.000 Could that be what's happening now? 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:29.000 He's being crowned King through suffering? 00:10:31.000 --> 00:10:33.000 Suffering, friends. 00:10:33.000 --> 00:10:35.000 Some of you are really hurting right now. 00:10:35.000 --> 00:10:37.000 Don't miss this, okay? 00:10:37.000 --> 00:10:42.000 God is faithful even when it seems like he's not. 00:10:42.000 --> 00:10:46.000 You're going to meet Jesus in your suffering. 00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:48.000 That's where he is. 00:10:48.000 --> 00:10:49.000 Notice that. 00:10:49.000 --> 00:10:55.000 Jesus is in control even when he seems least powerful. 00:10:55.000 --> 00:10:58.000 And God is at work. 00:10:58.000 --> 00:10:59.000 What's happening? 00:10:59.000 --> 00:11:11.000 God is announcing the Messiah, the promised king, the one whose kingdom, he said, would cover the earth and would have no end on a cross notice. 00:11:11.000 --> 00:11:19.000 It's this card that would be put up there to say who you are and what kind of criminal you are that you have to go to the cross. 00:11:19.000 --> 00:11:20.000 That's what it is. 00:11:20.000 --> 00:11:26.000 And this card is written this time in three languages. 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:29.000 The Jews walking by can read it. 00:11:29.000 --> 00:11:32.000 All the Romans can read it. 00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:34.000 Pilate makes sure of that. 00:11:34.000 --> 00:11:40.000 And anybody else who was traveling through could read in the Greek the language of any area in the world that they would be going to. 00:11:40.000 --> 00:11:42.000 They can read it. 00:11:42.000 --> 00:11:43.000 Do you see what's happening? 00:11:43.000 --> 00:11:50.000 The king of the Jews, the promised Messiah is not being crowned just in Jerusalem, is he? 00:11:50.000 --> 00:11:56.000 Even while Jewish leaders are rebelling against his reign, don't call him king of the Jews. 00:11:56.000 --> 00:12:04.000 He is launching a missionary kingdom to every Jew and Gentile and to the uttermost parts of the earth, isn't he? 00:12:04.000 --> 00:12:06.000 That's what King Jesus has always been about. 00:12:06.000 --> 00:12:17.000 The message of the cross is meant to be proclaimed to everyone because King Jesus is there suffering for the least of these. 00:12:17.000 --> 00:12:26.000 Because King Jesus is there reigning over men and women and boys and girls from every tribe and tongue and language and nation. 00:12:26.000 --> 00:12:31.000 Have you remembered lately that you're an ambassador of that global kingdom? 00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:38.000 You're meant to be proclaimed, announced to everyone around you, even if you don't know their situation. 00:12:38.000 --> 00:12:43.000 Even if you don't speak their language, God has sent you to them. 00:12:43.000 --> 00:12:45.000 Let him take care of the details. 00:12:47.000 --> 00:12:53.000 Even when you kill him, you're crowning King Jesus. 00:12:53.000 --> 00:12:54.000 Amazing. 00:12:54.000 --> 00:13:09.000 Jesus surprisingly turns the cross from a tool of execution into a tool of exaltation as when he is lifted up on it, he draws all people to himself. 00:13:09.000 --> 00:13:25.000 The king who never traveled or spoke or campaigned far outside of his hometown is soon to be worshipped and followed and spread around the world. 00:13:25.000 --> 00:13:32.000 The wonder of the cross that happens at the cross. 00:13:32.000 --> 00:13:37.000 Next, John tells us what the Roman soldiers did after they hung Jesus on the cross. 00:13:37.000 --> 00:13:39.000 Verse 23. 00:13:39.000 --> 00:13:45.000 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts. 00:13:45.000 --> 00:13:48.000 One part for each soldier. 00:13:48.000 --> 00:13:50.000 Also his tunic. 00:13:50.000 --> 00:13:54.000 But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 00:13:54.000 --> 00:13:59.000 So they said to one another, let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be. 00:13:59.000 --> 00:14:08.000 This was to fulfill the scripture which says, they divided my garments among them and for my clothing they cast lots. 00:14:08.000 --> 00:14:11.000 So the soldiers did these things. 00:14:11.000 --> 00:14:13.000 These things. 00:14:13.000 --> 00:14:14.000 Why? 00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:18.000 To fulfill the scripture. 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:22.000 Yet another reminder that God is not out of control. 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:28.000 That Jesus is willingly following his Father's will in the darkest hour. 00:14:28.000 --> 00:14:37.000 And yet another reminder that Jesus is the divine Messiah King. 00:14:37.000 --> 00:14:42.000 The scripture being fulfilled here by the soldiers is Psalm 22. 00:14:42.000 --> 00:14:45.000 We read the beginning of it earlier. 00:14:45.000 --> 00:14:51.000 We're going to see this Psalm referenced over and over by John and by Jesus at the cross. 00:14:51.000 --> 00:14:54.000 It's his understanding of what he is enduring. 00:14:54.000 --> 00:14:59.000 It's actually a Psalm written by David several hundred years before this moment. 00:14:59.000 --> 00:15:08.000 King David was often rightfully described as a shameful but righteous sufferer. 00:15:08.000 --> 00:15:10.000 It's what the Psalms about. 00:15:10.000 --> 00:15:13.000 That description would often fit David. 00:15:13.000 --> 00:15:19.000 But the words of Psalm 22 go well beyond anything David or any other king had ever experienced. 00:15:19.000 --> 00:15:23.000 To foretell a crucified king. 00:15:23.000 --> 00:15:27.000 We'll look at this Psalm even more next week. 00:15:27.000 --> 00:15:33.000 But notice a couple of things as the shameful sufferer nears death. 00:15:33.000 --> 00:15:36.000 It's what's being described. 00:15:36.000 --> 00:15:39.000 Right as he's getting there, verse 18. 00:15:39.000 --> 00:15:42.000 They divide my garments among them. 00:15:42.000 --> 00:15:46.000 And for my clothing they cast lots. 00:15:46.000 --> 00:15:48.000 There it is. 00:15:48.000 --> 00:15:54.000 It's a reminder, isn't it, that your life is over. 00:15:54.000 --> 00:16:02.000 When your very last earthly possessions are being divided up right in front of you. 00:16:02.000 --> 00:16:04.000 What an indignity. 00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:05.000 Right? 00:16:07.000 --> 00:16:14.000 Add to that the indignity, the shame of nakedness. 00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:15.000 No more clothes. 00:16:15.000 --> 00:16:17.000 They have them. 00:16:17.000 --> 00:16:20.000 That was a part of Roman crucifixion. 00:16:20.000 --> 00:16:29.000 You have to go all the way back to the Garden of Eden to find people naked and unashamed. 00:16:29.000 --> 00:16:34.000 Since we sinned, we've all been trying to deal with our shame. 00:16:34.000 --> 00:16:35.000 Right? 00:16:35.000 --> 00:16:40.000 With fig leaves trying to cover our shame. 00:16:40.000 --> 00:16:44.000 So many varieties of fig leaves through the centuries. 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:53.000 For many of us these days, we cover our shame with our perfectionism and control. 00:16:53.000 --> 00:16:58.000 With our overworking and financial success. 00:16:58.000 --> 00:17:02.000 With weight loss and skin care obsessions. 00:17:02.000 --> 00:17:07.000 All in an effort to cover our blemishes and our scars. 00:17:07.000 --> 00:17:11.000 To compensate for our weaknesses and our inadequacies. 00:17:11.000 --> 00:17:14.000 To hide our failings and our insecurities. 00:17:14.000 --> 00:17:17.000 Because we hate feeling ashamed, don't we? 00:17:17.000 --> 00:17:19.000 Every one of us. 00:17:19.000 --> 00:17:32.000 Can you even imagine what would it feel like to feel totally exposed and at the same time feel totally confident? 00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:35.000 Can you even imagine that feeling? 00:17:35.000 --> 00:17:42.000 Is it possible to have hope in our shame and our suffering? 00:17:42.000 --> 00:17:45.000 That's actually the hope of Psalm 22. 00:17:45.000 --> 00:17:51.000 If you keep reading, God doesn't shame the shameful. 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:54.000 In fact, verse 24, he hears them. 00:17:54.000 --> 00:17:58.000 And then verse 26, he comes and rescues them. 00:17:58.000 --> 00:18:01.000 He gives them life and full life. 00:18:01.000 --> 00:18:02.000 Forever. 00:18:02.000 --> 00:18:03.000 Forever. 00:18:03.000 --> 00:18:16.000 Repeatedly through the Old Testament, prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel describe salvation as God covering our nakedness. 00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:21.000 It's a really important picture because it reminds us that all of the things that you're ashamed of. 00:18:21.000 --> 00:18:29.000 Down to the very deepest thoughts of your heart that you don't want anyone else to know. 00:18:29.000 --> 00:18:36.000 Including those things that you've experienced that have been done to you. 00:18:36.000 --> 00:18:43.000 Jesus is bearing that shame on the cross. 00:18:43.000 --> 00:18:48.000 Two ways that our shame is dealt with by Jesus. 00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:51.000 First, he takes it upon himself, doesn't he? 00:18:51.000 --> 00:18:57.000 By hanging on the cross with no clothes, in public, being spit upon. 00:18:57.000 --> 00:19:01.000 Mocked like a common criminal. 00:19:01.000 --> 00:19:08.000 Friend, the shame due your sin has been spent on Jesus. 00:19:08.000 --> 00:19:12.000 It is not yours to endure. 00:19:12.000 --> 00:19:17.000 It has been covered when he was exposed for you. 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:20.000 What a gift. 00:19:20.000 --> 00:19:29.000 But maybe even more beautiful and hopeful than that reality is that we know something about Jesus. 00:19:29.000 --> 00:19:32.000 He was hanging on this cross intentionally, wasn't he? 00:19:32.000 --> 00:19:39.000 No one takes his life from him, but he lays it down of his own accord. 00:19:39.000 --> 00:19:41.000 So listen, this gets even better. 00:19:41.000 --> 00:19:46.000 The one who's hanging there on that cross. 00:19:46.000 --> 00:19:51.000 The one who sees everything about you. 00:19:51.000 --> 00:19:54.000 Loves you. 00:19:54.000 --> 00:20:01.000 Sees it all about you first and still goes to the cross. 00:20:01.000 --> 00:20:05.000 To shed his blood for you. 00:20:05.000 --> 00:20:09.000 To give his life because you are precious to him. 00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:14.000 The one who knows what you want no one else to know. 00:20:14.000 --> 00:20:18.000 Says he's worth dying for. 00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:22.000 She's worth suffering for. 00:20:22.000 --> 00:20:26.000 The one who knows you most. 00:20:26.000 --> 00:20:29.000 Loves you best. 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:30.000 More than you can imagine. 00:20:30.000 --> 00:20:37.000 That's the kind of, as that sinks in for you, it's the kind of reliable relationship. 00:20:37.000 --> 00:20:40.000 The kind of unassailable confidence. 00:20:40.000 --> 00:20:44.000 The kind of secure value that we long for. 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:49.000 That we grasp for in all sorts of other places in our shame. 00:20:49.000 --> 00:20:52.000 Because we can't find it anywhere else. 00:20:52.000 --> 00:21:02.000 The shameful but righteous sufferer is not being cast out and humiliated forever. 00:21:02.000 --> 00:21:03.000 No. 00:21:03.000 --> 00:21:04.000 No. 00:21:04.000 --> 00:21:06.000 He's being crowned as king. 00:21:06.000 --> 00:21:08.000 And we will reign with him. 00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:12.000 He is trampling the powers of darkness down. 00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:16.000 And we will fight for his kingdom alongside of him. 00:21:16.000 --> 00:21:18.000 He is bearing our shame. 00:21:18.000 --> 00:21:23.000 And so we will be clothed in his righteous robes forever. 00:21:23.000 --> 00:21:24.000 That's what's going on. 00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:31.000 That is the wonder of the cross. 00:21:31.000 --> 00:21:38.000 John gives us one more surprising reversal at the cross. 00:21:38.000 --> 00:21:41.000 Remember what Jesus is going through here. 00:21:41.000 --> 00:21:44.000 The unimaginable anguish. 00:21:45.000 --> 00:21:48.000 The excruciating pain. 00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:52.000 We get the word excruciating from the cross. 00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:57.000 If at any time you could imagine a person thinking only of himself. 00:21:57.000 --> 00:21:59.000 And that being understandable. 00:21:59.000 --> 00:22:03.000 It would be while hanging. 00:22:03.000 --> 00:22:05.000 Gasping for breath. 00:22:05.000 --> 00:22:07.000 On a cross. 00:22:07.000 --> 00:22:11.000 But listen at verse 25. 00:22:11.000 --> 00:22:17.000 But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister. 00:22:17.000 --> 00:22:20.000 Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. 00:22:20.000 --> 00:22:27.000 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby. 00:22:27.000 --> 00:22:31.000 He said to his mother, woman, behold your son. 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:35.000 Then he said to the disciple, behold your mother. 00:22:35.000 --> 00:22:41.000 And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. 00:22:41.000 --> 00:22:49.000 I suspect the mothers among us can best feel Mary's pain. 00:22:49.000 --> 00:22:54.000 But every one of us can imagine grief. 00:22:54.000 --> 00:22:56.000 That a widowed woman. 00:22:56.000 --> 00:23:02.000 Now watching her first born son be executed. 00:23:02.000 --> 00:23:04.000 Must be feeling. 00:23:04.000 --> 00:23:10.000 All the way back to Jesus' dedication in the temple as a baby. 00:23:10.000 --> 00:23:11.000 Mary had been told. 00:23:11.000 --> 00:23:18.000 That a sword would pierce her own soul too. 00:23:18.000 --> 00:23:24.000 Certainly this would feel like a sword through the heart of one who bore him. 00:23:24.000 --> 00:23:26.000 Raised him. 00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:28.000 Watched him suffer. 00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:29.000 Heard him. 00:23:29.000 --> 00:23:30.000 Rejected. 00:23:30.000 --> 00:23:32.000 Can you imagine that the feeling? 00:23:32.000 --> 00:23:33.000 Empty. 00:23:33.000 --> 00:23:35.000 Abandoned. 00:23:35.000 --> 00:23:36.000 Heartbroken. 00:23:36.000 --> 00:23:37.000 Heartbroken. 00:23:37.000 --> 00:23:47.000 Jesus spoke so few words from the cross it was physically quite difficult to do so. 00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:55.000 Mary must have been surprised to hear, woman, behold your son. 00:23:55.000 --> 00:23:57.000 Just think of what's happening. 00:23:57.000 --> 00:24:04.000 Because she's been seen by Jesus. 00:24:04.000 --> 00:24:06.000 Right there when she hurts. 00:24:06.000 --> 00:24:07.000 Worse than we can imagine. 00:24:07.000 --> 00:24:09.000 Jesus sees her. 00:24:09.000 --> 00:24:11.000 Jesus sees you. 00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:16.000 Here he sees his mother. 00:24:16.000 --> 00:24:19.000 And he's making sure she's cared for. 00:24:19.000 --> 00:24:21.000 Honoring his mother. 00:24:21.000 --> 00:24:26.000 Even when he could have thought of his own suffering. 00:24:26.000 --> 00:24:35.000 I think we are to see here beautifully the complete righteousness of Jesus in every moment. 00:24:35.000 --> 00:24:36.000 To the very last breath. 00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:38.000 In our place. 00:24:38.000 --> 00:24:42.000 As abandoned and alone as he must have felt. 00:24:42.000 --> 00:24:46.000 Perhaps even feeling his father turning his face away. 00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:50.000 As he bore our sins in his body on the tree. 00:24:50.000 --> 00:24:55.000 Jesus ensures that his mother will not be alone. 00:24:55.000 --> 00:24:59.000 He is not only paying for our sins. 00:24:59.000 --> 00:25:03.000 We call that passive righteousness as he suffers. 00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:07.000 But also providing active righteousness. 00:25:07.000 --> 00:25:12.000 Living the righteous life that we owe to the God who made us. 00:25:12.000 --> 00:25:13.000 To live in his image. 00:25:13.000 --> 00:25:14.000 And follow his law. 00:25:14.000 --> 00:25:16.000 And live after his heart. 00:25:16.000 --> 00:25:17.000 Wow! 00:25:17.000 --> 00:25:20.000 Jesus at the same moment doing both of those things. 00:25:24.000 --> 00:25:29.000 Many have wondered why his disciple John is the one that he entrusts Mary to. 00:25:29.000 --> 00:25:31.000 When we know Jesus had younger brothers. 00:25:31.000 --> 00:25:36.000 Well we also know that it wasn't until after his resurrection. 00:25:36.000 --> 00:25:39.000 That his brothers believed in him. 00:25:39.000 --> 00:25:41.000 And Mary already did. 00:25:41.000 --> 00:25:45.000 Jesus you see has come to create a new community. 00:25:45.000 --> 00:25:46.000 Hasn't he? 00:25:46.000 --> 00:25:48.000 Of people united in him. 00:25:48.000 --> 00:25:51.000 Notice with both Mary and John here. 00:25:51.000 --> 00:25:57.000 They are defined in this passage by their relationship to Jesus. 00:25:57.000 --> 00:26:00.000 His mother. 00:26:00.000 --> 00:26:03.000 The disciple he loved. 00:26:03.000 --> 00:26:06.000 With his twelve disciples. 00:26:06.000 --> 00:26:12.000 And now with two disciples of different genders. 00:26:12.000 --> 00:26:14.000 Of different generations. 00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:17.000 They are connected. 00:26:17.000 --> 00:26:20.000 Jesus has established his church. 00:26:20.000 --> 00:26:24.000 We are seeing a little picture of it. 00:26:24.000 --> 00:26:26.000 Who are they? 00:26:26.000 --> 00:26:31.000 They are those for whom he is dying on the cross. 00:26:31.000 --> 00:26:32.000 Right? 00:26:32.000 --> 00:26:34.000 Do you see what's happening on the cross? 00:26:34.000 --> 00:26:39.000 It's not merely a place where someone is isolated and alone. 00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:41.000 Although certainly it is that. 00:26:41.000 --> 00:26:45.000 It is a place from which he is creating new community. 00:26:45.000 --> 00:26:46.000 Unbelievable. 00:26:46.000 --> 00:26:52.000 That primary relationship in Christ is why we call it the family of God. 00:26:52.000 --> 00:26:56.000 Since Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers. 00:26:56.000 --> 00:26:57.000 We are co-heirs. 00:26:57.000 --> 00:26:59.000 We are family. 00:27:01.000 --> 00:27:03.000 There are so many I trust. 00:27:03.000 --> 00:27:09.000 Obvious applications for us and our families honoring our own parents. 00:27:09.000 --> 00:27:14.000 But perhaps especially in a church family here. 00:27:14.000 --> 00:27:18.000 How do we care for our widows? 00:27:18.000 --> 00:27:20.000 For example. 00:27:20.000 --> 00:27:24.000 Some of them we don't get to see here very often. 00:27:24.000 --> 00:27:27.000 But do we go to them? 00:27:27.000 --> 00:27:33.000 Recently Jim Lancaster, one of our deacons. 00:27:33.000 --> 00:27:40.000 The deacons made a couple dozen of these beautiful handcrafted frames. 00:27:40.000 --> 00:27:43.000 And he put in each of them. 00:27:43.000 --> 00:27:46.000 The church office number. 00:27:46.000 --> 00:27:53.000 The name and contact information for each widows specific Southwood deacon that they can call. 00:27:53.000 --> 00:27:55.000 Whenever they need help. 00:27:55.000 --> 00:27:59.000 Put them in each one of their homes or rooms. 00:27:59.000 --> 00:28:04.000 What a thoughtful gift. 00:28:04.000 --> 00:28:06.000 They love it. 00:28:06.000 --> 00:28:14.000 I love watching the Southwood family care for one another. 00:28:14.000 --> 00:28:21.000 Have you found an older woman here to welcome into your life as a mother? 00:28:21.000 --> 00:28:26.000 Maybe it will happen on the women's retreat this weekend. 00:28:26.000 --> 00:28:38.000 Do you think often of all the mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters that you have here. 00:28:38.000 --> 00:28:40.000 That God's placed you in. 00:28:40.000 --> 00:28:43.000 Do you lean into living like that? 00:28:43.000 --> 00:28:48.000 Like the family that Jesus makes you into in your home? 00:28:48.000 --> 00:28:50.000 On your prayer list? 00:28:50.000 --> 00:28:52.000 Near your heart? 00:28:52.000 --> 00:28:56.000 Is that the way some of these people are to you? 00:28:56.000 --> 00:28:59.000 Do you have family here? 00:28:59.000 --> 00:29:02.000 Some of you have told me this is your only family. 00:29:02.000 --> 00:29:09.000 And God wants you cared for and loved like that. 00:29:09.000 --> 00:29:13.000 He wants that for everyone of his sons and daughters in his family. 00:29:13.000 --> 00:29:19.000 One of my favorite visions of this family that I get really often. 00:29:19.000 --> 00:29:22.000 It's really not fair that I get to stand up here and see it all the time. 00:29:22.000 --> 00:29:25.000 Is when you all stand at a baptism. 00:29:25.000 --> 00:29:37.000 The whole family stands up and says, we're here for the next generation. 00:29:37.000 --> 00:29:44.000 For this specific child and this specific parents and this family. 00:29:44.000 --> 00:29:46.000 We're going to support them. 00:29:46.000 --> 00:29:48.000 It's powerful. 00:29:48.000 --> 00:29:52.000 Maybe you've gotten to see it a couple of times. 00:29:52.000 --> 00:29:57.000 This is why our grace groups are such vital places. 00:29:57.000 --> 00:29:59.000 Not merely to exist. 00:29:59.000 --> 00:30:02.000 I mean, it's great to say I have a grace group. 00:30:02.000 --> 00:30:06.000 Yeah, but really to deepen the bonds of family relationship. 00:30:06.000 --> 00:30:09.000 To unite on his mission together. 00:30:09.000 --> 00:30:10.000 To care for one another. 00:30:10.000 --> 00:30:15.000 As though Jesus had personally from the cross. 00:30:15.000 --> 00:30:19.000 Asked you to care for your brother or sister. 00:30:21.000 --> 00:30:24.000 In a sense he has asked you that. 00:30:24.000 --> 00:30:26.000 You know that? 00:30:26.000 --> 00:30:29.000 I tell you, if he puts you in their grace group. 00:30:29.000 --> 00:30:31.000 He might have said it by name. 00:30:31.000 --> 00:30:33.000 You're that close. 00:30:33.000 --> 00:30:36.000 He loves them. 00:30:36.000 --> 00:30:41.000 He died to make your brother or sister. 00:30:41.000 --> 00:30:44.000 Even the one who's so different from you. 00:30:44.000 --> 00:30:46.000 And sometimes frustrates you. 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:51.000 He died to make that person your eternal sibling. 00:30:51.000 --> 00:30:56.000 What could unite you to someone else? 00:30:56.000 --> 00:31:02.000 More than having your shame removed by the love of Jesus. 00:31:02.000 --> 00:31:04.000 And theirs is too. 00:31:04.000 --> 00:31:05.000 And he rejoiced together in that. 00:31:05.000 --> 00:31:07.000 More than giving you a place. 00:31:07.000 --> 00:31:09.000 And an eternal kingdom. 00:31:09.000 --> 00:31:11.000 And a role with a purpose. 00:31:11.000 --> 00:31:13.000 And you're fighting the battles he's called you to. 00:31:13.000 --> 00:31:14.000 And there they are right beside you. 00:31:14.000 --> 00:31:16.000 What else could unite you more to them? 00:31:17.000 --> 00:31:19.000 What about inviting you into a family. 00:31:19.000 --> 00:31:21.000 And a regular meal. 00:31:21.000 --> 00:31:23.000 And there they are seated next to you. 00:31:23.000 --> 00:31:25.000 Jesus says, put them there. 00:31:25.000 --> 00:31:27.000 And said, love them. 00:31:27.000 --> 00:31:29.000 Show them my love. 00:31:31.000 --> 00:31:34.000 I ate this week with a woman four decades ahead of me. 00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:38.000 Of a different race. 00:31:38.000 --> 00:31:43.000 With a very different background and story. 00:31:43.000 --> 00:31:45.000 That I got to hear for the first time. 00:31:46.000 --> 00:31:50.000 But with a very familiar love of Jesus. 00:31:50.000 --> 00:31:57.000 That had us laughing and hugging and sharing one another's hearts in just a few minutes. 00:31:57.000 --> 00:31:59.000 The power of the cross. 00:31:59.000 --> 00:32:01.000 The power of the cross. 00:32:01.000 --> 00:32:03.000 When it's central. 00:32:05.000 --> 00:32:09.000 The story is told of parents of famed Bible commentator Matthew Henry. 00:32:09.000 --> 00:32:11.000 That when they met in England. 00:32:11.000 --> 00:32:13.000 In the 1600s. 00:32:13.000 --> 00:32:17.000 Her friends warned her not to get involved with him. 00:32:18.000 --> 00:32:20.000 That while this new man in town. 00:32:20.000 --> 00:32:22.000 He seemed a wonderful preacher. 00:32:22.000 --> 00:32:25.000 But they didn't really know where he was from. 00:32:26.000 --> 00:32:26.000 00:32:26.000 --> 00:32:29.000 He was not of the same social standing. 00:32:29.000 --> 00:32:30.000 And that meant a lot. 00:32:30.000 --> 00:32:32.000 Especially then still today. 00:32:32.000 --> 00:32:33.000 He was so far removed. 00:32:33.000 --> 00:32:35.000 You don't even know where he's from. 00:32:35.000 --> 00:32:36.000 They said. 00:32:36.000 --> 00:32:39.000 She responded true. 00:32:39.000 --> 00:32:42.000 But I know where he is going. 00:32:42.000 --> 00:32:45.000 And I should like to go with him. 00:32:45.000 --> 00:32:51.000 Perhaps the only picture better than the baptism one. 00:32:51.000 --> 00:32:54.000 The baptism one is the one we're about to see together. 00:32:54.000 --> 00:33:00.000 You're going to come gather around tables with people you may not know super well. 00:33:00.000 --> 00:33:01.000 I don't know. 00:33:01.000 --> 00:33:02.000 Depends on where you sat this morning. 00:33:03.000 --> 00:33:06.000 You may be a bit suspicious where they've come from. 00:33:09.000 --> 00:33:11.000 But you know where they're going. 00:33:12.000 --> 00:33:14.000 And by God's grace. 00:33:14.000 --> 00:33:16.000 You're going with them. 00:33:16.000 --> 00:33:17.000 Forever. 00:33:17.000 --> 00:33:18.000 Forever. 00:33:20.000 --> 00:33:21.000 So care for them. 00:33:21.000 --> 00:33:23.000 Like you'll be together forever. 00:33:24.000 --> 00:33:25.000 Because you will. 00:33:25.000 --> 00:33:27.000 With the Savior King. 00:33:27.000 --> 00:33:28.000 Who was crucified. 00:33:29.000 --> 00:33:30.000 For you and them. 00:33:31.000 --> 00:33:32.000 For all of us. 00:33:33.000 --> 00:33:34.000 The wonder. 00:33:34.000 --> 00:33:35.000 Of the cross. 00:33:35.000 --> 00:33:36.000 It does that. 00:33:38.000 --> 00:33:40.000 Is it really possible? 00:33:42.000 --> 00:33:43.000 Before we come to the table. 00:33:43.000 --> 00:33:44.000 Just reflect with me. 00:33:44.000 --> 00:33:45.000 Could that really be true? 00:33:45.000 --> 00:33:47.000 That a cross. 00:33:47.000 --> 00:33:49.000 Designed to bring death. 00:33:49.000 --> 00:33:51.000 Could bring such life. 00:33:54.000 --> 00:33:55.000 It is if it's at the center. 00:33:57.000 --> 00:33:58.000 It is if the one on it. 00:33:59.000 --> 00:34:00.000 Is so divinely good. 00:34:01.000 --> 00:34:02.000 And gracious. 00:34:03.000 --> 00:34:04.000 And glorious. 00:34:04.000 --> 00:34:05.000 That he can control. 00:34:06.000 --> 00:34:07.000 What men mean for evil. 00:34:08.000 --> 00:34:09.000 And turn it to good. 00:34:10.000 --> 00:34:11.000 If the cross of Christ. 00:34:12.000 --> 00:34:13.000 Is really at the center. 00:34:13.000 --> 00:34:15.000 And if it's so surprisingly. 00:34:16.000 --> 00:34:17.000 Upside down. 00:34:17.000 --> 00:34:18.000 From what we expect. 00:34:18.000 --> 00:34:19.000 It may mean. 00:34:19.000 --> 00:34:20.000 That your pain. 00:34:21.000 --> 00:34:22.000 Your mundane. 00:34:23.000 --> 00:34:24.000 Your doctor's appointments. 00:34:24.000 --> 00:34:25.000 And soccer practices. 00:34:26.000 --> 00:34:27.000 And dirty diapers. 00:34:27.000 --> 00:34:28.000 And all of that. 00:34:28.000 --> 00:34:29.000 They're part of something. 00:34:29.000 --> 00:34:30.000 Much bigger. 00:34:30.000 --> 00:34:31.000 And much more lasting. 00:34:31.000 --> 00:34:33.000 Than you can even get your mind around. 00:34:35.000 --> 00:34:36.000 It may mean. 00:34:36.000 --> 00:34:37.000 You really have a king. 00:34:38.000 --> 00:34:39.000 One you can know. 00:34:40.000 --> 00:34:41.000 Personally. 00:34:41.000 --> 00:34:43.000 And you're a really important part. 00:34:43.000 --> 00:34:44.000 Of a kingdom. 00:34:44.000 --> 00:34:45.000 That advances. 00:34:45.000 --> 00:34:47.000 Every time you bow. 00:34:47.000 --> 00:34:49.000 Every time you suffer. 00:34:49.000 --> 00:34:51.000 Every time you serve. 00:34:52.000 --> 00:34:54.000 The kingdom inches forward. 00:34:55.000 --> 00:34:56.000 It may mean. 00:34:57.000 --> 00:34:58.000 That you have a purpose. 00:34:58.000 --> 00:35:00.000 In spite of your failings. 00:35:01.000 --> 00:35:02.000 Bigger than your feelings. 00:35:03.000 --> 00:35:06.000 A confidence that is outside of your performance. 00:35:06.000 --> 00:35:08.000 That's beyond your shame. 00:35:08.000 --> 00:35:09.000 For shame. 00:35:11.000 --> 00:35:12.000 And it may mean. 00:35:12.000 --> 00:35:13.000 You have a family. 00:35:13.000 --> 00:35:15.000 That will last forever. 00:35:16.000 --> 00:35:17.000 That needs your love. 00:35:18.000 --> 00:35:20.000 That's worth sacrificing for. 00:35:21.000 --> 00:35:22.000 That your older brother. 00:35:23.000 --> 00:35:24.000 Your savior. 00:35:25.000 --> 00:35:26.000 Died. 00:35:26.000 --> 00:35:27.000 To welcome you into. 00:35:28.000 --> 00:35:29.000 With him. 00:35:30.000 --> 00:35:31.000 That's actually why. 00:35:32.000 --> 00:35:33.000 We come to this table. 00:35:33.000 --> 00:35:34.000 Together. 00:35:34.000 --> 00:35:35.000 Together. 00:35:35.000 --> 00:35:35.000 00:35:35.000 --> 00:35:38.000 We can't live together. 00:35:38.000 --> 00:35:39.000 In his family. 00:35:39.000 --> 00:35:41.000 Without Jesus being the center. 00:35:41.000 --> 00:35:44.000 And the cross. 00:35:44.000 --> 00:35:46.000 Being what unites us. 00:35:46.000 --> 00:35:47.000 As those deemed. 00:35:48.000 --> 00:35:49.000 Beloved enough. 00:35:50.000 --> 00:35:51.000 For the son of God. 00:35:51.000 --> 00:35:52.000 To die for. 00:35:53.000 --> 00:35:55.000 That's what he was doing that night. 00:35:55.000 --> 00:35:56.000 When he was betrayed. 00:35:57.000 --> 00:35:59.000 When he took the bread. 00:35:59.000 --> 00:36:00.000 And he broke it. 00:36:00.000 --> 00:36:02.000 And gave it to his disciples. 00:36:03.000 --> 00:36:04.000 Who would be. 00:36:05.000 --> 00:36:05.000 00:36:05.000 --> 00:36:05.000 00:36:05.000 --> 00:36:06.000 In his family. 00:36:06.000 --> 00:36:08.000 In the same way. 00:36:08.000 --> 00:36:09.000 That I'm ministering. 00:36:09.000 --> 00:36:10.000 In his name. 00:36:10.000 --> 00:36:11.000 Give this bread. 00:36:11.000 --> 00:36:12.000 To you. 00:36:12.000 --> 00:36:13.000 Connected. 00:36:13.000 --> 00:36:14.000 In that same family. 00:36:14.000 --> 00:36:15.000 He said. 00:36:15.000 --> 00:36:16.000 This is my body. 00:36:16.000 --> 00:36:17.000 Given for you. 00:36:17.000 --> 00:36:18.000 Do this. 00:36:18.000 --> 00:36:19.000 In remembrance of me. 00:36:20.000 --> 00:36:21.000 In the same way. 00:36:21.000 --> 00:36:22.000 After supper. 00:36:22.000 --> 00:36:23.000 He took the cup. 00:36:23.000 --> 00:36:24.000 And he said. 00:36:24.000 --> 00:36:25.000 This cup. 00:36:25.000 --> 00:36:26.000 Is the new covenant. 00:36:26.000 --> 00:36:27.000 In my blood. 00:36:27.000 --> 00:36:28.000 Which is shed for many. 00:36:28.000 --> 00:36:29.000 For the forgiveness of sins. 00:36:29.000 --> 00:36:30.000 Drink from it. 00:36:30.000 --> 00:36:31.000 All of you. 00:36:31.000 --> 00:36:31.000 00:36:31.000 --> 00:36:33.000 As you eat this bread. 00:36:33.000 --> 00:36:34.000 And you drink this cup. 00:36:34.000 --> 00:36:36.000 You proclaim the Lord's death. 00:36:37.000 --> 00:36:38.000 Until he comes. 00:36:39.000 --> 00:36:40.000 Eating this bread. 00:36:40.000 --> 00:36:42.000 And drinking from this cup. 00:36:42.000 --> 00:36:43.000 Proclaims. 00:36:43.000 --> 00:36:44.000 That the cross of Jesus. 00:36:44.000 --> 00:36:46.000 Is the most significant event. 00:36:46.000 --> 00:36:47.000 Ever. 00:36:48.000 --> 00:36:49.000 And the most important reality. 00:36:50.000 --> 00:36:51.000 In your life. 00:36:52.000 --> 00:36:54.000 Bringing you into the family of God. 00:36:54.000 --> 00:36:54.000 00:36:54.000 --> 00:36:55.000 Forever. 00:36:55.000 --> 00:36:57.000 And into life giving. 00:36:57.000 --> 00:36:58.000 Life transforming. 00:36:58.000 --> 00:37:00.000 Relationship with him today. 00:37:01.000 --> 00:37:02.000 If that's. 00:37:02.000 --> 00:37:03.000 Not. 00:37:03.000 --> 00:37:04.000 What you've embraced. 00:37:04.000 --> 00:37:05.000 By faith. 00:37:05.000 --> 00:37:06.000 Personally. 00:37:06.000 --> 00:37:07.000 And what you've proclaimed. 00:37:07.000 --> 00:37:08.000 Publicly. 00:37:08.000 --> 00:37:10.000 By joining a church. 00:37:10.000 --> 00:37:10.000 00:37:10.000 --> 00:37:12.000 Then don't come and take these. 00:37:12.000 --> 00:37:13.000 Elements. 00:37:13.000 --> 00:37:14.000 This morning. 00:37:15.000 --> 00:37:16.000 But we're so glad. 00:37:16.000 --> 00:37:17.000 That you're here. 00:37:17.000 --> 00:37:18.000 And we do invite you. 00:37:18.000 --> 00:37:19.000 To come. 00:37:19.000 --> 00:37:20.000 And to observe. 00:37:20.000 --> 00:37:21.000 What's going on. 00:37:21.000 --> 00:37:22.000 Here at these tables. 00:37:22.000 --> 00:37:24.000 To ask us. 00:37:24.000 --> 00:37:25.000 To pray with you. 00:37:25.000 --> 00:37:26.000 If you would like. 00:37:26.000 --> 00:37:27.000 We would love that. 00:37:27.000 --> 00:37:28.000 Or if you prefer. 00:37:28.000 --> 00:37:29.000 We invite you. 00:37:29.000 --> 00:37:30.000 Even to stay. 00:37:30.000 --> 00:37:31.000 Where you are. 00:37:31.000 --> 00:37:32.000 And ponder. 00:37:32.000 --> 00:37:33.000 The offer. 00:37:33.000 --> 00:37:34.000 Of Jesus. 00:37:34.000 --> 00:37:35.000 On his cross. 00:37:35.000 --> 00:37:36.000 To give you a king. 00:37:36.000 --> 00:37:37.000 To trust. 00:37:37.000 --> 00:37:38.000 For your shame. 00:37:38.000 --> 00:37:39.000 To be removed. 00:37:39.000 --> 00:37:40.000 For a family. 00:37:40.000 --> 00:37:41.000 To belong to. 00:37:41.000 --> 00:37:43.000 I offer that to you. 00:37:43.000 --> 00:37:44.000 In the name of Jesus. 00:37:44.000 --> 00:37:45.000 Who can make it a reality. 00:37:45.000 --> 00:37:46.000 For you today. 00:37:49.000 --> 00:37:50.000 But if God is your father. 00:37:50.000 --> 00:37:53.000 And Jesus is your older brother. 00:37:53.000 --> 00:37:54.000 Because you trust. 00:37:54.000 --> 00:37:55.000 His perfect life. 00:37:55.000 --> 00:37:57.000 And his sacrificial death. 00:37:57.000 --> 00:37:58.000 In your place. 00:37:58.000 --> 00:37:59.000 Then whether you're a member. 00:37:59.000 --> 00:38:00.000 Of this church. 00:38:00.000 --> 00:38:01.000 Or another one. 00:38:01.000 --> 00:38:02.000 Come. 00:38:02.000 --> 00:38:03.000 And eat together. 00:38:03.000 --> 00:38:05.000 Perhaps this morning. 00:38:05.000 --> 00:38:07.000 We'll gather in slightly larger groups. 00:38:07.000 --> 00:38:09.000 The ushers will help you with that. 00:38:09.000 --> 00:38:10.000 As we come. 00:38:10.000 --> 00:38:12.000 Because we want to get a really clear picture. 00:38:12.000 --> 00:38:13.000 Of our savior. 00:38:13.000 --> 00:38:15.000 And a really clear picture. 00:38:15.000 --> 00:38:16.000 Of our brothers and sisters. 00:38:16.000 --> 00:38:19.000 That he's brought into a family together. 00:38:19.000 --> 00:38:20.000 Let's pray. 00:38:20.000 --> 00:38:21.000 And then we'll eat. 00:38:21.000 --> 00:38:22.000 Jesus. 00:38:25.000 --> 00:38:26.000 Thank you. 00:38:26.000 --> 00:38:28.000 For another chance to see you. 00:38:28.000 --> 00:38:29.000 To see your cross. 00:38:29.000 --> 00:38:30.000 To see your love. 00:38:30.000 --> 00:38:31.000 And to see your family. 00:38:31.000 --> 00:38:36.000 It's not what we would expect. 00:38:36.000 --> 00:38:37.000 To find at a cross. 00:38:37.000 --> 00:38:38.000 But it is what we need. 00:38:39.000 --> 00:38:40.000 And you loved us enough. 00:38:40.000 --> 00:38:42.000 To go there for us. 00:38:42.000 --> 00:38:43.000 And so would you. 00:38:43.000 --> 00:38:44.000 Even now. 00:38:44.000 --> 00:38:45.000 By your spirit. 00:38:46.000 --> 00:38:47.000 Remind us deeply. 00:38:47.000 --> 00:38:48.000 Of your love for us. 00:38:48.000 --> 00:38:49.000 And of our calling. 00:38:49.000 --> 00:38:50.000 To share that love. 00:38:50.000 --> 00:38:52.000 With one another. 00:38:52.000 --> 00:38:54.000 And we ask it in your name. 00:38:54.000 --> 00:38:55.000 Amen. 00:38:55.000 --> 00:38:57.000 For more information. 00:38:57.000 --> 00:38:58.000 Visit us online. 00:38:58.000 --> 00:38:59.000 At southwood.org. 00:38:59.000 --> 00:39:00.000 At southwood.org. 00:39:00.000 --> 00:39:01.000 Music. 00:39:01.000 --> 00:39:01.000 00:39:01.000 --> 00:39:01.000 00:39:01.000 --> 00:39:01.000