WEBVTT

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 So while our boys and girls are heading to their classes, perhaps we can turn in our Bibles to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 18.

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 We're going to read from verse 31 to chapter 19 and verse 10.

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 We find ourselves for the next four weeks in the run-up to Easter, looking at different parts of the journey of Jesus to Jerusalem.

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 In Luke, chapter 9, verse 51, we read, as the time approached for Jesus to be taken up to heaven, he resolutely set out for Jerusalem.

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 And so in view is Jesus on his journey to the cross.

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 And so today, on that journey, we find ourselves around the town of Jericho.

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 And so let's read together.

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 Luke 18, beginning at verse 31.

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 And let's hear the word of God.

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 Jesus took the twelve aside and told them,

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 We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled.

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 He will be handed over to the Gentiles.

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 They will mock him, insult him, and spit on him.

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 They will flog him and kill him.

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 On the third day, he will rise again.

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 The disciples did not understand any of this.

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 Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.

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 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.

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 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening.

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 They told him, Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.

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 He called out, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.

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 Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, Son of David, have mercy on me.

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 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him.

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 When he came near, Jesus asked him, What do you want me to do for you?

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 Lord, I want to see, he replied.

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 Jesus said to him, Receive your sight.

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 Your faith has healed you.

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 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God.

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 When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

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 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through.

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 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus.

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 He was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.

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 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short, he could not see over the crowd.

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 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

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 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, Zacchaeus, come down immediately.

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 I must stay at your house today.

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 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

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 All the people saw this and began to mutter,

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 He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.

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 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord,

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 Look, Lord, here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor,

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 and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.

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 Jesus said to him,

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 Today salvation has come to this house,

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 because this man too is a son of Abraham.

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 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

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 Amen.

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 And now we're going to sing a section from Psalm 16 as we work our way through the Psalms.

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 And here we remind ourselves that because Jesus was raised from the dead,

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 we as God's people, those who have faith in Jesus, have eternal hope and joy awaiting us.

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 So let's sing with that expectation as we stand to sing from Psalm 16.

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 I'll praise the Lord my God,

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 Whose counsel guides my choice,

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 And even in the night,

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 My heart recalls instructions voice.

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 Before me constantly,

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 I set the Lord alone,

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 Because he is at my right hand,

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 I'll not be overthrown.

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 Therefore my heart is glad,

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 My tongue with joy will sing,

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 My body too will rest secure,

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 In hope on wavering.

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 For you will not allow,

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 My soul in death to say,

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 Nor will you leave your Holy One,

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 To see the tombs decay,

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 You have made known to me,

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 The path of life divine,

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 Bless shall I know,

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 At your right hand,

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 Joy from your face will shine.

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 So if you could have your Bibles open,

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 At Luke 18,

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 That would be really helpful,

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 As we spend time as a church on the journey to Easter,

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 And here we begin at Jericho,

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 Thinking about Jesus as the King who restores.

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 Most people love restoration stories,

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 And we have a whole range of TV shows,

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 Dedicated to restoration,

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 Whether that's homes,

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 Or cars,

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 Or furniture,

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 And we're invited to admire people's skills,

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 See the attention to detail,

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 Just the right paint work,

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 Just the right fixtures and fittings.

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 On a larger scale,

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 You may have noticed that Big Ben,

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 Is finally being released from its scaffolding,

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 After five years renovation,

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 Which is good news for tourists,

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 There's nothing more frustrating,

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 Than arriving at an iconic building,

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 And getting your photo with scaffolding,

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 But it's not just buildings and objects,

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 We love to hear stories,

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 Of people's lives being restored,

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 I don't know if you saw on the news,

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 The little five year old boy,

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 With cerebral palsy,

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 Who was beginning to learn how to walk,

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 Neuroscientists had done,

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 Some remarkable work,

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 To enable him to begin,

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 Learning to walk,

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 And no doubt many of us saw,

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 The wonderful scenes,

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 As Nazanin Zagari Radcliffe,

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 Was reunited with,

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 Her husband and daughter,

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 After five years in prison in Iran,

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 We love restoration stories,

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 But at the same time,

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 As we value restoration,

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 We appreciate that sometimes the challenge,

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 To recovery is enormous,

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 Perhaps we think about,

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 The economic troubles,

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 That we find ourselves in,

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 And we're about to head into,

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 And we wonder,

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 How will recovery come,

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 What's the impact going to be,

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 On our own pockets,

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 And nationally,

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 How do nations recover,

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 From pandemic,

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 How will Ukraine recover,

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 From war,

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 We appreciate,

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 The priority,

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 The need for restoration,

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 But sometimes it seems,

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 Such a huge job,

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 Well here as we focus on Jericho,

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 Don't we see Jesus,

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 In the business of restoration,

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 We see him,

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 In the first instance,

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 Meet a blind beggar,

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 And restore his sight,

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 And then we see him,

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 Meet a tax collector,

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 And he is restored,

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 To community,

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 To the community,

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 Of God's people,

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 As Jesus is on this journey,

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 To Jerusalem,

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 And we meet King Jesus,

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 A king of glory,

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 And grace,

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 A king of sympathy,

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 And a king of saving power,

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 And we're invited to remember,

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 That that was not just for them,

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 And for then,

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 But he is the same King Jesus,

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 For us,

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 Today,

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 So this theme of Jesus' journey,

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 To Jerusalem,

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 As we reminded ourselves,

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 Has been,

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 In Luke's mind,

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 Since Luke 9,

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 51,

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 And as we began,

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 Our reading,

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 In chapter 18,

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 Verse 31 to 33,

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 Jesus for the sixth time,

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 Reminds his disciples,

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 That this journey to Jerusalem,

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 Is one that will lead him,

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 To rejection,

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 And suffering,

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 And death,

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 Before being raised to life,

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 On the third day,

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 It's the journey to Easter,

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 In Jesus' death,

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 And resurrection,

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 There lies the hope of restoration,

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 Not just for a blind man,

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 And Zacchaeus,

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 But for a world,

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 And for you,

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 And for me today,

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 The disciples,

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 As Jesus announced,

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 Why he was going,

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 Were told in verse 34,

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 They didn't understand,

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 They didn't understand,

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 Any of this,

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 Its meaning was,

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 Hidden from them,

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 Disciples are confused,

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 Why would God's King,

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 And Savior,

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 Suffer,

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 And die?

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 Well,

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 I hope that as we spend,

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 Time together,

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 And as we live,

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 This side of the cross,

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 And the empty tomb,

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 We'll understand,

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 The significance,

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 Of the suffering,

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 Death,

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 And resurrection,

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 Of Jesus,

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 So that,

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 So that we would have hope,

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 In him,

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 That the hope of restoration,

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 Would be found,

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 In him,

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 And him,

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 Alone,

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 So let's begin,

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 By looking at this,

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 Blind man,

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 To see that Jesus,

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 Restores a blind man's sight,

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 Verse 35,

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 We meet him,

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 As Jesus approached Jericho,

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 A blind man,

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 Was sitting by the roadside,

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 Begging,

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 So let's just for a moment,

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 In our imagination,

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 Picture this man,

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 Perhaps blind,

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 From birth,

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 We're not told,

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 If that was the case,

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 He'd have no,

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 Prospect of an education,

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 No support,

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 And welfare system,

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 To help him,

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 No potential,

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 For work,

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 And indeed,

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 His standing,

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 In society,

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 Would be very low,

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 And we know this,

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 Because there was another time,

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 Where,

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 Jesus and his disciples,

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 Met a blind man,

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 And the question was,

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 Well,

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 Who sinned?

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 Was it this man,

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 Or was it his parents?

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 They presumed that there was something wrong,

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 And unclean,

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 If someone was blind,

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 And the religious leaders were teaching that,

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 So his standing in society,

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 Would be very low,

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 In many ways,

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 He would be an invisible man,

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 In society,

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 Perhaps the kind of person,

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 Perhaps the kind of person,

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 You would cross the street,

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 Or just walk on by,

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 But here we find him,

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 On the street corner,

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 As was his custom,

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 Day after day,

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 Begging for his life,

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 Until,

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 This day,

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 He hears,

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 Something different,

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 Something different,

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 Verse 36,

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 He heard the crowd going by,

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 And he asked what was happening,

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 And they told him,

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 Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,

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 Here is a royal procession,

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 With King Jesus,

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 At the head,

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 And he can hear,

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 The build up of noise,

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 And excitement,

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 And questions,

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 And expectation,

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 As this king is coming,

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 Moving towards Jerusalem,

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 Now of course,

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 Jesus is a very different king,

00:12:35.279 --> 00:12:37.220
 From any royal procession,

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 That we might expect,

00:12:38.560 --> 00:12:39.440
 He comes into Jerusalem,

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 Riding on a donkey,

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 He is a humble,

00:12:41.540 --> 00:12:43.160
 Suffering servant king,

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 But nevertheless,

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 There is this noise,

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 And excitement,

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 That we expect,

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 When a king,

00:12:47.259 --> 00:12:48.979
 Is in town,

00:12:49.500 --> 00:12:51.179
 And he's told,

00:12:51.259 --> 00:12:52.799
 Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,

00:12:52.899 --> 00:12:53.059
 Now,

00:12:54.039 --> 00:12:55.059
 Let's just think,

00:12:55.299 --> 00:12:55.979
 For a moment,

00:12:56.079 --> 00:12:57.559
 What he is hoping for,

00:12:58.779 --> 00:12:59.839
 He's a man,

00:12:59.899 --> 00:13:01.119
 Who is hoping for an audience,

00:13:01.239 --> 00:13:01.719
 With a king,

00:13:02.439 --> 00:13:04.739
 But let's recognize,

00:13:04.899 --> 00:13:06.259
 Just how rare that is,

00:13:06.279 --> 00:13:06.579
 I don't know,

00:13:06.599 --> 00:13:07.519
 If there's anybody here,

00:13:07.519 --> 00:13:08.979
 Who has been in the presence,

00:13:08.979 --> 00:13:09.619
 Of royalty,

00:13:10.459 --> 00:13:11.679
 We had a day,

00:13:11.899 --> 00:13:12.699
 In the woods,

00:13:12.779 --> 00:13:13.939
 Of the Balmoral estate,

00:13:14.060 --> 00:13:14.500
 Yesterday,

00:13:15.060 --> 00:13:16.800
 Nobody from the royal family,

00:13:16.940 --> 00:13:17.280
 Was in town,

00:13:17.320 --> 00:13:17.980
 I don't think,

00:13:18.260 --> 00:13:19.480
 But it's very unusual,

00:13:20.400 --> 00:13:21.400
 To have an audience,

00:13:21.480 --> 00:13:21.900
 With a king,

00:13:21.980 --> 00:13:22.380
 With a queen,

00:13:22.440 --> 00:13:23.120
 With royalty,

00:13:23.600 --> 00:13:24.800
 And if you're this guy,

00:13:25.760 --> 00:13:26.980
 If you're a blind beggar,

00:13:27.040 --> 00:13:28.180
 The chances of that,

00:13:28.300 --> 00:13:29.860
 Would be zero,

00:13:31.300 --> 00:13:32.400
 Except when Jesus,

00:13:32.580 --> 00:13:33.060
 Is the king,

00:13:33.059 --> 00:13:37.339
 I want us to recognize,

00:13:37.539 --> 00:13:38.399
 Three things,

00:13:38.479 --> 00:13:39.219
 That this blind man,

00:13:39.319 --> 00:13:41.039
 Sees or recognizes,

00:13:41.719 --> 00:13:44.779
 In this short story,

00:13:45.079 --> 00:13:46.019
 The first thing he sees,

00:13:46.079 --> 00:13:46.779
 And recognizes,

00:13:47.019 --> 00:13:48.339
 Is his need,

00:13:49.119 --> 00:13:49.259
 Okay,

00:13:49.259 --> 00:13:50.000
 So there's the obvious,

00:13:50.159 --> 00:13:51.099
 Daily reality,

00:13:51.679 --> 00:13:53.259
 He has to sit by the roadside,

00:13:53.259 --> 00:13:54.639
 To beg for money,

00:13:54.739 --> 00:13:55.739
 To get food,

00:13:55.740 --> 00:13:58.159
 But also,

00:13:59.060 --> 00:13:59.740
 Now we find,

00:13:59.879 --> 00:14:00.720
 Two times,

00:14:01.500 --> 00:14:02.600
 He's calling out,

00:14:03.019 --> 00:14:03.360
 Jesus,

00:14:03.680 --> 00:14:05.320
 Son of David,

00:14:05.840 --> 00:14:07.860
 Have mercy on me,

00:14:07.860 --> 00:14:10.360
 He is aware,

00:14:10.419 --> 00:14:11.220
 Of physical need,

00:14:11.360 --> 00:14:12.039
 But it seems,

00:14:12.120 --> 00:14:12.539
 He is aware,

00:14:12.620 --> 00:14:13.919
 Of that spiritual need,

00:14:13.919 --> 00:14:15.379
 For the compassion,

00:14:15.799 --> 00:14:16.639
 And the kindness,

00:14:16.639 --> 00:14:17.600
 Of God,

00:14:17.840 --> 00:14:18.919
 In his life,

00:14:18.919 --> 00:14:20.860
 And so he sees,

00:14:20.879 --> 00:14:21.419
 His need,

00:14:23.079 --> 00:14:24.699
 And coupled with that,

00:14:25.259 --> 00:14:26.559
 He sees and recognizes,

00:14:26.559 --> 00:14:28.059
 The identity of Jesus,

00:14:29.259 --> 00:14:31.479
 There's an irony here,

00:14:32.439 --> 00:14:33.860
 In that those with sight,

00:14:34.939 --> 00:14:35.779
 Are asked the question,

00:14:35.839 --> 00:14:36.500
 What's going on?

00:14:36.979 --> 00:14:37.679
 And they say,

00:14:38.219 --> 00:14:39.099
 Jesus of Nazareth,

00:14:39.179 --> 00:14:39.819
 Is coming by,

00:14:41.179 --> 00:14:42.740
 But how does the blind man,

00:14:42.839 --> 00:14:43.360
 Call out?

00:14:44.559 --> 00:14:45.360
 He calls out,

00:14:45.459 --> 00:14:45.799
 Jesus,

00:14:46.959 --> 00:14:48.059
 Son of David,

00:14:48.059 --> 00:14:50.939
 That's significant,

00:14:51.039 --> 00:14:51.979
 Because that title there,

00:14:52.839 --> 00:14:54.399
 Is a reminder,

00:14:54.579 --> 00:14:55.799
 That from the Old Testament,

00:14:56.319 --> 00:14:57.199
 God had promised,

00:14:57.299 --> 00:14:58.219
 A son of David,

00:14:58.279 --> 00:14:59.439
 Who would be saviour,

00:14:59.539 --> 00:15:00.939
 Who would be God's king,

00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:01.979
 Who would bring in,

00:15:02.219 --> 00:15:04.359
 An eternal kingdom,

00:15:05.959 --> 00:15:07.119
 He sees something,

00:15:07.279 --> 00:15:07.859
 That the majority,

00:15:07.859 --> 00:15:08.399
 Of the crowd,

00:15:08.519 --> 00:15:09.539
 Seem to miss,

00:15:10.399 --> 00:15:11.739
 And then our focus,

00:15:11.859 --> 00:15:13.119
 Is on who is doing,

00:15:13.219 --> 00:15:13.619
 The miracle,

00:15:14.619 --> 00:15:15.959
 Our focus is drawn,

00:15:16.079 --> 00:15:16.799
 Into Jesus,

00:15:17.039 --> 00:15:17.599
 This king,

00:15:17.600 --> 00:15:19.019
 This mighty,

00:15:19.019 --> 00:15:19.040
 This mighty,

00:15:19.040 --> 00:15:19.080
 This mighty,

00:15:19.080 --> 00:15:19.100
 This mighty,

00:15:19.100 --> 00:15:19.159
 This mighty,

00:15:19.159 --> 00:15:20.019
 God,

00:15:20.019 --> 00:15:22.940
 And notice too,

00:15:23.440 --> 00:15:24.420
 In verse 41,

00:15:24.560 --> 00:15:25.460
 As Jesus invites him,

00:15:25.500 --> 00:15:26.180
 To come near,

00:15:26.480 --> 00:15:27.740
 He calls Jesus,

00:15:28.180 --> 00:15:28.639
 Lord,

00:15:28.639 --> 00:15:31.159
 Now there's no doubt,

00:15:31.240 --> 00:15:32.700
 There's just a tone,

00:15:32.740 --> 00:15:34.080
 Of respect there,

00:15:34.080 --> 00:15:37.080
 But from what we see,

00:15:37.159 --> 00:15:37.620
 Of this man,

00:15:37.680 --> 00:15:38.659
 We also understand,

00:15:38.840 --> 00:15:39.259
 That there is,

00:15:39.379 --> 00:15:40.680
 Worship here,

00:15:41.560 --> 00:15:42.620
 There is trust,

00:15:43.259 --> 00:15:43.920
 And there is,

00:15:43.920 --> 00:15:44.660
 Submission,

00:15:44.659 --> 00:15:46.699
 So he sees,

00:15:46.699 --> 00:15:48.120
 Jesus as God's,

00:15:48.120 --> 00:15:49.179
 Saviour king,

00:15:49.719 --> 00:15:50.620
 And as Lord,

00:15:51.620 --> 00:15:55.299
 And because of that,

00:15:56.159 --> 00:15:56.699
 Seeing,

00:15:56.959 --> 00:15:57.439
 Is,

00:15:58.159 --> 00:15:58.939
 Believing,

00:15:59.939 --> 00:16:00.500
 Again,

00:16:00.579 --> 00:16:00.919
 There's another,

00:16:00.919 --> 00:16:02.059
 Striking contrast,

00:16:02.179 --> 00:16:02.620
 This thing between,

00:16:02.759 --> 00:16:03.719
 The crowds and Jesus,

00:16:04.579 --> 00:16:06.279
 What are the crowds,

00:16:06.399 --> 00:16:07.480
 Saying to this man,

00:16:07.519 --> 00:16:08.480
 This man who's in desperate,

00:16:08.620 --> 00:16:09.500
 Need of mercy,

00:16:09.919 --> 00:16:10.759
 And here's a king,

00:16:10.839 --> 00:16:11.659
 With power and grace,

00:16:11.699 --> 00:16:12.179
 Is coming by,

00:16:12.239 --> 00:16:12.899
 What do they say to him,

00:16:12.919 --> 00:16:13.659
 They say be quiet,

00:16:15.479 --> 00:16:17.019
 Jesus is far too important,

00:16:17.139 --> 00:16:17.799
 Far too busy,

00:16:17.899 --> 00:16:18.799
 For the likes of you,

00:16:20.319 --> 00:16:22.039
 But what does Jesus do,

00:16:23.359 --> 00:16:24.319
 Verse 40,

00:16:24.419 --> 00:16:25.579
 Jesus stopped,

00:16:26.919 --> 00:16:28.259
 Jesus ordered the man,

00:16:28.339 --> 00:16:29.039
 To be brought to him,

00:16:29.079 --> 00:16:29.719
 Here is the king,

00:16:29.839 --> 00:16:31.339
 Issuing a royal command,

00:16:32.179 --> 00:16:34.459
 When he came near,

00:16:35.239 --> 00:16:36.039
 Jesus asked him,

00:16:36.120 --> 00:16:36.979
 What do you want me,

00:16:37.039 --> 00:16:38.079
 To do for you,

00:16:38.899 --> 00:16:40.299
 This blind beggar,

00:16:40.479 --> 00:16:41.819
 Is invited to make,

00:16:42.179 --> 00:16:43.719
 A royal request,

00:16:46.059 --> 00:16:46.739
 And let's just stop,

00:16:46.799 --> 00:16:47.120
 For a moment,

00:16:47.219 --> 00:16:48.699
 And let's ask ourselves,

00:16:48.819 --> 00:16:49.500
 The question,

00:16:50.679 --> 00:16:52.099
 How wide is my view,

00:16:52.159 --> 00:16:52.979
 Of God's kindness,

00:16:53.159 --> 00:16:53.799
 And grace,

00:16:54.319 --> 00:16:57.419
 Would I think,

00:16:57.519 --> 00:16:58.639
 A blind beggar,

00:16:58.639 --> 00:17:00.019
 Would be a no-hoper,

00:17:00.259 --> 00:17:01.019
 In God's kingdom,

00:17:01.599 --> 00:17:02.819
 Are there people,

00:17:03.019 --> 00:17:03.599
 In my life,

00:17:03.639 --> 00:17:04.579
 Who I'm writing off,

00:17:04.619 --> 00:17:04.839
 And saying,

00:17:04.899 --> 00:17:05.899
 God would have no interest,

00:17:05.960 --> 00:17:06.319
 In them,

00:17:07.119 --> 00:17:07.819
 Or that Jesus,

00:17:08.019 --> 00:17:08.539
 Has no power,

00:17:08.639 --> 00:17:09.599
 To save that type,

00:17:09.639 --> 00:17:10.139
 Of person,

00:17:10.140 --> 00:17:11.880
 One of the things,

00:17:11.980 --> 00:17:13.020
 That the encounters,

00:17:13.460 --> 00:17:14.360
 That Jesus has with you,

00:17:14.400 --> 00:17:15.540
 Is invited to increase,

00:17:15.540 --> 00:17:16.200
 Our faith,

00:17:16.960 --> 00:17:17.700
 And show how wide,

00:17:17.700 --> 00:17:18.580
 God's kingdom is,

00:17:18.600 --> 00:17:19.240
 And we'll come back,

00:17:19.320 --> 00:17:19.640
 To that,

00:17:20.500 --> 00:17:21.200
 But again,

00:17:21.280 --> 00:17:22.320
 Let's think about,

00:17:22.560 --> 00:17:23.480
 This blind man,

00:17:24.100 --> 00:17:25.060
 He's asked the question,

00:17:25.200 --> 00:17:25.900
 What do you want me,

00:17:25.940 --> 00:17:26.940
 To do for you,

00:17:27.140 --> 00:17:28.580
 And he replies,

00:17:28.740 --> 00:17:29.100
 Lord,

00:17:29.300 --> 00:17:30.720
 I want to see,

00:17:32.120 --> 00:17:33.360
 Now that might seem,

00:17:33.480 --> 00:17:36.240
 Quite as we would expect,

00:17:36.240 --> 00:17:38.099
 But we need to understand,

00:17:38.200 --> 00:17:39.920
 That's a request of faith,

00:17:40.920 --> 00:17:44.299
 We appreciate,

00:17:44.420 --> 00:17:44.960
 From the stories,

00:17:45.039 --> 00:17:45.579
 That we enjoy,

00:17:45.680 --> 00:17:47.740
 Any restoration project,

00:17:48.220 --> 00:17:49.259
 Involves,

00:17:49.599 --> 00:17:50.700
 Locating,

00:17:51.079 --> 00:17:51.819
 Making use of,

00:17:51.880 --> 00:17:52.759
 The right expert,

00:17:53.180 --> 00:17:53.700
 Whether that's,

00:17:53.700 --> 00:17:54.620
 A neuroscientist,

00:17:54.700 --> 00:17:55.039
 Whether that's,

00:17:55.059 --> 00:17:55.579
 A mechanic,

00:17:55.839 --> 00:17:56.279
 Whether that's,

00:17:56.279 --> 00:17:56.980
 A stonemason,

00:17:57.579 --> 00:17:59.380
 This blind man,

00:17:59.460 --> 00:18:00.099
 By faith,

00:18:00.180 --> 00:18:00.500
 Knows,

00:18:00.599 --> 00:18:01.640
 If my sight,

00:18:01.640 --> 00:18:03.079
 Is to be restored,

00:18:03.079 --> 00:18:05.539
 I need to come,

00:18:05.639 --> 00:18:06.659
 To God's promised king,

00:18:07.419 --> 00:18:09.059
 I need to come,

00:18:09.159 --> 00:18:09.919
 To one with the power,

00:18:10.019 --> 00:18:10.579
 The authority,

00:18:10.679 --> 00:18:11.139
 And love,

00:18:11.259 --> 00:18:12.619
 Of God himself,

00:18:12.619 --> 00:18:15.379
 And so he asks,

00:18:15.599 --> 00:18:17.159
 With faith,

00:18:19.399 --> 00:18:20.699
 And what's the result,

00:18:20.799 --> 00:18:21.980
 Of his faith in Jesus,

00:18:23.079 --> 00:18:24.039
 Verse 42,

00:18:24.279 --> 00:18:25.259
 Jesus said to him,

00:18:25.799 --> 00:18:27.279
 Receive your sight,

00:18:27.899 --> 00:18:28.899
 Your faith,

00:18:29.480 --> 00:18:31.179
 Has healed you,

00:18:31.180 --> 00:18:33.019
 Not faith,

00:18:33.200 --> 00:18:33.900
 In general,

00:18:34.299 --> 00:18:35.000
 But faith,

00:18:35.140 --> 00:18:36.180
 In Jesus,

00:18:36.620 --> 00:18:38.180
 Has healed him,

00:18:38.480 --> 00:18:40.580
 Has restored him,

00:18:40.840 --> 00:18:42.039
 Not just physically,

00:18:42.840 --> 00:18:44.340
 But spiritually also,

00:18:45.039 --> 00:18:46.120
 Because see how different,

00:18:46.220 --> 00:18:46.900
 His life is,

00:18:46.920 --> 00:18:47.820
 In verse 43,

00:18:48.240 --> 00:18:49.420
 Immediately he received,

00:18:49.500 --> 00:18:50.019
 His sight,

00:18:50.840 --> 00:18:52.080
 First person he sees,

00:18:52.779 --> 00:18:53.700
 Jesus is savior,

00:18:54.380 --> 00:18:55.500
 First thing he does,

00:18:55.500 --> 00:18:56.500
 Is he follows,

00:18:57.779 --> 00:18:58.180
 Jesus,

00:18:59.019 --> 00:18:59.700
 Praising,

00:19:00.320 --> 00:19:00.740
 God,

00:19:01.180 --> 00:19:03.460
 He journeys with Jesus,

00:19:04.340 --> 00:19:05.320
 As a worshipper,

00:19:06.279 --> 00:19:07.320
 New direction,

00:19:07.960 --> 00:19:08.779
 New status,

00:19:09.400 --> 00:19:10.759
 New heart filled,

00:19:11.279 --> 00:19:11.840
 Worship,

00:19:12.840 --> 00:19:15.400
 So Jesus has restored,

00:19:15.519 --> 00:19:16.039
 His sight,

00:19:16.820 --> 00:19:18.320
 And his journey continues,

00:19:18.779 --> 00:19:20.220
 And we need to see secondly,

00:19:20.360 --> 00:19:21.680
 That Jesus restores,

00:19:22.279 --> 00:19:24.560
 This prodigal tax collector,

00:19:25.160 --> 00:19:27.460
 By the name of Zacchaeus,

00:19:27.460 --> 00:19:28.920
 It's interesting,

00:19:28.920 --> 00:19:29.340
 It's interesting when our,

00:19:29.340 --> 00:19:30.900
 Our gospel writers,

00:19:31.039 --> 00:19:31.799
 Place two,

00:19:32.259 --> 00:19:32.960
 Encounters,

00:19:33.079 --> 00:19:33.500
 Two people,

00:19:33.600 --> 00:19:34.880
 Side by side,

00:19:35.640 --> 00:19:36.819
 Sometimes we're invited,

00:19:36.819 --> 00:19:38.059
 To see parallels,

00:19:38.620 --> 00:19:39.880
 Sometimes we're invited,

00:19:39.880 --> 00:19:40.920
 To see contrasts,

00:19:42.120 --> 00:19:43.319
 And you compare it,

00:19:43.400 --> 00:19:44.180
 The blind beggar,

00:19:44.220 --> 00:19:45.120
 And you compare,

00:19:45.120 --> 00:19:46.480
 Super wealthy Zacchaeus,

00:19:46.500 --> 00:19:47.140
 And you realize,

00:19:47.299 --> 00:19:48.160
 That financially,

00:19:48.360 --> 00:19:49.140
 They couldn't be,

00:19:49.319 --> 00:19:50.340
 More different,

00:19:50.339 --> 00:19:52.500
 Now the Zacchaeus,

00:19:52.500 --> 00:19:53.679
 Has all the resources,

00:19:53.679 --> 00:19:55.799
 He could ever want,

00:19:56.619 --> 00:19:57.740
 But he too,

00:19:57.839 --> 00:19:58.379
 Has a need,

00:19:58.459 --> 00:19:59.839
 That money can't buy,

00:19:59.839 --> 00:20:02.299
 And again,

00:20:02.379 --> 00:20:03.119
 We need to picture,

00:20:03.439 --> 00:20:04.299
 For a moment,

00:20:04.559 --> 00:20:05.079
 Zacchaeus,

00:20:05.159 --> 00:20:06.659
 So verse two,

00:20:06.779 --> 00:20:07.679
 Of chapter 19,

00:20:08.679 --> 00:20:09.439
 A man was there,

00:20:09.500 --> 00:20:10.500
 By the name of Zacchaeus,

00:20:10.720 --> 00:20:12.699
 He was a chief tax collector,

00:20:13.279 --> 00:20:15.339
 And was wealthy,

00:20:15.339 --> 00:20:17.439
 Now that might not mean,

00:20:17.439 --> 00:20:19.399
 That much to us,

00:20:19.659 --> 00:20:20.799
 But to the people,

00:20:20.919 --> 00:20:22.559
 In Jesus' day,

00:20:23.459 --> 00:20:24.480
 That meant Zacchaeus,

00:20:24.480 --> 00:20:26.939
 Was public enemy number one,

00:20:27.959 --> 00:20:28.500
 He is a man,

00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:29.159
 Who has got rich,

00:20:29.220 --> 00:20:30.000
 By corruption,

00:20:31.000 --> 00:20:31.599
 He is a man,

00:20:31.639 --> 00:20:32.379
 Who's been siding,

00:20:32.519 --> 00:20:34.319
 With enemy oppressors,

00:20:34.720 --> 00:20:37.639
 And he's not just,

00:20:37.699 --> 00:20:38.639
 A tax collector,

00:20:39.419 --> 00:20:41.000
 He's the chief tax collector,

00:20:41.279 --> 00:20:42.379
 So he is the very worst,

00:20:42.419 --> 00:20:42.759
 Of the worst,

00:20:42.819 --> 00:20:43.439
 He's the lowest,

00:20:43.579 --> 00:20:44.699
 Of the low,

00:20:44.700 --> 00:20:45.759
 Getting rich,

00:20:45.940 --> 00:20:47.080
 Benefiting himself,

00:20:47.180 --> 00:20:48.000
 At the expense,

00:20:48.319 --> 00:20:49.759
 Of others,

00:20:50.620 --> 00:20:52.279
 I called him,

00:20:52.319 --> 00:20:53.620
 A prodigal tax collector,

00:20:53.720 --> 00:20:54.340
 Because in my mind,

00:20:54.380 --> 00:20:55.620
 It reminds me of,

00:20:55.880 --> 00:20:56.680
 That famous story,

00:20:56.720 --> 00:20:57.620
 Of the prodigal son,

00:20:58.140 --> 00:20:59.019
 That Jesus told,

00:20:59.059 --> 00:20:59.580
 A guy who,

00:20:59.920 --> 00:21:00.799
 Wanted to get away,

00:21:00.900 --> 00:21:01.440
 From his father,

00:21:01.539 --> 00:21:02.019
 And have freedom,

00:21:02.279 --> 00:21:03.360
 And to get a bunch of cash,

00:21:03.420 --> 00:21:04.039
 And to go and,

00:21:04.039 --> 00:21:05.460
 Use it however he wanted,

00:21:05.559 --> 00:21:06.620
 Very selfish,

00:21:06.740 --> 00:21:07.580
 Well here is,

00:21:08.019 --> 00:21:09.000
 This prodigal,

00:21:09.319 --> 00:21:10.120
 Zacchaeus,

00:21:10.880 --> 00:21:11.920
 He's very wealthy,

00:21:12.680 --> 00:21:13.740
 He's sitting on this,

00:21:13.740 --> 00:21:15.200
 Great pile,

00:21:15.200 --> 00:21:16.240
 Of cash,

00:21:16.779 --> 00:21:18.579
 But he is alone,

00:21:19.579 --> 00:21:21.279
 And he is far from home,

00:21:22.279 --> 00:21:24.460
 By his choices,

00:21:24.460 --> 00:21:25.440
 He has made himself,

00:21:25.519 --> 00:21:26.200
 An outcast,

00:21:26.259 --> 00:21:27.480
 In his society,

00:21:28.059 --> 00:21:30.279
 By a deliberate choice,

00:21:30.400 --> 00:21:31.900
 He has walked away,

00:21:31.900 --> 00:21:33.680
 From his God,

00:21:34.380 --> 00:21:35.440
 Choosing to live,

00:21:35.980 --> 00:21:37.339
 With injustice,

00:21:37.900 --> 00:21:39.099
 And immorality,

00:21:39.480 --> 00:21:40.900
 In his day-to-day,

00:21:40.900 --> 00:21:41.680
 Business,

00:21:41.820 --> 00:21:42.759
 This is a deliberate,

00:21:42.759 --> 00:21:43.700
 Rejection,

00:21:43.759 --> 00:21:44.519
 Of his people,

00:21:44.640 --> 00:21:45.360
 And his faith,

00:21:45.780 --> 00:21:46.800
 In order that he might,

00:21:46.800 --> 00:21:47.640
 Get rich quick,

00:21:48.440 --> 00:21:51.000
 But we find him here,

00:21:51.080 --> 00:21:51.580
 With this,

00:21:52.140 --> 00:21:52.759
 Need,

00:21:53.100 --> 00:21:54.519
 That money can't buy,

00:21:55.140 --> 00:21:56.280
 And it surprises us,

00:21:56.300 --> 00:21:56.780
 There's three,

00:21:56.860 --> 00:21:58.680
 Surprises we can recognize,

00:21:59.019 --> 00:22:01.320
 From this story,

00:22:02.320 --> 00:22:02.640
 First,

00:22:02.740 --> 00:22:03.200
 That Zacchaeus,

00:22:03.240 --> 00:22:04.140
 Is a surprising,

00:22:04.820 --> 00:22:05.480
 Seeker,

00:22:05.480 --> 00:22:07.839
 Some high schools,

00:22:07.900 --> 00:22:08.360
 Mine didn't,

00:22:08.420 --> 00:22:09.140
 But some high schools,

00:22:09.240 --> 00:22:10.640
 Have yearbooks,

00:22:11.460 --> 00:22:12.720
 Maybe final year,

00:22:13.039 --> 00:22:13.940
 Pupils would,

00:22:14.059 --> 00:22:15.180
 Have their pictures,

00:22:15.400 --> 00:22:16.259
 And some entries,

00:22:16.440 --> 00:22:16.980
 Underneath,

00:22:17.360 --> 00:22:18.339
 You might vote on,

00:22:18.420 --> 00:22:19.200
 Who'd be the most likely,

00:22:19.339 --> 00:22:20.220
 To succeed,

00:22:20.319 --> 00:22:21.039
 All those kind of things,

00:22:21.380 --> 00:22:22.700
 Imagine Zacchaeus,

00:22:22.759 --> 00:22:24.059
 In the yearbook,

00:22:24.819 --> 00:22:25.759
 He'd be one of those guys,

00:22:25.819 --> 00:22:27.039
 That'd be least likely,

00:22:27.200 --> 00:22:28.019
 Candidate,

00:22:28.599 --> 00:22:29.539
 For salvation,

00:22:30.200 --> 00:22:31.120
 Least likely,

00:22:31.460 --> 00:22:32.319
 To want anything,

00:22:32.319 --> 00:22:33.299
 To do with Jesus,

00:22:33.299 --> 00:22:35.099
 Because of all of his choices,

00:22:35.099 --> 00:22:36.099
 Up until this point,

00:22:37.139 --> 00:22:37.819
 He sacrificed,

00:22:38.240 --> 00:22:39.559
 The community of God's people,

00:22:39.659 --> 00:22:40.279
 For cash,

00:22:40.740 --> 00:22:42.440
 He has given up faith,

00:22:42.519 --> 00:22:43.619
 For financial gain,

00:22:44.940 --> 00:22:45.680
 But look at him,

00:22:45.680 --> 00:22:47.259
 Look at him in verses three and four,

00:22:48.180 --> 00:22:49.579
 He wanted to see,

00:22:50.220 --> 00:22:51.399
 Who Jesus was,

00:22:52.559 --> 00:22:53.519
 But because he was short,

00:22:53.779 --> 00:22:55.119
 He couldn't see over the crowd,

00:22:55.419 --> 00:22:56.339
 So he ran ahead,

00:22:56.419 --> 00:22:57.799
 And climbed a sycamore fig tree,

00:22:57.879 --> 00:22:58.539
 To see him,

00:22:59.139 --> 00:23:01.379
 Since Jesus was coming that way,

00:23:01.380 --> 00:23:04.660
 When was the last time,

00:23:04.700 --> 00:23:05.560
 You climbed a tree,

00:23:06.780 --> 00:23:07.440
 Maybe some of us,

00:23:07.460 --> 00:23:08.200
 It wasn't that long ago,

00:23:08.320 --> 00:23:08.820
 Maybe some of us,

00:23:08.840 --> 00:23:09.460
 It was yesterday,

00:23:09.920 --> 00:23:10.640
 Others of us,

00:23:10.680 --> 00:23:11.480
 Perhaps we did it,

00:23:11.520 --> 00:23:12.760
 To rescue our children,

00:23:12.900 --> 00:23:13.780
 Who got up high,

00:23:13.840 --> 00:23:14.900
 And didn't know how to come back down,

00:23:14.980 --> 00:23:15.340
 Some of us,

00:23:15.380 --> 00:23:16.960
 We maybe have to go back decades,

00:23:17.900 --> 00:23:19.860
 Well in Zacchaeus' culture,

00:23:20.540 --> 00:23:22.700
 An adult would never upon never,

00:23:23.260 --> 00:23:23.780
 Climb a tree,

00:23:23.880 --> 00:23:25.120
 It was just undignified,

00:23:25.920 --> 00:23:26.860
 It's like you didn't run,

00:23:27.740 --> 00:23:28.900
 You didn't claim trees,

00:23:30.300 --> 00:23:30.980
 Things have changed,

00:23:31.460 --> 00:23:32.559
 Why does he climb?

00:23:33.799 --> 00:23:35.140
 Why does he do this thing?

00:23:35.819 --> 00:23:36.360
 Well he climbs,

00:23:36.440 --> 00:23:37.120
 First of all we're told,

00:23:37.180 --> 00:23:37.880
 Because he's short,

00:23:38.500 --> 00:23:39.200
 He's got a physical,

00:23:39.440 --> 00:23:41.059
 He's struggling to see Jesus,

00:23:42.120 --> 00:23:45.000
 But when we think about his job,

00:23:45.539 --> 00:23:46.279
 One of the reasons,

00:23:46.279 --> 00:23:47.579
 Why he can't see Jesus,

00:23:47.720 --> 00:23:48.279
 Is no doubt,

00:23:48.360 --> 00:23:48.920
 Because the crowd,

00:23:49.059 --> 00:23:50.700
 Are making life difficult for him,

00:23:51.180 --> 00:23:52.259
 You're not going to let this guy,

00:23:52.360 --> 00:23:54.039
 Get the best view in the house,

00:23:54.160 --> 00:23:55.420
 This guy who's robbing you blind,

00:23:56.539 --> 00:23:59.120
 But he also climbs the tree,

00:23:59.220 --> 00:24:00.059
 Because he's desperate,

00:24:00.059 --> 00:24:02.639
 He's desperate for a chance,

00:24:03.200 --> 00:24:04.240
 To see Jesus,

00:24:04.940 --> 00:24:06.679
 He's a surprising seeker,

00:24:07.119 --> 00:24:08.359
 And not only that,

00:24:08.399 --> 00:24:10.319
 There's a very surprising invitation,

00:24:11.460 --> 00:24:12.359
 Verse 5,

00:24:12.359 --> 00:24:14.219
 When Jesus reached the spot,

00:24:14.319 --> 00:24:15.539
 He looked up and said to him,

00:24:15.579 --> 00:24:16.159
 Zacchaeus,

00:24:16.819 --> 00:24:18.240
 Come down immediately,

00:24:18.899 --> 00:24:20.019
 I must,

00:24:20.719 --> 00:24:21.979
 Stay at your house today,

00:24:22.979 --> 00:24:24.059
 So King Jesus,

00:24:24.519 --> 00:24:26.219
 Is on his journey to Jerusalem,

00:24:26.939 --> 00:24:28.339
 And he's on that mission,

00:24:29.000 --> 00:24:30.459
 And his mission is one of grace,

00:24:30.839 --> 00:24:32.259
 His mission is to come and seek,

00:24:32.319 --> 00:24:33.139
 And to save the lost,

00:24:33.199 --> 00:24:34.339
 And how does he demonstrate it,

00:24:34.379 --> 00:24:35.419
 Right here and right now,

00:24:36.199 --> 00:24:37.799
 He picks out the worst guy,

00:24:37.799 --> 00:24:38.720
 In this big crowd,

00:24:39.720 --> 00:24:40.359
 Zacchaeus,

00:24:41.139 --> 00:24:41.759
 Kind of made himself,

00:24:41.819 --> 00:24:42.559
 A public spectacle,

00:24:42.720 --> 00:24:43.279
 Up in the tree,

00:24:43.919 --> 00:24:45.319
 And what Jesus does,

00:24:45.399 --> 00:24:46.440
 He doesn't just pick him out,

00:24:47.559 --> 00:24:48.859
 He shows him hospitality,

00:24:49.700 --> 00:24:51.379
 He invites,

00:24:51.379 --> 00:24:52.720
 Zacchaeus,

00:24:53.059 --> 00:24:53.359
 In,

00:24:54.259 --> 00:24:55.279
 He invites,

00:24:55.379 --> 00:24:55.940
 Zacchaeus,

00:24:55.980 --> 00:24:56.859
 To welcome Jesus,

00:24:56.980 --> 00:24:57.440
 For a meal,

00:24:57.819 --> 00:24:59.220
 In this sign of friendship,

00:25:00.059 --> 00:25:00.980
 And acceptance,

00:25:00.980 --> 00:25:04.360
 And Jesus doesn't say,

00:25:04.920 --> 00:25:06.720
 I kind of feel like I should,

00:25:07.759 --> 00:25:08.480
 Jesus says,

00:25:08.660 --> 00:25:09.559
 I must,

00:25:10.259 --> 00:25:11.480
 And that must,

00:25:12.200 --> 00:25:12.920
 Tells us,

00:25:12.980 --> 00:25:13.960
 This is God's,

00:25:13.960 --> 00:25:15.680
 Deliberate plan,

00:25:16.259 --> 00:25:18.160
 This is God's,

00:25:18.160 --> 00:25:20.259
 Eternal saving plan,

00:25:20.259 --> 00:25:22.599
 For a lost sinner like Zacchaeus,

00:25:22.900 --> 00:25:24.079
 Being activated,

00:25:24.319 --> 00:25:24.860
 Right here,

00:25:24.960 --> 00:25:25.380
 Right now,

00:25:25.759 --> 00:25:27.640
 Under the sycamore tree,

00:25:27.640 --> 00:25:30.980
 I must,

00:25:32.140 --> 00:25:35.640
 We're going to sing at the end,

00:25:35.720 --> 00:25:36.440
 Our sins,

00:25:36.920 --> 00:25:38.320
 They are many,

00:25:40.140 --> 00:25:41.780
 God's mercy,

00:25:42.680 --> 00:25:43.620
 Is more,

00:25:45.759 --> 00:25:48.380
 It's the wonderful song of this moment,

00:25:48.520 --> 00:25:49.940
 Zacchaeus' sins were many,

00:25:50.360 --> 00:25:52.440
 But the mercy of God in sending Jesus,

00:25:52.640 --> 00:25:54.160
 Was more,

00:25:54.300 --> 00:25:54.820
 And again,

00:25:55.759 --> 00:25:56.920
 Let's just stop for a moment,

00:25:57.640 --> 00:25:58.440
 And reflect,

00:25:59.040 --> 00:26:01.440
 So that we don't lose sight of this,

00:26:02.560 --> 00:26:03.640
 So that on the one hand,

00:26:03.780 --> 00:26:04.900
 We keep praying,

00:26:05.840 --> 00:26:07.200
 For the prodigals,

00:26:07.660 --> 00:26:08.900
 In our own lives,

00:26:09.420 --> 00:26:11.940
 Those people that we know,

00:26:12.080 --> 00:26:12.520
 And love,

00:26:12.900 --> 00:26:13.600
 Some of whom,

00:26:13.780 --> 00:26:14.740
 Used to come to church,

00:26:14.840 --> 00:26:15.560
 Some of whom perhaps,

00:26:15.660 --> 00:26:16.360
 Profess faith,

00:26:16.440 --> 00:26:17.940
 But now are far from God,

00:26:18.860 --> 00:26:19.800
 Or those characters,

00:26:20.060 --> 00:26:21.080
 In our networks,

00:26:21.180 --> 00:26:21.900
 Or in our community,

00:26:22.020 --> 00:26:22.300
 We think,

00:26:23.380 --> 00:26:26.140
 We can't see any prospect of them,

00:26:26.240 --> 00:26:26.580
 Ever,

00:26:26.579 --> 00:26:28.519
 Coming to find God's grace,

00:26:28.579 --> 00:26:29.279
 Let's pray,

00:26:29.919 --> 00:26:31.099
 And let's seek,

00:26:31.639 --> 00:26:32.939
 And let's expect God,

00:26:33.019 --> 00:26:34.319
 To amaze us with his grace,

00:26:34.359 --> 00:26:34.939
 As he does,

00:26:35.539 --> 00:26:36.960
 On this occasion,

00:26:37.960 --> 00:26:39.679
 The crowd are certainly amazed,

00:26:40.220 --> 00:26:41.299
 But not positively,

00:26:42.059 --> 00:26:42.659
 Verse 7,

00:26:42.659 --> 00:26:43.639
 And all the people saw this,

00:26:43.720 --> 00:26:44.699
 And began to mutter,

00:26:44.700 --> 00:26:46.580
 He has gone,

00:26:46.580 --> 00:26:46.600
 He has gone,

00:26:46.740 --> 00:26:47.640
 To be the guest,

00:26:48.380 --> 00:26:49.140
 Of a sinner,

00:26:50.000 --> 00:26:50.720
 They're grumbling,

00:26:51.140 --> 00:26:52.120
 Like Old Testament,

00:26:52.380 --> 00:26:52.779
 Israel,

00:26:53.140 --> 00:26:53.660
 Grumbling,

00:26:54.360 --> 00:26:54.860
 How come,

00:26:55.000 --> 00:26:55.620
 Why the grumble?

00:26:56.299 --> 00:26:56.759
 Because they've got,

00:26:56.920 --> 00:26:57.960
 A low view of Zacchaeus,

00:26:58.279 --> 00:26:59.240
 God shouldn't be interested,

00:26:59.340 --> 00:27:00.019
 Jesus shouldn't be interested,

00:27:00.100 --> 00:27:00.779
 In people like him,

00:27:01.920 --> 00:27:02.360
 And they've got,

00:27:02.440 --> 00:27:03.059
 A low view,

00:27:03.160 --> 00:27:04.420
 Of the grace of God,

00:27:06.480 --> 00:27:08.259
 Salvation is for good people,

00:27:08.340 --> 00:27:08.980
 They think,

00:27:08.980 --> 00:27:11.099
 What does Jesus say?

00:27:11.759 --> 00:27:12.980
 Salvation is for sinners,

00:27:13.539 --> 00:27:14.839
 It's for people like us,

00:27:16.019 --> 00:27:17.559
 They have that low view,

00:27:17.620 --> 00:27:18.160
 Of God's grace,

00:27:18.220 --> 00:27:19.599
 But what does Jesus do again?

00:27:19.960 --> 00:27:20.680
 He chooses,

00:27:21.200 --> 00:27:22.279
 He calls,

00:27:23.279 --> 00:27:24.440
 And he saves,

00:27:25.799 --> 00:27:27.319
 Salvation is a free gift,

00:27:27.380 --> 00:27:28.860
 Of God's grace,

00:27:29.220 --> 00:27:30.640
 It's not earned,

00:27:30.720 --> 00:27:31.620
 Or deserved,

00:27:31.720 --> 00:27:32.380
 And Zacchaeus,

00:27:32.880 --> 00:27:34.059
 Shows us that,

00:27:35.819 --> 00:27:37.160
 And then there's,

00:27:37.160 --> 00:27:38.819
 Surprising salvation,

00:27:38.980 --> 00:27:41.680
 Verse 8,

00:27:42.339 --> 00:27:43.460
 Here is how Zacchaeus,

00:27:43.539 --> 00:27:45.339
 Shows repentance,

00:27:45.519 --> 00:27:46.259
 What's repentance?

00:27:46.440 --> 00:27:46.860
 It's when you have,

00:27:46.980 --> 00:27:48.240
 A change of heart,

00:27:48.380 --> 00:27:49.200
 And mind,

00:27:49.960 --> 00:27:50.920
 Towards God,

00:27:51.039 --> 00:27:52.259
 So leaving behind,

00:27:52.620 --> 00:27:54.079
 A life of pursuing sin,

00:27:54.120 --> 00:27:54.960
 In order to,

00:27:55.319 --> 00:27:57.240
 Follow after Jesus,

00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:59.059
 Here is how Zacchaeus,

00:27:59.059 --> 00:27:59.900
 Shows his faith,

00:27:59.960 --> 00:28:00.759
 That he's going to trust,

00:28:00.759 --> 00:28:01.559
 In Jesus,

00:28:02.140 --> 00:28:03.099
 As Lord,

00:28:04.819 --> 00:28:05.539
 Verse 8,

00:28:05.599 --> 00:28:06.079
 Look Lord,

00:28:06.640 --> 00:28:07.880
 Here and now,

00:28:07.880 --> 00:28:09.160
 I give half,

00:28:09.160 --> 00:28:10.160
 Of my possessions,

00:28:10.160 --> 00:28:10.860
 To the poor,

00:28:11.300 --> 00:28:12.660
 And if I've cheated,

00:28:12.660 --> 00:28:13.300
 Anybody,

00:28:13.300 --> 00:28:14.400
 Out of anything,

00:28:14.860 --> 00:28:16.180
 I'll pay back,

00:28:16.300 --> 00:28:17.140
 Four times the amount,

00:28:18.780 --> 00:28:19.700
 Now this is dramatic,

00:28:19.820 --> 00:28:20.160
 It's a guy,

00:28:20.240 --> 00:28:21.520
 Who's been living for money,

00:28:21.960 --> 00:28:22.980
 Sacrificing everything,

00:28:23.080 --> 00:28:24.000
 For his cash,

00:28:24.000 --> 00:28:26.680
 But now that he's received,

00:28:26.680 --> 00:28:27.759
 Generous grace,

00:28:27.759 --> 00:28:28.519
 Through Jesus,

00:28:28.519 --> 00:28:30.180
 His heart has been changed,

00:28:31.059 --> 00:28:32.279
 And in an instant,

00:28:32.359 --> 00:28:33.839
 He's happy to give half of it away,

00:28:34.900 --> 00:28:35.980
 And recognizing,

00:28:36.160 --> 00:28:37.900
 That he has treated people unjustly,

00:28:37.900 --> 00:28:38.079
 Saying,

00:28:38.380 --> 00:28:39.039
 I'll pay back,

00:28:39.099 --> 00:28:40.680
 With 300% interest,

00:28:41.279 --> 00:28:43.079
 He freely confesses sin,

00:28:43.240 --> 00:28:44.759
 And he freely confesses,

00:28:44.819 --> 00:28:45.759
 Jesus as Lord,

00:28:45.880 --> 00:28:47.019
 What's happening here,

00:28:47.059 --> 00:28:48.240
 Is that Jesus is his Lord,

00:28:48.319 --> 00:28:49.400
 Not his money,

00:28:49.400 --> 00:28:51.940
 He had that idol,

00:28:52.519 --> 00:28:53.720
 The idol was clearly,

00:28:53.720 --> 00:28:55.560
 Failing to satisfy,

00:28:56.420 --> 00:28:57.280
 Instead he's found,

00:28:57.340 --> 00:28:58.240
 Deep and lasting joy,

00:28:58.340 --> 00:28:58.840
 In Jesus,

00:28:59.720 --> 00:29:01.820
 And then comes,

00:29:01.920 --> 00:29:03.240
 Jesus' public verdict,

00:29:04.400 --> 00:29:04.840
 Today,

00:29:05.680 --> 00:29:07.360
 Salvation has come to this house,

00:29:08.259 --> 00:29:09.140
 Because this man too,

00:29:09.200 --> 00:29:10.180
 Is a son of Abraham,

00:29:11.220 --> 00:29:12.340
 For the son of man,

00:29:12.759 --> 00:29:13.540
 Came to seek,

00:29:14.140 --> 00:29:15.019
 And to save,

00:29:15.460 --> 00:29:16.200
 The lost,

00:29:16.200 --> 00:29:17.620
 Zacchaeus,

00:29:17.620 --> 00:29:17.640
 Zacchaeus,

00:29:17.640 --> 00:29:17.700
 Zacchaeus,

00:29:17.700 --> 00:29:18.180
 Zacchaeus,

00:29:18.180 --> 00:29:19.279
 Has been saved,

00:29:19.380 --> 00:29:20.799
 Salvation has come,

00:29:21.160 --> 00:29:22.039
 He too,

00:29:23.160 --> 00:29:24.100
 Has been restored,

00:29:24.900 --> 00:29:26.180
 He's been restored,

00:29:26.299 --> 00:29:26.940
 To God's people,

00:29:27.039 --> 00:29:27.680
 He's been restored,

00:29:27.819 --> 00:29:28.860
 To the community of faith,

00:29:29.180 --> 00:29:30.019
 He too,

00:29:30.380 --> 00:29:31.059
 By faith,

00:29:31.160 --> 00:29:31.840
 Is a child,

00:29:32.220 --> 00:29:32.759
 Of Abraham,

00:29:33.400 --> 00:29:35.720
 And this is the mission,

00:29:35.819 --> 00:29:36.519
 Of King Jesus,

00:29:37.559 --> 00:29:39.019
 The mission to seek,

00:29:39.279 --> 00:29:40.000
 And save,

00:29:40.200 --> 00:29:40.720
 The lost,

00:29:41.340 --> 00:29:42.440
 The mission to bring,

00:29:42.740 --> 00:29:43.480
 Prodigals,

00:29:43.819 --> 00:29:44.779
 Back home,

00:29:45.460 --> 00:29:46.160
 It's the priority,

00:29:46.200 --> 00:29:46.779
 Of Jesus,

00:29:48.019 --> 00:29:48.920
 And it's the joy,

00:29:48.920 --> 00:29:50.180
 Of Jesus as well,

00:29:51.059 --> 00:29:52.180
 We read,

00:29:52.380 --> 00:29:53.000
 At the beginning,

00:29:53.200 --> 00:29:54.220
 Verses 31,

00:29:54.660 --> 00:29:55.960
 To 33,

00:29:57.160 --> 00:29:57.920
 Of the journey,

00:29:57.920 --> 00:29:58.940
 That Jesus was going,

00:29:59.039 --> 00:29:59.539
 To take,

00:30:00.259 --> 00:30:02.319
 We're going up,

00:30:02.420 --> 00:30:02.940
 To Jerusalem,

00:30:04.000 --> 00:30:04.600
 And everything,

00:30:04.799 --> 00:30:05.140
 That's written,

00:30:05.279 --> 00:30:05.880
 By the prophets,

00:30:05.960 --> 00:30:06.880
 About the son of man,

00:30:06.920 --> 00:30:07.759
 Will be fulfilled,

00:30:08.279 --> 00:30:09.120
 He'll be handed,

00:30:09.120 --> 00:30:10.539
 Over to the Gentiles,

00:30:10.840 --> 00:30:11.819
 They will mock him,

00:30:11.920 --> 00:30:12.400
 Insult him,

00:30:12.519 --> 00:30:13.000
 Spit on him,

00:30:13.059 --> 00:30:13.779
 They will flog him,

00:30:13.799 --> 00:30:14.340
 And kill him,

00:30:14.360 --> 00:30:15.080
 On the third day,

00:30:15.140 --> 00:30:16.120
 He will rise again,

00:30:16.960 --> 00:30:18.700
 How do we explain that?

00:30:20.120 --> 00:30:21.279
 We explain it,

00:30:21.299 --> 00:30:22.700
 Because Jesus is on a mission,

00:30:22.779 --> 00:30:24.200
 To seek and save the lost,

00:30:25.240 --> 00:30:26.420
 Paul put it this way,

00:30:26.460 --> 00:30:27.319
 In a different context,

00:30:27.440 --> 00:30:28.299
 2 Corinthians 8,

00:30:28.360 --> 00:30:28.740
 Verse 9,

00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:29.400
 You know,

00:30:29.580 --> 00:30:31.120
 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

00:30:31.559 --> 00:30:32.480
 That though he was rich,

00:30:32.580 --> 00:30:33.900
 Rich with all the glory,

00:30:34.059 --> 00:30:34.620
 Of heaven,

00:30:34.880 --> 00:30:35.819
 Yet for your sake,

00:30:35.840 --> 00:30:36.600
 He became poor,

00:30:36.920 --> 00:30:38.180
 Becoming one of us,

00:30:38.819 --> 00:30:40.580
 Going to the cross for us,

00:30:41.039 --> 00:30:43.180
 That you through his poverty,

00:30:43.180 --> 00:30:45.440
 Might become rich,

00:30:46.140 --> 00:30:47.680
 Spiritual riches,

00:30:47.680 --> 00:30:49.840
 Are what Zacchaeus,

00:30:50.220 --> 00:30:51.019
 Discovered,

00:30:51.220 --> 00:30:52.160
 And treasured,

00:30:52.299 --> 00:30:53.700
 Those riches that come,

00:30:54.080 --> 00:30:54.840
 From Jesus,

00:30:55.480 --> 00:30:56.660
 Saving grace,

00:30:57.200 --> 00:30:59.779
 Now just as we close,

00:31:00.200 --> 00:31:01.560
 Just by way of,

00:31:01.799 --> 00:31:03.600
 Reminding ourselves,

00:31:04.259 --> 00:31:05.299
 Of,

00:31:06.600 --> 00:31:07.460
 Three facts,

00:31:07.620 --> 00:31:08.279
 Three lessons,

00:31:08.279 --> 00:31:09.379
 That we can draw,

00:31:09.960 --> 00:31:11.460
 From this journey,

00:31:11.920 --> 00:31:12.680
 Of Jesus,

00:31:13.879 --> 00:31:14.379
 One,

00:31:15.119 --> 00:31:16.079
 That no one,

00:31:16.819 --> 00:31:18.240
 Is beyond God's grace,

00:31:18.839 --> 00:31:19.740
 So I came across,

00:31:19.839 --> 00:31:20.599
 A story,

00:31:21.079 --> 00:31:21.759
 This week,

00:31:21.839 --> 00:31:23.000
 From a missionary,

00:31:23.220 --> 00:31:24.160
 In South America,

00:31:24.579 --> 00:31:25.279
 It's dating back,

00:31:25.359 --> 00:31:26.079
 A couple of years,

00:31:26.079 --> 00:31:26.519
 I think,

00:31:27.359 --> 00:31:27.859
 He was on,

00:31:27.939 --> 00:31:28.399
 This must have been,

00:31:28.859 --> 00:31:29.960
 Before pandemic,

00:31:30.220 --> 00:31:31.099
 He was sharing,

00:31:31.319 --> 00:31:32.139
 On the streets,

00:31:32.439 --> 00:31:33.379
 With various people,

00:31:33.439 --> 00:31:34.000
 Looking to,

00:31:34.279 --> 00:31:35.480
 Read the gospel,

00:31:35.619 --> 00:31:36.299
 Share the gospel,

00:31:36.460 --> 00:31:37.899
 And a man came to him,

00:31:38.419 --> 00:31:39.599
 Had an obvious interest,

00:31:39.759 --> 00:31:41.319
 In the new testament,

00:31:41.439 --> 00:31:42.099
 He was carrying,

00:31:42.500 --> 00:31:43.839
 Not because of its message,

00:31:44.619 --> 00:31:45.599
 But because the paper,

00:31:45.599 --> 00:31:46.720
 Was just thin enough,

00:31:46.819 --> 00:31:47.539
 To make excellent,

00:31:47.679 --> 00:31:48.439
 Cigarette paper,

00:31:49.259 --> 00:31:49.879
 And so,

00:31:50.079 --> 00:31:50.740
 This missionary,

00:31:50.919 --> 00:31:51.339
 Sensed,

00:31:51.720 --> 00:31:53.000
 The man's,

00:31:53.279 --> 00:31:53.919
 Desires,

00:31:54.419 --> 00:31:55.159
 But said to him,

00:31:55.359 --> 00:31:56.059
 Promise me this,

00:31:56.179 --> 00:31:57.179
 I'll give you this new testament,

00:31:57.259 --> 00:31:58.059
 If you promise,

00:31:59.000 --> 00:32:01.259
 That before you use it,

00:32:01.519 --> 00:32:02.839
 For rolling up your next cigarette,

00:32:03.179 --> 00:32:03.779
 You read,

00:32:04.000 --> 00:32:04.919
 Each page,

00:32:05.859 --> 00:32:06.740
 So the man took,

00:32:06.919 --> 00:32:07.619
 The new testament,

00:32:08.460 --> 00:32:09.559
 And a few weeks later,

00:32:10.059 --> 00:32:10.980
 The missionary was back,

00:32:11.019 --> 00:32:11.639
 On the same street,

00:32:11.740 --> 00:32:12.399
 Saw the guy,

00:32:12.480 --> 00:32:12.960
 And asked him,

00:32:12.960 --> 00:32:13.819
 How he was getting on,

00:32:13.899 --> 00:32:15.359
 And he confessed,

00:32:15.859 --> 00:32:16.639
 That he had,

00:32:16.720 --> 00:32:17.299
 By that point,

00:32:17.799 --> 00:32:18.939
 Smoked his way through Matthew,

00:32:19.579 --> 00:32:21.039
 He smoked his way through Mark,

00:32:21.759 --> 00:32:23.119
 He smoked his way through Luke,

00:32:23.939 --> 00:32:24.919
 And he smoked his way,

00:32:25.000 --> 00:32:26.059
 All the way to John,

00:32:26.079 --> 00:32:26.919
 Chapter 3,

00:32:27.799 --> 00:32:28.399
 And in John,

00:32:28.480 --> 00:32:29.220
 Chapter 3,

00:32:29.679 --> 00:32:30.720
 He realized,

00:32:31.079 --> 00:32:31.980
 That he was a sinner,

00:32:32.619 --> 00:32:33.740
 And that Jesus had come,

00:32:34.220 --> 00:32:35.059
 To save sinners,

00:32:35.399 --> 00:32:36.659
 And he'd become a Christian,

00:32:37.339 --> 00:32:37.939
 And now,

00:32:38.399 --> 00:32:39.199
 That same guy,

00:32:39.500 --> 00:32:40.559
 Smoking his way through the Bible,

00:32:40.939 --> 00:32:41.919
 Is training to be,

00:32:42.119 --> 00:32:42.579
 A pastor,

00:32:43.259 --> 00:32:44.939
 And that lesson,

00:32:45.299 --> 00:32:45.879
 Is the lesson,

00:32:46.019 --> 00:32:47.179
 Of this blind beggar,

00:32:47.519 --> 00:32:48.139
 Is the lesson,

00:32:48.240 --> 00:32:48.980
 Of Zacchaeus,

00:32:48.980 --> 00:32:49.900
 That no one,

00:32:49.900 --> 00:32:51.759
 Is beyond God's grace,

00:32:51.759 --> 00:32:54.200
 There is no barrier,

00:32:54.200 --> 00:32:56.200
 To God's grace,

00:32:56.519 --> 00:32:58.099
 Our situations,

00:32:58.880 --> 00:33:00.980
 Our social status,

00:33:01.500 --> 00:33:02.519
 Our past,

00:33:02.640 --> 00:33:03.960
 Or present sins,

00:33:04.579 --> 00:33:06.519
 Our present suffering,

00:33:07.380 --> 00:33:08.819
 Our solitude,

00:33:09.140 --> 00:33:10.799
 None of those,

00:33:11.680 --> 00:33:12.860
 Are barriers,

00:33:13.360 --> 00:33:15.000
 To God working in our hearts,

00:33:15.099 --> 00:33:16.200
 Through the Lord Jesus,

00:33:16.200 --> 00:33:19.539
 In Luke chapter 18,

00:33:20.299 --> 00:33:22.140
 Jesus had met another rich man,

00:33:22.779 --> 00:33:23.680
 A rich man,

00:33:23.799 --> 00:33:25.559
 Who walked away from Jesus,

00:33:25.680 --> 00:33:26.580
 Having rejected him,

00:33:26.620 --> 00:33:27.900
 Because he loved his money more,

00:33:28.160 --> 00:33:29.299
 And the disciples,

00:33:29.920 --> 00:33:30.200
 Are perplexed,

00:33:31.799 --> 00:33:32.799
 And they ask,

00:33:32.920 --> 00:33:33.940
 How can anyone be saved,

00:33:34.000 --> 00:33:35.180
 How can a rich person be saved,

00:33:35.259 --> 00:33:36.200
 And Jesus said,

00:33:36.880 --> 00:33:39.019
 What is impossible with man,

00:33:39.920 --> 00:33:41.940
 Is possible with God,

00:33:41.940 --> 00:33:43.779
 And there's Zacchaeus,

00:33:43.799 --> 00:33:44.799
 As a case in point,

00:33:46.200 --> 00:33:47.320
 Every one of us,

00:33:47.340 --> 00:33:47.960
 If we're Christians,

00:33:48.080 --> 00:33:49.340
 We stand as a miracle,

00:33:49.340 --> 00:33:50.160
 Of God's grace,

00:33:50.200 --> 00:33:51.500
 And we need to remember that,

00:33:51.920 --> 00:33:52.900
 So we recognize,

00:33:53.019 --> 00:33:55.039
 How wide God's grace is,

00:33:55.039 --> 00:33:58.140
 We are not to think,

00:33:58.220 --> 00:34:00.019
 Well I'm the wrong type of person,

00:34:00.700 --> 00:34:02.600
 So Jesus wouldn't be interested in me,

00:34:03.360 --> 00:34:04.100
 We're not to think,

00:34:04.220 --> 00:34:06.420
 Well my past has been such a mess,

00:34:07.259 --> 00:34:08.700
 That God wouldn't care about me,

00:34:08.699 --> 00:34:11.359
 God's kingdom is wide,

00:34:11.480 --> 00:34:14.059
 And no one is beyond God's grace,

00:34:14.559 --> 00:34:17.199
 Another lesson that we learn,

00:34:17.359 --> 00:34:18.219
 From these two men,

00:34:18.319 --> 00:34:19.179
 Is this,

00:34:19.279 --> 00:34:20.139
 Don't ignore,

00:34:20.899 --> 00:34:22.059
 The call of Jesus,

00:34:23.159 --> 00:34:23.799
 These two men,

00:34:23.859 --> 00:34:24.960
 Very different in so many ways,

00:34:25.039 --> 00:34:26.799
 But the same in one essential regard,

00:34:26.879 --> 00:34:28.139
 They are aware of their need,

00:34:28.239 --> 00:34:29.179
 Their needs are different,

00:34:29.739 --> 00:34:30.919
 But there is a sense of urgency,

00:34:30.919 --> 00:34:31.859
 From them both,

00:34:33.879 --> 00:34:35.179
 You almost get the impression,

00:34:35.279 --> 00:34:35.879
 That for both of them,

00:34:35.960 --> 00:34:36.719
 They have this understanding,

00:34:36.839 --> 00:34:38.599
 This might be my only chance,

00:34:38.699 --> 00:34:40.859
 To have an encounter with Jesus,

00:34:40.960 --> 00:34:41.859
 To meet with Jesus,

00:34:42.539 --> 00:34:43.619
 Now so one is shouting,

00:34:43.759 --> 00:34:44.859
 Even though the crowds are telling him,

00:34:44.899 --> 00:34:45.419
 Be quiet,

00:34:45.879 --> 00:34:46.939
 One's climbing a tree,

00:34:47.039 --> 00:34:47.899
 Even though the crowds are trying,

00:34:47.919 --> 00:34:48.679
 To block him out,

00:34:49.739 --> 00:34:52.339
 I wonder today,

00:34:53.799 --> 00:34:55.739
 If you come to church today,

00:34:55.799 --> 00:34:57.399
 And you are very much aware,

00:34:57.519 --> 00:34:58.519
 Of your need,

00:35:00.179 --> 00:35:00.779
 Perhaps,

00:35:01.019 --> 00:35:02.579
 Your need because of,

00:35:03.199 --> 00:35:04.159
 Your own suffering,

00:35:05.599 --> 00:35:06.579
 Perhaps,

00:35:06.579 --> 00:35:06.679
 Perhaps,

00:35:07.000 --> 00:35:08.559
 It's a need born out of,

00:35:08.559 --> 00:35:10.259
 Sadness,

00:35:10.880 --> 00:35:11.940
 And a sense of,

00:35:11.940 --> 00:35:12.799
 Emptiness,

00:35:12.799 --> 00:35:14.579
 Perhaps,

00:35:15.799 --> 00:35:17.000
 You find yourself today,

00:35:17.119 --> 00:35:18.719
 Aware of your sin,

00:35:19.519 --> 00:35:20.920
 And a guilty conscience,

00:35:21.019 --> 00:35:21.259
 You know,

00:35:21.319 --> 00:35:22.579
 All is not well,

00:35:22.659 --> 00:35:23.279
 Between you,

00:35:23.420 --> 00:35:24.840
 And your creator,

00:35:24.840 --> 00:35:27.960
 Are you aware,

00:35:27.960 --> 00:35:29.759
 Of your need for salvation,

00:35:29.759 --> 00:35:30.440
 Today,

00:35:30.440 --> 00:35:33.699
 To have things put right,

00:35:33.779 --> 00:35:34.440
 Between you,

00:35:34.440 --> 00:35:35.820
 And your God,

00:35:35.820 --> 00:35:38.639
 I wonder,

00:35:38.740 --> 00:35:39.440
 Do you believe,

00:35:40.179 --> 00:35:41.539
 Who Jesus is?

00:35:42.320 --> 00:35:43.519
 That he is,

00:35:43.519 --> 00:35:44.720
 The son of God,

00:35:45.039 --> 00:35:46.240
 That he is,

00:35:46.240 --> 00:35:47.659
 God's promised king,

00:35:47.740 --> 00:35:48.320
 That he is,

00:35:48.320 --> 00:35:50.099
 The savior for sinners,

00:35:50.260 --> 00:35:51.079
 That he is,

00:35:51.079 --> 00:35:52.240
 Full of grace,

00:35:52.300 --> 00:35:53.039
 And compassion,

00:35:53.039 --> 00:35:58.039
 Do you know,

00:35:58.119 --> 00:35:59.679
 The facts of Easter,

00:35:59.679 --> 00:36:02.139
 That Jesus came,

00:36:02.139 --> 00:36:03.199
 On a mission,

00:36:03.399 --> 00:36:04.899
 To die on the cross,

00:36:05.019 --> 00:36:06.699
 To pay the penalty,

00:36:06.699 --> 00:36:07.460
 For sin,

00:36:07.799 --> 00:36:09.619
 And to rise again,

00:36:09.919 --> 00:36:10.819
 For salvation,

00:36:11.059 --> 00:36:11.500
 Forgiveness,

00:36:11.699 --> 00:36:12.799
 And eternal life,

00:36:13.199 --> 00:36:16.679
 Well if you know,

00:36:16.839 --> 00:36:17.419
 These things,

00:36:17.539 --> 00:36:18.219
 And you're not,

00:36:18.519 --> 00:36:19.219
 Yet a Christian,

00:36:20.059 --> 00:36:21.419
 The time is,

00:36:21.799 --> 00:36:22.539
 Now,

00:36:22.539 --> 00:36:26.059
 Like this blind man,

00:36:26.139 --> 00:36:27.019
 To cry out,

00:36:27.179 --> 00:36:28.900
 Have mercy on me,

00:36:28.900 --> 00:36:34.199
 The time is now,

00:36:34.380 --> 00:36:34.539
 To,

00:36:35.159 --> 00:36:35.699
 As it were,

00:36:35.820 --> 00:36:37.320
 Get out of the tree,

00:36:37.840 --> 00:36:39.639
 To make a decision,

00:36:40.179 --> 00:36:42.139
 To come to Jesus,

00:36:42.259 --> 00:36:43.139
 To trust in him,

00:36:43.219 --> 00:36:44.300
 To hear his call,

00:36:44.380 --> 00:36:44.980
 To repent,

00:36:45.559 --> 00:36:46.679
 And to believe,

00:36:47.039 --> 00:36:47.940
 To follow,

00:36:48.559 --> 00:36:49.800
 And to praise,

00:36:49.800 --> 00:36:53.960
 The last lesson,

00:36:53.960 --> 00:36:54.840
 From this story,

00:36:55.180 --> 00:36:56.519
 Is that we are,

00:36:56.960 --> 00:36:57.740
 All invited,

00:36:58.300 --> 00:36:59.080
 To trust,

00:36:59.320 --> 00:37:00.000
 A savior,

00:37:00.680 --> 00:37:01.620
 Who restores,

00:37:02.620 --> 00:37:05.519
 We're heading to,

00:37:05.840 --> 00:37:06.800
 London in a few weeks,

00:37:06.840 --> 00:37:07.519
 For a couple of days,

00:37:07.660 --> 00:37:08.160
 And so,

00:37:08.560 --> 00:37:09.300
 It was good news,

00:37:09.560 --> 00:37:10.060
 That Big Ben,

00:37:10.140 --> 00:37:10.560
 Was getting,

00:37:11.640 --> 00:37:12.240
 The end,

00:37:12.320 --> 00:37:12.740
 Towards the end,

00:37:12.760 --> 00:37:13.760
 Of its restoration project,

00:37:13.820 --> 00:37:15.019
 I ended up reading up,

00:37:15.519 --> 00:37:16.560
 On how they went about,

00:37:16.660 --> 00:37:17.380
 That project,

00:37:18.039 --> 00:37:18.980
 And the guy,

00:37:19.039 --> 00:37:19.760
 Who was in charge,

00:37:19.800 --> 00:37:20.480
 Of operations,

00:37:20.600 --> 00:37:21.420
 Said that they spent,

00:37:21.500 --> 00:37:21.900
 Ages,

00:37:22.640 --> 00:37:23.800
 Scouring the UK,

00:37:23.980 --> 00:37:25.240
 To find just the right,

00:37:25.240 --> 00:37:26.460
 Master craftsman,

00:37:26.940 --> 00:37:27.360
 You know,

00:37:27.400 --> 00:37:27.960
 There were so many,

00:37:27.960 --> 00:37:29.039
 Unique jobs,

00:37:29.519 --> 00:37:30.640
 In restoring the tower,

00:37:30.720 --> 00:37:31.180
 And the clock,

00:37:31.260 --> 00:37:31.840
 So they had to find,

00:37:31.920 --> 00:37:32.880
 The best in the business,

00:37:32.980 --> 00:37:33.519
 Because this was a,

00:37:33.700 --> 00:37:34.440
 Once in a generation,

00:37:34.640 --> 00:37:35.980
 Once in a lifetime project,

00:37:36.800 --> 00:37:37.820
 Not just any old,

00:37:37.820 --> 00:37:38.400
 Clock maker,

00:37:38.519 --> 00:37:39.180
 Not just any old,

00:37:39.180 --> 00:37:39.920
 Builder would do,

00:37:40.960 --> 00:37:42.280
 When we read,

00:37:42.360 --> 00:37:43.220
 The gospels,

00:37:44.039 --> 00:37:45.000
 And when we read,

00:37:45.180 --> 00:37:46.080
 These stories,

00:37:46.960 --> 00:37:47.900
 We are invited,

00:37:48.080 --> 00:37:49.560
 To see in Jesus,

00:37:49.559 --> 00:37:51.659
 A spiritual,

00:37:51.799 --> 00:37:53.299
 Master craftsman,

00:37:53.299 --> 00:37:54.799
 He is the,

00:37:54.799 --> 00:37:56.219
 Only one,

00:37:56.219 --> 00:37:57.980
 With the power,

00:37:58.299 --> 00:37:59.539
 And the desire,

00:38:00.579 --> 00:38:01.619
 To restore,

00:38:01.759 --> 00:38:02.420
 Broken sinners,

00:38:02.539 --> 00:38:03.179
 Like us,

00:38:03.179 --> 00:38:07.199
 And that's what,

00:38:07.199 --> 00:38:07.860
 Takes him,

00:38:07.940 --> 00:38:08.860
 On that journey,

00:38:09.019 --> 00:38:09.579
 To Easter,

00:38:10.579 --> 00:38:11.739
 That's why,

00:38:11.820 --> 00:38:12.880
 The son of God,

00:38:12.940 --> 00:38:14.019
 Will go to the cross,

00:38:14.079 --> 00:38:14.699
 For his body,

00:38:14.779 --> 00:38:15.360
 To be broken,

00:38:15.500 --> 00:38:16.079
 For his blood,

00:38:16.159 --> 00:38:16.860
 To be spilled,

00:38:16.860 --> 00:38:17.740
 And then for him,

00:38:17.800 --> 00:38:18.360
 To be risen,

00:38:18.620 --> 00:38:19.460
 To life again,

00:38:19.460 --> 00:38:21.980
 So that by trusting,

00:38:22.099 --> 00:38:22.599
 In Jesus,

00:38:23.340 --> 00:38:24.079
 Your sin,

00:38:24.140 --> 00:38:25.420
 Might be paid for,

00:38:25.920 --> 00:38:26.760
 Your guilt,

00:38:26.840 --> 00:38:27.700
 Might be removed,

00:38:28.380 --> 00:38:29.539
 Your forgiveness,

00:38:29.700 --> 00:38:30.720
 Might be secured,

00:38:31.440 --> 00:38:32.960
 The eternal life,

00:38:33.019 --> 00:38:33.920
 Would be,

00:38:33.920 --> 00:38:34.920
 Yours,

00:38:34.920 --> 00:38:37.360
 The blind beggar,

00:38:37.360 --> 00:38:37.380
 The blind beggar,

00:38:37.380 --> 00:38:37.400
 The blind beggar,

00:38:37.460 --> 00:38:37.940
 Trusted,

00:38:39.079 --> 00:38:40.639
 And he could see,

00:38:41.880 --> 00:38:43.059
 Zacchaeus trusted,

00:38:43.860 --> 00:38:44.820
 And he found himself,

00:38:44.880 --> 00:38:45.519
 In a community,

00:38:45.519 --> 00:38:46.500
 Of God's people,

00:38:47.260 --> 00:38:48.860
 Will you trust,

00:38:49.280 --> 00:38:49.960
 And be part,

00:38:50.039 --> 00:38:50.720
 Of his kingdom,

00:38:50.880 --> 00:38:51.200
 Today?

00:38:52.800 --> 00:38:53.760
 Let's pray,

00:38:54.099 --> 00:38:54.440
 Together,

00:38:54.440 --> 00:38:57.900
 Lord,

00:38:58.079 --> 00:38:58.619
 Our God,

00:38:58.700 --> 00:38:59.619
 We praise you,

00:38:59.920 --> 00:39:01.400
 For the restoring work,

00:39:01.400 --> 00:39:01.980
 Of Jesus,

00:39:02.720 --> 00:39:03.460
 We thank you,

00:39:03.460 --> 00:39:04.519
 For his grace,

00:39:04.700 --> 00:39:05.740
 On display,

00:39:06.780 --> 00:39:07.679
 That he wasn't,

00:39:07.840 --> 00:39:09.159
 Just a saviour,

00:39:09.320 --> 00:39:10.840
 For the good people,

00:39:11.480 --> 00:39:12.619
 For the healthy people,

00:39:13.119 --> 00:39:14.300
 For the religious people,

00:39:14.900 --> 00:39:16.500
 But that Jesus,

00:39:16.780 --> 00:39:17.760
 Came to show,

00:39:17.920 --> 00:39:18.960
 Just how wide,

00:39:19.079 --> 00:39:19.760
 And deep,

00:39:19.880 --> 00:39:20.659
 Is your love,

00:39:20.780 --> 00:39:21.720
 And your grace,

00:39:22.579 --> 00:39:23.559
 That you came,

00:39:23.559 --> 00:39:24.539
 To seek,

00:39:24.759 --> 00:39:25.539
 And to save,

00:39:25.719 --> 00:39:26.340
 The lost,

00:39:27.719 --> 00:39:28.139
 Lord,

00:39:28.179 --> 00:39:28.699
 We pray,

00:39:29.199 --> 00:39:30.619
 For those of us,

00:39:30.619 --> 00:39:31.539
 Who are Christians,

00:39:31.699 --> 00:39:32.059
 Today,

00:39:32.940 --> 00:39:33.599
 We ask,

00:39:33.699 --> 00:39:34.099
 That you would,

00:39:34.099 --> 00:39:35.679
 Restore to us,

00:39:36.519 --> 00:39:37.360
 The joy,

00:39:37.460 --> 00:39:38.539
 Of our salvation,

00:39:39.699 --> 00:39:40.340
 That day,

00:39:40.500 --> 00:39:41.159
 By day,

00:39:41.719 --> 00:39:42.219
 You would be,

00:39:42.219 --> 00:39:43.239
 Renewing us,

00:39:43.320 --> 00:39:44.159
 In our hope,

00:39:44.320 --> 00:39:45.239
 And our joy,

00:39:46.259 --> 00:39:47.320
 As we consider,

00:39:48.219 --> 00:39:49.340
 Who Jesus is,

00:39:49.400 --> 00:39:50.299
 And what he has done,

00:39:50.400 --> 00:39:50.820
 For us,

00:39:52.699 --> 00:39:52.940
 Lord,

00:39:53.039 --> 00:39:53.420
 For those,

00:39:53.420 --> 00:39:54.539
 Who aren't Christians,

00:39:54.680 --> 00:39:55.039
 May you,

00:39:55.200 --> 00:39:56.200
 By your spirit,

00:39:56.920 --> 00:39:57.920
 Restore them,

00:39:58.019 --> 00:39:59.400
 To right relationship,

00:39:59.400 --> 00:40:00.000
 With you,

00:40:00.740 --> 00:40:01.579
 Cause them,

00:40:01.579 --> 00:40:03.220
 To turn,

00:40:03.420 --> 00:40:04.000
 To Jesus,

00:40:04.820 --> 00:40:05.740
 To confess,

00:40:05.900 --> 00:40:06.320
 Sin,

00:40:06.400 --> 00:40:06.820
 To confess,

00:40:06.820 --> 00:40:07.800
 Him as Lord,

00:40:07.880 --> 00:40:08.800
 And saviour,

00:40:09.579 --> 00:40:10.420
 And to live,

00:40:10.539 --> 00:40:11.180
 To follow,

00:40:11.400 --> 00:40:12.440
 And to praise him,

00:40:13.940 --> 00:40:14.440
 Lord,

00:40:14.519 --> 00:40:15.039
 We pray,

00:40:15.480 --> 00:40:16.639
 For this church,

00:40:16.720 --> 00:40:17.099
 And indeed,

00:40:17.220 --> 00:40:18.500
 For every church,

00:40:18.619 --> 00:40:19.380
 In Edinburgh,

00:40:19.539 --> 00:40:20.240
 And across,

00:40:20.380 --> 00:40:21.099
 Our nation,

00:40:21.099 --> 00:40:23.000
 That preaches,

00:40:23.519 --> 00:40:24.019
 That preaches,

00:40:24.019 --> 00:40:24.699
 Your words,

00:40:25.699 --> 00:40:26.659
 That declares,

00:40:26.839 --> 00:40:27.199
 Jesus,

00:40:27.480 --> 00:40:28.960
 As saviour for sinners,

00:40:29.619 --> 00:40:30.940
 May you be at work,

00:40:31.059 --> 00:40:32.159
 Among your people,

00:40:32.699 --> 00:40:33.619
 To restore,

00:40:33.839 --> 00:40:34.960
 And to renew,

00:40:35.819 --> 00:40:37.219
 May you draw many,

00:40:37.799 --> 00:40:38.559
 To faith,

00:40:38.699 --> 00:40:39.339
 In Jesus,

00:40:40.299 --> 00:40:41.579
 That you would transform,

00:40:42.079 --> 00:40:43.059
 This nation,

00:40:43.480 --> 00:40:45.360
 By your powerful grace,

00:40:45.360 --> 00:40:47.820
 Lord,

00:40:47.900 --> 00:40:48.340
 We pray,

00:40:48.480 --> 00:40:49.039
 Especially,

00:40:49.620 --> 00:40:51.400
 For young people,

00:40:51.539 --> 00:40:52.220
 For teenagers,

00:40:52.500 --> 00:40:53.559
 And students,

00:40:54.079 --> 00:40:54.200
 Lord,

00:40:54.220 --> 00:40:54.760
 We thank you,

00:40:54.860 --> 00:40:55.340
 For those,

00:40:55.460 --> 00:40:56.800
 In our own church,

00:40:56.900 --> 00:40:57.340
 We pray,

00:40:57.820 --> 00:40:58.280
 Again,

00:40:58.420 --> 00:40:59.480
 For Bible class,

00:40:59.579 --> 00:41:00.280
 This evening,

00:41:01.260 --> 00:41:02.079
 We pray,

00:41:02.260 --> 00:41:03.240
 For the youth group,

00:41:03.320 --> 00:41:04.280
 That meets every month,

00:41:04.360 --> 00:41:04.980
 We thank you,

00:41:05.039 --> 00:41:06.120
 For those opportunities,

00:41:06.340 --> 00:41:07.019
 For friendship,

00:41:07.640 --> 00:41:08.940
 And for thinking together,

00:41:09.000 --> 00:41:10.360
 About what your word teaches,

00:41:11.300 --> 00:41:11.760
 Thank you,

00:41:11.820 --> 00:41:13.500
 For the weekend away,

00:41:13.599 --> 00:41:14.120
 That they were able,

00:41:14.120 --> 00:41:15.140
 To share together,

00:41:16.120 --> 00:41:16.260
 Lord,

00:41:16.280 --> 00:41:16.980
 We also pray,

00:41:17.160 --> 00:41:18.820
 For our student group,

00:41:19.360 --> 00:41:19.940
 And we pray,

00:41:20.160 --> 00:41:21.539
 For the work,

00:41:21.599 --> 00:41:22.720
 Of Christian unions,

00:41:23.559 --> 00:41:24.180
 And we thank you,

00:41:24.260 --> 00:41:25.180
 For the youth conference,

00:41:25.380 --> 00:41:26.740
 That happened last week,

00:41:26.780 --> 00:41:27.280
 And we pray,

00:41:27.380 --> 00:41:28.099
 That you would raise,

00:41:28.599 --> 00:41:29.599
 A generation,

00:41:30.180 --> 00:41:31.380
 Of those who would,

00:41:31.680 --> 00:41:32.539
 Love you,

00:41:32.620 --> 00:41:33.800
 And love your word,

00:41:34.660 --> 00:41:35.579
 Who would be ready,

00:41:35.700 --> 00:41:36.460
 To give a reason,

00:41:36.579 --> 00:41:37.140
 For the hope,

00:41:37.220 --> 00:41:37.980
 That they have,

00:41:39.440 --> 00:41:40.599
 And that you would protect,

00:41:41.079 --> 00:41:42.099
 And encourage,

00:41:43.300 --> 00:41:43.760
 Lord,

00:41:43.760 --> 00:41:44.740
 We again pray,

00:41:44.739 --> 00:41:46.500
 For our continent today,

00:41:46.579 --> 00:41:47.139
 We pray,

00:41:47.139 --> 00:41:48.079
 For Europe,

00:41:49.000 --> 00:41:49.239
 Lord,

00:41:49.299 --> 00:41:49.939
 We again,

00:41:50.439 --> 00:41:51.239
 Remember,

00:41:51.439 --> 00:41:52.419
 And cry to you,

00:41:52.479 --> 00:41:53.219
 For mercy,

00:41:53.619 --> 00:41:54.699
 For Ukraine,

00:41:55.539 --> 00:41:56.199
 Lord,

00:41:56.259 --> 00:41:56.879
 We pray,

00:41:57.239 --> 00:41:58.339
 That you would stop,

00:41:58.439 --> 00:42:00.219
 The hands of evil men,

00:42:00.979 --> 00:42:02.139
 That you would end,

00:42:02.219 --> 00:42:02.879
 The war,

00:42:03.439 --> 00:42:04.379
 That you would bring,

00:42:04.659 --> 00:42:05.079
 Justice,

00:42:05.379 --> 00:42:06.239
 And peace,

00:42:07.599 --> 00:42:08.500
 And Lord,

00:42:08.579 --> 00:42:09.419
 As we consider,

00:42:09.619 --> 00:42:10.599
 The many challenges,

00:42:10.599 --> 00:42:12.139
 That we will face,

00:42:12.279 --> 00:42:13.239
 Economically,

00:42:13.239 --> 00:42:14.239
 And socially,

00:42:15.380 --> 00:42:16.480
 In coming weeks,

00:42:16.559 --> 00:42:17.360
 And months,

00:42:18.860 --> 00:42:19.059
 Lord,

00:42:19.119 --> 00:42:20.699
 We bring them to you,

00:42:21.319 --> 00:42:22.179
 Understanding,

00:42:22.400 --> 00:42:22.819
 That you,

00:42:23.319 --> 00:42:24.000
 Are a God,

00:42:24.079 --> 00:42:24.659
 Who is able,

00:42:24.799 --> 00:42:25.759
 To bring good,

00:42:26.279 --> 00:42:27.519
 Out of evil,

00:42:28.239 --> 00:42:28.860
 And so,

00:42:28.940 --> 00:42:29.360
 We pray,

00:42:29.480 --> 00:42:30.039
 That you would bring,

00:42:30.039 --> 00:42:32.019
 Lasting spiritual good,

00:42:32.440 --> 00:42:33.420
 At this time,

00:42:34.500 --> 00:42:35.039
 That as,

00:42:35.159 --> 00:42:35.960
 The world,

00:42:36.059 --> 00:42:37.480
 Is turned upside down,

00:42:37.480 --> 00:42:38.940
 That it would cause,

00:42:39.139 --> 00:42:39.460
 Many,

00:42:40.079 --> 00:42:41.000
 To seek,

00:42:41.240 --> 00:42:42.099
 And find,

00:42:42.860 --> 00:42:43.159
 Jesus,

00:42:43.440 --> 00:42:44.039
 As Lord,

00:42:44.980 --> 00:42:45.579
 We pray,

00:42:45.679 --> 00:42:46.380
 In his name,

00:42:47.179 --> 00:42:47.539
 Amen,

00:42:49.019 --> 00:42:51.360
 Now we'll sing together,

00:42:51.539 --> 00:42:52.820
 As we close,

00:42:53.340 --> 00:42:54.059
 The hymn,

00:42:54.260 --> 00:42:55.840
 His mercy is more,

00:42:56.300 --> 00:42:56.860
 And again,

00:42:56.940 --> 00:42:57.539
 We will stand,