WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.379 And put my hand into his side. 00:00:04.299 --> 00:00:06.320 I will not believe. 00:00:07.980 --> 00:00:13.439 A week later his disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. 00:00:13.439 --> 00:00:22.559 ! Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, Peace be with you. 00:00:24.160 --> 00:00:28.679 Then he said to Thomas, Put your finger here. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.480 See my hands. 00:00:33.240 --> 00:00:35.840 Reach out your hand and put it into my side. 00:00:37.719 --> 00:00:41.880 Stop doubting and believe. 00:00:43.320 --> 00:00:48.340 Thomas said to Jesus, My Lord and my God. 00:00:50.039 --> 00:00:56.179 Then Jesus told him, Because you have seen me, you have believed. 00:00:56.179 --> 00:01:02.380 Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. 00:01:02.380 --> 00:01:12.079 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 00:01:12.079 --> 00:01:27.340 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. 00:01:27.340 --> 00:01:33.960 Well, let's pray together and ask for the Lord's help as we look at his word. 00:01:33.959 --> 00:01:43.439 Father God, these words have been written down for us. 00:01:44.439 --> 00:01:46.419 That we may have life. 00:01:46.420 --> 00:01:56.680 And we pray that we may encounter afresh the risen Lord Jesus, each and every one of us. 00:01:57.900 --> 00:02:08.199 That we may see and know the life that the risen Jesus comes to give us. 00:02:08.199 --> 00:02:10.199 We ask for your help. 00:02:10.199 --> 00:02:11.919 We ask for your help. 00:02:12.919 --> 00:02:15.439 That we may be changed. 00:02:16.319 --> 00:02:18.619 As we see Jesus. 00:02:19.419 --> 00:02:20.379 Amen. 00:02:25.979 --> 00:02:30.539 So, do you believe in Jesus? 00:02:30.539 --> 00:02:36.299 I don't mean do you believe that Jesus existed. 00:02:36.299 --> 00:02:43.699 Most people believe that there was a man in history, a great teacher, a great leader called Jesus. 00:02:44.819 --> 00:02:54.399 But do you believe in, do you trust in the resurrection of Jesus? 00:02:56.299 --> 00:02:59.019 Most people don't believe. 00:02:59.020 --> 00:03:02.880 Perhaps you're here this morning and you don't believe. 00:03:03.300 --> 00:03:07.920 Or maybe you've got friends or family who don't believe. 00:03:09.160 --> 00:03:17.000 What do you think it will take for a doubter to become a believer? 00:03:19.160 --> 00:03:23.920 Well, in our text that we've just read, we meet a sceptic. 00:03:24.360 --> 00:03:26.719 Someone who was a doubter. 00:03:26.719 --> 00:03:30.340 Someone who does not believe. 00:03:31.319 --> 00:03:32.659 His name is Thomas. 00:03:33.060 --> 00:03:34.979 And Thomas has got questions. 00:03:35.579 --> 00:03:39.900 He wants to know if the resurrection is true. 00:03:40.280 --> 00:03:42.020 And if it is true, 00:03:43.000 --> 00:03:47.099 what will that mean for our life? 00:03:47.099 --> 00:03:54.180 Well, to help us understand and to get to the heart of this account, 00:03:54.340 --> 00:03:58.159 we're going to listen to three voices. 00:03:59.019 --> 00:04:02.180 We're going to listen to what the disciples say, 00:04:03.319 --> 00:04:05.060 what Thomas says, 00:04:05.840 --> 00:04:08.099 and what Jesus says. 00:04:08.099 --> 00:04:13.579 So three voices that we're going to listen to this morning. 00:04:14.639 --> 00:04:20.740 First, let's listen to what the disciples have to say. 00:04:21.800 --> 00:04:25.019 We have seen and we believe. 00:04:25.019 --> 00:04:27.779 Look at verse 24. 00:04:28.740 --> 00:04:31.519 Now, Thomas, one of the twelve, 00:04:32.379 --> 00:04:36.299 was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 00:04:36.439 --> 00:04:40.339 So Jesus had already visited the other disciples. 00:04:41.060 --> 00:04:43.539 So the other disciples told him, 00:04:44.299 --> 00:04:47.919 Thomas, we have seen the Lord. 00:04:47.920 --> 00:04:55.080 Of course, the disciples weren't the first ones to see the resurrected Jesus. 00:04:55.400 --> 00:04:57.560 This was the privilege of Mary. 00:04:57.720 --> 00:04:59.379 If you look back at verse 18. 00:05:01.660 --> 00:05:06.980 This is just after the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. 00:05:07.340 --> 00:05:08.060 Verse 18. 00:05:08.540 --> 00:05:11.700 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news, 00:05:11.700 --> 00:05:14.939 I have seen the Lord. 00:05:14.939 --> 00:05:21.959 Mary was the first eyewitness of the risen Jesus. 00:05:22.519 --> 00:05:25.800 And although she had seen and believed, 00:05:26.360 --> 00:05:29.379 it seems the disciples were not so convinced. 00:05:29.879 --> 00:05:33.000 They needed to see Jesus too. 00:05:34.100 --> 00:05:35.319 So verse 19. 00:05:35.819 --> 00:05:37.680 On the evening of the first day, 00:05:37.819 --> 00:05:39.899 so a week after the resurrection, 00:05:41.019 --> 00:05:43.139 when the disciples were together, 00:05:43.139 --> 00:05:47.519 with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, 00:05:49.099 --> 00:05:53.039 Jesus came and stood among them and said, 00:05:54.000 --> 00:05:56.060 Peace be with you. 00:05:57.199 --> 00:05:58.819 After he said this, 00:05:58.879 --> 00:06:02.599 he showed them his hands and his side. 00:06:03.599 --> 00:06:09.519 And the disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 00:06:09.519 --> 00:06:14.579 They saw the risen Jesus with their own eyes. 00:06:15.079 --> 00:06:17.759 And so they go to Thomas in verse 25. 00:06:18.899 --> 00:06:23.419 Thomas, we have seen the Lord. 00:06:24.479 --> 00:06:25.899 Jesus was alive. 00:06:27.079 --> 00:06:28.159 He died. 00:06:28.899 --> 00:06:29.899 He was buried. 00:06:30.659 --> 00:06:31.819 And now he lives. 00:06:31.959 --> 00:06:34.799 They believed in Jesus. 00:06:34.800 --> 00:06:37.240 But you say, 00:06:37.319 --> 00:06:39.720 that's easy for the disciples to believe. 00:06:40.480 --> 00:06:42.579 I think if I was a sceptic, 00:06:42.879 --> 00:06:46.319 and I saw the physical risen Jesus right here, 00:06:46.400 --> 00:06:46.960 right now, 00:06:47.439 --> 00:06:48.280 my goodness me, 00:06:48.360 --> 00:06:49.460 I too would believe. 00:06:51.759 --> 00:06:52.519 You see, 00:06:52.620 --> 00:06:56.400 that's how so many unbelievers respond. 00:06:56.399 --> 00:07:01.060 I will believe if. 00:07:02.620 --> 00:07:08.079 I will believe if Jesus came and spoke to me audibly. 00:07:09.679 --> 00:07:15.839 I will believe in Jesus if he would heal my sick son or daughter. 00:07:17.560 --> 00:07:25.379 I will believe in Jesus if he would just end all the wars right now in the Middle East. 00:07:26.399 --> 00:07:33.459 I will believe if Jesus appeared to me in Barry Collins. 00:07:34.219 --> 00:07:37.199 Just bumped into him and there he was. 00:07:38.639 --> 00:07:43.019 What would it take for you to believe? 00:07:44.479 --> 00:07:55.599 What would convince the most hardened friend that you have to believe in and trust in the resurrection of Jesus? 00:07:56.399 --> 00:08:04.060 I will believe in Jesus if you fill in the blank. 00:08:04.060 --> 00:08:10.240 It's a reasonable way to think, isn't it? 00:08:11.180 --> 00:08:11.819 You see, 00:08:11.879 --> 00:08:12.860 if I said to you, 00:08:13.259 --> 00:08:18.139 I could jump up right here from now and touch the roof up there. 00:08:19.079 --> 00:08:19.939 I can. 00:08:22.120 --> 00:08:23.079 What would you say? 00:08:23.279 --> 00:08:24.139 Prove it, Johnny. 00:08:24.139 --> 00:08:26.620 Well, I'm not going to prove it. 00:08:26.839 --> 00:08:27.879 Because I can't. 00:08:28.620 --> 00:08:28.979 You see, 00:08:29.039 --> 00:08:29.699 in the same way, 00:08:29.779 --> 00:08:32.539 if we say to our friends or to family, 00:08:33.379 --> 00:08:34.519 Jesus died, 00:08:35.659 --> 00:08:37.860 and Jesus was raised from the dead, 00:08:38.100 --> 00:08:40.059 and he lives forever. 00:08:41.620 --> 00:08:43.500 And they turn around and say to you, 00:08:43.740 --> 00:08:44.039 well, 00:08:44.240 --> 00:08:45.220 prove it to me. 00:08:45.220 --> 00:08:51.920 What are you going to say to your friends to say Jesus was risen from the dead? 00:08:52.160 --> 00:08:53.580 What proof have you got? 00:08:54.980 --> 00:08:55.480 Well, 00:08:55.519 --> 00:08:57.040 it comes back to our statement, 00:08:57.519 --> 00:08:59.360 I will believe in Jesus if. 00:08:59.580 --> 00:09:00.360 In other words, 00:09:00.500 --> 00:09:01.720 people want proof. 00:09:02.080 --> 00:09:03.279 They want evidence. 00:09:05.500 --> 00:09:09.820 Which is exactly what Thomas wants. 00:09:09.820 --> 00:09:12.220 So, 00:09:12.500 --> 00:09:14.760 we've heard the disciples. 00:09:16.060 --> 00:09:18.960 Now let's listen to Thomas. 00:09:20.280 --> 00:09:21.360 Unless I see, 00:09:21.720 --> 00:09:23.400 I will not believe. 00:09:24.520 --> 00:09:26.120 Look at verse 25. 00:09:28.100 --> 00:09:31.020 The disciples came to Thomas and said, 00:09:31.460 --> 00:09:32.940 we have seen the Lord. 00:09:34.220 --> 00:09:35.920 But Thomas said to them, 00:09:35.919 --> 00:09:40.679 unless I see the nail marks in his hands, 00:09:41.939 --> 00:09:44.699 and put my finger where the nails were, 00:09:46.199 --> 00:09:49.240 and put my hand into his side, 00:09:50.199 --> 00:09:52.979 I will not believe. 00:09:55.039 --> 00:09:58.879 So just as Christ was nailed to the cross, 00:09:59.459 --> 00:10:04.099 and the Roman soldier pierced the side of Jesus with a sword, 00:10:04.100 --> 00:10:06.040 Thomas saying, 00:10:06.159 --> 00:10:11.159 unless I get to actually put my finger where those nail marks were, 00:10:11.580 --> 00:10:12.740 and see the side, 00:10:12.800 --> 00:10:16.680 and put my hand where he was cut with the sword, 00:10:17.740 --> 00:10:19.420 I'm not going to believe. 00:10:20.720 --> 00:10:21.860 I need to see. 00:10:22.960 --> 00:10:24.879 I need to be able to touch. 00:10:26.180 --> 00:10:28.600 I need evidence. 00:10:28.600 --> 00:10:35.580 Well, it seems that the risen Jesus was very gracious to Thomas, 00:10:36.139 --> 00:10:38.540 because evidence he asked for, 00:10:39.740 --> 00:10:42.420 evidence he gets. 00:10:44.019 --> 00:10:45.460 Verse 26. 00:10:46.860 --> 00:10:47.899 A week later, 00:10:47.980 --> 00:10:52.159 so this is now two weeks after the resurrection of Jesus, 00:10:52.159 --> 00:10:54.019 a week later, 00:10:54.600 --> 00:10:57.019 his disciples were in the house again, 00:10:57.799 --> 00:10:59.879 and Thomas was with them this time. 00:11:00.919 --> 00:11:03.259 But it's a similar account, isn't it? 00:11:03.879 --> 00:11:05.839 Though the doors were locked, 00:11:07.019 --> 00:11:09.759 Jesus came and stood among them and said, 00:11:10.259 --> 00:11:12.179 peace be with you. 00:11:13.299 --> 00:11:13.719 You see, 00:11:13.839 --> 00:11:16.500 Jesus' resurrected body 00:11:16.500 --> 00:11:18.899 was a transformed body. 00:11:18.899 --> 00:11:21.799 He could walk through walls and doors. 00:11:22.299 --> 00:11:25.600 But to dispel any thoughts of this being an apparition, 00:11:25.759 --> 00:11:28.659 or a kind of a ghostly or spirity figure, 00:11:29.360 --> 00:11:29.899 verse 27. 00:11:31.899 --> 00:11:33.559 Jesus said to Thomas, 00:11:34.899 --> 00:11:37.100 Thomas, put your finger here. 00:11:38.340 --> 00:11:39.819 See my hands. 00:11:41.379 --> 00:11:44.939 Reach out your hand and put it into my side. 00:11:44.940 --> 00:11:51.560 Well, Thomas heard the voice of Jesus. 00:11:52.860 --> 00:11:55.560 He could see Jesus. 00:11:56.500 --> 00:12:00.260 And he could actually touch Jesus. 00:12:01.560 --> 00:12:05.340 His request for proof has been met. 00:12:06.620 --> 00:12:08.180 But with the evidence, 00:12:08.380 --> 00:12:10.040 or the call for evidence, 00:12:10.680 --> 00:12:14.140 comes a call on his life. 00:12:14.940 --> 00:12:16.500 Verse 27. 00:12:17.780 --> 00:12:19.420 The end of verse 27. 00:12:20.700 --> 00:12:21.380 Thomas, 00:12:22.200 --> 00:12:24.200 stop doubting 00:12:24.200 --> 00:12:25.920 and believe. 00:12:27.400 --> 00:12:29.900 The risen Jesus has come to Thomas 00:12:29.900 --> 00:12:31.800 and demands a response. 00:12:32.200 --> 00:12:33.980 It's as if Jesus were saying to him, 00:12:34.360 --> 00:12:36.400 I've done what you've asked for. 00:12:37.420 --> 00:12:38.740 Now believe in me. 00:12:39.880 --> 00:12:42.360 Put your trust in me. 00:12:42.360 --> 00:12:45.460 Place all your confidence in me. 00:12:45.919 --> 00:12:46.300 You see, 00:12:46.440 --> 00:12:51.180 believing is much more than just an intellectual acceptance. 00:12:52.460 --> 00:12:55.820 It is a relational commitment. 00:12:57.320 --> 00:12:58.340 Jesus is saying, 00:12:58.879 --> 00:13:01.879 entrust your life to me. 00:13:03.620 --> 00:13:06.320 Submit yourself to me. 00:13:06.320 --> 00:13:11.220 depend upon me for your life. 00:13:11.220 --> 00:13:17.860 In around 1840, 00:13:18.000 --> 00:13:18.820 1850, 00:13:18.820 --> 00:13:23.620 there was a man who was famous for his tightrope walking, 00:13:24.480 --> 00:13:25.160 Blondin. 00:13:26.160 --> 00:13:28.639 One of his most famous acts 00:13:28.639 --> 00:13:33.540 was to walk along a tightrope across the Niagara Falls, 00:13:33.539 --> 00:13:38.000 about a thousand feet in distance, 00:13:39.059 --> 00:13:42.759 160 feet from the raging waters below. 00:13:43.860 --> 00:13:45.659 And there he performed his act 00:13:45.659 --> 00:13:49.240 in front of a crowd of about 25,000 people 00:13:49.240 --> 00:13:50.539 back and forth, 00:13:50.620 --> 00:13:52.279 up and down the rope he went. 00:13:54.659 --> 00:13:56.980 And then he produced a wheelbarrow. 00:13:58.319 --> 00:13:59.599 And he asked the crowd, 00:13:59.699 --> 00:14:02.219 do you think I can walk across this tightrope 00:14:02.220 --> 00:14:03.600 with a wheelbarrow? 00:14:04.379 --> 00:14:05.720 The crowd roared, 00:14:05.840 --> 00:14:06.220 yes, 00:14:06.399 --> 00:14:06.840 yes. 00:14:08.680 --> 00:14:10.279 And then he asked the crowd, 00:14:10.779 --> 00:14:11.840 do you think 00:14:11.840 --> 00:14:14.160 I could push someone 00:14:14.160 --> 00:14:15.680 in the wheelbarrow 00:14:15.680 --> 00:14:16.500 across? 00:14:17.500 --> 00:14:17.960 Yes, 00:14:18.100 --> 00:14:18.500 yes, 00:14:18.680 --> 00:14:19.500 said the crowd. 00:14:20.940 --> 00:14:22.680 And then came the question, 00:14:23.340 --> 00:14:25.100 any volunteers? 00:14:25.100 --> 00:14:28.920 Nobody answered. 00:14:30.440 --> 00:14:30.860 You see, 00:14:30.899 --> 00:14:32.680 it's one thing for you to say 00:14:32.680 --> 00:14:33.659 or for me to say, 00:14:33.940 --> 00:14:34.440 oh yes, 00:14:34.500 --> 00:14:35.540 I believe, 00:14:37.139 --> 00:14:39.620 but it's another thing to act on it 00:14:39.620 --> 00:14:42.220 and to entrust yourself 00:14:42.220 --> 00:14:43.940 to someone. 00:14:45.399 --> 00:14:45.659 Well, 00:14:45.720 --> 00:14:48.159 Jesus is coming before us this morning 00:14:48.159 --> 00:14:50.399 as he did to Thomas. 00:14:50.399 --> 00:14:52.100 and he is saying, 00:14:52.360 --> 00:14:54.120 entrust your whole life 00:14:54.120 --> 00:14:54.819 to me. 00:14:56.019 --> 00:14:57.840 Commit yourself to me 00:14:57.840 --> 00:14:59.740 and I will bring you through 00:14:59.740 --> 00:15:02.459 not just a tightrope across a river, 00:15:03.120 --> 00:15:04.720 but I will bring you 00:15:04.720 --> 00:15:05.779 from death 00:15:05.779 --> 00:15:06.699 through 00:15:06.699 --> 00:15:07.939 to life. 00:15:09.399 --> 00:15:10.699 I will take you 00:15:10.699 --> 00:15:11.659 from darkness 00:15:11.659 --> 00:15:13.019 into light, 00:15:13.439 --> 00:15:14.699 from condemnation 00:15:14.699 --> 00:15:16.139 into salvation. 00:15:16.779 --> 00:15:18.279 Trust in me 00:15:18.279 --> 00:15:21.179 and I will guarantee you 00:15:21.179 --> 00:15:22.759 eternal life. 00:15:26.199 --> 00:15:27.620 How is Thomas 00:15:27.620 --> 00:15:29.459 going to respond? 00:15:30.120 --> 00:15:31.279 He has the evidence 00:15:31.279 --> 00:15:32.240 before him, 00:15:32.639 --> 00:15:34.620 the call upon his life. 00:15:36.639 --> 00:15:37.339 Well, 00:15:37.439 --> 00:15:38.659 there is the confession. 00:15:39.299 --> 00:15:40.240 Verse 28. 00:15:41.980 --> 00:15:42.899 Thomas said 00:15:42.899 --> 00:15:44.480 to Jesus, 00:15:45.759 --> 00:15:47.120 my Lord 00:15:47.120 --> 00:15:49.419 and my God. 00:15:50.500 --> 00:15:50.860 Now, 00:15:50.919 --> 00:15:52.580 this isn't an expletive 00:15:52.580 --> 00:15:53.639 of one of fright 00:15:53.639 --> 00:15:54.519 or confusion. 00:15:55.440 --> 00:15:56.600 It's a confession 00:15:56.600 --> 00:15:57.740 of understanding 00:15:57.740 --> 00:15:58.500 and commitment. 00:15:59.019 --> 00:15:59.659 My Lord 00:15:59.659 --> 00:15:59.960 or 00:15:59.960 --> 00:16:01.480 my Master. 00:16:03.019 --> 00:16:04.279 But more than that, 00:16:04.759 --> 00:16:06.100 my God. 00:16:07.399 --> 00:16:07.899 Here, 00:16:08.019 --> 00:16:09.019 the risen Jesus 00:16:09.019 --> 00:16:10.899 stands before Thomas 00:16:10.899 --> 00:16:12.100 and Jesus 00:16:12.100 --> 00:16:12.960 has risen 00:16:12.960 --> 00:16:13.799 from the dead 00:16:13.799 --> 00:16:14.879 demonstrates 00:16:14.879 --> 00:16:16.039 to Thomas 00:16:16.039 --> 00:16:16.939 that because 00:16:16.939 --> 00:16:18.039 he is alive, 00:16:18.399 --> 00:16:19.659 he is God. 00:16:22.980 --> 00:16:23.960 And Thomas 00:16:23.960 --> 00:16:25.279 saw the evidence. 00:16:26.279 --> 00:16:27.360 He heard the call 00:16:27.360 --> 00:16:28.860 and now he confesses, 00:16:29.299 --> 00:16:30.200 my Lord 00:16:30.200 --> 00:16:32.139 and my God. 00:16:33.259 --> 00:16:34.019 Thomas 00:16:34.019 --> 00:16:35.100 entrusts 00:16:35.100 --> 00:16:35.399 himself 00:16:35.399 --> 00:16:36.120 to Jesus. 00:16:36.600 --> 00:16:37.299 He commits 00:16:37.299 --> 00:16:38.080 his life 00:16:38.080 --> 00:16:38.879 to God. 00:16:40.080 --> 00:16:41.139 He is the one 00:16:41.139 --> 00:16:41.759 who actually 00:16:41.759 --> 00:16:42.879 gets in the wheelbarrow. 00:16:42.879 --> 00:16:45.279 he entrusts 00:16:45.279 --> 00:16:45.799 himself 00:16:45.799 --> 00:16:47.679 to Jesus. 00:16:49.100 --> 00:16:49.539 Thomas 00:16:49.539 --> 00:16:50.820 sees 00:16:50.820 --> 00:16:52.659 and he 00:16:52.659 --> 00:16:53.480 believes. 00:16:56.039 --> 00:16:56.720 Now, 00:16:56.799 --> 00:16:57.559 the risen Jesus 00:16:57.559 --> 00:16:58.620 not only speaks 00:16:58.620 --> 00:16:59.439 to Thomas, 00:17:01.039 --> 00:17:01.720 Jesus 00:17:01.720 --> 00:17:02.919 speaks 00:17:02.919 --> 00:17:03.820 to us. 00:17:05.099 --> 00:17:05.700 So, 00:17:05.759 --> 00:17:06.160 we've heard 00:17:06.160 --> 00:17:06.799 the voice 00:17:06.799 --> 00:17:08.240 of the disciples, 00:17:08.460 --> 00:17:08.859 the voice 00:17:08.859 --> 00:17:09.619 of Thomas. 00:17:09.619 --> 00:17:11.319 Now, 00:17:11.399 --> 00:17:12.119 listen to 00:17:12.119 --> 00:17:12.919 the voice 00:17:12.919 --> 00:17:14.019 of Jesus. 00:17:15.219 --> 00:17:15.719 Blessed 00:17:15.719 --> 00:17:16.439 are those 00:17:16.439 --> 00:17:17.219 who have 00:17:17.219 --> 00:17:18.839 not 00:17:18.839 --> 00:17:19.579 seen 00:17:19.579 --> 00:17:21.019 and 00:17:21.019 --> 00:17:21.739 believe. 00:17:22.739 --> 00:17:23.279 Verse 00:17:23.279 --> 00:17:23.839 29. 00:17:25.459 --> 00:17:25.979 Then 00:17:25.979 --> 00:17:26.399 Jesus 00:17:26.399 --> 00:17:27.099 told 00:17:27.099 --> 00:17:27.799 Thomas, 00:17:28.599 --> 00:17:29.259 because 00:17:29.259 --> 00:17:30.119 you have 00:17:30.119 --> 00:17:31.139 seen 00:17:31.139 --> 00:17:31.619 me, 00:17:32.500 --> 00:17:33.319 you have 00:17:33.319 --> 00:17:34.099 believed. 00:17:35.779 --> 00:17:36.739 Blessed 00:17:36.739 --> 00:17:37.500 are those 00:17:37.500 --> 00:17:38.179 who have 00:17:38.179 --> 00:17:38.819 not 00:17:38.819 --> 00:17:39.539 seen 00:17:39.539 --> 00:17:41.099 and yet 00:17:41.099 --> 00:17:41.319 have 00:17:41.319 --> 00:17:41.879 believed. 00:17:43.619 --> 00:17:43.980 You see, 00:17:44.039 --> 00:17:44.599 Jesus is 00:17:44.599 --> 00:17:45.059 saying to 00:17:45.059 --> 00:17:45.500 us and 00:17:45.500 --> 00:17:45.879 to our 00:17:45.879 --> 00:17:46.480 skeptic 00:17:46.480 --> 00:17:46.980 friends, 00:17:47.579 --> 00:17:48.159 even though 00:17:48.159 --> 00:17:48.679 we cannot 00:17:48.679 --> 00:17:49.259 physically 00:17:49.259 --> 00:17:50.159 see the 00:17:50.159 --> 00:17:50.480 risen 00:17:50.480 --> 00:17:51.059 Jesus, 00:17:51.939 --> 00:17:53.599 we can 00:17:53.599 --> 00:17:53.960 still 00:17:53.960 --> 00:17:54.559 believe. 00:17:56.240 --> 00:17:56.879 And this 00:17:56.879 --> 00:17:57.439 isn't just 00:17:57.439 --> 00:17:57.939 a step 00:17:57.939 --> 00:17:58.460 into the 00:17:58.460 --> 00:17:58.819 dark. 00:17:59.099 --> 00:17:59.599 This is 00:17:59.599 --> 00:18:00.339 not blind 00:18:00.339 --> 00:18:00.819 faith. 00:18:01.179 --> 00:18:01.359 No, 00:18:01.439 --> 00:18:02.019 this is a 00:18:02.019 --> 00:18:02.439 sure 00:18:02.439 --> 00:18:03.639 and certain 00:18:03.639 --> 00:18:04.519 faith 00:18:04.519 --> 00:18:05.759 which rests 00:18:05.759 --> 00:18:06.259 on the 00:18:06.259 --> 00:18:07.019 historical 00:18:07.019 --> 00:18:08.319 fact of 00:18:08.319 --> 00:18:08.559 the 00:18:08.559 --> 00:18:09.179 resurrection. 00:18:11.240 --> 00:18:11.720 Well, 00:18:11.759 --> 00:18:12.139 how can 00:18:12.139 --> 00:18:12.799 we believe? 00:18:13.039 --> 00:18:13.539 How are we 00:18:13.539 --> 00:18:14.460 to expect 00:18:14.460 --> 00:18:15.200 any of our 00:18:15.200 --> 00:18:15.819 family to 00:18:15.819 --> 00:18:16.339 believe? 00:18:16.779 --> 00:18:17.559 Or friends 00:18:17.559 --> 00:18:18.159 to believe 00:18:18.159 --> 00:18:18.799 if they 00:18:18.799 --> 00:18:19.720 cannot see 00:18:19.720 --> 00:18:20.599 Jesus? 00:18:22.379 --> 00:18:23.019 Well, 00:18:23.059 --> 00:18:23.740 three things 00:18:23.740 --> 00:18:24.200 for us 00:18:24.200 --> 00:18:24.899 to consider. 00:18:26.939 --> 00:18:27.579 First, 00:18:28.399 --> 00:18:29.079 it is 00:18:29.079 --> 00:18:29.759 written. 00:18:30.659 --> 00:18:31.119 Look at 00:18:31.119 --> 00:18:31.839 verse 30. 00:18:31.839 --> 00:18:34.939 Jesus 00:18:34.939 --> 00:18:35.579 performed 00:18:35.579 --> 00:18:36.359 many other 00:18:36.359 --> 00:18:38.019 signs in 00:18:38.019 --> 00:18:38.519 the presence 00:18:38.519 --> 00:18:38.919 of his 00:18:38.919 --> 00:18:39.879 disciples which 00:18:39.879 --> 00:18:40.679 are not 00:18:40.679 --> 00:18:42.039 recorded in 00:18:42.039 --> 00:18:42.779 this book. 00:18:43.779 --> 00:18:44.740 But these 00:18:44.740 --> 00:18:46.000 are written 00:18:46.000 --> 00:18:48.019 that you 00:18:48.019 --> 00:18:48.859 may believe. 00:18:50.339 --> 00:18:50.980 John, 00:18:51.099 --> 00:18:51.519 the author 00:18:51.519 --> 00:18:51.899 of the 00:18:51.899 --> 00:18:52.259 gospel, 00:18:52.419 --> 00:18:53.119 has recorded 00:18:53.119 --> 00:18:53.859 at least 00:18:53.859 --> 00:18:54.659 seven 00:18:54.659 --> 00:18:55.639 miraculous 00:18:55.639 --> 00:18:57.379 signs that 00:18:57.379 --> 00:18:57.759 Jesus 00:18:57.759 --> 00:18:58.359 performed. 00:18:58.359 --> 00:18:58.919 He 00:18:58.919 --> 00:18:59.319 changed 00:18:59.319 --> 00:18:59.719 water 00:18:59.719 --> 00:19:00.019 into 00:19:00.019 --> 00:19:00.459 wine. 00:19:01.279 --> 00:19:01.379 He 00:19:01.379 --> 00:19:01.779 healed 00:19:01.779 --> 00:19:01.979 the 00:19:01.979 --> 00:19:02.219 royal 00:19:02.219 --> 00:19:02.879 official's 00:19:02.879 --> 00:19:03.179 son. 00:19:03.979 --> 00:19:04.399 Then there 00:19:04.399 --> 00:19:04.759 was the 00:19:04.759 --> 00:19:05.359 lame man 00:19:05.359 --> 00:19:05.819 by the 00:19:05.819 --> 00:19:06.339 pool who 00:19:06.339 --> 00:19:07.319 was made 00:19:07.319 --> 00:19:07.859 to walk 00:19:07.859 --> 00:19:08.259 again. 00:19:08.719 --> 00:19:09.359 Then Jesus 00:19:09.359 --> 00:19:10.019 went on 00:19:10.019 --> 00:19:10.319 and he 00:19:10.319 --> 00:19:10.759 fed a 00:19:10.759 --> 00:19:11.279 crowd of 00:19:11.279 --> 00:19:11.699 more than 00:19:11.699 --> 00:19:12.559 5,000 00:19:12.559 --> 00:19:13.259 people with 00:19:13.259 --> 00:19:14.019 five bread 00:19:14.019 --> 00:19:14.599 rolls and 00:19:14.599 --> 00:19:14.979 a couple 00:19:14.979 --> 00:19:15.519 of fish. 00:19:16.599 --> 00:19:17.159 Then there 00:19:17.159 --> 00:19:17.459 was the 00:19:17.459 --> 00:19:18.299 blind man, 00:19:18.959 --> 00:19:19.599 blind from 00:19:19.599 --> 00:19:20.000 birth, 00:19:20.139 --> 00:19:20.639 but Jesus 00:19:20.639 --> 00:19:21.299 touched him 00:19:21.299 --> 00:19:21.539 and he 00:19:21.539 --> 00:19:22.079 was healed. 00:19:23.399 --> 00:19:24.159 And then 00:19:24.159 --> 00:19:24.619 there was 00:19:24.619 --> 00:19:25.419 that resurrection 00:19:25.419 --> 00:19:26.399 of Lazarus 00:19:26.399 --> 00:19:26.719 from the 00:19:26.719 --> 00:19:26.939 dead. 00:19:26.940 --> 00:19:27.779 Jesus 00:19:27.779 --> 00:19:28.840 raised a 00:19:28.840 --> 00:19:29.500 dead man. 00:19:31.160 --> 00:19:31.860 And all 00:19:31.860 --> 00:19:32.299 of these 00:19:32.299 --> 00:19:33.600 signs have 00:19:33.600 --> 00:19:34.420 been recorded 00:19:34.420 --> 00:19:35.380 and written 00:19:35.380 --> 00:19:36.039 down for 00:19:36.039 --> 00:19:37.100 us in 00:19:37.100 --> 00:19:38.279 the gospel 00:19:38.279 --> 00:19:39.059 of John. 00:19:41.480 --> 00:19:42.480 It's like 00:19:42.480 --> 00:19:42.900 it's a 00:19:42.900 --> 00:19:43.279 book of 00:19:43.279 --> 00:19:44.059 evidence. 00:19:45.820 --> 00:19:46.320 And the 00:19:46.320 --> 00:19:46.940 seventh and 00:19:46.940 --> 00:19:47.860 final sign 00:19:47.860 --> 00:19:48.720 is the 00:19:48.720 --> 00:19:49.299 resurrection 00:19:49.299 --> 00:19:50.080 of Jesus. 00:19:50.580 --> 00:19:50.840 The 00:19:50.840 --> 00:19:51.759 testimony of 00:19:51.759 --> 00:19:52.279 those who 00:19:52.279 --> 00:19:53.059 saw him 00:19:53.059 --> 00:19:54.660 have recorded 00:19:54.660 --> 00:19:55.120 it. 00:19:55.880 --> 00:19:56.779 Mary saw 00:19:56.779 --> 00:19:57.619 the 00:19:57.619 --> 00:19:58.220 disciples 00:19:58.220 --> 00:19:58.819 saw. 00:19:59.500 --> 00:19:59.940 Thomas 00:19:59.940 --> 00:20:00.420 saw. 00:20:01.200 --> 00:20:01.759 These were 00:20:01.759 --> 00:20:02.299 the first 00:20:02.299 --> 00:20:03.359 eyewitnesses 00:20:03.359 --> 00:20:04.039 and they 00:20:04.039 --> 00:20:04.899 believed and 00:20:04.899 --> 00:20:05.619 their stories 00:20:05.619 --> 00:20:06.019 have been 00:20:06.019 --> 00:20:06.660 written down 00:20:06.660 --> 00:20:07.299 for you 00:20:07.299 --> 00:20:07.799 and for 00:20:07.799 --> 00:20:08.639 me today. 00:20:10.220 --> 00:20:10.920 In other 00:20:10.920 --> 00:20:11.279 words, 00:20:11.619 --> 00:20:12.299 what this 00:20:12.299 --> 00:20:12.819 is saying 00:20:12.819 --> 00:20:13.339 to us 00:20:13.339 --> 00:20:15.440 is that 00:20:15.440 --> 00:20:16.059 what's 00:20:16.059 --> 00:20:16.519 written 00:20:16.519 --> 00:20:17.279 down 00:20:17.279 --> 00:20:19.099 is 00:20:19.099 --> 00:20:19.700 enough. 00:20:21.940 --> 00:20:22.660 God's 00:20:22.660 --> 00:20:23.200 word 00:20:23.200 --> 00:20:24.279 is 00:20:24.279 --> 00:20:24.900 sufficient. 00:20:27.420 --> 00:20:28.380 We don't 00:20:28.380 --> 00:20:29.160 need any 00:20:29.160 --> 00:20:29.680 more 00:20:29.680 --> 00:20:30.799 signs 00:20:30.799 --> 00:20:31.759 or 00:20:31.759 --> 00:20:32.279 wonders. 00:20:33.240 --> 00:20:34.279 Can God 00:20:34.279 --> 00:20:35.019 do miracles 00:20:35.019 --> 00:20:35.420 today? 00:20:35.980 --> 00:20:36.440 Yes, 00:20:36.539 --> 00:20:37.400 he can. 00:20:39.160 --> 00:20:40.140 But we 00:20:40.140 --> 00:20:40.880 don't need 00:20:40.880 --> 00:20:41.700 signs or 00:20:41.700 --> 00:20:42.460 wonders to 00:20:42.460 --> 00:20:43.059 believe. 00:20:44.120 --> 00:20:44.920 No more 00:20:44.920 --> 00:20:45.620 I will 00:20:45.620 --> 00:20:46.680 believe if 00:20:46.680 --> 00:20:47.779 Jesus 00:20:47.779 --> 00:20:48.420 turned up 00:20:48.420 --> 00:20:48.840 at Barry 00:20:48.840 --> 00:20:49.320 Collins. 00:20:51.800 --> 00:20:52.300 No, 00:20:52.400 --> 00:20:52.740 it is 00:20:52.740 --> 00:20:53.200 written 00:20:53.200 --> 00:20:55.000 second 00:20:55.000 --> 00:20:57.400 so that 00:20:57.400 --> 00:20:58.220 we may 00:20:58.220 --> 00:20:59.960 believe. 00:21:01.340 --> 00:21:02.019 Look at 00:21:02.019 --> 00:21:02.740 verse 31 00:21:02.740 --> 00:21:03.180 again. 00:21:03.900 --> 00:21:04.380 These are 00:21:04.380 --> 00:21:04.940 written that 00:21:04.940 --> 00:21:05.440 you may 00:21:05.440 --> 00:21:06.680 believe that 00:21:06.680 --> 00:21:07.340 Jesus is 00:21:07.340 --> 00:21:07.840 the Messiah, 00:21:07.960 --> 00:21:08.420 the Son of 00:21:08.420 --> 00:21:08.720 God, 00:21:09.019 --> 00:21:09.480 and that 00:21:09.480 --> 00:21:10.680 by believing 00:21:10.680 --> 00:21:12.380 you may 00:21:12.380 --> 00:21:12.940 have life 00:21:12.940 --> 00:21:13.300 in his 00:21:13.300 --> 00:21:13.640 name. 00:21:14.840 --> 00:21:15.200 You see, 00:21:15.279 --> 00:21:15.860 all of these 00:21:15.860 --> 00:21:16.940 signs performed 00:21:16.940 --> 00:21:17.720 by Jesus 00:21:17.720 --> 00:21:18.160 have a 00:21:18.160 --> 00:21:19.100 purpose to 00:21:19.100 --> 00:21:19.559 show us 00:21:19.559 --> 00:21:20.140 that Jesus 00:21:20.140 --> 00:21:20.920 is the 00:21:20.920 --> 00:21:21.340 Messiah. 00:21:21.759 --> 00:21:22.340 He is 00:21:22.340 --> 00:21:22.820 God's 00:21:22.820 --> 00:21:23.180 chosen 00:21:23.180 --> 00:21:23.640 king. 00:21:24.440 --> 00:21:24.960 And the 00:21:24.960 --> 00:21:25.620 only right 00:21:25.620 --> 00:21:26.539 response is 00:21:26.539 --> 00:21:27.180 to believe 00:21:27.180 --> 00:21:27.700 and to 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:28.480 confess like 00:21:28.480 --> 00:21:28.920 Thomas, 00:21:29.360 --> 00:21:30.200 my Lord 00:21:30.200 --> 00:21:31.000 and my 00:21:31.000 --> 00:21:31.860 God. 00:21:34.259 --> 00:21:35.180 You see, 00:21:35.279 --> 00:21:35.740 it's not 00:21:35.740 --> 00:21:36.340 that there's 00:21:36.340 --> 00:21:37.320 not enough 00:21:37.320 --> 00:21:38.220 evidence. 00:21:40.120 --> 00:21:41.000 It's that 00:21:41.000 --> 00:21:41.660 some people 00:21:41.660 --> 00:21:42.500 just don't 00:21:42.500 --> 00:21:43.420 want to 00:21:43.420 --> 00:21:44.140 believe 00:21:44.140 --> 00:21:45.680 the evidence. 00:21:46.940 --> 00:21:47.660 look back 00:21:47.660 --> 00:21:48.240 to chapter 00:21:48.240 --> 00:21:49.059 11 with 00:21:49.059 --> 00:21:49.380 me, 00:21:50.279 --> 00:21:52.259 to this 00:21:52.259 --> 00:21:53.160 amazing 00:21:53.160 --> 00:21:53.860 account 00:21:53.860 --> 00:21:56.559 of 00:21:56.559 --> 00:21:57.519 Lazarus 00:21:57.519 --> 00:21:59.039 being 00:21:59.039 --> 00:21:59.600 raised 00:21:59.600 --> 00:22:00.220 from the 00:22:00.220 --> 00:22:00.660 dead. 00:22:03.539 --> 00:22:04.340 Chapter 00:22:04.340 --> 00:22:04.840 11, 00:22:04.980 --> 00:22:05.240 verse 00:22:05.240 --> 00:22:06.059 43. 00:22:06.059 --> 00:22:06.179 43. 00:22:15.539 --> 00:22:16.299 So this 00:22:16.299 --> 00:22:16.720 is the 00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:17.379 sixth 00:22:17.379 --> 00:22:18.440 miracle 00:22:18.440 --> 00:22:19.339 or sign 00:22:19.339 --> 00:22:20.000 that Jesus 00:22:20.000 --> 00:22:20.759 performed. 00:22:21.879 --> 00:22:22.619 We'll pick 00:22:22.619 --> 00:22:23.119 it up in 00:22:23.119 --> 00:22:24.159 verse 43. 00:22:26.500 --> 00:22:27.019 So 00:22:27.019 --> 00:22:27.659 Lazarus is 00:22:27.659 --> 00:22:28.000 in the 00:22:28.000 --> 00:22:28.339 tomb 00:22:28.339 --> 00:22:29.639 and Jesus 00:22:29.639 --> 00:22:30.440 comes along 00:22:30.440 --> 00:22:30.899 and in a 00:22:30.899 --> 00:22:31.799 loud voice, 00:22:32.839 --> 00:22:33.700 Lazarus, 00:22:33.919 --> 00:22:34.960 come out. 00:22:34.960 --> 00:22:37.340 the dead 00:22:37.340 --> 00:22:38.120 man came 00:22:38.120 --> 00:22:38.559 out, 00:22:39.480 --> 00:22:40.220 his hands 00:22:40.220 --> 00:22:40.779 and feet 00:22:40.779 --> 00:22:41.480 wrapped with 00:22:41.480 --> 00:22:42.100 strips of 00:22:42.100 --> 00:22:43.559 linen and 00:22:43.559 --> 00:22:44.140 a cloth 00:22:44.140 --> 00:22:44.819 round his 00:22:44.819 --> 00:22:45.340 face. 00:22:46.920 --> 00:22:47.319 And Jesus 00:22:47.319 --> 00:22:47.840 said to 00:22:47.840 --> 00:22:48.100 them, 00:22:48.779 --> 00:22:49.240 take off 00:22:49.240 --> 00:22:49.740 the grave 00:22:49.740 --> 00:22:50.400 clothes and 00:22:50.400 --> 00:22:50.840 let him 00:22:50.840 --> 00:22:51.180 go. 00:22:53.200 --> 00:22:53.799 Therefore, 00:22:54.360 --> 00:22:55.559 many of the 00:22:55.559 --> 00:22:56.019 Jews who 00:22:56.019 --> 00:22:56.519 had come to 00:22:56.519 --> 00:22:57.279 visit Mary, 00:22:57.500 --> 00:22:58.100 Mary was 00:22:58.100 --> 00:22:58.840 the sister 00:22:58.840 --> 00:22:59.600 of Lazarus, 00:22:59.660 --> 00:22:59.880 they had 00:22:59.880 --> 00:23:00.340 come to 00:23:00.340 --> 00:23:01.000 mourn for 00:23:01.000 --> 00:23:01.920 him. 00:23:01.920 --> 00:23:04.160 when they 00:23:04.160 --> 00:23:04.779 had seen 00:23:04.779 --> 00:23:05.440 what Jesus 00:23:05.440 --> 00:23:06.060 did, 00:23:07.060 --> 00:23:08.759 they believed 00:23:08.759 --> 00:23:10.000 in him. 00:23:11.720 --> 00:23:12.560 But not 00:23:12.560 --> 00:23:13.400 everyone was 00:23:13.400 --> 00:23:13.800 happy, 00:23:13.900 --> 00:23:14.300 were they? 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:15.920 Look at 00:23:15.920 --> 00:23:16.820 verse 48. 00:23:17.120 --> 00:23:17.620 This is the 00:23:17.620 --> 00:23:18.539 religious leaders. 00:23:20.000 --> 00:23:20.900 If we let 00:23:20.900 --> 00:23:21.680 him go on 00:23:21.680 --> 00:23:22.500 like this, 00:23:23.360 --> 00:23:24.060 if we let 00:23:24.060 --> 00:23:24.759 Jesus keep 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:25.560 going on, 00:23:26.440 --> 00:23:27.880 everyone will 00:23:27.880 --> 00:23:28.500 believe in 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:28.779 him. 00:23:29.779 --> 00:23:30.460 And then the 00:23:30.460 --> 00:23:30.980 Romans will 00:23:30.980 --> 00:23:31.400 come and 00:23:31.400 --> 00:23:31.920 take away 00:23:31.920 --> 00:23:32.519 both our 00:23:32.519 --> 00:23:33.160 temple and 00:23:33.160 --> 00:23:33.740 our nation. 00:23:34.539 --> 00:23:35.440 Verse 53. 00:23:37.740 --> 00:23:38.599 So from 00:23:38.599 --> 00:23:39.259 that day 00:23:39.259 --> 00:23:39.700 on, 00:23:40.660 --> 00:23:41.319 they plotted 00:23:41.319 --> 00:23:42.039 to take 00:23:42.039 --> 00:23:43.680 his life. 00:23:45.420 --> 00:23:46.059 Let's go 00:23:46.059 --> 00:23:46.519 back to 00:23:46.519 --> 00:23:47.259 chapter 20. 00:23:47.400 --> 00:23:47.740 You see, 00:23:47.920 --> 00:23:48.940 some saw 00:23:48.940 --> 00:23:51.019 and believed 00:23:51.019 --> 00:23:53.299 and looked 00:23:53.299 --> 00:23:53.940 to Jesus 00:23:53.940 --> 00:23:54.680 for life. 00:23:55.680 --> 00:23:56.039 Others 00:23:56.039 --> 00:23:56.720 saw 00:23:56.720 --> 00:23:58.360 and would 00:23:58.360 --> 00:23:59.339 not believe 00:23:59.339 --> 00:24:00.400 and instead 00:24:00.400 --> 00:24:00.880 of coming 00:24:00.880 --> 00:24:01.440 to Jesus 00:24:01.440 --> 00:24:02.100 for life, 00:24:02.260 --> 00:24:02.940 they wanted 00:24:02.940 --> 00:24:03.600 to take 00:24:03.600 --> 00:24:04.320 his life. 00:24:07.020 --> 00:24:07.700 You see, 00:24:07.780 --> 00:24:08.160 it's not 00:24:08.160 --> 00:24:08.600 that there 00:24:08.600 --> 00:24:09.160 is no 00:24:09.160 --> 00:24:09.860 evidence, 00:24:11.600 --> 00:24:12.040 it's that 00:24:12.040 --> 00:24:12.760 some just 00:24:12.760 --> 00:24:13.620 don't want 00:24:13.620 --> 00:24:14.780 to believe. 00:24:16.400 --> 00:24:17.140 The reality 00:24:17.140 --> 00:24:17.800 is Jesus 00:24:17.800 --> 00:24:18.340 could do 00:24:18.340 --> 00:24:19.220 anything and 00:24:19.220 --> 00:24:19.840 everything you 00:24:19.840 --> 00:24:20.560 asked for. 00:24:20.920 --> 00:24:21.440 Heal my 00:24:21.440 --> 00:24:21.900 child, 00:24:22.320 --> 00:24:22.900 stop the 00:24:22.900 --> 00:24:23.260 wars, 00:24:23.620 --> 00:24:24.240 appear to 00:24:24.240 --> 00:24:24.480 me, 00:24:24.680 --> 00:24:25.160 talk to 00:24:25.160 --> 00:24:25.460 me, 00:24:25.460 --> 00:24:28.180 but still, 00:24:28.840 --> 00:24:30.460 they would 00:24:30.460 --> 00:24:31.259 not believe. 00:24:32.920 --> 00:24:33.319 You see, 00:24:33.480 --> 00:24:34.220 believing in 00:24:34.220 --> 00:24:34.860 Jesus 00:24:34.860 --> 00:24:36.519 demands that 00:24:36.519 --> 00:24:37.420 we devote 00:24:37.420 --> 00:24:38.519 ourselves fully 00:24:38.519 --> 00:24:39.240 and completely 00:24:39.240 --> 00:24:40.100 to Jesus. 00:24:40.840 --> 00:24:41.920 True belief 00:24:41.920 --> 00:24:42.559 means we 00:24:42.559 --> 00:24:43.840 embrace Jesus 00:24:43.840 --> 00:24:45.059 as my 00:24:45.059 --> 00:24:45.640 Lord 00:24:45.640 --> 00:24:46.559 and my 00:24:46.559 --> 00:24:47.100 God. 00:24:47.099 --> 00:24:49.199 and that's 00:24:49.199 --> 00:24:49.819 the crux 00:24:49.819 --> 00:24:50.179 of the 00:24:50.179 --> 00:24:50.539 issue, 00:24:51.480 --> 00:24:53.419 to entrust 00:24:53.419 --> 00:24:53.919 yourself 00:24:53.919 --> 00:24:54.500 completely 00:24:54.500 --> 00:24:54.980 to him, 00:24:55.139 --> 00:24:55.959 to get 00:24:55.959 --> 00:24:56.899 into the 00:24:56.899 --> 00:24:57.759 wheelbarrow, 00:24:58.659 --> 00:25:00.039 to give 00:25:00.039 --> 00:25:00.579 your life 00:25:00.579 --> 00:25:01.079 to him. 00:25:01.079 --> 00:25:06.879 well, 00:25:07.299 --> 00:25:08.079 it is 00:25:08.079 --> 00:25:08.460 written 00:25:08.460 --> 00:25:10.339 that we 00:25:10.339 --> 00:25:10.579 may 00:25:10.579 --> 00:25:11.259 believe 00:25:11.259 --> 00:25:13.399 and have 00:25:13.399 --> 00:25:13.879 life. 00:25:14.960 --> 00:25:15.500 You see, 00:25:15.599 --> 00:25:16.119 as we 00:25:16.119 --> 00:25:16.899 do believe, 00:25:17.000 --> 00:25:17.359 as we 00:25:17.359 --> 00:25:18.500 trust in 00:25:18.500 --> 00:25:18.919 Jesus, 00:25:19.220 --> 00:25:20.179 we experience 00:25:20.179 --> 00:25:21.139 life in all 00:25:21.139 --> 00:25:21.679 its fullness. 00:25:22.279 --> 00:25:22.679 Look at 00:25:22.679 --> 00:25:23.399 verse 31 00:25:23.399 --> 00:25:24.039 back to 00:25:24.039 --> 00:25:24.919 chapter 20. 00:25:26.519 --> 00:25:27.039 But these 00:25:27.039 --> 00:25:27.500 are written 00:25:27.500 --> 00:25:27.899 that you 00:25:27.899 --> 00:25:28.899 may believe 00:25:28.899 --> 00:25:29.559 that Jesus 00:25:29.559 --> 00:25:30.000 is the 00:25:30.000 --> 00:25:30.439 Messiah, 00:25:30.579 --> 00:25:30.939 the Son 00:25:30.940 --> 00:25:31.440 of God, 00:25:31.799 --> 00:25:32.200 and that 00:25:32.200 --> 00:25:33.059 by believing 00:25:33.059 --> 00:25:33.759 you may 00:25:33.759 --> 00:25:34.259 have 00:25:34.259 --> 00:25:35.600 life 00:25:35.600 --> 00:25:37.320 in his 00:25:37.320 --> 00:25:37.740 name. 00:25:39.140 --> 00:25:39.740 That's 00:25:39.740 --> 00:25:40.180 what is 00:25:40.180 --> 00:25:40.759 promised, 00:25:41.420 --> 00:25:41.980 life. 00:25:44.080 --> 00:25:44.380 Well, 00:25:44.440 --> 00:25:44.860 what is 00:25:44.860 --> 00:25:45.660 this life? 00:25:47.000 --> 00:25:47.259 Well, 00:25:47.299 --> 00:25:47.840 listen to 00:25:47.840 --> 00:25:48.440 what Jesus 00:25:48.440 --> 00:25:49.100 said to 00:25:49.100 --> 00:25:49.840 those who 00:25:49.840 --> 00:25:50.720 encountered 00:25:50.720 --> 00:25:51.220 him. 00:25:51.920 --> 00:25:52.480 Here's a 00:25:52.480 --> 00:25:52.980 taster 00:25:52.980 --> 00:25:54.460 of what 00:25:54.460 --> 00:25:54.779 John 00:25:54.779 --> 00:25:55.340 promises. 00:25:56.980 --> 00:25:57.580 Jesus 00:25:57.580 --> 00:25:58.019 says, 00:25:58.140 --> 00:25:58.400 whoever 00:25:58.400 --> 00:25:59.880 drinks the 00:25:59.880 --> 00:26:00.759 water I 00:26:00.759 --> 00:26:01.400 give them 00:26:01.400 --> 00:26:02.460 will never 00:26:02.460 --> 00:26:03.140 thirst. 00:26:04.400 --> 00:26:04.740 Indeed, 00:26:04.859 --> 00:26:05.879 the water I 00:26:05.879 --> 00:26:06.539 give them 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:07.299 will come 00:26:07.299 --> 00:26:07.980 in them, 00:26:08.099 --> 00:26:08.859 a spring 00:26:08.859 --> 00:26:09.720 of water 00:26:09.720 --> 00:26:10.980 welling up 00:26:10.980 --> 00:26:12.039 to eternal 00:26:12.039 --> 00:26:13.259 life. 00:26:16.559 --> 00:26:17.559 I am 00:26:17.559 --> 00:26:18.379 the bread 00:26:18.379 --> 00:26:19.559 of life. 00:26:20.640 --> 00:26:21.180 I am 00:26:21.180 --> 00:26:21.819 the living 00:26:21.819 --> 00:26:22.599 bread that 00:26:22.599 --> 00:26:23.240 came down 00:26:23.240 --> 00:26:23.819 from heaven. 00:26:24.259 --> 00:26:24.559 Whoever 00:26:24.559 --> 00:26:25.500 eats this 00:26:25.500 --> 00:26:26.259 bread will 00:26:26.259 --> 00:26:26.859 live 00:26:26.859 --> 00:26:28.059 forever. 00:26:28.059 --> 00:26:28.159 forever. 00:26:30.659 --> 00:26:31.639 I have 00:26:31.639 --> 00:26:32.240 come 00:26:32.240 --> 00:26:33.879 that they 00:26:33.879 --> 00:26:34.399 may have 00:26:34.399 --> 00:26:35.059 life 00:26:35.059 --> 00:26:37.139 and have 00:26:37.139 --> 00:26:37.440 it 00:26:37.440 --> 00:26:38.539 to the 00:26:38.539 --> 00:26:38.899 full. 00:26:41.500 --> 00:26:42.679 I am 00:26:42.679 --> 00:26:42.980 the 00:26:42.980 --> 00:26:43.700 resurrection 00:26:43.700 --> 00:26:44.639 and the 00:26:44.639 --> 00:26:45.159 life. 00:26:46.240 --> 00:26:46.700 The one 00:26:46.700 --> 00:26:47.579 who believes 00:26:47.579 --> 00:26:48.000 in me 00:26:48.000 --> 00:26:48.740 will live 00:26:48.740 --> 00:26:49.639 even though 00:26:49.639 --> 00:26:50.319 they die 00:26:50.319 --> 00:26:51.259 and whoever 00:26:51.259 --> 00:26:52.159 lives by 00:26:52.159 --> 00:26:52.940 believing in 00:26:52.940 --> 00:26:53.480 me will 00:26:53.480 --> 00:26:54.539 never die. 00:26:54.539 --> 00:26:59.059 I am 00:26:59.059 --> 00:27:00.019 the way, 00:27:01.019 --> 00:27:02.220 the truth 00:27:02.220 --> 00:27:02.940 and the 00:27:02.940 --> 00:27:03.759 life. 00:27:05.460 --> 00:27:06.059 No one 00:27:06.059 --> 00:27:06.759 comes to 00:27:06.759 --> 00:27:07.399 the Father 00:27:07.399 --> 00:27:08.180 except 00:27:08.180 --> 00:27:09.059 through 00:27:09.059 --> 00:27:10.079 me. 00:27:12.579 --> 00:27:13.740 Here is 00:27:13.740 --> 00:27:14.299 life 00:27:14.299 --> 00:27:16.440 that will 00:27:16.440 --> 00:27:17.039 quench 00:27:17.039 --> 00:27:17.460 you 00:27:17.460 --> 00:27:19.339 and satisfy 00:27:19.339 --> 00:27:20.000 you 00:27:20.000 --> 00:27:21.099 and 00:27:21.099 --> 00:27:21.539 fulfill 00:27:21.539 --> 00:27:22.059 you. 00:27:22.920 --> 00:27:23.380 It is 00:27:23.380 --> 00:27:23.839 life 00:27:23.839 --> 00:27:24.420 now 00:27:24.420 --> 00:27:25.480 and 00:27:25.480 --> 00:27:25.980 life 00:27:25.980 --> 00:27:26.500 to 00:27:26.500 --> 00:27:26.940 come. 00:27:28.279 --> 00:27:28.559 You 00:27:28.559 --> 00:27:28.759 see, 00:27:28.880 --> 00:27:29.059 this 00:27:29.059 --> 00:27:29.500 gospel 00:27:29.500 --> 00:27:29.960 has been 00:27:29.960 --> 00:27:30.319 written 00:27:30.319 --> 00:27:30.859 down 00:27:30.859 --> 00:27:31.799 so that 00:27:31.799 --> 00:27:32.440 we may 00:27:32.440 --> 00:27:33.200 believe 00:27:33.200 --> 00:27:33.980 and have 00:27:33.980 --> 00:27:34.599 life 00:27:34.599 --> 00:27:35.980 and so 00:27:35.980 --> 00:27:36.519 we can 00:27:36.519 --> 00:27:37.259 go and 00:27:37.259 --> 00:27:37.700 proclaim 00:27:37.700 --> 00:27:38.220 this 00:27:38.220 --> 00:27:38.660 life 00:27:38.660 --> 00:27:39.220 with 00:27:39.220 --> 00:27:39.880 absolute 00:27:39.880 --> 00:27:40.559 confidence 00:27:40.559 --> 00:27:41.460 and assurance 00:27:41.460 --> 00:27:42.380 to our 00:27:42.380 --> 00:27:42.960 skeptic 00:27:42.960 --> 00:27:43.359 friends. 00:27:44.079 --> 00:27:44.859 We 00:27:44.859 --> 00:27:45.380 don't have 00:27:45.380 --> 00:27:46.000 to produce 00:27:46.000 --> 00:27:46.619 miracles 00:27:46.619 --> 00:27:47.759 or signs 00:27:47.759 --> 00:27:48.420 and wonders. 00:27:48.420 --> 00:27:49.500 we tell 00:27:49.500 --> 00:27:49.940 them the 00:27:49.940 --> 00:27:50.259 same 00:27:50.259 --> 00:27:50.920 story 00:27:50.920 --> 00:27:52.720 which is 00:27:52.720 --> 00:27:53.259 exactly 00:27:53.259 --> 00:27:54.060 what John 00:27:54.060 --> 00:27:54.640 went on 00:27:54.640 --> 00:27:55.160 to do. 00:27:56.660 --> 00:27:57.180 Go with 00:27:57.180 --> 00:27:57.660 me as we 00:27:57.660 --> 00:27:58.039 finish 00:27:58.039 --> 00:27:58.519 please 00:27:58.519 --> 00:27:58.820 to 00:27:58.820 --> 00:27:59.840 1 John 00:27:59.840 --> 00:28:01.500 chapter 00:28:01.500 --> 00:28:02.000 1. 00:28:03.400 --> 00:28:04.200 It's 00:28:04.200 --> 00:28:04.440 just 00:28:04.440 --> 00:28:04.860 before 00:28:04.860 --> 00:28:05.600 Revelation. 00:28:07.539 --> 00:28:08.300 1 John 00:28:08.300 --> 00:28:08.840 chapter 00:28:08.840 --> 00:28:09.340 1. 00:28:14.700 --> 00:28:15.500 Towards 00:28:15.500 --> 00:28:16.039 the end 00:28:16.039 --> 00:28:16.340 of your 00:28:16.340 --> 00:28:16.759 Bible. 00:28:18.420 --> 00:28:20.660 page 00:28:20.660 --> 00:28:21.080 number 00:28:21.080 --> 00:28:26.480 1225. 00:28:31.060 --> 00:28:32.120 So the 00:28:32.120 --> 00:28:32.440 same 00:28:32.440 --> 00:28:32.980 author of 00:28:32.980 --> 00:28:33.519 the gospel 00:28:33.519 --> 00:28:34.279 writes a 00:28:34.279 --> 00:28:34.620 letter 00:28:34.620 --> 00:28:38.100 and tells 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.620 us that 00:28:38.620 --> 00:28:39.320 the written 00:28:39.320 --> 00:28:40.840 word about 00:28:40.840 --> 00:28:41.720 Jesus is 00:28:41.720 --> 00:28:42.240 sufficient, 00:28:43.039 --> 00:28:43.600 it is 00:28:43.600 --> 00:28:44.080 enough, 00:28:44.960 --> 00:28:45.580 and it 00:28:45.580 --> 00:28:46.360 leads to 00:28:46.360 --> 00:28:46.840 life. 00:28:48.420 --> 00:28:49.420 Let's 00:28:49.420 --> 00:28:49.920 read from 00:28:49.920 --> 00:28:50.600 verse 1. 00:28:51.279 --> 00:28:51.720 This is 00:28:51.720 --> 00:28:52.560 speaking about 00:28:52.560 --> 00:28:53.039 Jesus. 00:28:54.440 --> 00:28:55.600 That which 00:28:55.600 --> 00:28:56.759 was from 00:28:56.759 --> 00:28:57.519 the beginning, 00:28:58.360 --> 00:28:59.779 which we 00:28:59.779 --> 00:29:00.960 have heard, 00:29:01.960 --> 00:29:02.759 which we 00:29:02.759 --> 00:29:03.759 have seen 00:29:03.759 --> 00:29:04.640 with our 00:29:04.640 --> 00:29:05.360 eyes, 00:29:06.120 --> 00:29:06.980 which we 00:29:06.980 --> 00:29:07.740 have looked 00:29:07.740 --> 00:29:08.200 at, 00:29:09.019 --> 00:29:09.620 and our 00:29:09.620 --> 00:29:10.500 hands have 00:29:10.500 --> 00:29:11.180 touched, 00:29:12.600 --> 00:29:13.480 this we 00:29:13.480 --> 00:29:14.120 proclaim 00:29:14.120 --> 00:29:15.220 concerning the 00:29:15.220 --> 00:29:15.660 word of 00:29:15.660 --> 00:29:16.080 life. 00:29:16.079 --> 00:29:17.539 the life 00:29:17.539 --> 00:29:18.139 appeared, 00:29:18.939 --> 00:29:19.679 we have 00:29:19.679 --> 00:29:20.500 seen it, 00:29:21.039 --> 00:29:22.059 and testify 00:29:22.059 --> 00:29:22.859 to it, 00:29:23.139 --> 00:29:23.699 and we 00:29:23.699 --> 00:29:24.659 proclaim to 00:29:24.659 --> 00:29:25.279 you the 00:29:25.279 --> 00:29:26.359 eternal life 00:29:26.359 --> 00:29:27.119 which was 00:29:27.119 --> 00:29:27.720 with the 00:29:27.720 --> 00:29:28.759 Father and 00:29:28.759 --> 00:29:29.439 has appeared 00:29:29.439 --> 00:29:30.179 to us. 00:29:31.639 --> 00:29:32.419 We 00:29:32.419 --> 00:29:33.519 proclaim to 00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:35.539 you what 00:29:35.539 --> 00:29:36.419 we have 00:29:36.419 --> 00:29:37.379 seen and 00:29:37.379 --> 00:29:37.939 heard, 00:29:37.939 --> 00:29:39.359 so that you 00:29:39.359 --> 00:29:40.480 also may 00:29:40.480 --> 00:29:41.339 have fellowship 00:29:41.339 --> 00:29:42.240 with us, 00:29:42.679 --> 00:29:43.619 and our 00:29:43.619 --> 00:29:44.659 fellowship is 00:29:44.660 --> 00:29:45.220 with the 00:29:45.220 --> 00:29:46.580 Father and 00:29:46.580 --> 00:29:47.160 with his 00:29:47.160 --> 00:29:47.640 Son, 00:29:48.140 --> 00:29:48.500 Jesus 00:29:48.500 --> 00:29:49.240 Christ. 00:29:50.340 --> 00:29:51.620 We write 00:29:51.620 --> 00:29:53.440 this to 00:29:53.440 --> 00:29:53.940 make our 00:29:53.940 --> 00:29:54.460 joy 00:29:54.460 --> 00:29:55.640 complete. 00:29:55.640 --> 00:29:58.580 you see, 00:29:58.720 --> 00:29:59.380 life is 00:29:59.380 --> 00:30:00.520 experienced as 00:30:00.520 --> 00:30:02.080 we hear the 00:30:02.080 --> 00:30:03.180 written word 00:30:03.180 --> 00:30:05.300 and believe. 00:30:06.300 --> 00:30:07.360 No need 00:30:07.360 --> 00:30:08.080 for I 00:30:08.080 --> 00:30:08.840 will believe 00:30:08.840 --> 00:30:09.360 if. 00:30:10.759 --> 00:30:11.259 We have 00:30:11.259 --> 00:30:12.020 the testimony 00:30:12.020 --> 00:30:12.900 of those who 00:30:12.900 --> 00:30:14.020 heard, who 00:30:14.020 --> 00:30:15.380 saw, and 00:30:15.380 --> 00:30:16.140 who touched. 00:30:17.500 --> 00:30:18.460 And so we 00:30:18.460 --> 00:30:19.180 can go with 00:30:19.180 --> 00:30:21.240 confidence and 00:30:21.240 --> 00:30:21.880 share the 00:30:21.880 --> 00:30:23.000 same message 00:30:23.000 --> 00:30:25.119 and show 00:30:25.119 --> 00:30:25.859 that as we 00:30:25.859 --> 00:30:26.460 believe, 00:30:26.579 --> 00:30:27.119 verse 3, 00:30:27.319 --> 00:30:28.579 we enter and 00:30:28.579 --> 00:30:29.420 experience 00:30:29.420 --> 00:30:30.559 fellowship with 00:30:30.559 --> 00:30:31.480 the Father 00:30:31.480 --> 00:30:33.380 and with 00:30:33.380 --> 00:30:34.099 his Son. 00:30:35.380 --> 00:30:36.099 We enter 00:30:36.099 --> 00:30:36.700 into that 00:30:36.700 --> 00:30:37.380 eternal, 00:30:38.059 --> 00:30:38.460 loving, 00:30:39.039 --> 00:30:39.539 joyful 00:30:39.539 --> 00:30:40.799 relationship 00:30:40.799 --> 00:30:41.460 of the 00:30:41.460 --> 00:30:42.500 Father and 00:30:42.500 --> 00:30:43.200 the Son. 00:30:44.079 --> 00:30:44.319 A 00:30:44.319 --> 00:30:44.900 relationship 00:30:44.900 --> 00:30:46.079 that quenches 00:30:46.079 --> 00:30:47.440 and satisfies 00:30:47.440 --> 00:30:49.319 and fulfills 00:30:49.319 --> 00:30:53.240 life in 00:30:53.240 --> 00:30:53.939 all its 00:30:53.939 --> 00:30:54.519 fullness 00:30:54.519 --> 00:30:56.519 offered 00:30:56.519 --> 00:30:57.279 freely 00:30:57.279 --> 00:30:59.139 because of 00:30:59.139 --> 00:30:59.799 what Christ 00:30:59.799 --> 00:31:00.439 has done 00:31:00.439 --> 00:31:01.700 for us. 00:31:04.700 --> 00:31:05.579 Stop 00:31:05.579 --> 00:31:06.159 doubting 00:31:06.159 --> 00:31:08.500 and believe. 00:31:10.039 --> 00:31:10.899 Let's 00:31:10.899 --> 00:31:11.179 pray. 00:31:11.179 --> 00:31:11.240 Amen. 00:31:11.240 --> 00:31:11.240 00:31:11.240 --> 00:31:11.240 00:31:11.240 --> 00:31:13.240 Amen. 00:31:13.240 --> 00:31:13.240 00:31:13.240 --> 00:31:13.240 00:31:13.240 --> 00:31:13.299 Amen. 00:31:13.299 --> 00:31:13.299 00:31:13.299 --> 00:31:13.299 00:31:13.299 --> 00:31:13.299 00:31:13.299 --> 00:31:13.299 00:31:13.299 --> 00:31:13.299 00:31:13.299 --> 00:31:13.299 00:31:13.299 --> 00:31:13.299 00:31:13.299 --> 00:31:13.299 00:31:13.299 --> 00:31:13.299 00:31:13.299 --> 00:31:13.299 00:31:13.299 --> 00:31:15.299 Amen. 00:31:15.299 --> 00:31:15.299 00:31:15.299 --> 00:31:15.299 00:31:15.299 --> 00:31:19.299 Amen. 00:31:19.299 --> 00:31:33.460 As we 00:31:33.460 --> 00:31:34.440 look afresh 00:31:34.440 --> 00:31:36.419 at the 00:31:36.419 --> 00:31:37.079 evidence, 00:31:38.079 --> 00:31:40.000 as we 00:31:40.000 --> 00:31:40.599 hear the 00:31:40.599 --> 00:31:41.099 call 00:31:41.099 --> 00:31:43.119 to believe, 00:31:44.559 --> 00:31:45.399 we 00:31:45.399 --> 00:31:45.960 confess 00:31:45.960 --> 00:31:46.659 afresh, 00:31:46.660 --> 00:31:48.740 my 00:31:48.740 --> 00:31:49.420 Lord 00:31:49.420 --> 00:31:51.460 and my 00:31:51.460 --> 00:31:52.000 God. 00:31:55.120 --> 00:31:55.980 We 00:31:55.980 --> 00:31:56.660 thank you, 00:31:56.920 --> 00:31:57.240 Jesus, 00:31:58.100 --> 00:31:59.200 for your 00:31:59.200 --> 00:31:59.900 death for 00:31:59.900 --> 00:32:00.279 us, 00:32:01.200 --> 00:32:01.900 for your 00:32:01.900 --> 00:32:02.660 resurrection, 00:32:04.160 --> 00:32:05.300 giving life 00:32:05.300 --> 00:32:06.080 to all 00:32:06.080 --> 00:32:06.720 who trust 00:32:06.720 --> 00:32:07.200 in you. 00:32:08.560 --> 00:32:09.420 Help us 00:32:09.420 --> 00:32:09.900 to go 00:32:09.900 --> 00:32:10.900 with confidence 00:32:10.900 --> 00:32:12.540 and assurance 00:32:12.539 --> 00:32:14.259 that we 00:32:14.259 --> 00:32:15.019 too may 00:32:15.019 --> 00:32:15.619 proclaim 00:32:15.619 --> 00:32:15.920 the 00:32:15.920 --> 00:32:16.259 written 00:32:16.259 --> 00:32:16.740 word 00:32:16.740 --> 00:32:18.940 that all 00:32:18.940 --> 00:32:19.539 may come 00:32:19.539 --> 00:32:20.339 and believe 00:32:20.339 --> 00:32:22.200 and receive 00:32:22.200 --> 00:32:22.799 life. 00:32:25.059 --> 00:32:25.700 Father, 00:32:25.799 --> 00:32:26.200 we pray 00:32:26.200 --> 00:32:26.680 that for 00:32:26.680 --> 00:32:27.119 everyone 00:32:27.119 --> 00:32:27.639 gathered 00:32:27.639 --> 00:32:28.000 here 00:32:28.000 --> 00:32:28.460 today. 00:32:31.019 --> 00:32:31.659 We 00:32:31.659 --> 00:32:32.279 pray that 00:32:32.279 --> 00:32:32.819 for every 00:32:32.819 --> 00:32:33.579 child and 00:32:33.579 --> 00:32:34.339 young person 00:32:34.339 --> 00:32:34.700 who will 00:32:34.700 --> 00:32:35.139 come to 00:32:35.139 --> 00:32:35.559 rock, 00:32:36.359 --> 00:32:36.500 to 00:32:36.500 --> 00:32:36.839 rooted. 00:32:36.839 --> 00:32:39.919 we pray 00:32:39.919 --> 00:32:40.419 that for 00:32:40.419 --> 00:32:40.619 our 00:32:40.619 --> 00:32:41.220 friends. 00:32:43.019 --> 00:32:43.659 We 00:32:43.659 --> 00:32:44.099 pray it 00:32:44.099 --> 00:32:44.500 for our 00:32:44.500 --> 00:32:44.980 family. 00:32:47.959 --> 00:32:48.579 Lord, 00:32:48.679 --> 00:32:49.319 help us 00:32:49.319 --> 00:32:50.419 to 00:32:50.419 --> 00:32:50.839 proclaim 00:32:50.839 --> 00:32:51.359 this 00:32:51.359 --> 00:32:51.779 word, 00:32:52.779 --> 00:32:53.379 this 00:32:53.379 --> 00:32:53.919 word of 00:32:53.919 --> 00:32:54.339 life. 00:32:58.519 --> 00:32:59.399 Help us 00:32:59.399 --> 00:32:59.839 now, we 00:32:59.839 --> 00:33:00.399 ask in 00:33:00.399 --> 00:33:00.720 Jesus' 00:33:00.959 --> 00:33:01.179 name. 00:33:02.119 --> 00:33:02.480 Amen. 00:33:06.839 --> 00:33:07.839 Amen.