WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.880 All right, we're going to discover in this text why people need a Savior and think about 00:00:08.880 --> 00:00:10.259 why people say no. 00:00:11.480 --> 00:00:13.700 Luke 14, verse 1. 00:00:14.439 --> 00:00:19.480 One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being 00:00:19.480 --> 00:00:20.420 carefully watched. 00:00:21.219 --> 00:00:25.560 There in front of him was a man suffering from abnormal swelling of his body. 00:00:25.559 --> 00:00:31.839 Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or 00:00:31.839 --> 00:00:32.259 not? 00:00:32.859 --> 00:00:34.000 But they remained silent. 00:00:34.879 --> 00:00:38.100 So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way. 00:00:38.840 --> 00:00:43.539 Then he asked them, if one of you has a child or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath 00:00:43.539 --> 00:00:45.439 day, will you not immediately pull it out? 00:00:46.280 --> 00:00:47.399 And they had nothing to say. 00:00:48.179 --> 00:00:53.340 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable. 00:00:53.340 --> 00:00:58.180 When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor. 00:00:58.840 --> 00:01:01.580 For a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 00:01:02.220 --> 00:01:07.840 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, give this person your seat. 00:01:08.560 --> 00:01:13.180 Then, humiliated, you'll have to take the least important place. 00:01:13.800 --> 00:01:18.100 But when you are invited, take the lowest place so that when your host comes, he will say to 00:01:18.100 --> 00:01:21.020 you, friend, move up to a better place. 00:01:21.019 --> 00:01:24.079 Then you'll be honored in the presence of all the other guests. 00:01:24.439 --> 00:01:28.759 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will 00:01:28.759 --> 00:01:29.399 be exalted. 00:01:30.259 --> 00:01:35.439 Then Jesus said to his host, when you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, 00:01:35.539 --> 00:01:38.199 your brothers or sisters, your relatives or your rich neighbors. 00:01:38.879 --> 00:01:42.280 If you do, they may invite you back, and so you'll be repaid. 00:01:43.079 --> 00:01:47.840 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you'll 00:01:47.840 --> 00:01:48.460 be blessed. 00:01:49.200 --> 00:01:53.500 Although they cannot repay you, you'll be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. 00:01:54.520 --> 00:01:58.079 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, blessed is the one 00:01:58.079 --> 00:02:00.300 who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God. 00:02:01.200 --> 00:02:07.620 Jesus replied, a certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 00:02:08.280 --> 00:02:12.980 At the time of the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who'd been invited, come, for 00:02:12.979 --> 00:02:14.239 everything is now ready. 00:02:15.019 --> 00:02:17.019 But they all alike began to make excuses. 00:02:17.799 --> 00:02:20.719 The first said, I've just bought a field, and I must go and see it. 00:02:20.899 --> 00:02:22.159 Please excuse me. 00:02:22.899 --> 00:02:26.780 Another said, I've just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. 00:02:26.859 --> 00:02:27.819 Please excuse me. 00:02:28.459 --> 00:02:31.120 Still another said, I've just got married, so I can't come. 00:02:32.120 --> 00:02:34.679 The servant came back and reported this to his master. 00:02:35.219 --> 00:02:41.079 Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, go out quickly into the 00:02:41.080 --> 00:02:47.200 streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the 00:02:47.200 --> 00:02:47.500 lame. 00:02:48.360 --> 00:02:52.460 Sir, the servant said, what you ordered has been done, but there is still room. 00:02:53.120 --> 00:02:58.900 Then the master told his servant, go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them 00:02:58.900 --> 00:03:01.540 to come in so that my house will be full. 00:03:01.540 --> 00:03:09.420 I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet. 00:03:09.419 --> 00:03:20.939 Let's begin with the observation that the real Jesus often takes people by surprise. 00:03:21.039 --> 00:03:25.479 I say the real Jesus because I was reminded this week, the English novelist G.K. 00:03:25.619 --> 00:03:31.279 Chesterton, the first time as an adult he came to read the Gospels, he had in mind what to 00:03:31.279 --> 00:03:31.819 expect. 00:03:32.019 --> 00:03:34.859 He was expecting gentle Jesus. 00:03:34.860 --> 00:03:41.020 He expected to encounter someone who was good, some kind of wise guru. 00:03:41.820 --> 00:03:47.920 But as he tells of his conversion, he wrote that he discovered here was a man, the Son 00:03:47.920 --> 00:03:55.360 of God, who was casting out demons, who was rebuking storms, someone who made a whip and 00:03:55.360 --> 00:04:02.760 drove people out of the temple who were spoiling it with false worship, one who was confronting 00:04:02.759 --> 00:04:04.079 his enemies. 00:04:06.179 --> 00:04:09.599 Everybody needs to know the real Jesus. 00:04:10.340 --> 00:04:12.060 Sometimes he surprises people. 00:04:12.819 --> 00:04:18.519 In our story today, we see something of the strength of character of Jesus. 00:04:18.659 --> 00:04:22.639 We meet Jesus deep in enemy territory. 00:04:22.719 --> 00:04:29.699 On the surface, he's here having a nice meal, but we're told that his enemies are watching. 00:04:29.699 --> 00:04:33.420 They are keen to lay a trap for Jesus. 00:04:34.459 --> 00:04:42.980 But in the heart of this, Jesus takes on their hypocrisy, the hypocrisy of their organized 00:04:42.980 --> 00:04:43.599 religion. 00:04:44.579 --> 00:04:51.980 He exposes their double standards that they don't even adhere to the rules that they have 00:04:51.980 --> 00:04:52.779 set up. 00:04:53.620 --> 00:04:57.519 He targets their foolish, complacent pride. 00:04:57.519 --> 00:05:01.879 And again, it would be really easy to come to this kind of story and to love it. 00:05:01.939 --> 00:05:03.500 We love these kind of stories. 00:05:03.620 --> 00:05:08.799 You know, the stick it to the man kind of story, the little guy taking on the institution. 00:05:09.299 --> 00:05:12.139 And we can say, here is Jesus taking on the Pharisees in organized religion. 00:05:12.199 --> 00:05:12.759 That was great. 00:05:12.819 --> 00:05:14.419 It's a great story for then. 00:05:14.420 --> 00:05:25.420 But what we need to do is to allow God's Word to speak to us, to let this meal become a mirror 00:05:25.420 --> 00:05:30.939 on us and on our hearts today and right now. 00:05:31.379 --> 00:05:36.560 Because when we do that, we'll discover that Jesus will help us to answer some important 00:05:36.560 --> 00:05:37.740 personal questions. 00:05:37.740 --> 00:05:42.500 We're going to see why do we need a Savior. 00:05:43.420 --> 00:05:48.840 Those first 14 verses, Jesus shows not just the problem in society in the first century, 00:05:49.780 --> 00:05:53.199 he reveals the ongoing problem in every human heart. 00:05:53.960 --> 00:05:58.519 And at the same time, he's giving pointers to why Jesus the Savior, why he's the better 00:05:58.519 --> 00:05:58.860 way. 00:06:00.139 --> 00:06:04.639 But then following that with the story that he tells, we need to ask the question, why is 00:06:04.639 --> 00:06:06.180 it that so many people say no? 00:06:06.180 --> 00:06:06.259 No. 00:06:07.040 --> 00:06:08.939 Here is the picture of the kingdom of God. 00:06:09.040 --> 00:06:13.980 Here is Jesus inviting people to a feast to experience joy and generous grace. 00:06:14.900 --> 00:06:21.540 So we need to think, what lies behind the rejection, the tragedy of saying no? 00:06:22.240 --> 00:06:28.100 And as we do, we'll tie this to Advent and the two comings of Jesus that we need to think 00:06:28.100 --> 00:06:28.340 about. 00:06:28.699 --> 00:06:32.259 But let's begin with this first question, why do we need a Savior? 00:06:32.259 --> 00:06:35.639 And we're going to look at these first 14 verses. 00:06:36.180 --> 00:06:43.879 Now, I imagine some of you at least will have favorite figures in fiction. 00:06:44.240 --> 00:06:46.079 There are books and characters you love. 00:06:46.139 --> 00:06:47.939 For me, I love Hercule Poirot. 00:06:47.939 --> 00:06:52.100 And I love, I don't care how kind of often it happens. 00:06:52.199 --> 00:06:57.139 I love the climax of his stories, Agatha Christie's stories. 00:06:57.219 --> 00:06:58.639 You have a whole room of suspects. 00:06:59.480 --> 00:07:02.319 And you have Poirot controlling the room. 00:07:02.699 --> 00:07:11.420 And the finger of suspicion points to each character until finally guilt is revealed. 00:07:11.420 --> 00:07:14.300 Think about what's going on here. 00:07:14.300 --> 00:07:16.379 Jesus is sharing a meal. 00:07:16.879 --> 00:07:20.319 And we hear him talking to the whole room. 00:07:20.920 --> 00:07:25.740 So in verse 3, we hear him talking to the religious leaders. 00:07:26.740 --> 00:07:30.560 Then in verse 7, he talks to a fellow guest. 00:07:30.560 --> 00:07:35.540 And then in verse 12, he turns to speak to the host. 00:07:35.959 --> 00:07:37.600 So he's speaking to the whole room. 00:07:38.879 --> 00:07:42.740 And he points out heart problems. 00:07:43.319 --> 00:07:48.939 He points out the problem, exposes the guilt that lies within. 00:07:48.939 --> 00:07:57.339 In this religious gathering, among a group of self-righteous and self-confident people, 00:07:58.399 --> 00:08:00.639 people who would say, God will accept people like me, of course. 00:08:01.660 --> 00:08:04.000 Jesus wants to burst that bubble. 00:08:05.819 --> 00:08:08.560 When people are applying the wrong standard, 00:08:08.959 --> 00:08:11.819 God will accept me because I'm living by my human rules, 00:08:11.860 --> 00:08:13.899 but they've ignored God's holy law. 00:08:13.899 --> 00:08:19.419 God's holy law, feeling satisfied in themselves while they're comparing across society 00:08:19.419 --> 00:08:23.359 rather than comparing themselves against the holiness of God, 00:08:23.779 --> 00:08:27.859 which should humble them and make them realize why they need a Savior. 00:08:29.339 --> 00:08:34.779 So let's notice how Jesus diagnoses the problem, first of all, or diagnoses the problems. 00:08:35.480 --> 00:08:39.600 First thing he notices is a lack of mercy. 00:08:40.480 --> 00:08:43.259 In those first six verses, it's obvious. 00:08:43.259 --> 00:08:45.279 There is a need of mercy. 00:08:45.500 --> 00:08:48.179 There's a suffering man who comes in, 00:08:48.559 --> 00:08:50.620 and he's suffering from this swelling, 00:08:50.759 --> 00:08:54.139 so his joints and his body is in pain. 00:08:56.500 --> 00:08:59.200 The first thing Jesus does is he asks a question. 00:08:59.779 --> 00:09:00.360 We're surprised. 00:09:00.439 --> 00:09:02.600 Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not? 00:09:02.639 --> 00:09:04.960 Maybe we're asking, why would he even ask that question? 00:09:05.639 --> 00:09:09.259 He asks that question because according to the religious leaders, 00:09:09.259 --> 00:09:12.179 they would say, actually, it is against the law. 00:09:12.179 --> 00:09:18.759 This isn't a life and death situation, so let's not spoil the Sabbath by showing mercy. 00:09:19.419 --> 00:09:21.639 Come another day, suffering man. 00:09:23.779 --> 00:09:25.259 How different is Jesus? 00:09:26.539 --> 00:09:28.099 He understands God's law. 00:09:28.719 --> 00:09:30.159 He understands God's heart. 00:09:30.679 --> 00:09:34.219 And he knows mercy belongs every day, and especially on a Sabbath. 00:09:34.220 --> 00:09:37.360 He also points out their double standards, doesn't he? 00:09:37.420 --> 00:09:44.000 In verse 5, he says, listen, you know, if your child falls into a well or even your animal, you show mercy. 00:09:44.759 --> 00:09:46.620 So why are you placing limits? 00:09:47.840 --> 00:09:50.120 That's one of the horrible things that legalism does. 00:09:50.200 --> 00:09:51.620 It strangles mercy. 00:09:51.620 --> 00:09:58.740 But we need to understand that this isn't just a problem and an issue then. 00:09:59.779 --> 00:10:06.259 We still live in a world where there is a lack of mercy in society. 00:10:06.460 --> 00:10:08.259 Maybe we think about the treatment of migrants. 00:10:09.299 --> 00:10:12.100 Maybe we think about the crimes of modern-day slavery. 00:10:12.100 --> 00:10:20.240 Maybe we look closer to home, to our own ability to turn a blind eye to suffering when we see it in our streets or neighbourhood. 00:10:21.240 --> 00:10:24.580 When we restrict kindness only to my kind of people. 00:10:25.720 --> 00:10:31.200 Our world is still crying out for mercy, but where will mercy be found? 00:10:31.920 --> 00:10:33.720 So he diagnoses a lack of mercy. 00:10:34.180 --> 00:10:37.480 The second thing he diagnoses is a lack of humility. 00:10:38.060 --> 00:10:39.980 Look at verses 7 to 11. 00:10:39.980 --> 00:10:43.639 There's a particular situation that's happening. 00:10:44.080 --> 00:10:50.159 So whenever there's a feast or whenever there's a wedding and you've got the table set, a U-shaped table, 00:10:50.560 --> 00:10:54.680 and the top of the U, that was where the most important people sat, 00:10:55.159 --> 00:11:00.960 they were rushing and people were fighting to get the best seat in the house. 00:11:01.980 --> 00:11:06.620 Something we see every year, maybe even just when you go down to Prince's Street, 00:11:06.620 --> 00:11:11.220 you know when the Boxing Day sales come on, it's every man for himself as the bargains come. 00:11:11.220 --> 00:11:15.220 But that's what we're seeing in the feasts of Jesus' day. 00:11:15.779 --> 00:11:17.500 And Jesus sounds a warning. 00:11:19.259 --> 00:11:23.720 Just like gravity, what goes up must come down. 00:11:23.820 --> 00:11:29.379 He says, beware, you take the best seat in the house and someone worthy of more honour comes, 00:11:29.379 --> 00:11:32.879 you're going to end up at the bottom, humiliated. 00:11:34.759 --> 00:11:40.620 Self-promotion and pride exposed by Jesus. 00:11:42.200 --> 00:11:48.399 And again, perhaps we don't need to look too far to see the mirror exposing our hearts too. 00:11:49.559 --> 00:11:52.019 My needs and my interests come first. 00:11:52.019 --> 00:11:57.939 Perhaps it's the pressure of social media to show I am someone. 00:11:59.639 --> 00:12:02.720 And in this way of living, not just in Jesus' day, 00:12:03.179 --> 00:12:06.100 the weak will typically be those that get trampled on. 00:12:08.179 --> 00:12:12.340 Those in power will typically be puffed up by pride. 00:12:13.259 --> 00:12:16.840 And we'll all be competing to satisfy personal happiness. 00:12:18.600 --> 00:12:20.659 A lack of humility leads to cruelty. 00:12:20.659 --> 00:12:28.279 And then there's the lack of generosity that Jesus also diagnoses and exposes. 00:12:30.579 --> 00:12:35.639 In the dinner party scene of the first century world, 00:12:36.759 --> 00:12:38.100 there was this understanding, 00:12:38.939 --> 00:12:43.559 well, if I invite you, you'll invite me back. 00:12:44.699 --> 00:12:48.459 Here was a kind of generosity, but really it was self-serving. 00:12:48.460 --> 00:12:52.920 It was generosity of a kind, but with strings attached. 00:12:53.920 --> 00:12:55.720 I scratch your back, give you a nice meal. 00:12:56.019 --> 00:12:58.519 You scratch mine, give me a meal in return. 00:12:59.600 --> 00:13:02.759 And the problem that Jesus reveals is that this mentality 00:13:02.759 --> 00:13:06.060 leaves no room for sacrificial generosity. 00:13:08.139 --> 00:13:10.280 There was that need to leave behind the 00:13:10.280 --> 00:13:12.379 what's in it for me mentality. 00:13:12.379 --> 00:13:19.879 Recognizing that generosity needs to be costly, 00:13:20.840 --> 00:13:22.779 not merely cozy. 00:13:22.779 --> 00:13:28.860 It's easy to love those who love us and who are like us. 00:13:29.240 --> 00:13:32.419 Jesus challenges us to go much further. 00:13:33.879 --> 00:13:35.939 And so Jesus comes to this feast, 00:13:36.100 --> 00:13:39.139 and he takes it as an opportunity to diagnose society 00:13:39.139 --> 00:13:40.720 and to diagnose hearts. 00:13:40.899 --> 00:13:43.860 And the problem is about a lack, 00:13:44.860 --> 00:13:45.699 our lack, 00:13:45.700 --> 00:13:50.200 of true mercy and humility and generosity. 00:13:50.840 --> 00:13:55.340 As we compare ourselves to God's perfect law, 00:13:56.800 --> 00:14:01.920 we're invited to recognize we don't reach God's perfect standard. 00:14:02.700 --> 00:14:05.000 That if we are to enjoy acceptance, 00:14:05.180 --> 00:14:07.879 if we are to enjoy life in the kingdom of God, 00:14:08.540 --> 00:14:10.900 we don't look for ourselves for the answer. 00:14:10.899 --> 00:14:15.480 We recognize we stand in need of the Savior. 00:14:16.539 --> 00:14:19.139 And that's why it's good news that Jesus has come 00:14:19.139 --> 00:14:20.740 as the solution, 00:14:20.860 --> 00:14:23.159 as the Old Testament so often pictures 00:14:23.159 --> 00:14:26.779 the promised King and Savior coming as the light of the world. 00:14:27.379 --> 00:14:30.000 And light has that double function of exposing 00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:32.939 and dispelling darkness. 00:14:33.799 --> 00:14:36.139 Just think about how different Jesus is. 00:14:36.240 --> 00:14:39.000 Think about the mercy of Jesus. 00:14:39.000 --> 00:14:39.279 Jesus. 00:14:39.899 --> 00:14:41.580 Everybody at that feast that day 00:14:41.580 --> 00:14:43.700 saw the need of the suffering man. 00:14:43.940 --> 00:14:45.679 But only Jesus, 00:14:46.360 --> 00:14:47.220 verse 4, 00:14:48.179 --> 00:14:49.960 took hold of the man and healed him. 00:14:50.580 --> 00:14:52.019 His enemies remained silent. 00:14:53.879 --> 00:14:56.059 Jesus didn't care what the others thought of him. 00:14:56.899 --> 00:15:00.159 He didn't care that they thought this was the wrong thing to do. 00:15:00.539 --> 00:15:03.620 He knew mercy matters. 00:15:04.460 --> 00:15:07.360 He had come on a mission of mercy. 00:15:07.360 --> 00:15:09.700 He was going to the cross 00:15:09.700 --> 00:15:14.539 where he'd show mercy for needy and undeserving people like us 00:15:14.539 --> 00:15:17.940 by dying in our place and for our sins. 00:15:20.639 --> 00:15:22.840 Think about the humility of Jesus. 00:15:23.720 --> 00:15:26.960 Compared to the people who are fighting for the best seat of the house, 00:15:27.399 --> 00:15:28.659 Jesus lives, 00:15:29.200 --> 00:15:30.120 verse 11, 00:15:30.120 --> 00:15:33.039 those who humble themselves will be exalted. 00:15:34.519 --> 00:15:37.480 We've been thinking about the journey of Jesus towards Jerusalem, 00:15:37.620 --> 00:15:38.220 towards the cross, 00:15:38.279 --> 00:15:42.120 but we can think of the journey of his whole mission, 00:15:42.840 --> 00:15:45.419 leaving the eternal glory of heaven 00:15:45.419 --> 00:15:48.560 to enter the womb of the virgin, 00:15:49.139 --> 00:15:52.500 to be born to live as the suffering servant, 00:15:52.500 --> 00:15:56.919 to live a life of perfect, loving obedience 00:15:56.919 --> 00:15:59.399 that would climax with him dying, 00:15:59.840 --> 00:16:01.679 to complete the plan of salvation 00:16:01.679 --> 00:16:03.379 for sinners on the cross. 00:16:03.919 --> 00:16:04.840 It's Philippians 2. 00:16:07.240 --> 00:16:11.120 Think about the generosity of Jesus. 00:16:12.059 --> 00:16:13.700 Luke's gospel, when you read it, 00:16:13.740 --> 00:16:16.799 is so full of Jesus showing care 00:16:16.799 --> 00:16:18.419 for the weak and the poor 00:16:18.419 --> 00:16:20.519 and the marginalized and the excluded. 00:16:22.259 --> 00:16:24.639 Jesus loves to show his generosity 00:16:24.639 --> 00:16:26.819 to surprising people 00:16:26.819 --> 00:16:30.199 because we're saved not by our merit. 00:16:31.359 --> 00:16:34.240 We're saved not because of who we are 00:16:34.240 --> 00:16:35.699 or our family background 00:16:35.699 --> 00:16:37.620 or our religious background. 00:16:37.819 --> 00:16:41.899 We're saved by God's free and loving kindness to us 00:16:41.899 --> 00:16:43.359 in the Lord Jesus. 00:16:43.360 --> 00:16:47.740 And Jesus is so generous to us. 00:16:48.800 --> 00:16:50.820 When we put our faith in Jesus, 00:16:51.379 --> 00:16:54.220 simply because of his loving kindness, 00:16:54.720 --> 00:16:57.919 we have right standing before God. 00:16:58.399 --> 00:16:59.700 We can be accepted. 00:17:00.460 --> 00:17:01.419 We can draw near. 00:17:03.500 --> 00:17:05.759 As a gift from Jesus, 00:17:06.160 --> 00:17:07.000 by trusting in him, 00:17:07.200 --> 00:17:08.299 we have forgiveness. 00:17:09.380 --> 00:17:11.039 We are free of guilt. 00:17:11.039 --> 00:17:16.319 God will never be angry at our sin 00:17:16.319 --> 00:17:18.659 and place that anger on us 00:17:18.659 --> 00:17:22.099 because that anger was met by Jesus on the cross. 00:17:24.579 --> 00:17:28.259 Jesus gives us the gift of eternal life. 00:17:28.940 --> 00:17:32.259 We get to know and enjoy life with God today 00:17:32.259 --> 00:17:34.019 with the promise of knowing and enjoying 00:17:34.019 --> 00:17:35.759 life with him forever. 00:17:35.759 --> 00:17:42.000 Simply by a gift that we receive by faith, 00:17:42.200 --> 00:17:45.539 we're brought into the family of God. 00:17:48.039 --> 00:17:52.099 So when we compare and contrast what's happening, 00:17:52.440 --> 00:17:54.220 it's almost like there's two feasts going on. 00:17:55.579 --> 00:17:58.379 You know, we've seen the ugliness of legalism. 00:17:58.380 --> 00:18:02.260 We've seen hard hearts towards suffering. 00:18:02.740 --> 00:18:04.820 We've seen people fighting to be seen. 00:18:05.200 --> 00:18:07.660 We've seen a focus on kindness 00:18:07.660 --> 00:18:09.820 towards the people who can benefit us. 00:18:11.560 --> 00:18:13.300 It's not a great picture, is it? 00:18:14.440 --> 00:18:16.920 It's not a great window onto society. 00:18:17.020 --> 00:18:19.100 It should stick in our throats in that sense. 00:18:19.920 --> 00:18:21.600 But then we have Jesus at the feast 00:18:21.600 --> 00:18:23.820 showing us a better way, 00:18:24.620 --> 00:18:25.560 a way of love, 00:18:25.559 --> 00:18:27.359 a way that satisfies. 00:18:28.579 --> 00:18:32.519 That in his mercy is the answer to our spiritual need, 00:18:33.059 --> 00:18:36.399 ultimately dealing with our separation from our God 00:18:36.399 --> 00:18:37.299 because of our sin. 00:18:38.179 --> 00:18:40.240 In his humility, we have a king, 00:18:40.319 --> 00:18:42.139 but a king who serves, 00:18:42.980 --> 00:18:44.399 who will suffer and die, 00:18:45.559 --> 00:18:47.440 who will be exalted on a cross 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:49.879 so that by his grace, 00:18:49.980 --> 00:18:51.599 we might be exalted to glory. 00:18:52.599 --> 00:18:54.119 And in his generosity, 00:18:54.119 --> 00:18:57.719 the entry to the feast of God 00:18:57.719 --> 00:18:59.319 is opened up. 00:19:00.379 --> 00:19:02.619 A world of eternal joy 00:19:02.619 --> 00:19:04.099 for us to experience 00:19:04.099 --> 00:19:06.599 future resurrection life. 00:19:09.399 --> 00:19:11.019 And so at this feast, 00:19:11.919 --> 00:19:12.919 and as we think about 00:19:12.919 --> 00:19:14.099 why do we need a savior, 00:19:15.099 --> 00:19:16.119 we're invited to see 00:19:16.119 --> 00:19:17.859 that Jesus holds out the promise 00:19:17.859 --> 00:19:19.099 of a better world. 00:19:19.099 --> 00:19:24.779 It's an invitation to use our imagination for a moment. 00:19:25.319 --> 00:19:26.500 Imagine a world. 00:19:27.399 --> 00:19:28.419 Imagine a kingdom. 00:19:29.719 --> 00:19:31.519 Imagine a community like this 00:19:31.519 --> 00:19:35.419 where the unimportant are really valued. 00:19:37.419 --> 00:19:40.319 Where sacrificial kindness was extended. 00:19:40.319 --> 00:19:44.460 Where people really believed that the way up 00:19:44.460 --> 00:19:46.259 is by going down. 00:19:47.439 --> 00:19:49.919 That we practiced genuine humility, 00:19:50.759 --> 00:19:52.179 glad to serve others. 00:19:52.740 --> 00:19:55.700 Where hospitality became an expression 00:19:55.700 --> 00:19:59.139 of God's grace and kindness to us. 00:19:59.140 --> 00:20:03.759 What a wonderful society that would be. 00:20:04.960 --> 00:20:06.800 How attractive that would be. 00:20:07.300 --> 00:20:08.320 And you know, the church, 00:20:08.600 --> 00:20:09.500 we as the people of God, 00:20:09.580 --> 00:20:10.880 we're called to this life. 00:20:12.320 --> 00:20:14.460 We're called to be the light of the world, 00:20:14.600 --> 00:20:16.300 attracting others to Jesus, 00:20:16.500 --> 00:20:18.200 the light of the world. 00:20:18.259 --> 00:20:20.280 We are called to bless others 00:20:20.280 --> 00:20:23.400 as we have been blessed. 00:20:23.400 --> 00:20:27.200 To give people a window 00:20:27.200 --> 00:20:29.420 into the hope and the joy 00:20:29.420 --> 00:20:31.220 that Jesus himself offers. 00:20:33.740 --> 00:20:36.220 It's our calling as we follow the way of our savior 00:20:36.220 --> 00:20:37.259 with the help of the spirit. 00:20:38.000 --> 00:20:39.720 As we wait for his return 00:20:39.720 --> 00:20:41.200 to set up this kingdom 00:20:41.200 --> 00:20:43.759 and this kingdom that will never end. 00:20:44.980 --> 00:20:48.340 So he shows us why we need a savior. 00:20:48.940 --> 00:20:50.780 Because the problem in our hearts 00:20:50.779 --> 00:20:53.579 and he presents himself as the answer. 00:20:54.220 --> 00:20:56.759 Are we trusting in Jesus and his salvation? 00:20:57.639 --> 00:20:58.960 We turn from sin 00:20:58.960 --> 00:21:02.160 to place our hope in him. 00:21:04.379 --> 00:21:06.359 Takes us to our second question. 00:21:07.740 --> 00:21:09.099 Why do people say no? 00:21:09.899 --> 00:21:12.399 This is from verse 15 onwards. 00:21:13.279 --> 00:21:15.779 Again, notice that Jesus uses his setting. 00:21:15.940 --> 00:21:16.619 He's at a meal, 00:21:16.740 --> 00:21:19.000 so he tells a parable about a feast. 00:21:19.000 --> 00:21:22.220 There's a statement in verse 15, 00:21:22.339 --> 00:21:24.079 blessed is the one who'll eat at the feast 00:21:24.079 --> 00:21:25.079 in the kingdom of God. 00:21:25.500 --> 00:21:26.720 And he takes that 00:21:26.720 --> 00:21:28.819 and he makes the parable about that, 00:21:28.880 --> 00:21:30.519 but he also wants to challenge 00:21:30.519 --> 00:21:31.480 everyone who's listening. 00:21:32.960 --> 00:21:35.099 If you think there really is blessing 00:21:35.099 --> 00:21:36.720 to be found in God's kingdom, 00:21:37.019 --> 00:21:38.740 are you part of God's kingdom? 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:40.680 Have you received his grace? 00:21:41.000 --> 00:21:42.440 Have you received his savior? 00:21:43.759 --> 00:21:45.700 So let's get into our parable together. 00:21:45.700 --> 00:21:47.680 And maybe to help us, 00:21:47.759 --> 00:21:49.740 let's get into the first century world 00:21:49.740 --> 00:21:50.759 just for a moment. 00:21:51.340 --> 00:21:52.759 So this is a story of a feast 00:21:52.759 --> 00:21:53.779 and of invitations. 00:21:54.700 --> 00:21:56.440 Now we know when we get an invitation, 00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:58.120 maybe we'll get it through the post 00:21:58.120 --> 00:21:58.640 and it will say, 00:21:59.100 --> 00:22:00.100 here's the date, 00:22:00.279 --> 00:22:01.039 here's the time, 00:22:01.240 --> 00:22:02.660 be there, RSVP. 00:22:03.440 --> 00:22:04.779 They didn't have clocks 00:22:04.779 --> 00:22:06.100 in the first century. 00:22:06.279 --> 00:22:07.640 Timing worked a bit different. 00:22:07.720 --> 00:22:08.360 So there was in the sense 00:22:08.360 --> 00:22:09.259 a double invitation. 00:22:10.039 --> 00:22:11.059 Servants would be sent. 00:22:11.440 --> 00:22:12.360 In a few days' time, 00:22:12.420 --> 00:22:13.480 there's going to be a great banquet. 00:22:13.480 --> 00:22:14.360 Do you want to come? 00:22:15.299 --> 00:22:16.400 If you say yes, 00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:17.980 there'll be a second invitation. 00:22:18.120 --> 00:22:19.319 The servants would then go again 00:22:19.319 --> 00:22:19.559 and say, 00:22:19.640 --> 00:22:21.019 now the banquet's ready. 00:22:21.200 --> 00:22:23.400 Now's the time to come on over. 00:22:23.579 --> 00:22:24.940 So that's what's happening here 00:22:24.940 --> 00:22:26.579 in our parable. 00:22:28.160 --> 00:22:29.480 We also need to get into 00:22:29.480 --> 00:22:30.920 the first century mindset. 00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:32.259 Some of us, 00:22:32.360 --> 00:22:33.559 this is easier than others 00:22:33.559 --> 00:22:35.140 depending on our culture. 00:22:35.819 --> 00:22:36.779 Because remember, 00:22:36.920 --> 00:22:39.259 this is an honor and shame society. 00:22:40.160 --> 00:22:41.620 And in an honor and shame society, 00:22:41.619 --> 00:22:42.919 it's a terrible thing. 00:22:43.399 --> 00:22:44.759 It's an awful thing 00:22:44.759 --> 00:22:47.099 to cause someone to lose faith. 00:22:48.059 --> 00:22:49.659 To dishonor someone 00:22:49.659 --> 00:22:51.359 and to do that publicly. 00:22:53.019 --> 00:22:54.939 And that's exactly what we see 00:22:54.939 --> 00:22:56.579 from the folks who say no 00:22:56.579 --> 00:22:57.519 to the invitation. 00:22:58.279 --> 00:22:59.479 So there's a real power 00:22:59.479 --> 00:23:02.059 in Jesus' parable here. 00:23:02.719 --> 00:23:04.299 First, there's a wonderful invitation 00:23:04.299 --> 00:23:04.739 that's given. 00:23:04.839 --> 00:23:05.839 Look at verse 16. 00:23:05.839 --> 00:23:08.939 A certain man was preparing 00:23:08.939 --> 00:23:10.459 a great banquet 00:23:10.459 --> 00:23:12.859 and invited many guests. 00:23:14.039 --> 00:23:15.159 Okay, so it's an elaborate, 00:23:15.419 --> 00:23:16.240 wonderful feast, 00:23:16.339 --> 00:23:17.019 great provision. 00:23:18.019 --> 00:23:20.079 And it's a very generous host. 00:23:20.619 --> 00:23:21.679 Many people are invited. 00:23:22.720 --> 00:23:23.220 And actually, 00:23:23.339 --> 00:23:25.579 Jesus will show just how generous he is 00:23:25.579 --> 00:23:27.759 that when the first people say no, 00:23:29.059 --> 00:23:31.079 he is determined to fill his house 00:23:31.079 --> 00:23:32.419 with people who will say yes. 00:23:32.420 --> 00:23:32.740 Yes. 00:23:35.220 --> 00:23:36.800 But the other power of the story 00:23:36.800 --> 00:23:38.660 is to recognize the shock 00:23:38.660 --> 00:23:39.700 when the guests say no. 00:23:40.840 --> 00:23:42.600 And they make these really lame, 00:23:43.100 --> 00:23:44.360 false excuses. 00:23:46.580 --> 00:23:48.340 Nobody buys a field 00:23:48.340 --> 00:23:49.940 without checking to see 00:23:49.940 --> 00:23:50.740 if it's usable. 00:23:51.000 --> 00:23:54.019 Nobody buys oxen for farm work 00:23:54.019 --> 00:23:55.340 without checking to see 00:23:55.340 --> 00:23:56.500 if those animals will be good 00:23:56.500 --> 00:23:58.080 for the job that they were called to. 00:23:58.079 --> 00:24:00.299 And just because a person gets married 00:24:00.299 --> 00:24:01.859 doesn't mean you say no 00:24:01.859 --> 00:24:04.639 to all your pre-existing arrangements. 00:24:05.960 --> 00:24:07.759 They're shaming their host. 00:24:09.879 --> 00:24:11.319 And at the same time, 00:24:12.240 --> 00:24:13.480 they're missing out on the feast. 00:24:17.299 --> 00:24:18.539 Let's hope that goes away. 00:24:19.899 --> 00:24:20.639 There we go. 00:24:21.039 --> 00:24:22.740 So we've got a double shot going on. 00:24:23.599 --> 00:24:24.539 The first is, 00:24:24.679 --> 00:24:26.240 why in the world would anyone say no? 00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:28.680 Why would anyone say no 00:24:28.680 --> 00:24:30.099 to a feast? 00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:31.039 And remember, 00:24:31.180 --> 00:24:32.700 this is a parable about the kingdom. 00:24:33.259 --> 00:24:35.920 Why would anyone say no 00:24:35.920 --> 00:24:37.480 to King Jesus 00:24:37.480 --> 00:24:39.759 and his love and salvation? 00:24:40.779 --> 00:24:42.940 Why would anyone say no 00:24:42.940 --> 00:24:45.019 to belonging to God, 00:24:45.420 --> 00:24:48.000 to receiving his grace and kindness, 00:24:48.700 --> 00:24:50.620 to a feast of joy 00:24:50.620 --> 00:24:51.660 that lasts forever? 00:24:53.559 --> 00:24:54.940 It seems so shocking. 00:24:54.940 --> 00:24:57.779 But the second shock 00:24:57.779 --> 00:25:00.200 is when we see just how determined 00:25:00.200 --> 00:25:01.059 this man is 00:25:01.059 --> 00:25:02.620 to welcome people 00:25:02.620 --> 00:25:03.880 into the feast. 00:25:04.920 --> 00:25:06.720 Think about that in verse 21. 00:25:07.600 --> 00:25:08.840 The servants come back and say, 00:25:08.920 --> 00:25:10.340 oh, these guys have made their excuses. 00:25:10.500 --> 00:25:11.279 The owner of the house 00:25:11.279 --> 00:25:11.980 became angry 00:25:11.980 --> 00:25:12.900 and ordered the servant. 00:25:13.140 --> 00:25:14.160 And we might expect 00:25:14.160 --> 00:25:16.440 ordered a servant to, 00:25:16.500 --> 00:25:16.779 you know, 00:25:16.779 --> 00:25:18.200 shut the thing down, 00:25:18.700 --> 00:25:20.420 quickly into the streets and alleys, 00:25:20.860 --> 00:25:21.660 bring in the poor, 00:25:21.759 --> 00:25:22.259 the crippled, 00:25:22.320 --> 00:25:22.820 the blind, 00:25:22.819 --> 00:25:23.639 and the lame, 00:25:25.259 --> 00:25:27.079 invite the lowest and the least. 00:25:27.659 --> 00:25:29.000 It's like in verse 13, 00:25:30.000 --> 00:25:31.559 because this is God's feast, 00:25:32.299 --> 00:25:33.659 because this is grace. 00:25:34.439 --> 00:25:35.619 This is God loving 00:25:35.619 --> 00:25:37.659 to save and to welcome 00:25:37.659 --> 00:25:39.159 unexpected, 00:25:39.819 --> 00:25:41.159 undeserving people. 00:25:42.619 --> 00:25:43.599 And then in verse 23, 00:25:43.599 --> 00:25:44.339 when it's discovered 00:25:44.339 --> 00:25:45.339 that there's still room 00:25:45.339 --> 00:25:46.119 at the feast, 00:25:46.119 --> 00:25:47.799 go out to the roads 00:25:47.799 --> 00:25:48.599 and country lanes 00:25:48.599 --> 00:25:50.819 and compel them to come in 00:25:50.819 --> 00:25:52.319 so that my house will be full. 00:25:53.539 --> 00:25:55.119 People are just walking on by, 00:25:55.239 --> 00:25:56.739 strangers who don't even know 00:25:56.739 --> 00:25:58.699 the person that's running the feast, 00:25:58.939 --> 00:26:00.279 who need to be persuaded, 00:26:00.419 --> 00:26:01.059 who think this seems 00:26:01.059 --> 00:26:01.859 too good to be true. 00:26:02.239 --> 00:26:03.699 Compel them to come in. 00:26:04.039 --> 00:26:06.599 I want people to share my joy. 00:26:06.959 --> 00:26:08.339 Here's a picture of the generous, 00:26:08.859 --> 00:26:10.659 joyful heart of God 00:26:10.659 --> 00:26:12.799 who loves to save people 00:26:12.799 --> 00:26:14.919 and welcome them into his kingdom. 00:26:15.980 --> 00:26:17.339 The kingdom of God 00:26:17.339 --> 00:26:19.720 will be a full house, 00:26:20.019 --> 00:26:22.659 will be feasting. 00:26:24.099 --> 00:26:26.039 But while some people share the joy, 00:26:27.319 --> 00:26:29.559 some will be outside, 00:26:31.240 --> 00:26:32.740 because they rejected 00:26:32.740 --> 00:26:34.440 God's king and savior. 00:26:34.440 --> 00:26:36.759 They dishonored God 00:26:36.759 --> 00:26:37.820 by saying no 00:26:37.820 --> 00:26:39.840 to his offer of salvation. 00:26:41.860 --> 00:26:42.940 And we need to think about 00:26:42.940 --> 00:26:44.360 why would that be the case? 00:26:45.360 --> 00:26:46.620 Why would anyone do that? 00:26:48.940 --> 00:26:50.180 Let's think about worth 00:26:50.180 --> 00:26:51.480 and wonder 00:26:51.480 --> 00:26:52.900 for a few moments. 00:26:52.960 --> 00:26:53.960 Let's think about worth, 00:26:54.420 --> 00:26:54.960 for example. 00:26:55.059 --> 00:26:56.080 I think one reason 00:26:56.080 --> 00:26:57.080 why people might say no 00:26:57.080 --> 00:26:58.539 is that people don't see 00:26:58.539 --> 00:26:59.720 Jesus as worth following, 00:26:59.840 --> 00:27:00.559 worth living for. 00:27:00.620 --> 00:27:01.320 Maybe you're here today 00:27:01.320 --> 00:27:01.980 and you're not a Christian 00:27:01.980 --> 00:27:02.740 and you're not sure 00:27:02.740 --> 00:27:04.500 what's the fuss about Jesus. 00:27:05.700 --> 00:27:06.460 Other things seem 00:27:06.460 --> 00:27:07.380 much more compelling. 00:27:08.779 --> 00:27:10.099 Jesus in Matthew 6, 00:27:10.180 --> 00:27:11.299 verse 33 said, 00:27:11.440 --> 00:27:12.660 where your treasure is, 00:27:13.319 --> 00:27:15.960 there your heart will be also. 00:27:16.859 --> 00:27:18.120 Think about the excuses 00:27:18.120 --> 00:27:18.920 that were given. 00:27:19.980 --> 00:27:20.960 There was one person saying, 00:27:20.960 --> 00:27:23.700 my stuff comes first. 00:27:24.519 --> 00:27:25.859 My work comes first. 00:27:26.000 --> 00:27:28.960 My relationship in this moment, 00:27:29.079 --> 00:27:31.539 it has greater worth to me 00:27:31.539 --> 00:27:33.099 than the invitation 00:27:33.099 --> 00:27:34.539 that you gave to me. 00:27:36.039 --> 00:27:37.579 This is my treasure. 00:27:38.559 --> 00:27:40.099 So I'm rejecting your offer. 00:27:40.180 --> 00:27:40.859 Thanks very much. 00:27:42.680 --> 00:27:43.279 And that's something 00:27:43.279 --> 00:27:44.139 that we're doing all the time. 00:27:44.220 --> 00:27:46.279 We assign value ratings to things. 00:27:47.339 --> 00:27:49.079 I think this is really valuable. 00:27:49.539 --> 00:27:51.240 I'm not so bothered about this. 00:27:51.639 --> 00:27:52.539 One man's trash 00:27:52.539 --> 00:27:53.740 is another man's treasure. 00:27:54.700 --> 00:27:56.220 We're always looking for something 00:27:56.220 --> 00:27:57.039 to find our hope, 00:27:57.119 --> 00:27:57.619 our security, 00:27:57.619 --> 00:27:58.899 and our joy in. 00:28:00.579 --> 00:28:02.679 And the value that we place 00:28:02.679 --> 00:28:04.619 determines our behavior, 00:28:05.979 --> 00:28:07.219 determines our dreams. 00:28:09.119 --> 00:28:10.539 And Jesus in this story 00:28:10.539 --> 00:28:11.739 warns us 00:28:11.739 --> 00:28:13.059 against finding 00:28:13.059 --> 00:28:15.039 all our worth and value 00:28:15.039 --> 00:28:16.519 in what is small 00:28:16.519 --> 00:28:18.259 and what is temporary 00:28:18.259 --> 00:28:19.779 so that we would ignore 00:28:19.779 --> 00:28:21.299 the invitation to the feast. 00:28:21.379 --> 00:28:21.839 Because remember, 00:28:21.959 --> 00:28:22.719 that feast isn't just 00:28:22.719 --> 00:28:23.619 a one-time party. 00:28:23.719 --> 00:28:25.219 This is about the kingdom of God. 00:28:25.220 --> 00:28:27.579 This is about eternal life 00:28:27.579 --> 00:28:28.819 of being with God 00:28:28.819 --> 00:28:30.680 in His perfect world forever. 00:28:34.220 --> 00:28:35.480 Because Jesus knows 00:28:35.480 --> 00:28:36.559 that worth is connected 00:28:36.559 --> 00:28:37.279 to worship. 00:28:38.880 --> 00:28:40.860 What we value most 00:28:40.860 --> 00:28:42.940 is what we choose to worship, 00:28:43.059 --> 00:28:44.279 what we build our life, 00:28:44.380 --> 00:28:44.900 our security, 00:28:45.079 --> 00:28:46.279 our hopes and dreams on. 00:28:47.259 --> 00:28:48.579 And so Jesus in this story 00:28:48.579 --> 00:28:48.839 is saying, 00:28:49.460 --> 00:28:51.720 don't choose created things, 00:28:52.420 --> 00:28:53.100 the property, 00:28:53.099 --> 00:28:53.799 the job, 00:28:53.939 --> 00:28:54.419 family, 00:28:54.619 --> 00:28:55.259 good things, 00:28:55.319 --> 00:28:56.339 they're not God things. 00:28:56.759 --> 00:28:57.699 Don't choose those 00:28:57.699 --> 00:29:00.379 over God's invitation 00:29:00.379 --> 00:29:03.000 to salvation 00:29:03.000 --> 00:29:04.259 through faith in Jesus. 00:29:05.599 --> 00:29:07.339 Because Jesus wants us 00:29:07.339 --> 00:29:08.539 to be part of this feast, 00:29:08.679 --> 00:29:10.439 to hear this invitation 00:29:10.439 --> 00:29:13.099 and to respond positively 00:29:13.099 --> 00:29:14.639 so that we would know 00:29:14.639 --> 00:29:15.799 living hope and joy, 00:29:17.099 --> 00:29:18.099 that we would enjoy life 00:29:18.099 --> 00:29:18.919 with our God. 00:29:18.920 --> 00:29:22.820 people say no sometimes 00:29:22.820 --> 00:29:24.080 because they don't see the worth. 00:29:24.420 --> 00:29:25.820 Another reason people say no 00:29:25.820 --> 00:29:27.440 maybe connects to the sense 00:29:27.440 --> 00:29:28.420 of wonder, 00:29:29.880 --> 00:29:31.000 where we either miss 00:29:31.000 --> 00:29:32.019 or we lose a sense 00:29:32.019 --> 00:29:33.400 of the wonder 00:29:33.400 --> 00:29:35.519 of who Jesus is 00:29:35.519 --> 00:29:37.420 and why Jesus came. 00:29:38.340 --> 00:29:38.920 Perhaps there's especially 00:29:39.500 --> 00:29:40.720 a problem if we've been 00:29:40.720 --> 00:29:41.539 around the church 00:29:41.539 --> 00:29:42.920 or in a religious community. 00:29:44.779 --> 00:29:45.660 Maybe you know the saying, 00:29:45.820 --> 00:29:47.920 familiarity breeds contempt. 00:29:48.920 --> 00:29:50.340 You know, 00:29:50.400 --> 00:29:51.420 we live in one of the most 00:29:51.420 --> 00:29:52.920 beautiful cities in the world. 00:29:53.279 --> 00:29:54.240 People will travel 00:29:54.240 --> 00:29:56.039 from all over 00:29:56.039 --> 00:29:57.480 and we'll take photos 00:29:57.480 --> 00:29:58.480 of everything 00:29:58.480 --> 00:30:00.539 and we'll get in our way 00:30:00.539 --> 00:30:02.340 for the next wonderful scene. 00:30:03.220 --> 00:30:03.960 But if we've lived here 00:30:03.960 --> 00:30:04.380 for a while, 00:30:04.480 --> 00:30:05.259 I imagine 00:30:05.259 --> 00:30:06.900 we take it for granted. 00:30:07.019 --> 00:30:07.720 These are our streets. 00:30:07.820 --> 00:30:09.019 This is where we live. 00:30:09.500 --> 00:30:10.740 The view that blew us away 00:30:10.740 --> 00:30:11.539 once upon a time 00:30:11.539 --> 00:30:12.700 after a few days, 00:30:13.180 --> 00:30:14.340 it fades. 00:30:14.339 --> 00:30:17.199 It's okay when it comes 00:30:17.199 --> 00:30:17.819 to a city. 00:30:19.259 --> 00:30:20.039 But it's awful 00:30:20.039 --> 00:30:20.980 when it comes to God 00:30:20.980 --> 00:30:22.019 and His good news. 00:30:23.559 --> 00:30:24.259 It's like the people 00:30:24.259 --> 00:30:25.099 in the parable saying, 00:30:25.259 --> 00:30:26.579 wow, to a new ox. 00:30:27.159 --> 00:30:28.119 Oh, I'm so excited 00:30:28.119 --> 00:30:29.000 about my new field. 00:30:29.500 --> 00:30:30.319 But I'm saying no 00:30:30.319 --> 00:30:30.859 to God 00:30:30.859 --> 00:30:31.619 and His invitation 00:30:31.619 --> 00:30:32.339 to joy. 00:30:34.379 --> 00:30:34.899 I want to say, 00:30:35.039 --> 00:30:35.480 wow, 00:30:36.139 --> 00:30:37.179 to a new device 00:30:37.179 --> 00:30:38.379 or the next big thing 00:30:38.379 --> 00:30:39.159 and say whatever. 00:30:39.160 --> 00:30:41.240 to the coming of God's Son 00:30:41.240 --> 00:30:42.040 into the world. 00:30:43.600 --> 00:30:44.279 We don't want to miss 00:30:44.279 --> 00:30:46.200 the heart-stopping wonder 00:30:46.200 --> 00:30:47.900 of the journey 00:30:47.900 --> 00:30:49.360 of Jesus. 00:30:51.660 --> 00:30:53.040 Because what we have 00:30:53.040 --> 00:30:55.259 here is a reminder. 00:30:55.519 --> 00:30:55.840 Remember, 00:30:56.580 --> 00:30:57.400 who is Jesus? 00:30:58.300 --> 00:31:00.120 He is the eternal Son of God. 00:31:02.300 --> 00:31:03.900 Created all things. 00:31:05.320 --> 00:31:06.140 And now He's walking 00:31:06.140 --> 00:31:06.759 in this world 00:31:06.759 --> 00:31:07.600 that He created. 00:31:07.599 --> 00:31:10.519 And as He walks 00:31:10.519 --> 00:31:11.639 and as He works, 00:31:11.740 --> 00:31:12.779 the power of God 00:31:12.779 --> 00:31:13.959 is breaking in 00:31:13.959 --> 00:31:15.259 every miracle, 00:31:15.459 --> 00:31:16.579 a signpost 00:31:16.579 --> 00:31:17.740 to what the kingdom 00:31:17.740 --> 00:31:18.740 of God is like. 00:31:20.079 --> 00:31:21.319 A place free 00:31:21.319 --> 00:31:22.539 of suffering 00:31:22.539 --> 00:31:23.139 and sin 00:31:23.139 --> 00:31:23.939 and despair. 00:31:26.039 --> 00:31:27.459 And Jesus is on a journey. 00:31:27.619 --> 00:31:29.259 He is the sinless Savior. 00:31:30.000 --> 00:31:31.139 But He's going to walk 00:31:31.139 --> 00:31:31.819 to a cross 00:31:31.819 --> 00:31:33.019 to take the place 00:31:33.019 --> 00:31:33.619 of sinners. 00:31:34.359 --> 00:31:35.919 He is going to experience 00:31:35.919 --> 00:31:37.279 the anger of God 00:31:37.279 --> 00:31:38.660 that we should know. 00:31:39.200 --> 00:31:40.399 He is going to face 00:31:40.399 --> 00:31:41.019 on the cross 00:31:41.019 --> 00:31:42.779 that sense of separation 00:31:42.779 --> 00:31:43.599 from God 00:31:43.599 --> 00:31:44.500 that we should know 00:31:44.500 --> 00:31:45.619 for all eternity. 00:31:45.619 --> 00:31:47.200 He is going to take 00:31:47.200 --> 00:31:48.579 our punishment 00:31:48.579 --> 00:31:51.519 in dying to forgive sins 00:31:51.519 --> 00:31:52.839 on the cross. 00:31:53.339 --> 00:31:54.379 And He does it gladly 00:31:54.379 --> 00:31:57.359 to complete the Father's plan. 00:31:57.359 --> 00:31:59.459 But then three days later, 00:31:59.740 --> 00:32:01.000 that same glorious Lord 00:32:01.000 --> 00:32:01.699 will rise 00:32:01.699 --> 00:32:02.539 on the third day 00:32:02.539 --> 00:32:03.500 in victory 00:32:03.500 --> 00:32:04.639 over the forces 00:32:04.639 --> 00:32:06.219 that hold us 00:32:06.219 --> 00:32:07.379 prisoner. 00:32:08.959 --> 00:32:10.699 Our fear of death. 00:32:10.879 --> 00:32:12.119 Jesus defeats death. 00:32:12.559 --> 00:32:14.199 Our sin that brings guilt 00:32:14.199 --> 00:32:15.079 that separates us 00:32:15.079 --> 00:32:15.839 from God. 00:32:16.159 --> 00:32:17.079 Jesus defeats 00:32:17.079 --> 00:32:18.119 sin. 00:32:19.139 --> 00:32:20.319 Light defeats 00:32:20.319 --> 00:32:21.179 darkness. 00:32:21.359 --> 00:32:22.179 And from there, 00:32:22.500 --> 00:32:23.559 Jesus will then ascend 00:32:23.559 --> 00:32:24.639 to take the throne 00:32:24.639 --> 00:32:25.639 of heaven 00:32:25.639 --> 00:32:26.740 where He sits 00:32:26.740 --> 00:32:27.799 and He rules 00:32:27.799 --> 00:32:28.759 and He reigns 00:32:28.759 --> 00:32:29.919 and He's establishing 00:32:29.919 --> 00:32:31.039 and maintaining 00:32:31.039 --> 00:32:31.639 His church. 00:32:31.700 --> 00:32:32.179 But one day 00:32:32.179 --> 00:32:33.419 He's going to come back again. 00:32:35.279 --> 00:32:36.700 And everyone's going to see Him. 00:32:38.379 --> 00:32:39.720 And He's going to establish 00:32:39.720 --> 00:32:40.359 the new heaven 00:32:40.359 --> 00:32:40.980 and the new earth. 00:32:41.799 --> 00:32:43.279 The world that we all want 00:32:43.279 --> 00:32:45.460 will be ours to enjoy 00:32:45.460 --> 00:32:47.259 if we trust in Him 00:32:47.259 --> 00:32:47.899 as the Savior 00:32:47.899 --> 00:32:49.200 that we need. 00:32:49.200 --> 00:32:52.600 We have a great opportunity 00:32:52.600 --> 00:32:53.559 in this season 00:32:53.559 --> 00:32:55.180 of thinking about 00:32:55.180 --> 00:32:55.860 the first coming 00:32:55.860 --> 00:32:56.640 and the second coming 00:32:56.640 --> 00:32:57.019 of Jesus, 00:32:57.140 --> 00:32:58.059 of celebrating 00:32:58.059 --> 00:32:59.559 as we wait 00:32:59.559 --> 00:33:00.519 for His return. 00:33:01.759 --> 00:33:03.819 And we have in this story 00:33:03.819 --> 00:33:04.700 an invitation 00:33:04.700 --> 00:33:06.819 to discover 00:33:06.819 --> 00:33:08.220 the wonder of Jesus, 00:33:09.220 --> 00:33:11.600 to worship Jesus, 00:33:12.500 --> 00:33:14.160 to treasure Him 00:33:14.160 --> 00:33:15.360 above all. 00:33:15.440 --> 00:33:16.220 As He says to us, 00:33:16.259 --> 00:33:16.460 listen, 00:33:16.500 --> 00:33:17.500 the feast is ready. 00:33:17.500 --> 00:33:20.119 He has done everything 00:33:20.119 --> 00:33:22.220 by way of preparation. 00:33:22.960 --> 00:33:23.539 He's been born, 00:33:23.660 --> 00:33:24.680 He's lived a perfect life, 00:33:24.759 --> 00:33:25.220 He's died, 00:33:25.339 --> 00:33:25.660 He's risen, 00:33:25.759 --> 00:33:26.240 He's ascended, 00:33:26.339 --> 00:33:27.099 He's sent the Spirit. 00:33:27.579 --> 00:33:29.079 And He invites each one of us 00:33:29.079 --> 00:33:30.140 today, 00:33:31.500 --> 00:33:32.559 come to the feast, 00:33:33.079 --> 00:33:34.160 come into the kingdom, 00:33:35.000 --> 00:33:36.200 come to Him as Savior, 00:33:37.460 --> 00:33:38.380 turn from sin 00:33:38.380 --> 00:33:40.099 and trust in Him 00:33:40.099 --> 00:33:41.160 because He is the Savior 00:33:41.160 --> 00:33:41.960 we all need. 00:33:43.720 --> 00:33:44.779 And He would say to us, 00:33:44.779 --> 00:33:45.680 please don't say no. 00:33:45.680 --> 00:33:47.640 Let's pray. 00:33:49.440 --> 00:33:50.279 Our Father, 00:33:50.440 --> 00:33:52.740 we thank You again 00:33:52.740 --> 00:33:54.080 for another picture 00:33:54.080 --> 00:33:55.120 that Jesus gives 00:33:55.120 --> 00:33:55.920 of the kingdom 00:33:55.920 --> 00:33:57.440 in His life 00:33:57.440 --> 00:33:58.039 and ministry. 00:33:58.180 --> 00:33:59.539 We thank You so much 00:33:59.539 --> 00:34:00.500 for His mercy, 00:34:01.360 --> 00:34:02.779 for His humble service, 00:34:03.400 --> 00:34:04.900 for His generous grace. 00:34:05.740 --> 00:34:06.420 We thank You 00:34:06.420 --> 00:34:07.019 for the picture 00:34:07.019 --> 00:34:08.300 of the kingdom of God 00:34:08.300 --> 00:34:09.500 as a feast 00:34:09.500 --> 00:34:10.980 to enjoy. 00:34:11.639 --> 00:34:13.240 Thank You for that picture 00:34:13.239 --> 00:34:14.500 of Your generosity 00:34:14.500 --> 00:34:16.579 of inviting 00:34:16.579 --> 00:34:17.500 the lowest 00:34:17.500 --> 00:34:18.139 and the least, 00:34:18.259 --> 00:34:18.659 the weak 00:34:18.659 --> 00:34:19.359 and the poor, 00:34:19.959 --> 00:34:21.219 inviting people like us. 00:34:22.739 --> 00:34:22.879 Lord, 00:34:22.919 --> 00:34:23.459 we pray 00:34:23.459 --> 00:34:24.719 that we wouldn't be 00:34:24.719 --> 00:34:25.679 those who say 00:34:25.679 --> 00:34:26.619 no, 00:34:27.399 --> 00:34:28.399 who make excuses, 00:34:28.579 --> 00:34:29.159 who find 00:34:29.159 --> 00:34:30.299 other things 00:34:30.299 --> 00:34:31.039 more worthy 00:34:31.039 --> 00:34:31.779 of our attention 00:34:31.779 --> 00:34:32.759 than the Lord Jesus. 00:34:33.759 --> 00:34:34.419 But rather, 00:34:34.539 --> 00:34:35.579 we would joyfully, 00:34:37.000 --> 00:34:37.959 in amazement, 00:34:38.899 --> 00:34:39.979 take our seats, 00:34:40.119 --> 00:34:41.079 take our places. 00:34:41.079 --> 00:34:42.519 Lord, 00:34:42.579 --> 00:34:43.179 help us all 00:34:43.179 --> 00:34:43.960 to respond, 00:34:44.900 --> 00:34:46.420 to be turning 00:34:46.420 --> 00:34:47.039 from sin, 00:34:47.159 --> 00:34:47.759 to be turning 00:34:47.759 --> 00:34:48.860 from those other things 00:34:48.860 --> 00:34:49.539 that we look to 00:34:49.539 --> 00:34:50.500 for satisfaction, 00:34:51.119 --> 00:34:52.679 to trust in Jesus, 00:34:53.340 --> 00:34:54.539 to live with faith 00:34:54.539 --> 00:34:55.619 and to live with joy 00:34:55.619 --> 00:34:57.179 as we anticipate 00:34:57.179 --> 00:34:58.039 His return 00:34:58.039 --> 00:34:59.699 and His kingdom 00:34:59.699 --> 00:35:00.460 to come. 00:35:01.539 --> 00:35:01.759 Amen. 00:35:05.099 --> 00:35:05.699 Now, 00:35:05.779 --> 00:35:06.500 let's close 00:35:06.500 --> 00:35:07.920 our time together 00:35:07.920 --> 00:35:09.539 singing the hymn, 00:35:09.539 --> 00:35:10.500 Come Behold 00:35:10.500 --> 00:35:12.539 the Wondrous Mystery. 00:35:13.360 --> 00:35:14.159 And the words 00:35:14.159 --> 00:35:15.840 are up on our screens 00:35:15.840 --> 00:35:16.699 and we can stand 00:35:16.699 --> 00:35:17.320 together 00:35:17.320 --> 00:35:18.440 to sing. 00:35:18.440 --> 00:35:28.519 come behold the wondrous mystery 00:35:28.519 --> 00:35:33.820 in the dawning of the King. 00:35:33.820 --> 00:35:42.460 Come Behold the wondrous mystery 00:35:42.460 --> 00:35:47.840 in the dawning of the King, 00:35:47.840 --> 00:35:52.920 be the theme of heaven's praises 00:35:52.920 --> 00:35:56.980 robed in frail humanity. 00:35:56.980 --> 00:35:59.980 In our longing, 00:35:59.980 --> 00:36:03.059 in our darkness, 00:36:03.780 --> 00:36:08.360 now the light of life has come. 00:36:08.740 --> 00:36:13.340 Look to Christ who condescended, 00:36:14.139 --> 00:36:19.119 took on flesh to ransom us. 00:36:19.119 --> 00:36:31.460 come behold the wondrous mystery, 00:36:31.460 --> 00:36:36.719 he the perfect Son of Man. 00:36:36.719 --> 00:36:38.719 in his living, 00:36:38.719 --> 00:36:41.719 in his suffering, 00:36:41.719 --> 00:36:46.719 never trace nor stain of sin. 00:36:46.719 --> 00:36:51.719 See the true and better Adam 00:36:52.519 --> 00:36:57.719 come to save the hell-bound man, 00:36:57.719 --> 00:37:02.719 Christ the great and sure fulfillment 00:37:02.719 --> 00:37:04.719 of the law, 00:37:04.719 --> 00:37:07.719 in him we stand. 00:37:15.719 --> 00:37:20.719 Come behold the wondrous mystery, 00:37:20.719 --> 00:37:25.719 Christ the Lord upon the tree. 00:37:25.719 --> 00:37:30.719 In the stead of ruined sinners, 00:37:30.719 --> 00:37:35.719 hangs the Lamb in victory. 00:37:35.719 --> 00:37:41.719 See the price of our redemption, 00:37:41.719 --> 00:37:46.719 see the Father's plan unfold, 00:37:46.719 --> 00:37:52.719 bringing many sons to glory, 00:37:52.719 --> 00:37:55.719 grace unmeasured, 00:37:55.719 --> 00:37:57.719 love untold. 00:38:05.719 --> 00:38:10.719 Come behold the wondrous mystery, 00:38:10.719 --> 00:38:12.719 slain by death, 00:38:12.719 --> 00:38:15.719 the God of life. 00:38:15.719 --> 00:38:20.719 But no grave could e'er restrain him. 00:38:20.719 --> 00:38:25.719 Praise the Lord, he is alive. 00:38:25.719 --> 00:38:30.719 What a foretaste of deliverance, 00:38:30.719 --> 00:38:35.719 how unwavering our hope, 00:38:35.719 --> 00:38:38.719 Christ in power resurrected, 00:38:38.719 --> 00:38:42.719 as we will be. 00:38:42.719 --> 00:38:44.719 Amen. 00:38:44.719 --> 00:38:45.719 Amen.