WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.680 As we get to know God from His Word, the Bible, 00:00:03.680 --> 00:00:09.679 we often find that He repeats His words to emphasize His message. 00:00:09.679 --> 00:00:12.019 If we do not know Him that well, 00:00:12.019 --> 00:00:15.839 you can look out for this feature when you read His Word. 00:00:15.839 --> 00:00:20.179 This is one of the great treasures to be found in the Bible. 00:00:20.179 --> 00:00:23.280 For example, in the Old Testament, 00:00:23.280 --> 00:00:26.199 when He commanded and encouraged Joshua 00:00:26.199 --> 00:00:30.000 to take the Israelites into the promised land, 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.700 in Joshua 1, verse 6, 7, and 9, 00:00:33.700 --> 00:00:36.619 God said to Joshua three times, 00:00:36.619 --> 00:00:38.920 Be strong and courageous. 00:00:38.920 --> 00:00:41.539 Be strong and very courageous. 00:00:41.539 --> 00:00:44.980 And be strong and courageous. 00:00:44.980 --> 00:00:47.359 In the Gospel according to Mark, 00:00:47.359 --> 00:00:49.759 when Jesus predicted about His death, 00:00:49.759 --> 00:00:53.359 He also repeated His prediction. 00:00:53.359 --> 00:00:56.560 In Mark 8, 9, and 10, 00:00:56.560 --> 00:01:02.859 we call it three times that Jesus predicts about His death. 00:01:02.859 --> 00:01:09.200 Each time, there are some similarities and some differences. 00:01:09.200 --> 00:01:11.140 If you were here last week, 00:01:11.140 --> 00:01:16.780 we looked at first prediction from chapter 8, verse 31. 00:01:16.780 --> 00:01:19.379 Today, we will look at the second prediction 00:01:19.379 --> 00:01:23.579 that Jesus gave about His death from chapter 9. 00:01:23.579 --> 00:01:27.019 So if you can turn your Bible to Mark chapter 9 and keep it there, 00:01:27.019 --> 00:01:31.719 we'll pretty much be looking at that whole passage today. 00:01:31.719 --> 00:01:37.060 Same as last time, Jesus used the title of Son of Man to address Himself. 00:01:37.060 --> 00:01:46.179 And He predicted that He will be killed and raised after three days. 00:01:46.180 --> 00:01:48.780 So let's go to Mark chapter 9. 00:01:48.780 --> 00:01:53.780 We're starting from verse 31 from the second half of 31. 00:01:53.780 --> 00:01:54.880 So He said to them, 00:01:54.880 --> 00:01:58.420 The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of man. 00:01:58.420 --> 00:02:02.500 They will kill Him, and after three days, He will rise. 00:02:02.500 --> 00:02:06.460 Son of Man is a title that Jesus used about Himself, 00:02:06.460 --> 00:02:09.439 based largely on Daniel 7. 00:02:09.439 --> 00:02:14.300 If you were here last week, you have heard the significance of this title. 00:02:14.300 --> 00:02:18.439 And if for any reason you weren't here last Sunday, 00:02:18.439 --> 00:02:22.800 please go to our church website and click on the resources link 00:02:22.800 --> 00:02:28.080 so that you can catch up on what you have missed. 00:02:28.080 --> 00:02:29.939 Different to last prediction, 00:02:29.939 --> 00:02:36.180 Jesus said that the Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of man. 00:02:36.180 --> 00:02:43.659 To be delivered can mean hand over or betrayed into. 00:02:43.659 --> 00:02:50.460 Jesus' acceptance of the title of Christ, the Messiah, and use the title of Son of Man, 00:02:50.460 --> 00:02:55.400 means He has all the authority in heaven and on earth. 00:02:55.400 --> 00:03:01.000 All nations and peoples of every nation, every language will worship Him. 00:03:01.000 --> 00:03:05.699 He is a king that makes everything right. 00:03:05.699 --> 00:03:10.340 And how could someone with that kind of caliber be delivered, 00:03:10.340 --> 00:03:15.419 hand over or betrayed into the hands of man? 00:03:15.419 --> 00:03:19.719 Men are merely mortals that are dependent, 00:03:19.719 --> 00:03:23.920 sometimes shameful, powerless and inferior. 00:03:23.919 --> 00:03:30.699 Men often are very unmerciful and revengeful, corrupt and selfish. 00:03:30.699 --> 00:03:34.359 Men at their very best will only be up to no good. 00:03:34.359 --> 00:03:40.539 How could the Son of Man be delivered into the hands of man? 00:03:40.539 --> 00:03:45.879 Even though men are capable to do wonderful things, 00:03:45.879 --> 00:03:49.839 they build great monuments like the Great Wall of China, 00:03:49.840 --> 00:03:52.400 or the Pyramid of Egypt. 00:03:52.400 --> 00:03:59.420 But how many people or men have died to make that possible? 00:03:59.420 --> 00:04:03.879 They set up laws to try to uphold righteousness, 00:04:03.879 --> 00:04:10.860 but the amount of wrongful and unjust judgment far outweighs the intent. 00:04:10.860 --> 00:04:15.640 And nowadays, we often heard of news that global corporations 00:04:15.639 --> 00:04:21.379 exploiting workers in less developed countries to increase their profit. 00:04:21.379 --> 00:04:26.779 Coastal at home, we hear employees being exploited by bosses. 00:04:26.779 --> 00:04:31.319 People being told at the end of their unpaid trial period 00:04:31.319 --> 00:04:34.759 that they are not servile for a job, so they won't get paid, 00:04:34.759 --> 00:04:39.000 and they wait for nothing for a whole month. 00:04:39.000 --> 00:04:43.699 How could someone with such a caliber of a Son of Man be delivered, 00:04:43.699 --> 00:04:47.979 handed over or betrayed into the hands of men? 00:04:47.979 --> 00:04:51.939 This was made possible because our Lord Jesus Christ 00:04:51.939 --> 00:04:58.279 willingly took our place to pay the price of our sin and rebellion. 00:04:58.279 --> 00:05:05.480 Jesus, our Saviour, died on the cross, a submissive death towards God, 00:05:05.480 --> 00:05:10.719 and rose from the dead after three days to break the bondage of sin, 00:05:10.720 --> 00:05:19.000 to free us to love, and He repaid the debt that we cannot repay. 00:05:19.000 --> 00:05:23.540 This message of the cross caused anger in some people, 00:05:23.540 --> 00:05:27.600 like when Peter heard it back in chapter 8, 00:05:27.600 --> 00:05:35.280 because it did not match what his expectation of what it means to follow Jesus. 00:05:35.279 --> 00:05:39.559 This message of the cross can also cause confusion in others, 00:05:39.559 --> 00:05:44.759 like the disciples here that we're reading from chapter 9, verse 32 said, 00:05:44.759 --> 00:05:52.759 they did not understand what Jesus meant, but were afraid to ask Jesus about it. 00:05:52.759 --> 00:05:58.239 Jesus knew it takes time to come to understanding about the gospel, 00:05:58.240 --> 00:06:04.720 so He predicts about His death not once, not twice, but three times. 00:06:04.720 --> 00:06:09.920 Jesus is always patient with us to let us come to our understanding. 00:06:09.920 --> 00:06:19.720 So do not let your fear or any other emotion stop you from asking Him for an explanation. 00:06:19.720 --> 00:06:23.320 If you somehow believe that you have got the answer, 00:06:23.320 --> 00:06:27.800 you think that you knew who Jesus is and what He comes to do, 00:06:27.800 --> 00:06:30.840 how well do you really know? 00:06:30.840 --> 00:06:34.600 Do you know it well enough to explain to others, 00:06:34.600 --> 00:06:40.600 so that they can be part of God's kingdom and enjoy what you are enjoying? 00:06:40.600 --> 00:06:48.680 Or is that knowledge cause you to wonder about other things that defeat the purpose of why Jesus patiently 00:06:48.680 --> 00:06:51.480 waited for you to understand it in the first place? 00:06:54.600 --> 00:06:57.879 This second prediction was told on the way to Capernaum. 00:06:58.600 --> 00:07:02.920 The disciples were confused about the meaning and afraid to ask about it. 00:07:02.920 --> 00:07:12.199 Instead of facing up to their fear, they got into a debate and argument about who was the greatest among them. 00:07:13.960 --> 00:07:19.960 How quickly our heart can wonder and forget or forgot what Jesus told us. 00:07:22.920 --> 00:07:28.600 Knowing fully what is going on, Jesus offered them a chance to own up to what they have done. 00:07:28.600 --> 00:07:34.120 But instead, in verse 44, we see that they kept quiet. 00:07:37.720 --> 00:07:39.879 So as we read on in verse 35, 00:07:40.439 --> 00:07:43.080 sitting down, Jesus called the twelve and said, 00:07:43.720 --> 00:07:49.160 Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last and the servant of all. 00:07:51.240 --> 00:07:56.920 Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last and the servant of all. 00:07:59.480 --> 00:08:03.720 Jesus again is addressing the attitude of the disciples, 00:08:04.840 --> 00:08:12.840 comparing what is the acceptable standard of the world and how different they are to how Jesus lived his life 00:08:13.480 --> 00:08:15.960 and the example that he has shown to us. 00:08:18.520 --> 00:08:22.360 A lot of us, especially those from Eastern culture like myself, 00:08:22.360 --> 00:08:28.680 often think that to win in life, we need to have a very good start at the takeoff line. 00:08:29.960 --> 00:08:35.320 Just like beating the starting gun and taking everything like a short race. 00:08:35.320 --> 00:08:45.540 Some parents from Eastern culture do not have such a privileged good start when they start off with their life. 00:08:46.280 --> 00:08:55.800 So they spend all their energy, all their focus to accumulate wealth for their children to have a better place when they start, 00:08:55.799 --> 00:08:59.639 to prepare for them their first pot of gold. 00:09:01.879 --> 00:09:05.399 Others will build their identity on the success of their children, 00:09:06.359 --> 00:09:10.939 constantly comparing with other families, what have their children achieved, 00:09:11.479 --> 00:09:17.859 what kind of career are they in, how many children their children have. 00:09:17.860 --> 00:09:21.860 Even the brand of their family cars can sometimes be a comparison. 00:09:22.899 --> 00:09:26.899 If you drive from a Mercedes-Benz, you're a much better person than driving someone later. 00:09:26.899 --> 00:09:30.419 Toyota advances that have been 10 years old, the one that I got. 00:09:30.419 --> 00:09:40.099 We size ourselves up with others because no one wants to be an underdog. 00:09:40.659 --> 00:09:44.139 We may not think we can be any good at any sports, 00:09:44.740 --> 00:09:49.579 but we want our football cup, our sports cup, to be a champion of the year. 00:09:50.659 --> 00:09:54.399 We want to be first in whatever sense we can get there. 00:09:54.399 --> 00:10:02.980 With that in mind, when Jesus said that anyone who wants to be first must be very last, 00:10:03.399 --> 00:10:07.299 and a servant of all, sounds so ridiculous and illogical. 00:10:08.799 --> 00:10:09.699 Think of this. 00:10:10.159 --> 00:10:13.959 If a coach tells their team to make sure they come last, 00:10:14.439 --> 00:10:16.759 and help other teams to get the most score, 00:10:18.399 --> 00:10:22.960 he will definitely be the first one to go to face the match-fixing tribunal. 00:10:22.960 --> 00:10:26.139 And out of the competition completely. 00:10:27.420 --> 00:10:30.680 It might make sense sometimes parents may ask their children 00:10:30.680 --> 00:10:34.900 to look out for those that are bullied or isolated, 00:10:35.280 --> 00:10:37.820 to help those other kids to be their friend, 00:10:38.360 --> 00:10:40.019 help them with their schoolwork or something. 00:10:41.440 --> 00:10:44.000 In reality, I think that's very rare as well. 00:10:44.540 --> 00:10:46.720 Anyway, but by doing that, 00:10:47.200 --> 00:10:49.460 the kid falls behind in their grades. 00:10:50.040 --> 00:10:51.340 They become last in the year. 00:10:51.340 --> 00:10:55.060 I'm pretty sure those parents will tell the kid to stop the association. 00:10:57.120 --> 00:11:02.960 The disciples must be showing their reaction on the face to this point. 00:11:03.100 --> 00:11:04.300 So Jesus goes further. 00:11:04.500 --> 00:11:06.480 In verse 36, Jesus said this. 00:11:06.480 --> 00:11:09.720 Jesus took a little child, saying, 00:11:10.259 --> 00:11:14.980 saying while embracing, hugging the child, 00:11:15.820 --> 00:11:21.360 whoever comes, whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me, 00:11:21.759 --> 00:11:24.019 and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me, 00:11:24.480 --> 00:11:25.920 but the one who sent me. 00:11:25.919 --> 00:11:33.459 Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me, 00:11:33.839 --> 00:11:36.559 and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me, 00:11:36.860 --> 00:11:38.159 but the one who sent me. 00:11:38.159 --> 00:11:42.839 What is your attitude towards children in general, 00:11:43.240 --> 00:11:46.659 or anyone of a lower social status than you? 00:11:47.740 --> 00:11:51.339 How do you normally treat those in the service industry, 00:11:52.939 --> 00:11:56.179 like the bus driver or taxi driver, 00:11:56.179 --> 00:12:00.159 or even those waiters in the restaurant? 00:12:01.799 --> 00:12:05.739 What about those people that clean the tray in the food court, 00:12:06.279 --> 00:12:09.239 or people that clean the toilet in the shopping center? 00:12:09.240 --> 00:12:15.899 Do you feel grateful that they have provided you with a service 00:12:15.899 --> 00:12:17.279 by cleaning your table, 00:12:17.659 --> 00:12:20.980 so you can have your lunch quickly and get back to your work? 00:12:21.740 --> 00:12:27.039 Do you sincerely express your gratitude for what they have done for you? 00:12:27.980 --> 00:12:28.940 Or do you feel like, 00:12:29.259 --> 00:12:30.159 I'm a paid customer. 00:12:30.779 --> 00:12:32.259 I deserve to be served. 00:12:33.159 --> 00:12:36.279 I should not have to be waiting for more than 15 minutes, 00:12:36.279 --> 00:12:40.059 especially if I have made a reservation for my table. 00:12:41.019 --> 00:12:43.379 They should clean it up quickly and let me sit down and eat. 00:12:47.299 --> 00:12:50.539 And if the service is any less than my expectation, 00:12:51.379 --> 00:12:53.819 I will go on to those who feel bored, 00:12:54.259 --> 00:12:55.659 and write all about it, 00:12:56.039 --> 00:12:57.939 so that people don't go again anymore. 00:12:58.620 --> 00:12:59.759 Do you have the attitude of saying, 00:12:59.899 --> 00:13:01.879 well, if they don't know how to serve me, 00:13:02.000 --> 00:13:03.079 they shouldn't be in business. 00:13:03.080 --> 00:13:06.420 Jesus said, 00:13:06.960 --> 00:13:11.360 whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me, 00:13:12.020 --> 00:13:14.280 and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me, 00:13:14.420 --> 00:13:15.639 but the one who sent me. 00:13:16.800 --> 00:13:21.080 All humans on earth are created in the image of God 00:13:21.080 --> 00:13:23.639 and under God's care. 00:13:24.920 --> 00:13:27.780 God cares for everyone of his creation, 00:13:28.400 --> 00:13:31.440 especially those that are harassed and helpless. 00:13:31.440 --> 00:13:49.760 It does not matter where they're from 00:13:49.760 --> 00:13:52.600 or what they have done in their life. 00:13:53.420 --> 00:13:55.140 We are to welcome and receive them 00:13:55.140 --> 00:13:56.620 because in doing so, 00:13:57.060 --> 00:14:00.180 we are welcoming and receiving the one who sent Jesus, 00:14:00.179 --> 00:14:02.579 which is God the Father himself. 00:14:04.279 --> 00:14:06.739 Do you embrace and accept other people 00:14:06.739 --> 00:14:09.859 that are of a lower status than you? 00:14:10.919 --> 00:14:13.879 Or are you only associated with those people 00:14:13.879 --> 00:14:15.519 that you think will benefit you, 00:14:16.099 --> 00:14:18.799 those people that you can get something in return? 00:14:20.639 --> 00:14:22.459 How do you treat other people? 00:14:22.459 --> 00:14:25.419 It will not just affect your relationship with them. 00:14:26.019 --> 00:14:28.559 It will affect your relationship with God 00:14:28.559 --> 00:14:33.899 and even eventually their relationship with God 00:14:33.899 --> 00:14:36.439 as they see your good representation 00:14:36.439 --> 00:14:40.539 or your bad representation that you present. 00:14:42.319 --> 00:14:46.279 Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me, 00:14:46.759 --> 00:14:49.039 and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me, 00:14:49.439 --> 00:14:50.679 but the one who sent me. 00:14:50.679 --> 00:14:54.719 Do you decide whether you welcome or accept someone? 00:14:54.939 --> 00:14:58.539 How do you decide whether you welcome or accept someone or not? 00:14:59.719 --> 00:15:03.039 Mark told us that the apostle John 00:15:03.039 --> 00:15:07.719 made his decision based on whether that person is one of them. 00:15:08.519 --> 00:15:10.179 Let's look at verse 38. 00:15:10.179 --> 00:15:14.139 Teacher, said John, 00:15:14.399 --> 00:15:17.259 we saw someone driving out demons in your name, 00:15:17.799 --> 00:15:19.159 and we told him to stop 00:15:19.159 --> 00:15:21.519 because he was not one of us. 00:15:23.419 --> 00:15:26.599 As we follow along Jesus and his disciples from Mark, 00:15:26.959 --> 00:15:27.859 from chapter 1, 00:15:28.339 --> 00:15:32.000 we saw that John is among the very first group of disciples 00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:33.120 that are being called, 00:15:33.879 --> 00:15:35.959 along with James, Andrew, and Peter. 00:15:35.960 --> 00:15:39.400 Then Jesus named another eight, 00:15:39.800 --> 00:15:41.180 which are known as the twelve, 00:15:41.360 --> 00:15:42.519 back from chapter 3. 00:15:43.920 --> 00:15:45.060 After that, we were told 00:15:45.060 --> 00:15:48.220 Jesus fed about 5,000 people in one occasion, 00:15:48.680 --> 00:15:50.960 and then another 4,000 in another occasion. 00:15:51.680 --> 00:15:55.379 Large crowds was following Jesus wherever he goes. 00:15:56.740 --> 00:15:58.680 Mark in chapter 6 also tells us 00:15:58.680 --> 00:16:01.580 that Jesus sent out the twelve in pairs 00:16:01.580 --> 00:16:04.100 in pairs to preach the good news 00:16:04.100 --> 00:16:06.560 and her authority over the impure spirit. 00:16:07.720 --> 00:16:08.900 When John said, 00:16:10.040 --> 00:16:12.879 this person who is driving out demons in Jesus' name 00:16:12.879 --> 00:16:14.160 was not one of us, 00:16:14.940 --> 00:16:17.800 he might be referring to this person 00:16:17.800 --> 00:16:19.620 is not one of the twelve. 00:16:20.759 --> 00:16:21.740 But nonetheless, 00:16:22.379 --> 00:16:25.220 this person is successfully driving out demons 00:16:25.220 --> 00:16:26.460 in Jesus' name. 00:16:27.660 --> 00:16:31.460 So let's listen to how Jesus replied to John. 00:16:32.100 --> 00:16:34.020 Let's keep on reading from verse 39. 00:16:35.639 --> 00:16:37.960 Do not stop him, Jesus said, 00:16:38.379 --> 00:16:41.120 for no one who does the miracle in my name 00:16:41.120 --> 00:16:45.120 can in the next moment say anything bad about me. 00:16:45.680 --> 00:16:48.680 For whoever is not against us is for us. 00:16:49.960 --> 00:16:51.060 Truly I tell you, 00:16:51.500 --> 00:16:54.220 anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name 00:16:54.220 --> 00:16:56.259 because you belong to the Messiah 00:16:56.259 --> 00:16:59.860 will certainly not lose their reward. 00:16:59.860 --> 00:17:04.220 Jesus had given his precious life 00:17:04.220 --> 00:17:05.559 for each one of us 00:17:05.559 --> 00:17:08.620 so that we no longer live for ourselves 00:17:08.620 --> 00:17:10.059 but for the gospel. 00:17:11.360 --> 00:17:14.579 If we truly understand the meaning of the cross, 00:17:15.360 --> 00:17:17.299 it will help us to rejoice 00:17:17.299 --> 00:17:19.599 when we see the kingdom of God advancing 00:17:19.599 --> 00:17:22.900 and Jesus' name being lifted up 00:17:22.900 --> 00:17:25.660 because miracle being achieved 00:17:25.660 --> 00:17:26.920 in the name of God. 00:17:28.100 --> 00:17:29.519 The greatest miracle 00:17:29.519 --> 00:17:31.420 is when someone comes to know 00:17:31.420 --> 00:17:33.340 what Jesus has done for them 00:17:33.340 --> 00:17:35.860 and decides to accept Jesus 00:17:35.860 --> 00:17:37.360 as their King and Lord. 00:17:38.620 --> 00:17:39.680 When people 00:17:39.680 --> 00:17:40.600 willingly, 00:17:41.500 --> 00:17:44.040 willing to do whatever Jesus tells them to do 00:17:44.040 --> 00:17:46.900 or go wherever Jesus tells them to go, 00:17:46.900 --> 00:17:50.400 the greatest miracle 00:17:50.400 --> 00:17:52.980 is when the preference of their life 00:17:52.980 --> 00:17:56.160 no longer based on their own comfort or convenience. 00:17:57.100 --> 00:17:58.500 The greatest miracle 00:17:58.500 --> 00:18:01.620 is when someone becomes a true follower of Jesus. 00:18:02.700 --> 00:18:04.800 A true follower of Jesus 00:18:04.800 --> 00:18:07.200 is someone who made their life decision 00:18:07.200 --> 00:18:10.160 based on whatever is the most beneficial 00:18:10.160 --> 00:18:11.820 for the work of the gospel. 00:18:11.819 --> 00:18:15.899 Every little thing you do, 00:18:16.539 --> 00:18:19.119 no matter how significant you think they are, 00:18:19.819 --> 00:18:23.720 can and will bring honor to Almighty God. 00:18:24.839 --> 00:18:25.539 Jesus said, 00:18:25.759 --> 00:18:26.899 Jesus in verse 41 00:18:26.899 --> 00:18:30.119 tell us again that He is the Messiah. 00:18:31.079 --> 00:18:33.240 He reminds us that He is the King 00:18:33.240 --> 00:18:35.220 that does not sit on the throne 00:18:35.220 --> 00:18:38.619 but went to the cross to give up His life. 00:18:38.619 --> 00:18:42.539 And through that He gives us life. 00:18:44.519 --> 00:18:46.319 Every little thing you do, 00:18:46.659 --> 00:18:48.939 no matter how significant you think they are, 00:18:49.500 --> 00:18:52.159 can and will bring honor to our King. 00:18:53.379 --> 00:18:55.479 A sincere smile or thank you 00:18:55.479 --> 00:18:57.479 to those who serve you. 00:18:58.639 --> 00:19:00.739 Treating both your superior 00:19:00.739 --> 00:19:03.279 and your inferior at work with respect. 00:19:04.339 --> 00:19:06.699 Showing appreciation to your spouse and children 00:19:06.700 --> 00:19:08.960 that supported your career move. 00:19:11.480 --> 00:19:13.779 For the honor and glory of God, 00:19:14.140 --> 00:19:15.600 every little thing you do, 00:19:15.940 --> 00:19:18.720 no matter how significant you think they are, 00:19:19.180 --> 00:19:19.860 matters. 00:19:21.620 --> 00:19:23.539 Especially things that you do 00:19:23.539 --> 00:19:26.980 to people you consider as not one of us. 00:19:29.700 --> 00:19:31.360 People that believe in Jesus 00:19:31.360 --> 00:19:32.660 and trying to live their life 00:19:32.660 --> 00:19:33.740 according to His word 00:19:33.740 --> 00:19:35.660 are precious to God. 00:19:36.700 --> 00:19:39.620 That is why Jesus said in verse 42, 00:19:40.480 --> 00:19:43.100 If anyone causes one of these little ones, 00:19:43.819 --> 00:19:44.900 those who believe in me, 00:19:44.960 --> 00:19:45.539 to stumble, 00:19:46.200 --> 00:19:47.580 it will be better for them 00:19:47.580 --> 00:19:48.960 if a large male stone 00:19:48.960 --> 00:19:50.860 be hung around their neck 00:19:50.860 --> 00:19:52.759 and they were thrown into the sea. 00:19:54.680 --> 00:19:56.519 How do we cause those 00:19:56.519 --> 00:19:58.140 who believe in Jesus to stumble? 00:19:58.900 --> 00:20:01.240 Let's look back at verse 39 to 41. 00:20:01.240 --> 00:20:07.160 By stopping someone 00:20:07.160 --> 00:20:11.019 By stopping someone serving God, 00:20:11.400 --> 00:20:13.259 we can cause them to stumble. 00:20:18.980 --> 00:20:20.880 By stopping someone from serving God 00:20:20.880 --> 00:20:23.000 because you think they are not as good as you, 00:20:23.440 --> 00:20:24.680 we can cause them to stumble. 00:20:24.680 --> 00:20:30.180 By saying bad things about Jesus 00:20:30.180 --> 00:20:31.380 or someone else, 00:20:31.799 --> 00:20:33.400 we can cause them to stumble. 00:20:34.799 --> 00:20:36.400 By pushing for ideas 00:20:36.400 --> 00:20:37.820 that is against the majority 00:20:37.820 --> 00:20:39.460 of the brothers and sisters in church 00:20:39.460 --> 00:20:40.759 that have accepted, 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:42.779 we can cause people to stumble. 00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:47.019 By not acknowledging the work of the Messiah 00:20:47.019 --> 00:20:49.200 and willingly serve each other, 00:20:50.000 --> 00:20:51.619 we can also cause people to stumble. 00:20:53.259 --> 00:20:54.240 Jesus said, 00:20:54.460 --> 00:20:55.559 If anyone causes those 00:20:55.559 --> 00:20:56.539 who believe in him, 00:20:56.940 --> 00:20:58.160 especially those who seem 00:20:58.160 --> 00:21:01.200 in the body of the believer, 00:21:01.619 --> 00:21:02.160 to stumble, 00:21:02.799 --> 00:21:03.900 it will be better for them 00:21:03.900 --> 00:21:05.639 to be thrown into the sea 00:21:05.639 --> 00:21:07.000 with large male stone 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:07.920 around their neck. 00:21:09.599 --> 00:21:12.160 He then used a repetition again 00:21:12.160 --> 00:21:14.119 to bring out a very important point. 00:21:14.119 --> 00:21:16.939 Let's look at verse 43 to 48. 00:21:20.199 --> 00:21:22.859 If your hand causes you to stumble, 00:21:23.459 --> 00:21:24.159 cut it off. 00:21:24.639 --> 00:21:25.639 It's better for you 00:21:25.639 --> 00:21:27.399 to enter live men 00:21:27.399 --> 00:21:29.059 than with two hands 00:21:29.059 --> 00:21:30.359 to go into hell 00:21:30.359 --> 00:21:32.459 where the fire lever goes out. 00:21:33.619 --> 00:21:35.299 And if your foot causes you 00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:36.000 to stumble, 00:21:36.539 --> 00:21:37.179 cut it off. 00:21:37.459 --> 00:21:38.299 It's better for you 00:21:38.299 --> 00:21:39.519 to enter live cripple 00:21:39.519 --> 00:21:40.879 than to have two feet 00:21:40.879 --> 00:21:42.319 and be thrown into hell. 00:21:42.319 --> 00:21:44.740 And if your eyes cause you 00:21:44.740 --> 00:21:45.279 to stumble, 00:21:45.579 --> 00:21:46.179 pluck it out. 00:21:46.539 --> 00:21:47.439 It's better for you 00:21:47.439 --> 00:21:48.839 to enter the kingdom of God 00:21:48.839 --> 00:21:49.899 with one eye 00:21:49.899 --> 00:21:51.339 than to have two eyes 00:21:51.339 --> 00:21:52.740 and be thrown into hell 00:21:52.740 --> 00:21:54.500 where the worms 00:21:54.500 --> 00:21:56.139 that eat them do not die 00:21:56.139 --> 00:21:58.099 and the fire is not cringe. 00:21:58.740 --> 00:21:59.939 Everyone will be salted 00:21:59.939 --> 00:22:00.899 with fire. 00:22:02.599 --> 00:22:03.559 Your hand, 00:22:04.059 --> 00:22:04.659 your foot, 00:22:05.319 --> 00:22:05.939 your eye, 00:22:05.939 --> 00:22:07.859 all part of the same body. 00:22:09.419 --> 00:22:10.879 Some Bible commentators 00:22:10.879 --> 00:22:11.399 say that 00:22:11.400 --> 00:22:13.140 your hand symbolize 00:22:13.140 --> 00:22:14.120 what you do. 00:22:15.160 --> 00:22:17.840 The foot symbolize 00:22:17.840 --> 00:22:18.580 where we go 00:22:18.580 --> 00:22:19.700 and the eyes 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:20.580 what we see. 00:22:21.680 --> 00:22:22.860 If what you do, 00:22:23.160 --> 00:22:24.040 where you go, 00:22:24.460 --> 00:22:25.220 and what you see 00:22:25.220 --> 00:22:26.240 cause you to stumble, 00:22:26.820 --> 00:22:28.019 it's better to clean up 00:22:28.019 --> 00:22:28.540 your life 00:22:28.540 --> 00:22:29.160 and cut off 00:22:29.160 --> 00:22:30.800 those harmful practices 00:22:30.800 --> 00:22:31.980 than to be ended 00:22:31.980 --> 00:22:33.259 in hell. 00:22:35.980 --> 00:22:37.480 Thinking back to last week, 00:22:37.720 --> 00:22:38.220 linking back 00:22:38.220 --> 00:22:39.380 to the first prediction, 00:22:39.380 --> 00:22:41.860 it's better to deny yourself 00:22:41.860 --> 00:22:43.120 and take up your cross 00:22:43.120 --> 00:22:45.440 than to be thrown into hell 00:22:45.440 --> 00:22:47.400 where the fire never goes out. 00:22:47.980 --> 00:22:49.660 The worms that eat the body 00:22:49.660 --> 00:22:50.720 do not die 00:22:50.720 --> 00:22:52.840 and the fire is not cringe. 00:22:54.340 --> 00:22:55.420 Fire and hell 00:22:55.420 --> 00:22:56.780 are so closely related 00:22:56.780 --> 00:22:57.780 in this passage. 00:22:58.620 --> 00:22:59.740 So what does it mean 00:22:59.740 --> 00:23:00.600 in verse 49 00:23:00.600 --> 00:23:01.720 that everyone 00:23:01.720 --> 00:23:03.760 will be salted with fire? 00:23:03.759 --> 00:23:06.379 It means that 00:23:06.379 --> 00:23:07.160 even though 00:23:07.160 --> 00:23:08.220 we have been saved 00:23:08.220 --> 00:23:08.839 by Jesus 00:23:08.839 --> 00:23:11.079 and we have eternal life 00:23:11.079 --> 00:23:12.400 as our future hope, 00:23:12.740 --> 00:23:14.039 we need to remember 00:23:14.039 --> 00:23:15.240 that we have been 00:23:15.240 --> 00:23:15.879 brought through 00:23:15.879 --> 00:23:16.779 from death 00:23:16.779 --> 00:23:17.859 to life. 00:23:20.920 --> 00:23:21.980 Verse 50, 00:23:22.420 --> 00:23:23.000 keep on saying, 00:23:23.200 --> 00:23:23.920 salt is good, 00:23:24.420 --> 00:23:24.759 but if it 00:23:25.660 --> 00:23:27.079 loses its saltiness, 00:23:27.420 --> 00:23:28.680 how can you 00:23:28.680 --> 00:23:29.980 make it salty again? 00:23:29.980 --> 00:23:32.079 No one can. 00:23:32.480 --> 00:23:33.279 We can't. 00:23:33.700 --> 00:23:34.620 We can't be good 00:23:34.620 --> 00:23:35.339 by ourselves. 00:23:36.420 --> 00:23:37.400 It was made possible 00:23:37.400 --> 00:23:38.920 only by the precious 00:23:38.920 --> 00:23:39.960 life of Jesus, 00:23:40.620 --> 00:23:41.620 willingly sacrificed 00:23:41.620 --> 00:23:42.440 on the cross. 00:23:43.839 --> 00:23:44.519 It is Jesus 00:23:44.519 --> 00:23:45.640 who make it possible 00:23:45.640 --> 00:23:46.259 for us 00:23:46.259 --> 00:23:47.480 to enter life 00:23:47.480 --> 00:23:48.620 and enter the kingdom. 00:23:50.620 --> 00:23:51.660 He loses 00:23:51.660 --> 00:23:54.059 his goodness 00:23:54.059 --> 00:23:54.940 on the cross 00:23:54.940 --> 00:23:55.660 because he 00:23:55.660 --> 00:23:56.579 bears our sin, 00:23:56.579 --> 00:23:57.579 and God 00:23:57.579 --> 00:23:58.439 made him good 00:23:58.439 --> 00:23:58.899 again 00:23:58.899 --> 00:24:00.019 by raising him 00:24:00.019 --> 00:24:00.659 from the dead. 00:24:03.199 --> 00:24:04.299 What is impossible 00:24:04.299 --> 00:24:05.720 for man 00:24:05.720 --> 00:24:06.740 is made possible 00:24:06.740 --> 00:24:07.419 in God. 00:24:08.059 --> 00:24:08.399 Everything 00:24:08.399 --> 00:24:09.199 is possible 00:24:09.199 --> 00:24:09.799 for one 00:24:09.799 --> 00:24:10.679 or the one 00:24:10.679 --> 00:24:11.199 who believes 00:24:11.199 --> 00:24:11.679 in him. 00:24:13.699 --> 00:24:14.500 So have salt 00:24:14.500 --> 00:24:15.319 among yourself 00:24:15.319 --> 00:24:16.460 and be at peace 00:24:16.460 --> 00:24:17.259 with each other. 00:24:18.980 --> 00:24:19.939 If something 00:24:19.939 --> 00:24:20.879 is repeated 00:24:20.879 --> 00:24:21.559 in the Bible, 00:24:22.139 --> 00:24:22.480 make sure 00:24:22.480 --> 00:24:23.240 you take note. 00:24:24.480 --> 00:24:25.319 Jesus died 00:24:25.319 --> 00:24:26.299 and raised again 00:24:26.299 --> 00:24:27.399 to make it possible 00:24:27.399 --> 00:24:28.500 for us to be good 00:24:28.500 --> 00:24:30.399 and for us 00:24:30.399 --> 00:24:31.779 to share this good news 00:24:31.779 --> 00:24:32.480 with others. 00:24:33.659 --> 00:24:34.000 Anyone 00:24:34.000 --> 00:24:35.439 who wants to be first 00:24:35.439 --> 00:24:36.919 must be the very last 00:24:36.919 --> 00:24:37.919 and servant of all. 00:24:39.139 --> 00:24:40.059 Every little thing 00:24:40.059 --> 00:24:40.599 you do, 00:24:41.220 --> 00:24:42.559 no matter how significant 00:24:42.559 --> 00:24:43.819 you think they are, 00:24:44.339 --> 00:24:45.359 can and will bring 00:24:45.359 --> 00:24:45.779 honor 00:24:45.779 --> 00:24:46.919 and glory 00:24:46.919 --> 00:24:47.960 to our gracious 00:24:47.960 --> 00:24:48.419 King, 00:24:48.799 --> 00:24:49.419 the Messiah, 00:24:49.980 --> 00:24:50.659 Jesus Christ, 00:24:50.740 --> 00:24:51.139 our Lord.