WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.120 All right, we're picking up where we left off last week in Luke's Gospel. 00:00:04.120 --> 00:00:11.780 And last Sunday, we heard about how Jesus chose 12 of his disciples to be his apostles. 00:00:12.460 --> 00:00:14.460 And we talked about what that will mean. 00:00:14.460 --> 00:00:20.060 It means that they're going to be sent out as representatives of Jesus with a message. 00:00:20.820 --> 00:00:27.580 And we looked at that list of the 12 apostles, and we saw how Jesus came down with them from the mountain 00:00:27.580 --> 00:00:30.760 to a level place where there was this large crowd waiting. 00:00:31.700 --> 00:00:35.740 And there was a crowd of his disciples, but also people from all over. 00:00:36.320 --> 00:00:41.740 And we read about how power was coming from Jesus and healing everybody who touched him 00:00:41.740 --> 00:00:44.560 and even casting demons out of people. 00:00:45.100 --> 00:00:46.160 It was really exciting. 00:00:46.880 --> 00:00:51.100 And then immediately following this, Jesus begins to speak. 00:00:53.180 --> 00:00:55.799 Looking at his disciples, he said, 00:00:55.799 --> 00:01:03.959 And then what follows here is a lengthier teaching of Jesus, which spans the rest of this chapter. 00:01:04.579 --> 00:01:09.060 We're just going to take a quick bird's eye view of the chapter to get a sense of what's in it. 00:01:09.359 --> 00:01:13.060 From verse 20 to 23, there are these blessing statements. 00:01:13.060 --> 00:01:19.400 And then following those, there are warning statements or woe statements, 24 to 26. 00:01:20.120 --> 00:01:26.600 Then from 27 to 36, we have Jesus teaching about love for our enemies. 00:01:27.640 --> 00:01:31.700 Then in 37 to 42, teaching about judging others. 00:01:31.700 --> 00:01:43.640 And then in verses 43 to 49, Jesus wraps it up with these two analogies or illustrations of fruit trees and home building. 00:01:44.640 --> 00:01:48.060 About how to discern good from bad in others. 00:01:48.740 --> 00:01:54.780 And an illustration which shows us the wise versus the foolish life. 00:01:54.780 --> 00:01:59.820 Now we're going to take our time to go through all of this slowly, not all today. 00:02:00.379 --> 00:02:03.960 But I wanted us to have a quick overview of what Jesus taught on this occasion. 00:02:04.680 --> 00:02:11.699 And if you've read the Gospel of Matthew, you'll notice that there's some major similarities to Jesus' sermon on the mount. 00:02:12.219 --> 00:02:15.379 Which can be found in Matthew chapter 5 to 7. 00:02:16.120 --> 00:02:22.819 In fact, the similarities here are so strong that many view this account here in Luke as the same sermon. 00:02:22.819 --> 00:02:27.199 With Luke here giving us a sort of condensed version. 00:02:28.259 --> 00:02:32.759 We notice that the sermon is directed at Jesus' disciples. 00:02:33.180 --> 00:02:36.120 In both Matthew and Luke. 00:02:36.739 --> 00:02:41.539 We notice in both cases that the sermon begins with these statements of blessing. 00:02:43.479 --> 00:02:49.159 Almost everything found here in Luke is found in Matthew's account. 00:02:49.340 --> 00:02:50.419 And in the same order. 00:02:50.419 --> 00:02:54.839 And then the sermon ends the same way in both Gospels. 00:02:54.939 --> 00:02:58.139 With the analogy of the wise and foolish builders. 00:02:58.599 --> 00:03:00.159 And so there's many similarities. 00:03:00.899 --> 00:03:07.119 On the other hand, some feel quite strongly that this sermon in Luke was a different sermon which Jesus shared. 00:03:07.939 --> 00:03:09.500 And they note some of the differences. 00:03:10.679 --> 00:03:13.739 The sermon on the mount seems to have been shared up on a mountainside. 00:03:13.740 --> 00:03:22.200 But Luke says that this sermon was given after Jesus came down from the mountain at a level place. 00:03:22.800 --> 00:03:28.260 Some have even gone so far as to nickname this sermon in Luke as the sermon on the plain. 00:03:28.259 --> 00:03:37.179 Any similarities, they say, are owing to the fact that Jesus likely taught and said the same things more than once. 00:03:37.179 --> 00:03:38.939 And in many different places. 00:03:39.939 --> 00:03:48.439 Well, maybe we can hold off on a decision until we've carefully studied and examined what Jesus said on this occasion in its entirety. 00:03:48.439 --> 00:03:52.060 So let's just press into these words of Jesus now. 00:03:52.579 --> 00:03:56.960 And hear for ourselves what the crowds traveled so far to hear. 00:03:58.639 --> 00:04:02.659 Looking at his disciples, Jesus said, 00:04:02.659 --> 00:04:21.000 Blessed are you who weep now. 00:04:21.000 --> 00:04:23.540 For you will laugh. 00:04:23.540 --> 00:04:27.640 Blessed are you when people hate you. 00:04:27.879 --> 00:04:29.600 When they exclude you. 00:04:30.020 --> 00:04:31.340 And insult you. 00:04:31.660 --> 00:04:33.879 And reject your name as evil. 00:04:34.300 --> 00:04:36.160 Because of the Son of Man. 00:04:37.879 --> 00:04:39.220 Rejoice in that day. 00:04:39.320 --> 00:04:40.180 And leap for joy. 00:04:40.280 --> 00:04:43.280 Because great is your reward in heaven. 00:04:44.280 --> 00:04:48.860 For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. 00:04:50.220 --> 00:04:52.800 But woe to you who are rich. 00:04:52.800 --> 00:04:57.000 For you have already received your comfort. 00:04:58.079 --> 00:05:00.740 Woe to you who are well fed now. 00:05:01.780 --> 00:05:03.520 For you will go hungry. 00:05:05.000 --> 00:05:07.500 Woe to you who laugh now. 00:05:08.280 --> 00:05:11.100 For you will mourn and weep. 00:05:12.360 --> 00:05:15.040 Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you. 00:05:16.100 --> 00:05:20.460 For that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets. 00:05:20.459 --> 00:05:25.339 These are challenging words of Jesus to interpret. 00:05:26.239 --> 00:05:30.959 Jesus speaks a series of brief, potent one-liners. 00:05:31.439 --> 00:05:32.079 Statements. 00:05:33.279 --> 00:05:38.459 And let's just notice some of the observable features of it. 00:05:38.539 --> 00:05:39.879 The form of these words. 00:05:40.679 --> 00:05:42.339 We notice the repetition. 00:05:42.339 --> 00:05:45.799 The first four statements. 00:05:46.039 --> 00:05:46.859 Blessed are you. 00:05:47.060 --> 00:05:47.959 Blessed are you. 00:05:48.119 --> 00:05:49.019 Blessed are you. 00:05:51.319 --> 00:05:55.639 We notice that following each statement of blessing is another statement. 00:05:56.319 --> 00:05:57.179 For yours. 00:05:57.659 --> 00:05:58.439 For you. 00:05:58.839 --> 00:05:59.679 For you. 00:05:59.680 --> 00:06:05.459 We also notice the contrast between the... 00:06:05.459 --> 00:06:08.100 Each line of these statements. 00:06:09.600 --> 00:06:11.540 Blessed are you who are poor. 00:06:12.300 --> 00:06:14.500 For yours is the kingdom of God. 00:06:15.220 --> 00:06:17.960 Blessed are you who hunger now. 00:06:17.959 --> 00:06:20.419 For you will be satisfied. 00:06:21.599 --> 00:06:23.799 Blessed are you who weep now. 00:06:24.500 --> 00:06:25.879 For you will laugh. 00:06:27.399 --> 00:06:29.060 Blessed are you when people hate you. 00:06:29.120 --> 00:06:30.099 When they exclude you. 00:06:30.159 --> 00:06:30.879 And insult you. 00:06:30.939 --> 00:06:32.199 And reject your name as evil. 00:06:33.199 --> 00:06:34.240 And then the contrast. 00:06:34.740 --> 00:06:36.740 Because great is your reward. 00:06:37.279 --> 00:06:38.039 In heaven. 00:06:38.040 --> 00:06:45.160 So there's this massive contrast between how things are now for some. 00:06:45.620 --> 00:06:47.920 And how they will finally end up. 00:06:49.319 --> 00:06:50.760 Maybe another way to say it. 00:06:50.860 --> 00:06:55.320 Jesus is telling of how there will someday be a great reversal. 00:06:56.460 --> 00:07:00.500 A day when those who had nothing will have everything. 00:07:01.340 --> 00:07:04.520 A day when those who hungered will be satisfied. 00:07:04.519 --> 00:07:09.019 A day when those who were weeping are laughing and rejoicing. 00:07:10.479 --> 00:07:14.759 A day when those who were mocked and persecuted because of their faith in him. 00:07:15.060 --> 00:07:19.500 Will be honored and rewarded because of their faith in him. 00:07:21.519 --> 00:07:26.000 We also notice one of the differences between Jesus' sermon and the mount. 00:07:26.199 --> 00:07:28.319 And Matthew's gospel and this sermon. 00:07:29.299 --> 00:07:32.500 Matthew records that Jesus made nine of these statements. 00:07:32.500 --> 00:07:35.019 Luke only includes four. 00:07:35.860 --> 00:07:37.160 And in different order. 00:07:37.939 --> 00:07:41.040 But maybe what's most surprising here in Luke's account of this sermon. 00:07:41.180 --> 00:07:43.339 Is the parallel statements of warning. 00:07:43.959 --> 00:07:44.860 Or woe. 00:07:45.259 --> 00:07:47.800 That Matthew doesn't have in his account. 00:07:48.879 --> 00:07:52.279 And these are also very similar in form to the statements of blessing. 00:07:53.019 --> 00:07:55.500 Let's just look at them for a moment here. 00:07:57.079 --> 00:07:58.100 Woe to you. 00:07:58.959 --> 00:07:59.860 Woe to you. 00:07:59.980 --> 00:08:00.639 Woe to you. 00:08:00.639 --> 00:08:02.220 We see the repetition again. 00:08:02.500 --> 00:08:07.160 Following each statement of warning or woe. 00:08:07.279 --> 00:08:08.819 We see the parallel statement. 00:08:09.079 --> 00:08:09.720 For you. 00:08:09.939 --> 00:08:10.540 For you. 00:08:10.740 --> 00:08:11.439 For you. 00:08:12.620 --> 00:08:14.660 And an outcome or a result. 00:08:18.860 --> 00:08:21.699 And again we notice the contrast in each statement. 00:08:22.060 --> 00:08:23.420 Woe to you who are rich. 00:08:24.220 --> 00:08:26.339 For you've already received your comfort. 00:08:26.519 --> 00:08:28.040 Woe to you who are well fed. 00:08:28.040 --> 00:08:31.140 For you will go hungry. 00:08:31.420 --> 00:08:33.720 Woe to you who laugh now. 00:08:34.279 --> 00:08:37.139 For you will mourn and weep. 00:08:39.620 --> 00:08:43.659 Notice the clear parallel between the blessings and the woes. 00:08:43.720 --> 00:08:45.659 This is not formatted very nicely. 00:08:45.860 --> 00:08:49.000 But you can see if you put the list side by side. 00:08:49.000 --> 00:08:55.320 The first blessing statement is blessed are you who are poor. 00:08:55.320 --> 00:08:56.659 And the first woe statement. 00:08:56.940 --> 00:08:58.419 Woe to you who are rich. 00:08:59.100 --> 00:09:00.419 Blessed are you who hunger. 00:09:01.240 --> 00:09:03.299 But woe to you who are well fed. 00:09:04.340 --> 00:09:05.799 Blessed are you who weep. 00:09:06.460 --> 00:09:09.159 But woe to you who laugh. 00:09:10.279 --> 00:09:12.200 Blessed are you when people insult you. 00:09:12.200 --> 00:09:18.100 But woe to you when everyone speaks well of you. 00:09:18.920 --> 00:09:25.180 So this is really obvious and deliberate contrast between how things are right now for some. 00:09:25.720 --> 00:09:28.420 And how things will finally end up. 00:09:29.080 --> 00:09:37.640 And we see not only is a great reversal coming for those who seemingly are going through a really tough situation right now. 00:09:37.639 --> 00:09:43.720 But there's a great reversal coming for those who seemingly have it made right now. 00:09:44.039 --> 00:09:47.039 A day when those who had everything will lose it all. 00:09:48.179 --> 00:09:52.259 A day when those who are well fed will be hungry. 00:09:53.460 --> 00:09:56.779 A day when those who laughed will weep. 00:09:57.919 --> 00:10:01.899 And a day when those who were spoken well of will have no reward. 00:10:02.700 --> 00:10:07.080 But will face God's judgment like the false prophets of old did. 00:10:07.639 --> 00:10:13.699 And so as we look at the form of these statements and the contrasting features and the logic and the flow of them. 00:10:13.879 --> 00:10:17.319 I hope what Jesus is getting at is starting to come clear. 00:10:17.679 --> 00:10:20.620 Let's see if we can dial in the focus even a little more. 00:10:20.819 --> 00:10:23.019 And look at two of these key words. 00:10:24.720 --> 00:10:27.500 The word blessed and the word woe. 00:10:28.519 --> 00:10:29.860 Let's start with blessed. 00:10:29.860 --> 00:10:37.720 We should know that Jesus is not the first person to utter statements of blessing like this. 00:10:37.720 --> 00:10:41.860 There are blessing statements like this in the Old Testament as well. 00:10:42.580 --> 00:10:45.000 For time's sake we're not going to go back and look at them. 00:10:45.100 --> 00:10:45.720 But they're there. 00:10:45.879 --> 00:10:48.419 Especially in the Psalms and Proverbs. 00:10:49.100 --> 00:10:51.680 God has spoken like this before. 00:10:52.659 --> 00:10:54.279 Brief statements of blessing. 00:10:54.279 --> 00:10:59.720 And then that second statement of what that blessing will look like. 00:11:00.439 --> 00:11:03.579 And we should also know that for someone to be blessed in the Bible. 00:11:03.860 --> 00:11:06.600 Does not simply mean that they have good fortune. 00:11:07.279 --> 00:11:09.000 Or luck. 00:11:10.659 --> 00:11:13.659 To be blessed in the Bible is a thing that comes. 00:11:14.179 --> 00:11:16.480 In relationship to God. 00:11:17.740 --> 00:11:21.480 He is the one that blesses people. 00:11:21.480 --> 00:11:25.420 To be blessed speaks of enjoying the grace of God. 00:11:26.500 --> 00:11:28.060 The favor of God. 00:11:28.420 --> 00:11:28.920 The gift. 00:11:29.440 --> 00:11:30.639 The gifts of God. 00:11:31.500 --> 00:11:35.100 To be blessed means to be on the receiving end of his kindness. 00:11:35.560 --> 00:11:37.019 Or his mercy. 00:11:37.820 --> 00:11:40.320 It doesn't just mean to have good fortune or luck. 00:11:40.379 --> 00:11:42.759 It means to have good come to us. 00:11:43.139 --> 00:11:45.180 Specifically from God. 00:11:46.019 --> 00:11:47.480 And as we'll see in a moment. 00:11:47.659 --> 00:11:51.220 That grace from God is not necessarily material. 00:11:51.920 --> 00:11:52.800 In nature. 00:11:54.120 --> 00:11:57.420 This has kind of become baked into Christian culture a little bit. 00:11:57.539 --> 00:11:59.740 And into our language in our generation. 00:12:00.300 --> 00:12:03.779 That to be blessed means to have an abundance of material things. 00:12:05.120 --> 00:12:07.920 Well certainly the good material things that we have. 00:12:08.000 --> 00:12:09.820 Are gifts of God's favor. 00:12:10.259 --> 00:12:13.200 But there are a good many ways we can be blessed by God. 00:12:13.240 --> 00:12:15.340 Apart from material things. 00:12:16.279 --> 00:12:19.000 And in fact Jesus is later going to say in this very gospel. 00:12:19.259 --> 00:12:19.920 Watch out. 00:12:19.919 --> 00:12:23.219 Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. 00:12:24.000 --> 00:12:29.079 Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. 00:12:29.779 --> 00:12:35.679 And so God's blessing in our lives should not simply be equated with material prosperity. 00:12:35.679 --> 00:12:39.139 Next let's consider that word woe. 00:12:39.620 --> 00:12:43.019 It's maybe not one that we use often today. 00:12:44.339 --> 00:12:47.620 But maybe we've still heard it in literature or different things. 00:12:48.839 --> 00:12:54.620 Woe was also a kind of statement that was made frequently in the Old Testament. 00:12:54.620 --> 00:12:59.019 And it was common among the prophets to utter words of woe. 00:12:59.959 --> 00:13:01.539 They're like words of warning. 00:13:01.539 --> 00:13:06.539 Here's an example from the prophet Jeremiah chapter 23 verses 1 and 2. 00:13:07.059 --> 00:13:12.539 Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture declares the Lord. 00:13:12.539 --> 00:13:19.679 And therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people. 00:13:20.199 --> 00:13:26.620 Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, 00:13:26.879 --> 00:13:32.819 I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done, declares the Lord. 00:13:32.820 --> 00:13:38.080 So this word woe means that there's trouble ahead for you. 00:13:38.460 --> 00:13:39.879 It's an ominous word. 00:13:39.980 --> 00:13:46.980 It's a word of warning, of danger or disaster or in this case punishment from God that's coming, 00:13:47.140 --> 00:13:48.360 that's just on the horizon. 00:13:49.680 --> 00:13:57.360 And then we see also the statements which follow and explain how things are about to take a turn for the worse. 00:13:57.360 --> 00:14:04.639 Woe to you who are rich, for your time is coming to go without comfort. 00:14:05.000 --> 00:14:09.259 Your time is coming to go hungry, to weep. 00:14:11.220 --> 00:14:17.379 And this sort of brings us to this big question that we need to ask, I think, to understand and apply these words. 00:14:17.580 --> 00:14:21.779 Who is Jesus talking to as he says these things? 00:14:22.100 --> 00:14:26.360 These statements of blessing and these statements of woe. 00:14:26.360 --> 00:14:28.539 Who is he talking to with these words? 00:14:29.960 --> 00:14:32.000 Well, let's look back up to verse 20. 00:14:33.279 --> 00:14:41.340 It says, looking at his disciples, he said, blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 00:14:42.300 --> 00:14:46.460 So right off the bat, Jesus is talking to his followers, his disciples. 00:14:46.680 --> 00:14:53.680 And this is important, I think, because their faith in him is the context for these blessings. 00:14:53.679 --> 00:14:59.519 Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 00:15:00.939 --> 00:15:07.599 This doesn't mean that all poor people will inherit the kingdom of God just because they're poor. 00:15:07.600 --> 00:15:12.680 Poverty is not a condition for entrance to the kingdom of God. 00:15:12.680 --> 00:15:18.759 And it's not something that automatically qualifies us for the kingdom of God. 00:15:18.879 --> 00:15:24.440 The teaching of Jesus is really clear in all the other places and things that he said. 00:15:24.440 --> 00:15:28.080 We obtain citizenship in the kingdom of God. 00:15:28.080 --> 00:15:29.440 By faith. 00:15:29.440 --> 00:15:33.940 By believing in Jesus. 00:15:34.320 --> 00:15:46.540 By humbling ourselves before God in repentance and confessing from the heart that Jesus is our Lord and our Savior. 00:15:46.539 --> 00:15:52.980 So for all of these blessings, true faith in Jesus, it's assumed to be there. 00:15:54.139 --> 00:15:56.519 He's speaking to his disciples. 00:15:57.459 --> 00:16:04.740 And if we look at that fourth statement of blessing, I think it really makes it clear there in verse 22. 00:16:05.139 --> 00:16:09.500 It's sort of an example of how we're to interpret these statements of blessing. 00:16:09.620 --> 00:16:12.539 Look at how Jesus explains the statement of blessing. 00:16:12.539 --> 00:16:25.000 He says, blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you, and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. 00:16:28.559 --> 00:16:30.299 The Son of Man is Jesus. 00:16:30.939 --> 00:16:34.779 Jesus is referring to himself as he often does by this title. 00:16:35.459 --> 00:16:41.579 He's saying, you're blessed when people treat you poorly in all these ways because of your connection. 00:16:42.539 --> 00:16:42.959 To me. 00:16:44.399 --> 00:16:48.059 And so when we come down to verse 23, it makes sense. 00:16:48.559 --> 00:17:04.019 The blessing, the reward in heaven is given to people because they endured the scorn and insult and persecution because of their faith in Jesus. 00:17:04.019 --> 00:17:10.619 And so that context, that connection to Jesus, it's assumed through all of these blessing statements. 00:17:11.240 --> 00:17:20.619 To say it differently, none of these blessings come to those who are merely poor, hungry, weeping, or persecuted. 00:17:20.619 --> 00:17:26.859 Rather, these blessings speak of the future promised to those who have faith in Jesus. 00:17:27.639 --> 00:17:33.299 And they're meant to encourage us, though for now we may face hardship. 00:17:33.299 --> 00:17:42.559 We may face poverty, hunger, sorrow, or ridicule. 00:17:42.559 --> 00:17:49.240 And so Jesus is talking to his disciples with these statements of blessing. 00:17:49.240 --> 00:17:51.419 To those who have put their faith in the Son of Man. 00:17:51.980 --> 00:17:54.119 But then comes the woe statements. 00:17:54.899 --> 00:18:03.619 And of course with the woe statements, the outcomes for these people, the final outcome, is the complete opposite to the statements of blessing. 00:18:03.619 --> 00:18:11.299 And so it would seem that with the woes, Jesus is speaking to those in the crowd who are not truly his disciples. 00:18:12.019 --> 00:18:17.379 Perhaps those who find Jesus interesting and are just along for the ride. 00:18:17.539 --> 00:18:22.939 Perhaps those who want the miracle of healing but lack true faith in Jesus. 00:18:24.439 --> 00:18:30.399 Perhaps there are those who are following him around now, but later on they'll just leave off of that. 00:18:30.400 --> 00:18:38.300 And when things get tough, as Jesus begins to come into the crosshairs, they'll suddenly fade into the background and disappear. 00:18:39.140 --> 00:18:45.640 As I mentioned last week, there were many among the disciples of Jesus who turned away from following him. 00:18:45.920 --> 00:18:47.660 We read about that in John's Gospel. 00:18:48.160 --> 00:18:49.820 Even of the twelve, there was Judas. 00:18:52.120 --> 00:18:54.460 He valued riches. 00:18:55.060 --> 00:18:56.240 He valued comfort. 00:18:56.240 --> 00:19:02.039 He valued this favorable relationship with the religious leaders more than Jesus. 00:19:03.180 --> 00:19:08.259 And so I think these words of woe are directed to all in the crowd who are like Judas. 00:19:09.539 --> 00:19:11.220 Who lack true faith. 00:19:12.359 --> 00:19:19.259 And who will prioritize wealth and comfort and pleasure and popularity. 00:19:19.259 --> 00:19:25.259 These are words of solemn warning about what will happen to them in the end. 00:19:25.720 --> 00:19:30.160 If they do not truly repent and embrace Jesus for who he is. 00:19:31.180 --> 00:19:35.319 So that's kind of the interpretive framework from the context. 00:19:35.480 --> 00:19:39.019 We understand what the blessing and woe mean. 00:19:39.200 --> 00:19:43.480 We know who Jesus is talking to with each of these series of statements. 00:19:43.480 --> 00:19:46.000 And now we can kind of make sense of them and apply them. 00:19:46.120 --> 00:19:50.079 And so let's just take each of these one at a time and just reflect on them briefly. 00:19:50.960 --> 00:19:52.360 Starting with the first one. 00:19:55.099 --> 00:19:56.579 Blessed are you who are poor. 00:19:57.339 --> 00:19:59.079 For yours is the kingdom of God. 00:20:00.319 --> 00:20:03.480 When might this be an encouragement to a follower of Jesus? 00:20:03.480 --> 00:20:10.480 Poverty can be found in the life of a believer for many different reasons. 00:20:11.319 --> 00:20:15.360 It could be that a person was poor and had nothing when they first believed in Jesus. 00:20:16.480 --> 00:20:18.680 Or it could be owing to natural disaster. 00:20:19.559 --> 00:20:20.620 Or wars. 00:20:21.339 --> 00:20:22.240 Or drought. 00:20:23.240 --> 00:20:25.759 Or high cost of living in a certain place. 00:20:26.480 --> 00:20:29.940 Could be due to circumstances that are beyond our control. 00:20:29.940 --> 00:20:35.960 It could be in a situation that a follower of Jesus is working hard. 00:20:36.900 --> 00:20:40.160 And yet remains poor through no fault of their own. 00:20:41.460 --> 00:20:46.140 It could be that poverty arises because of persecution. 00:20:46.840 --> 00:20:48.100 Or poor treatment. 00:20:49.440 --> 00:20:53.000 Maybe they're pushed out of the company because of their faith. 00:20:54.299 --> 00:20:58.779 Or it could simply be because a follower of Jesus is not primarily focused. 00:20:58.779 --> 00:21:00.940 On getting wealthy. 00:21:01.500 --> 00:21:02.220 Making money. 00:21:02.339 --> 00:21:03.319 Being successful. 00:21:03.839 --> 00:21:05.859 Obtaining these materialistic goals. 00:21:06.339 --> 00:21:10.279 Rather than instead they just may be focused on serving the needy. 00:21:10.720 --> 00:21:12.359 On giving generously. 00:21:12.899 --> 00:21:17.980 There's lots of different reasons why a true disciple of Jesus may have little in this world. 00:21:17.980 --> 00:21:18.380 But. 00:21:19.019 --> 00:21:19.539 But. 00:21:19.900 --> 00:21:20.799 Says Jesus. 00:21:21.400 --> 00:21:25.880 How much we have in this world is not an indication of our status with God. 00:21:27.079 --> 00:21:30.460 Though you as a disciple of Jesus may have nothing. 00:21:31.420 --> 00:21:32.680 You are blessed. 00:21:33.839 --> 00:21:36.519 Because yours is the kingdom of God. 00:21:37.839 --> 00:21:42.319 And that is worth immeasurably more than all the riches of this world. 00:21:43.319 --> 00:21:43.880 Combined. 00:21:43.880 --> 00:21:43.960 And. 00:21:46.100 --> 00:21:49.160 Now of course the full enjoyment of this kingdom awaits. 00:21:49.540 --> 00:21:50.220 The future. 00:21:50.920 --> 00:21:52.480 When the king returns. 00:21:54.500 --> 00:21:56.620 But for now the world around us. 00:21:56.900 --> 00:21:58.900 They may think of you as poor. 00:21:59.860 --> 00:22:00.940 As a nobody. 00:22:02.120 --> 00:22:05.960 But in reality you have the greatest inheritance this world has ever seen. 00:22:06.700 --> 00:22:07.660 Coming to you. 00:22:07.660 --> 00:22:08.060 Now. 00:22:08.860 --> 00:22:10.800 And so count yourselves blessed. 00:22:10.800 --> 00:22:11.820 Even now. 00:22:13.680 --> 00:22:14.580 Jesus is saying. 00:22:14.700 --> 00:22:15.680 You're believing in me. 00:22:15.779 --> 00:22:16.880 You're following me. 00:22:17.000 --> 00:22:18.320 Now as my disciple. 00:22:19.220 --> 00:22:20.120 Qualifies you. 00:22:20.640 --> 00:22:22.140 For the kingdom of God. 00:22:23.060 --> 00:22:24.980 And so you are truly blessed. 00:22:27.360 --> 00:22:28.720 Blessed are you who. 00:22:29.640 --> 00:22:30.300 Hunger now. 00:22:31.519 --> 00:22:33.080 For you will be satisfied. 00:22:33.620 --> 00:22:36.779 In some ways it's just a restatement of the first one. 00:22:36.779 --> 00:22:37.579 Hunger. 00:22:38.059 --> 00:22:39.879 And poverty are almost synonymous. 00:22:40.559 --> 00:22:42.200 But notice the blessing promised. 00:22:42.339 --> 00:22:42.660 He says. 00:22:42.779 --> 00:22:44.879 For you will be satisfied. 00:22:46.339 --> 00:22:47.740 As a follower of Jesus. 00:22:47.899 --> 00:22:50.660 There's all kinds of things that we may long for in this world. 00:22:51.000 --> 00:22:52.079 And in this life. 00:22:52.859 --> 00:22:54.440 Even good things that we need. 00:22:55.920 --> 00:22:56.460 Food. 00:22:57.299 --> 00:22:57.680 Clothing. 00:22:58.639 --> 00:22:59.839 A reliable vehicle. 00:23:00.920 --> 00:23:02.259 Peace in our land. 00:23:02.680 --> 00:23:04.519 Or in our relationships with others. 00:23:04.519 --> 00:23:05.960 Property. 00:23:05.960 --> 00:23:07.339 To call our own. 00:23:07.759 --> 00:23:08.319 A home. 00:23:09.799 --> 00:23:12.259 What do you hunger for now? 00:23:14.440 --> 00:23:16.859 What is it that you most long for? 00:23:17.740 --> 00:23:19.180 In your heart of hearts? 00:23:19.180 --> 00:23:23.519 The declaration of Jesus to his followers. 00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:24.820 Is that we are blessed. 00:23:24.820 --> 00:23:28.019 Because though we may hunger and long for things now. 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:31.799 One day we will be satisfied. 00:23:33.500 --> 00:23:36.080 All of our longings will be met. 00:23:37.080 --> 00:23:38.340 We will hunger. 00:23:38.519 --> 00:23:40.519 We will long no more. 00:23:40.519 --> 00:23:44.279 The third one. 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:46.480 Blessed are you who weep now. 00:23:47.339 --> 00:23:49.339 For you will laugh. 00:23:50.339 --> 00:23:51.559 As with poverty. 00:23:51.779 --> 00:23:54.779 There are many reasons why a follower of Jesus may weep now. 00:23:55.160 --> 00:23:56.819 And be filled with sorrow. 00:23:57.799 --> 00:24:00.319 Is there a reason in your life right now. 00:24:01.220 --> 00:24:03.240 That you are weeping. 00:24:03.240 --> 00:24:06.319 If not outwardly. 00:24:07.160 --> 00:24:08.599 Then inwardly. 00:24:10.079 --> 00:24:12.039 There are things like injuries. 00:24:13.120 --> 00:24:15.799 Lifelong debilitating conditions. 00:24:16.539 --> 00:24:18.620 The death of loved ones. 00:24:19.880 --> 00:24:21.460 Broken relationships. 00:24:23.099 --> 00:24:27.620 There are the sinful and foolish choices that we see loved ones making. 00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:32.140 And the devastating consequences of those choices in their lives. 00:24:32.140 --> 00:24:36.040 There are evil people in our world who are preying upon the weak. 00:24:37.220 --> 00:24:38.220 There are wars. 00:24:39.140 --> 00:24:43.620 There is the hatred and insults of others who are unkind to us. 00:24:43.680 --> 00:24:46.920 Just to get a laugh from their friends. 00:24:47.840 --> 00:24:52.140 There are many reasons why a follower of Jesus may weep now. 00:24:53.080 --> 00:24:55.220 Some owing to our faith in Jesus. 00:24:56.240 --> 00:24:57.460 And some not. 00:24:57.460 --> 00:25:02.039 But the declaration of Jesus to his followers. 00:25:02.039 --> 00:25:03.940 Is that we are blessed. 00:25:04.059 --> 00:25:06.019 Because though we may weep now. 00:25:07.620 --> 00:25:09.380 One day our weeping. 00:25:09.860 --> 00:25:11.340 Will be turned to joy. 00:25:12.100 --> 00:25:14.220 We will laugh. 00:25:15.180 --> 00:25:18.059 We will know that feeling of joy and happiness. 00:25:18.059 --> 00:25:21.720 That spills out so easily and freely as laughter does. 00:25:21.720 --> 00:25:25.620 The things which cause sorrow will be gone. 00:25:25.619 --> 00:25:30.719 Jesus is talking of course about the blessing of our final home. 00:25:31.379 --> 00:25:32.579 The heavenly kingdom. 00:25:32.719 --> 00:25:33.819 And our time with him. 00:25:34.659 --> 00:25:35.139 Forever. 00:25:37.479 --> 00:25:38.619 Much later on. 00:25:39.039 --> 00:25:40.159 Jesus will give a vision. 00:25:41.039 --> 00:25:42.579 To his apostle John. 00:25:43.419 --> 00:25:47.019 To share with us a glimpse of what heaven will be like. 00:25:47.079 --> 00:25:48.419 And I won't read the whole passage. 00:25:48.679 --> 00:25:51.079 It speaks of how we will be with God. 00:25:51.159 --> 00:25:52.239 And he will be with us. 00:25:52.419 --> 00:25:53.059 It says this. 00:25:53.059 --> 00:25:55.539 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. 00:25:56.379 --> 00:25:57.659 There will be no more death. 00:25:58.059 --> 00:25:59.019 Or mourning. 00:25:59.019 --> 00:26:00.139 Or crying. 00:26:00.139 --> 00:26:00.940 Or pain. 00:26:01.299 --> 00:26:03.519 For the old order of things. 00:26:03.779 --> 00:26:05.220 Has passed away. 00:26:05.419 --> 00:26:08.139 I am making everything new. 00:26:10.139 --> 00:26:10.919 And so. 00:26:11.639 --> 00:26:13.559 Blessed are you who weep now. 00:26:14.259 --> 00:26:16.240 For you will laugh. 00:26:17.759 --> 00:26:18.639 You will know. 00:26:19.059 --> 00:26:20.019 Unbridled joy. 00:26:20.480 --> 00:26:22.079 In the kingdom of God forever. 00:26:23.059 --> 00:26:27.240 The final blessing statement. 00:26:27.240 --> 00:26:28.700 Blessed are you. 00:26:28.700 --> 00:26:30.640 When people hate you. 00:26:30.839 --> 00:26:32.359 When they exclude you. 00:26:32.359 --> 00:26:33.299 And insult you. 00:26:33.299 --> 00:26:34.920 And reject your name as evil. 00:26:34.920 --> 00:26:36.259 Because of the son of man. 00:26:37.259 --> 00:26:38.440 Rejoice in that day. 00:26:38.559 --> 00:26:39.539 And leap for joy. 00:26:40.200 --> 00:26:41.220 Because great. 00:26:41.460 --> 00:26:42.940 Is your reward in heaven. 00:26:43.839 --> 00:26:46.720 For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. 00:26:46.720 --> 00:26:50.140 As followers of Jesus in this world. 00:26:50.240 --> 00:26:52.299 There is going to be occasions of all different kinds. 00:26:52.360 --> 00:26:53.779 When people treat us wrongly. 00:26:53.779 --> 00:26:54.839 Or poorly. 00:26:55.640 --> 00:26:58.039 Because of our devotion to Jesus. 00:26:59.140 --> 00:27:01.539 And Jesus kind of gives us a small list. 00:27:01.600 --> 00:27:03.839 Of the various forms that may take. 00:27:04.700 --> 00:27:07.019 It might be hatred directed at you. 00:27:07.019 --> 00:27:09.379 It might be more subtle. 00:27:10.019 --> 00:27:12.259 Done with actions only. 00:27:12.400 --> 00:27:13.240 And not words. 00:27:13.680 --> 00:27:14.619 Excluding you. 00:27:15.700 --> 00:27:17.099 Giving you the cold shoulder. 00:27:18.139 --> 00:27:18.940 Ignoring you. 00:27:19.900 --> 00:27:20.799 Passing over you. 00:27:20.839 --> 00:27:22.160 When it comes time to promote. 00:27:22.440 --> 00:27:23.240 Or honor. 00:27:23.379 --> 00:27:24.019 Or award. 00:27:25.480 --> 00:27:27.079 And this is specifically. 00:27:27.079 --> 00:27:28.799 Because of the son of man. 00:27:29.420 --> 00:27:31.000 Because of our connection. 00:27:31.680 --> 00:27:33.279 Our devotion to Jesus. 00:27:33.279 --> 00:27:36.420 So it's implied that they know. 00:27:36.940 --> 00:27:38.039 We are Christians. 00:27:38.559 --> 00:27:39.779 Our witness is overt. 00:27:40.379 --> 00:27:41.839 And clear enough. 00:27:42.200 --> 00:27:43.220 That they can see it. 00:27:44.819 --> 00:27:46.839 Maybe we were not willing to go along. 00:27:46.899 --> 00:27:47.859 With the plan of others. 00:27:47.980 --> 00:27:49.019 To cover something up. 00:27:49.079 --> 00:27:49.740 And do something. 00:27:50.460 --> 00:27:51.500 That was wrong. 00:27:52.740 --> 00:27:53.779 Maybe it's because. 00:27:54.839 --> 00:27:55.960 Even a little thing. 00:27:56.039 --> 00:27:57.259 We asked them not to play. 00:27:57.799 --> 00:27:59.539 Music filled with obscenities. 00:28:00.180 --> 00:28:00.899 At the workplace. 00:28:01.839 --> 00:28:02.619 Maybe it's because. 00:28:02.619 --> 00:28:04.119 We won't participate with them. 00:28:04.119 --> 00:28:05.579 In questionable activities. 00:28:05.579 --> 00:28:06.500 Or conversation. 00:28:07.759 --> 00:28:09.379 Living as a follower of Jesus. 00:28:09.379 --> 00:28:10.799 Will inevitably bring us. 00:28:10.899 --> 00:28:12.299 Into conflict. 00:28:12.299 --> 00:28:13.019 Or at least. 00:28:13.019 --> 00:28:14.099 Mark us out. 00:28:14.099 --> 00:28:15.159 As different. 00:28:16.000 --> 00:28:17.759 To the people around us. 00:28:18.639 --> 00:28:20.099 And we can expect. 00:28:20.259 --> 00:28:21.159 That we will be treated. 00:28:21.899 --> 00:28:22.579 Poorly. 00:28:23.439 --> 00:28:24.459 At times. 00:28:24.579 --> 00:28:25.739 Because of our allegiance. 00:28:25.939 --> 00:28:26.439 To Jesus. 00:28:27.179 --> 00:28:28.239 And his ways. 00:28:29.559 --> 00:28:30.639 Jesus tells us. 00:28:31.019 --> 00:28:31.759 To rejoice. 00:28:31.759 --> 00:28:33.099 And leap. 00:28:33.099 --> 00:28:33.799 For joy. 00:28:33.799 --> 00:28:33.900 For joy. 00:28:34.720 --> 00:28:35.960 When that happens. 00:28:36.660 --> 00:28:37.180 Why? 00:28:38.180 --> 00:28:40.039 Because if that happens to us. 00:28:40.039 --> 00:28:41.559 Because of our faith in him. 00:28:42.339 --> 00:28:42.980 Great. 00:28:43.859 --> 00:28:45.119 Is your reward. 00:28:45.359 --> 00:28:46.180 In heaven. 00:28:46.940 --> 00:28:47.700 Not just. 00:28:47.900 --> 00:28:49.319 That you're going to get a reward. 00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:50.400 But great. 00:28:51.400 --> 00:28:52.599 Is your reward. 00:28:53.220 --> 00:28:54.019 In heaven. 00:28:54.019 --> 00:28:56.799 Some of us have recently attended. 00:28:56.799 --> 00:28:58.200 The graduation of somebody. 00:28:58.200 --> 00:28:59.220 That we know and love. 00:29:00.500 --> 00:29:01.740 We sit back. 00:29:01.839 --> 00:29:02.400 We watch. 00:29:02.539 --> 00:29:03.259 We wait to see. 00:29:03.440 --> 00:29:04.259 Who the awards. 00:29:04.359 --> 00:29:04.940 The scholarships. 00:29:05.200 --> 00:29:05.859 And the bursaries. 00:29:05.859 --> 00:29:06.779 Will be given to. 00:29:07.519 --> 00:29:09.019 We pay special attention. 00:29:09.019 --> 00:29:09.960 To those who. 00:29:10.359 --> 00:29:11.960 Achieve the big awards. 00:29:11.960 --> 00:29:13.579 The governor general's award. 00:29:13.579 --> 00:29:15.619 Or the big money scholarships. 00:29:15.619 --> 00:29:17.619 And we think about. 00:29:17.959 --> 00:29:18.839 What they must have done. 00:29:18.959 --> 00:29:19.759 To earn those. 00:29:20.119 --> 00:29:20.719 Awards. 00:29:21.679 --> 00:29:23.039 How many evenings spent. 00:29:23.179 --> 00:29:24.319 Pouring over the books. 00:29:25.239 --> 00:29:27.079 Rather than playing video games. 00:29:27.079 --> 00:29:27.359 Or. 00:29:28.039 --> 00:29:28.639 Out. 00:29:29.299 --> 00:29:30.379 Partying with friends. 00:29:30.380 --> 00:29:32.760 Well there is. 00:29:32.840 --> 00:29:33.360 For those of. 00:29:33.800 --> 00:29:33.920 Who. 00:29:34.060 --> 00:29:34.280 Us. 00:29:34.320 --> 00:29:35.480 Who are followers of Jesus. 00:29:35.600 --> 00:29:36.340 A day coming. 00:29:36.540 --> 00:29:37.220 When the rewards. 00:29:37.220 --> 00:29:38.180 Will be handed out. 00:29:39.620 --> 00:29:40.960 When we will be honored. 00:29:41.620 --> 00:29:42.420 And recognized. 00:29:43.320 --> 00:29:44.380 And for some. 00:29:44.740 --> 00:29:46.020 Their reward. 00:29:46.180 --> 00:29:46.600 Will be. 00:29:47.100 --> 00:29:47.500 Great. 00:29:49.580 --> 00:29:50.640 They'll get the big. 00:29:50.880 --> 00:29:51.320 Awards. 00:29:51.460 --> 00:29:52.100 And Jesus says. 00:29:52.280 --> 00:29:53.320 The great reward. 00:29:53.520 --> 00:29:54.220 Goes to those. 00:29:54.360 --> 00:29:55.600 Who were treated poorly. 00:29:57.100 --> 00:29:58.300 Because of their faith. 00:29:58.960 --> 00:29:59.380 In him. 00:30:01.000 --> 00:30:02.040 I don't know about you. 00:30:02.100 --> 00:30:02.960 But I'm looking forward. 00:30:02.960 --> 00:30:03.400 To that. 00:30:03.400 --> 00:30:04.440 Award ceremony. 00:30:05.520 --> 00:30:06.460 I think it'll be. 00:30:06.460 --> 00:30:07.200 A sweet moment. 00:30:07.200 --> 00:30:08.100 For all of us. 00:30:08.140 --> 00:30:09.320 Who are followers of Jesus. 00:30:09.740 --> 00:30:11.060 A day when we applaud. 00:30:11.240 --> 00:30:12.340 When we celebrate. 00:30:12.740 --> 00:30:14.180 That great vindication. 00:30:14.180 --> 00:30:15.260 Of those who had it. 00:30:15.320 --> 00:30:15.900 The worst. 00:30:16.700 --> 00:30:17.780 In this life. 00:30:18.360 --> 00:30:19.220 Simply because. 00:30:19.380 --> 00:30:20.380 They treasured Jesus. 00:30:21.260 --> 00:30:21.900 Above all. 00:30:24.040 --> 00:30:24.440 And so. 00:30:24.620 --> 00:30:24.660 If. 00:30:25.440 --> 00:30:26.660 You're being mocked. 00:30:27.540 --> 00:30:28.820 Or laughed at. 00:30:28.819 --> 00:30:30.500 Or excluded. 00:30:30.500 --> 00:30:31.559 Because of your faith. 00:30:31.559 --> 00:30:32.099 In Jesus. 00:30:33.419 --> 00:30:34.759 Or because of your commitment. 00:30:34.759 --> 00:30:35.639 To his ways. 00:30:36.019 --> 00:30:37.439 Know that you will be. 00:30:37.679 --> 00:30:38.039 Blessed. 00:30:38.419 --> 00:30:38.919 Greatly. 00:30:39.559 --> 00:30:40.399 By God. 00:30:41.019 --> 00:30:42.159 You will be rewarded. 00:30:42.359 --> 00:30:43.439 And what a privilege. 00:30:43.439 --> 00:30:44.159 And an honor. 00:30:45.220 --> 00:30:46.279 You will see it to be. 00:30:47.339 --> 00:30:48.779 To have suffered mistreatment. 00:30:48.899 --> 00:30:49.879 For the king of kings. 00:30:49.880 --> 00:30:57.080 Jesus mentions about. 00:30:58.520 --> 00:30:59.380 This is how. 00:30:59.640 --> 00:31:00.420 Their ancestors. 00:31:00.840 --> 00:31:01.720 Treated the prophets. 00:31:03.200 --> 00:31:03.680 Basically. 00:31:03.840 --> 00:31:04.240 He's saying. 00:31:04.380 --> 00:31:05.380 That if you suffer at all. 00:31:05.440 --> 00:31:05.980 In any way. 00:31:06.120 --> 00:31:06.600 From others. 00:31:06.700 --> 00:31:07.780 Because of your faith. 00:31:08.340 --> 00:31:08.860 In me. 00:31:09.320 --> 00:31:10.400 You're in good company. 00:31:11.460 --> 00:31:12.380 That's how it's been. 00:31:12.480 --> 00:31:13.240 For a long time. 00:31:14.280 --> 00:31:15.160 How did the wicked. 00:31:15.160 --> 00:31:16.020 Treat Moses. 00:31:16.660 --> 00:31:17.880 They banded together. 00:31:17.880 --> 00:31:18.720 And opposed him. 00:31:18.720 --> 00:31:20.059 They didn't listen to him. 00:31:20.400 --> 00:31:21.720 They spoke evil of him. 00:31:22.500 --> 00:31:23.779 How did they treat Elijah. 00:31:24.259 --> 00:31:25.039 And the prophets. 00:31:25.200 --> 00:31:25.759 In his day. 00:31:26.720 --> 00:31:27.400 King Ahab. 00:31:27.500 --> 00:31:28.220 And Queen Jezebel. 00:31:28.339 --> 00:31:29.339 Tried to hunt them down. 00:31:29.420 --> 00:31:30.160 And kill them all. 00:31:31.839 --> 00:31:32.319 Zachariah. 00:31:32.420 --> 00:31:33.120 Son of Jehoiada. 00:31:33.259 --> 00:31:34.400 Was stoned to death. 00:31:34.500 --> 00:31:35.519 By King Joash. 00:31:35.579 --> 00:31:36.640 When he confronted him. 00:31:36.720 --> 00:31:37.900 For disobeying the Lord. 00:31:38.299 --> 00:31:39.880 Micaiah was slapped. 00:31:40.140 --> 00:31:41.299 And thrown into jail. 00:31:41.980 --> 00:31:43.140 Jeremiah was threatened. 00:31:43.319 --> 00:31:43.880 And beaten. 00:31:44.039 --> 00:31:45.400 And thrown into a cistern. 00:31:45.940 --> 00:31:46.839 And left to die. 00:31:46.839 --> 00:31:48.839 Each of these people. 00:31:49.059 --> 00:31:50.779 Was specially chosen by God. 00:31:50.879 --> 00:31:52.339 To speak his words. 00:31:53.019 --> 00:31:53.779 To the people. 00:31:54.299 --> 00:31:55.720 And look at how they were treated. 00:31:57.119 --> 00:31:58.959 So if people in our world. 00:31:59.279 --> 00:32:00.019 Mistreat you. 00:32:00.779 --> 00:32:02.439 Know that you are in good company. 00:32:03.319 --> 00:32:04.059 Says Jesus. 00:32:07.059 --> 00:32:08.939 Well we've looked at the blessing statements. 00:32:09.099 --> 00:32:10.399 But we should probably look at. 00:32:10.899 --> 00:32:11.939 The warning statements. 00:32:12.059 --> 00:32:12.859 The woe statements. 00:32:12.859 --> 00:32:18.779 There's a direct contrast here. 00:32:18.859 --> 00:32:19.740 We've looked at that. 00:32:20.459 --> 00:32:21.639 These words are directed. 00:32:21.639 --> 00:32:22.759 To those who lack. 00:32:23.039 --> 00:32:23.799 Faith in Jesus. 00:32:25.079 --> 00:32:26.599 So Jesus is not saying. 00:32:26.879 --> 00:32:27.599 All who are rich. 00:32:27.979 --> 00:32:29.359 Or all who are well fed. 00:32:29.459 --> 00:32:30.019 Or happy. 00:32:30.139 --> 00:32:31.219 Or popular in this life. 00:32:31.259 --> 00:32:31.799 Will perish. 00:32:31.939 --> 00:32:32.879 He's not saying that. 00:32:33.319 --> 00:32:34.479 These are aimed at those. 00:32:34.579 --> 00:32:36.599 Who do not have true faith in Jesus. 00:32:36.599 --> 00:32:37.659 But have achieved. 00:32:37.779 --> 00:32:39.039 A measure of success. 00:32:39.740 --> 00:32:41.119 By the world's measure. 00:32:41.119 --> 00:32:43.019 Or it may even be that. 00:32:43.419 --> 00:32:44.759 Their success is. 00:32:44.899 --> 00:32:45.959 One of the reasons. 00:32:46.139 --> 00:32:47.719 They don't think they need Jesus. 00:32:48.879 --> 00:32:50.059 Why do I need him? 00:32:50.119 --> 00:32:50.939 I have it made. 00:32:51.039 --> 00:32:52.479 I have everything I need. 00:32:54.159 --> 00:32:54.939 Jesus says. 00:32:55.059 --> 00:32:56.339 Woe to you who are rich. 00:32:56.939 --> 00:32:58.599 For you have already received. 00:32:58.979 --> 00:32:59.599 Your comfort. 00:33:00.679 --> 00:33:01.159 He's saying. 00:33:01.279 --> 00:33:02.919 You may think you have it made. 00:33:03.799 --> 00:33:05.079 But without me. 00:33:05.639 --> 00:33:07.279 The comforts you have right now. 00:33:07.379 --> 00:33:08.039 Are the last. 00:33:08.479 --> 00:33:10.259 And the only comforts you will know. 00:33:11.119 --> 00:33:14.500 Woe to you who are well fed now. 00:33:17.539 --> 00:33:18.839 For you will go hungry. 00:33:19.879 --> 00:33:21.519 The great reversal is coming. 00:33:23.339 --> 00:33:25.099 The judgment is coming. 00:33:25.919 --> 00:33:27.339 And because you ignored me. 00:33:27.459 --> 00:33:28.199 Says Jesus. 00:33:28.199 --> 00:33:29.479 Your time to want. 00:33:30.059 --> 00:33:31.559 Your time to hunger. 00:33:31.939 --> 00:33:32.579 And to long. 00:33:32.839 --> 00:33:34.179 For the good things is coming. 00:33:35.759 --> 00:33:37.279 Woe to you who laugh now. 00:33:37.379 --> 00:33:38.619 For you will mourn. 00:33:38.619 --> 00:33:40.179 And weep. 00:33:40.959 --> 00:33:42.299 This of course does not mean. 00:33:42.479 --> 00:33:43.539 That laughter is wrong. 00:33:44.039 --> 00:33:45.739 Or that we should always be sad. 00:33:45.799 --> 00:33:46.519 And mournful. 00:33:46.879 --> 00:33:48.500 But there's a kind of laughter. 00:33:48.619 --> 00:33:49.799 There's a kind of happiness. 00:33:49.799 --> 00:33:52.039 That fits mainly with the world. 00:33:52.139 --> 00:33:53.419 And what it values. 00:33:53.819 --> 00:33:54.799 And celebrates. 00:33:55.739 --> 00:33:57.099 The world celebrates. 00:33:57.599 --> 00:33:58.699 Earthly success. 00:33:59.539 --> 00:34:00.719 Great wealth. 00:34:00.899 --> 00:34:01.519 Or fame. 00:34:01.519 --> 00:34:04.359 It laughs at things that are evil. 00:34:05.859 --> 00:34:09.199 Things that are even hurtful to others. 00:34:09.940 --> 00:34:12.400 There's also the mocking laugh. 00:34:13.460 --> 00:34:15.539 The laugh of scorn or ridicule. 00:34:15.860 --> 00:34:16.820 Aimed at others. 00:34:17.280 --> 00:34:18.179 Out of pride. 00:34:18.900 --> 00:34:21.559 There's a happiness felt by the world. 00:34:21.559 --> 00:34:24.500 Which has no God. 00:34:24.940 --> 00:34:25.400 In it. 00:34:26.480 --> 00:34:28.799 But this kind of happiness and laughter. 00:34:29.000 --> 00:34:29.559 Will be turned. 00:34:29.960 --> 00:34:30.539 To weeping. 00:34:31.380 --> 00:34:32.039 And mourning. 00:34:32.799 --> 00:34:33.559 Says Jesus. 00:34:34.639 --> 00:34:36.279 Jesus spoke about hell. 00:34:36.900 --> 00:34:37.980 Quite a few times. 00:34:38.980 --> 00:34:41.139 The final destination of the wicked. 00:34:42.619 --> 00:34:44.259 And he described it in this way. 00:34:45.679 --> 00:34:47.299 Matthew 13 verse 49. 00:34:47.300 --> 00:34:48.539 At the end of the age. 00:34:48.900 --> 00:34:50.320 The angels will come out. 00:34:50.420 --> 00:34:52.380 And separate the evil from the righteous. 00:34:52.780 --> 00:34:55.360 And throw them into the fiery furnace. 00:34:55.960 --> 00:34:57.160 In that place. 00:34:57.980 --> 00:34:59.240 There will be weeping. 00:35:00.280 --> 00:35:01.039 And gnashing. 00:35:01.539 --> 00:35:02.120 Of teeth. 00:35:04.640 --> 00:35:07.160 When God's true and just judgment. 00:35:07.160 --> 00:35:08.820 Finally comes on the wicked. 00:35:09.620 --> 00:35:10.760 Those who have ignored. 00:35:11.200 --> 00:35:12.120 And refused. 00:35:12.240 --> 00:35:13.660 Jesus offer of salvation. 00:35:15.480 --> 00:35:16.700 Will experience. 00:35:16.699 --> 00:35:18.019 This intense mourning. 00:35:19.819 --> 00:35:20.219 Sorrow. 00:35:21.599 --> 00:35:22.099 Regret. 00:35:22.659 --> 00:35:23.419 And dismay. 00:35:25.359 --> 00:35:26.219 God's judgment. 00:35:26.480 --> 00:35:27.159 At the end. 00:35:27.319 --> 00:35:28.000 Will cause. 00:35:28.480 --> 00:35:29.159 For the wicked. 00:35:30.159 --> 00:35:32.019 The ultimate devastation. 00:35:32.759 --> 00:35:33.460 And loss. 00:35:39.179 --> 00:35:40.299 And the last one. 00:35:40.480 --> 00:35:41.000 Woe to you. 00:35:41.059 --> 00:35:42.379 When everyone speaks well of you. 00:35:42.480 --> 00:35:43.980 For that is how their ancestors. 00:35:43.980 --> 00:35:45.480 Treated the false prophets. 00:35:46.699 --> 00:35:48.659 We read of the false prophets. 00:35:48.659 --> 00:35:49.699 In the Old Testament. 00:35:50.179 --> 00:35:51.299 Whole groups of men. 00:35:51.399 --> 00:35:52.879 Claiming to speak for God. 00:35:53.379 --> 00:35:55.399 And behaving in strange ways. 00:35:55.399 --> 00:35:56.579 To kind of give the idea. 00:35:56.579 --> 00:35:57.559 That God's spirit. 00:35:57.559 --> 00:35:58.219 Is right now. 00:35:58.299 --> 00:35:59.239 Speaking through me. 00:36:00.019 --> 00:36:01.399 And what were they doing? 00:36:02.500 --> 00:36:03.299 God says. 00:36:03.359 --> 00:36:04.159 They were just telling. 00:36:04.319 --> 00:36:05.319 Whoever consulted. 00:36:05.699 --> 00:36:06.219 With them. 00:36:06.219 --> 00:36:07.359 What they wanted to hear. 00:36:08.539 --> 00:36:10.179 And they were accepting money. 00:36:10.480 --> 00:36:11.239 And gifts. 00:36:11.480 --> 00:36:12.639 For doing that too. 00:36:12.639 --> 00:36:14.539 They were like fortune tellers. 00:36:14.779 --> 00:36:16.420 Which almost always give. 00:36:16.940 --> 00:36:17.859 Good news. 00:36:18.599 --> 00:36:19.920 And God denounced them. 00:36:19.980 --> 00:36:21.119 And said they speak lies. 00:36:21.199 --> 00:36:22.379 And they're making stuff up. 00:36:22.420 --> 00:36:24.659 And I never told them to say any of that. 00:36:26.139 --> 00:36:28.739 And so everyone loved these so-called. 00:36:29.420 --> 00:36:30.019 Prophets. 00:36:30.519 --> 00:36:32.440 Because they always told the people. 00:36:32.599 --> 00:36:33.559 What they wanted to hear. 00:36:33.559 --> 00:36:37.779 If everyone speaks well of you. 00:36:38.719 --> 00:36:40.199 And no one is offended. 00:36:40.340 --> 00:36:41.400 Or put off with you. 00:36:42.500 --> 00:36:43.559 It's an indication. 00:36:44.039 --> 00:36:45.480 That you're on the wrong side. 00:36:46.860 --> 00:36:48.500 That you're on the side of the world. 00:36:49.360 --> 00:36:50.380 Rather than God. 00:36:51.639 --> 00:36:53.679 That you're walking the way of the wicked. 00:36:54.759 --> 00:36:56.739 Rather than walking the way of Christ. 00:36:57.739 --> 00:37:00.699 Which normally results in conflict with the world. 00:37:00.799 --> 00:37:02.440 And opposition from the world. 00:37:02.440 --> 00:37:06.280 To be in the company of the false prophets. 00:37:07.000 --> 00:37:08.960 Is not a good thing. 00:37:10.400 --> 00:37:12.679 They said God isn't angry with us. 00:37:13.760 --> 00:37:15.980 All is well between you and God. 00:37:16.179 --> 00:37:17.039 God is with you. 00:37:17.139 --> 00:37:18.599 He will bless you with victory. 00:37:19.880 --> 00:37:22.099 Meanwhile God was saying the exact opposite. 00:37:22.860 --> 00:37:24.360 Through his true prophets. 00:37:25.179 --> 00:37:27.260 So to be in the company of the false prophets. 00:37:27.440 --> 00:37:28.420 Is not a good thing. 00:37:29.159 --> 00:37:30.280 They were swept away. 00:37:30.880 --> 00:37:32.079 By God's judgment. 00:37:32.440 --> 00:37:35.780 Well these are powerful words. 00:37:36.280 --> 00:37:37.820 Both the statements of blessing. 00:37:38.059 --> 00:37:39.240 And the statements of woe. 00:37:39.800 --> 00:37:42.280 They remind us that there are only two ways to live. 00:37:43.240 --> 00:37:44.300 Two paths. 00:37:45.119 --> 00:37:45.960 To take. 00:37:47.000 --> 00:37:47.900 There is the path. 00:37:48.280 --> 00:37:49.240 Of blessing. 00:37:49.800 --> 00:37:51.539 And there is the path of woe. 00:37:52.119 --> 00:37:54.880 There is the path of becoming a true disciple of Jesus. 00:37:54.880 --> 00:37:58.260 And having your faith in him. 00:37:58.260 --> 00:37:59.420 Believing in him. 00:37:59.619 --> 00:38:00.340 Following him. 00:38:00.500 --> 00:38:01.340 Listening to him. 00:38:02.700 --> 00:38:04.980 And then there is the path of going your own way. 00:38:06.119 --> 00:38:07.360 The way of the world. 00:38:09.599 --> 00:38:11.260 Seeking after the comforts. 00:38:11.400 --> 00:38:11.860 The pleasure. 00:38:12.039 --> 00:38:12.260 The popularity. 00:38:13.059 --> 00:38:13.599 The stuff. 00:38:14.140 --> 00:38:15.019 Of the world. 00:38:15.019 --> 00:38:17.500 One path. 00:38:17.500 --> 00:38:17.599 The path. 00:38:17.860 --> 00:38:19.460 The path of Christ. 00:38:19.759 --> 00:38:20.880 May seem hard. 00:38:22.280 --> 00:38:22.960 Seems. 00:38:23.559 --> 00:38:24.699 To be filled with troubles. 00:38:25.820 --> 00:38:29.480 But it leads to the kingdom inheritance of ultimate joy. 00:38:29.980 --> 00:38:30.900 And satisfaction. 00:38:31.639 --> 00:38:32.119 And honor. 00:38:32.320 --> 00:38:33.360 That God has promised. 00:38:33.360 --> 00:38:35.500 The other path. 00:38:35.620 --> 00:38:36.480 May seem easy. 00:38:36.579 --> 00:38:37.559 And comfortable now. 00:38:38.920 --> 00:38:39.960 But Jesus says. 00:38:40.039 --> 00:38:41.660 It leads to everlasting sorrow. 00:38:42.320 --> 00:38:43.180 And hunger. 00:38:43.660 --> 00:38:44.180 And loss. 00:38:46.240 --> 00:38:47.900 And so I want to just ask you. 00:38:48.160 --> 00:38:49.059 End with this question. 00:38:49.180 --> 00:38:51.120 Have you decided to follow Jesus? 00:38:54.400 --> 00:38:55.280 If so. 00:38:55.579 --> 00:38:56.519 Be encouraged. 00:38:57.940 --> 00:38:58.460 However. 00:38:58.920 --> 00:38:59.260 Life. 00:38:59.620 --> 00:39:00.039 Is going. 00:39:00.340 --> 00:39:01.400 It's going to get. 00:39:01.740 --> 00:39:02.280 Much better. 00:39:03.360 --> 00:39:04.440 When Jesus returns. 00:39:05.599 --> 00:39:07.300 The great reversal is coming. 00:39:08.380 --> 00:39:09.980 It's going to turn everything. 00:39:09.980 --> 00:39:10.860 On its head. 00:39:12.480 --> 00:39:13.740 Have you decided. 00:39:13.740 --> 00:39:15.539 Not to follow Jesus? 00:39:17.640 --> 00:39:19.059 Be forewarned. 00:39:20.360 --> 00:39:21.840 You will lose. 00:39:22.120 --> 00:39:23.559 All that you cherish. 00:39:24.160 --> 00:39:25.180 And hold dear now. 00:39:25.840 --> 00:39:26.880 And you will get. 00:39:26.960 --> 00:39:27.940 What we all deserve. 00:39:28.340 --> 00:39:28.980 From God. 00:39:29.840 --> 00:39:30.880 For your sins. 00:39:31.960 --> 00:39:33.280 The great reversal. 00:39:33.360 --> 00:39:34.559 Is coming. 00:39:37.039 --> 00:39:37.680 Let's pray. 00:39:47.380 --> 00:39:48.120 Father in heaven. 00:39:48.200 --> 00:39:49.400 We thank you for these words. 00:39:49.700 --> 00:39:51.120 And we thank you that you. 00:39:51.599 --> 00:39:53.519 Spoke them to stir our hearts. 00:39:54.800 --> 00:39:56.700 And I pray that each one of our hearts. 00:39:56.820 --> 00:39:57.340 Would be stirred. 00:39:57.539 --> 00:39:58.140 That we would. 00:39:58.440 --> 00:40:00.000 See that choice before us. 00:40:00.099 --> 00:40:01.220 And that we would choose. 00:40:01.219 --> 00:40:02.819 Faith in your son. 00:40:02.819 --> 00:40:03.579 Whom you sent. 00:40:03.679 --> 00:40:04.799 Because you love us. 00:40:05.719 --> 00:40:06.859 And you long. 00:40:07.259 --> 00:40:08.719 To be with us forever. 00:40:08.919 --> 00:40:09.639 In your kingdom. 00:40:11.079 --> 00:40:12.739 Fill our hearts with that vision. 00:40:14.739 --> 00:40:16.039 We ask that you would cause. 00:40:16.159 --> 00:40:17.399 The troubles in our life now. 00:40:17.500 --> 00:40:19.099 That are maybe overwhelming us. 00:40:19.159 --> 00:40:19.980 Or burdening in us. 00:40:20.119 --> 00:40:21.799 To just fade out of sight. 00:40:21.899 --> 00:40:22.739 And that we would see. 00:40:22.839 --> 00:40:23.539 Your kingdom. 00:40:24.399 --> 00:40:25.399 And all that is coming. 00:40:25.239 --> 00:40:25.459 And all that is coming. 00:40:25.460 --> 00:40:30.159 We thank you that you hold us. 00:40:30.260 --> 00:40:31.440 We thank you that you have promised. 00:40:31.440 --> 00:40:33.059 To carry us through. 00:40:33.599 --> 00:40:34.860 From now till the end. 00:40:36.579 --> 00:40:37.900 We commit ourselves to you. 00:40:37.960 --> 00:40:38.679 In Jesus name. 00:40:38.679 --> 00:40:39.980 Amen.