WEBVTT 00:00:00.960 --> 00:00:05.179 I'm going to read from God's Word now, from the Gospel of John, chapter 20. 00:00:06.040 --> 00:00:10.300 And this is a passage that David is shortly going to come and speak to us from. 00:00:11.200 --> 00:00:14.939 This is John 20, verses 19 to 23. 00:00:15.040 --> 00:00:18.400 If you've got a church Bible, it's on page 906. 00:00:21.859 --> 00:00:24.460 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, 00:00:24.460 --> 00:00:27.859 the door has been locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews. 00:00:28.439 --> 00:00:30.679 Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, 00:00:31.140 --> 00:00:32.079 Peace be with you. 00:00:32.820 --> 00:00:36.000 When he'd said this, he showed them his hands and his side. 00:00:36.579 --> 00:00:38.780 Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 00:00:39.219 --> 00:00:41.619 And Jesus said to them again, Peace be with you. 00:00:41.920 --> 00:00:45.640 As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you. 00:00:46.239 --> 00:00:50.560 And when he'd said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 00:00:51.079 --> 00:00:52.420 Receive the Holy Spirit. 00:00:52.799 --> 00:00:56.179 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them. 00:00:56.179 --> 00:01:00.219 If you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld. 00:01:00.880 --> 00:01:01.439 Amen. 00:01:01.560 --> 00:01:03.439 This is God's precious Word. 00:01:06.539 --> 00:01:11.280 We'll return to that second half of John's Gospel, 00:01:11.700 --> 00:01:14.599 to those verses that Chris read for us, 00:01:15.319 --> 00:01:19.719 in John chapter 20, 19 through 23. 00:01:19.719 --> 00:01:23.280 Do not disturb. 00:01:23.280 --> 00:01:29.120 You may have seen the sign, usually in some hotel bedroom door, 00:01:29.400 --> 00:01:32.959 indicating that people want to be left alone. 00:01:33.780 --> 00:01:37.000 They don't want the cleaning staff to bother them, 00:01:37.019 --> 00:01:39.379 or anyone else for that matter. 00:01:40.239 --> 00:01:43.280 Other occasions, we may have seen a sign, 00:01:43.400 --> 00:01:44.799 private, keep out. 00:01:44.799 --> 00:01:48.620 Maybe even it has a sign, a no-entry sign, 00:01:48.939 --> 00:01:51.019 stuck on the door. 00:01:52.019 --> 00:01:55.319 Well, on the evening of that first Easter, 00:01:56.120 --> 00:01:58.739 when the disciples of Jesus gathered together, 00:01:58.879 --> 00:02:01.479 they would, I suggest, have been more than happy 00:02:01.479 --> 00:02:03.840 to put up one of those signs. 00:02:03.959 --> 00:02:04.719 Do not disturb. 00:02:05.420 --> 00:02:07.000 Private, keep out. 00:02:07.140 --> 00:02:07.879 Keep your distance. 00:02:08.280 --> 00:02:08.960 Leave us alone. 00:02:08.960 --> 00:02:12.060 John tells us here in verse 19 00:02:12.060 --> 00:02:15.800 that they met together behind not just closed doors, 00:02:16.480 --> 00:02:18.040 but locked doors. 00:02:18.819 --> 00:02:22.520 They met full of worries and anxieties. 00:02:22.780 --> 00:02:25.439 They met in a room perhaps full of guilt, 00:02:26.060 --> 00:02:27.640 despair, anxious thoughts. 00:02:28.520 --> 00:02:30.939 For many of them, their hopes and expectations 00:02:30.939 --> 00:02:34.420 had been shattered by the events of the previous days. 00:02:34.419 --> 00:02:36.819 Their leader, Jesus of Nazareth, 00:02:37.099 --> 00:02:40.599 arrested, crucified, dead, and buried. 00:02:41.919 --> 00:02:45.819 They gathered fearful, perhaps that they might be next. 00:02:46.259 --> 00:02:47.639 They were men in hiding, 00:02:48.319 --> 00:02:50.579 wrapped up in a blanket of fear. 00:02:50.679 --> 00:02:54.019 They did not want to be disturbed. 00:02:55.359 --> 00:02:58.439 And yet, that is precisely what happens to them. 00:02:58.859 --> 00:02:59.899 Because in that room, 00:02:59.979 --> 00:03:02.399 when they were closeted away in fear, 00:03:02.400 --> 00:03:07.159 Jesus came and disturbed their pity party. 00:03:08.140 --> 00:03:10.460 He came to them to comfort their fears 00:03:10.460 --> 00:03:14.200 and to stir them up to faith and action. 00:03:14.340 --> 00:03:15.659 He came to meet with them, 00:03:15.960 --> 00:03:18.340 to speak to them, to reassure them, 00:03:18.759 --> 00:03:22.319 and ultimately to send them out into the world 00:03:22.319 --> 00:03:24.379 from which they were hiding. 00:03:25.379 --> 00:03:30.300 Here, the risen Christ comes to His people. 00:03:30.300 --> 00:03:32.120 He reveals Himself. 00:03:32.400 --> 00:03:35.640 And opens the door to let the good news 00:03:35.640 --> 00:03:37.800 of His resurrection out 00:03:37.800 --> 00:03:40.659 for all the world to hear. 00:03:42.159 --> 00:03:44.319 Look with me this evening at three things 00:03:44.319 --> 00:03:47.939 that Jesus says here to His disciples then, 00:03:48.280 --> 00:03:50.560 and indeed to us today. 00:03:51.240 --> 00:03:53.280 The first thing that Jesus brings, really, 00:03:53.580 --> 00:03:55.460 I want you to note is a word of peace. 00:03:56.219 --> 00:03:59.659 Verses 19 through to the beginning of verse 21. 00:03:59.659 --> 00:04:02.180 On that evening of that day, 00:04:02.299 --> 00:04:03.219 the first day of the week, 00:04:03.319 --> 00:04:05.800 the doors being locked where the disciples were 00:04:05.800 --> 00:04:06.699 for feet of the Jews, 00:04:07.039 --> 00:04:09.500 Jesus came, stood among them, 00:04:09.620 --> 00:04:10.719 and said to them, 00:04:11.039 --> 00:04:13.539 Peace be with you. 00:04:14.120 --> 00:04:15.159 And when He said this, 00:04:15.199 --> 00:04:17.279 He showed them His hands and His side. 00:04:17.600 --> 00:04:20.439 The disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 00:04:21.199 --> 00:04:22.579 And Jesus said to them again, 00:04:22.860 --> 00:04:25.199 Peace be with you. 00:04:25.199 --> 00:04:29.300 The first words Jesus speaks to His followers 00:04:29.300 --> 00:04:31.500 is a word of peace. 00:04:33.000 --> 00:04:37.339 Here, Jesus is bestowing upon His followers peace, 00:04:37.539 --> 00:04:40.240 peace that He has won through His life, 00:04:40.659 --> 00:04:42.060 death, and resurrection. 00:04:43.539 --> 00:04:45.180 For centuries, the Jewish people 00:04:45.180 --> 00:04:48.919 had been looking forward to an age of peace. 00:04:48.920 --> 00:04:49.840 In the Old Testament, 00:04:50.240 --> 00:04:52.100 the Messiah was anticipated 00:04:52.100 --> 00:04:55.480 as the one who was the Prince of Peace. 00:04:57.140 --> 00:04:58.540 Later in the New Testament, 00:04:58.740 --> 00:05:01.259 when Paul writes to the Christians in Ephesus, 00:05:02.319 --> 00:05:06.960 he tells them that Jesus Himself is our peace. 00:05:07.259 --> 00:05:08.480 Ephesians 2.14. 00:05:09.340 --> 00:05:11.480 We know that the apostles went out 00:05:11.480 --> 00:05:13.580 into the ancient world 00:05:13.580 --> 00:05:16.660 preaching a message of peace. 00:05:17.000 --> 00:05:17.939 What is this peace? 00:05:17.939 --> 00:05:21.420 that Jesus brings to His followers. 00:05:23.240 --> 00:05:25.759 At its root, I think it's not about 00:05:25.759 --> 00:05:28.120 tranquility of mind. 00:05:28.980 --> 00:05:33.120 It's rather about the absence of hostility 00:05:33.120 --> 00:05:37.899 between a holy God and sinful people. 00:05:39.079 --> 00:05:41.579 The peace that Christ bestows 00:05:41.579 --> 00:05:44.259 is nothing less than reconciliation 00:05:44.259 --> 00:05:46.360 and peace with God. 00:05:46.360 --> 00:05:49.360 It is the opening up of a way 00:05:49.360 --> 00:05:51.080 into God's presence 00:05:51.080 --> 00:05:55.000 for those who are by nature His enemies. 00:05:56.220 --> 00:05:58.220 Paul tells the Christians in Rome, 00:05:59.600 --> 00:06:02.240 therefore, since we are justified by faith, 00:06:02.540 --> 00:06:05.699 we have peace with God. 00:06:05.699 --> 00:06:10.620 Three things about peace for a moment or two. 00:06:10.620 --> 00:06:12.899 It's a compassionate peace. 00:06:13.920 --> 00:06:15.959 Jesus speaks peace, not blame, 00:06:16.500 --> 00:06:19.379 not fault-finding, not rebuke. 00:06:19.959 --> 00:06:23.039 You'll notice that He says that twice 00:06:23.039 --> 00:06:24.759 in verse 19 and 21. 00:06:24.759 --> 00:06:27.399 And actually, He does so yet again 00:06:27.399 --> 00:06:30.939 the following week when Thomas is present, 00:06:31.259 --> 00:06:33.279 verse 26 of the same chapter. 00:06:33.899 --> 00:06:37.399 And whilst this was the familiar Jewish greeting, 00:06:37.539 --> 00:06:39.800 I think there is much more to it here 00:06:39.800 --> 00:06:40.939 than just that. 00:06:41.779 --> 00:06:42.180 J.C. 00:06:42.180 --> 00:06:43.420 Ryle comments, 00:06:43.860 --> 00:06:45.639 the first words that our Lord spoke 00:06:45.639 --> 00:06:46.800 to the disciples 00:06:46.800 --> 00:06:49.180 afford a beautiful proof 00:06:49.180 --> 00:06:52.600 of His loving, merciful, tender, thoughtful, 00:06:53.079 --> 00:06:55.879 pitiful, and compassionate spirit. 00:06:56.900 --> 00:06:58.439 There's a tenderness here 00:06:58.439 --> 00:07:00.420 about these words of Jesus. 00:07:00.860 --> 00:07:02.439 These disciples, many of them 00:07:02.439 --> 00:07:03.720 were broken men. 00:07:03.819 --> 00:07:04.780 They'd failed Jesus. 00:07:05.019 --> 00:07:06.280 They'd fled from Him. 00:07:06.460 --> 00:07:08.240 They'd failed to stand with Him. 00:07:08.460 --> 00:07:10.360 They'd failed to speak up for Him. 00:07:10.360 --> 00:07:12.360 They'd failed to go to Him. 00:07:12.980 --> 00:07:15.759 And yet, in the light of all their sinful failure, 00:07:15.980 --> 00:07:19.360 Christ comes to them and grants them peace. 00:07:20.060 --> 00:07:21.379 Isn't that good news? 00:07:21.980 --> 00:07:24.860 Not a word of rebuke or condemnation, 00:07:25.100 --> 00:07:27.920 not a word of disappointment or exasperation, 00:07:28.360 --> 00:07:30.680 but a word of peace and reconciliation. 00:07:32.180 --> 00:07:36.060 And friends, in all our restlessness and anxiety, 00:07:36.400 --> 00:07:37.879 in all our sin and guilt, 00:07:37.879 --> 00:07:40.399 in all our failure and weakness, 00:07:40.980 --> 00:07:43.759 here is the one who brings peace, 00:07:44.219 --> 00:07:45.079 Jesus Christ. 00:07:46.379 --> 00:07:48.620 Perhaps you need to hear that tonight. 00:07:49.699 --> 00:07:50.139 Why? 00:07:50.259 --> 00:07:52.079 Because you know that you're a failure too. 00:07:54.000 --> 00:07:55.040 You've let Him down. 00:07:55.680 --> 00:07:56.259 You're weak. 00:07:56.399 --> 00:07:56.959 You're fearful. 00:07:57.139 --> 00:07:57.759 You're fragile. 00:07:57.759 --> 00:08:01.339 Well, friend, if you are, 00:08:01.399 --> 00:08:02.740 then you're in the right place. 00:08:04.060 --> 00:08:05.879 Because as we gather this evening, 00:08:06.000 --> 00:08:07.599 the risen Christ Himself, 00:08:07.920 --> 00:08:09.360 in the power of the Holy Spirit, 00:08:09.680 --> 00:08:10.639 stands among us. 00:08:10.899 --> 00:08:13.800 And He speaks His word of peace to us. 00:08:16.800 --> 00:08:18.259 A compassionate peace. 00:08:18.800 --> 00:08:20.180 And a costly peace. 00:08:20.180 --> 00:08:22.560 When He said this, 00:08:22.680 --> 00:08:23.759 you'll notice what it says there. 00:08:23.980 --> 00:08:28.060 He showed them His hands and His side. 00:08:29.160 --> 00:08:31.280 He spoke His word of peace to them 00:08:31.280 --> 00:08:34.399 and then revealed the scars in His hands, 00:08:34.840 --> 00:08:36.600 the wounds in His side. 00:08:38.360 --> 00:08:41.659 He still carried the marks of crucifixion 00:08:41.659 --> 00:08:42.980 on His body. 00:08:43.340 --> 00:08:44.440 This was no ghost. 00:08:44.919 --> 00:08:46.360 This was no apparition. 00:08:46.360 --> 00:08:48.240 This was their Lord, 00:08:48.800 --> 00:08:51.300 a crucified and risen Savior, 00:08:51.700 --> 00:08:53.680 Jesus of the scars. 00:08:54.980 --> 00:08:56.259 And here was the evidence 00:08:56.259 --> 00:08:58.259 that He had actually made peace 00:08:58.259 --> 00:08:59.980 by the blood of the cross, 00:09:00.019 --> 00:09:02.080 as Paul puts it in Colossians 1. 00:09:02.740 --> 00:09:06.220 Even in Jesus' risen and exalted state, 00:09:06.500 --> 00:09:07.840 the badge of His suffering, 00:09:08.159 --> 00:09:10.440 the emblems of His sorrow are visible. 00:09:11.860 --> 00:09:13.139 Jesus shows them 00:09:13.139 --> 00:09:14.539 what it cost Him 00:09:14.539 --> 00:09:16.460 to bring them peace. 00:09:18.899 --> 00:09:19.659 And yes, of course, 00:09:19.740 --> 00:09:20.759 there is such a thing 00:09:20.759 --> 00:09:21.939 as cheap peace. 00:09:22.019 --> 00:09:23.039 In Jeremiah's day, 00:09:23.179 --> 00:09:24.080 in the Old Testament, 00:09:24.439 --> 00:09:25.699 the false prophets 00:09:25.699 --> 00:09:26.840 in Jeremiah 6 00:09:26.840 --> 00:09:27.360 declared, 00:09:27.799 --> 00:09:28.340 peace, peace, 00:09:28.399 --> 00:09:29.500 when there was no peace. 00:09:30.159 --> 00:09:31.039 That's what happens 00:09:31.039 --> 00:09:33.480 when sin is downplayed 00:09:33.480 --> 00:09:34.080 or overlooked 00:09:34.080 --> 00:09:34.939 or ignored. 00:09:36.379 --> 00:09:38.759 But the peace that Jesus has won 00:09:38.759 --> 00:09:40.299 was far from cheap. 00:09:40.299 --> 00:09:42.779 There was no overlooking 00:09:42.779 --> 00:09:44.339 of sin. 00:09:45.559 --> 00:09:47.459 God cannot and will not 00:09:47.459 --> 00:09:48.659 turn a blind eye 00:09:48.659 --> 00:09:50.919 to our sins and iniquities. 00:09:52.019 --> 00:09:53.139 Isaiah tells us 00:09:53.139 --> 00:09:54.359 He was pierced 00:09:54.359 --> 00:09:56.019 for our transgressions. 00:09:56.359 --> 00:09:57.519 He was crushed 00:09:57.519 --> 00:09:58.919 for our iniquities. 00:09:59.240 --> 00:09:59.919 Upon Him 00:09:59.919 --> 00:10:01.299 was the chastisement 00:10:01.299 --> 00:10:03.299 that brought us peace. 00:10:04.219 --> 00:10:05.679 And with His wounds 00:10:05.679 --> 00:10:06.959 we are healed. 00:10:06.960 --> 00:10:10.120 It's a costly peace 00:10:10.120 --> 00:10:11.440 that is to be found 00:10:11.440 --> 00:10:12.540 in the wounds 00:10:12.540 --> 00:10:13.860 of Jesus Christ. 00:10:16.820 --> 00:10:18.180 After the suffering, 00:10:19.800 --> 00:10:21.460 the brutal carnage 00:10:21.460 --> 00:10:24.460 of the First World War, 00:10:25.920 --> 00:10:27.240 the poet Edward Shilato 00:10:27.240 --> 00:10:29.879 wrote a poem entitled 00:10:29.879 --> 00:10:32.740 Jesus of the Scars. 00:10:33.340 --> 00:10:34.400 I won't read it all, 00:10:34.480 --> 00:10:35.639 but here are some of the verses. 00:10:35.639 --> 00:10:38.860 If we have never sought, 00:10:39.299 --> 00:10:40.500 we seek Thee now. 00:10:41.279 --> 00:10:43.220 Thine eyes burn through the dark, 00:10:43.379 --> 00:10:44.559 our only stars. 00:10:45.360 --> 00:10:46.740 We must have sight 00:10:46.740 --> 00:10:48.139 of thorn pricks 00:10:48.139 --> 00:10:49.299 on Thy brow. 00:10:49.539 --> 00:10:51.080 We must have Thee, 00:10:51.340 --> 00:10:51.899 O Jesus, 00:10:52.179 --> 00:10:53.019 of the scars. 00:10:54.519 --> 00:10:56.860 If when the doors are shut, 00:10:57.319 --> 00:10:58.659 Thou drawest near, 00:10:59.100 --> 00:11:01.740 only reveal those hands, 00:11:02.039 --> 00:11:03.319 that side of Thine. 00:11:03.320 --> 00:11:05.460 We know today 00:11:05.460 --> 00:11:06.800 what wounds are. 00:11:07.000 --> 00:11:07.879 Have no fear. 00:11:08.780 --> 00:11:10.260 Show us Thy scars. 00:11:10.820 --> 00:11:12.320 We know the countersign. 00:11:13.720 --> 00:11:15.040 The other gods 00:11:15.040 --> 00:11:15.940 were strong, 00:11:16.160 --> 00:11:17.840 but Thou was weak. 00:11:18.340 --> 00:11:19.040 They rode, 00:11:19.140 --> 00:11:20.420 but Thou didst stumble 00:11:20.420 --> 00:11:21.420 to a throne. 00:11:22.660 --> 00:11:24.020 But to our wounds 00:11:24.020 --> 00:11:25.540 only God's wounds 00:11:25.540 --> 00:11:26.580 can speak. 00:11:27.800 --> 00:11:29.600 And not a god has wounds, 00:11:29.600 --> 00:11:31.600 but Thou alone. 00:11:33.600 --> 00:11:34.920 What powerful words. 00:11:35.180 --> 00:11:37.000 Not a god has wounds, 00:11:37.420 --> 00:11:38.879 but Thou alone. 00:11:40.019 --> 00:11:41.200 And it's those wounds 00:11:41.200 --> 00:11:42.200 that still speak 00:11:42.200 --> 00:11:44.600 with power to our suffering 00:11:44.600 --> 00:11:46.159 and sin-sick world. 00:11:47.300 --> 00:11:49.480 It's only Jesus that says, 00:11:49.480 --> 00:11:52.080 this is my blood shed 00:11:52.080 --> 00:11:53.700 for the forgiveness of sins. 00:11:53.940 --> 00:11:56.000 No one else says it. 00:11:56.120 --> 00:11:57.440 No one else can save you. 00:11:57.639 --> 00:11:59.320 No one else can rescue you. 00:11:59.580 --> 00:12:01.840 No one else can bring you to God. 00:12:02.440 --> 00:12:04.200 No one else has died for you. 00:12:05.800 --> 00:12:07.019 No one else can bring you 00:12:07.019 --> 00:12:07.960 peace with God. 00:12:09.399 --> 00:12:10.379 John Newton wrote 00:12:10.379 --> 00:12:11.279 in one of his letters 00:12:11.279 --> 00:12:12.879 these words, 00:12:12.879 --> 00:12:26.679 And then he says, 00:12:27.200 --> 00:12:30.379 Peace flows from Calvary. 00:12:31.759 --> 00:12:33.200 Here's the peace 00:12:33.200 --> 00:12:35.220 that the world cannot give 00:12:35.220 --> 00:12:37.279 and cannot take away. 00:12:38.440 --> 00:12:39.879 The peace purchased 00:12:39.879 --> 00:12:41.399 by Christ's blood 00:12:41.399 --> 00:12:43.500 and sealed by his resurrection. 00:12:45.120 --> 00:12:46.639 Those scars of Calvary 00:12:46.639 --> 00:12:48.399 are the everlasting proof 00:12:48.399 --> 00:12:50.879 that the atonement is complete. 00:12:51.539 --> 00:12:52.399 Rich wounds, 00:12:53.100 --> 00:12:54.159 as the hymn writer says, 00:12:54.240 --> 00:12:55.519 yet visible above. 00:12:57.079 --> 00:12:58.379 The one who was pierced 00:12:58.379 --> 00:12:59.779 for our transgressions 00:12:59.779 --> 00:13:01.799 now stands alive, 00:13:02.159 --> 00:13:03.439 bearing the very tokens 00:13:03.439 --> 00:13:04.459 of his suffering 00:13:04.459 --> 00:13:06.360 as the badges of his victory. 00:13:07.860 --> 00:13:09.579 A compassionate peace, 00:13:09.580 --> 00:13:12.220 costly peace, 00:13:12.300 --> 00:13:13.840 also a conquering peace. 00:13:14.540 --> 00:13:16.220 Because the point of the text here 00:13:16.220 --> 00:13:18.540 is that Jesus is the conqueror 00:13:18.540 --> 00:13:19.840 of sin and death. 00:13:20.300 --> 00:13:21.580 He who was dead 00:13:21.580 --> 00:13:23.879 is now alive again. 00:13:24.240 --> 00:13:25.560 His finished work 00:13:25.560 --> 00:13:27.820 is a victorious work. 00:13:28.080 --> 00:13:31.259 He has drawn the sting of death. 00:13:31.360 --> 00:13:32.300 He has wrought peace 00:13:32.300 --> 00:13:34.520 for all who will trust in him, 00:13:34.860 --> 00:13:36.160 all who will be united 00:13:36.160 --> 00:13:37.540 to him by faith. 00:13:37.539 --> 00:13:39.279 And the resurrection, 00:13:39.559 --> 00:13:39.980 in a sense, 00:13:40.039 --> 00:13:41.199 is really a reversal, 00:13:41.360 --> 00:13:41.639 isn't it, 00:13:41.639 --> 00:13:42.959 of the divine judgment 00:13:42.959 --> 00:13:43.860 of the cross. 00:13:44.899 --> 00:13:46.000 He who made God 00:13:46.000 --> 00:13:47.259 to be sin for us 00:13:47.259 --> 00:13:47.980 is the one 00:13:47.980 --> 00:13:48.799 who personally 00:13:48.799 --> 00:13:50.319 knew no sin. 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:51.860 He who became 00:13:51.860 --> 00:13:53.620 accursed for our sake 00:13:53.620 --> 00:13:54.679 is the blessed 00:13:54.679 --> 00:13:55.360 of the Father. 00:13:55.839 --> 00:13:57.139 He who on the cross 00:13:57.139 --> 00:13:59.480 was the forsaken of God 00:13:59.480 --> 00:14:00.179 is the Son 00:14:00.179 --> 00:14:01.339 in whom the Father 00:14:01.339 --> 00:14:02.620 is well pleased. 00:14:02.819 --> 00:14:04.319 The rejected of the earth 00:14:04.319 --> 00:14:04.919 is the one 00:14:04.919 --> 00:14:06.039 crowned of heaven. 00:14:06.039 --> 00:14:09.579 Herman Bavink comments, 00:14:09.699 --> 00:14:11.079 the resurrection of Christ 00:14:11.079 --> 00:14:12.879 is a fountain of good 00:14:12.879 --> 00:14:13.799 for his church 00:14:13.799 --> 00:14:15.919 and for the whole world. 00:14:16.919 --> 00:14:17.939 It is the amen 00:14:17.939 --> 00:14:18.939 of the Father 00:14:18.939 --> 00:14:20.980 upon the finished 00:14:20.980 --> 00:14:22.120 of the Son. 00:14:23.659 --> 00:14:24.419 Christ's death 00:14:24.419 --> 00:14:25.199 and resurrection, 00:14:25.399 --> 00:14:25.639 you see, 00:14:25.740 --> 00:14:27.480 cannot be separated. 00:14:28.459 --> 00:14:30.000 Christ was delivered up 00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:30.699 for our sins 00:14:30.699 --> 00:14:31.620 and raised 00:14:31.620 --> 00:14:32.620 for our justification. 00:14:32.620 --> 00:14:34.860 no wonder 00:14:34.860 --> 00:14:35.659 we read here, 00:14:36.060 --> 00:14:37.940 then were the disciples 00:14:37.940 --> 00:14:39.720 glad when they saw 00:14:39.720 --> 00:14:40.460 the Lord. 00:14:43.840 --> 00:14:45.379 On that most special day 00:14:45.379 --> 00:14:46.360 in the Jewish calendar, 00:14:47.580 --> 00:14:48.940 the great day of atonement, 00:14:49.940 --> 00:14:51.120 the people would watch 00:14:51.120 --> 00:14:52.100 the priest going 00:14:52.100 --> 00:14:54.480 into the most holy place, 00:14:54.679 --> 00:14:55.500 the Holy of Holies. 00:14:55.659 --> 00:14:56.519 There he would offer 00:14:56.519 --> 00:14:57.620 a sacrifice 00:14:57.620 --> 00:14:59.500 on behalf of the people. 00:14:59.500 --> 00:15:01.000 and the people 00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:02.039 would wait outside 00:15:02.039 --> 00:15:03.960 to see if the priest's 00:15:03.960 --> 00:15:04.580 sacrifice 00:15:04.580 --> 00:15:06.419 was deemed acceptable 00:15:06.419 --> 00:15:07.159 to God. 00:15:07.500 --> 00:15:08.179 And if it were, 00:15:08.279 --> 00:15:09.399 the priest would come out 00:15:09.399 --> 00:15:11.159 from behind the great curtain, 00:15:11.960 --> 00:15:13.179 his life spared. 00:15:14.320 --> 00:15:15.639 The people would rejoice 00:15:15.639 --> 00:15:16.840 and they would celebrate. 00:15:18.159 --> 00:15:19.000 As he appeared 00:15:19.000 --> 00:15:20.299 from behind the veil, 00:15:20.659 --> 00:15:21.460 the high priest 00:15:21.460 --> 00:15:23.159 would raise his hands 00:15:23.159 --> 00:15:24.480 and he would pronounce 00:15:24.480 --> 00:15:25.439 a benediction 00:15:25.439 --> 00:15:26.339 upon the people. 00:15:27.199 --> 00:15:28.980 Number 6, 24 and following, 00:15:29.439 --> 00:15:30.480 the Lord bless you 00:15:30.480 --> 00:15:31.120 and keep you. 00:15:31.339 --> 00:15:32.480 The Lord make his face 00:15:32.480 --> 00:15:33.620 to shine upon you 00:15:33.620 --> 00:15:35.159 and be gracious to you. 00:15:35.299 --> 00:15:36.299 The Lord lift up 00:15:36.299 --> 00:15:38.159 his countenance upon you 00:15:38.159 --> 00:15:40.659 and give you what? 00:15:41.899 --> 00:15:42.379 Peace. 00:15:43.839 --> 00:15:45.219 And that's what we have here 00:15:45.219 --> 00:15:46.079 in John 20. 00:15:46.719 --> 00:15:47.959 We see the Lord Jesus 00:15:47.959 --> 00:15:49.539 himself emerging 00:15:49.539 --> 00:15:50.980 from behind the curtain 00:15:50.980 --> 00:15:52.519 through that heavy veil 00:15:52.519 --> 00:15:53.379 of death, 00:15:54.100 --> 00:15:55.420 alive once more, 00:15:56.060 --> 00:15:57.960 raising his nail-pierced hands 00:15:57.960 --> 00:15:59.879 and saying to his disciples, 00:16:00.300 --> 00:16:01.259 my sacrifice 00:16:01.259 --> 00:16:03.300 is acceptable to God. 00:16:04.080 --> 00:16:04.800 Through me, 00:16:04.980 --> 00:16:06.700 your sins can be forgiven. 00:16:07.060 --> 00:16:07.560 Through me, 00:16:07.680 --> 00:16:09.060 your guilty consciences 00:16:09.060 --> 00:16:10.480 can be cleansed. 00:16:10.700 --> 00:16:11.279 Through me, 00:16:11.440 --> 00:16:13.200 you can have peace with God. 00:16:15.000 --> 00:16:16.500 Here is the Son of God 00:16:16.500 --> 00:16:17.420 who loved us, 00:16:18.300 --> 00:16:19.800 gave himself for us, 00:16:19.799 --> 00:16:23.559 bringing us his peace. 00:16:24.740 --> 00:16:26.079 Jesus speaks here 00:16:26.079 --> 00:16:28.139 a word of peace. 00:16:29.479 --> 00:16:30.379 That brings me 00:16:30.379 --> 00:16:31.519 to the second thing here. 00:16:32.939 --> 00:16:33.639 Jesus speaks 00:16:33.639 --> 00:16:35.319 what we call a word 00:16:35.319 --> 00:16:37.019 of commission. 00:16:38.159 --> 00:16:39.859 Verses 21 and 22. 00:16:40.919 --> 00:16:43.359 As the Father has sent me, 00:16:44.079 --> 00:16:46.539 even so I am sending you. 00:16:46.839 --> 00:16:47.979 And when he said this, 00:16:47.980 --> 00:16:49.300 he breathed on them 00:16:49.300 --> 00:16:49.980 and said to them, 00:16:50.220 --> 00:16:52.060 receive the Holy Spirit. 00:16:55.259 --> 00:16:56.220 God's burden 00:16:56.220 --> 00:16:58.360 for our broken 00:16:58.360 --> 00:16:59.800 and rebellious world, 00:17:00.659 --> 00:17:01.800 our lost world, 00:17:02.200 --> 00:17:04.079 is met by the Father 00:17:04.079 --> 00:17:05.759 sending the Son 00:17:05.759 --> 00:17:06.819 into the world. 00:17:07.819 --> 00:17:09.200 And then by the Son 00:17:09.200 --> 00:17:10.559 sending his disciples 00:17:10.559 --> 00:17:11.759 into the world. 00:17:11.759 --> 00:17:14.200 just as Jesus 00:17:14.200 --> 00:17:15.019 was sent 00:17:15.019 --> 00:17:17.119 to achieve salvation, 00:17:17.359 --> 00:17:18.019 so then Jesus 00:17:18.019 --> 00:17:19.079 sends his followers 00:17:19.079 --> 00:17:20.140 to proclaim 00:17:20.140 --> 00:17:21.200 that salvation 00:17:21.200 --> 00:17:22.259 to the world, 00:17:22.940 --> 00:17:23.980 to make disciples 00:17:23.980 --> 00:17:24.779 of all nations. 00:17:26.200 --> 00:17:26.920 The mission 00:17:26.920 --> 00:17:27.839 of the church 00:17:27.839 --> 00:17:29.480 is nothing less 00:17:29.480 --> 00:17:30.440 than the continuation 00:17:30.440 --> 00:17:31.920 of the mission 00:17:31.920 --> 00:17:33.099 of the Son. 00:17:34.059 --> 00:17:35.099 The Father sent 00:17:35.099 --> 00:17:36.240 the Son into the world 00:17:36.240 --> 00:17:37.940 not to be served, 00:17:38.039 --> 00:17:38.799 but to serve, 00:17:39.240 --> 00:17:40.119 to give his life 00:17:40.119 --> 00:17:41.399 a ransom for many. 00:17:42.559 --> 00:17:43.399 Now here the Son 00:17:43.399 --> 00:17:44.539 sends his disciples 00:17:44.539 --> 00:17:46.179 and indeed sends us 00:17:46.179 --> 00:17:48.279 into that same world 00:17:48.279 --> 00:17:49.239 with a message 00:17:49.239 --> 00:17:50.339 to proclaim. 00:17:51.759 --> 00:17:52.359 And I suppose 00:17:52.359 --> 00:17:53.399 these words of Jesus 00:17:53.399 --> 00:17:54.439 here represent 00:17:54.959 --> 00:17:56.979 perhaps the simplest form 00:17:56.979 --> 00:17:57.919 of the Great Commission, 00:17:58.979 --> 00:18:00.119 and that in itself 00:18:00.119 --> 00:18:00.959 is a great key 00:18:00.959 --> 00:18:02.500 to Christian service 00:18:02.500 --> 00:18:03.359 and witness 00:18:03.359 --> 00:18:05.959 when we remind ourselves 00:18:05.959 --> 00:18:07.079 that the Lord himself 00:18:07.079 --> 00:18:08.019 is the one 00:18:08.019 --> 00:18:09.519 who sends us out 00:18:09.519 --> 00:18:11.259 as he himself 00:18:11.259 --> 00:18:12.119 was sent 00:18:12.119 --> 00:18:13.019 of the Father. 00:18:14.099 --> 00:18:15.179 The church's mission 00:18:15.179 --> 00:18:16.079 in the world 00:18:16.079 --> 00:18:17.899 is to be like Christ's 00:18:17.899 --> 00:18:19.159 in some respects. 00:18:20.799 --> 00:18:21.659 Jesus himself 00:18:21.659 --> 00:18:23.299 didn't just appear, 00:18:23.439 --> 00:18:24.979 he didn't just arrive, 00:18:25.139 --> 00:18:26.279 he was sent. 00:18:27.399 --> 00:18:28.179 That's how Jesus 00:18:28.179 --> 00:18:28.799 understood 00:18:28.799 --> 00:18:29.819 himself 00:18:29.819 --> 00:18:31.679 in his own mission. 00:18:31.680 --> 00:18:32.779 He was sent 00:18:32.779 --> 00:18:33.600 by the Father. 00:18:34.259 --> 00:18:34.860 I don't know, 00:18:34.960 --> 00:18:36.480 maybe around 40 times 00:18:36.480 --> 00:18:37.740 in John's Gospel 00:18:37.740 --> 00:18:38.740 we read 00:18:38.740 --> 00:18:40.080 about Jesus 00:18:40.080 --> 00:18:41.120 being sent. 00:18:41.700 --> 00:18:42.279 He was sent 00:18:42.279 --> 00:18:43.120 with authority 00:18:43.120 --> 00:18:43.820 from heaven. 00:18:44.120 --> 00:18:44.940 He constantly 00:18:44.940 --> 00:18:46.299 speaks in this Gospel 00:18:46.299 --> 00:18:47.860 of his Father 00:18:47.860 --> 00:18:48.860 as him 00:18:48.860 --> 00:18:49.759 who sent me. 00:18:50.400 --> 00:18:51.220 I have come down 00:18:51.220 --> 00:18:51.720 from heaven 00:18:51.720 --> 00:18:52.480 not to do 00:18:52.480 --> 00:18:53.200 my own will, 00:18:53.380 --> 00:18:53.940 but to do 00:18:53.940 --> 00:18:54.880 the will of him 00:18:54.880 --> 00:18:56.240 who sent me. 00:18:56.600 --> 00:18:57.240 I must do 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:58.060 the works of him 00:18:58.060 --> 00:18:59.080 who sent me. 00:18:59.079 --> 00:19:00.059 My meat is to do 00:19:00.059 --> 00:19:00.699 the will of him 00:19:00.699 --> 00:19:01.919 who sent me. 00:19:03.359 --> 00:19:04.099 And as Jesus 00:19:04.099 --> 00:19:04.980 was sent, 00:19:05.259 --> 00:19:06.779 so we are sent 00:19:06.779 --> 00:19:07.740 if we are his 00:19:07.740 --> 00:19:09.879 disciples. 00:19:13.159 --> 00:19:14.019 As Jesus 00:19:14.019 --> 00:19:15.500 came into this world, 00:19:15.639 --> 00:19:16.779 he came in humility, 00:19:17.139 --> 00:19:18.419 he came as a servant, 00:19:18.859 --> 00:19:19.720 he made himself 00:19:19.720 --> 00:19:20.879 of no reputation, 00:19:21.240 --> 00:19:22.500 he humbled himself, 00:19:23.659 --> 00:19:25.319 he washed the feet 00:19:25.319 --> 00:19:26.220 of his disciples. 00:19:26.220 --> 00:19:28.039 And so, 00:19:28.140 --> 00:19:28.940 as we are sent, 00:19:29.039 --> 00:19:30.160 we are to follow him 00:19:30.160 --> 00:19:31.559 in that same path 00:19:31.559 --> 00:19:32.279 of servanthood. 00:19:33.700 --> 00:19:34.559 We are sent 00:19:34.559 --> 00:19:35.240 as servants, 00:19:35.339 --> 00:19:35.940 not masters. 00:19:37.920 --> 00:19:39.039 The apostle says, 00:19:39.160 --> 00:19:40.579 we are your servants 00:19:40.579 --> 00:19:41.960 for Jesus' sake. 00:19:43.339 --> 00:19:44.240 Jesus Christ 00:19:44.240 --> 00:19:45.079 did not stand 00:19:45.079 --> 00:19:45.900 on his pride. 00:19:46.259 --> 00:19:46.740 He became 00:19:46.740 --> 00:19:47.339 the friend 00:19:47.339 --> 00:19:48.100 of sinners. 00:19:48.440 --> 00:19:49.039 He didn't stay 00:19:49.039 --> 00:19:49.680 at a distance. 00:19:49.779 --> 00:19:50.579 He drew near 00:19:50.579 --> 00:19:51.380 to people. 00:19:51.660 --> 00:19:52.980 He involved himself 00:19:52.980 --> 00:19:53.559 with others. 00:19:53.559 --> 00:19:55.980 He wasn't afraid 00:19:55.980 --> 00:19:56.819 to get his hands 00:19:56.819 --> 00:19:57.279 dirty. 00:19:58.240 --> 00:19:58.480 Yes, 00:19:58.519 --> 00:19:59.259 they called him 00:19:59.259 --> 00:20:00.159 the friend 00:20:00.159 --> 00:20:00.720 of sinners 00:20:00.720 --> 00:20:01.399 as a term 00:20:01.399 --> 00:20:02.319 of reproach, 00:20:02.659 --> 00:20:03.519 but were he not 00:20:03.519 --> 00:20:03.819 that, 00:20:03.899 --> 00:20:04.379 there would be 00:20:04.379 --> 00:20:04.899 no hope 00:20:04.899 --> 00:20:05.799 for any of us. 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:08.339 And so, 00:20:08.440 --> 00:20:08.879 we too, 00:20:08.980 --> 00:20:09.740 if we are followers 00:20:09.740 --> 00:20:10.440 of Jesus, 00:20:10.619 --> 00:20:11.119 are called 00:20:11.119 --> 00:20:11.960 to engage 00:20:11.960 --> 00:20:12.940 and connect 00:20:12.940 --> 00:20:13.480 with people, 00:20:13.579 --> 00:20:14.519 to make friends 00:20:14.519 --> 00:20:15.240 with others. 00:20:16.019 --> 00:20:17.119 Because the gospel, 00:20:17.440 --> 00:20:18.039 the good news, 00:20:18.079 --> 00:20:19.700 isn't shared 00:20:19.700 --> 00:20:20.859 at arm's length. 00:20:21.159 --> 00:20:22.339 We can't spray 00:20:22.339 --> 00:20:23.319 people with it. 00:20:23.939 --> 00:20:25.019 It involves us 00:20:25.019 --> 00:20:26.179 sharing our lives 00:20:26.179 --> 00:20:26.899 with others 00:20:26.899 --> 00:20:27.939 in care and friendship. 00:20:28.579 --> 00:20:29.259 That is the way 00:20:29.259 --> 00:20:29.759 of Christ, 00:20:29.819 --> 00:20:30.279 isn't it? 00:20:32.199 --> 00:20:33.000 I remember many years 00:20:33.000 --> 00:20:33.519 ago hearing 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:34.240 the testimony 00:20:34.240 --> 00:20:36.159 of a Japanese 00:20:36.159 --> 00:20:37.399 student come 00:20:37.399 --> 00:20:38.179 to faith 00:20:38.179 --> 00:20:39.079 in Christ, 00:20:39.179 --> 00:20:39.639 and this is 00:20:39.639 --> 00:20:40.379 what she said, 00:20:41.039 --> 00:20:42.839 my English friend 00:20:42.839 --> 00:20:44.399 built a bridge 00:20:44.399 --> 00:20:45.099 of friendship 00:20:45.099 --> 00:20:46.359 into my heart, 00:20:46.859 --> 00:20:48.139 and over that 00:20:48.139 --> 00:20:48.740 bridge 00:20:48.740 --> 00:20:50.659 walked Jesus. 00:20:50.660 --> 00:20:53.460 who are you 00:20:53.460 --> 00:20:53.980 building 00:20:53.980 --> 00:20:55.360 that bridge 00:20:55.360 --> 00:20:55.900 of friendship 00:20:55.900 --> 00:20:56.880 with? 00:20:57.080 --> 00:20:57.500 Who are you 00:20:57.500 --> 00:20:58.100 connecting 00:20:58.100 --> 00:20:58.880 with? 00:20:59.000 --> 00:20:59.460 Who are you 00:20:59.460 --> 00:21:00.860 talking to? 00:21:04.160 --> 00:21:04.920 But it's not 00:21:04.920 --> 00:21:05.580 only Jesus 00:21:05.580 --> 00:21:06.540 who is sent. 00:21:07.620 --> 00:21:08.019 At the close 00:21:08.019 --> 00:21:08.900 of John 15, 00:21:09.040 --> 00:21:09.720 Jesus tells 00:21:09.720 --> 00:21:10.400 his disciples 00:21:10.400 --> 00:21:11.340 that the Spirit 00:21:11.340 --> 00:21:12.759 will also be sent 00:21:12.759 --> 00:21:13.620 when the Helper 00:21:13.620 --> 00:21:14.040 comes. 00:21:14.580 --> 00:21:15.360 John 15, 00:21:15.420 --> 00:21:15.920 26, 00:21:16.120 --> 00:21:17.500 whom I will send 00:21:17.500 --> 00:21:18.220 to you from 00:21:18.220 --> 00:21:18.720 the Father, 00:21:18.820 --> 00:21:19.200 the Spirit 00:21:19.200 --> 00:21:19.740 of truth, 00:21:19.860 --> 00:21:20.600 who proceeds 00:21:20.600 --> 00:21:21.380 from the Father. 00:21:21.580 --> 00:21:22.680 He will bear 00:21:22.680 --> 00:21:23.819 witness about me, 00:21:23.960 --> 00:21:25.220 and you also 00:21:25.220 --> 00:21:27.080 will bear witness. 00:21:28.160 --> 00:21:29.460 Jesus is sent 00:21:29.460 --> 00:21:30.180 with or in the 00:21:30.180 --> 00:21:31.160 power of the Spirit. 00:21:31.420 --> 00:21:31.960 His mission 00:21:31.960 --> 00:21:32.880 is given to him 00:21:32.880 --> 00:21:34.000 through the anointing 00:21:34.000 --> 00:21:34.580 of the Spirit 00:21:34.580 --> 00:21:35.519 at his baptism. 00:21:36.120 --> 00:21:36.740 He's summoned 00:21:36.740 --> 00:21:37.539 there onto the 00:21:37.539 --> 00:21:38.460 field of service 00:21:38.460 --> 00:21:39.460 by his Father 00:21:39.460 --> 00:21:39.980 in heaven. 00:21:41.200 --> 00:21:42.160 Jesus was filled 00:21:42.160 --> 00:21:42.819 with the Spirit. 00:21:42.960 --> 00:21:43.539 He was led 00:21:43.539 --> 00:21:44.240 by the Spirit. 00:21:44.500 --> 00:21:44.920 His mission 00:21:44.920 --> 00:21:45.720 was in the power 00:21:45.720 --> 00:21:46.319 of the Spirit. 00:21:46.319 --> 00:21:48.939 Jesus Christ, 00:21:49.139 --> 00:21:50.000 in one sense, 00:21:50.039 --> 00:21:50.460 was the very 00:21:50.460 --> 00:21:51.740 first missionary. 00:21:52.960 --> 00:21:53.720 An all-Christian 00:21:53.720 --> 00:21:54.599 mission is rooted 00:21:54.599 --> 00:21:55.139 in him, 00:21:55.460 --> 00:21:56.319 and the church's 00:21:56.319 --> 00:21:57.359 mission is modeled 00:21:57.359 --> 00:21:58.299 on the Father's 00:21:58.299 --> 00:21:59.679 sending of the Son 00:21:59.679 --> 00:22:00.559 and empowered 00:22:00.559 --> 00:22:01.559 by the Son's 00:22:01.559 --> 00:22:02.460 sending of the Spirit. 00:22:04.019 --> 00:22:04.439 And I think 00:22:04.439 --> 00:22:05.039 this is why 00:22:05.039 --> 00:22:05.619 we have this 00:22:05.619 --> 00:22:06.460 curious, 00:22:06.740 --> 00:22:07.419 much-debated 00:22:07.419 --> 00:22:08.359 action of Jesus 00:22:08.359 --> 00:22:09.399 that follows 00:22:09.399 --> 00:22:10.339 directly after 00:22:10.339 --> 00:22:11.039 his words. 00:22:11.460 --> 00:22:12.159 When he'd said 00:22:12.159 --> 00:22:12.439 this, 00:22:12.659 --> 00:22:13.480 he breathed 00:22:13.480 --> 00:22:14.039 on them 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:14.920 and said 00:22:14.920 --> 00:22:15.379 to them, 00:22:15.819 --> 00:22:16.659 receive the 00:22:16.659 --> 00:22:17.420 Holy Spirit. 00:22:18.139 --> 00:22:19.079 What is going 00:22:19.079 --> 00:22:19.519 on there? 00:22:20.460 --> 00:22:21.299 Is Jesus 00:22:21.299 --> 00:22:22.839 here preempting 00:22:22.839 --> 00:22:23.940 Pentecost? 00:22:24.159 --> 00:22:25.279 I don't think 00:22:25.279 --> 00:22:25.519 so. 00:22:26.920 --> 00:22:27.700 I do not 00:22:27.700 --> 00:22:28.599 myself believe 00:22:28.599 --> 00:22:29.059 that Jesus 00:22:29.059 --> 00:22:30.200 gave his disciples 00:22:30.200 --> 00:22:31.180 the gift of 00:22:31.180 --> 00:22:31.599 the Spirit 00:22:31.599 --> 00:22:32.579 at that moment. 00:22:33.119 --> 00:22:33.700 His teaching 00:22:33.700 --> 00:22:34.559 about the Spirit 00:22:34.559 --> 00:22:35.639 in the upper 00:22:35.639 --> 00:22:37.200 room during 00:22:37.200 --> 00:22:38.180 the forty days 00:22:38.180 --> 00:22:40.000 suggests rather 00:22:40.000 --> 00:22:40.619 that what we 00:22:40.619 --> 00:22:41.299 have here is 00:22:41.299 --> 00:22:42.079 a kind of 00:22:42.079 --> 00:22:42.619 dramatic 00:22:42.619 --> 00:22:43.459 anticipation 00:22:43.459 --> 00:22:44.639 of Pentecost 00:22:44.639 --> 00:22:45.619 when he would 00:22:45.619 --> 00:22:46.219 pour out 00:22:46.219 --> 00:22:47.239 the Spirit 00:22:47.239 --> 00:22:47.859 upon them 00:22:47.859 --> 00:22:48.579 and adieu 00:22:48.579 --> 00:22:49.000 them with 00:22:49.000 --> 00:22:49.599 power from 00:22:49.599 --> 00:22:50.199 on high 00:22:50.199 --> 00:22:50.799 for their 00:22:50.799 --> 00:22:51.819 missionary task. 00:22:52.399 --> 00:22:53.119 What is 00:22:53.119 --> 00:22:53.739 happening here 00:22:53.739 --> 00:22:54.299 is Jesus 00:22:54.299 --> 00:22:55.939 is confirming 00:22:55.939 --> 00:22:56.739 the promise 00:22:56.739 --> 00:22:58.000 of the Spirit 00:22:58.000 --> 00:22:59.339 with a sign. 00:23:00.659 --> 00:23:01.719 Just as before 00:23:01.719 --> 00:23:02.679 in anticipation 00:23:02.679 --> 00:23:03.599 of his death, 00:23:03.719 --> 00:23:04.619 he broke bread, 00:23:04.719 --> 00:23:05.539 he gave it to them, 00:23:05.759 --> 00:23:06.299 take, eat, 00:23:06.379 --> 00:23:07.259 this is my body. 00:23:08.039 --> 00:23:08.879 So before the 00:23:08.879 --> 00:23:09.619 outpouring of 00:23:09.619 --> 00:23:10.179 the Spirit 00:23:10.179 --> 00:23:11.299 in anticipation 00:23:11.299 --> 00:23:12.460 of it, 00:23:12.539 --> 00:23:13.460 he breathed 00:23:13.460 --> 00:23:13.819 on them, 00:23:13.859 --> 00:23:14.180 he said, 00:23:14.399 --> 00:23:15.099 receive the 00:23:15.099 --> 00:23:15.659 Holy Spirit. 00:23:18.359 --> 00:23:18.960 And just as 00:23:18.960 --> 00:23:19.619 he enforced 00:23:19.619 --> 00:23:20.259 his word of 00:23:20.259 --> 00:23:21.200 peace by 00:23:21.200 --> 00:23:21.700 showing his 00:23:21.700 --> 00:23:22.480 hands inside, 00:23:22.960 --> 00:23:24.220 so he enforces 00:23:24.220 --> 00:23:24.779 the promise 00:23:24.779 --> 00:23:25.460 of the Spirit 00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:26.440 by breathing 00:23:26.440 --> 00:23:27.019 on them, 00:23:27.919 --> 00:23:28.500 an outward 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:29.559 physical sign 00:23:29.559 --> 00:23:30.859 given to 00:23:30.859 --> 00:23:31.460 confirm and 00:23:31.460 --> 00:23:32.019 guarantee 00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:33.279 that promise 00:23:33.279 --> 00:23:34.259 of Pentecostal 00:23:34.259 --> 00:23:35.079 power to 00:23:35.079 --> 00:23:35.859 his church. 00:23:38.859 --> 00:23:39.659 After this 00:23:39.660 --> 00:23:40.460 experience, 00:23:41.540 --> 00:23:42.380 the disciples 00:23:42.380 --> 00:23:43.200 could not 00:23:43.200 --> 00:23:43.800 separate 00:23:43.800 --> 00:23:44.920 the Spirit 00:23:44.920 --> 00:23:45.980 from the 00:23:45.980 --> 00:23:46.259 Son. 00:23:47.580 --> 00:23:48.040 They knew 00:23:48.040 --> 00:23:48.540 the Spirit 00:23:48.540 --> 00:23:49.019 was his 00:23:49.019 --> 00:23:49.500 gift, 00:23:50.400 --> 00:23:51.200 the holy 00:23:51.200 --> 00:23:51.900 breath of 00:23:51.900 --> 00:23:52.580 the exalted 00:23:52.580 --> 00:23:53.420 Jesus 00:23:53.420 --> 00:23:54.440 himself. 00:23:55.620 --> 00:23:56.300 The same 00:23:56.300 --> 00:23:56.940 Spirit who 00:23:56.940 --> 00:23:57.600 hovered over 00:23:57.600 --> 00:23:59.100 the waters 00:23:59.100 --> 00:23:59.920 at creation, 00:24:00.040 --> 00:24:00.560 who descended 00:24:00.560 --> 00:24:01.460 upon the Messiah 00:24:01.460 --> 00:24:01.920 at his 00:24:01.920 --> 00:24:02.460 baptism, 00:24:03.779 --> 00:24:04.259 who raised 00:24:04.259 --> 00:24:04.880 Jesus from 00:24:04.880 --> 00:24:05.360 the dead, 00:24:05.420 --> 00:24:06.140 is now given 00:24:06.140 --> 00:24:06.880 to the 00:24:06.880 --> 00:24:07.300 apostles 00:24:07.299 --> 00:24:08.200 and to 00:24:08.200 --> 00:24:08.859 the church. 00:24:10.759 --> 00:24:11.180 And so the 00:24:11.180 --> 00:24:11.779 Holy Spirit 00:24:11.779 --> 00:24:12.399 along with 00:24:12.399 --> 00:24:13.619 Jesus is 00:24:13.619 --> 00:24:14.480 the sender 00:24:14.480 --> 00:24:15.079 of the 00:24:15.079 --> 00:24:15.500 apostles. 00:24:16.899 --> 00:24:17.359 That word 00:24:17.359 --> 00:24:18.079 apostle just 00:24:18.079 --> 00:24:19.359 means someone 00:24:19.359 --> 00:24:20.139 who's sent. 00:24:21.319 --> 00:24:21.740 And here is 00:24:21.740 --> 00:24:22.720 Jesus sending 00:24:22.720 --> 00:24:23.440 the disciples, 00:24:23.639 --> 00:24:24.180 sending the 00:24:24.180 --> 00:24:24.940 Spirit to 00:24:24.940 --> 00:24:25.839 carry on the 00:24:25.839 --> 00:24:26.759 mission of 00:24:26.759 --> 00:24:27.279 the gospel. 00:24:30.399 --> 00:24:31.399 The apostles 00:24:31.399 --> 00:24:31.919 are being 00:24:31.919 --> 00:24:32.819 commissioned here 00:24:32.819 --> 00:24:33.639 to carry on 00:24:33.639 --> 00:24:34.079 the mission 00:24:34.079 --> 00:24:34.720 of Christ, 00:24:35.279 --> 00:24:36.259 not to begin 00:24:36.259 --> 00:24:37.000 a new 00:24:37.000 --> 00:24:37.440 mission. 00:24:38.799 --> 00:24:39.180 And friends, 00:24:39.259 --> 00:24:39.940 to be part 00:24:39.940 --> 00:24:40.220 of the 00:24:40.220 --> 00:24:41.140 one holy 00:24:41.140 --> 00:24:41.779 Catholic 00:24:41.779 --> 00:24:42.660 apostolic 00:24:42.660 --> 00:24:44.279 church means 00:24:44.279 --> 00:24:44.900 to be part 00:24:44.900 --> 00:24:45.180 of a 00:24:45.180 --> 00:24:45.980 community that 00:24:45.980 --> 00:24:46.400 has been 00:24:46.400 --> 00:24:47.099 commissioned 00:24:47.099 --> 00:24:48.680 and sent 00:24:48.680 --> 00:24:49.259 out by 00:24:49.259 --> 00:24:50.079 Jesus and 00:24:50.079 --> 00:24:51.200 empowered by 00:24:51.200 --> 00:24:51.839 the presence 00:24:51.839 --> 00:24:52.180 of the 00:24:52.180 --> 00:24:52.700 Holy Spirit. 00:24:53.859 --> 00:24:54.359 And so the 00:24:54.359 --> 00:24:54.980 church in 00:24:54.980 --> 00:24:56.859 every age is 00:24:56.859 --> 00:24:57.339 to be an 00:24:57.339 --> 00:24:57.900 apostolic 00:24:57.900 --> 00:24:58.559 community, 00:24:58.980 --> 00:24:59.619 and every 00:24:59.619 --> 00:25:00.559 Christian a 00:25:00.559 --> 00:25:01.839 witness to 00:25:01.839 --> 00:25:02.440 those around 00:25:02.440 --> 00:25:02.759 them. 00:25:04.079 --> 00:25:04.559 In fact, 00:25:04.700 --> 00:25:05.700 to the extent 00:25:05.700 --> 00:25:06.120 that we 00:25:06.120 --> 00:25:07.019 embrace this 00:25:07.019 --> 00:25:07.440 calling, 00:25:08.940 --> 00:25:10.200 it is to 00:25:10.200 --> 00:25:10.680 the extent 00:25:10.680 --> 00:25:11.039 that we 00:25:11.039 --> 00:25:11.759 embrace this 00:25:11.759 --> 00:25:12.279 calling that 00:25:12.279 --> 00:25:13.000 we become 00:25:13.000 --> 00:25:14.559 more like 00:25:14.559 --> 00:25:16.160 Jesus Himself. 00:25:17.500 --> 00:25:18.160 A word of 00:25:18.160 --> 00:25:18.740 peace, a word 00:25:18.740 --> 00:25:19.519 of commission, 00:25:19.799 --> 00:25:20.200 sending. 00:25:20.920 --> 00:25:21.460 Thirdly and 00:25:21.460 --> 00:25:22.100 finally here, 00:25:22.819 --> 00:25:23.420 you'll notice 00:25:23.420 --> 00:25:23.799 that Jesus 00:25:23.799 --> 00:25:24.519 speaks a word 00:25:24.519 --> 00:25:25.460 about forgiveness. 00:25:26.819 --> 00:25:27.500 Verse 23, 00:25:27.660 --> 00:25:28.319 if you forgive 00:25:28.319 --> 00:25:28.960 the sins of 00:25:28.960 --> 00:25:29.720 anyone, they 00:25:29.720 --> 00:25:30.319 are forgiven. 00:25:30.759 --> 00:25:31.160 If you 00:25:31.160 --> 00:25:31.840 withhold 00:25:31.840 --> 00:25:32.559 forgiveness 00:25:32.559 --> 00:25:33.279 from anyone, 00:25:33.779 --> 00:25:34.440 it is 00:25:34.440 --> 00:25:35.320 withheld. 00:25:36.820 --> 00:25:37.440 It appears 00:25:37.440 --> 00:25:38.100 such a strange 00:25:38.100 --> 00:25:38.440 statement, 00:25:38.539 --> 00:25:38.980 doesn't it, 00:25:39.220 --> 00:25:39.759 from the 00:25:39.759 --> 00:25:40.240 lips of 00:25:40.240 --> 00:25:40.580 Jesus. 00:25:40.779 --> 00:25:41.200 It seems 00:25:41.200 --> 00:25:42.000 to indicate 00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:43.259 that the 00:25:43.259 --> 00:25:43.759 disciples 00:25:43.759 --> 00:25:44.740 themselves have 00:25:44.740 --> 00:25:45.220 been given 00:25:45.220 --> 00:25:46.100 the authority 00:25:46.100 --> 00:25:47.600 to bestow 00:25:47.600 --> 00:25:49.600 or withhold 00:25:49.600 --> 00:25:50.019 forgiveness 00:25:50.019 --> 00:25:50.740 of sins. 00:25:51.660 --> 00:25:52.140 And for 00:25:52.140 --> 00:25:52.799 this reason, 00:25:53.340 --> 00:25:53.940 this verse 00:25:53.940 --> 00:25:54.519 forms the 00:25:54.519 --> 00:25:54.980 basis, 00:25:55.680 --> 00:25:56.360 for example, 00:25:56.440 --> 00:25:56.860 of the Roman 00:25:56.860 --> 00:25:57.460 Catholic 00:25:57.460 --> 00:25:58.220 teaching of 00:25:58.220 --> 00:25:58.779 confession 00:25:58.779 --> 00:25:59.880 and absolution, 00:26:00.700 --> 00:26:01.120 where the 00:26:01.120 --> 00:26:02.019 church is held 00:26:02.019 --> 00:26:02.420 to have 00:26:02.420 --> 00:26:03.180 the direct 00:26:03.180 --> 00:26:03.900 authority 00:26:03.900 --> 00:26:04.920 to forgive 00:26:04.920 --> 00:26:05.400 sins or 00:26:05.400 --> 00:26:05.819 not. 00:26:07.200 --> 00:26:07.799 It won't 00:26:07.799 --> 00:26:08.460 surprise you 00:26:08.460 --> 00:26:08.779 that I 00:26:08.779 --> 00:26:09.279 think that 00:26:09.279 --> 00:26:10.180 represents a 00:26:10.180 --> 00:26:10.539 profound 00:26:10.539 --> 00:26:11.139 misunderstanding 00:26:11.139 --> 00:26:12.079 of what 00:26:12.079 --> 00:26:12.599 Jesus is 00:26:12.599 --> 00:26:13.279 speaking about 00:26:13.279 --> 00:26:13.660 here. 00:26:14.879 --> 00:26:15.319 Why? 00:26:15.420 --> 00:26:15.839 Because only 00:26:15.839 --> 00:26:16.480 God can 00:26:16.480 --> 00:26:17.279 forgive sins. 00:26:18.019 --> 00:26:18.660 There is no 00:26:18.660 --> 00:26:20.519 instance anywhere 00:26:20.519 --> 00:26:21.039 in the New 00:26:21.039 --> 00:26:22.480 Testament of 00:26:22.480 --> 00:26:23.319 the disciples 00:26:23.319 --> 00:26:24.139 conferring the 00:26:24.139 --> 00:26:24.779 forgiveness of 00:26:24.779 --> 00:26:25.240 sins upon 00:26:25.240 --> 00:26:25.619 anyone. 00:26:27.400 --> 00:26:27.940 No, what we 00:26:27.940 --> 00:26:29.460 have plenty of 00:26:29.460 --> 00:26:30.279 evidence about 00:26:30.279 --> 00:26:30.859 is that the 00:26:30.859 --> 00:26:31.879 apostles preached 00:26:31.879 --> 00:26:33.240 forgiveness with 00:26:33.240 --> 00:26:34.119 assurance and 00:26:34.119 --> 00:26:34.779 with authority. 00:26:35.119 --> 00:26:35.839 They declared 00:26:35.839 --> 00:26:36.559 to men and 00:26:36.559 --> 00:26:37.299 women that 00:26:37.299 --> 00:26:37.899 their sins 00:26:37.899 --> 00:26:38.299 could be 00:26:38.299 --> 00:26:39.639 forgiven in 00:26:39.639 --> 00:26:40.539 Jesus' name. 00:26:41.200 --> 00:26:41.879 They saw 00:26:41.879 --> 00:26:43.059 themselves not 00:26:43.059 --> 00:26:44.099 as priests 00:26:44.099 --> 00:26:45.879 issuing forgiveness 00:26:45.879 --> 00:26:46.619 to others, 00:26:46.660 --> 00:26:47.119 but as 00:26:47.119 --> 00:26:47.879 preachers 00:26:47.879 --> 00:26:49.119 proclaiming the 00:26:49.119 --> 00:26:49.899 forgiveness of 00:26:49.899 --> 00:26:50.859 sins that is 00:26:50.859 --> 00:26:51.379 only to be 00:26:51.379 --> 00:26:51.859 found in 00:26:51.859 --> 00:26:52.139 Jesus. 00:26:53.480 --> 00:26:54.160 They offered 00:26:54.160 --> 00:26:55.059 to the world 00:26:55.059 --> 00:26:55.859 God's 00:26:55.859 --> 00:26:56.399 forgiveness 00:26:56.399 --> 00:26:57.339 in a 00:26:57.339 --> 00:26:58.019 crucified 00:26:58.019 --> 00:26:59.099 and risen 00:26:59.099 --> 00:26:59.819 Savior. 00:27:00.279 --> 00:27:01.559 And friends, 00:27:01.660 --> 00:27:02.279 the church's 00:27:02.279 --> 00:27:03.460 message as 00:27:03.460 --> 00:27:04.039 given by 00:27:04.039 --> 00:27:05.539 Jesus hasn't 00:27:05.539 --> 00:27:06.079 changed. 00:27:07.259 --> 00:27:07.899 Humanity's 00:27:07.899 --> 00:27:08.779 great need 00:27:08.779 --> 00:27:09.920 is still the 00:27:09.920 --> 00:27:10.660 forgiveness of 00:27:10.660 --> 00:27:10.960 sins. 00:27:11.160 --> 00:27:11.839 It's still to 00:27:11.839 --> 00:27:12.899 be reconciled 00:27:12.899 --> 00:27:13.680 to God. 00:27:14.779 --> 00:27:15.759 Sometimes in 00:27:15.759 --> 00:27:16.039 the New 00:27:16.039 --> 00:27:16.500 Testament, 00:27:17.000 --> 00:27:17.319 sin is 00:27:17.319 --> 00:27:18.079 described as 00:27:18.079 --> 00:27:18.879 being like a 00:27:18.879 --> 00:27:19.859 kind of 00:27:19.859 --> 00:27:21.019 financial debt. 00:27:21.599 --> 00:27:22.339 Human beings 00:27:22.339 --> 00:27:22.920 were in debt 00:27:22.920 --> 00:27:23.579 to God. 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:24.440 We owe Him 00:27:24.440 --> 00:27:24.899 obedience. 00:27:25.420 --> 00:27:26.160 We owe Him 00:27:26.160 --> 00:27:26.879 a life of 00:27:26.879 --> 00:27:28.420 loyalty, love, 00:27:28.539 --> 00:27:28.819 worship. 00:27:28.819 --> 00:27:30.059 We owe Him 00:27:30.059 --> 00:27:30.639 the devotion 00:27:30.639 --> 00:27:31.000 of our 00:27:31.000 --> 00:27:31.359 hearts. 00:27:31.619 --> 00:27:32.119 We owe Him 00:27:32.119 --> 00:27:32.960 glory, honor, 00:27:33.059 --> 00:27:33.399 respect. 00:27:35.700 --> 00:27:36.359 But we 00:27:36.359 --> 00:27:36.759 won't pay 00:27:36.759 --> 00:27:37.099 up. 00:27:38.799 --> 00:27:39.419 Instead, we 00:27:39.419 --> 00:27:40.200 willfully ignore 00:27:40.200 --> 00:27:40.939 our Creator 00:27:40.939 --> 00:27:42.919 and serve only 00:27:42.919 --> 00:27:43.439 ourselves. 00:27:44.819 --> 00:27:45.460 And so, before 00:27:45.460 --> 00:27:46.079 God, we're all 00:27:46.079 --> 00:27:46.599 bankrupt. 00:27:47.519 --> 00:27:48.619 No matter how 00:27:48.619 --> 00:27:49.339 hard we might 00:27:49.339 --> 00:27:50.259 try, no matter 00:27:50.259 --> 00:27:51.039 the good works 00:27:51.039 --> 00:27:51.839 we might do, 00:27:52.879 --> 00:27:54.039 we simply 00:27:54.039 --> 00:27:54.859 cannot square 00:27:54.859 --> 00:27:55.539 accounts with 00:27:55.539 --> 00:27:55.919 God. 00:27:55.920 --> 00:27:57.140 God, the 00:27:57.140 --> 00:27:57.960 debt we owe 00:27:57.960 --> 00:27:58.800 is of such 00:27:58.800 --> 00:27:59.720 huge proportions, 00:27:59.880 --> 00:28:00.340 we can never 00:28:00.340 --> 00:28:00.980 pay it back. 00:28:01.720 --> 00:28:02.380 We don't have 00:28:02.380 --> 00:28:03.519 the moral and 00:28:03.519 --> 00:28:04.420 spiritual capital. 00:28:05.180 --> 00:28:05.740 We don't have 00:28:05.740 --> 00:28:06.360 the resources. 00:28:08.400 --> 00:28:09.400 We all owe 00:28:09.400 --> 00:28:10.120 God, but we 00:28:10.120 --> 00:28:10.840 will not, and 00:28:10.840 --> 00:28:11.700 we cannot pay. 00:28:12.700 --> 00:28:13.480 We owe God 00:28:13.480 --> 00:28:14.279 everything, but we 00:28:14.279 --> 00:28:14.720 can pay Him 00:28:14.720 --> 00:28:15.000 nothing. 00:28:16.640 --> 00:28:17.200 And this 00:28:17.200 --> 00:28:19.080 IOU, this 00:28:19.080 --> 00:28:20.080 record of debt, 00:28:20.140 --> 00:28:20.960 is not a 00:28:20.960 --> 00:28:21.940 trifling matter. 00:28:22.279 --> 00:28:22.759 It's serious. 00:28:22.880 --> 00:28:23.380 It's a legal 00:28:23.380 --> 00:28:23.900 demand. 00:28:23.900 --> 00:28:26.160 And that's 00:28:26.160 --> 00:28:26.640 the desperate 00:28:26.640 --> 00:28:27.380 condition in 00:28:27.380 --> 00:28:27.880 which men and 00:28:27.880 --> 00:28:28.480 women find 00:28:28.480 --> 00:28:29.220 themselves before 00:28:29.220 --> 00:28:29.700 God. 00:28:31.320 --> 00:28:32.160 But the good 00:28:32.160 --> 00:28:32.759 news is that 00:28:32.759 --> 00:28:33.420 someone else 00:28:33.420 --> 00:28:35.220 has paid. 00:28:36.480 --> 00:28:37.460 Jesus Christ 00:28:37.460 --> 00:28:39.300 has cancelled 00:28:39.300 --> 00:28:40.440 the debt. 00:28:41.700 --> 00:28:42.480 He's taken 00:28:42.480 --> 00:28:43.259 that IOU 00:28:43.259 --> 00:28:44.040 and He's set 00:28:44.040 --> 00:28:44.580 it aside, 00:28:44.720 --> 00:28:45.700 nailing it to 00:28:45.700 --> 00:28:46.300 the cross, 00:28:46.360 --> 00:28:47.140 as Paul tells 00:28:47.140 --> 00:28:48.300 us in 00:28:48.300 --> 00:28:48.940 Colossians. 00:28:51.080 --> 00:28:51.540 And at the 00:28:51.540 --> 00:28:52.360 center of the 00:28:52.360 --> 00:28:53.220 church's mission, 00:28:53.220 --> 00:28:54.640 therefore, is 00:28:54.640 --> 00:28:55.700 this message of 00:28:55.700 --> 00:28:56.120 forgiveness, 00:28:57.019 --> 00:28:57.779 message of the 00:28:57.779 --> 00:28:58.279 cross. 00:29:00.019 --> 00:29:00.880 Our message is 00:29:00.880 --> 00:29:02.600 not justice 00:29:02.600 --> 00:29:03.460 for the poor, 00:29:03.700 --> 00:29:04.259 environmental 00:29:04.259 --> 00:29:06.120 change, better 00:29:06.120 --> 00:29:06.779 morals. 00:29:07.900 --> 00:29:09.100 Our message is 00:29:09.100 --> 00:29:09.779 that forgiveness 00:29:09.779 --> 00:29:11.079 for sin and 00:29:11.079 --> 00:29:11.980 rebellion against 00:29:11.980 --> 00:29:13.279 God can only be 00:29:13.279 --> 00:29:14.160 found in the 00:29:14.160 --> 00:29:14.920 person and work 00:29:14.920 --> 00:29:15.819 of Jesus Christ, 00:29:17.100 --> 00:29:17.920 a crucified 00:29:17.920 --> 00:29:18.420 Savior. 00:29:19.220 --> 00:29:20.019 That's the 00:29:20.019 --> 00:29:20.839 message we are 00:29:20.839 --> 00:29:21.660 tasked with 00:29:21.660 --> 00:29:22.940 proclaiming and 00:29:22.940 --> 00:29:24.060 sharing with 00:29:24.060 --> 00:29:24.660 the world. 00:29:26.040 --> 00:29:26.860 And if our 00:29:26.860 --> 00:29:27.720 message does not 00:29:27.720 --> 00:29:28.500 have that at 00:29:28.500 --> 00:29:29.960 the heart, it 00:29:29.960 --> 00:29:30.580 is not the 00:29:30.580 --> 00:29:31.019 gospel. 00:29:32.259 --> 00:29:33.040 Yes, of course, 00:29:33.120 --> 00:29:34.320 the gospel is 00:29:34.320 --> 00:29:35.360 more than just 00:29:35.360 --> 00:29:35.759 forgiveness. 00:29:35.940 --> 00:29:36.600 It is that. 00:29:37.400 --> 00:29:38.360 But it is not 00:29:38.360 --> 00:29:38.840 less. 00:29:40.440 --> 00:29:41.320 And Jesus was 00:29:41.320 --> 00:29:42.700 sent to reconcile 00:29:42.700 --> 00:29:44.240 sinners to God, 00:29:44.320 --> 00:29:45.380 to bring forgiveness 00:29:45.380 --> 00:29:46.019 of sin. 00:29:46.200 --> 00:29:47.180 He was sent into 00:29:47.180 --> 00:29:48.120 the world to 00:29:48.120 --> 00:29:49.620 receive wounds, 00:29:49.900 --> 00:29:51.220 to forgive sins, 00:29:51.380 --> 00:29:52.220 to bring men 00:29:52.220 --> 00:29:52.759 and women to 00:29:52.759 --> 00:29:53.279 God. 00:29:55.360 --> 00:29:55.960 And the church 00:29:55.960 --> 00:29:56.740 is sent in the 00:29:56.740 --> 00:29:57.279 power of the 00:29:57.279 --> 00:29:58.299 Spirit to 00:29:58.299 --> 00:29:59.360 proclaim what 00:29:59.360 --> 00:30:00.320 Jesus has 00:30:00.320 --> 00:30:01.180 already done, 00:30:01.720 --> 00:30:03.860 to herald 00:30:03.860 --> 00:30:04.680 reconciliation 00:30:04.680 --> 00:30:06.820 with God and 00:30:06.820 --> 00:30:07.360 the forgiveness 00:30:07.360 --> 00:30:08.799 of sins. 00:30:09.519 --> 00:30:10.340 Because that 00:30:10.340 --> 00:30:11.460 great IOU of 00:30:11.460 --> 00:30:12.320 sin and guilt has 00:30:12.320 --> 00:30:13.759 been wiped away 00:30:13.759 --> 00:30:14.880 by the blood of 00:30:14.880 --> 00:30:15.260 Jesus. 00:30:16.400 --> 00:30:17.320 What can wash 00:30:17.320 --> 00:30:18.660 I away my 00:30:18.660 --> 00:30:19.160 sin? 00:30:19.460 --> 00:30:20.600 Nothing but the 00:30:20.600 --> 00:30:21.260 blood of Jesus. 00:30:22.640 --> 00:30:23.080 Think for a 00:30:23.080 --> 00:30:23.620 moment of all 00:30:23.620 --> 00:30:24.320 your sins, 00:30:24.800 --> 00:30:25.260 all your 00:30:25.260 --> 00:30:26.040 selfishness, 00:30:26.160 --> 00:30:26.820 egotism, 00:30:27.300 --> 00:30:27.680 anger, 00:30:27.880 --> 00:30:28.240 bitterness, 00:30:28.620 --> 00:30:28.940 envy, 00:30:29.240 --> 00:30:29.540 lust, 00:30:29.860 --> 00:30:30.260 pride, 00:30:30.560 --> 00:30:30.940 arrogance. 00:30:32.700 --> 00:30:33.200 Think of the 00:30:33.200 --> 00:30:34.120 charred sheet that 00:30:34.120 --> 00:30:35.280 stands before you, 00:30:36.060 --> 00:30:36.900 how extensive 00:30:36.900 --> 00:30:37.980 it is. 00:30:38.260 --> 00:30:38.640 You have 00:30:38.640 --> 00:30:40.040 absolutely no 00:30:40.040 --> 00:30:40.660 excuse. 00:30:42.980 --> 00:30:43.920 The good news 00:30:43.920 --> 00:30:44.800 is that Christ 00:30:44.799 --> 00:30:45.379 has come, 00:30:46.220 --> 00:30:47.139 and He's 00:30:47.139 --> 00:30:48.819 paid what 00:30:48.819 --> 00:30:49.359 we owed. 00:30:50.339 --> 00:30:51.079 He's paid 00:30:51.079 --> 00:30:51.919 with His blood, 00:30:52.559 --> 00:30:53.180 with His 00:30:53.180 --> 00:30:53.759 death, 00:30:54.279 --> 00:30:55.339 with His wounds, 00:30:55.899 --> 00:30:56.440 on a 00:30:56.440 --> 00:30:57.159 God-forsaken 00:30:57.159 --> 00:30:57.879 cross. 00:30:59.039 --> 00:30:59.980 He's come, 00:31:00.059 --> 00:31:00.740 He's taken that 00:31:00.740 --> 00:31:01.759 massive IOU, 00:31:02.079 --> 00:31:03.019 He's nailed it 00:31:03.019 --> 00:31:03.680 to the cross, 00:31:03.720 --> 00:31:04.579 and He's paid 00:31:04.579 --> 00:31:05.500 our debt in 00:31:05.500 --> 00:31:05.759 full. 00:31:07.839 --> 00:31:08.940 So let me ask 00:31:08.940 --> 00:31:09.539 you tonight, 00:31:10.440 --> 00:31:11.700 are you 00:31:11.700 --> 00:31:12.079 forgiven? 00:31:13.359 --> 00:31:14.159 Are you 00:31:14.159 --> 00:31:14.519 forgiven? 00:31:14.519 --> 00:31:14.599 forgiven? 00:31:16.279 --> 00:31:16.960 There's a 00:31:16.960 --> 00:31:17.619 tombstone in 00:31:17.619 --> 00:31:18.220 a New York 00:31:18.220 --> 00:31:18.900 graveyard, 00:31:19.400 --> 00:31:20.779 which bears 00:31:20.779 --> 00:31:22.680 just a one 00:31:22.680 --> 00:31:24.000 word inscription, 00:31:25.940 --> 00:31:26.319 forgiven. 00:31:26.940 --> 00:31:27.859 There's no name, 00:31:28.639 --> 00:31:29.660 there's no date of 00:31:29.660 --> 00:31:29.960 birth, 00:31:30.039 --> 00:31:30.680 there's no date of 00:31:30.680 --> 00:31:31.039 death, 00:31:31.099 --> 00:31:32.099 there's no other 00:31:32.099 --> 00:31:33.039 epitaph, 00:31:34.339 --> 00:31:34.700 forgiven. 00:31:35.859 --> 00:31:36.740 But there's no 00:31:36.740 --> 00:31:38.019 single comment or 00:31:38.019 --> 00:31:38.980 commentary on a 00:31:38.980 --> 00:31:40.440 human life that is 00:31:40.440 --> 00:31:41.680 of greater consequence 00:31:41.680 --> 00:31:42.720 than that. 00:31:43.720 --> 00:31:44.759 To know our sins, 00:31:44.880 --> 00:31:45.539 our debts, 00:31:45.600 --> 00:31:46.240 are forgiven, 00:31:46.840 --> 00:31:47.779 is to know the 00:31:47.779 --> 00:31:48.660 greatest blessing 00:31:48.660 --> 00:31:49.360 and freedom of 00:31:49.360 --> 00:31:49.720 all. 00:31:51.460 --> 00:31:52.620 Is that one word 00:31:52.620 --> 00:31:54.440 written over your 00:31:54.440 --> 00:31:55.340 life tonight, 00:31:55.680 --> 00:31:56.140 forgiven? 00:31:56.140 --> 00:31:56.280 forgiven. 00:31:58.400 --> 00:31:59.740 I can tell you on the 00:31:59.740 --> 00:32:00.680 authority of Jesus 00:32:00.680 --> 00:32:02.340 Christ that if you 00:32:02.340 --> 00:32:03.080 repent of your 00:32:03.080 --> 00:32:04.860 sins, if you place 00:32:04.860 --> 00:32:05.940 your faith in Jesus, 00:32:06.640 --> 00:32:08.100 He will cleanse your 00:32:08.100 --> 00:32:08.920 guilty conscience. 00:32:09.360 --> 00:32:10.259 He will give you 00:32:10.259 --> 00:32:11.240 peace with God. 00:32:11.880 --> 00:32:13.080 He will cancel the 00:32:13.080 --> 00:32:13.860 debt you owe. 00:32:14.540 --> 00:32:15.660 He will grant you 00:32:15.660 --> 00:32:17.220 freely forgiveness of 00:32:17.220 --> 00:32:17.759 your sin. 00:32:18.120 --> 00:32:19.080 He will give you 00:32:19.080 --> 00:32:20.400 eternal life. 00:32:20.400 --> 00:32:25.040 But if you turn your 00:32:25.040 --> 00:32:25.780 back on Him, 00:32:26.500 --> 00:32:27.580 if you reject Him 00:32:27.580 --> 00:32:28.480 and His gospel, 00:32:29.880 --> 00:32:30.380 then what are you 00:32:30.380 --> 00:32:31.980 going to do with 00:32:31.980 --> 00:32:32.460 your sin? 00:32:33.560 --> 00:32:34.140 Is there someone 00:32:34.140 --> 00:32:35.460 else you are going 00:32:35.460 --> 00:32:36.040 to go to? 00:32:36.519 --> 00:32:37.480 Can you point me to 00:32:37.480 --> 00:32:38.460 someone else who can 00:32:38.460 --> 00:32:39.300 give you peace with 00:32:39.300 --> 00:32:41.240 God, forgiveness of 00:32:41.240 --> 00:32:41.720 sins? 00:32:44.120 --> 00:32:45.360 And there is salvation 00:32:45.360 --> 00:32:46.340 in no one else. 00:32:47.420 --> 00:32:48.180 Acts 4, 11, 00:32:48.300 --> 00:32:49.120 for there is no other 00:32:49.120 --> 00:32:50.240 name under heaven. 00:32:50.940 --> 00:32:51.800 Given among men, 00:32:52.400 --> 00:32:53.519 by which we must be 00:32:53.519 --> 00:32:53.980 saved. 00:32:55.300 --> 00:32:56.360 Apart from Jesus 00:32:56.360 --> 00:32:57.740 Christ, we will end 00:32:57.740 --> 00:32:59.560 up carrying our own 00:32:59.560 --> 00:33:00.660 sins to the grave 00:33:00.660 --> 00:33:02.100 and to beyond. 00:33:04.380 --> 00:33:05.660 Or we may not have a 00:33:05.660 --> 00:33:07.720 sign outside the door 00:33:07.720 --> 00:33:08.660 saying, do not 00:33:08.660 --> 00:33:09.060 disturb. 00:33:10.560 --> 00:33:11.640 Sometimes we would be 00:33:11.640 --> 00:33:12.140 as well. 00:33:12.840 --> 00:33:14.019 Because sometimes those 00:33:14.019 --> 00:33:14.840 words are written all 00:33:14.840 --> 00:33:15.600 over our hearts. 00:33:16.140 --> 00:33:16.980 Don't disturb me. 00:33:17.600 --> 00:33:18.820 Don't disturb me in my 00:33:18.820 --> 00:33:19.480 sin and guilt. 00:33:19.480 --> 00:33:20.799 Don't disturb me in my 00:33:20.799 --> 00:33:22.460 apathy and indifference. 00:33:23.120 --> 00:33:24.640 Don't disturb me in my 00:33:24.640 --> 00:33:25.339 self-pity. 00:33:25.839 --> 00:33:27.079 Don't disturb me in my 00:33:27.079 --> 00:33:27.599 despair. 00:33:27.779 --> 00:33:28.940 Leave me alone. 00:33:30.799 --> 00:33:31.620 And yet the wonder of 00:33:31.620 --> 00:33:33.720 the gospel is that God 00:33:33.720 --> 00:33:34.880 has not left us alone. 00:33:36.460 --> 00:33:37.339 Christ has come. 00:33:38.400 --> 00:33:39.319 And there is someone we 00:33:39.319 --> 00:33:40.900 can go to to have our 00:33:40.900 --> 00:33:41.599 sins forgiven. 00:33:41.900 --> 00:33:42.900 There is someone we can 00:33:42.900 --> 00:33:44.599 go to to receive peace 00:33:44.599 --> 00:33:45.099 with God. 00:33:45.640 --> 00:33:46.980 There is someone we can 00:33:46.980 --> 00:33:48.420 go to who will bring us 00:33:48.420 --> 00:33:49.420 eternal life. 00:33:50.960 --> 00:33:51.799 For in the gospel, 00:33:51.980 --> 00:33:53.860 Jesus Christ raises up 00:33:53.860 --> 00:33:55.700 those nail-pierced hands 00:33:55.700 --> 00:33:57.700 above our broken lives. 00:33:58.779 --> 00:33:59.940 And we hear His voice 00:33:59.940 --> 00:34:01.880 speak into our guilty 00:34:01.880 --> 00:34:04.220 consciences, into our 00:34:04.220 --> 00:34:05.860 sin-stained hearts. 00:34:06.299 --> 00:34:08.639 Peace be with you. 00:34:09.420 --> 00:34:10.599 And that's good news. 00:34:11.740 --> 00:34:12.800 Yes, sometimes it's hard 00:34:12.800 --> 00:34:14.940 to take in, hard to grasp. 00:34:14.940 --> 00:34:16.579 Such are our sins. 00:34:16.740 --> 00:34:18.139 It seems almost too good 00:34:18.139 --> 00:34:18.800 to be true. 00:34:19.179 --> 00:34:21.380 Surely, God cannot love me, 00:34:21.519 --> 00:34:22.940 can't forgive me, can't be 00:34:22.940 --> 00:34:24.220 favorable to me. 00:34:25.720 --> 00:34:27.139 But the gospel of the risen 00:34:27.139 --> 00:34:28.720 Christ tells us that He can, 00:34:28.860 --> 00:34:30.240 that He is, that it is true. 00:34:30.599 --> 00:34:32.159 Our sins may be many, His 00:34:32.159 --> 00:34:33.220 mercy is more. 00:34:34.400 --> 00:34:35.240 And so, whatever your 00:34:35.240 --> 00:34:36.659 circumstances this evening, 00:34:36.940 --> 00:34:38.119 whatever it is you're going 00:34:38.119 --> 00:34:38.880 through, whatever your 00:34:38.880 --> 00:34:41.179 struggles, look to Jesus 00:34:41.179 --> 00:34:41.700 Christ. 00:34:42.139 --> 00:34:42.980 Look to the cross. 00:34:42.980 --> 00:34:44.840 Look to His wounds that 00:34:44.840 --> 00:34:46.980 bring healing and life. 00:34:48.260 --> 00:34:50.079 Come see the cross where 00:34:50.079 --> 00:34:52.420 love and mercy meet as the 00:34:52.420 --> 00:34:53.740 Son of God is stricken. 00:34:54.059 --> 00:34:56.579 Then see His foes lie crushed 00:34:56.579 --> 00:34:58.820 beneath His feet, for the 00:34:58.820 --> 00:35:00.260 conqueror has risen. 00:35:02.320 --> 00:35:04.260 Friends, this passage is not 00:35:04.260 --> 00:35:05.039 ancient history. 00:35:06.079 --> 00:35:07.440 It's the charter of the church 00:35:07.440 --> 00:35:08.800 in every age and generation. 00:35:08.800 --> 00:35:11.420 The same Jesus who came to 00:35:11.420 --> 00:35:13.200 that frightened band of 00:35:13.200 --> 00:35:15.180 disciples, huddled away behind 00:35:15.180 --> 00:35:16.039 locked doors. 00:35:17.160 --> 00:35:18.340 He comes to us tonight. 00:35:18.440 --> 00:35:19.820 He says, peace be with you. 00:35:20.340 --> 00:35:21.880 He shows us His wounds. 00:35:22.580 --> 00:35:23.760 He commissions us. 00:35:23.860 --> 00:35:25.240 As the Father has sent me, 00:35:25.440 --> 00:35:26.400 I'm sending you. 00:35:27.140 --> 00:35:28.880 He empowers us by His Spirit, 00:35:29.080 --> 00:35:32.900 and He entrusts to us the message 00:35:32.900 --> 00:35:34.720 our world so desperately needs 00:35:34.719 --> 00:35:37.779 to hear Christ's glorious, 00:35:38.599 --> 00:35:41.559 life-giving, victorious message 00:35:41.559 --> 00:35:44.859 of peace and forgiveness. 00:35:46.439 --> 00:35:47.619 Let's pray together. 00:35:47.619 --> 00:35:54.079 Lord, by Your grace and mercy, 00:35:55.739 --> 00:35:57.079 grant us Your peace. 00:35:59.480 --> 00:36:02.159 Grant us the help and encouragement 00:36:02.159 --> 00:36:04.139 and presence of Your Holy Spirit. 00:36:05.739 --> 00:36:08.619 Grant us to know for ourselves 00:36:08.619 --> 00:36:10.199 the forgiveness of sins 00:36:10.199 --> 00:36:12.699 and to share that message 00:36:12.699 --> 00:36:15.039 with our broken world. 00:36:15.039 --> 00:36:17.300 In Jesus' name we pray. 00:36:17.800 --> 00:36:18.159 Amen.