WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:16.000 So we're going to read from Luke chapter 12 from verse 35. 00:00:16.140 --> 00:00:17.879 Luke chapter 12 verse 35. 00:00:18.019 --> 00:00:21.980 It's page 1045 in the Church Bible. 00:00:21.980 --> 00:00:32.399 Be dressed, ready for service, and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their 00:00:32.399 --> 00:00:39.340 master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can immediately 00:00:39.340 --> 00:00:40.880 open the door for him. 00:00:41.780 --> 00:00:45.340 It'll be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. 00:00:45.340 --> 00:00:52.440 I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table, 00:00:52.720 --> 00:00:55.120 and will come and wait on them. 00:00:56.180 --> 00:01:00.800 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second 00:01:00.800 --> 00:01:03.200 or third watch of the night. 00:01:04.460 --> 00:01:10.540 But understand this, if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, 00:01:11.240 --> 00:01:14.260 he would not have let his house be broken into. 00:01:14.260 --> 00:01:23.100 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect 00:01:23.100 --> 00:01:23.380 him. 00:01:24.300 --> 00:01:30.000 Peter asked, Lord, are you telling this parable to us or to everyone? 00:01:30.780 --> 00:01:37.400 The Lord answered, who then is the faithful and wise manager whom the master puts in charge 00:01:37.400 --> 00:01:41.260 of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 00:01:41.260 --> 00:01:48.020 It'll be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 00:01:48.640 --> 00:01:52.719 I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 00:01:54.620 --> 00:02:01.960 But suppose the servant says to himself, my master is taking a long time in coming, and 00:02:01.960 --> 00:02:08.020 he then begins to beat the men servants and maid servants and to eat and drink and get drunk. 00:02:08.020 --> 00:02:14.660 Well, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him, and an hour 00:02:14.660 --> 00:02:16.200 he is not aware of. 00:02:16.580 --> 00:02:20.920 He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. 00:02:22.820 --> 00:02:29.180 That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his 00:02:29.180 --> 00:02:32.100 master wants will be beaten with many blows. 00:02:32.099 --> 00:02:39.519 But to one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. 00:02:40.240 --> 00:02:43.719 From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded. 00:02:44.280 --> 00:02:49.359 And from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. 00:02:49.360 --> 00:03:01.080 Thank you, Ralph. 00:03:01.740 --> 00:03:09.540 Well, this morning we're starting, if you look in your summer term program, a short series 00:03:09.540 --> 00:03:12.320 on four simple parables from Luke's Gospel. 00:03:12.319 --> 00:03:19.219 And all of them have a particular theme on the subject of the return of Jesus. 00:03:19.459 --> 00:03:20.819 So, Jesus coming again. 00:03:21.500 --> 00:03:25.719 So, how should that shape and change us in our lives today? 00:03:26.659 --> 00:03:31.319 And the first one that we're looking at this morning is the return of the King. 00:03:32.539 --> 00:03:38.599 So, let's ask God's help as we pray together. 00:03:38.680 --> 00:03:39.219 Let's pray. 00:03:39.219 --> 00:03:39.259 Let's pray. 00:03:42.319 --> 00:03:53.199 Father, we thank you for your word. 00:03:54.419 --> 00:03:58.500 We thank you for these parables in Luke's Gospel. 00:04:01.199 --> 00:04:09.759 Stories that Jesus told to explain to us something of his return. 00:04:09.759 --> 00:04:19.539 We pray that as we read and as we listen this morning, that these stories would shape and change us. 00:04:20.639 --> 00:04:25.379 And show us how we are to live in the light of your return. 00:04:25.379 --> 00:04:31.480 We pray, Father, that we would be filled with hope. 00:04:33.800 --> 00:04:37.759 And that our lives will be put in order. 00:04:39.639 --> 00:04:45.360 So that we are living as faithful servants waiting for you. 00:04:45.360 --> 00:04:50.460 Father, please help us, then we ask in Jesus' name. 00:04:51.340 --> 00:04:51.780 Amen. 00:04:57.780 --> 00:04:59.960 Well, I'm not going to start just yet, actually. 00:05:00.040 --> 00:05:01.460 I've got some sheets here. 00:05:01.459 --> 00:05:02.899 I've got some sheets here. 00:05:02.899 --> 00:05:03.019 Thank you. 00:05:03.019 --> 00:05:03.159 Thank you. 00:05:06.560 --> 00:05:27.219 So, you'll see in the summer term program, anyway, we'll be looking at four parables in Luke, 00:05:27.220 --> 00:05:30.640 in June and then come July and August 00:05:30.640 --> 00:05:34.820 we will have different speakers from some of our partnering churches 00:05:34.820 --> 00:05:41.200 so you can be praying for them as well as they prepare and get ready for that. 00:05:42.260 --> 00:05:45.240 Then on Wednesdays we'll be following up on our talks 00:05:45.240 --> 00:05:49.040 for the month of June so the parable we look at this morning 00:05:49.040 --> 00:05:53.980 we'll be looking at that next Wednesday evening in our home groups. 00:05:57.220 --> 00:06:11.000 Thanks very much Maria for your help there. 00:06:13.140 --> 00:06:17.180 So let's look at Luke chapter 12, 35 to 48. 00:06:17.460 --> 00:06:20.180 The first heading we have there is what time, any time? 00:06:20.980 --> 00:06:24.360 Well whenever my parents had to go out for an evening 00:06:24.360 --> 00:06:26.480 or if they were going away for a few days 00:06:26.480 --> 00:06:28.900 my only question was this 00:06:28.900 --> 00:06:32.840 what time will you be back? 00:06:33.780 --> 00:06:36.560 Because as a teenager I quickly learned the benefits 00:06:36.560 --> 00:06:40.319 of knowing the exact time the parents would get home 00:06:40.319 --> 00:06:41.259 it's valuable information. 00:06:42.939 --> 00:06:45.240 But my parents were also quick learners 00:06:45.240 --> 00:06:48.259 they soon learned that the best answer 00:06:48.259 --> 00:06:50.840 to give their scheming teenage son was this 00:06:50.840 --> 00:06:53.700 expect us any time. 00:06:53.699 --> 00:06:57.039 In other words you know we will be back 00:06:57.039 --> 00:07:00.579 so make sure when we do get back 00:07:00.579 --> 00:07:04.240 the house is in order. 00:07:05.620 --> 00:07:09.199 In a sense that's exactly what Jesus is saying to us here 00:07:09.199 --> 00:07:10.819 in verse 40. 00:07:11.740 --> 00:07:13.399 Look at verse 40 with me. 00:07:13.579 --> 00:07:16.939 You also must be ready 00:07:16.939 --> 00:07:20.800 because the son of man, that's Jesus 00:07:20.800 --> 00:07:23.339 will come at an hour 00:07:23.339 --> 00:07:26.399 when you do not expect him. 00:07:27.939 --> 00:07:30.360 The promise of Jesus' return 00:07:30.360 --> 00:07:32.519 is not to try and catch us out 00:07:32.519 --> 00:07:36.079 but to make sure we are ready. 00:07:37.079 --> 00:07:40.240 It's a gracious advance notice 00:07:40.240 --> 00:07:43.000 for us to get things in order. 00:07:43.000 --> 00:07:46.220 He is saying to us 00:07:46.220 --> 00:07:48.480 you know I will return 00:07:48.480 --> 00:07:52.519 so make sure when I do return 00:07:52.519 --> 00:07:54.740 you are ready. 00:07:56.439 --> 00:07:58.699 Look how Jesus describes 00:07:58.699 --> 00:08:00.199 his return 00:08:00.199 --> 00:08:03.759 in verse 40 again. 00:08:03.879 --> 00:08:05.000 Let's read verse 40. 00:08:05.120 --> 00:08:06.160 You must be ready 00:08:06.160 --> 00:08:08.079 because the son of man 00:08:08.079 --> 00:08:09.519 will come. 00:08:09.519 --> 00:08:11.319 The son of man 00:08:11.319 --> 00:08:12.159 is a title. 00:08:13.359 --> 00:08:15.219 It was Jesus' favourite way 00:08:15.219 --> 00:08:16.859 of referring to himself. 00:08:18.479 --> 00:08:19.680 And the son of man 00:08:19.680 --> 00:08:21.219 it doesn't just describe 00:08:21.219 --> 00:08:22.159 a person 00:08:22.159 --> 00:08:24.859 but it actually describes 00:08:24.859 --> 00:08:26.279 a great event 00:08:26.279 --> 00:08:28.620 that is going to take place 00:08:28.620 --> 00:08:30.819 which the son of man 00:08:30.819 --> 00:08:32.519 is at the very centre of. 00:08:33.299 --> 00:08:34.759 So to get a bit of background 00:08:34.759 --> 00:08:36.179 to this we need to go back 00:08:36.179 --> 00:08:37.799 to Daniel chapter 7 00:08:37.799 --> 00:08:40.359 verse 13 and 14. 00:08:40.559 --> 00:08:41.739 So keep your finger in Luke 00:08:41.739 --> 00:08:43.219 and have a flick back 00:08:43.219 --> 00:08:44.959 to Daniel chapter 7 00:08:44.959 --> 00:08:47.579 verse 13 and 14. 00:08:51.099 --> 00:08:53.219 The song that we didn't know earlier 00:08:53.219 --> 00:08:55.079 is actually based on these verses 00:08:55.079 --> 00:08:56.439 that's why we sang it. 00:08:57.439 --> 00:08:59.139 So Daniel chapter 7 00:08:59.139 --> 00:09:00.539 verse 13 and 14. 00:09:00.719 --> 00:09:01.979 Here Daniel has a vision 00:09:01.980 --> 00:09:04.340 of what will take place 00:09:04.340 --> 00:09:05.680 at the very end 00:09:05.680 --> 00:09:07.279 and the person 00:09:07.279 --> 00:09:08.200 at the very centre 00:09:08.200 --> 00:09:08.860 of that vision 00:09:08.860 --> 00:09:11.200 is the son of man 00:09:11.200 --> 00:09:12.060 and it tells us 00:09:12.060 --> 00:09:13.080 what it will be like. 00:09:14.039 --> 00:09:15.500 So Daniel chapter 7 00:09:15.500 --> 00:09:16.240 verse 13. 00:09:16.700 --> 00:09:17.120 He says, 00:09:17.200 --> 00:09:18.159 In my vision at night 00:09:18.159 --> 00:09:18.840 I looked 00:09:18.840 --> 00:09:20.039 and there before me 00:09:20.039 --> 00:09:21.019 was one like 00:09:21.019 --> 00:09:22.879 a son of man 00:09:22.879 --> 00:09:25.500 coming with the clouds 00:09:25.500 --> 00:09:26.399 of heaven. 00:09:27.759 --> 00:09:28.800 He approached 00:09:28.800 --> 00:09:30.080 the ancient of days 00:09:30.080 --> 00:09:30.920 that is God 00:09:30.919 --> 00:09:31.639 and was led 00:09:31.639 --> 00:09:33.500 into his presence. 00:09:34.000 --> 00:09:34.779 He was given 00:09:34.779 --> 00:09:35.919 authority, 00:09:36.839 --> 00:09:37.259 glory 00:09:37.259 --> 00:09:39.139 and sovereign power. 00:09:39.899 --> 00:09:40.819 All peoples, 00:09:41.199 --> 00:09:41.639 nations 00:09:41.639 --> 00:09:42.759 and men and women 00:09:42.759 --> 00:09:43.799 of every language 00:09:43.799 --> 00:09:44.659 worshipped him. 00:09:45.099 --> 00:09:46.000 His dominion 00:09:46.000 --> 00:09:47.919 is an everlasting dominion 00:09:47.919 --> 00:09:49.799 that will not pass away 00:09:49.799 --> 00:09:51.219 and his kingdom 00:09:51.219 --> 00:09:53.099 is one that will 00:09:53.099 --> 00:09:53.740 never 00:09:53.740 --> 00:09:55.480 be destroyed. 00:09:56.819 --> 00:09:57.839 You see in those 00:09:57.839 --> 00:09:58.439 few verses 00:09:58.440 --> 00:09:59.680 it describes 00:09:59.680 --> 00:10:00.920 the coming 00:10:00.920 --> 00:10:02.020 of God's king 00:10:02.020 --> 00:10:04.140 with absolute power 00:10:04.140 --> 00:10:05.700 and supreme authority. 00:10:06.320 --> 00:10:07.160 So back in Luke 00:10:07.160 --> 00:10:08.240 when Jesus says 00:10:08.240 --> 00:10:09.560 I am the son of man 00:10:09.560 --> 00:10:10.780 Jesus is saying 00:10:10.780 --> 00:10:11.900 I am 00:10:11.900 --> 00:10:13.080 that king. 00:10:14.080 --> 00:10:15.280 I will return 00:10:15.280 --> 00:10:17.860 and when I return 00:10:17.860 --> 00:10:20.200 I will restore order, 00:10:20.660 --> 00:10:21.760 establish peace 00:10:21.760 --> 00:10:22.960 and execute 00:10:22.960 --> 00:10:23.440 justice. 00:10:23.440 --> 00:10:24.040 justice. 00:10:24.980 --> 00:10:25.920 I am this 00:10:25.920 --> 00:10:27.000 glorious king 00:10:27.000 --> 00:10:28.260 who is to come. 00:10:29.520 --> 00:10:30.560 I'm sure we've been 00:10:30.560 --> 00:10:31.060 all aware 00:10:31.060 --> 00:10:32.200 of the investigations 00:10:32.200 --> 00:10:33.800 into FIFA 00:10:33.800 --> 00:10:34.720 over these last 00:10:34.720 --> 00:10:35.480 couple of weeks. 00:10:36.180 --> 00:10:37.160 No one it seems 00:10:37.160 --> 00:10:38.040 is off limits. 00:10:38.720 --> 00:10:39.500 All the facts 00:10:39.500 --> 00:10:40.600 are being made known. 00:10:40.980 --> 00:10:41.980 Every bribe, 00:10:42.320 --> 00:10:43.640 every corrupt payment 00:10:43.640 --> 00:10:44.940 is being exposed. 00:10:46.180 --> 00:10:47.800 Well when the son of man 00:10:47.800 --> 00:10:49.500 comes in all his glory 00:10:49.500 --> 00:10:50.660 no one 00:10:50.660 --> 00:10:51.400 and nothing 00:10:51.400 --> 00:10:52.560 will be off limits. 00:10:52.559 --> 00:10:54.399 He will expose 00:10:54.399 --> 00:10:55.479 every wrong. 00:10:56.399 --> 00:10:57.219 He will correct 00:10:57.219 --> 00:10:58.519 every injustice 00:10:58.519 --> 00:11:00.779 and he will establish 00:11:00.779 --> 00:11:02.879 his eternal kingdom. 00:11:04.419 --> 00:11:05.659 Now Jesus is saying 00:11:05.659 --> 00:11:06.839 we must be ready 00:11:06.839 --> 00:11:08.079 for the return 00:11:08.079 --> 00:11:09.459 of the king 00:11:09.459 --> 00:11:11.779 because when this king 00:11:11.779 --> 00:11:12.419 comes 00:11:12.419 --> 00:11:13.679 it will come 00:11:13.679 --> 00:11:15.079 as a surprise. 00:11:16.579 --> 00:11:17.559 Look how Jesus 00:11:17.559 --> 00:11:18.439 describes it 00:11:18.439 --> 00:11:19.500 in verse 35 00:11:19.500 --> 00:11:21.559 of Luke 12. 00:11:22.559 --> 00:11:24.899 he says it will be 00:11:24.899 --> 00:11:25.479 a surprise. 00:11:25.479 --> 00:11:26.679 He says be dressed 00:11:26.679 --> 00:11:28.479 ready for service. 00:11:29.679 --> 00:11:30.559 Keep your lamps 00:11:30.559 --> 00:11:31.339 burning. 00:11:32.419 --> 00:11:33.279 Like men 00:11:33.279 --> 00:11:34.079 waiting for their 00:11:34.079 --> 00:11:35.500 master to return 00:11:35.500 --> 00:11:36.639 from a wedding banquet 00:11:36.639 --> 00:11:38.219 so that when he 00:11:38.219 --> 00:11:39.359 comes and knocks 00:11:39.359 --> 00:11:41.679 they can immediately 00:11:41.679 --> 00:11:42.699 open the door 00:11:42.699 --> 00:11:43.359 for him. 00:11:45.199 --> 00:11:46.279 Jesus can come 00:11:46.279 --> 00:11:48.059 at any time. 00:11:48.059 --> 00:11:50.559 like the master 00:11:50.559 --> 00:11:51.559 who went to the wedding 00:11:51.559 --> 00:11:52.899 he could return 00:11:52.899 --> 00:11:54.459 surprisingly early 00:11:54.459 --> 00:11:57.119 or he could return 00:11:57.119 --> 00:11:58.679 surprisingly late. 00:11:59.679 --> 00:12:00.759 We might not know 00:12:00.759 --> 00:12:01.239 when 00:12:01.239 --> 00:12:03.419 would it be 00:12:03.419 --> 00:12:03.939 tomorrow 00:12:03.939 --> 00:12:05.459 next week 00:12:05.459 --> 00:12:06.799 will it be 00:12:06.799 --> 00:12:07.799 in five years 00:12:07.799 --> 00:12:09.939 we do not know 00:12:09.939 --> 00:12:10.359 when 00:12:10.359 --> 00:12:12.799 but we do know 00:12:12.799 --> 00:12:14.299 he will. 00:12:14.299 --> 00:12:16.819 and the good 00:12:16.819 --> 00:12:17.479 news is 00:12:17.479 --> 00:12:18.279 if we are 00:12:18.279 --> 00:12:18.899 ready for 00:12:18.899 --> 00:12:19.559 the king's 00:12:19.559 --> 00:12:20.099 return 00:12:20.099 --> 00:12:21.759 there is a 00:12:21.759 --> 00:12:22.759 wonderful banquet 00:12:22.759 --> 00:12:24.339 that awaits us 00:12:24.339 --> 00:12:25.419 verse 37 00:12:25.419 --> 00:12:26.959 it will be 00:12:26.959 --> 00:12:27.659 good for 00:12:27.659 --> 00:12:28.500 those servants 00:12:28.500 --> 00:12:29.279 whose master 00:12:29.279 --> 00:12:29.859 finds them 00:12:29.859 --> 00:12:30.479 watching when 00:12:30.479 --> 00:12:31.099 he comes. 00:12:31.919 --> 00:12:32.639 I tell you 00:12:32.639 --> 00:12:33.279 the truth 00:12:33.279 --> 00:12:35.019 he will 00:12:35.019 --> 00:12:35.979 dress himself 00:12:35.979 --> 00:12:36.899 to serve 00:12:36.899 --> 00:12:38.399 and will 00:12:38.399 --> 00:12:38.879 have them 00:12:38.879 --> 00:12:39.500 recline 00:12:39.500 --> 00:12:40.299 at the table 00:12:40.299 --> 00:12:41.519 and will 00:12:41.519 --> 00:12:42.019 come 00:12:42.019 --> 00:12:42.879 and wait 00:12:42.879 --> 00:12:43.559 on them. 00:12:43.939 --> 00:12:44.639 What a wonderful 00:12:44.639 --> 00:12:45.179 picture 00:12:45.179 --> 00:12:46.319 that is. 00:12:46.779 --> 00:12:47.500 Those who are 00:12:47.500 --> 00:12:48.019 ready 00:12:48.019 --> 00:12:49.159 for the return 00:12:49.159 --> 00:12:50.259 of king 00:12:50.259 --> 00:12:50.740 Jesus 00:12:50.740 --> 00:12:52.299 will be 00:12:52.299 --> 00:12:52.740 welcomed 00:12:52.740 --> 00:12:53.519 into his 00:12:53.519 --> 00:12:54.519 eternal kingdom. 00:12:54.980 --> 00:12:55.500 They will be 00:12:55.500 --> 00:12:56.039 seated 00:12:56.039 --> 00:12:57.000 at the 00:12:57.000 --> 00:12:57.720 master's 00:12:57.720 --> 00:12:58.179 table 00:12:58.179 --> 00:12:59.439 and served 00:12:59.439 --> 00:13:00.220 by the 00:13:00.220 --> 00:13:00.720 master 00:13:00.720 --> 00:13:01.500 himself 00:13:01.500 --> 00:13:02.379 dining 00:13:02.379 --> 00:13:03.000 with the 00:13:03.000 --> 00:13:03.419 king 00:13:03.419 --> 00:13:04.240 of kings 00:13:04.240 --> 00:13:05.240 at his 00:13:05.240 --> 00:13:06.039 eternal 00:13:06.039 --> 00:13:06.939 banquet 00:13:06.939 --> 00:13:08.139 verse 38 00:13:08.139 --> 00:13:09.139 it will be 00:13:09.139 --> 00:13:09.899 good 00:13:09.899 --> 00:13:11.559 for those 00:13:11.559 --> 00:13:12.199 servants 00:13:12.199 --> 00:13:12.840 whose 00:13:12.840 --> 00:13:13.399 master 00:13:13.399 --> 00:13:14.159 finds them 00:13:14.159 --> 00:13:14.720 ready 00:13:14.720 --> 00:13:16.179 even if 00:13:16.179 --> 00:13:16.659 he comes 00:13:16.659 --> 00:13:17.019 in the 00:13:17.019 --> 00:13:17.399 second 00:13:17.399 --> 00:13:18.639 or third 00:13:18.639 --> 00:13:19.159 watch 00:13:19.159 --> 00:13:20.019 of the 00:13:20.019 --> 00:13:20.459 night. 00:13:21.519 --> 00:13:22.259 Great 00:13:22.259 --> 00:13:22.879 blessing 00:13:22.879 --> 00:13:23.439 awaits 00:13:23.439 --> 00:13:24.100 those who 00:13:24.100 --> 00:13:24.879 are ready 00:13:24.879 --> 00:13:26.439 for the 00:13:26.439 --> 00:13:27.059 return 00:13:27.059 --> 00:13:27.879 of the 00:13:27.879 --> 00:13:28.220 king. 00:13:29.699 --> 00:13:30.620 So here 00:13:30.620 --> 00:13:31.079 is the 00:13:31.079 --> 00:13:31.779 big question 00:13:31.779 --> 00:13:34.100 are we 00:13:34.100 --> 00:13:34.519 ready? 00:13:35.679 --> 00:13:36.759 Are we 00:13:36.759 --> 00:13:37.340 ready for 00:13:37.340 --> 00:13:37.980 the return? 00:13:37.980 --> 00:13:39.980 verse 39 00:13:39.980 --> 00:13:41.539 but understand 00:13:41.539 --> 00:13:42.080 this 00:13:42.080 --> 00:13:42.820 if the 00:13:42.820 --> 00:13:43.320 owner of 00:13:43.320 --> 00:13:43.800 the house 00:13:43.800 --> 00:13:44.220 had known 00:13:44.220 --> 00:13:44.620 at what 00:13:44.620 --> 00:13:45.120 hour the 00:13:45.120 --> 00:13:45.600 thief was 00:13:45.600 --> 00:13:45.980 coming 00:13:45.980 --> 00:13:46.960 he would 00:13:46.960 --> 00:13:47.440 not have 00:13:47.440 --> 00:13:47.860 let his 00:13:47.860 --> 00:13:48.420 house be 00:13:48.420 --> 00:13:49.200 broken into. 00:13:50.600 --> 00:13:51.300 When we 00:13:51.300 --> 00:13:51.740 lived in 00:13:51.740 --> 00:13:52.060 Dublin 00:13:52.060 --> 00:13:53.740 don't worry 00:13:53.740 --> 00:13:54.519 Kim I hope 00:13:54.519 --> 00:13:54.840 it doesn't 00:13:54.840 --> 00:13:55.200 happen to 00:13:55.200 --> 00:13:55.460 you 00:13:55.460 --> 00:13:56.340 when we 00:13:56.340 --> 00:13:56.740 lived in 00:13:56.740 --> 00:13:57.060 Dublin 00:13:57.060 --> 00:13:58.100 our home 00:13:58.100 --> 00:13:58.600 was broken 00:13:58.600 --> 00:13:59.720 into twice 00:13:59.720 --> 00:14:00.920 and each 00:14:00.920 --> 00:14:01.320 time it 00:14:01.320 --> 00:14:01.600 was a 00:14:01.600 --> 00:14:02.360 complete 00:14:02.360 --> 00:14:03.379 surprise. 00:14:04.100 --> 00:14:04.379 Nobody 00:14:04.379 --> 00:14:05.379 told us 00:14:05.379 --> 00:14:06.019 when the 00:14:06.019 --> 00:14:06.460 thieves were 00:14:06.460 --> 00:14:06.920 going to 00:14:06.920 --> 00:14:07.180 come. 00:14:07.179 --> 00:14:07.759 We didn't 00:14:07.759 --> 00:14:08.099 get a 00:14:08.099 --> 00:14:08.559 letter in 00:14:08.559 --> 00:14:08.919 the door 00:14:08.919 --> 00:14:09.439 saying we're 00:14:09.439 --> 00:14:09.739 going to 00:14:09.739 --> 00:14:10.120 be around 00:14:10.120 --> 00:14:10.519 Sunday 00:14:10.519 --> 00:14:10.879 night 00:14:10.879 --> 00:14:12.019 7 o'clock. 00:14:13.500 --> 00:14:14.259 But that's 00:14:14.259 --> 00:14:14.679 the point 00:14:14.679 --> 00:14:15.279 isn't it? 00:14:15.899 --> 00:14:16.319 Thieves 00:14:16.319 --> 00:14:17.019 don't have a 00:14:17.019 --> 00:14:17.459 habit of 00:14:17.459 --> 00:14:17.919 telling you 00:14:17.919 --> 00:14:18.299 when they 00:14:18.299 --> 00:14:18.639 are going 00:14:18.639 --> 00:14:19.120 to come. 00:14:19.899 --> 00:14:20.459 You just 00:14:20.459 --> 00:14:20.979 have to be 00:14:20.979 --> 00:14:21.479 ready and 00:14:21.479 --> 00:14:21.879 make sure 00:14:21.879 --> 00:14:22.439 your house 00:14:22.439 --> 00:14:23.439 is secure. 00:14:24.479 --> 00:14:25.039 In the 00:14:25.039 --> 00:14:25.519 same way 00:14:25.519 --> 00:14:26.139 Jesus has 00:14:26.139 --> 00:14:26.959 not told us 00:14:26.959 --> 00:14:28.079 when he 00:14:28.079 --> 00:14:28.859 will return 00:14:28.859 --> 00:14:30.559 but that 00:14:30.559 --> 00:14:31.299 he will 00:14:31.299 --> 00:14:31.859 return. 00:14:32.859 --> 00:14:33.379 And the 00:14:33.379 --> 00:14:34.000 promise of 00:14:34.000 --> 00:14:34.599 his return 00:14:34.599 --> 00:14:35.399 is not to 00:14:35.399 --> 00:14:35.959 try and 00:14:35.959 --> 00:14:36.519 catch us 00:14:36.519 --> 00:14:39.179 out but 00:14:39.179 --> 00:14:39.659 to make 00:14:39.659 --> 00:14:40.199 sure we 00:14:40.199 --> 00:14:40.860 are ready. 00:14:41.740 --> 00:14:42.360 It is a 00:14:42.360 --> 00:14:42.879 gracious 00:14:42.879 --> 00:14:43.799 advance 00:14:43.799 --> 00:14:45.399 notice for 00:14:45.399 --> 00:14:45.919 us to 00:14:45.919 --> 00:14:46.819 get things 00:14:46.819 --> 00:14:47.759 in order 00:14:47.759 --> 00:14:49.639 before it 00:14:49.639 --> 00:14:50.039 is too 00:14:50.039 --> 00:14:50.480 late. 00:14:53.100 --> 00:14:54.059 So the 00:14:54.059 --> 00:14:54.659 return of 00:14:54.659 --> 00:14:56.840 Jesus is 00:14:56.840 --> 00:14:57.319 going to 00:14:57.319 --> 00:14:57.620 come. 00:14:59.199 --> 00:15:00.079 Now to 00:15:00.079 --> 00:15:00.519 help us 00:15:00.519 --> 00:15:01.319 think through 00:15:01.320 --> 00:15:02.460 what it 00:15:02.460 --> 00:15:02.920 means to 00:15:02.920 --> 00:15:03.540 be ready 00:15:03.540 --> 00:15:04.300 for Jesus 00:15:04.300 --> 00:15:06.480 he introduces 00:15:06.480 --> 00:15:07.080 us to 00:15:07.080 --> 00:15:07.860 two people. 00:15:09.180 --> 00:15:09.920 In the 00:15:09.920 --> 00:15:10.660 second part 00:15:10.660 --> 00:15:11.200 of this 00:15:11.200 --> 00:15:12.460 parable we 00:15:12.460 --> 00:15:13.060 have the 00:15:13.060 --> 00:15:14.320 faithful servant 00:15:14.320 --> 00:15:15.860 and an 00:15:15.860 --> 00:15:16.740 unfaithful 00:15:16.740 --> 00:15:17.200 servant. 00:15:18.200 --> 00:15:19.080 So look at 00:15:19.080 --> 00:15:19.820 verse 41. 00:15:21.060 --> 00:15:22.080 Peter asked 00:15:22.080 --> 00:15:24.600 Lord are you 00:15:24.600 --> 00:15:25.160 telling this 00:15:25.160 --> 00:15:25.840 parable to 00:15:25.840 --> 00:15:28.160 us or to 00:15:28.159 --> 00:15:28.839 everyone? 00:15:29.659 --> 00:15:30.579 Who is it 00:15:30.579 --> 00:15:31.259 that needs 00:15:31.259 --> 00:15:31.639 to be 00:15:31.639 --> 00:15:32.039 ready? 00:15:32.559 --> 00:15:33.039 Who is 00:15:33.039 --> 00:15:33.779 this message 00:15:33.779 --> 00:15:34.219 for? 00:15:36.100 --> 00:15:37.059 Well while 00:15:37.059 --> 00:15:37.799 it may apply 00:15:37.799 --> 00:15:38.759 to everyone 00:15:38.759 --> 00:15:39.360 and I think 00:15:39.360 --> 00:15:39.839 there is an 00:15:39.839 --> 00:15:40.839 application to 00:15:40.839 --> 00:15:41.500 everyone, 00:15:42.299 --> 00:15:43.039 it is 00:15:43.039 --> 00:15:43.819 especially 00:15:43.819 --> 00:15:44.839 directed at 00:15:44.839 --> 00:15:45.360 those who 00:15:45.360 --> 00:15:46.879 claim to 00:15:46.879 --> 00:15:47.779 be disciples 00:15:47.779 --> 00:15:48.939 of the 00:15:48.939 --> 00:15:49.539 Lord Jesus. 00:15:51.120 --> 00:15:52.000 So let's 00:15:52.000 --> 00:15:52.459 look at these 00:15:52.459 --> 00:15:53.199 two characters 00:15:53.199 --> 00:15:54.360 in turn. 00:15:55.299 --> 00:15:56.039 First we 00:15:56.039 --> 00:15:56.519 have the 00:15:56.519 --> 00:15:57.500 faithful servant 00:15:57.500 --> 00:15:59.460 and the 00:15:59.460 --> 00:15:59.960 question we 00:15:59.960 --> 00:16:00.379 need to be 00:16:00.379 --> 00:16:01.120 asking ourselves 00:16:01.120 --> 00:16:02.899 is am I 00:16:02.899 --> 00:16:04.360 like this 00:16:04.360 --> 00:16:05.439 faithful servant? 00:16:06.519 --> 00:16:07.579 Verse 42. 00:16:08.879 --> 00:16:09.419 The Lord 00:16:09.419 --> 00:16:11.740 answered who 00:16:11.740 --> 00:16:12.740 then is the 00:16:12.740 --> 00:16:14.059 faithful and 00:16:14.059 --> 00:16:14.919 wise manager 00:16:14.919 --> 00:16:15.460 whom the 00:16:15.460 --> 00:16:16.139 master puts 00:16:16.139 --> 00:16:16.860 in charge of 00:16:16.860 --> 00:16:17.600 his servants 00:16:17.600 --> 00:16:18.679 to give them 00:16:18.679 --> 00:16:19.240 their food 00:16:19.240 --> 00:16:19.939 allowance at 00:16:19.939 --> 00:16:20.319 the proper 00:16:20.319 --> 00:16:20.779 time? 00:16:22.199 --> 00:16:22.480 Now the 00:16:22.480 --> 00:16:23.220 question is 00:16:23.220 --> 00:16:24.279 quite simple. 00:16:24.279 --> 00:16:26.179 when the 00:16:26.179 --> 00:16:27.399 master returns 00:16:27.399 --> 00:16:29.220 will he 00:16:29.220 --> 00:16:29.879 find the 00:16:29.879 --> 00:16:30.360 servant 00:16:30.360 --> 00:16:31.079 manager 00:16:31.079 --> 00:16:32.759 behaving in 00:16:32.759 --> 00:16:33.360 a way that 00:16:33.360 --> 00:16:33.980 is fitting 00:16:33.980 --> 00:16:35.220 to his 00:16:35.220 --> 00:16:35.720 position? 00:16:37.159 --> 00:16:37.679 You see 00:16:37.679 --> 00:16:38.199 the head 00:16:38.199 --> 00:16:38.740 servant 00:16:38.740 --> 00:16:40.419 has the 00:16:40.419 --> 00:16:41.240 special task 00:16:41.240 --> 00:16:41.699 of making 00:16:41.699 --> 00:16:42.779 sure that 00:16:42.779 --> 00:16:43.500 all the rest 00:16:43.500 --> 00:16:43.799 of the 00:16:43.799 --> 00:16:44.559 servants are 00:16:44.559 --> 00:16:45.179 ready for 00:16:45.179 --> 00:16:45.759 the return 00:16:45.759 --> 00:16:46.299 of the 00:16:46.299 --> 00:16:46.679 master. 00:16:48.059 --> 00:16:48.879 The servant 00:16:48.879 --> 00:16:49.720 manager is 00:16:49.720 --> 00:16:51.100 responsible for 00:16:51.100 --> 00:16:51.539 the other 00:16:51.539 --> 00:16:52.139 servants. 00:16:52.139 --> 00:16:53.039 it's his 00:16:53.039 --> 00:16:53.580 job to 00:16:53.580 --> 00:16:54.019 keep them 00:16:54.019 --> 00:16:54.519 awake at 00:16:54.519 --> 00:16:55.000 the various 00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:55.720 watches of 00:16:55.720 --> 00:16:56.139 the night. 00:16:56.539 --> 00:16:56.860 It's his 00:16:56.860 --> 00:16:57.379 job to 00:16:57.379 --> 00:16:58.059 make sure 00:16:58.059 --> 00:16:58.559 they're well 00:16:58.559 --> 00:16:59.080 fed and 00:16:59.080 --> 00:16:59.419 that they're 00:16:59.419 --> 00:17:00.439 strong and 00:17:00.439 --> 00:17:01.240 they're keeping 00:17:01.240 --> 00:17:02.039 an eye out. 00:17:03.419 --> 00:17:04.019 If the 00:17:04.019 --> 00:17:04.359 servant 00:17:04.359 --> 00:17:05.119 manager is 00:17:05.119 --> 00:17:05.759 not ready 00:17:05.759 --> 00:17:07.660 then how 00:17:07.660 --> 00:17:08.700 are the 00:17:08.700 --> 00:17:09.799 others going 00:17:09.799 --> 00:17:10.139 to be 00:17:10.139 --> 00:17:10.460 ready? 00:17:12.579 --> 00:17:13.339 So the 00:17:13.339 --> 00:17:14.240 application is 00:17:14.240 --> 00:17:14.639 this. 00:17:15.740 --> 00:17:16.599 The faithful 00:17:16.599 --> 00:17:17.400 servant that 00:17:17.400 --> 00:17:17.960 we have in 00:17:17.960 --> 00:17:18.740 verse 42 00:17:18.740 --> 00:17:20.539 is the 00:17:20.539 --> 00:17:21.299 person who 00:17:21.299 --> 00:17:21.839 is taking 00:17:21.839 --> 00:17:22.980 discipleship 00:17:22.980 --> 00:17:24.579 seriously. 00:17:25.720 --> 00:17:26.319 They 00:17:26.319 --> 00:17:27.740 understand what 00:17:27.740 --> 00:17:27.980 their 00:17:27.980 --> 00:17:29.380 responsibility is 00:17:29.380 --> 00:17:30.160 as a 00:17:30.160 --> 00:17:30.700 disciple, 00:17:31.220 --> 00:17:32.220 in particular 00:17:32.220 --> 00:17:33.759 to other 00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:34.420 disciples, 00:17:35.220 --> 00:17:35.700 to the 00:17:35.700 --> 00:17:36.180 rest of 00:17:36.180 --> 00:17:36.640 the church 00:17:36.640 --> 00:17:37.079 family. 00:17:38.579 --> 00:17:39.420 They know 00:17:39.420 --> 00:17:40.240 their position 00:17:40.240 --> 00:17:40.859 and their 00:17:40.859 --> 00:17:42.240 calling is 00:17:42.240 --> 00:17:42.700 to take 00:17:42.700 --> 00:17:43.720 care of 00:17:43.720 --> 00:17:44.079 other 00:17:44.079 --> 00:17:44.599 believers. 00:17:44.599 --> 00:17:44.839 elders. 00:17:45.839 --> 00:17:46.959 They know 00:17:46.959 --> 00:17:47.399 that they 00:17:47.399 --> 00:17:47.719 have a 00:17:47.719 --> 00:17:48.559 responsibility 00:17:48.559 --> 00:17:50.219 to fellow 00:17:50.219 --> 00:17:51.240 disciples to 00:17:51.240 --> 00:17:52.000 make sure 00:17:52.000 --> 00:17:52.819 that they 00:17:52.819 --> 00:17:53.559 are built 00:17:53.559 --> 00:17:54.359 up and 00:17:54.359 --> 00:17:55.259 encouraged in 00:17:55.259 --> 00:17:55.799 the faith. 00:17:57.219 --> 00:17:57.740 Now God 00:17:57.740 --> 00:17:58.039 in his 00:17:58.039 --> 00:17:58.619 goodness has 00:17:58.619 --> 00:17:59.899 provided his 00:17:59.899 --> 00:18:00.599 church with 00:18:00.599 --> 00:18:01.399 elders and 00:18:01.399 --> 00:18:02.199 teachers and 00:18:02.199 --> 00:18:03.159 leaders and 00:18:03.159 --> 00:18:03.839 God puts 00:18:03.839 --> 00:18:04.159 them in 00:18:04.159 --> 00:18:05.199 place to 00:18:05.199 --> 00:18:06.719 take care 00:18:06.719 --> 00:18:07.699 of the 00:18:07.699 --> 00:18:08.139 house. 00:18:10.339 --> 00:18:11.199 But it 00:18:11.199 --> 00:18:11.699 isn't just 00:18:11.699 --> 00:18:12.559 the responsibility 00:18:12.559 --> 00:18:13.939 of elders and 00:18:13.939 --> 00:18:14.399 leaders. 00:18:14.599 --> 00:18:16.679 it is the 00:18:16.679 --> 00:18:18.019 responsibility of 00:18:18.019 --> 00:18:18.939 everyone. 00:18:20.119 --> 00:18:20.539 As 00:18:20.539 --> 00:18:21.299 disciples, 00:18:21.799 --> 00:18:22.799 our calling 00:18:22.799 --> 00:18:23.799 is to get 00:18:23.799 --> 00:18:25.879 alongside one 00:18:25.879 --> 00:18:26.519 another and 00:18:26.519 --> 00:18:27.299 make sure that 00:18:27.299 --> 00:18:28.119 we are ready 00:18:28.119 --> 00:18:29.159 for the return 00:18:29.159 --> 00:18:29.719 of Jesus. 00:18:31.019 --> 00:18:31.740 So let's 00:18:31.740 --> 00:18:32.399 try and think 00:18:32.399 --> 00:18:33.179 that through in 00:18:33.179 --> 00:18:34.019 practice what it 00:18:34.019 --> 00:18:34.799 might look like. 00:18:35.639 --> 00:18:36.439 We just had 00:18:36.439 --> 00:18:37.119 tea and coffee 00:18:37.119 --> 00:18:37.599 together. 00:18:38.759 --> 00:18:39.679 The person that 00:18:39.679 --> 00:18:40.339 you were talking 00:18:40.339 --> 00:18:40.699 to. 00:18:42.279 --> 00:18:43.019 Do you 00:18:43.019 --> 00:18:44.480 know how 00:18:44.480 --> 00:18:45.759 they are in 00:18:45.759 --> 00:18:46.480 their relationship 00:18:46.480 --> 00:18:47.160 with God? 00:18:48.420 --> 00:18:49.019 Do you know 00:18:49.019 --> 00:18:49.400 how they're 00:18:49.400 --> 00:18:49.900 getting on in 00:18:49.900 --> 00:18:50.420 their faith? 00:18:53.039 --> 00:18:53.740 Are you 00:18:53.740 --> 00:18:54.519 aware that 00:18:54.519 --> 00:18:54.880 there are 00:18:54.880 --> 00:18:55.920 some people 00:18:55.920 --> 00:18:57.779 within the 00:18:57.779 --> 00:18:58.400 family of the 00:18:58.400 --> 00:18:58.900 church who 00:18:58.900 --> 00:19:00.079 are struggling 00:19:00.079 --> 00:19:01.880 and perhaps 00:19:01.880 --> 00:19:02.319 drifting? 00:19:02.319 --> 00:19:02.460 people? 00:19:02.460 --> 00:19:06.519 Do you 00:19:06.519 --> 00:19:07.000 see, God 00:19:07.000 --> 00:19:07.599 has placed 00:19:07.599 --> 00:19:08.279 us as 00:19:08.279 --> 00:19:10.339 people into 00:19:10.339 --> 00:19:10.980 a church 00:19:10.980 --> 00:19:12.379 family to 00:19:12.379 --> 00:19:13.119 watch out 00:19:13.119 --> 00:19:14.079 for one 00:19:14.079 --> 00:19:14.419 another. 00:19:15.119 --> 00:19:15.639 It's our 00:19:15.639 --> 00:19:16.960 responsibility to 00:19:16.960 --> 00:19:18.639 take care of 00:19:18.639 --> 00:19:19.240 the house, 00:19:19.740 --> 00:19:20.839 to keep an 00:19:20.839 --> 00:19:21.460 eye out for 00:19:21.460 --> 00:19:21.939 one another, 00:19:22.099 --> 00:19:23.039 to make sure 00:19:23.039 --> 00:19:23.579 that we're 00:19:23.579 --> 00:19:25.240 living faithfully 00:19:25.240 --> 00:19:26.679 as disciples. 00:19:26.680 --> 00:19:26.960 disciples. 00:19:28.160 --> 00:19:29.120 This is what 00:19:29.120 --> 00:19:29.580 a faithful 00:19:29.580 --> 00:19:30.299 servant is 00:19:30.299 --> 00:19:30.920 all about. 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:32.539 Verse 43, 00:19:33.660 --> 00:19:34.380 it will be 00:19:34.380 --> 00:19:35.320 good for 00:19:35.320 --> 00:19:36.220 that servant 00:19:36.220 --> 00:19:37.240 whom the 00:19:37.240 --> 00:19:38.060 master finds 00:19:38.060 --> 00:19:38.880 doing so 00:19:38.880 --> 00:19:39.860 when he 00:19:39.860 --> 00:19:40.380 returns. 00:19:41.140 --> 00:19:41.759 So when 00:19:41.759 --> 00:19:42.660 Jesus returns 00:19:42.660 --> 00:19:43.360 and he finds 00:19:43.360 --> 00:19:43.759 us as 00:19:43.759 --> 00:19:45.039 disciples taking 00:19:45.039 --> 00:19:45.840 care of each 00:19:45.840 --> 00:19:46.220 other and 00:19:46.220 --> 00:19:46.860 looking after 00:19:46.860 --> 00:19:47.440 each other, 00:19:47.960 --> 00:19:48.519 that's going 00:19:48.519 --> 00:19:49.019 to be good 00:19:49.019 --> 00:19:49.560 for us. 00:19:50.039 --> 00:19:51.080 Verse 43, 00:19:51.740 --> 00:19:52.160 or verse 00:19:52.160 --> 00:19:53.060 44, he says, 00:19:53.140 --> 00:19:53.720 I tell you the 00:19:53.720 --> 00:19:54.220 truth, he will 00:19:54.220 --> 00:19:54.740 put him in 00:19:54.740 --> 00:19:55.740 charge of all 00:19:55.740 --> 00:19:57.019 his possessions. 00:19:58.160 --> 00:19:58.980 The disciple 00:19:58.980 --> 00:19:59.680 who takes 00:19:59.680 --> 00:20:00.779 his responsibility 00:20:00.779 --> 00:20:02.160 seriously 00:20:02.160 --> 00:20:03.700 will be 00:20:03.700 --> 00:20:04.779 richly blessed 00:20:04.779 --> 00:20:06.200 when the 00:20:06.200 --> 00:20:07.059 master returns. 00:20:08.400 --> 00:20:08.839 He will 00:20:08.839 --> 00:20:09.920 enjoy life 00:20:09.920 --> 00:20:10.539 in the 00:20:10.539 --> 00:20:10.920 king's 00:20:10.920 --> 00:20:11.240 kingdom 00:20:11.240 --> 00:20:11.680 forever. 00:20:11.960 --> 00:20:12.400 He will 00:20:12.400 --> 00:20:13.059 have a 00:20:13.059 --> 00:20:13.579 seat at 00:20:13.579 --> 00:20:14.220 the table 00:20:14.220 --> 00:20:14.859 of the 00:20:14.859 --> 00:20:15.559 king's 00:20:15.559 --> 00:20:16.140 banquet 00:20:16.140 --> 00:20:18.259 and he 00:20:18.259 --> 00:20:18.720 will live 00:20:18.720 --> 00:20:19.240 forever 00:20:19.240 --> 00:20:20.920 with him. 00:20:23.000 --> 00:20:23.900 Are we 00:20:23.900 --> 00:20:25.160 faithful 00:20:25.160 --> 00:20:26.420 servants? 00:20:29.779 --> 00:20:30.480 But then 00:20:30.480 --> 00:20:30.960 there's the 00:20:30.960 --> 00:20:31.460 other one, 00:20:32.500 --> 00:20:33.620 the unfaithful 00:20:33.620 --> 00:20:34.220 servant, 00:20:34.620 --> 00:20:35.480 verse 45. 00:20:37.820 --> 00:20:38.940 But suppose 00:20:38.940 --> 00:20:39.600 the servant 00:20:39.600 --> 00:20:40.320 says to 00:20:40.320 --> 00:20:40.860 himself, 00:20:42.300 --> 00:20:42.980 oh, my 00:20:42.980 --> 00:20:43.560 master is 00:20:43.560 --> 00:20:44.019 taking a 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:44.519 long time 00:20:44.519 --> 00:20:45.019 in coming. 00:20:46.800 --> 00:20:47.480 And he 00:20:47.480 --> 00:20:48.140 then begins 00:20:48.140 --> 00:20:48.700 to beat 00:20:48.700 --> 00:20:49.240 the men 00:20:49.240 --> 00:20:49.700 servants 00:20:49.700 --> 00:20:50.440 and the 00:20:50.440 --> 00:20:50.680 maid 00:20:50.680 --> 00:20:51.240 servants 00:20:51.240 --> 00:20:52.120 and to 00:20:52.120 --> 00:20:52.560 eat and 00:20:52.560 --> 00:20:53.040 drink and 00:20:53.040 --> 00:20:53.640 get drunk. 00:20:53.640 --> 00:20:55.400 Now, the 00:20:55.400 --> 00:20:55.860 contrast 00:20:55.860 --> 00:20:56.300 couldn't be 00:20:56.300 --> 00:20:57.140 more stark, 00:20:57.259 --> 00:20:57.720 could it? 00:20:59.259 --> 00:21:00.220 We had the 00:21:00.220 --> 00:21:01.080 faithful servant 00:21:01.080 --> 00:21:01.759 who's making 00:21:01.759 --> 00:21:02.620 sure that all 00:21:02.620 --> 00:21:03.120 the servants 00:21:03.120 --> 00:21:03.560 are well 00:21:03.560 --> 00:21:04.160 looked after, 00:21:04.540 --> 00:21:05.020 that they're 00:21:05.020 --> 00:21:05.680 prepared and 00:21:05.680 --> 00:21:06.220 they're ready. 00:21:07.360 --> 00:21:08.300 The unfaithful 00:21:08.300 --> 00:21:09.040 servant is, 00:21:09.580 --> 00:21:10.380 well, he's just 00:21:10.380 --> 00:21:11.080 carrying on and 00:21:11.080 --> 00:21:11.540 doing whatever 00:21:11.540 --> 00:21:12.200 he likes. 00:21:14.100 --> 00:21:15.300 The unfaithful 00:21:15.300 --> 00:21:16.040 servant is the 00:21:16.040 --> 00:21:16.700 one who does 00:21:16.700 --> 00:21:17.360 not take 00:21:17.360 --> 00:21:18.160 discipleship 00:21:18.160 --> 00:21:18.820 seriously. 00:21:20.060 --> 00:21:20.640 They're 00:21:20.640 --> 00:21:21.500 neglecting their 00:21:21.500 --> 00:21:22.180 responsibility. 00:21:22.180 --> 00:21:22.360 responsibility. 00:21:23.360 --> 00:21:24.299 They ignore 00:21:24.299 --> 00:21:25.000 their position 00:21:25.000 --> 00:21:25.600 and calling. 00:21:26.860 --> 00:21:27.539 Rather than 00:21:27.539 --> 00:21:28.340 invest time 00:21:28.340 --> 00:21:28.720 in other 00:21:28.720 --> 00:21:29.180 people, 00:21:30.220 --> 00:21:30.759 they're actually 00:21:30.759 --> 00:21:31.680 investing time 00:21:31.680 --> 00:21:32.400 in themselves. 00:21:34.200 --> 00:21:35.340 In practice, 00:21:36.420 --> 00:21:37.539 an unfaithful 00:21:37.539 --> 00:21:38.140 servant 00:21:38.140 --> 00:21:40.320 is a 00:21:40.320 --> 00:21:41.000 consumer. 00:21:42.560 --> 00:21:43.000 In other 00:21:43.000 --> 00:21:43.360 words, they 00:21:43.360 --> 00:21:43.799 see the 00:21:43.799 --> 00:21:44.680 church community 00:21:44.680 --> 00:21:46.660 as a place 00:21:46.660 --> 00:21:47.620 where you 00:21:47.620 --> 00:21:48.759 go to 00:21:48.759 --> 00:21:49.299 get, 00:21:49.299 --> 00:21:51.539 rather than 00:21:51.539 --> 00:21:52.259 a family 00:21:52.259 --> 00:21:53.000 to join 00:21:53.000 --> 00:21:54.059 in to 00:21:54.059 --> 00:21:54.659 serve. 00:21:55.879 --> 00:21:56.359 Oh, they're 00:21:56.359 --> 00:21:57.200 very happy to 00:21:57.200 --> 00:21:58.000 come along and 00:21:58.000 --> 00:21:58.919 use the 00:21:58.919 --> 00:21:59.759 services that 00:21:59.759 --> 00:22:00.419 are provided. 00:22:02.299 --> 00:22:03.079 But the 00:22:03.079 --> 00:22:03.519 care of 00:22:03.519 --> 00:22:04.019 others and 00:22:04.019 --> 00:22:04.579 the teaching 00:22:04.579 --> 00:22:05.019 of others, 00:22:05.339 --> 00:22:05.740 well, that's 00:22:05.740 --> 00:22:06.299 not my 00:22:06.299 --> 00:22:07.039 responsibility. 00:22:08.599 --> 00:22:09.299 Well, if 00:22:09.299 --> 00:22:09.940 that's you, 00:22:10.700 --> 00:22:11.799 yes, it 00:22:11.799 --> 00:22:12.899 is your 00:22:12.899 --> 00:22:13.639 responsibility. 00:22:13.640 --> 00:22:15.840 God has 00:22:15.840 --> 00:22:16.620 placed us 00:22:16.620 --> 00:22:17.120 as a 00:22:17.120 --> 00:22:17.560 family 00:22:17.560 --> 00:22:18.380 together 00:22:18.380 --> 00:22:19.540 to build 00:22:19.540 --> 00:22:20.140 each other 00:22:20.140 --> 00:22:20.940 up, to 00:22:20.940 --> 00:22:21.920 care for 00:22:21.920 --> 00:22:22.780 one another. 00:22:24.120 --> 00:22:24.720 That was 00:22:24.720 --> 00:22:25.300 the role of 00:22:25.300 --> 00:22:25.759 the servant 00:22:25.759 --> 00:22:26.180 in the 00:22:26.180 --> 00:22:26.440 house. 00:22:26.780 --> 00:22:27.100 He was 00:22:27.100 --> 00:22:27.880 to manage 00:22:27.880 --> 00:22:28.420 the house 00:22:28.420 --> 00:22:29.040 and to 00:22:29.040 --> 00:22:29.720 look after 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:30.160 people. 00:22:32.160 --> 00:22:32.940 So how 00:22:32.940 --> 00:22:33.259 are we 00:22:33.259 --> 00:22:33.780 practically 00:22:33.780 --> 00:22:34.300 going to 00:22:34.300 --> 00:22:34.860 do that? 00:22:36.280 --> 00:22:36.900 Well, let 00:22:36.900 --> 00:22:37.240 me make 00:22:37.240 --> 00:22:38.060 two suggestions. 00:22:38.059 --> 00:22:39.779 first, let 00:22:39.779 --> 00:22:40.299 me speak 00:22:40.299 --> 00:22:40.879 here to 00:22:40.879 --> 00:22:41.779 those who 00:22:41.779 --> 00:22:42.480 are parents 00:22:42.480 --> 00:22:43.759 of younger 00:22:43.759 --> 00:22:45.460 children and 00:22:45.460 --> 00:22:46.000 even if you 00:22:46.000 --> 00:22:46.619 have older 00:22:46.619 --> 00:22:48.000 children or 00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:48.440 teens. 00:22:50.440 --> 00:22:51.319 Make it 00:22:51.319 --> 00:22:52.220 your priority 00:22:52.220 --> 00:22:54.440 to disciple 00:22:54.440 --> 00:22:55.859 your little 00:22:55.859 --> 00:22:56.379 children. 00:22:57.359 --> 00:22:57.960 God has 00:22:57.960 --> 00:22:58.440 given you 00:22:58.440 --> 00:22:59.139 the gift of 00:22:59.139 --> 00:23:00.099 children and 00:23:00.099 --> 00:23:00.799 placed them 00:23:00.799 --> 00:23:01.519 into your 00:23:01.519 --> 00:23:03.599 care so 00:23:03.599 --> 00:23:04.000 that you 00:23:04.000 --> 00:23:04.700 may manage 00:23:04.700 --> 00:23:05.559 them, so 00:23:05.559 --> 00:23:05.960 that you 00:23:05.960 --> 00:23:07.460 might get 00:23:07.460 --> 00:23:07.879 them 00:23:07.880 --> 00:23:09.800 ready for 00:23:09.800 --> 00:23:10.340 the return 00:23:10.340 --> 00:23:10.660 of the 00:23:10.660 --> 00:23:11.240 Lord Jesus. 00:23:12.640 --> 00:23:13.240 That is 00:23:13.240 --> 00:23:14.880 your primary 00:23:14.880 --> 00:23:15.960 responsibility. 00:23:17.540 --> 00:23:18.800 So parents, 00:23:19.120 --> 00:23:19.840 make it 00:23:19.840 --> 00:23:21.200 your objective 00:23:21.200 --> 00:23:24.100 to be a 00:23:24.100 --> 00:23:25.160 faithful servant 00:23:25.160 --> 00:23:27.480 and raise 00:23:27.480 --> 00:23:28.080 your children 00:23:28.080 --> 00:23:28.980 as disciples 00:23:28.980 --> 00:23:29.980 who are 00:23:29.980 --> 00:23:30.360 ready. 00:23:32.760 --> 00:23:33.320 So that's 00:23:33.320 --> 00:23:33.700 the first 00:23:33.700 --> 00:23:33.940 thing. 00:23:34.280 --> 00:23:34.820 Let me say 00:23:34.820 --> 00:23:35.940 this to us 00:23:35.940 --> 00:23:36.660 all as a 00:23:36.660 --> 00:23:37.360 church family. 00:23:37.880 --> 00:23:39.260 Let us 00:23:39.260 --> 00:23:40.260 make meeting 00:23:40.260 --> 00:23:41.120 together as 00:23:41.120 --> 00:23:41.540 a church 00:23:41.540 --> 00:23:42.900 family a 00:23:42.900 --> 00:23:43.520 priority. 00:23:44.880 --> 00:23:46.040 We say it 00:23:46.040 --> 00:23:46.640 so often 00:23:46.640 --> 00:23:47.900 and here's 00:23:47.900 --> 00:23:48.320 the reason 00:23:48.320 --> 00:23:48.760 why. 00:23:49.920 --> 00:23:50.700 Because we 00:23:50.700 --> 00:23:51.400 need one 00:23:51.400 --> 00:23:52.340 another to 00:23:52.340 --> 00:23:53.120 be responsible 00:23:53.120 --> 00:23:53.860 to each 00:23:53.860 --> 00:23:54.840 other, to 00:23:54.840 --> 00:23:55.500 build each 00:23:55.500 --> 00:23:56.140 other up. 00:23:57.320 --> 00:23:57.840 Plan your 00:23:57.840 --> 00:23:58.760 week, plan 00:23:58.760 --> 00:23:59.680 your timetable, 00:24:00.040 --> 00:24:00.660 plan your 00:24:00.660 --> 00:24:01.140 terms. 00:24:02.120 --> 00:24:02.980 We meet on a 00:24:02.980 --> 00:24:03.620 Sunday morning, 00:24:03.619 --> 00:24:04.339 we meet 00:24:04.339 --> 00:24:04.959 together on 00:24:04.959 --> 00:24:05.319 Wednesday 00:24:05.319 --> 00:24:05.839 evenings. 00:24:06.299 --> 00:24:06.759 If we 00:24:06.759 --> 00:24:07.519 don't plan 00:24:07.519 --> 00:24:08.039 for these 00:24:08.039 --> 00:24:09.059 things, then 00:24:09.059 --> 00:24:09.599 we'll be doing 00:24:09.599 --> 00:24:10.519 something else. 00:24:11.959 --> 00:24:12.879 Plan to be 00:24:12.879 --> 00:24:13.579 there, not to 00:24:13.579 --> 00:24:15.359 be seen, not 00:24:15.359 --> 00:24:16.319 to earn brownie 00:24:16.319 --> 00:24:17.379 points, not to 00:24:17.379 --> 00:24:17.979 get God's 00:24:17.979 --> 00:24:19.579 attention, but 00:24:19.579 --> 00:24:20.239 so that you 00:24:20.239 --> 00:24:21.279 can meet with 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:22.419 others and pray 00:24:22.419 --> 00:24:24.579 with them and 00:24:24.579 --> 00:24:25.419 listen to them 00:24:25.419 --> 00:24:26.479 and encourage 00:24:26.479 --> 00:24:27.000 them as we 00:24:27.000 --> 00:24:27.579 talk through 00:24:27.579 --> 00:24:28.259 God's word 00:24:28.259 --> 00:24:28.739 together. 00:24:28.740 --> 00:24:28.839 together. 00:24:31.799 --> 00:24:33.000 Take time 00:24:33.000 --> 00:24:34.500 with one 00:24:34.500 --> 00:24:35.059 another to 00:24:35.059 --> 00:24:35.819 build each 00:24:35.819 --> 00:24:36.480 other up in 00:24:36.480 --> 00:24:37.000 the faith. 00:24:38.019 --> 00:24:38.440 You don't 00:24:38.440 --> 00:24:39.059 need to be a 00:24:39.059 --> 00:24:39.940 trained teacher. 00:24:40.500 --> 00:24:40.900 You don't 00:24:40.900 --> 00:24:41.700 need permission. 00:24:42.339 --> 00:24:43.240 We just do 00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:43.620 it. 00:24:44.920 --> 00:24:45.920 If we are 00:24:45.920 --> 00:24:48.599 disciples, the 00:24:48.599 --> 00:24:49.599 people in the 00:24:49.599 --> 00:24:51.140 church family are 00:24:51.140 --> 00:24:52.660 your and my 00:24:52.660 --> 00:24:53.720 responsibility. 00:24:54.420 --> 00:24:55.339 It's not just 00:24:55.339 --> 00:24:56.000 the role of 00:24:56.000 --> 00:24:56.680 elders and 00:24:56.680 --> 00:24:56.980 leaders. 00:24:56.980 --> 00:24:57.819 It is the 00:24:57.819 --> 00:24:58.420 calling of 00:24:58.420 --> 00:24:59.480 every disciple 00:24:59.480 --> 00:25:00.259 and to 00:25:00.259 --> 00:25:01.220 ignore our 00:25:01.220 --> 00:25:02.180 responsibility 00:25:02.180 --> 00:25:04.180 is very 00:25:04.180 --> 00:25:04.960 serious. 00:25:06.279 --> 00:25:07.460 Very serious. 00:25:07.620 --> 00:25:07.880 Look at 00:25:07.880 --> 00:25:08.800 verse 46. 00:25:11.080 --> 00:25:12.300 The master 00:25:12.300 --> 00:25:12.740 of that 00:25:12.740 --> 00:25:13.600 servant, so 00:25:13.600 --> 00:25:14.120 the master 00:25:14.120 --> 00:25:14.500 of this 00:25:14.500 --> 00:25:15.320 unfaithful 00:25:15.320 --> 00:25:17.120 servant, will 00:25:17.120 --> 00:25:17.700 come on a 00:25:17.700 --> 00:25:18.279 day when he 00:25:18.279 --> 00:25:18.820 does not 00:25:18.820 --> 00:25:19.620 expect him 00:25:19.620 --> 00:25:21.560 and at an 00:25:21.560 --> 00:25:22.539 hour he 00:25:22.539 --> 00:25:22.960 is not 00:25:22.960 --> 00:25:23.640 aware of. 00:25:24.640 --> 00:25:25.120 He will 00:25:25.120 --> 00:25:26.000 cut him to 00:25:26.000 --> 00:25:27.580 pieces and 00:25:27.580 --> 00:25:28.380 assign him a 00:25:28.380 --> 00:25:30.040 place with 00:25:30.040 --> 00:25:31.140 the unbelievers. 00:25:33.280 --> 00:25:34.200 It's harsh 00:25:34.200 --> 00:25:34.960 language, isn't 00:25:34.960 --> 00:25:35.280 it? 00:25:35.940 --> 00:25:36.600 But it's 00:25:36.600 --> 00:25:37.880 intentional and 00:25:37.880 --> 00:25:38.640 it's intentional 00:25:38.640 --> 00:25:39.880 to wake us 00:25:39.880 --> 00:25:41.820 up, to 00:25:41.820 --> 00:25:42.380 show us that 00:25:42.380 --> 00:25:42.820 this is 00:25:42.820 --> 00:25:43.280 serious. 00:25:44.060 --> 00:25:45.380 To ignore our 00:25:45.380 --> 00:25:47.020 responsibility, to 00:25:47.020 --> 00:25:47.740 reject our 00:25:47.740 --> 00:25:48.740 calling as a 00:25:48.740 --> 00:25:50.040 disciple means 00:25:50.040 --> 00:25:51.840 we will be 00:25:51.840 --> 00:25:53.040 treated as 00:25:53.039 --> 00:25:54.779 an unbeliever. 00:25:54.779 --> 00:25:56.779 Instead of 00:25:56.779 --> 00:25:58.700 blessing, there 00:25:58.700 --> 00:25:59.079 will be 00:25:59.079 --> 00:25:59.519 judgment. 00:26:00.019 --> 00:26:00.920 Verse 47. 00:26:01.659 --> 00:26:02.480 That servant 00:26:02.480 --> 00:26:04.220 who knows his 00:26:04.220 --> 00:26:05.159 master's will 00:26:05.159 --> 00:26:07.019 and does not 00:26:07.019 --> 00:26:08.240 get ready or 00:26:08.240 --> 00:26:09.159 does not do 00:26:09.159 --> 00:26:09.639 what his 00:26:09.639 --> 00:26:10.599 master wants 00:26:10.599 --> 00:26:12.039 will be beaten 00:26:12.039 --> 00:26:12.779 with many 00:26:12.779 --> 00:26:13.359 blows. 00:26:14.819 --> 00:26:15.740 Rather than 00:26:15.740 --> 00:26:16.779 dining with the 00:26:16.779 --> 00:26:17.599 king in his 00:26:17.599 --> 00:26:18.619 eternal kingdom, 00:26:18.619 --> 00:26:20.219 kingdom, they 00:26:20.219 --> 00:26:21.039 will be shut 00:26:21.039 --> 00:26:22.759 out and 00:26:22.759 --> 00:26:23.899 separated from 00:26:23.899 --> 00:26:24.479 the king 00:26:24.479 --> 00:26:25.500 forever. 00:26:27.439 --> 00:26:28.279 Because a 00:26:28.279 --> 00:26:29.239 true disciple, 00:26:30.159 --> 00:26:30.879 the faithful 00:26:30.879 --> 00:26:33.299 servant, will 00:26:33.299 --> 00:26:34.179 be watching out 00:26:34.179 --> 00:26:35.719 for those who 00:26:35.719 --> 00:26:36.639 need built up 00:26:36.639 --> 00:26:37.699 in the faith. 00:26:37.700 --> 00:26:41.019 Now maybe 00:26:41.019 --> 00:26:41.740 this comes as 00:26:41.740 --> 00:26:42.319 a shock to 00:26:42.319 --> 00:26:42.539 you. 00:26:43.559 --> 00:26:44.140 That's the 00:26:44.140 --> 00:26:44.620 way in which 00:26:44.620 --> 00:26:45.700 Jesus' parables 00:26:45.700 --> 00:26:46.160 work. 00:26:46.860 --> 00:26:47.580 They come with 00:26:47.580 --> 00:26:48.180 a shock. 00:26:49.140 --> 00:26:49.700 Maybe you 00:26:49.700 --> 00:26:50.460 didn't realise 00:26:50.460 --> 00:26:51.319 how serious 00:26:51.319 --> 00:26:52.000 a disciple 00:26:52.000 --> 00:26:52.600 was. 00:26:52.980 --> 00:26:53.600 I didn't 00:26:53.600 --> 00:26:54.100 know that I 00:26:54.100 --> 00:26:54.539 had to do 00:26:54.539 --> 00:26:54.720 this. 00:26:54.799 --> 00:26:55.100 I didn't 00:26:55.100 --> 00:26:55.519 know that 00:26:55.519 --> 00:26:56.160 people within 00:26:56.160 --> 00:26:56.559 the church 00:26:56.559 --> 00:26:57.460 family was 00:26:57.460 --> 00:26:58.640 my responsibility. 00:27:00.519 --> 00:27:01.240 Well maybe 00:27:01.240 --> 00:27:01.900 that's you. 00:27:03.700 --> 00:27:04.100 And what 00:27:04.100 --> 00:27:04.500 does Jesus 00:27:04.500 --> 00:27:05.100 say to us? 00:27:05.180 --> 00:27:05.559 Well look at 00:27:05.559 --> 00:27:06.319 verse 48. 00:27:07.700 --> 00:27:08.380 But the 00:27:08.380 --> 00:27:08.900 one who 00:27:08.900 --> 00:27:09.680 does not 00:27:09.680 --> 00:27:11.680 know and 00:27:11.680 --> 00:27:12.519 does things 00:27:12.519 --> 00:27:13.160 deserving 00:27:13.160 --> 00:27:15.380 punishment will 00:27:15.380 --> 00:27:15.860 be beaten 00:27:15.860 --> 00:27:16.900 with few 00:27:16.900 --> 00:27:17.440 blows. 00:27:18.860 --> 00:27:19.380 You see 00:27:19.380 --> 00:27:20.019 for those who 00:27:20.019 --> 00:27:20.620 have not 00:27:20.620 --> 00:27:21.600 understood their 00:27:21.600 --> 00:27:22.519 responsibility, 00:27:23.759 --> 00:27:24.600 rather than 00:27:24.600 --> 00:27:25.559 being judged, 00:27:26.340 --> 00:27:26.940 they will be 00:27:26.940 --> 00:27:27.580 disciplined. 00:27:29.160 --> 00:27:29.740 And Jesus 00:27:29.740 --> 00:27:30.620 is using this 00:27:30.620 --> 00:27:31.180 parable and 00:27:31.180 --> 00:27:31.819 he's teaching 00:27:31.819 --> 00:27:32.380 us through it. 00:27:32.460 --> 00:27:32.700 He's saying, 00:27:33.220 --> 00:27:33.920 will you wake 00:27:33.920 --> 00:27:35.580 up to your 00:27:35.580 --> 00:27:36.480 responsibility? 00:27:37.700 --> 00:27:39.180 I can 00:27:39.180 --> 00:27:40.220 discipline you 00:27:40.220 --> 00:27:42.259 now or you 00:27:42.259 --> 00:27:42.880 can ignore 00:27:42.880 --> 00:27:44.240 that and 00:27:44.240 --> 00:27:45.100 face judgment 00:27:45.100 --> 00:27:45.680 later. 00:27:47.200 --> 00:27:48.140 God in 00:27:48.140 --> 00:27:48.900 his grace 00:27:48.900 --> 00:27:50.100 warns us 00:27:50.100 --> 00:27:50.759 of the 00:27:50.759 --> 00:27:51.680 return of 00:27:51.680 --> 00:27:53.140 Jesus so 00:27:53.140 --> 00:27:53.720 that we can 00:27:53.720 --> 00:27:54.440 put things 00:27:54.440 --> 00:27:55.319 in order 00:27:55.319 --> 00:27:56.220 today. 00:27:57.340 --> 00:27:58.360 The promise 00:27:58.360 --> 00:27:58.759 of his 00:27:58.759 --> 00:27:59.380 return is 00:27:59.380 --> 00:28:00.039 not to try 00:28:00.039 --> 00:28:00.480 and catch 00:28:00.480 --> 00:28:01.000 us out, 00:28:01.819 --> 00:28:02.819 but to make 00:28:02.819 --> 00:28:03.480 sure we are 00:28:03.480 --> 00:28:03.880 ready. 00:28:03.880 --> 00:28:07.380 So what 00:28:07.380 --> 00:28:07.760 is our 00:28:07.760 --> 00:28:08.360 response 00:28:08.360 --> 00:28:10.260 to this? 00:28:14.320 --> 00:28:15.080 Well, 00:28:15.140 --> 00:28:15.340 there are 00:28:15.340 --> 00:28:16.100 two things. 00:28:17.320 --> 00:28:18.000 First, 00:28:19.020 --> 00:28:19.660 there is an 00:28:19.660 --> 00:28:20.100 awesome 00:28:20.100 --> 00:28:20.700 privilege. 00:28:20.960 --> 00:28:21.240 Look at 00:28:21.240 --> 00:28:22.740 verse 48, 00:28:22.840 --> 00:28:23.220 the last 00:28:23.220 --> 00:28:23.680 part of 00:28:23.680 --> 00:28:24.460 verse 48. 00:28:25.560 --> 00:28:26.240 From 00:28:26.240 --> 00:28:27.180 everyone who 00:28:27.180 --> 00:28:27.560 has been 00:28:27.560 --> 00:28:28.580 given much, 00:28:30.080 --> 00:28:30.840 much will 00:28:30.840 --> 00:28:31.520 be demanded. 00:28:31.519 --> 00:28:33.539 and from 00:28:33.539 --> 00:28:33.960 the one 00:28:33.960 --> 00:28:34.319 who has 00:28:34.319 --> 00:28:35.279 been entrusted 00:28:35.279 --> 00:28:36.039 with much, 00:28:37.440 --> 00:28:38.279 much more 00:28:38.279 --> 00:28:38.639 will be 00:28:38.639 --> 00:28:39.259 asked. 00:28:40.740 --> 00:28:41.259 You see, 00:28:41.339 --> 00:28:41.639 if we're 00:28:41.639 --> 00:28:42.700 disciples this 00:28:42.700 --> 00:28:43.079 morning, 00:28:44.339 --> 00:28:45.019 I want us 00:28:45.019 --> 00:28:45.559 to see that 00:28:45.559 --> 00:28:46.099 we have been 00:28:46.099 --> 00:28:47.619 given so 00:28:47.619 --> 00:28:48.180 much. 00:28:49.579 --> 00:28:50.059 God has 00:28:50.059 --> 00:28:50.740 given to 00:28:50.740 --> 00:28:51.900 us his own 00:28:51.900 --> 00:28:52.319 son, 00:28:52.460 --> 00:28:53.319 Jesus Christ, 00:28:53.799 --> 00:28:54.960 the faithful 00:28:54.960 --> 00:28:55.480 servant, 00:28:56.119 --> 00:28:56.879 the one who 00:28:56.879 --> 00:28:57.839 came not to 00:28:57.839 --> 00:28:58.660 be served, 00:28:58.660 --> 00:28:59.620 but to 00:28:59.620 --> 00:29:00.340 serve, 00:29:01.259 --> 00:29:01.660 and to 00:29:01.660 --> 00:29:02.040 give his 00:29:02.040 --> 00:29:02.580 life as 00:29:02.580 --> 00:29:03.160 a ransom. 00:29:04.300 --> 00:29:04.759 The one 00:29:04.759 --> 00:29:05.200 who came 00:29:05.200 --> 00:29:05.800 and died 00:29:05.800 --> 00:29:06.300 for us, 00:29:06.540 --> 00:29:06.800 the one 00:29:06.800 --> 00:29:07.160 who came 00:29:07.160 --> 00:29:07.480 and took 00:29:07.480 --> 00:29:08.120 the punishment 00:29:08.120 --> 00:29:08.740 that I 00:29:08.740 --> 00:29:09.300 deserve, 00:29:09.800 --> 00:29:10.519 and through 00:29:10.519 --> 00:29:11.240 our faith 00:29:11.240 --> 00:29:11.820 in Jesus, 00:29:12.100 --> 00:29:12.519 we can 00:29:12.519 --> 00:29:12.960 now be 00:29:12.960 --> 00:29:13.380 forgiven. 00:29:13.660 --> 00:29:13.980 All of 00:29:13.980 --> 00:29:14.580 our sin 00:29:14.580 --> 00:29:15.360 and shame 00:29:15.360 --> 00:29:15.960 and guilt 00:29:15.960 --> 00:29:16.600 has been 00:29:16.600 --> 00:29:17.220 dealt with 00:29:17.220 --> 00:29:17.779 once and 00:29:17.779 --> 00:29:18.180 for all. 00:29:18.500 --> 00:29:18.720 We are 00:29:18.720 --> 00:29:19.400 now welcomed 00:29:19.400 --> 00:29:20.200 into God's 00:29:20.200 --> 00:29:20.580 family, 00:29:21.000 --> 00:29:21.920 treated and 00:29:21.920 --> 00:29:22.620 treasured 00:29:22.620 --> 00:29:23.200 as his 00:29:23.200 --> 00:29:24.259 own child. 00:29:25.500 --> 00:29:26.200 And because 00:29:26.200 --> 00:29:27.200 of what God 00:29:27.200 --> 00:29:27.720 has given 00:29:27.720 --> 00:29:28.319 to me 00:29:28.319 --> 00:29:28.860 through 00:29:28.860 --> 00:29:29.259 Jesus, 00:29:29.400 --> 00:29:29.660 I am 00:29:29.660 --> 00:29:30.200 no longer 00:29:30.200 --> 00:29:31.180 an outsider 00:29:31.180 --> 00:29:32.120 and left 00:29:32.120 --> 00:29:32.600 outside. 00:29:33.299 --> 00:29:34.039 I am a 00:29:34.039 --> 00:29:34.579 servant of 00:29:34.579 --> 00:29:34.960 the King 00:29:34.960 --> 00:29:35.380 with the 00:29:35.380 --> 00:29:35.960 promise of 00:29:35.960 --> 00:29:36.480 a place 00:29:36.480 --> 00:29:36.900 at his 00:29:36.900 --> 00:29:37.380 banquet 00:29:37.380 --> 00:29:38.220 in his 00:29:38.220 --> 00:29:38.720 eternal 00:29:38.720 --> 00:29:39.220 kingdom 00:29:39.220 --> 00:29:40.059 forever 00:29:40.059 --> 00:29:41.240 and forever. 00:29:42.180 --> 00:29:42.920 If we 00:29:42.920 --> 00:29:43.839 are disciples, 00:29:44.500 --> 00:29:45.039 we have 00:29:45.039 --> 00:29:45.759 received 00:29:45.759 --> 00:29:47.120 so much 00:29:47.120 --> 00:29:48.799 grace 00:29:48.799 --> 00:29:49.920 and mercy 00:29:49.920 --> 00:29:51.180 in abundance 00:29:51.180 --> 00:29:52.539 day after 00:29:52.539 --> 00:29:53.620 day after 00:29:53.620 --> 00:29:54.039 day. 00:29:55.319 --> 00:29:56.440 We are 00:29:56.440 --> 00:29:57.640 truly privileged 00:29:57.640 --> 00:29:59.200 people if 00:29:59.200 --> 00:29:59.500 we are 00:29:59.500 --> 00:30:00.320 disciples of 00:30:00.320 --> 00:30:00.640 Jesus. 00:30:03.480 --> 00:30:04.180 But with 00:30:04.180 --> 00:30:04.880 this awesome 00:30:04.880 --> 00:30:05.560 privilege 00:30:05.560 --> 00:30:08.600 comes great 00:30:08.600 --> 00:30:09.560 responsibility. 00:30:11.240 --> 00:30:11.560 Do you see 00:30:11.560 --> 00:30:12.080 what it says 00:30:12.080 --> 00:30:12.480 at the end 00:30:12.480 --> 00:30:12.759 of verse 00:30:12.759 --> 00:30:13.340 48? 00:30:15.180 --> 00:30:16.000 Everyone who 00:30:16.000 --> 00:30:16.340 has been 00:30:16.340 --> 00:30:17.160 given much, 00:30:18.720 --> 00:30:19.400 much will 00:30:19.400 --> 00:30:20.120 be 00:30:20.120 --> 00:30:21.720 demanded. 00:30:21.720 --> 00:30:23.700 from the 00:30:23.700 --> 00:30:23.980 one who 00:30:23.980 --> 00:30:24.319 has been 00:30:24.319 --> 00:30:24.960 entrusted 00:30:24.960 --> 00:30:25.759 with much, 00:30:27.920 --> 00:30:29.259 much more 00:30:29.259 --> 00:30:31.019 will be 00:30:31.019 --> 00:30:31.500 asked. 00:30:33.440 --> 00:30:34.039 You see, 00:30:34.120 --> 00:30:34.480 when we 00:30:34.480 --> 00:30:35.940 experience his 00:30:35.940 --> 00:30:36.440 forgiveness 00:30:36.440 --> 00:30:37.779 and welcome, 00:30:38.940 --> 00:30:39.799 when we see 00:30:39.799 --> 00:30:40.600 that we've been 00:30:40.600 --> 00:30:41.500 brought into 00:30:41.500 --> 00:30:42.480 the King's 00:30:42.480 --> 00:30:43.400 palace, 00:30:44.400 --> 00:30:46.779 welcomed into 00:30:46.779 --> 00:30:47.799 his family, 00:30:48.639 --> 00:30:49.740 being able to 00:30:49.740 --> 00:30:50.539 serve the 00:30:50.539 --> 00:30:51.700 eternal King, 00:30:52.660 --> 00:30:53.460 when we see 00:30:53.460 --> 00:30:54.259 the grace and 00:30:54.259 --> 00:30:55.019 the mercy that 00:30:55.019 --> 00:30:55.899 has flowed to 00:30:55.899 --> 00:30:56.839 us, it 00:30:56.839 --> 00:30:58.099 motivates us 00:30:58.099 --> 00:30:59.240 to serve 00:30:59.240 --> 00:31:00.599 one another. 00:31:01.339 --> 00:31:02.399 It fills us 00:31:02.399 --> 00:31:03.160 with a desire 00:31:03.160 --> 00:31:04.720 to reach out 00:31:04.720 --> 00:31:06.139 and to build 00:31:06.139 --> 00:31:07.019 people up with 00:31:07.019 --> 00:31:07.819 the amazing 00:31:07.819 --> 00:31:09.279 grace of God. 00:31:12.279 --> 00:31:12.799 Discipleship 00:31:12.799 --> 00:31:15.659 is serious. 00:31:16.700 --> 00:31:17.399 It is an 00:31:17.399 --> 00:31:17.859 awesome 00:31:17.859 --> 00:31:18.599 privilege, 00:31:19.879 --> 00:31:20.700 but with it 00:31:20.700 --> 00:31:21.639 comes great 00:31:21.639 --> 00:31:23.259 responsibility. 00:31:26.559 --> 00:31:27.339 Look at 00:31:27.339 --> 00:31:27.940 verse 40 00:31:27.940 --> 00:31:28.359 again. 00:31:32.159 --> 00:31:32.799 You, 00:31:34.159 --> 00:31:34.899 me, 00:31:36.399 --> 00:31:36.960 disciples, 00:31:37.740 --> 00:31:39.500 even if we 00:31:39.500 --> 00:31:40.099 are not yet 00:31:40.099 --> 00:31:40.720 a disciple, 00:31:40.720 --> 00:31:43.120 you also 00:31:43.120 --> 00:31:43.700 must be 00:31:43.700 --> 00:31:44.140 ready, 00:31:45.259 --> 00:31:46.180 because the 00:31:46.180 --> 00:31:46.900 Son of Man 00:31:46.900 --> 00:31:47.480 will come at 00:31:47.480 --> 00:31:47.900 an hour 00:31:47.900 --> 00:31:50.000 when you do 00:31:50.000 --> 00:31:50.759 not expect 00:31:50.759 --> 00:31:51.039 him. 00:31:53.940 --> 00:31:54.759 Let's pray. 00:32:10.720 --> 00:32:19.440 our Father 00:32:19.440 --> 00:32:20.579 God, we 00:32:20.579 --> 00:32:21.039 come to 00:32:21.039 --> 00:32:21.480 you as 00:32:21.480 --> 00:32:21.900 one who 00:32:21.900 --> 00:32:22.539 is gracious 00:32:22.539 --> 00:32:24.680 and 00:32:24.680 --> 00:32:25.200 merciful, 00:32:26.120 --> 00:32:28.900 and we 00:32:28.900 --> 00:32:29.380 ask that 00:32:29.380 --> 00:32:29.740 you would 00:32:29.740 --> 00:32:30.600 now forgive 00:32:30.600 --> 00:32:33.360 us for 00:32:33.360 --> 00:32:33.900 the times 00:32:33.900 --> 00:32:34.400 we have 00:32:34.400 --> 00:32:35.019 neglected 00:32:35.019 --> 00:32:36.740 our 00:32:36.740 --> 00:32:37.640 responsibility, 00:32:37.640 --> 00:32:41.140 and we 00:32:41.140 --> 00:32:41.900 have acted 00:32:41.900 --> 00:32:42.580 more like 00:32:42.580 --> 00:32:43.840 an unfaithful 00:32:43.840 --> 00:32:44.440 servant 00:32:44.440 --> 00:32:46.980 rather than 00:32:46.980 --> 00:32:47.540 a faithful 00:32:47.540 --> 00:32:48.180 servant. 00:32:52.180 --> 00:32:53.300 Help us 00:32:53.300 --> 00:32:53.800 to see 00:32:53.800 --> 00:32:54.560 afresh the 00:32:54.560 --> 00:32:55.620 amazing grace 00:32:55.620 --> 00:32:56.160 and mercy 00:32:56.160 --> 00:32:56.640 that we 00:32:56.640 --> 00:32:57.360 have received. 00:32:58.900 --> 00:33:00.040 Give us 00:33:00.040 --> 00:33:00.720 a vision 00:33:00.720 --> 00:33:02.060 of that 00:33:02.060 --> 00:33:02.740 eternal 00:33:02.740 --> 00:33:03.420 banquet, 00:33:04.720 --> 00:33:05.540 seated at 00:33:05.540 --> 00:33:06.259 the King's 00:33:06.259 --> 00:33:06.660 table, 00:33:07.640 --> 00:33:08.820 served by 00:33:08.820 --> 00:33:09.380 the King 00:33:09.380 --> 00:33:09.920 of Kings 00:33:09.920 --> 00:33:10.480 himself 00:33:10.480 --> 00:33:12.820 for all 00:33:12.820 --> 00:33:13.380 eternity. 00:33:15.540 --> 00:33:16.600 May you 00:33:16.600 --> 00:33:17.420 motivate us 00:33:17.420 --> 00:33:18.020 afresh, 00:33:19.240 --> 00:33:19.840 fill us 00:33:19.840 --> 00:33:20.200 with a 00:33:20.200 --> 00:33:21.040 desire to 00:33:21.040 --> 00:33:21.520 care 00:33:21.520 --> 00:33:24.040 for the 00:33:24.040 --> 00:33:24.420 church 00:33:24.420 --> 00:33:24.860 family, 00:33:25.860 --> 00:33:27.120 to build 00:33:27.120 --> 00:33:27.600 each other 00:33:27.600 --> 00:33:28.100 up in the 00:33:28.100 --> 00:33:28.480 faith, 00:33:29.940 --> 00:33:30.680 so that 00:33:30.680 --> 00:33:31.080 we are 00:33:31.080 --> 00:33:31.680 ready 00:33:31.680 --> 00:33:33.800 for the 00:33:33.800 --> 00:33:34.220 coming 00:33:34.220 --> 00:33:35.500 name of 00:33:35.500 --> 00:33:35.900 Jesus. 00:33:38.539 --> 00:33:39.100 Father, 00:33:39.220 --> 00:33:39.819 we thank 00:33:39.819 --> 00:33:40.460 you for 00:33:40.460 --> 00:33:40.779 our 00:33:40.779 --> 00:33:41.059 church 00:33:41.059 --> 00:33:41.460 family. 00:33:42.620 --> 00:33:43.220 We 00:33:43.220 --> 00:33:43.740 thank you 00:33:43.740 --> 00:33:44.079 for the 00:33:44.079 --> 00:33:44.700 support of 00:33:44.700 --> 00:33:45.200 one another. 00:33:46.339 --> 00:33:47.079 Thank you 00:33:47.079 --> 00:33:47.440 that you 00:33:47.440 --> 00:33:47.980 have given 00:33:47.980 --> 00:33:48.700 to us 00:33:48.700 --> 00:33:49.700 each other 00:33:49.700 --> 00:33:51.380 wonderful 00:33:51.380 --> 00:33:52.160 gifts from 00:33:52.160 --> 00:33:53.680 you to 00:33:53.680 --> 00:33:54.500 serve one 00:33:54.500 --> 00:33:55.019 another and 00:33:55.019 --> 00:33:55.559 to help 00:33:55.559 --> 00:33:56.079 each other. 00:33:56.079 --> 00:33:58.099 and we 00:33:58.099 --> 00:33:58.679 pray that 00:33:58.679 --> 00:33:59.039 we would 00:33:59.039 --> 00:33:59.619 do so 00:33:59.619 --> 00:34:00.240 more and 00:34:00.240 --> 00:34:02.299 more and 00:34:02.299 --> 00:34:02.659 that the 00:34:02.659 --> 00:34:03.619 return of 00:34:03.619 --> 00:34:04.039 the King 00:34:04.039 --> 00:34:05.939 would motivate 00:34:05.939 --> 00:34:06.799 us afresh. 00:34:08.400 --> 00:34:09.440 We pray 00:34:09.440 --> 00:34:09.980 this in 00:34:09.980 --> 00:34:10.819 Jesus' name. 00:34:12.159 --> 00:34:12.579 Amen. 00:34:12.579 --> 00:34:16.059 We're going 00:34:16.059 --> 00:34:16.500 to sing 00:34:16.500 --> 00:34:17.019 together 00:34:17.019 --> 00:34:19.779 a song 00:34:19.779 --> 00:34:20.440 which talks 00:34:20.440 --> 00:34:20.880 about 00:34:20.880 --> 00:34:22.639 Jesus who 00:34:22.639 --> 00:34:23.179 is the 00:34:23.179 --> 00:34:23.719 faithful 00:34:23.719 --> 00:34:24.259 servant, 00:34:25.219 --> 00:34:25.579 the one 00:34:25.579 --> 00:34:26.019 who came 00:34:26.019 --> 00:34:26.539 to serve 00:34:26.539 --> 00:34:26.980 us, 00:34:27.940 --> 00:34:28.639 and in 00:34:28.639 --> 00:34:29.279 response 00:34:29.279 --> 00:34:29.759 that we 00:34:29.759 --> 00:34:30.219 would bring 00:34:30.219 --> 00:34:30.900 our lives 00:34:30.900 --> 00:34:32.779 and serve 00:34:32.779 --> 00:34:34.000 one another. 00:34:34.139 --> 00:34:34.619 So let's 00:34:34.619 --> 00:34:35.319 stand together 00:34:35.319 --> 00:34:36.519 as we sing 00:34:36.519 --> 00:34:36.819 this. 00:34:42.579 --> 00:34:43.579 Amen.