WEBVTT

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 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama.

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! Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us.

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! Amen. Thank you all. What a great, great hymn.

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 Just stop and think about some of those words for just a minute.

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 That last verse.

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 Could we with ink the oceans fill and where the skies of parchment made?

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 Were every stalk on earth a quill and every man a scribe by trade?

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 To write the love of God above would drain the oceans dry.

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 Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.

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 Amazing. It's true, isn't it? It's beyond what we could comprehend.

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 That is the way that John ends his account of Jesus' life here in his gospel.

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 The last verse.

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 Now, there were also many other things that Jesus did.

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 Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

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 This infinite word.

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 Remember, who was there in the beginning.

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 Who created the world.

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 Who entered into the world to show the glory and the grace of God to desperate, rebellious people.

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 Has now lived and died and risen.

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 And we can't even begin to comprehend or to contain all that he is.

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 All that he does.

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 John's just marveling, right?

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 We set out two years ago to encounter this Jesus in the pages of John's gospel.

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 I hope you have.

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 But John wants to give us one more chance through the eyes of Peter.

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 So if this is your first time, hey, we're going to get to see him again.

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 Peter, the failure.

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 Who has been restored to Jesus.

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 Restored to leadership in his church.

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 And just now, in this last interaction, called to follow Jesus even to a cross.

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 Even as we are sent out on God's mission into the world.

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 Focus on Jesus.

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 Don't miss Jesus.

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 It's all about Jesus.

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 John 21 at verse 20.

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 This is God's word.

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 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them.

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 The one who had been reclining at table close to him and had said,

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 Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?

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 And when Peter saw him, he said to Jesus,

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 Lord, what about this man?

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 Jesus said to him, if it is my will that he remain until I come,

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 what is that to you?

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 You follow me.

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 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die.

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 Yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die.

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 But if it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?

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 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things

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 and who has written these things.

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 And we know that his testimony is true.

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 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did.

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 Were every one of them to be written,

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 I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

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 Let's pray.

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 Oh, Holy Spirit, we're thankful for this book that was written.

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 Amen.

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 We need you to write its truth upon our hearts.

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 We need you to set our hearts aflame because of the truth of it that is life-changing.

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 We need you to help us see Jesus as he truly is because that will change us.

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 Do that now as we look to your word, Father, we ask in Jesus' name.

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 Amen.

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 Amen.

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 Sometimes it's hard to focus on and easy to miss even the most amazing things, isn't it?

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 When my family goes to a museum or other cool tourist attraction,

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 I want to make sure that we all see the main attraction,

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 the feature exhibit, you know, the sunset across the city from the skyscraper,

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 the crown jewels of England,

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 the masterpiece painting at the museum.

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 But it usually goes like this wherever we go.

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 Two of us press on through quickly,

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 eager to catch just a glimpse of the thing and get on to the next fun activity, right?

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 Moving so fast, they can hardly appreciate the grandeur of what's in front of them.

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 And I want to say, slow down.

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 This is what we're here to see, right?

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 Don't miss it.

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 And two others lag far behind them.

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 They're reading the fine print on every plastic placard in the entire museum.

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 They're looking at the footnotes to see what's it about.

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 Those things that were only meant to be read if you're stuck in line waiting for the real exhibit, right?

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 They're reading all of those.

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 I don't care about that 600-year-old rock.

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 Look over there.

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 There's a crown jewels.

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 Don't get distracted by the details of the construction of this museum.

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 Come over here and look at the sunset over the city.

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 It's beautiful.

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 And so here I am.

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 I haven't gotten to myself yet.

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 I'm stuck in the middle.

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 I am just trying to keep every family member in view, sometimes around corners in multiple rooms.

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 I want everybody to be together and I want to make sure everyone enjoys the glorious view because I just want everybody to be happy and to see what I want them to see.

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 Hold on.

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 Did I see it?

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 Or have I missed it?

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 I don't know which one you are in that scenario.

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 Hopefully you can put yourself in there.

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 Maybe you're the one losing focus because you're distracted by hurrying off to the next thing most of the time.

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 Maybe you're the one losing focus because you're distracted by lesser concerns that you just get obsessed about.

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 Maybe you're the one losing focus because you're distracted by everyone else's distraction.

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 And so you miss out yourself.

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 But John wants none of us to miss the glory of Jesus.

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 It's a glorious view of him that he's given us for 21 chapters.

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 And Jesus wants none of us distracted from seeing him every single day.

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 That's been true all the way through this gospel.

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 And it's where our study of John's gospel ends this morning.

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 First notice potential distractions.

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 Don't let anyone or anything distract you from Jesus.

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 Listen, distractions abound, right?

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 Lots of opportunities.

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 Distraction is the expertise of our age in many ways.

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 Not just smartphones and busy schedules.

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 That'll do it.

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 It's our hearts that provide the primary distraction.

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 We can be distracted by almost anything.

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 We're demanding, entertain me.

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 Engage me.

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 Don't leave me alone.

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 Remember in this passage,

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 Jesus has just told Peter how he's going to die by crucifixion.

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 And then as soon as he tells Peter that,

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 Jesus says, follow me, right?

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 To the cross.

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 And so here they are walking along and Peter immediately does what?

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 What does he do in this next verse?

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 He turns away from Jesus, right?

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 Right after he's been told to follow him.

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 He turns and he talks about the possibility,

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 oh, there's this other guy.

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 His attention gets drawn to John.

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 He wants to talk about maybe John won't die.

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 Whether it's the worst circumstance,

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 dying, crucifixion.

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 Whether it's the best circumstance,

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 living forever.

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 Don't be distracted.

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 Follow me is Jesus' call.

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 But this has been a constant struggle for Peter,

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 one of Jesus' lead followers, right?

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 All the way since the very first time Jesus said to him,

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 follow me.

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 Peter was distracted then by a lot of fish,

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 by his own failures.

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 He said, get away from me, Lord.

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 Later when Peter was walking on the water to Jesus,

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 there were storms and wind and chaos all around him

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 and it distracted him from Jesus, right?

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 He turned away from Jesus and began to fall,

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 losing his focus on the one who sustained him.

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 Focus, focus, focus.

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 Focus, so easy to be consumed with our job,

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 our life, our family,

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 our plans, our health,

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 our relationships.

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 Don't lose your focus on Jesus.

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 In fact, see, the circumstances of our lives,

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 bad or good, a cancer diagnosis,

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 a job promotion,

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 parental heartache,

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 they're not to be distractions from Jesus.

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 Those are actually to be circumstances that draw our focus to Jesus.

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 Oh, Jesus, I see how much I need you now.

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 Jesus, I rest in you.

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 I can pray to you about this.

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 All of these circumstances are yet more opportunities to see Jesus.

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 Jesus.

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 That's generally.

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 What about specifically in this passage?

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 What specifically distracts Peter?

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 It's comparison, isn't it?

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 That great thief.

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 Thief of joy, of life, of focus.

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 What about John?

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 John.

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 Peter wonders.

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 What's his story?

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 Will he die like me, Jesus?

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 We don't know Peter's primary concern here.

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 We can't see his heart,

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 but we do know that Jesus, who sees his heart,

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 redirects his focus.

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 Don't be distracted, Peter.

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 That's not your concern.

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 You follow me.

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 Now, of course, Jesus is not saying that we should not care at all about other people.

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 That's not the point.

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 But he is saying that comparing our path with theirs is not helpful,

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 and even it could be distracting from our mission.

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 C.S. Lewis pictures this beautifully in his book,

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 The Horse and His Boy.

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 The main character, Shasta, is looking back at the end of a long and difficult journey

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 in which he's escaped an abusive childhood,

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 lions pursuing him,

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 an approaching army,

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 all with his friend Erebus.

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 They've been traveling together,

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 and now Shasta is talking to a voice,

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 to God, as it were.

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 The voice says,

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 I do not call you unfortunate,

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 said the large voice.

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 But don't you think it was bad luck to meet so many lions,

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 said Shasta.

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 There was only one lion,

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 said the voice.

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 What on earth do you mean?

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 I've just told you there were at least two the first night,

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 and there was only one.

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 But he was swift of foot.

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 How do you know?

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 I was the lion.

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 And as Shasta gaped with open mouth and said nothing,

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 the voice continued,

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 I was the lion who forced you to join with Erebus.

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 I was the cat who comforted you among the houses of the dead.

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 I was the lion who drove the jackals from you while you slept.

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 I was the lion who gave the horses new strength of fear for the last mile

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 so that you would reach King Loon in time.

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 And I was the lion you do not remember,

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 who pushed the boat in which you lay,

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 a child near death,

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 so that it came to shore where a man sat,

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 wakeful at midnight,

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 to receive you.

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 Then it was you who wounded Erebus?

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 It was I.

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 But what for?

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 Child,

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 said the voice.

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 I am telling you your own story,

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 not hers.

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 I tell no one any story

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 but his own.

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 I tell no one any story

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 but his own.

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 And to be honest,

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 we don't even see or hear all of our stories

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 most of the time, do we?

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 We're not certain what's going on,

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 but it is easy for us to look around

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 and to feel like

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 someone else is living the life

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 that we long for.

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 Or on the other hand,

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 someone else is facing a trial

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 that we just can't imagine bearing.

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 Why can't I have the friends she has?

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 God, why did they have another difficult child?

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 It's not fair.

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 I couldn't handle it.

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 It's too much.

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 Why does he get all the breaks?

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 C.S. Lewis,

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 I tell no one any story

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 but his own.

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 Commentator N.T. Wright,

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 God makes no casting mistakes.

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 Jesus,

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 what is that to you?

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 You follow me.

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 Follow me.

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 I talked with a guy this week

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 who said it's been hard

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 trusting the path that God has him on.

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 He's 30

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 and he's not married

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 and he really wants to be.

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 And he's been thinking about that a lot lately

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 because it's been hard for him.

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 And as he's reflected on it,

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 he said,

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 but you know what I've realized

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 is that God has been so good to me

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 beyond what I deserve

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 and in so many ways,

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 he said,

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 I've seen Jesus.

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 He's regained focus

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 and he's realized

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 that he needed that

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 even more than he needed to be married.

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 Siblings often struggle with comparison

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 in the same family, don't they?

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 So do siblings at church.

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 Brothers and sisters

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 who sit in the same pews

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 and they worry about

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 who is in with which group of friends.

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 Why are others called to be elders

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 when I am not?

00:16:03.719 --> 00:16:04.859
 Why do others get away

00:16:04.859 --> 00:16:05.839
 with not being elders

00:16:05.839 --> 00:16:06.679
 while I have to be?

00:16:06.679 --> 00:16:07.519
 No, they don't say that.

00:16:10.459 --> 00:16:11.959
 How come they get to have

00:16:11.959 --> 00:16:13.219
 all the fun with the kids

00:16:13.219 --> 00:16:15.159
 while I'm stuck serving with adults?

00:16:17.539 --> 00:16:19.599
 All sorts of ways we compare.

00:16:19.979 --> 00:16:21.319
 Look, these two church leaders,

00:16:21.699 --> 00:16:21.939
 Peter,

00:16:21.940 --> 00:16:23.060
 he's been portrayed

00:16:23.060 --> 00:16:24.120
 as the man of action

00:16:24.120 --> 00:16:25.940
 and John's the man of reflection.

00:16:28.260 --> 00:16:30.080
 Peter gets to pastor

00:16:30.080 --> 00:16:32.120
 and write a little.

00:16:32.980 --> 00:16:34.600
 John's called primarily to pastor,

00:16:34.840 --> 00:16:35.400
 to write

00:16:35.400 --> 00:16:37.280
 and pastor a little.

00:16:39.360 --> 00:16:40.200
 Jesus says,

00:16:41.100 --> 00:16:41.940
 follow me.

00:16:43.320 --> 00:16:44.940
 Focus on me.

00:16:45.600 --> 00:16:47.100
 Then we can all be,

00:16:47.160 --> 00:16:48.000
 as the hymn says,

00:16:48.320 --> 00:16:50.900
 content to fill a little space

00:16:50.899 --> 00:16:53.079
 if thou be glorified.

00:16:54.819 --> 00:16:56.220
 Wherever God puts me.

00:16:58.360 --> 00:16:59.740
 See, God knows what he's doing.

00:17:00.519 --> 00:17:01.600
 We've got to believe this, right?

00:17:01.799 --> 00:17:03.039
 God knows what he's doing

00:17:03.039 --> 00:17:04.920
 even when we don't.

00:17:05.359 --> 00:17:06.940
 When we don't see what he's doing.

00:17:07.319 --> 00:17:10.460
 He is arranging the parts of his body

00:17:10.460 --> 00:17:13.740
 exactly the way he wants them to be.

00:17:13.740 --> 00:17:15.279
 Each one of them

00:17:15.279 --> 00:17:17.299
 as he chooses.

00:17:17.599 --> 00:17:18.740
 All of us,

00:17:19.000 --> 00:17:20.279
 a part of the same body,

00:17:20.500 --> 00:17:22.099
 all of us given gifts

00:17:22.099 --> 00:17:22.960
 and roles

00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:25.399
 to build up the same body.

00:17:25.799 --> 00:17:27.200
 All deeply loved

00:17:27.200 --> 00:17:29.000
 and died for

00:17:29.000 --> 00:17:30.240
 by Jesus,

00:17:30.519 --> 00:17:31.299
 cared for

00:17:31.299 --> 00:17:32.539
 by Jesus.

00:17:33.899 --> 00:17:35.240
 And we're to focus

00:17:35.240 --> 00:17:36.220
 not on the eyes,

00:17:36.879 --> 00:17:37.859
 not on the hands,

00:17:38.119 --> 00:17:39.079
 not on the feet,

00:17:39.339 --> 00:17:39.980
 but on what?

00:17:41.059 --> 00:17:41.700
 The head.

00:17:42.480 --> 00:17:43.700
 Even Jesus,

00:17:43.920 --> 00:17:44.740
 he's the one

00:17:44.740 --> 00:17:46.140
 we're here for.

00:17:46.819 --> 00:17:48.299
 Don't be distracted

00:17:48.299 --> 00:17:49.759
 by comparison.

00:17:51.440 --> 00:17:52.819
 Think about what happens

00:17:52.819 --> 00:17:54.580
 when you focus on others.

00:17:56.140 --> 00:17:56.860
 Doesn't it happen

00:17:56.860 --> 00:17:57.519
 that you're either

00:17:57.519 --> 00:17:59.120
 disappointed in them,

00:18:00.360 --> 00:18:01.420
 they're not doing well,

00:18:02.080 --> 00:18:03.920
 or you're envious of them,

00:18:05.059 --> 00:18:06.140
 they're doing too well?

00:18:08.019 --> 00:18:09.960
 When you focus on yourself,

00:18:09.960 --> 00:18:11.960
 if you do that long enough,

00:18:12.039 --> 00:18:12.920
 you're either gonna become

00:18:12.920 --> 00:18:13.860
 despairing,

00:18:14.380 --> 00:18:15.620
 because I can't get it together,

00:18:16.140 --> 00:18:18.240
 or you're gonna become prideful,

00:18:18.660 --> 00:18:20.860
 because I'm doing so well.

00:18:22.740 --> 00:18:23.860
 Neither of those is good.

00:18:24.079 --> 00:18:25.600
 When you focus on Jesus,

00:18:26.160 --> 00:18:27.880
 you're satisfied,

00:18:28.720 --> 00:18:30.680
 and you're secure,

00:18:31.400 --> 00:18:32.420
 and you're now able

00:18:32.420 --> 00:18:33.400
 to love others,

00:18:33.840 --> 00:18:35.079
 to serve others.

00:18:35.079 --> 00:18:36.279
 You're now able

00:18:36.279 --> 00:18:37.579
 to humble yourself,

00:18:38.259 --> 00:18:40.139
 even to forgive yourself,

00:18:40.259 --> 00:18:41.299
 because your focus

00:18:41.299 --> 00:18:42.500
 is on Jesus,

00:18:42.659 --> 00:18:43.399
 and those other things

00:18:43.399 --> 00:18:44.159
 flow out.

00:18:45.439 --> 00:18:46.679
 That's the second point

00:18:46.679 --> 00:18:49.359
 of Jesus' parting words here.

00:18:51.359 --> 00:18:52.899
 To state it positively,

00:18:53.960 --> 00:18:55.079
 let Jesus attract

00:18:55.659 --> 00:18:56.939
 your full attention,

00:18:57.720 --> 00:18:59.519
 and your greatest affection.

00:18:59.879 --> 00:19:01.579
 Don't be content this morning

00:19:01.579 --> 00:19:03.559
 with merely avoiding distractions.

00:19:03.559 --> 00:19:05.099
 How can I keep those

00:19:05.099 --> 00:19:06.079
 away from me?

00:19:06.659 --> 00:19:07.980
 Passionately focus

00:19:07.980 --> 00:19:09.919
 your life on Jesus.

00:19:11.460 --> 00:19:12.579
 There's someone glorious.

00:19:13.240 --> 00:19:14.399
 There's someone majestic.

00:19:14.779 --> 00:19:15.579
 There's someone worthy

00:19:15.579 --> 00:19:16.799
 of all your gaze,

00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:17.819
 of all your love.

00:19:18.039 --> 00:19:19.220
 There's a feature exhibit.

00:19:19.379 --> 00:19:20.740
 There's a main attraction.

00:19:22.980 --> 00:19:24.559
 Jesus sees when Peter

00:19:24.559 --> 00:19:25.500
 loses track of it,

00:19:25.539 --> 00:19:25.899
 doesn't he?

00:19:26.179 --> 00:19:28.019
 He sees Peter

00:19:28.019 --> 00:19:29.000
 getting turned around,

00:19:30.079 --> 00:19:30.879
 getting distracted

00:19:30.879 --> 00:19:32.200
 by comparison with John,

00:19:32.200 --> 00:19:33.559
 and he calls him back.

00:19:34.440 --> 00:19:36.700
 You follow me.

00:19:37.460 --> 00:19:39.160
 There's an emphasis

00:19:39.160 --> 00:19:40.799
 in the way this is written.

00:19:41.340 --> 00:19:42.880
 First, the primary emphasis

00:19:42.880 --> 00:19:43.920
 is on you.

00:19:44.319 --> 00:19:45.559
 You, Peter.

00:19:45.740 --> 00:19:46.720
 You're responsible

00:19:46.720 --> 00:19:49.120
 for my calling to you.

00:19:50.200 --> 00:19:51.660
 And then the me

00:19:51.660 --> 00:19:53.460
 is also emphasized.

00:19:54.100 --> 00:19:54.480
 Secondly,

00:19:54.680 --> 00:19:56.200
 he's saying focus on me,

00:19:57.059 --> 00:19:58.740
 not on figuring out

00:19:58.740 --> 00:19:59.279
 the logistics,

00:19:59.279 --> 00:20:00.639
 not on strategizing

00:20:00.639 --> 00:20:01.399
 the best ministry

00:20:01.399 --> 00:20:02.019
 and the best team

00:20:02.019 --> 00:20:02.639
 to put together,

00:20:02.879 --> 00:20:04.420
 not on who will serve best

00:20:04.420 --> 00:20:05.500
 and how we're gonna do it.

00:20:05.799 --> 00:20:08.599
 You follow me.

00:20:10.940 --> 00:20:12.579
 Now maybe that sounds basic

00:20:12.579 --> 00:20:14.099
 or simplistic.

00:20:14.279 --> 00:20:15.539
 If I were sitting in your seats,

00:20:15.599 --> 00:20:16.099
 I'd be thinking,

00:20:16.259 --> 00:20:17.079
 seriously,

00:20:17.259 --> 00:20:18.019
 is that all you got

00:20:18.019 --> 00:20:19.019
 for the last Sunday?

00:20:19.660 --> 00:20:21.379
 61 weeks in John

00:20:21.379 --> 00:20:22.899
 and that's all you can come up with

00:20:22.899 --> 00:20:24.180
 is you follow me?

00:20:24.420 --> 00:20:25.700
 I knew that already.

00:20:25.700 --> 00:20:28.799
 We all know that.

00:20:29.380 --> 00:20:30.500
 We all do that.

00:20:32.319 --> 00:20:33.819
 Or do we?

00:20:36.400 --> 00:20:37.460
 Will you admit

00:20:37.460 --> 00:20:38.880
 how easy it is

00:20:38.880 --> 00:20:40.140
 to be distracted

00:20:40.140 --> 00:20:43.480
 when life gets hard

00:20:43.480 --> 00:20:46.559
 or easy?

00:20:47.740 --> 00:20:48.140
 You know,

00:20:48.200 --> 00:20:49.559
 when life gets really busy

00:20:49.559 --> 00:20:53.380
 or sometimes when it's boring.

00:20:53.380 --> 00:20:55.980
 When life gets confusing

00:20:55.980 --> 00:20:58.960
 and actually

00:20:58.960 --> 00:21:00.380
 when I think I understand.

00:21:03.400 --> 00:21:04.460
 All the time,

00:21:04.660 --> 00:21:05.440
 we are tempted

00:21:05.440 --> 00:21:07.880
 to lose focus on Jesus.

00:21:09.200 --> 00:21:10.200
 Reflect for just a minute.

00:21:10.240 --> 00:21:11.040
 Where would you say

00:21:11.040 --> 00:21:12.340
 your focus is today?

00:21:14.640 --> 00:21:15.120
 Lately?

00:21:15.660 --> 00:21:17.740
 The last few weeks?

00:21:19.460 --> 00:21:20.420
 How about this summer?

00:21:21.240 --> 00:21:21.860
 As you look ahead,

00:21:21.920 --> 00:21:22.980
 is your focus set already?

00:21:23.380 --> 00:21:27.060
 I want to see if we can

00:21:27.060 --> 00:21:28.580
 have God's Word help us

00:21:28.580 --> 00:21:29.520
 with that a little bit

00:21:29.520 --> 00:21:30.000
 this morning

00:21:30.000 --> 00:21:31.380
 by reflecting on

00:21:31.380 --> 00:21:32.760
 who Jesus has shown us

00:21:32.760 --> 00:21:33.340
 He is.

00:21:33.660 --> 00:21:34.700
 We said together

00:21:34.700 --> 00:21:36.500
 those seven I Am statements

00:21:36.500 --> 00:21:38.340
 earlier in this service.

00:21:39.900 --> 00:21:40.920
 In John's Gospel,

00:21:41.100 --> 00:21:42.420
 Jesus has showed us

00:21:42.420 --> 00:21:43.260
 who He is.

00:21:43.400 --> 00:21:44.700
 Think of the glory

00:21:44.700 --> 00:21:47.820
 of focusing on this God.

00:21:47.980 --> 00:21:49.940
 Just listen to Jesus

00:21:49.940 --> 00:21:50.860
 for a minute.

00:21:50.859 --> 00:21:52.799
 Let Him attract your attention

00:21:52.799 --> 00:21:54.240
 and your affection.

00:21:55.459 --> 00:21:56.179
 He says,

00:21:56.259 --> 00:21:58.339
 I am the bread of life.

00:21:59.799 --> 00:22:01.599
 So when you are dissatisfied,

00:22:01.939 --> 00:22:02.740
 follow me

00:22:02.740 --> 00:22:04.179
 and you'll find your soul

00:22:04.179 --> 00:22:05.099
 fulfilled again.

00:22:05.099 --> 00:22:09.279
 I am the light of the world.

00:22:10.599 --> 00:22:11.719
 So when you are

00:22:11.719 --> 00:22:13.599
 feeling like you are wandering

00:22:13.599 --> 00:22:14.779
 in darkness,

00:22:15.279 --> 00:22:15.980
 discouraged,

00:22:16.939 --> 00:22:17.319
 helpless,

00:22:18.339 --> 00:22:19.559
 focus on me

00:22:19.559 --> 00:22:21.459
 and you will see straight again.

00:22:22.819 --> 00:22:24.219
 I am the door

00:22:24.219 --> 00:22:25.879
 so when you feel distant

00:22:25.879 --> 00:22:26.719
 from God

00:22:26.719 --> 00:22:27.359
 and you don't know

00:22:27.359 --> 00:22:28.779
 how to get back to Him,

00:22:29.000 --> 00:22:29.779
 follow me

00:22:29.779 --> 00:22:30.659
 and you will enter

00:22:30.659 --> 00:22:31.939
 back into relationship

00:22:31.940 --> 00:22:32.580
 with the one

00:22:32.580 --> 00:22:33.320
 who made you.

00:22:34.539 --> 00:22:36.100
 I am the good shepherd.

00:22:37.220 --> 00:22:38.420
 So when you need protection

00:22:38.420 --> 00:22:39.500
 from the attacks

00:22:39.500 --> 00:22:40.019
 of the enemy,

00:22:40.360 --> 00:22:41.500
 from the consequences

00:22:41.500 --> 00:22:43.380
 of your own bad choices,

00:22:43.799 --> 00:22:44.840
 focus on me.

00:22:45.019 --> 00:22:46.420
 I'll lay down my life

00:22:46.420 --> 00:22:46.759
 for you

00:22:46.759 --> 00:22:47.580
 to bring you home.

00:22:49.799 --> 00:22:51.440
 I am the resurrection

00:22:51.440 --> 00:22:53.000
 and the life.

00:22:54.299 --> 00:22:55.660
 So when you die,

00:22:56.559 --> 00:22:57.279
 follow me

00:22:57.279 --> 00:22:58.660
 and you will live

00:22:58.660 --> 00:22:59.579
 forever

00:22:59.579 --> 00:23:00.619
 as you believe

00:23:00.619 --> 00:23:01.359
 in me.

00:23:02.599 --> 00:23:03.579
 I am the way,

00:23:03.859 --> 00:23:04.480
 the truth,

00:23:04.759 --> 00:23:05.759
 and the life.

00:23:06.480 --> 00:23:07.460
 So when you are longing

00:23:07.460 --> 00:23:08.440
 for purpose,

00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:09.940
 searching for the right

00:23:09.940 --> 00:23:11.000
 path forward,

00:23:11.319 --> 00:23:11.740
 wondering

00:23:11.740 --> 00:23:13.259
 why you're here,

00:23:13.740 --> 00:23:14.920
 focus on me

00:23:14.920 --> 00:23:16.319
 and you'll find

00:23:16.319 --> 00:23:17.019
 the abundant,

00:23:17.379 --> 00:23:17.920
 free,

00:23:18.319 --> 00:23:18.920
 fulfilling,

00:23:19.319 --> 00:23:20.740
 everlasting life

00:23:20.740 --> 00:23:21.359
 you were made

00:23:21.359 --> 00:23:22.139
 to enjoy.

00:23:22.140 --> 00:23:27.380
 I am the true vine.

00:23:28.560 --> 00:23:29.700
 So when you feel

00:23:29.700 --> 00:23:30.300
 powerless,

00:23:31.360 --> 00:23:31.900
 disconnected,

00:23:32.200 --> 00:23:32.600
 hopeless,

00:23:34.540 --> 00:23:35.300
 follow me,

00:23:36.060 --> 00:23:37.180
 abide in me,

00:23:37.300 --> 00:23:38.340
 keep following

00:23:38.340 --> 00:23:39.880
 and you'll bear fruit,

00:23:40.200 --> 00:23:41.259
 you'll find strength,

00:23:41.480 --> 00:23:42.420
 you'll have hope.

00:23:43.440 --> 00:23:45.400
 Isn't Jesus wonderful?

00:23:46.300 --> 00:23:47.440
 Can you just think

00:23:47.440 --> 00:23:48.200
 about those things

00:23:48.200 --> 00:23:48.940
 he's promising

00:23:48.940 --> 00:23:49.980
 he is

00:23:49.980 --> 00:23:51.340
 and he is in your life?

00:23:51.339 --> 00:23:52.959
 As you consider

00:23:52.959 --> 00:23:53.519
 who he is,

00:23:53.559 --> 00:23:54.000
 even now,

00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:54.879
 does your love

00:23:54.879 --> 00:23:55.519
 for him begin

00:23:55.519 --> 00:23:56.059
 to grow?

00:23:56.559 --> 00:23:57.240
 Do you see him

00:23:57.240 --> 00:23:58.419
 as more needful

00:23:58.419 --> 00:24:00.079
 and as more vital

00:24:00.079 --> 00:24:01.079
 for your life?

00:24:01.659 --> 00:24:02.059
 This,

00:24:02.220 --> 00:24:02.699
 John says,

00:24:02.740 --> 00:24:03.740
 is what it's all about.

00:24:04.099 --> 00:24:05.799
 This is what you need

00:24:05.799 --> 00:24:06.899
 every morning

00:24:06.899 --> 00:24:08.000
 this week.

00:24:08.240 --> 00:24:08.939
 You need to know

00:24:08.939 --> 00:24:09.839
 who Jesus is.

00:24:09.879 --> 00:24:10.740
 You need to see him

00:24:10.740 --> 00:24:11.259
 clearly.

00:24:13.720 --> 00:24:14.720
 I want to pile on.

00:24:14.980 --> 00:24:15.720
 Peter's heard Jesus

00:24:15.720 --> 00:24:16.659
 say all these things

00:24:16.659 --> 00:24:17.419
 about who he is.

00:24:17.639 --> 00:24:18.000
 Now,

00:24:18.079 --> 00:24:18.759
 as Jesus says,

00:24:18.759 --> 00:24:19.699
 focus on me.

00:24:19.879 --> 00:24:21.000
 Just in this passage,

00:24:21.000 --> 00:24:22.160
 think about who this is

00:24:22.160 --> 00:24:23.619
 Peter sees before him.

00:24:24.460 --> 00:24:25.160
 Think about right

00:24:25.160 --> 00:24:25.700
 where he is

00:24:25.700 --> 00:24:27.099
 as Peter hears Jesus

00:24:27.099 --> 00:24:27.920
 call him to follow.

00:24:28.039 --> 00:24:28.859
 Who is this guy

00:24:28.859 --> 00:24:29.160
 saying,

00:24:29.519 --> 00:24:29.660
 Peter,

00:24:29.759 --> 00:24:30.680
 you follow me?

00:24:30.940 --> 00:24:32.180
 This is the Savior

00:24:32.180 --> 00:24:34.299
 who has gone before

00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:35.579
 the place

00:24:35.579 --> 00:24:36.380
 that he's calling

00:24:36.380 --> 00:24:38.059
 Peter to follow him.

00:24:38.180 --> 00:24:39.680
 Who has died

00:24:39.680 --> 00:24:41.619
 to give Peter life

00:24:41.619 --> 00:24:43.000
 and forgiveness

00:24:43.000 --> 00:24:44.039
 for his failures,

00:24:44.359 --> 00:24:45.839
 hope for his future.

00:24:45.960 --> 00:24:46.779
 That's who's calling

00:24:46.779 --> 00:24:47.819
 Peter to follow him.

00:24:47.819 --> 00:24:50.859
 He has risen victorious

00:24:50.859 --> 00:24:52.139
 so that Peter knows

00:24:52.139 --> 00:24:53.379
 that even a death

00:24:53.379 --> 00:24:54.460
 by crucifixion

00:24:54.460 --> 00:24:55.220
 will not be the end

00:24:55.220 --> 00:24:55.960
 of his story.

00:24:56.279 --> 00:24:57.159
 That his Savior

00:24:57.159 --> 00:24:59.419
 has resurrection power

00:24:59.419 --> 00:25:00.439
 and has promised

00:25:00.439 --> 00:25:01.480
 to raise him up

00:25:01.480 --> 00:25:02.480
 on the last day.

00:25:02.559 --> 00:25:03.319
 That's who's telling

00:25:03.319 --> 00:25:03.659
 Peter,

00:25:04.039 --> 00:25:05.200
 follow me.

00:25:06.879 --> 00:25:07.779
 And then as he listens

00:25:07.779 --> 00:25:08.339
 to Jesus,

00:25:08.519 --> 00:25:09.779
 he's realizing

00:25:09.779 --> 00:25:13.000
 this is the sovereign Savior

00:25:13.000 --> 00:25:15.200
 whose plan for me

00:25:15.200 --> 00:25:18.019
 and for those I love

00:25:18.019 --> 00:25:18.839
 that I sometimes

00:25:18.839 --> 00:25:19.759
 get distracted

00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:21.359
 by focusing on,

00:25:22.400 --> 00:25:24.480
 it's perfect.

00:25:25.880 --> 00:25:27.759
 His plan can be trusted.

00:25:28.539 --> 00:25:29.079
 Look at this.

00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:31.319
 If it is my will,

00:25:32.740 --> 00:25:33.440
 Jesus says.

00:25:34.440 --> 00:25:36.579
 If it is my will

00:25:36.579 --> 00:25:38.579
 that whatever happened,

00:25:38.579 --> 00:25:41.099
 if it's Jesus'

00:25:41.759 --> 00:25:43.119
 sovereign will,

00:25:43.439 --> 00:25:44.179
 then no matter

00:25:44.179 --> 00:25:46.119
 what you are going through,

00:25:46.399 --> 00:25:48.779
 no one can snatch you

00:25:48.779 --> 00:25:50.839
 out of his hand.

00:25:50.939 --> 00:25:52.399
 He's got you.

00:25:52.679 --> 00:25:54.639
 I'm the one you can trust,

00:25:54.740 --> 00:25:55.159
 he says.

00:25:55.299 --> 00:25:57.519
 I'm the one you must focus on.

00:25:57.720 --> 00:25:59.399
 I'm the one you can follow.

00:26:01.019 --> 00:26:02.159
 That's who's calling.

00:26:03.000 --> 00:26:05.199
 Calling you to follow him.

00:26:05.200 --> 00:26:09.100
 But I think it's important

00:26:09.100 --> 00:26:10.259
 to ask one more question.

00:26:10.420 --> 00:26:11.740
 When we follow Jesus,

00:26:12.680 --> 00:26:14.860
 where will he lead us?

00:26:16.720 --> 00:26:18.100
 He calls Peter again

00:26:18.100 --> 00:26:19.160
 to follow him.

00:26:19.400 --> 00:26:19.740
 Where?

00:26:20.019 --> 00:26:22.019
 According to John's gospel.

00:26:22.160 --> 00:26:23.480
 Can we know where Jesus

00:26:23.480 --> 00:26:24.559
 will take us?

00:26:25.360 --> 00:26:25.940
 And I would say

00:26:25.940 --> 00:26:27.539
 there's several good answers

00:26:27.539 --> 00:26:28.700
 to that.

00:26:28.840 --> 00:26:29.759
 Think back with me.

00:26:29.860 --> 00:26:31.440
 First, being really honest.

00:26:32.940 --> 00:26:34.140
 It might be hard.

00:26:35.200 --> 00:26:36.480
 If we follow Jesus,

00:26:36.600 --> 00:26:37.559
 he will most certainly

00:26:37.559 --> 00:26:38.920
 lead us into a world

00:26:38.920 --> 00:26:40.400
 full of trouble

00:26:40.400 --> 00:26:42.360
 that will often reject us

00:26:42.360 --> 00:26:43.519
 and be against us

00:26:43.519 --> 00:26:44.799
 just as it did to him

00:26:44.799 --> 00:26:46.559
 when God so loved the world

00:26:46.559 --> 00:26:48.460
 that he sent his son

00:26:48.460 --> 00:26:50.160
 and even his own

00:26:50.160 --> 00:26:51.880
 did not receive him.

00:26:54.360 --> 00:26:55.740
 If we follow Jesus,

00:26:55.920 --> 00:26:57.640
 he will lead us to a cross

00:26:57.640 --> 00:27:00.039
 where we must be willing

00:27:00.039 --> 00:27:01.100
 to suffer and even

00:27:01.100 --> 00:27:02.400
 lay down our lives

00:27:02.400 --> 00:27:03.539
 in order to love others.

00:27:03.539 --> 00:27:05.379
 If we follow Jesus,

00:27:05.500 --> 00:27:06.659
 he will certainly lead us

00:27:06.659 --> 00:27:07.799
 to other people

00:27:07.799 --> 00:27:08.779
 who need to know

00:27:08.779 --> 00:27:10.359
 relationship with their

00:27:10.359 --> 00:27:11.200
 God and Father.

00:27:11.480 --> 00:27:12.659
 He will make Peter

00:27:12.659 --> 00:27:14.960
 and us fishers of men

00:27:14.960 --> 00:27:17.099
 who listen to the lonely

00:27:17.099 --> 00:27:18.480
 woman at the well

00:27:18.480 --> 00:27:20.659
 and offer her living water.

00:27:21.859 --> 00:27:23.740
 Who move toward the sick

00:27:23.740 --> 00:27:24.859
 and the outcasts

00:27:24.859 --> 00:27:25.599
 to bring healing

00:27:25.599 --> 00:27:26.420
 and restoration

00:27:26.420 --> 00:27:28.319
 of body and soul.

00:27:28.500 --> 00:27:30.180
 It is not all simple

00:27:30.180 --> 00:27:31.660
 and easy where Jesus

00:27:31.660 --> 00:27:32.740
 leads us, is it?

00:27:33.320 --> 00:27:34.180
 It's not.

00:27:36.480 --> 00:27:38.080
 But it's never just hard.

00:27:39.460 --> 00:27:40.920
 Rejection, suffering,

00:27:41.259 --> 00:27:41.720
 challenge.

00:27:43.420 --> 00:27:44.920
 He will also lead us

00:27:44.920 --> 00:27:47.299
 invariably and unfailingly

00:27:47.299 --> 00:27:49.060
 to his word

00:27:49.060 --> 00:27:52.299
 which he says cannot be broken.

00:27:54.019 --> 00:27:55.120
 He reminds us that again

00:27:55.119 --> 00:27:56.119
 in verse 24

00:27:56.119 --> 00:27:59.259
 John's talking about

00:27:59.259 --> 00:28:00.739
 the things that he's written.

00:28:01.739 --> 00:28:03.079
 If we're going to focus

00:28:03.079 --> 00:28:03.639
 on Jesus,

00:28:03.799 --> 00:28:05.139
 we need to have our eyes

00:28:05.139 --> 00:28:06.459
 regularly focused

00:28:06.459 --> 00:28:07.739
 on his word.

00:28:09.000 --> 00:28:09.719
 Because see,

00:28:10.019 --> 00:28:11.299
 just as Jesus

00:28:11.299 --> 00:28:12.679
 in the gospel of John

00:28:12.679 --> 00:28:14.079
 is faithfully revealing

00:28:14.079 --> 00:28:15.259
 the Father to us

00:28:15.259 --> 00:28:16.379
 as the living word,

00:28:16.819 --> 00:28:18.899
 so John is faithfully

00:28:18.899 --> 00:28:21.179
 revealing Jesus to us

00:28:21.179 --> 00:28:22.659
 in the written word.

00:28:23.359 --> 00:28:24.419
 We need to see him there.

00:28:25.619 --> 00:28:26.779
 This really is Jesus,

00:28:26.939 --> 00:28:27.479
 John says.

00:28:27.599 --> 00:28:28.739
 This is who he is.

00:28:28.879 --> 00:28:29.679
 Don't miss him.

00:28:31.619 --> 00:28:33.039
 Jesus will always lead us

00:28:33.039 --> 00:28:33.919
 to his spirit.

00:28:34.759 --> 00:28:35.799
 He promised, right?

00:28:36.159 --> 00:28:37.199
 Chapter 16.

00:28:38.339 --> 00:28:39.479
 Sent to us

00:28:39.479 --> 00:28:40.519
 so that the one

00:28:40.519 --> 00:28:42.179
 who overcomes the world

00:28:42.179 --> 00:28:44.339
 is always with us.

00:28:44.439 --> 00:28:45.619
 We're never overpowered.

00:28:46.159 --> 00:28:47.159
 We're never helpless.

00:28:47.639 --> 00:28:48.819
 We're never hopeless

00:28:48.819 --> 00:28:50.159
 when God himself

00:28:50.159 --> 00:28:51.899
 is within us.

00:28:51.900 --> 00:28:54.100
 And then Jesus

00:28:54.100 --> 00:28:55.280
 will always lead us

00:28:55.280 --> 00:28:56.900
 to his people

00:28:56.900 --> 00:28:59.480
 who are united in him

00:28:59.480 --> 00:29:01.080
 so that we are never alone

00:29:01.080 --> 00:29:03.200
 as he prays for us

00:29:03.200 --> 00:29:04.259
 in chapter 17.

00:29:06.060 --> 00:29:06.920
 Now those three things

00:29:06.920 --> 00:29:07.660
 are really helpful.

00:29:07.780 --> 00:29:08.280
 His word,

00:29:10.040 --> 00:29:10.640
 his spirit,

00:29:11.420 --> 00:29:12.240
 his people.

00:29:14.320 --> 00:29:15.500
 It's really hopeful,

00:29:15.500 --> 00:29:17.579
 but where with all

00:29:17.579 --> 00:29:18.480
 of those around us

00:29:18.480 --> 00:29:19.740
 is Jesus ultimately

00:29:19.740 --> 00:29:20.660
 leading us?

00:29:20.960 --> 00:29:21.980
 Could you answer that question

00:29:21.980 --> 00:29:23.099
 from the Gospel of John?

00:29:25.000 --> 00:29:27.019
 How has Peter heard Jesus pray

00:29:27.019 --> 00:29:28.460
 in his darkest hour

00:29:28.460 --> 00:29:30.920
 for his failing followers?

00:29:31.279 --> 00:29:32.359
 Where is he going to take them?

00:29:33.220 --> 00:29:33.759
 Father,

00:29:34.160 --> 00:29:36.680
 I want them to be with me

00:29:36.680 --> 00:29:38.240
 where I am,

00:29:38.339 --> 00:29:40.259
 to see my glory,

00:29:40.259 --> 00:29:43.559
 to taste that you love them

00:29:43.559 --> 00:29:46.900
 just as you love me.

00:29:47.339 --> 00:29:48.720
 Jesus may take you

00:29:48.720 --> 00:29:49.460
 through dark,

00:29:50.000 --> 00:29:50.379
 low,

00:29:51.119 --> 00:29:52.220
 painful places,

00:29:52.740 --> 00:29:55.460
 but he is making you

00:29:55.460 --> 00:29:57.660
 into part of the sunset.

00:29:59.000 --> 00:29:59.339
 You,

00:30:00.140 --> 00:30:00.519
 his,

00:30:00.599 --> 00:30:02.879
 his crown jewel,

00:30:03.420 --> 00:30:04.140
 his

00:30:04.140 --> 00:30:06.259
 magnificent

00:30:06.259 --> 00:30:07.779
 masterpiece.

00:30:07.779 --> 00:30:09.819
 you are.

00:30:10.099 --> 00:30:11.920
 Even though you lose focus

00:30:11.920 --> 00:30:13.019
 at times,

00:30:13.160 --> 00:30:14.639
 you who lose focus,

00:30:14.980 --> 00:30:16.119
 Jesus does not lose

00:30:16.119 --> 00:30:17.759
 his focus on you.

00:30:17.960 --> 00:30:19.200
 He is taking you

00:30:19.200 --> 00:30:20.319
 to glory,

00:30:21.039 --> 00:30:22.200
 to life,

00:30:22.720 --> 00:30:23.759
 to himself.

00:30:24.420 --> 00:30:26.359
 He loves you so much

00:30:26.359 --> 00:30:27.899
 that he won't let you

00:30:27.899 --> 00:30:29.000
 miss out on that forever.

00:30:29.319 --> 00:30:30.359
 It is beyond

00:30:30.359 --> 00:30:32.000
 our full comprehension

00:30:32.000 --> 00:30:33.460
 where Jesus is taking us,

00:30:33.779 --> 00:30:35.240
 but you can let your imagination

00:30:35.240 --> 00:30:35.839
 run wild

00:30:35.839 --> 00:30:37.299
 because you can't outthink him.

00:30:37.299 --> 00:30:38.799
 You can't outimagine

00:30:38.799 --> 00:30:39.859
 the glory

00:30:39.859 --> 00:30:41.180
 that he has prepared

00:30:41.180 --> 00:30:42.139
 for those

00:30:42.139 --> 00:30:43.220
 who love him.

00:30:43.579 --> 00:30:44.299
 It's why I don't think

00:30:44.299 --> 00:30:45.039
 this last verse

00:30:45.039 --> 00:30:46.539
 is intended as exaggeration

00:30:46.539 --> 00:30:47.399
 or hyperbole.

00:30:47.799 --> 00:30:48.480
 It could be,

00:30:48.619 --> 00:30:49.579
 some take it that way.

00:30:50.919 --> 00:30:52.119
 I think it's actually

00:30:52.119 --> 00:30:53.200
 one more way to say,

00:30:54.119 --> 00:30:55.279
 focus on Jesus

00:30:55.279 --> 00:30:58.039
 and even if you do,

00:30:58.599 --> 00:30:59.619
 every moment

00:30:59.619 --> 00:31:00.579
 of every day

00:31:00.579 --> 00:31:01.919
 for the rest of your life,

00:31:02.039 --> 00:31:03.539
 you will never,

00:31:03.919 --> 00:31:05.440
 never plumb the depths.

00:31:05.440 --> 00:31:07.360
 you will be exploring

00:31:07.360 --> 00:31:09.200
 the wonders of his love,

00:31:09.440 --> 00:31:11.340
 the glories of his grace

00:31:11.340 --> 00:31:12.960
 throughout eternity.

00:31:13.460 --> 00:31:14.460
 See, John's referring

00:31:14.460 --> 00:31:16.120
 not merely to the deeds

00:31:16.120 --> 00:31:17.000
 that Jesus has done

00:31:17.000 --> 00:31:17.980
 on earth in the flesh

00:31:17.980 --> 00:31:19.279
 in 33 years,

00:31:19.440 --> 00:31:20.779
 but the immensity

00:31:20.779 --> 00:31:22.920
 of the infinite word

00:31:22.920 --> 00:31:23.920
 who was there

00:31:23.920 --> 00:31:24.980
 in the beginning

00:31:24.980 --> 00:31:26.120
 through whom

00:31:26.120 --> 00:31:27.660
 all things were made,

00:31:27.900 --> 00:31:30.220
 in whom is life itself.

00:31:30.220 --> 00:31:31.940
 and I think

00:31:31.940 --> 00:31:33.079
 what he's saying is,

00:31:34.240 --> 00:31:35.700
 you will be exploring

00:31:35.700 --> 00:31:36.620
 the sunset

00:31:36.620 --> 00:31:39.279
 not from a distance

00:31:39.279 --> 00:31:41.140
 behind a guardrail

00:31:41.140 --> 00:31:42.819
 gazing off at it,

00:31:43.299 --> 00:31:46.059
 but from the inside,

00:31:46.620 --> 00:31:47.279
 so to speak.

00:31:48.279 --> 00:31:50.360
 An insider experience

00:31:50.360 --> 00:31:51.980
 of his glory

00:31:51.980 --> 00:31:53.360
 and grace

00:31:53.360 --> 00:31:55.319
 and you'll never finish

00:31:55.319 --> 00:31:56.140
 that experience.

00:31:56.140 --> 00:31:56.400
 experience.

00:31:56.940 --> 00:31:58.940
 Don't ever stop

00:31:58.940 --> 00:32:00.180
 being enchanted

00:32:00.180 --> 00:32:01.160
 with Jesus.

00:32:01.460 --> 00:32:02.259
 He's given you

00:32:02.259 --> 00:32:03.480
 one life

00:32:03.480 --> 00:32:04.520
 to live here.

00:32:04.740 --> 00:32:05.160
 One.

00:32:05.380 --> 00:32:05.840
 And you know what

00:32:05.840 --> 00:32:06.820
 he wants you to do with it?

00:32:07.280 --> 00:32:08.300
 Are you uncertain?

00:32:08.580 --> 00:32:09.380
 Are you confused?

00:32:10.500 --> 00:32:11.540
 Hear him clearly.

00:32:12.100 --> 00:32:14.920
 You follow me.

00:32:16.080 --> 00:32:17.540
 Nothing else to focus on.

00:32:18.540 --> 00:32:20.140
 You follow me.

00:32:21.040 --> 00:32:21.640
 Practically,

00:32:22.259 --> 00:32:23.560
 that means be zealous

00:32:23.560 --> 00:32:24.820
 for time with Jesus.

00:32:26.140 --> 00:32:27.460
 Today and every day.

00:32:28.360 --> 00:32:29.300
 It means be eager

00:32:29.300 --> 00:32:30.800
 for Jesus' return.

00:32:31.300 --> 00:32:33.040
 You're daydreaming about it.

00:32:33.140 --> 00:32:34.880
 You're praying towards it.

00:32:35.560 --> 00:32:36.540
 And it means be committed

00:32:36.540 --> 00:32:37.340
 to his mission,

00:32:37.440 --> 00:32:38.700
 not all of your agendas

00:32:38.700 --> 00:32:39.800
 until he comes

00:32:39.800 --> 00:32:40.960
 or takes you home,

00:32:41.180 --> 00:32:42.580
 not knowing when it is

00:32:42.580 --> 00:32:43.440
 that it will end.

00:32:43.880 --> 00:32:44.920
 Not being distracted

00:32:44.920 --> 00:32:46.160
 by predictions about it,

00:32:46.200 --> 00:32:47.960
 but being focused on Jesus

00:32:47.960 --> 00:32:50.200
 every day that he gives us

00:32:50.200 --> 00:32:51.280
 to live with him

00:32:51.280 --> 00:32:52.100
 because we're living

00:32:52.100 --> 00:32:52.860
 with the one

00:32:52.859 --> 00:32:54.459
 whom to know

00:32:54.459 --> 00:32:57.000
 is eternal life.

00:33:01.599 --> 00:33:02.459
 I went longer

00:33:02.459 --> 00:33:03.179
 than I was supposed to,

00:33:03.279 --> 00:33:05.059
 but before I pray

00:33:05.059 --> 00:33:06.079
 and we come to this meal

00:33:06.079 --> 00:33:06.639
 with Jesus,

00:33:07.219 --> 00:33:08.359
 I want to say it

00:33:08.359 --> 00:33:09.299
 to you this way

00:33:09.299 --> 00:33:11.919
 and hopefully not be

00:33:11.919 --> 00:33:12.619
 melodramatic

00:33:12.619 --> 00:33:13.899
 when I say this, okay?

00:33:14.019 --> 00:33:15.059
 Maybe I'm just getting old.

00:33:15.139 --> 00:33:15.579
 I don't know.

00:33:16.379 --> 00:33:17.859
 But I reflected this week

00:33:17.859 --> 00:33:19.979
 on John's gospel

00:33:19.979 --> 00:33:20.799
 because I've loved it

00:33:20.799 --> 00:33:22.259
 and I've loved meeting Jesus here.

00:33:23.099 --> 00:33:24.159
 But I'm not as young

00:33:24.159 --> 00:33:24.980
 as I used to be

00:33:24.980 --> 00:33:25.819
 and I've realized

00:33:25.819 --> 00:33:26.940
 that it very well

00:33:26.940 --> 00:33:29.099
 could be the last time

00:33:29.099 --> 00:33:30.279
 I preach through

00:33:30.279 --> 00:33:31.480
 all of John's gospel.

00:33:32.480 --> 00:33:33.980
 I hope that you and I

00:33:33.980 --> 00:33:35.200
 both will read

00:33:35.200 --> 00:33:36.139
 all of it again.

00:33:38.720 --> 00:33:39.519
 But that means

00:33:39.519 --> 00:33:40.700
 it could also be

00:33:40.700 --> 00:33:41.539
 the last time

00:33:41.539 --> 00:33:42.419
 you ever hear

00:33:42.419 --> 00:33:45.099
 John's gospel preached

00:33:45.099 --> 00:33:46.519
 all the way through.

00:33:47.879 --> 00:33:48.940
 Maybe you'll be thankful

00:33:48.940 --> 00:33:49.419
 for that.

00:33:50.799 --> 00:33:53.259
 So before you leave it,

00:33:54.940 --> 00:33:55.779
 will you remember

00:33:55.779 --> 00:33:57.180
 that while Jesus did

00:33:57.180 --> 00:33:58.639
 many other things

00:33:58.639 --> 00:34:00.079
 not written in this book,

00:34:01.680 --> 00:34:03.099
 these things

00:34:03.099 --> 00:34:04.720
 were written

00:34:04.720 --> 00:34:06.819
 so that you would believe

00:34:06.819 --> 00:34:09.699
 that Jesus is the Christ,

00:34:10.400 --> 00:34:11.960
 the Son of God,

00:34:12.139 --> 00:34:14.139
 that by believing in Him,

00:34:14.320 --> 00:34:15.900
 you would find life

00:34:15.900 --> 00:34:17.800
 in His name.

00:34:18.000 --> 00:34:18.619
 In other words,

00:34:18.619 --> 00:34:19.579
 if you've been here

00:34:19.579 --> 00:34:21.440
 much of the last couple of years,

00:34:21.839 --> 00:34:22.880
 you've read

00:34:22.880 --> 00:34:24.980
 what God wrote

00:34:24.980 --> 00:34:26.339
 so that you

00:34:26.339 --> 00:34:27.940
 would know Him

00:34:27.940 --> 00:34:30.579
 by trusting His Son.

00:34:30.920 --> 00:34:31.900
 He really is

00:34:31.900 --> 00:34:34.119
 an endlessly good

00:34:34.119 --> 00:34:35.500
 and gracious

00:34:35.500 --> 00:34:37.460
 and glorious Savior.

00:34:37.839 --> 00:34:38.940
 And He just wants you

00:34:38.940 --> 00:34:39.739
 to know Him

00:34:39.739 --> 00:34:40.900
 and love Him

00:34:40.900 --> 00:34:42.079
 and follow Him

00:34:42.079 --> 00:34:43.319
 and trust Him.

00:34:43.460 --> 00:34:44.639
 And He's written to you

00:34:44.639 --> 00:34:45.339
 so you will.

00:34:45.340 --> 00:34:47.160
 don't miss Jesus.

00:34:47.940 --> 00:34:49.660
 Won't you trust Him today?

00:34:49.920 --> 00:34:50.700
 You know what He says?

00:34:50.940 --> 00:34:53.100
 Whoever believes in Him

00:34:53.100 --> 00:34:57.360
 will have everlasting life.

00:34:58.320 --> 00:34:59.760
 It's the promise of His Word

00:34:59.760 --> 00:35:00.980
 that Jesus gives to you.

00:35:01.300 --> 00:35:01.820
 Let me pray.

00:35:01.820 --> 00:35:06.820
 Jesus,

00:35:06.940 --> 00:35:07.920
 we give You thanks

00:35:07.920 --> 00:35:09.900
 for all that You

00:35:09.900 --> 00:35:11.580
 are and did

00:35:11.580 --> 00:35:13.880
 which we've only touched

00:35:13.880 --> 00:35:16.440
 the outer surface of.

00:35:17.559 --> 00:35:19.280
 And yet You've shown us

00:35:19.280 --> 00:35:20.380
 all we need to know

00:35:20.380 --> 00:35:21.080
 to know that

00:35:21.080 --> 00:35:22.860
 we can trust You.

00:35:23.420 --> 00:35:25.059
 To know that You love us

00:35:25.059 --> 00:35:26.220
 immensely beyond

00:35:26.220 --> 00:35:27.200
 what we can imagine.

00:35:28.320 --> 00:35:29.800
 To know that You've called us

00:35:29.800 --> 00:35:32.180
 to life in one place

00:35:32.180 --> 00:35:33.600
 and in one relationship

00:35:33.600 --> 00:35:34.900
 and we're never going to

00:35:34.900 --> 00:35:36.340
 find it outside of that.

00:35:38.900 --> 00:35:40.280
 So by Your Spirit

00:35:40.280 --> 00:35:40.760
 would You

00:35:40.760 --> 00:35:41.800
 would You enlighten

00:35:41.800 --> 00:35:42.780
 the eyes of our hearts?

00:35:42.880 --> 00:35:43.600
 Would You help us

00:35:43.600 --> 00:35:44.440
 to see You?

00:35:45.700 --> 00:35:46.460
 Would You renew

00:35:46.460 --> 00:35:47.140
 our commitment

00:35:47.140 --> 00:35:48.180
 to live with You

00:35:48.180 --> 00:35:49.019
 and for You?

00:35:50.060 --> 00:35:51.320
 We ask it in Your name.

00:35:52.539 --> 00:35:52.860
 Amen.

00:35:53.800 --> 00:35:55.000
 For more information

00:35:55.000 --> 00:35:56.260
 visit us online

00:35:56.260 --> 00:35:57.320
 at southwood.org

00:35:57.320 --> 00:35:58.260
 and visit us online

00:35:58.260 --> 00:35:59.160
 with us on top of that.

00:35:59.160 --> 00:35:59.160


00:35:59.160 --> 00:35:59.960
 visit us on top of that.

00:35:59.960 --> 00:36:00.900
 For more information

00:36:00.900 --> 00:36:00.900


00:36:00.900 --> 00:36:01.559
 For more information

00:36:01.559 --> 00:36:02.200
 visit us on top of that.

00:36:02.200 --> 00:36:03.300
 For more information

00:36:03.300 --> 00:36:03.620
 visit us on top of that.

00:36:03.620 --> 00:36:04.519
 For more information

00:36:04.519 --> 00:36:05.000
 visit us on top of that.

00:36:05.000 --> 00:36:06.260
 For more information

00:36:06.260 --> 00:36:06.260


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