WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.040 Now just to start, I'd like you to have a think about this question. What do you marvel at? 00:00:06.459 --> 00:00:14.300 What do you marvel at? It's not a word we use often. Perhaps a few of us use it when we're talking about Marvel comics. 00:00:14.880 --> 00:00:19.480 But what do you marvel at? What amazes you? What leads your jaw to drop? 00:00:19.600 --> 00:00:23.460 Can you just stand in silence and awe at something? 00:00:25.640 --> 00:00:29.000 Just quickly have a think. See if you can think of two things that you marvel at. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:38.980 Perhaps it's seeing an incredible view of sunrise over snow-capped mountains. 00:00:40.100 --> 00:00:47.039 Perhaps it's some skill or ability like a triple step over by Ronaldo or a death drop shot at Wimbledon. 00:00:47.980 --> 00:00:55.500 Or perhaps it's just the kindness shown to you by someone when you've been feeling down and someone comes around with a pizza and a film. 00:00:55.500 --> 00:01:01.380 Now what do you think makes Jesus marvel? 00:01:01.920 --> 00:01:05.760 The Son of God himself. The one who put the stars in the sky. 00:01:06.900 --> 00:01:08.500 What makes him marvel? 00:01:09.140 --> 00:01:11.359 Well have a look at verse 10. 00:01:12.140 --> 00:01:14.000 Have a look at verse 10. 00:01:14.000 --> 00:01:32.680 Jesus marvels at a man's faith. 00:01:32.680 --> 00:01:34.599 Now that is something, isn't it? 00:01:34.599 --> 00:01:42.439 Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, as this man approached him, spoke to him, marveled. 00:01:43.239 --> 00:01:44.419 He wondered. 00:01:45.439 --> 00:01:48.339 He was amazed at this faith. 00:01:49.939 --> 00:01:51.719 Now that gets our attention, doesn't it? 00:01:51.840 --> 00:01:53.319 That makes us want to reread. 00:01:53.379 --> 00:01:58.419 What's just happened that gets this response from Jesus? 00:01:58.420 --> 00:02:00.680 Clearly this is no ordinary meeting. 00:02:01.879 --> 00:02:07.219 Now we're in a section in Matthew all about the authority of Jesus Christ. 00:02:07.760 --> 00:02:12.960 At the end of chapter 7 in verse 28, we see that Jesus taught with authority. 00:02:13.759 --> 00:02:19.080 Last week when Jesus met the leper, we saw his power and authority over disease. 00:02:19.500 --> 00:02:23.139 Particularly what makes someone unclean and sin itself. 00:02:23.139 --> 00:02:29.339 Then later on in chapter 8, Matthew shows us Jesus' authority over nature, over evil. 00:02:30.559 --> 00:02:36.399 But right here in this passage, we see something particular about the authority of Jesus Christ. 00:02:37.139 --> 00:02:39.659 And also how to respond to him. 00:02:40.279 --> 00:02:43.359 Because knowing all this stuff about Jesus can leave us wondering, 00:02:43.519 --> 00:02:47.899 well what does it look like to actually have faith in him? 00:02:49.159 --> 00:02:51.659 And that's what we see here in this story. 00:02:51.659 --> 00:02:56.120 What this faith looks like, that's verses 5 to 9. 00:02:56.639 --> 00:03:01.280 And then the significance of who has this faith, that'd be 10 to 13. 00:03:01.659 --> 00:03:06.419 And Jesus makes something of him being a centurion, but we'll think about that in a bit. 00:03:06.519 --> 00:03:12.599 But firstly, let's look at what a marvellous faith, one that Jesus marbles at, is like. 00:03:14.019 --> 00:03:15.500 And so the first point is this. 00:03:15.500 --> 00:03:21.419 A marvellous faith magnifies the authority of Christ. 00:03:21.419 --> 00:03:26.719 A marvellous faith magnifies the authority of Christ. 00:03:27.560 --> 00:03:30.560 Now to get into it, we need to spend a bit of time in this story, don't we? 00:03:30.599 --> 00:03:35.339 Because there are three things the centurion does and says that is massive. 00:03:35.839 --> 00:03:39.579 So Jesus has come back to his sort of base camp in Capernaum. 00:03:40.139 --> 00:03:43.719 And a centurion comes up to him, appealing to him. 00:03:43.719 --> 00:03:47.240 Now just imagine this from the disciples' perspective. 00:03:48.580 --> 00:03:57.240 As this centurion, perhaps in his garb, his official uniform, approaches, they must have been a little bit nervous. 00:03:58.439 --> 00:03:59.659 You know, what have we done? 00:04:00.460 --> 00:04:06.939 You know when you're driving and the police car drives past you, immediately check your speed, you think, have I taxed the car? 00:04:07.639 --> 00:04:08.879 It's probably a little bit like that. 00:04:09.000 --> 00:04:10.599 Sweat appears on your brow. 00:04:11.000 --> 00:04:12.120 Heart races, increases. 00:04:12.319 --> 00:04:15.359 And they're probably, you know, expecting a little bit of telling off from the centurion. 00:04:15.900 --> 00:04:17.500 You know, keep the chatter down. 00:04:17.939 --> 00:04:18.680 I'm not sure. 00:04:19.759 --> 00:04:24.620 But instead, as he approaches, they notice he's a little bit frantic. 00:04:24.620 --> 00:04:29.120 He's pushing his way through the crowd in a slightly uncharacteristic way. 00:04:29.379 --> 00:04:30.079 He's a little pale. 00:04:30.199 --> 00:04:31.319 He comes to Jesus. 00:04:31.840 --> 00:04:33.240 It's as if he bows before him. 00:04:33.280 --> 00:04:35.319 He appeals to him, pleading with him. 00:04:35.360 --> 00:04:36.439 His voice is frantic. 00:04:38.319 --> 00:04:40.759 And this is the first moment. 00:04:41.480 --> 00:04:43.280 He comes to Jesus Christ. 00:04:43.500 --> 00:04:45.379 We're so used to reading this. 00:04:45.379 --> 00:04:52.360 But this is a Roman centurion has come to this little Jewish teacher for help. 00:04:52.360 --> 00:04:55.160 Remember, the Romans had conquered this place. 00:04:55.460 --> 00:04:58.040 This guy was in charge of 60 to 100 people. 00:04:58.400 --> 00:05:00.280 He's like an important boss in a company. 00:05:01.560 --> 00:05:07.939 And he comes to Jesus, this roaming creature, you know, generating a little spur in the area. 00:05:08.420 --> 00:05:09.980 And he appeals to him. 00:05:11.259 --> 00:05:14.500 He talks about his suffering servant, paralyzed at home. 00:05:14.780 --> 00:05:17.340 But he's not coming here just to inform Jesus. 00:05:17.580 --> 00:05:19.240 He's coming to Jesus for help. 00:05:19.240 --> 00:05:22.840 This Roman centurion has come to Jesus. 00:05:23.879 --> 00:05:26.019 What does he see in him? 00:05:28.420 --> 00:05:31.500 Now Jesus responds, I will come and heal him. 00:05:33.460 --> 00:05:38.300 Again, the idea of a Jew going into the house of a Gentile, that's a big no-no. 00:05:39.639 --> 00:05:43.379 It was seen as defiling yourself, making yourself unclean. 00:05:43.379 --> 00:05:47.100 But rules of uncleanness don't seem to faze Jesus here. 00:05:48.159 --> 00:05:50.959 Similar to the previous section when Jesus touched a leper. 00:05:51.060 --> 00:05:55.000 But the disciples must have started looking, you know, to each other a little bit awkwardly. 00:05:55.219 --> 00:05:55.540 Really? 00:05:56.000 --> 00:05:56.740 Oh, I'm not going. 00:05:56.819 --> 00:05:57.319 Are you going? 00:05:57.420 --> 00:05:57.860 I don't know. 00:05:58.180 --> 00:05:59.680 Are we really going to go to this house? 00:06:00.000 --> 00:06:02.159 It's sort of a bit like one shock after another. 00:06:02.360 --> 00:06:04.500 Perhaps like watching shock tennis, I suppose. 00:06:04.639 --> 00:06:05.579 A centurion arrives. 00:06:05.980 --> 00:06:07.019 The mouth opens a bit. 00:06:07.019 --> 00:06:09.359 Then Jesus says he'll go around. 00:06:09.479 --> 00:06:11.240 Your mouth opens a little bit wider. 00:06:11.919 --> 00:06:16.979 But this next comment is a bit, you know, is mouth open, gaping rudely. 00:06:17.339 --> 00:06:19.500 A bit like Michael and Mary Poppins, if you've seen it. 00:06:19.539 --> 00:06:21.279 But this is the second big moment. 00:06:21.699 --> 00:06:23.060 First, he comes at all. 00:06:23.219 --> 00:06:24.759 But secondly, he says, 00:06:24.759 --> 00:06:31.699 Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 00:06:33.699 --> 00:06:35.980 Well, hang on a sec, Mr. Centurion. 00:06:36.300 --> 00:06:37.819 You know, what are you talking about? 00:06:38.839 --> 00:06:42.860 This guy has an extraordinary view of both Jesus and himself. 00:06:42.980 --> 00:06:45.099 I am not worthy, he says. 00:06:45.579 --> 00:06:47.719 Jesus, you're on a whole different plane to me. 00:06:48.000 --> 00:06:50.199 I'm a ruling Roman centurion. 00:06:50.199 --> 00:06:52.680 And yet I'm nothing to you. 00:06:52.680 --> 00:06:55.319 Jesus, you are worthy. 00:06:55.500 --> 00:06:56.500 You are impressive. 00:06:56.699 --> 00:06:59.199 I couldn't have you come and stay. 00:07:00.560 --> 00:07:02.220 That's humility, isn't it? 00:07:02.939 --> 00:07:08.480 That is recognising something about Jesus that brings him to a place of respect. 00:07:09.259 --> 00:07:10.360 A place of submission. 00:07:11.000 --> 00:07:14.519 I said again, what has he seen in Jesus? 00:07:16.899 --> 00:07:20.420 And then what he says next just goes another step. 00:07:20.500 --> 00:07:21.360 Our third moment. 00:07:21.360 --> 00:07:27.759 He says, but only say the word and my servant will be healed. 00:07:27.920 --> 00:07:31.980 Only say the word and my servant will be healed. 00:07:32.460 --> 00:07:38.580 This centurion believes Jesus can do something that we haven't yet seen in Matthew's Gospel. 00:07:39.180 --> 00:07:45.840 He believes Jesus Christ can heal someone at a distance by just saying something. 00:07:45.839 --> 00:07:49.079 Now that is extraordinary trust, isn't it? 00:07:49.079 --> 00:07:52.619 He has seen and believed something about Jesus. 00:07:53.560 --> 00:07:56.539 Again, what has he seen in him? 00:07:56.540 --> 00:08:02.439 Now the disciples and the crowds must have been in utter silence. 00:08:03.700 --> 00:08:05.520 The centurion has come to Jesus. 00:08:05.660 --> 00:08:06.939 He's come in humility. 00:08:06.939 --> 00:08:13.259 And then he comes with extraordinary trust for Jesus to do something miraculous. 00:08:13.899 --> 00:08:14.759 Now why? 00:08:15.259 --> 00:08:16.980 What does this centurion believe? 00:08:17.060 --> 00:08:20.500 What does he know about Jesus that leaves such a response? 00:08:20.800 --> 00:08:22.500 What has he seen in him? 00:08:22.500 --> 00:08:28.120 Well notice the little word for at the beginning of verse 9. 00:08:28.560 --> 00:08:29.620 Let's say because. 00:08:29.720 --> 00:08:32.179 He's about to explain what he understands. 00:08:32.259 --> 00:08:37.559 And he says, for I too am a man under authority with soldiers under me. 00:08:38.279 --> 00:08:40.840 This is all about authority. 00:08:40.840 --> 00:08:49.160 The big thing is he understood and believed in the authority of Jesus Christ. 00:08:49.980 --> 00:08:54.360 He gives a bit of an illustration of what he understood about Jesus' authority. 00:08:54.560 --> 00:08:58.680 He says, you know, when he's a centurion, he had people who were under his authority. 00:08:59.560 --> 00:09:01.399 He would say something and they would do it. 00:09:01.860 --> 00:09:02.879 Servants would obey him. 00:09:03.040 --> 00:09:04.300 Soldiers would do what he said. 00:09:04.800 --> 00:09:08.360 You know, but like a boss who says, I'd like that report on my desk by Monday morning. 00:09:08.759 --> 00:09:09.600 And it happens. 00:09:09.600 --> 00:09:14.220 Like that teacher who says, I expect silence in my classroom and gets it. 00:09:14.820 --> 00:09:18.139 Like the parent who asks their child to pick up their toys and they do it. 00:09:18.940 --> 00:09:21.060 We understand this type of authority. 00:09:21.300 --> 00:09:24.860 Well, even though those of us who are probably teachers, parents, bosses, 00:09:25.000 --> 00:09:27.220 haven't actually experienced it quite like that, have we? 00:09:27.259 --> 00:09:30.620 I mean, I can say to my boys, eat ice cream and they do that. 00:09:30.700 --> 00:09:32.279 But I think that's not quite the point. 00:09:33.399 --> 00:09:39.420 But the centurion is showing that this small type of authority that he has 00:09:39.419 --> 00:09:43.879 points to a far greater authority that Jesus has. 00:09:44.639 --> 00:09:48.379 Just say the word and my servant will be healed. 00:09:48.379 --> 00:09:56.500 Jesus has an authority that far outdoes the centurion and he knows it. 00:09:57.379 --> 00:10:00.220 And his faith is verified by the final verse of the section. 00:10:00.340 --> 00:10:01.620 Have a look at verse 13. 00:10:01.620 --> 00:10:05.679 And to the centurion, Jesus said, go. 00:10:06.240 --> 00:10:09.100 Let it be done for you as you have believed. 00:10:09.600 --> 00:10:14.840 And the servant was healed at that very moment. 00:10:14.840 --> 00:10:20.259 Jesus' words have an extraordinary power. 00:10:21.540 --> 00:10:23.220 This is a mind-blowing miracle. 00:10:23.340 --> 00:10:25.680 This is not just like a nice little magic trick. 00:10:26.259 --> 00:10:28.360 This is something on a whole different level. 00:10:28.519 --> 00:10:35.379 Jesus spoke and the cells in a man's body a few blocks away repaired. 00:10:36.040 --> 00:10:38.700 A spinal cord was made whole again. 00:10:38.700 --> 00:10:41.540 And the servant could walk. 00:10:43.740 --> 00:10:47.800 He spoke and the illness responded. 00:10:48.120 --> 00:10:51.360 He spoke and it was so. 00:10:53.520 --> 00:10:56.500 Perhaps this reminds you of a very famous part of the Bible. 00:10:56.640 --> 00:10:57.520 Genesis 1. 00:10:58.560 --> 00:11:01.940 As God created the universe, he said, let there be light. 00:11:02.060 --> 00:11:03.180 And it was so. 00:11:03.840 --> 00:11:05.980 He said, let the earth bring forth living creatures. 00:11:06.180 --> 00:11:07.400 And it was so. 00:11:07.399 --> 00:11:11.299 This is the power of Jesus Christ. 00:11:11.459 --> 00:11:14.240 He spoke and it was so. 00:11:15.439 --> 00:11:20.799 The man standing in front of the centurion had authority over all things. 00:11:23.379 --> 00:11:28.179 How big is your view of Jesus Christ? 00:11:29.759 --> 00:11:32.579 Is he this big? 00:11:34.579 --> 00:11:36.500 Perhaps using that phrase in Colossians. 00:11:36.500 --> 00:11:43.039 Do you believe the world holds together in Jesus Christ, this man? 00:11:44.539 --> 00:11:52.840 Do you believe he has words that create, that recreate, that bring life, that are full of the spirit and life? 00:11:52.840 --> 00:11:57.780 John Frame, a theologian, puts it like this. 00:11:57.780 --> 00:12:02.379 He says, without Christ, nothing could be the way it is. 00:12:02.379 --> 00:12:03.919 But as the world really is. 00:12:03.919 --> 00:12:10.779 But as the world really is, all its affairs, all its objects and forces trace back to Christ, their creator and governor. 00:12:11.299 --> 00:12:16.360 Although Christ entered history at a particular time and place, he governs all times and places. 00:12:16.820 --> 00:12:21.899 His person and his work apply to every circumstance in nature and in history. 00:12:21.899 --> 00:12:25.659 How big is your view of Jesus Christ? 00:12:25.659 --> 00:12:30.840 Is he of this significance and authority? 00:12:30.840 --> 00:12:40.820 And if this is what we know of him, no wonder the centurion responded in the way he did. 00:12:41.360 --> 00:12:45.759 The centurion magnified the authoritative Christ. 00:12:46.200 --> 00:12:47.340 What did that look like? 00:12:47.440 --> 00:12:49.320 Let's just think back to those three moments. 00:12:50.379 --> 00:12:54.360 Knowing this authority, the centurion came to Jesus for help. 00:12:54.780 --> 00:12:56.639 He was drawn to Jesus Christ. 00:12:56.639 --> 00:13:03.779 Despite the racial differences, despite the political power differences, he was drawn to the authoritative Christ. 00:13:04.559 --> 00:13:05.779 Are you drawn to him? 00:13:07.259 --> 00:13:11.539 And for the centurion, this is particularly in the context of someone else needing help. 00:13:13.080 --> 00:13:14.519 Here the centurion's servant. 00:13:14.720 --> 00:13:15.980 Who do you go to? 00:13:17.419 --> 00:13:25.039 When you see a friend whose life is a mess, their marriages are falling apart, they're suffering from addiction, whatever it may be. 00:13:25.039 --> 00:13:27.699 Who is your first port of call? 00:13:28.980 --> 00:13:29.620 Is it yourself? 00:13:29.740 --> 00:13:31.120 Do you try and fix it? 00:13:31.360 --> 00:13:32.259 Do you use psychology? 00:13:33.519 --> 00:13:37.679 Or do you come to Jesus Christ, the authoritative one, in prayer? 00:13:38.480 --> 00:13:40.319 Do you point your friend to him? 00:13:42.419 --> 00:13:45.480 We have a friend from York who's not a Christian. 00:13:46.539 --> 00:13:48.539 And sadly her marriage is falling apart. 00:13:48.639 --> 00:13:50.279 We saw her the other week and it was tragic. 00:13:50.279 --> 00:13:55.939 It was tragic to hear about what was going on and we were struggling to know quite what to say. 00:13:56.839 --> 00:14:01.819 What do you say when her husband just isn't around, doesn't lead, doesn't treat her well? 00:14:02.259 --> 00:14:03.179 Why should she bother? 00:14:05.699 --> 00:14:11.839 Well Mary and I realised after our conversation, we realised the solution isn't telling her to try harder. 00:14:12.779 --> 00:14:15.379 It isn't even counselling, although I'm sure that would help. 00:14:15.379 --> 00:14:20.519 No, we have to point her and her husband to Jesus Christ. 00:14:21.559 --> 00:14:24.019 Without him there is no solution. 00:14:25.700 --> 00:14:31.899 Without him as their Lord, their efforts will never bring the deep healing that is needed to restore their marriage. 00:14:32.539 --> 00:14:34.980 Do you go to Christ for help? 00:14:35.120 --> 00:14:36.159 Are you drawn to him? 00:14:37.259 --> 00:14:41.000 Not only was the centurion drawn to him, but he came humbly. 00:14:41.000 --> 00:14:44.120 Do you remember he said, Lord, I am not worthy. 00:14:44.340 --> 00:14:46.379 And no wonder he came humbly. 00:14:47.059 --> 00:14:52.440 He knew that Jesus could heal with his words from a distance. 00:14:53.139 --> 00:14:58.159 Despite his high position, he knew he has nothing compared to Jesus Christ. 00:15:00.259 --> 00:15:04.620 Now I'm sure there are some of us here who secretly think we're kind of a big deal. 00:15:04.620 --> 00:15:10.759 Whether it's in our work, in our homes, in our social circles, in church. 00:15:11.799 --> 00:15:13.240 We know we're good at something. 00:15:14.000 --> 00:15:15.799 We know people look up to us because of it. 00:15:15.860 --> 00:15:18.720 We have a little swagger inside, a little heart swagger. 00:15:20.120 --> 00:15:22.360 You know, we expect to speak to the cool people. 00:15:23.419 --> 00:15:26.360 We expect people to listen to us when we have something to say. 00:15:26.879 --> 00:15:29.240 We expect others to do menial jobs. 00:15:29.240 --> 00:15:32.860 We rarely ask for help or show weakness. 00:15:33.980 --> 00:15:38.860 But if that's you, just spend the moment looking at Jesus Christ. 00:15:40.120 --> 00:15:42.779 You are nothing next to him. 00:15:43.820 --> 00:15:46.240 He can command cells at a distance. 00:15:47.039 --> 00:15:49.500 He has authority over all things in the universe. 00:15:49.799 --> 00:15:50.919 And we think we're something. 00:15:51.940 --> 00:15:53.320 We need to get perspective. 00:15:53.519 --> 00:15:55.200 We are not worthy. 00:15:55.299 --> 00:15:58.000 In the face of Jesus Christ, we are not worthy. 00:15:58.000 --> 00:15:59.659 We come with empty hands. 00:15:59.840 --> 00:16:01.080 We come with filthy hearts. 00:16:01.200 --> 00:16:03.899 We come in rags before the king. 00:16:04.600 --> 00:16:08.100 Just think, the needs of our world are far beyond us. 00:16:08.399 --> 00:16:10.500 The needs of our church are far beyond us. 00:16:10.559 --> 00:16:11.840 We cannot save sinners. 00:16:12.679 --> 00:16:15.740 We cannot defeat the powers of sin, the world and the devil. 00:16:16.100 --> 00:16:17.799 We can't even save ourselves. 00:16:18.860 --> 00:16:22.620 And we can't even stop ourselves in the face of small temptation. 00:16:23.159 --> 00:16:24.360 Like when I'm trying to work, 00:16:24.360 --> 00:16:28.800 I still can't even stop myself picking up my phone and scrolling on Twitter. 00:16:29.840 --> 00:16:31.460 I can't even control that. 00:16:32.419 --> 00:16:35.379 I'm nothing before the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:16:36.500 --> 00:16:38.159 Do we come humbly to Jesus? 00:16:38.480 --> 00:16:40.720 And thirdly, he came with trust. 00:16:41.820 --> 00:16:43.419 The centurion came with trust. 00:16:43.560 --> 00:16:46.460 Only say the words and he will be healed. 00:16:46.460 --> 00:16:51.259 Knowing Christ's authority means he asked Jesus to do the impossible. 00:16:52.820 --> 00:16:54.879 Knowing Christ's authority means he trusts him. 00:16:54.960 --> 00:16:55.780 He asked him. 00:16:56.920 --> 00:16:59.960 How often do you ask in faith? 00:17:00.120 --> 00:17:04.180 Ask knowing Christ could do more than you could dream or imagine. 00:17:04.539 --> 00:17:07.900 Jesus, only say the word and my friend will be healed. 00:17:08.059 --> 00:17:11.640 Jesus, only say the word and my sister will be saved. 00:17:11.640 --> 00:17:15.360 Jesus, only say the word and my colleague will have peace. 00:17:16.420 --> 00:17:17.660 And know he can. 00:17:17.800 --> 00:17:19.640 Know the truth of verse 13. 00:17:20.860 --> 00:17:23.600 Jesus actually healed this servant. 00:17:24.840 --> 00:17:26.720 That's why we come together to pray. 00:17:26.820 --> 00:17:30.640 That's why people talk about the prayer meeting as the engine room of the church. 00:17:31.540 --> 00:17:36.060 Because it's there we come together in trust of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 00:17:36.400 --> 00:17:37.560 It's there we come and say, 00:17:37.560 --> 00:17:39.880 Jesus, only say the word. 00:17:39.880 --> 00:17:45.620 And how big our prayers are depends on how big our Jesus is. 00:17:46.700 --> 00:17:50.260 If Jesus is small, then we don't bother praying. 00:17:50.400 --> 00:17:54.140 If Jesus is as big as this, bring everything to him. 00:17:54.380 --> 00:17:56.780 Trust him with all things. 00:17:58.460 --> 00:18:01.860 Don't we want a faith that Jesus would marvel at? 00:18:02.600 --> 00:18:05.360 Not for our glory, but for his all the more. 00:18:06.100 --> 00:18:09.840 So a marvellous faith magnifies the authoritative Christ. 00:18:10.700 --> 00:18:11.880 And we've seen it in three ways. 00:18:11.960 --> 00:18:12.940 He was drawn to him. 00:18:13.520 --> 00:18:14.360 He came humbly. 00:18:14.760 --> 00:18:15.840 And he trusted him. 00:18:17.100 --> 00:18:18.240 But secondly, just more briefly, 00:18:18.840 --> 00:18:21.160 A marvellous faith matters. 00:18:22.020 --> 00:18:23.540 A marvellous faith matters. 00:18:23.620 --> 00:18:24.720 Let's go back to verse 10. 00:18:25.620 --> 00:18:28.460 When Jesus heard this, he marvelled and said to those who followed him, 00:18:28.460 --> 00:18:33.059 Truly I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. 00:18:33.700 --> 00:18:35.819 With no one in Israel. 00:18:36.120 --> 00:18:41.140 Jesus takes the centurion's faith and turns it onto the people around him. 00:18:41.140 --> 00:18:42.460 He turns the focus. 00:18:42.740 --> 00:18:44.120 He turns the heat up. 00:18:44.200 --> 00:18:46.480 He puts it on those people listening. 00:18:47.279 --> 00:18:50.380 With no one in Israel have I found such faith. 00:18:51.340 --> 00:18:52.920 All you standing around me. 00:18:52.980 --> 00:18:54.220 All you of Israel. 00:18:54.740 --> 00:18:56.280 Where is your faith? 00:18:57.900 --> 00:19:01.200 And then he raises the stakes and shows us why this really matters. 00:19:01.480 --> 00:19:02.760 Verses 11 to 12. 00:19:02.759 --> 00:19:09.980 I tell you, many will come from the east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 00:19:10.500 --> 00:19:14.920 While the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. 00:19:15.640 --> 00:19:19.059 In that place there will be weeping and gnashing teeth. 00:19:19.059 --> 00:19:25.579 He shows us why it matters by lifting the curtain on the final act of life. 00:19:25.679 --> 00:19:28.119 By opening up to us heaven and hell. 00:19:28.220 --> 00:19:30.519 The new creation and eternal judgment. 00:19:30.740 --> 00:19:32.859 He brings into focus the future. 00:19:34.460 --> 00:19:36.619 And he encourages us. 00:19:36.799 --> 00:19:37.879 And he warns us. 00:19:39.379 --> 00:19:43.220 To be included in God's new creation is an incredible thing, isn't it? 00:19:43.679 --> 00:19:44.779 A joyful thing. 00:19:44.899 --> 00:19:46.339 Taste the banquet. 00:19:46.339 --> 00:19:51.259 He says some will recline with the grapes of our faith. 00:19:51.699 --> 00:19:55.099 I feel like this translation, recline at table, needs to be said by a Yorkshireman. 00:19:55.199 --> 00:19:55.939 But I won't try it now. 00:19:56.539 --> 00:19:58.299 Anyway, recline at table. 00:19:58.720 --> 00:20:00.699 But taste the banquet. 00:20:00.939 --> 00:20:04.059 He says some will recline with the grapes of our faith. 00:20:04.159 --> 00:20:07.899 He'll be eating, some will be eating the choicest meats. 00:20:08.500 --> 00:20:11.879 Drinking, sipping on those fine wines of the kingdom. 00:20:11.880 --> 00:20:14.120 Alongside men of faith. 00:20:14.220 --> 00:20:17.060 In the kingdom of God itself. 00:20:17.240 --> 00:20:18.620 To be included in that. 00:20:18.720 --> 00:20:20.840 Now that is a wonderful thing. 00:20:22.880 --> 00:20:24.540 But he also warns. 00:20:26.540 --> 00:20:29.000 To be excluded will be horrific. 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:31.359 It will be hell. 00:20:31.480 --> 00:20:32.579 It will be darkness. 00:20:32.759 --> 00:20:33.880 The outer darkness. 00:20:35.259 --> 00:20:39.000 Than if you've ever experienced being alone in the dark. 00:20:40.079 --> 00:20:41.240 To be a place of fear. 00:20:41.759 --> 00:20:42.920 It's unnerving. 00:20:43.539 --> 00:20:45.359 A place where you don't know what's going to happen. 00:20:46.619 --> 00:20:47.519 And then the relief. 00:20:48.279 --> 00:20:49.640 When a light is switched on. 00:20:51.000 --> 00:20:52.299 But cast out of the kingdom. 00:20:52.480 --> 00:20:53.859 There will be no light. 00:20:54.700 --> 00:20:56.759 There will be no relief. 00:20:56.759 --> 00:21:00.059 Outside of God's goodness. 00:21:00.319 --> 00:21:01.299 There is nothing good. 00:21:02.240 --> 00:21:03.079 There is fear. 00:21:03.400 --> 00:21:04.180 There is weeping. 00:21:04.480 --> 00:21:05.140 There is suffering. 00:21:05.240 --> 00:21:08.660 The Bible uses that phrase of gnashing of teeth. 00:21:08.720 --> 00:21:10.599 To talk about the acts of those who are wicked. 00:21:11.500 --> 00:21:15.220 Under judgment they will face what that wickedness deserves. 00:21:16.579 --> 00:21:17.920 Jesus encourages us. 00:21:18.480 --> 00:21:19.420 But he warns us. 00:21:19.539 --> 00:21:20.359 This matters. 00:21:20.900 --> 00:21:22.859 Where will you be? 00:21:22.859 --> 00:21:25.839 Will you be at the banquet? 00:21:26.579 --> 00:21:28.539 Or will you be in the outer darkness? 00:21:29.359 --> 00:21:31.339 A marvellous faith matters. 00:21:33.019 --> 00:21:34.259 Now as Jesus says this. 00:21:34.319 --> 00:21:36.179 He has a final sting in the tail. 00:21:37.179 --> 00:21:40.959 He is forcing us to reshape our view of who is in the kingdom and who's out. 00:21:42.639 --> 00:21:45.039 At the section before this we saw an unclean leper. 00:21:45.579 --> 00:21:46.619 Who fell before Jesus. 00:21:46.719 --> 00:21:48.539 Here we see it's an unclean gentile. 00:21:49.079 --> 00:21:51.419 Actually a member of the occupying force and enemy. 00:21:51.420 --> 00:21:55.340 And it's him who has a faith worthy of marvelling at. 00:21:55.600 --> 00:21:59.440 And do you notice it's the outsider who's brought in. 00:21:59.820 --> 00:22:03.380 Do you notice it's those from the east and the west in verse 11. 00:22:03.820 --> 00:22:05.320 Those who you wouldn't expect. 00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:06.140 The gentile. 00:22:06.259 --> 00:22:08.220 The outsider is brought in. 00:22:08.779 --> 00:22:14.039 On that final day they will be the ones in the heavenly banquet. 00:22:14.220 --> 00:22:16.080 The feast of the new creation. 00:22:16.079 --> 00:22:18.819 And who will be outside? 00:22:20.079 --> 00:22:22.439 Those we assumed who were in. 00:22:24.199 --> 00:22:25.980 The sons of the kingdom. 00:22:27.439 --> 00:22:29.460 Those who assumed they'll be fine. 00:22:30.439 --> 00:22:32.500 Their fate will be hell. 00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:33.839 It will be God's judgment. 00:22:34.119 --> 00:22:36.919 The insider is cast out. 00:22:36.920 --> 00:22:40.740 This is heavy stuff for a warm Sunday evening isn't it? 00:22:42.120 --> 00:22:44.340 Jesus is suddenly upping those. 00:22:44.640 --> 00:22:47.120 Upping things for those standing around him. 00:22:47.620 --> 00:22:48.420 And for us. 00:22:49.580 --> 00:22:52.620 Now perhaps we don't hear the weight of what Jesus has just said. 00:22:52.700 --> 00:22:54.560 Because we're not first century Jews. 00:22:55.920 --> 00:23:00.660 Perhaps in modern speak it's a bit like saying this. 00:23:00.660 --> 00:23:01.860 That the prostitute. 00:23:02.019 --> 00:23:02.820 The terrorist. 00:23:03.480 --> 00:23:04.519 The sexual offender. 00:23:04.620 --> 00:23:05.500 The scrounger. 00:23:06.580 --> 00:23:09.000 They will be at the banquet of heaven. 00:23:09.120 --> 00:23:09.840 But the pious. 00:23:10.000 --> 00:23:10.880 The middle class. 00:23:11.220 --> 00:23:13.400 The money giving church goer will not. 00:23:14.560 --> 00:23:15.700 That's the shock. 00:23:16.340 --> 00:23:17.080 Isn't it? 00:23:18.540 --> 00:23:20.400 That makes us sit up and listen. 00:23:21.580 --> 00:23:23.460 How can that be Jesus? 00:23:25.300 --> 00:23:28.259 Now I'm not saying living sinful lives is okay. 00:23:28.259 --> 00:23:32.319 But hopefully what I've said gives us the shock of what Jesus has just said. 00:23:32.740 --> 00:23:34.160 It's that kind of jolt. 00:23:34.420 --> 00:23:37.160 It should get us saying how can that be Jesus? 00:23:39.119 --> 00:23:43.059 And it's because the way in is faith. 00:23:43.640 --> 00:23:47.279 Jesus marveled at the faith of the centurion. 00:23:48.059 --> 00:23:50.660 Whose in has nothing to do with race or heritage. 00:23:51.140 --> 00:23:53.259 Has nothing to do with what we did a few years ago. 00:23:53.359 --> 00:23:54.500 Or what our parents do. 00:23:54.819 --> 00:23:57.779 Has nothing to do with whether we've been to church lots. 00:23:57.779 --> 00:23:59.259 However important that is. 00:23:59.720 --> 00:24:01.799 It has nothing to do with how much we give. 00:24:02.099 --> 00:24:04.039 However much blessing that can bring. 00:24:04.599 --> 00:24:08.319 No it's whether we have faith in Jesus Christ. 00:24:09.379 --> 00:24:12.539 It's whether Christ is magnified in us. 00:24:14.240 --> 00:24:17.339 It should be like sticking a cattle prod in a sleeping animal. 00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:18.639 Jesus is saying wake up. 00:24:20.240 --> 00:24:22.559 Where will you be when I return? 00:24:22.559 --> 00:24:25.720 At the banquet or cast out? 00:24:29.500 --> 00:24:35.700 Do you assume that you are in when in fact you face God's wrath? 00:24:36.700 --> 00:24:40.799 Do you assume that you are inside when you will be cast out? 00:24:40.799 --> 00:24:44.180 It's a searching question isn't it? 00:24:46.339 --> 00:24:47.799 But how do we know? 00:24:48.339 --> 00:24:49.279 How do we know? 00:24:50.379 --> 00:24:52.639 It's by seeing what our security is in. 00:24:52.680 --> 00:24:53.659 Ask yourself this. 00:24:54.359 --> 00:24:57.419 If Jesus said to you why should I let you into the banquet? 00:24:57.779 --> 00:24:58.579 What would you say? 00:24:59.079 --> 00:24:59.720 Have a think now. 00:24:59.779 --> 00:25:00.259 What would you say? 00:25:00.319 --> 00:25:02.960 If Jesus said why should I let you into the banquet? 00:25:02.960 --> 00:25:10.860 Now generally our answers start with the word I. 00:25:11.420 --> 00:25:12.620 I did this Jesus. 00:25:12.740 --> 00:25:13.420 I was kind. 00:25:13.519 --> 00:25:14.279 I tried my best. 00:25:14.360 --> 00:25:14.720 I was good. 00:25:14.940 --> 00:25:16.240 I've been part of the IPC. 00:25:16.799 --> 00:25:17.840 I have sound doctrine. 00:25:17.980 --> 00:25:19.559 I raise my kids to know Jesus. 00:25:19.940 --> 00:25:21.600 I go to the CU at school. 00:25:22.180 --> 00:25:23.980 I've slaved away for you Jesus. 00:25:26.039 --> 00:25:29.640 So some assume they're in because of what they've done. 00:25:29.759 --> 00:25:30.640 Because of what we've done. 00:25:30.720 --> 00:25:32.039 We've earned our way in. 00:25:32.039 --> 00:25:34.920 But that is the route to outer darkness. 00:25:35.839 --> 00:25:38.759 The route to the banquet is through Jesus. 00:25:39.940 --> 00:25:41.559 What would the centurion say? 00:25:42.099 --> 00:25:45.839 Not because I but because you Jesus saved. 00:25:45.960 --> 00:25:46.899 Because you. 00:25:50.899 --> 00:25:54.079 And the thing is we can even be tempted to say. 00:25:54.319 --> 00:25:55.700 Jesus but I believed. 00:25:56.559 --> 00:25:57.740 But I had faith. 00:25:57.740 --> 00:26:03.000 But the problem is our security at that point has become even our own faith. 00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:05.980 Not who we have faith in. 00:26:06.039 --> 00:26:07.240 It becomes something we do. 00:26:07.539 --> 00:26:09.819 We assume we're in because we have faith. 00:26:10.319 --> 00:26:11.339 I've done it. 00:26:11.339 --> 00:26:13.159 But no. 00:26:13.220 --> 00:26:15.379 The answer is not to look more to yourself. 00:26:15.379 --> 00:26:16.359 To your own faith. 00:26:16.859 --> 00:26:21.659 A saving faith looks more and more to Jesus Christ. 00:26:22.799 --> 00:26:25.759 Our faith is not a thing that opens the gates to the banquet. 00:26:25.919 --> 00:26:26.019 No. 00:26:26.099 --> 00:26:28.959 It's Jesus who opens and shuts the gates. 00:26:29.419 --> 00:26:31.019 He's the one we trust. 00:26:32.119 --> 00:26:34.039 If you're worried if you have saving faith or not. 00:26:34.039 --> 00:26:35.619 Look to Jesus Christ. 00:26:35.799 --> 00:26:36.899 Come back to him. 00:26:37.899 --> 00:26:39.799 Our confession of faith puts it like this. 00:26:39.899 --> 00:26:47.740 The principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving and resting upon Christ alone. 00:26:47.879 --> 00:26:49.639 He is our Lord and Saviour. 00:26:50.079 --> 00:26:52.740 Dwell on his authority and love. 00:26:52.879 --> 00:26:57.319 Gaze on the glory of his death, resurrection and ascension. 00:26:57.319 --> 00:27:04.759 Spend time just considering this healing of the paralytic and know only he has the power to save. 00:27:06.539 --> 00:27:11.519 The centurion wasn't spending time gazing at his own faith but he came to Jesus. 00:27:12.039 --> 00:27:13.720 He trusted Jesus. 00:27:13.919 --> 00:27:17.859 The route to the banquet is through Jesus Christ. 00:27:20.859 --> 00:27:26.799 And knowing there's an eternal destination for us all sharpens our view of that faith, doesn't it? 00:27:26.799 --> 00:27:29.539 It makes us realise this matters. 00:27:30.980 --> 00:27:35.940 If you don't know Jesus Christ today, come to him. 00:27:36.099 --> 00:27:37.399 Don't delay. 00:27:38.180 --> 00:27:41.460 Pray to him tonight as your Lord and Saviour. 00:27:43.220 --> 00:27:48.659 You've assumed you're in but now see your faith has never rested on Jesus Christ. 00:27:48.759 --> 00:27:51.059 It was resting on you and what you had done. 00:27:51.279 --> 00:27:52.279 Come to him. 00:27:53.000 --> 00:27:54.500 Rest on him. 00:27:54.500 --> 00:27:58.660 And may Jesus marvel at our faith. 00:27:58.759 --> 00:28:03.319 A marvellous faith magnifies the authoritative Christ. 00:28:03.960 --> 00:28:04.680 May we do that. 00:28:04.740 --> 00:28:07.599 May we raise our glorious, powerful Lord. 00:28:08.779 --> 00:28:10.500 And a marvellous faith matters. 00:28:11.500 --> 00:28:12.140 It matters. 00:28:12.240 --> 00:28:12.680 Let's pray. 00:28:12.680 --> 00:28:13.120 Let's pray. 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.120