WEBVTT 00:00:00.500 --> 00:00:05.900 Amen. I'm pleased to have a seat. Can everybody hear me okay? There I am. Excellent. Well, 00:00:05.940 --> 00:00:09.640 my name is Graham, the pastor here at the church, and it's a real joy to welcome you 00:00:09.640 --> 00:00:14.019 here, especially perhaps if this is your first time here, spoken to a few new folks. You're 00:00:14.019 --> 00:00:18.920 so welcome. We just hope you have a really encouraging time with us this morning, and 00:00:18.920 --> 00:00:23.120 particularly as we come to God's words now. So, can I invite you to turn back to Luke 00:00:23.120 --> 00:00:28.280 chapter 13 and those verses that Alice read for us earlier. So, we're going to camp out 00:00:28.280 --> 00:00:32.520 this morning as we get back into Luke. But as we come to God's word now, why don't 00:00:32.520 --> 00:00:42.160 we just pause and let's pray together. Father, we thank you so much for your goodness. Lord, 00:00:42.219 --> 00:00:48.480 you are a good, good God. And we thank you so much for the privilege it is to gather, Lord, 00:00:48.500 --> 00:00:53.799 as your people this morning and to sing your praises. Thank you for the truths that are included 00:00:53.799 --> 00:00:57.280 in those songs that we are singing, that we've been reminding ourselves that you are a big 00:00:57.280 --> 00:01:03.359 God. You are the creator of the ends of the earth, and you are worthy of all praise. 00:01:04.879 --> 00:01:11.000 And so, as we turn to your words now, Father, we pray that you would speak deep into our lives, 00:01:11.060 --> 00:01:14.700 that we would leave here this morning, Father, changed because we've encountered you. 00:01:15.359 --> 00:01:20.799 So, Father, be with us now, we ask for your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen. 00:01:20.799 --> 00:01:28.280 Amen. One of the TV shows that Alex, my wife, and I love to watch is called Dragon's Den. I don't know 00:01:28.280 --> 00:01:34.159 if anyone else here loves a bit of Dragon's Den. But one of the stars of Dragon's Den, my favorite 00:01:34.159 --> 00:01:39.560 guy on the show, is this man. He's called Peter Jones. I just look at this guy. He's not great. 00:01:39.560 --> 00:01:48.799 Six foot seven. Highly intelligent. Sharp dresser. Self-made millionaire. Oh, he's a cracking guy. 00:01:49.200 --> 00:01:55.480 Do you know why people love this man? They love Peter Jones because he's got a reputation for being 00:01:55.480 --> 00:02:01.920 a straight talker. In fact, so loved is he for this, that when it was rumored this time last year 00:02:01.920 --> 00:02:06.219 that he might run for prime minister, he was interviewed on this morning. I don't watch this 00:02:06.219 --> 00:02:09.699 morning, but he was interviewed on this morning, Philip Schofield, because he was thinking about 00:02:09.699 --> 00:02:14.319 becoming prime minister. Somebody tweeted in, I'd love Peter Jones to be prime minister. 00:02:15.000 --> 00:02:22.039 He wouldn't mince his words. He'd tell us exactly how it is, and that's what we need. Hashtag this 00:02:22.039 --> 00:02:29.139 morning. I don't know about you, but maybe it's just a Scott in me that I love a straight talker. 00:02:29.879 --> 00:02:36.099 Love a straight talker. In our world of photoshopping, in our world of spin doctoring, I find it 00:02:36.099 --> 00:02:42.359 so refreshing when somebody just tells me the truth of how things are. And what we're going 00:02:42.359 --> 00:02:47.879 to see this morning as we get into Luke 13 is we're going to hear three truths from the 00:02:47.879 --> 00:02:53.419 straight talking Jesus. Three truths from the straight talking Jesus. So if you've got Luke 00:02:53.419 --> 00:02:58.819 13 there, let me just, before we dive into it, and particularly since we've taken a break 00:02:58.819 --> 00:03:04.519 from Luke over the summer, it's worth getting our bearings as to where we are in Luke's story. 00:03:04.520 --> 00:03:09.719 And so by way of quickly refreshing our memories, let me just draw your attention as we kind 00:03:09.719 --> 00:03:14.879 of skim the first 13 chapters to two words. And they both begin with C, because I love 00:03:14.879 --> 00:03:19.920 alliteration. Here's the first C. It has to do with the reason why Luke has written his 00:03:19.920 --> 00:03:24.700 gospel in the first place, and it's the word certainty. Luke has written this account, 00:03:24.840 --> 00:03:31.420 this gospel for Theophilus, this man who's commissioned him to go and do a bit of detective work. 00:03:31.419 --> 00:03:37.479 So, Luke, if you go and research the facts, if you uncover every stone, if you speak to 00:03:37.479 --> 00:03:43.699 the witnesses, if you hunt from top to bottom, and if you present that to me, then I can know 00:03:43.699 --> 00:03:49.839 for myself the truth about this man Jesus Christ. And Luke, the good doctor that he is, he's done 00:03:49.839 --> 00:03:55.560 just that, and he's put this material together in a way that is coherent and logical so that 00:03:55.560 --> 00:04:03.759 Theophilus can have confidence that Jesus is who he says he is. Now, the second C has to 00:04:03.759 --> 00:04:10.520 do with where we are in the story. That's the word cross. Verse 21 of chapter 9, maybe you 00:04:10.520 --> 00:04:18.500 just want to skim there, back a few pages. Jesus is resolutely on his way to the city of Jerusalem, 00:04:18.500 --> 00:04:25.259 Jerusalem, where he's going to go and he's going to offer up his life of his free will on the cross. 00:04:27.060 --> 00:04:33.259 And so, on his way to Jerusalem, as he's been encountering people, he's been teaching both his 00:04:33.259 --> 00:04:39.699 disciples and the watching world what it means to truly follow after him. So, that's the big question 00:04:39.699 --> 00:04:46.279 of where we are in Luke's gospel at this point. What does it mean to follow this king? And straight 00:04:46.279 --> 00:04:50.759 off the back, and I suggest that that is a wonderful question to ask yourself this morning. 00:04:51.500 --> 00:04:58.559 What does it truly mean to follow after this king? So, it's into this backdrop that Jesus delivers his 00:04:58.559 --> 00:05:03.759 three straight-talking truths. Now, if you want to follow along this morning, the first truth is found 00:05:03.759 --> 00:05:10.019 at verses 1 to 9, and it's a truth for the people. So, we pick up the story, travel with me, verse 1, 00:05:10.019 --> 00:05:18.180 with Jesus, who at this point in time is gaining both in popularity and he's raising eyebrows. 00:05:19.039 --> 00:05:25.299 He's confronted by some people desperate to know his take on current events. Now, we don't know much 00:05:25.299 --> 00:05:31.199 about the specifics of these events, but the people know, check it out, that Pilate, the Roman official, 00:05:31.199 --> 00:05:40.699 has had some Galileans put to death. And Jesus knows of a similar tragedy and Siloam when a tower has collapsed, 00:05:41.279 --> 00:05:49.180 killing 18 people. Real lives have been lost here, and real pain has been suffered here. 00:05:50.259 --> 00:05:53.180 And as you can imagine, there's some real questions to be asked here. 00:05:53.180 --> 00:06:01.540 And the people must have been asking Jesus, why did this happen? Why did this happen? It's a real question. 00:06:04.060 --> 00:06:10.100 But we need to get to the mindset behind their question. I was trying to ask myself this week in preparation, 00:06:10.379 --> 00:06:15.540 trying to put myself in the shoes of these people who are asking Jesus, what answer are they looking for? 00:06:16.780 --> 00:06:22.040 What are they wanting Jesus to clarify? And even though the people don't say it, 00:06:22.040 --> 00:06:28.439 Jesus hears this mindset in their voices, and he knows that it's lurking in their hearts. 00:06:28.900 --> 00:06:34.720 Because they look on at current events, and they think that these people, these Galileans, 00:06:35.040 --> 00:06:41.160 must have done something so horrible in the sight of God, for God to allow something so horrible 00:06:41.160 --> 00:06:45.580 to happen to them. Let's flip it another way around, the equation. 00:06:46.320 --> 00:06:50.759 It's that extraordinary tragedy equals extraordinary guilt. 00:06:52.040 --> 00:06:56.280 So they look at these current events, and that is how they perceive what has happened. 00:06:56.360 --> 00:06:58.240 That's how they understand what has happened. 00:06:58.600 --> 00:07:02.439 And if you think about it, by implication then, that means because I'm alright, 00:07:03.000 --> 00:07:05.040 because I'm not suffering like these people have suffered, 00:07:05.620 --> 00:07:06.740 it must mean that I'm doing alright. 00:07:07.780 --> 00:07:08.860 It must mean I'm doing okay. 00:07:11.740 --> 00:07:13.439 I don't know if you... 00:07:13.439 --> 00:07:16.879 I mean, really, it's just karma playing out, isn't it, in religious dress? 00:07:17.379 --> 00:07:17.920 It's karma. 00:07:19.060 --> 00:07:24.399 I don't know if you've reminded me this week of the old saying about the karma restaurant, 00:07:24.959 --> 00:07:28.459 where you go and there's no menus, you just get served what you deserve. 00:07:29.620 --> 00:07:30.279 This is karma. 00:07:30.379 --> 00:07:34.720 This is how people view and understand these current events. 00:07:35.079 --> 00:07:37.180 And so they ask Jesus, what do you make of this Jesus? 00:07:37.180 --> 00:07:39.879 Tell us how we're supposed to understand this. 00:07:42.040 --> 00:07:48.400 And this week of all weeks, I guess that is a very real and a very raw question, is it not? 00:07:49.939 --> 00:07:56.720 As we look at our news, as we look at Hurricane Irma causing devastation in the Caribbean, 00:07:56.720 --> 00:08:02.080 and as we look at the strongest earthquake in a decade hitting Mexico, 00:08:02.240 --> 00:08:03.560 what was it, killing 60 people? 00:08:04.580 --> 00:08:08.140 And if you look at the floods in Houston that happened only a couple of weeks ago, 00:08:08.940 --> 00:08:14.140 and this question all of a sudden becomes really raw and really live, doesn't it? 00:08:15.280 --> 00:08:17.540 And so I guess as a reader looking onto this, 00:08:17.800 --> 00:08:25.180 I'm really interested to see how the one through whom all creation was made answers that question. 00:08:25.180 --> 00:08:30.139 How is Jesus going to answer this question? 00:08:31.100 --> 00:08:32.460 Is he going to be like a politician? 00:08:32.639 --> 00:08:34.600 Is he going to duck the question and answer another one? 00:08:35.200 --> 00:08:36.399 Is that the thing that's what I would have done? 00:08:37.200 --> 00:08:38.320 Is he going to duck it? No. 00:08:38.379 --> 00:08:40.779 Do you see how he emphatically answers that question? 00:08:41.500 --> 00:08:41.860 No. 00:08:43.860 --> 00:08:44.220 No. 00:08:45.600 --> 00:08:47.659 And Jesus, the master teacher that he is, 00:08:47.700 --> 00:08:53.299 he answers their question by telling them not only that they are asking the wrong question, 00:08:53.299 --> 00:08:57.159 but he directs them towards asking the right question. 00:08:58.199 --> 00:09:00.339 The question is not primarily, 00:09:01.059 --> 00:09:02.559 why do these things happen in life? 00:09:02.639 --> 00:09:04.139 Although that is a real question. 00:09:04.939 --> 00:09:07.459 The question you need to be asking yourself is, 00:09:08.019 --> 00:09:13.439 what does the fact that these things happen in life tell you about life? 00:09:13.440 --> 00:09:21.980 You know, it was C.S. Lewis who said that pain is God's megaphone to rouse a deaf world. 00:09:22.700 --> 00:09:23.860 Time is short. 00:09:24.060 --> 00:09:25.200 This is what Jesus is saying. 00:09:26.080 --> 00:09:27.360 Life is fragile. 00:09:28.940 --> 00:09:32.960 And the world is not as it was created to be. 00:09:33.200 --> 00:09:35.580 And the most urgent issue, says Jesus, 00:09:36.580 --> 00:09:38.040 it's not other people's souls. 00:09:38.660 --> 00:09:39.380 It's your soul. 00:09:39.379 --> 00:09:43.820 If you don't get right with God, you too are going to, 00:09:43.840 --> 00:09:44.460 what's the word he uses? 00:09:44.639 --> 00:09:45.080 Perish. 00:09:46.159 --> 00:09:47.740 If you don't get right with God, 00:09:48.220 --> 00:09:52.100 the reality check here for these people is that judgment is coming for you. 00:09:53.000 --> 00:09:54.860 One day you will stand before your creator. 00:09:56.299 --> 00:09:59.820 And so will you listen to God on his megaphone? 00:10:02.620 --> 00:10:05.919 Rico Tice, the author of The Christianity Explored, 00:10:05.919 --> 00:10:09.959 tells this story about how he was swimming in Australia one time. 00:10:10.579 --> 00:10:11.740 Really wanted to go swimming. 00:10:12.139 --> 00:10:13.360 So off he gets with his top. 00:10:13.519 --> 00:10:14.519 Down he heads to the water. 00:10:14.639 --> 00:10:15.699 He's all about to jump in. 00:10:16.039 --> 00:10:17.120 And his friend shouts over, 00:10:17.219 --> 00:10:18.659 Rico, what are you doing? 00:10:20.939 --> 00:10:22.779 And Rico says, I really want to go for a swim. 00:10:22.860 --> 00:10:24.500 And his friend points to a sign that says, 00:10:24.579 --> 00:10:25.399 Shark's Danger. 00:10:26.860 --> 00:10:28.479 And Rico says, I really want to go for a swim. 00:10:28.539 --> 00:10:30.819 And his friend says, well, listen, you do whatever you want, mate. 00:10:31.039 --> 00:10:31.899 You do whatever you want. 00:10:31.899 --> 00:10:34.039 But you've got to ask yourself at some point, 00:10:34.259 --> 00:10:37.240 is that warning sign there to kill your joy? 00:10:38.480 --> 00:10:40.000 Or is it there to save your life? 00:10:41.919 --> 00:10:46.600 And that's exactly how Jesus' words come to these first hearers 00:10:46.600 --> 00:10:49.039 and exactly how they come to us this morning. 00:10:49.919 --> 00:10:53.100 Here is a loving warning from the King of Kings. 00:10:53.740 --> 00:10:55.199 And what does he call on people to do? 00:10:55.600 --> 00:10:56.039 Repent. 00:10:56.939 --> 00:10:58.199 Greek word there, metanoia. 00:10:58.200 --> 00:11:00.580 Present tense word, turn. 00:11:01.820 --> 00:11:04.940 Turn from trusting in yourself and living for yourself. 00:11:05.140 --> 00:11:06.500 Realize the road that you're on. 00:11:07.040 --> 00:11:09.640 And turn and trust in and live for God. 00:11:10.140 --> 00:11:11.379 For what is it we were singing earlier? 00:11:11.800 --> 00:11:13.000 For he alone can rescue. 00:11:15.280 --> 00:11:16.700 And as if to drive home this point, 00:11:16.780 --> 00:11:18.520 he tells them this parable of verse 6 00:11:18.520 --> 00:11:20.120 of a man who owns a vineyard. 00:11:21.040 --> 00:11:22.700 In that vineyard there was a fig tree 00:11:22.700 --> 00:11:25.460 and that fig tree is just not performing as it should. 00:11:25.460 --> 00:11:27.960 The tree should have been full of fruit, 00:11:28.040 --> 00:11:29.680 but year after year he comes back 00:11:29.680 --> 00:11:31.220 and he looks on this tree 00:11:31.220 --> 00:11:32.900 and he's just massively disappointed. 00:11:33.740 --> 00:11:35.800 How long has this tree had in the passage? 00:11:35.940 --> 00:11:36.440 Three years. 00:11:37.680 --> 00:11:39.400 Quite rightly, the owner questions, 00:11:39.820 --> 00:11:41.340 why should this unproductive tree 00:11:41.340 --> 00:11:43.500 continue to take up space in my vineyard? 00:11:44.900 --> 00:11:47.620 The vine dresser pleads the case of the fig tree, 00:11:47.780 --> 00:11:49.720 convinces the owner to give it another year, 00:11:50.200 --> 00:11:51.100 and we're not hopeful, 00:11:51.300 --> 00:11:54.340 but the fig tree has one more year to produce fruit. 00:11:54.340 --> 00:11:57.700 And like that unfruitful fig tree, 00:11:57.780 --> 00:11:59.300 the invitation to the people 00:11:59.300 --> 00:12:02.440 is to take advantage of the grace, 00:12:02.920 --> 00:12:05.860 the space for grace before judgment comes. 00:12:07.860 --> 00:12:10.000 First truth from the straight-talking Jesus, 00:12:10.340 --> 00:12:11.000 time is short. 00:12:12.340 --> 00:12:13.240 Time is short. 00:12:15.120 --> 00:12:17.300 I don't want to dwell too long here this morning. 00:12:17.399 --> 00:12:20.060 I want to allow Jesus' words to speak for themselves, 00:12:20.059 --> 00:12:23.500 except to ask you to ponder in the quietness 00:12:23.500 --> 00:12:24.299 of your own heart 00:12:24.299 --> 00:12:26.859 whether you need to do business with God this morning. 00:12:28.759 --> 00:12:30.139 And if you think about it, 00:12:30.839 --> 00:12:33.539 the very fact that God in the flesh, 00:12:34.339 --> 00:12:35.119 Jesus Christ, 00:12:35.799 --> 00:12:37.899 has come down to find us, 00:12:38.719 --> 00:12:41.259 has stepped into our mess 00:12:41.259 --> 00:12:42.699 to tell us this, 00:12:43.559 --> 00:12:44.439 is quite amazing. 00:12:44.440 --> 00:12:47.920 the lengths that God has gone to 00:12:47.920 --> 00:12:49.940 to get this message to us. 00:12:50.080 --> 00:12:50.300 Why? 00:12:50.440 --> 00:12:51.440 Because he loves us. 00:12:53.120 --> 00:12:54.860 And the lengths went further still 00:12:54.860 --> 00:12:55.680 as this man, 00:12:55.820 --> 00:12:57.640 this man who presents this warning, 00:12:58.040 --> 00:12:59.460 is on his way to the cross 00:12:59.460 --> 00:13:00.400 to do what? 00:13:00.540 --> 00:13:02.000 To lay down his life, 00:13:02.440 --> 00:13:03.740 to die for people's sins 00:13:03.740 --> 00:13:05.120 so that we could be reconciled 00:13:05.120 --> 00:13:06.240 to the God who made us. 00:13:07.280 --> 00:13:08.680 That is the first truth, 00:13:08.740 --> 00:13:10.220 and that is a heavy truth this morning, 00:13:10.300 --> 00:13:12.600 the first truth from the straight-talking Jesus. 00:13:12.600 --> 00:13:15.440 is that time is running out. 00:13:16.820 --> 00:13:17.940 It's a truth for the people. 00:13:19.480 --> 00:13:21.480 Second truth, verses 10 to 17, 00:13:21.580 --> 00:13:22.519 is a truth for the leaders. 00:13:23.480 --> 00:13:24.120 Verse 10, 00:13:25.460 --> 00:13:27.879 Jesus is teaching in the synagogue 00:13:27.879 --> 00:13:28.899 one Sabbath day, 00:13:28.980 --> 00:13:30.040 and who does he see there? 00:13:30.519 --> 00:13:31.320 He sees a woman. 00:13:32.279 --> 00:13:33.220 Now it's really interesting, 00:13:33.360 --> 00:13:34.700 if you want to follow it with me, 00:13:35.000 --> 00:13:37.580 look how Luke tells this story. 00:13:39.460 --> 00:13:40.820 What does he know about this woman? 00:13:40.879 --> 00:13:41.940 What are we told about this woman? 00:13:41.940 --> 00:13:42.900 That she was disabled. 00:13:43.140 --> 00:13:43.740 Verse 11, 00:13:45.020 --> 00:13:45.960 she was bent over, 00:13:46.820 --> 00:13:48.260 and she could not stand up. 00:13:49.280 --> 00:13:50.540 Now how long has she been like that? 00:13:51.160 --> 00:13:53.240 She's been like it 18 years. 00:13:53.320 --> 00:13:54.340 Now that's a long time. 00:13:55.180 --> 00:13:56.380 18 years. 00:13:57.300 --> 00:13:58.440 Just picture that in your mind. 00:13:58.540 --> 00:13:59.440 18 years. 00:14:00.080 --> 00:14:01.400 Got some students here this morning, 00:14:01.460 --> 00:14:03.300 that is four and a half degrees. 00:14:04.720 --> 00:14:05.700 18 years. 00:14:05.700 --> 00:14:07.900 This woman has been like this. 00:14:08.620 --> 00:14:09.340 And we've got to say, 00:14:09.420 --> 00:14:10.440 this woman as we meet her here, 00:14:10.440 --> 00:14:12.280 doesn't have an awful lot going for her. 00:14:13.560 --> 00:14:15.500 In fact, she epitomizes everything 00:14:15.500 --> 00:14:17.080 that Luke has been telling us so far 00:14:17.080 --> 00:14:18.200 about those who are lowly, 00:14:18.740 --> 00:14:19.740 about those who are poor. 00:14:20.780 --> 00:14:22.920 And notice that Jesus sees her. 00:14:23.920 --> 00:14:25.720 And there's a wonderful truth there, 00:14:26.120 --> 00:14:27.940 that this woman didn't come forward to Jesus 00:14:27.940 --> 00:14:29.660 asking him to help her out. 00:14:29.659 --> 00:14:32.139 The initiative here is all of Jesus. 00:14:33.059 --> 00:14:34.279 It is all of Jesus. 00:14:34.459 --> 00:14:35.759 And is that not a wonderful truth 00:14:35.759 --> 00:14:36.799 to ponder this morning? 00:14:37.379 --> 00:14:39.059 That he came down to find us. 00:14:39.699 --> 00:14:42.699 The initiative is all his in this passage. 00:14:43.839 --> 00:14:44.620 Jesus sees her, 00:14:45.279 --> 00:14:46.639 and he has compassion on her. 00:14:48.639 --> 00:14:49.939 He speaks to her. 00:14:51.039 --> 00:14:53.759 He lays his hand on her, 00:14:53.819 --> 00:14:54.740 as if to signify, 00:14:54.939 --> 00:14:56.500 I'm getting involved in this woman's pain. 00:14:56.500 --> 00:14:58.879 And he heals her. 00:15:00.039 --> 00:15:01.879 Now it is a beautiful Christ 00:15:01.879 --> 00:15:03.379 that we're presented with in these verses. 00:15:04.399 --> 00:15:05.559 A wonderful Jesus. 00:15:06.720 --> 00:15:08.259 Luke wants us to see that. 00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:11.200 Jesus gets involved in this woman's pain. 00:15:11.360 --> 00:15:12.019 He heals her. 00:15:12.279 --> 00:15:14.080 Here is another miracle announcing 00:15:14.080 --> 00:15:15.519 that the kingdom of God is here. 00:15:15.639 --> 00:15:15.820 Why? 00:15:15.940 --> 00:15:17.620 Because Jesus the King is here. 00:15:18.100 --> 00:15:19.019 And what is the result? 00:15:19.320 --> 00:15:20.700 She glorifies God. 00:15:21.919 --> 00:15:22.759 Glorifies God. 00:15:23.139 --> 00:15:25.059 Worship fills the synagogue. 00:15:25.059 --> 00:15:25.979 And we're thinking, 00:15:26.159 --> 00:15:27.179 yes, hallelujah. 00:15:28.739 --> 00:15:31.079 But not everybody feels that worship. 00:15:31.719 --> 00:15:33.739 Not everybody feels that sense of joy. 00:15:33.859 --> 00:15:34.619 Verse 14. 00:15:35.479 --> 00:15:37.179 We're introduced to this synagogue ruler. 00:15:38.759 --> 00:15:40.419 And look how Luke describes him. 00:15:40.859 --> 00:15:41.899 He's not just indifferent 00:15:41.899 --> 00:15:43.179 to what Jesus has done. 00:15:44.199 --> 00:15:46.619 He's indignant at what Jesus has done. 00:15:47.559 --> 00:15:49.219 We get the image there. 00:15:49.279 --> 00:15:50.739 His nostrils are flaring up. 00:15:50.819 --> 00:15:52.559 He is angry at what Jesus has done. 00:15:52.659 --> 00:15:52.899 Why? 00:15:52.899 --> 00:15:54.819 Not because of what Jesus has done. 00:15:55.659 --> 00:15:59.079 Because of when Jesus has done it. 00:16:00.120 --> 00:16:01.079 When has he done it? 00:16:01.100 --> 00:16:02.019 He's done it on the Sabbath. 00:16:03.319 --> 00:16:05.559 And look how this guy interacts here 00:16:05.559 --> 00:16:06.439 with the crowd. 00:16:06.699 --> 00:16:07.679 Does he speak to Jesus? 00:16:08.519 --> 00:16:08.840 No. 00:16:09.600 --> 00:16:12.559 He piously addresses the crowd about Jesus. 00:16:14.559 --> 00:16:15.240 Verse 14. 00:16:16.500 --> 00:16:18.059 You get six days to do that stuff. 00:16:18.860 --> 00:16:20.620 You get six other days to do that stuff. 00:16:20.620 --> 00:16:22.860 And understandably, 00:16:22.960 --> 00:16:24.039 the straight-talking Jesus 00:16:24.039 --> 00:16:26.519 takes exception to this man. 00:16:27.419 --> 00:16:28.120 What does he call him? 00:16:28.200 --> 00:16:28.840 You hypocrite. 00:16:29.179 --> 00:16:29.919 You hypocrites. 00:16:30.340 --> 00:16:32.519 He's talking about the lot of them. 00:16:33.279 --> 00:16:34.899 Because somehow it's become the norm 00:16:34.899 --> 00:16:37.259 to not view caring for your ox 00:16:37.259 --> 00:16:39.000 and your donkey in the Sabbath as work. 00:16:39.340 --> 00:16:40.820 But it's become the norm 00:16:40.820 --> 00:16:43.500 to view healing on the Sabbath as work. 00:16:44.080 --> 00:16:45.519 But more to the point, 00:16:45.620 --> 00:16:47.000 this man cares more for the health 00:16:47.000 --> 00:16:47.779 of his donkey 00:16:47.779 --> 00:16:49.060 than he does for the health 00:16:49.059 --> 00:16:49.679 of this woman. 00:16:51.479 --> 00:16:53.459 The very leaders of God's people 00:16:53.459 --> 00:16:55.159 who are supposed to be 00:16:55.159 --> 00:16:56.699 giving themselves for these people, 00:16:56.799 --> 00:16:58.379 supposed to be leading these people 00:16:58.379 --> 00:17:00.539 in obeying the word of the Lord, 00:17:00.959 --> 00:17:01.859 leading them in worship. 00:17:02.519 --> 00:17:03.619 And here they are, 00:17:04.079 --> 00:17:05.539 because of their hard hearts, 00:17:05.899 --> 00:17:07.480 neglecting God's people. 00:17:09.079 --> 00:17:11.339 And how they are treating this, 00:17:12.119 --> 00:17:13.240 what phrase does Jesus use, 00:17:13.299 --> 00:17:14.359 this daughter of Abraham? 00:17:14.359 --> 00:17:16.479 is case in point. 00:17:18.339 --> 00:17:20.399 I remember when I was a student, 00:17:21.279 --> 00:17:22.459 many moons ago, 00:17:23.379 --> 00:17:24.559 when I first lived on my own, 00:17:24.679 --> 00:17:26.299 my mom would phone me 00:17:26.299 --> 00:17:28.859 and she would say more than this, 00:17:28.939 --> 00:17:29.979 but she would often ask me, 00:17:30.019 --> 00:17:31.259 Graham, have you cleaned the oven? 00:17:33.059 --> 00:17:34.099 Have you cleaned the oven? 00:17:34.339 --> 00:17:35.199 And I would reply to her, 00:17:35.199 --> 00:17:36.539 Mom, I have nailed the oven. 00:17:36.879 --> 00:17:38.319 I have nailed the oven. 00:17:40.779 --> 00:17:41.740 And do you know what I meant by that? 00:17:41.740 --> 00:17:43.000 That's it. 00:17:44.639 --> 00:17:45.639 I've cleaned the outside. 00:17:46.779 --> 00:17:47.379 That's what I meant. 00:17:47.399 --> 00:17:48.299 I'd cleaned the outside. 00:17:48.659 --> 00:17:49.399 Mom, I've nailed it. 00:17:50.139 --> 00:17:50.919 So Mom would come up 00:17:50.919 --> 00:17:51.459 and she'd visit. 00:17:52.819 --> 00:17:53.500 And she wouldn't head straight 00:17:53.500 --> 00:17:53.879 for the oven, 00:17:53.959 --> 00:17:54.939 but I knew it was in her head. 00:17:56.500 --> 00:17:57.679 And she would go to the oven 00:17:57.679 --> 00:17:59.199 and she would see the pristine oven. 00:17:59.279 --> 00:18:00.079 She would just open the door 00:18:00.079 --> 00:18:01.579 and she would look in 00:18:01.579 --> 00:18:02.939 and she would say, 00:18:03.000 --> 00:18:03.919 Graham, you've got to be kidding me. 00:18:05.599 --> 00:18:06.919 So what Jesus is doing here 00:18:06.919 --> 00:18:08.539 with these hearts, 00:18:09.099 --> 00:18:09.879 of these people, 00:18:10.399 --> 00:18:11.899 he's just opening the oven door. 00:18:11.900 --> 00:18:14.660 What he finds 00:18:14.660 --> 00:18:16.600 is he opens this oven door, 00:18:16.840 --> 00:18:18.100 something clean in the outside, 00:18:19.220 --> 00:18:22.120 but something not pretty in the inside. 00:18:24.300 --> 00:18:26.460 Second truth from the straight talk in Jesus 00:18:26.460 --> 00:18:28.380 is that your hearts are bad. 00:18:30.700 --> 00:18:31.660 Do you notice that Luke tells us 00:18:31.660 --> 00:18:32.440 about these two groups? 00:18:33.620 --> 00:18:34.680 Jesus' adversaries, 00:18:35.320 --> 00:18:36.580 so those with hearts, 00:18:36.780 --> 00:18:38.019 just like the synagogue ruler, 00:18:38.019 --> 00:18:38.900 rejecting Christ 00:18:38.900 --> 00:18:41.039 and the people. 00:18:41.759 --> 00:18:42.460 And what are they doing? 00:18:43.180 --> 00:18:44.660 They're rejoicing at what God has done. 00:18:46.139 --> 00:18:47.460 And as Luke tells us this story, 00:18:47.779 --> 00:18:48.180 Theophilus, 00:18:48.259 --> 00:18:49.180 check out this guy's heart. 00:18:50.299 --> 00:18:51.019 And as readers, 00:18:51.139 --> 00:18:52.279 we're invited to ask ourselves 00:18:52.279 --> 00:18:52.839 this morning 00:18:52.839 --> 00:18:54.559 that if Jesus were to open 00:18:54.559 --> 00:18:55.740 that oven door of our hearts, 00:18:56.400 --> 00:18:57.900 what would he find inside? 00:18:59.440 --> 00:19:00.579 What would he find inside? 00:19:01.059 --> 00:19:01.680 Would he find somebody 00:19:01.680 --> 00:19:02.940 just cleaning the outside, 00:19:03.160 --> 00:19:04.359 but playing at it on the inside? 00:19:04.359 --> 00:19:07.279 And we're invited to ask, 00:19:07.379 --> 00:19:08.119 which group are we in? 00:19:10.159 --> 00:19:11.419 One commentator writes, 00:19:11.519 --> 00:19:13.159 Jesus is too great a figure 00:19:13.159 --> 00:19:14.519 to be left to neutrality. 00:19:15.479 --> 00:19:16.379 It's a great quote. 00:19:17.719 --> 00:19:18.619 Where are you this morning 00:19:18.619 --> 00:19:19.559 in relation to the Lord? 00:19:20.059 --> 00:19:21.139 The second truth 00:19:21.139 --> 00:19:22.319 from the straight talking Jesus 00:19:22.319 --> 00:19:23.399 is a truth for the leaders. 00:19:23.559 --> 00:19:25.059 And the third truth this morning 00:19:25.059 --> 00:19:25.879 and finally is 00:19:25.879 --> 00:19:27.519 verses 18 to 21. 00:19:28.279 --> 00:19:29.659 And it's a truth for the disciples. 00:19:31.039 --> 00:19:33.279 So Jesus addressing those listening 00:19:33.279 --> 00:19:34.460 tells them a reality 00:19:34.460 --> 00:19:35.579 about the kingdom of God. 00:19:36.619 --> 00:19:37.819 And it's simile time. 00:19:37.940 --> 00:19:38.519 I love similes. 00:19:38.759 --> 00:19:39.399 Simile time. 00:19:40.299 --> 00:19:41.799 What is the kingdom of God like? 00:19:41.859 --> 00:19:42.639 Now you can imagine 00:19:42.639 --> 00:19:43.359 you're in the crowd. 00:19:43.859 --> 00:19:45.759 The rising anticipation levels 00:19:45.759 --> 00:19:46.220 at this point 00:19:46.220 --> 00:19:47.879 as to what this man is going to say. 00:19:48.339 --> 00:19:49.460 What is he going to say next? 00:19:49.519 --> 00:19:50.599 Oh, I can't wait to hear it. 00:19:51.180 --> 00:19:52.139 Is the kingdom of God, 00:19:52.200 --> 00:19:53.460 is it like the blazing sun? 00:19:53.579 --> 00:19:54.339 Is it when it comes 00:19:54.339 --> 00:19:55.420 and all its radiance, 00:19:55.500 --> 00:19:56.420 is it going to blitz away 00:19:56.420 --> 00:19:57.079 all the darkness? 00:19:58.319 --> 00:19:58.940 Is it like, 00:19:58.940 --> 00:20:00.779 is it like that scene in Aladdin 00:20:00.779 --> 00:20:02.779 when Prince Ali comes to town 00:20:02.779 --> 00:20:04.440 with the elephants in the parade? 00:20:04.639 --> 00:20:05.839 Is this king going to come in 00:20:05.839 --> 00:20:07.180 and just blitz the place? 00:20:07.259 --> 00:20:08.059 Oh boy, I can't wait 00:20:08.059 --> 00:20:08.960 to hear what he says. 00:20:09.899 --> 00:20:11.599 What simile will Jesus choose? 00:20:12.980 --> 00:20:14.440 Well, it's a rhetorical question. 00:20:15.599 --> 00:20:16.680 Do you like rhetorical questions? 00:20:17.839 --> 00:20:18.399 Just checking. 00:20:18.599 --> 00:20:19.079 It's a test. 00:20:19.259 --> 00:20:19.779 You're still awake. 00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:22.660 Jesus answers this question for them. 00:20:23.059 --> 00:20:24.819 What is the kingdom of God like? 00:20:25.160 --> 00:20:26.019 What is it like? 00:20:27.019 --> 00:20:28.440 It's like a mustard seed. 00:20:28.799 --> 00:20:29.559 It's like a what? 00:20:29.559 --> 00:20:31.879 It's like a mustard seed. 00:20:32.859 --> 00:20:34.319 The smallest seed 00:20:34.319 --> 00:20:35.859 that these people could imagine. 00:20:36.460 --> 00:20:38.599 Barely visible to the eye. 00:20:39.379 --> 00:20:40.319 And it's like that, 00:20:40.500 --> 00:20:41.659 a small pinch of yeast 00:20:41.659 --> 00:20:42.240 that you would add 00:20:42.240 --> 00:20:43.440 to three measures of flour. 00:20:43.740 --> 00:20:44.659 Three measures of flour, 00:20:44.899 --> 00:20:45.960 50 pounds of dough. 00:20:47.539 --> 00:20:48.419 That's the similes 00:20:48.419 --> 00:20:49.299 that Jesus gives you 00:20:49.299 --> 00:20:50.279 for the kingdom of God. 00:20:50.339 --> 00:20:52.000 Like a tiny little mustard seed 00:20:52.000 --> 00:20:54.019 and like a teensy little bit of leaven. 00:20:54.899 --> 00:20:56.619 Now, what would your word associations be 00:20:56.619 --> 00:20:57.240 if you were in the crowd 00:20:57.240 --> 00:20:58.160 listening to this? 00:20:59.440 --> 00:20:59.839 Unimpressive. 00:21:00.640 --> 00:21:01.000 Insignificant. 00:21:01.180 --> 00:21:02.380 This is the kingdom of God? 00:21:04.220 --> 00:21:05.240 Imagine you were one of the people 00:21:05.240 --> 00:21:05.859 listening in. 00:21:06.519 --> 00:21:07.420 What would you have made 00:21:07.420 --> 00:21:08.640 of Jesus' words here? 00:21:10.420 --> 00:21:11.700 Because there are two truths 00:21:11.700 --> 00:21:13.059 at the heart of what he says here. 00:21:14.680 --> 00:21:15.039 Firstly, 00:21:15.539 --> 00:21:15.900 and again, 00:21:16.120 --> 00:21:16.819 alliteration, 00:21:17.039 --> 00:21:17.500 forgive me, 00:21:18.079 --> 00:21:19.160 the posture of the kingdom. 00:21:19.980 --> 00:21:21.059 If the kingdom of God 00:21:21.059 --> 00:21:22.140 is like a mustard seed, 00:21:22.539 --> 00:21:25.099 then Jesus is the mustard seed king. 00:21:25.099 --> 00:21:26.959 Now, we've seen that 00:21:26.959 --> 00:21:27.759 all the way through 00:21:27.759 --> 00:21:29.379 Luke's gospel so far. 00:21:30.099 --> 00:21:31.319 Born to a peasant girl. 00:21:32.399 --> 00:21:33.480 Born in a stable. 00:21:34.379 --> 00:21:35.339 Hanging out with sinners. 00:21:36.039 --> 00:21:37.359 A bunch of unimpressive 00:21:37.359 --> 00:21:38.379 looking followers. 00:21:39.159 --> 00:21:40.379 Rejected by his own. 00:21:41.240 --> 00:21:42.079 This is this king. 00:21:43.119 --> 00:21:43.919 And here he is 00:21:43.919 --> 00:21:44.659 inviting people 00:21:44.659 --> 00:21:45.919 to come and follow him. 00:21:46.579 --> 00:21:48.399 To follow the guy 00:21:48.399 --> 00:21:49.559 who is being persecuted. 00:21:50.480 --> 00:21:52.219 To follow the man 00:21:52.219 --> 00:21:53.459 with the target on his back. 00:21:53.460 --> 00:21:55.180 To follow the guy 00:21:55.180 --> 00:21:56.420 who has just gone public 00:21:56.420 --> 00:21:57.220 with the fact 00:21:57.220 --> 00:21:58.380 that he is journeying 00:21:58.380 --> 00:21:59.400 by his own accord 00:21:59.400 --> 00:22:00.660 to his death. 00:22:02.900 --> 00:22:04.039 But following straight off 00:22:04.039 --> 00:22:04.980 the back of the posture 00:22:04.980 --> 00:22:05.539 of the kingdom 00:22:05.539 --> 00:22:06.259 comes the promise 00:22:06.259 --> 00:22:06.799 of the kingdom. 00:22:08.019 --> 00:22:08.980 That even though 00:22:08.980 --> 00:22:10.440 this may look insignificant 00:22:10.440 --> 00:22:11.940 and even though 00:22:11.940 --> 00:22:12.980 the lives of the people 00:22:12.980 --> 00:22:13.640 if they decide 00:22:13.640 --> 00:22:14.380 to follow Jesus 00:22:14.380 --> 00:22:15.440 will look insignificant, 00:22:15.740 --> 00:22:16.980 Jesus wants his disciples 00:22:16.980 --> 00:22:17.579 to know 00:22:17.579 --> 00:22:18.440 that no matter 00:22:18.440 --> 00:22:19.380 how insignificant 00:22:19.380 --> 00:22:21.180 and foolish looking 00:22:21.180 --> 00:22:21.740 it looks, 00:22:22.240 --> 00:22:23.240 that the kingdom of God 00:22:23.240 --> 00:22:24.700 comes with heaven's guarantee 00:22:24.700 --> 00:22:25.779 that God 00:22:25.779 --> 00:22:26.980 will make it grow. 00:22:28.240 --> 00:22:29.579 And he'll make it grow 00:22:29.579 --> 00:22:31.500 and he'll transform it 00:22:31.500 --> 00:22:32.620 from something menial 00:22:32.620 --> 00:22:33.799 and he'll grow it 00:22:33.799 --> 00:22:34.859 to something magnificent. 00:22:35.019 --> 00:22:35.900 This is the promise. 00:22:37.519 --> 00:22:38.160 The third truth 00:22:38.160 --> 00:22:39.039 from the straight talking 00:22:39.039 --> 00:22:39.420 Jesus 00:22:39.420 --> 00:22:40.220 to those who would 00:22:40.220 --> 00:22:41.140 follow after him 00:22:41.140 --> 00:22:42.480 is the kingdom of God 00:22:42.480 --> 00:22:43.480 might look unimpressive 00:22:43.480 --> 00:22:44.519 but God is going 00:22:44.519 --> 00:22:45.140 to make it grow. 00:22:47.200 --> 00:22:47.839 And so as we work 00:22:47.839 --> 00:22:48.819 towards a close this morning 00:22:48.819 --> 00:22:49.460 let me just make 00:22:49.460 --> 00:22:50.140 two points 00:22:50.140 --> 00:22:51.120 by way of application. 00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:53.940 So this mustard seed king 00:22:53.940 --> 00:22:55.460 is here calling 00:22:55.460 --> 00:22:56.520 his followers 00:22:56.520 --> 00:22:57.920 to embrace 00:22:57.920 --> 00:22:58.680 and adopt 00:22:58.680 --> 00:22:59.720 mustard seed 00:22:59.720 --> 00:23:00.700 lives. 00:23:01.520 --> 00:23:02.380 So to follow 00:23:02.380 --> 00:23:02.920 this king, 00:23:03.000 --> 00:23:03.820 to follow Jesus 00:23:03.820 --> 00:23:04.860 is to sign up 00:23:04.860 --> 00:23:05.420 for a life 00:23:05.420 --> 00:23:06.100 that is very 00:23:06.100 --> 00:23:06.860 unimpressive. 00:23:08.560 --> 00:23:09.680 Now let me ask you 00:23:09.680 --> 00:23:11.020 when was the last time 00:23:11.020 --> 00:23:11.560 in your life 00:23:11.560 --> 00:23:12.100 that you felt 00:23:12.100 --> 00:23:12.880 unimpressive 00:23:12.880 --> 00:23:14.080 for following Jesus? 00:23:16.600 --> 00:23:17.320 Alex and I 00:23:17.320 --> 00:23:17.900 were at a wedding 00:23:17.900 --> 00:23:18.580 down south 00:23:18.579 --> 00:23:19.399 a few months ago 00:23:19.399 --> 00:23:20.259 and one of those 00:23:20.259 --> 00:23:20.960 strange weddings 00:23:20.960 --> 00:23:21.500 where we knew 00:23:21.500 --> 00:23:22.299 nobody apart 00:23:22.299 --> 00:23:22.779 from the bride 00:23:22.779 --> 00:23:23.220 and the groom 00:23:23.220 --> 00:23:26.179 and being an extrovert 00:23:26.179 --> 00:23:27.480 I loved that challenge 00:23:27.480 --> 00:23:28.980 so I'm speaking 00:23:28.980 --> 00:23:29.519 to people 00:23:29.519 --> 00:23:30.480 giving away 00:23:30.480 --> 00:23:31.159 my game secrets 00:23:31.159 --> 00:23:31.879 here but my first 00:23:31.879 --> 00:23:32.319 question 00:23:32.319 --> 00:23:33.439 where are you from? 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:34.740 Second question 00:23:34.740 --> 00:23:35.460 what do you do? 00:23:36.299 --> 00:23:36.819 Going around 00:23:36.819 --> 00:23:37.299 in a circle 00:23:37.299 --> 00:23:38.139 speaking to people 00:23:38.139 --> 00:23:39.839 one guy 00:23:39.839 --> 00:23:41.240 owns the local 00:23:41.240 --> 00:23:42.259 award winning restaurant 00:23:42.259 --> 00:23:43.179 great chap 00:23:43.179 --> 00:23:44.019 really good guy 00:23:44.019 --> 00:23:45.099 next person 00:23:45.099 --> 00:23:45.619 doctor 00:23:45.619 --> 00:23:46.799 next person 00:23:46.799 --> 00:23:47.339 working in 00:23:47.339 --> 00:23:48.319 sustainable development 00:23:48.319 --> 00:23:49.079 next person 00:23:49.079 --> 00:23:49.679 working in the 00:23:49.679 --> 00:23:50.480 charity sector 00:23:50.480 --> 00:23:51.679 and I'm just 00:23:51.679 --> 00:23:52.359 waiting for it 00:23:52.359 --> 00:23:53.259 I know it's coming 00:23:53.259 --> 00:23:54.759 Green what do you do? 00:23:56.019 --> 00:23:57.159 I'm a pastor of a church 00:23:57.159 --> 00:23:58.220 I'm a minister of a church 00:23:58.220 --> 00:24:00.359 conversation dead 00:24:00.359 --> 00:24:03.000 dead 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:05.460 never seen people 00:24:05.460 --> 00:24:06.179 head for the canopy 00:24:06.179 --> 00:24:07.439 so quick in my life 00:24:07.439 --> 00:24:08.720 conversation dead 00:24:08.720 --> 00:24:10.700 and I felt 00:24:10.700 --> 00:24:11.960 unimpressive 00:24:11.960 --> 00:24:13.659 for following this king 00:24:13.659 --> 00:24:15.079 unimpressive 00:24:15.079 --> 00:24:17.579 when did you last 00:24:17.579 --> 00:24:18.619 feel unimpressive 00:24:18.619 --> 00:24:19.619 for following this king 00:24:19.619 --> 00:24:21.339 as we embrace 00:24:21.339 --> 00:24:22.039 this lifestyle 00:24:22.039 --> 00:24:23.419 think about it 00:24:23.419 --> 00:24:23.720 tomorrow 00:24:23.720 --> 00:24:24.339 you'll be asked 00:24:24.339 --> 00:24:24.659 I'm sure 00:24:24.659 --> 00:24:25.220 for those of you 00:24:25.220 --> 00:24:25.960 who go to the office 00:24:25.960 --> 00:24:26.460 who work 00:24:26.460 --> 00:24:27.460 what did you do 00:24:27.460 --> 00:24:27.960 yesterday 00:24:27.960 --> 00:24:30.119 I went to church 00:24:30.119 --> 00:24:31.819 and imagine for a lot 00:24:31.819 --> 00:24:32.259 of us that is 00:24:32.259 --> 00:24:33.059 conversation over 00:24:33.059 --> 00:24:35.500 so what do we do 00:24:35.500 --> 00:24:36.339 in those moments 00:24:36.339 --> 00:24:38.460 well following the 00:24:38.460 --> 00:24:39.779 mustard seed king 00:24:39.779 --> 00:24:40.379 is tough 00:24:40.379 --> 00:24:41.839 as we embrace 00:24:41.839 --> 00:24:42.579 his lifestyle 00:24:42.579 --> 00:24:43.379 what he's calling us 00:24:43.379 --> 00:24:43.879 to do here 00:24:43.879 --> 00:24:44.480 the posture 00:24:44.480 --> 00:24:45.879 but let's be so 00:24:45.879 --> 00:24:46.460 encouraged 00:24:46.460 --> 00:24:48.259 by the mustard seed 00:24:48.259 --> 00:24:49.439 king's promise 00:24:49.439 --> 00:24:51.439 because we stand here 00:24:51.439 --> 00:24:52.460 what a glorious 00:24:52.460 --> 00:24:53.500 privilege it is to stand 00:24:53.500 --> 00:24:54.639 where we do in history 00:24:54.639 --> 00:24:56.220 we stand 00:24:56.220 --> 00:24:57.460 in God's story 00:24:57.460 --> 00:24:58.159 at this point 00:24:58.159 --> 00:24:59.039 and I guess in particular 00:24:59.039 --> 00:24:59.619 we stand 00:24:59.619 --> 00:25:00.579 the other side 00:25:00.579 --> 00:25:01.240 of the cross 00:25:01.240 --> 00:25:02.819 we know 00:25:02.819 --> 00:25:04.299 the mustard seed king 00:25:04.299 --> 00:25:05.599 met a cross shaped 00:25:05.599 --> 00:25:06.099 death 00:25:06.099 --> 00:25:07.539 and if ever 00:25:07.539 --> 00:25:08.500 there was a mustard seed 00:25:08.500 --> 00:25:09.559 moment in this man's 00:25:09.559 --> 00:25:10.399 life in history 00:25:10.399 --> 00:25:11.960 surely it was Calvary 00:25:11.960 --> 00:25:14.259 Jesus suspended 00:25:14.259 --> 00:25:14.900 on the cross 00:25:14.900 --> 00:25:16.039 surrounded by a handful 00:25:16.039 --> 00:25:16.680 of followers 00:25:16.680 --> 00:25:17.340 most of whom 00:25:17.340 --> 00:25:18.319 have scattered from him 00:25:18.319 --> 00:25:21.079 but the truth 00:25:21.079 --> 00:25:22.019 that this king rose 00:25:22.019 --> 00:25:23.819 and this king 00:25:23.819 --> 00:25:24.420 has ascended 00:25:24.420 --> 00:25:25.860 and this king 00:25:25.860 --> 00:25:26.380 rules 00:25:26.380 --> 00:25:26.960 and this king 00:25:26.960 --> 00:25:27.660 reigns 00:25:27.660 --> 00:25:28.559 and this king's 00:25:28.559 --> 00:25:29.720 church by his spirit 00:25:29.720 --> 00:25:30.400 it grew 00:25:30.400 --> 00:25:31.480 and it grew 00:25:31.480 --> 00:25:32.519 and it grew 00:25:32.519 --> 00:25:33.660 now what odds 00:25:33.660 --> 00:25:34.319 would you have got 00:25:34.319 --> 00:25:35.400 back in 33 00:25:35.400 --> 00:25:36.259 roughly AD 00:25:36.259 --> 00:25:37.579 that 2000 odd years 00:25:37.579 --> 00:25:38.319 later not only 00:25:38.319 --> 00:25:39.160 would we be here 00:25:39.160 --> 00:25:40.740 but our voices 00:25:40.740 --> 00:25:41.620 would join in 00:25:41.619 --> 00:25:42.519 with an estimated 00:25:42.519 --> 00:25:44.359 2.2 billion people 00:25:44.359 --> 00:25:45.019 around the world 00:25:45.019 --> 00:25:45.579 who are following 00:25:45.579 --> 00:25:46.059 this king 00:25:46.059 --> 00:25:48.599 surely that would make 00:25:48.599 --> 00:25:49.919 5000 to 1 00:25:49.919 --> 00:25:50.679 unless the city 00:25:50.679 --> 00:25:51.279 winning the league 00:25:51.279 --> 00:25:51.879 a few years ago 00:25:51.879 --> 00:25:52.779 looked like child's play 00:25:52.779 --> 00:25:53.479 would it not 00:25:53.479 --> 00:25:55.379 and yet here we stand 00:25:55.379 --> 00:25:55.819 this morning 00:25:55.819 --> 00:25:56.479 knowing the truth 00:25:56.479 --> 00:25:56.859 of that 00:25:56.859 --> 00:25:58.859 and the incredible news 00:25:58.859 --> 00:26:00.679 is that this king's church 00:26:00.679 --> 00:26:01.559 is still growing 00:26:01.559 --> 00:26:02.839 and it's still growing 00:26:02.839 --> 00:26:04.059 and it's still growing 00:26:04.059 --> 00:26:05.739 you know I heard a statistic 00:26:05.739 --> 00:26:06.239 recently 00:26:06.239 --> 00:26:07.399 that it's estimated 00:26:07.399 --> 00:26:08.179 I don't know how they 00:26:08.179 --> 00:26:08.979 figure this stuff out 00:26:08.980 --> 00:26:09.700 but it's estimated 00:26:09.700 --> 00:26:10.519 that in China 00:26:10.519 --> 00:26:12.640 19,000 people 00:26:12.640 --> 00:26:14.339 come to faith in Jesus 00:26:14.339 --> 00:26:15.420 a day 00:26:15.420 --> 00:26:17.140 a day 00:26:17.140 --> 00:26:18.559 and that's estimated 00:26:18.559 --> 00:26:19.259 to go as high 00:26:19.259 --> 00:26:21.319 as 48,000 in 2025 00:26:21.319 --> 00:26:23.099 now so often 00:26:23.099 --> 00:26:23.740 our problem is 00:26:23.740 --> 00:26:24.240 that we take 00:26:24.240 --> 00:26:24.839 how we see 00:26:24.839 --> 00:26:25.960 things going out here 00:26:25.960 --> 00:26:27.240 and we just project 00:26:27.240 --> 00:26:28.000 it onto the world 00:26:28.000 --> 00:26:30.480 this king's kingdom 00:26:30.480 --> 00:26:31.620 is growing 00:26:31.620 --> 00:26:32.819 and we might not 00:26:32.819 --> 00:26:33.880 experience anything 00:26:33.880 --> 00:26:34.660 like those numbers 00:26:34.660 --> 00:26:35.160 in Scotland 00:26:35.160 --> 00:26:36.480 but let me tell you 00:26:36.480 --> 00:26:37.620 I've been so encouraged 00:26:37.620 --> 00:26:38.420 this week 00:26:38.420 --> 00:26:39.620 and over the past few weeks 00:26:39.620 --> 00:26:41.360 to speak from church leaders 00:26:41.360 --> 00:26:42.440 from across the country 00:26:42.440 --> 00:26:43.480 and to hear about 00:26:43.480 --> 00:26:44.680 so many churches 00:26:44.680 --> 00:26:45.319 being planted 00:26:45.319 --> 00:26:46.019 in our nation 00:26:46.019 --> 00:26:47.480 Huntley 00:26:47.480 --> 00:26:48.980 Haddington 00:26:48.980 --> 00:26:50.200 Dundee 00:26:50.200 --> 00:26:51.299 Livingston 00:26:51.299 --> 00:26:52.460 Inverness 00:26:52.460 --> 00:26:53.360 Aberdeen 00:26:53.360 --> 00:26:53.839 why? 00:26:54.759 --> 00:26:55.660 because this promise 00:26:55.660 --> 00:26:56.220 is true 00:26:56.220 --> 00:26:58.019 that the kingdom of God 00:26:58.019 --> 00:26:59.120 is like a mustard seed 00:26:59.120 --> 00:27:00.259 it looks unimpressive 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:02.059 it has small beginnings 00:27:02.059 --> 00:27:04.039 but our great God 00:27:04.039 --> 00:27:05.079 will grow it 00:27:05.079 --> 00:27:06.579 into something spectacular 00:27:06.579 --> 00:27:07.740 as he saves men 00:27:07.740 --> 00:27:08.059 and women 00:27:08.059 --> 00:27:08.879 boys and girls 00:27:08.879 --> 00:27:10.119 from across this globe 00:27:10.119 --> 00:27:11.500 who put their faith 00:27:11.500 --> 00:27:12.779 in his son Jesus Christ 00:27:12.779 --> 00:27:15.180 and in this all glorious 00:27:15.180 --> 00:27:16.299 and all conquering king 00:27:16.299 --> 00:27:17.299 he will grow it 00:27:17.299 --> 00:27:20.220 and because I see 00:27:20.220 --> 00:27:21.779 and because this is where 00:27:21.779 --> 00:27:22.920 we should end this morning 00:27:22.920 --> 00:27:23.960 because we see 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:25.339 the proof of that truth 00:27:25.339 --> 00:27:27.759 it should encourage us 00:27:27.759 --> 00:27:29.460 to build our lives 00:27:29.460 --> 00:27:31.259 on every single word 00:27:31.259 --> 00:27:31.859 that proceeds 00:27:31.859 --> 00:27:32.980 from the mouth of the Lord 00:27:32.980 --> 00:27:35.420 that's the confidence 00:27:35.420 --> 00:27:36.460 we can take this morning 00:27:36.460 --> 00:27:38.960 these straight talking truths 00:27:38.960 --> 00:27:40.140 from the straight talking king 00:27:40.140 --> 00:27:40.599 are hard 00:27:40.599 --> 00:27:42.819 but we can build our lives 00:27:42.819 --> 00:27:43.839 because we see the proof 00:27:43.839 --> 00:27:44.920 of the truth 00:27:44.920 --> 00:27:46.620 crown him 00:27:46.620 --> 00:27:47.599 the Lord of heaven 00:27:47.599 --> 00:27:49.039 enthroned 00:27:49.039 --> 00:27:50.299 in worlds above 00:27:50.299 --> 00:27:51.420 crown him 00:27:51.420 --> 00:27:52.000 the king 00:27:52.000 --> 00:27:52.900 to whom is given 00:27:52.900 --> 00:27:54.380 the wondrous name of love 00:27:54.380 --> 00:27:55.819 crown him 00:27:55.819 --> 00:27:57.500 with many crowns 00:27:57.500 --> 00:27:58.279 as thrones 00:27:58.279 --> 00:27:59.660 before him fall 00:27:59.660 --> 00:28:00.799 crown him 00:28:00.799 --> 00:28:01.380 ye kings 00:28:01.380 --> 00:28:02.720 with many crowns 00:28:02.720 --> 00:28:04.039 for he is king 00:28:04.039 --> 00:28:04.900 of all 00:28:04.900 --> 00:28:07.180 three truths 00:28:07.180 --> 00:28:08.039 from the straight talking 00:28:08.039 --> 00:28:08.960 Jesus this morning 00:28:08.960 --> 00:28:10.440 Luke chapter 13 00:28:10.440 --> 00:28:11.660 time is short 00:28:11.660 --> 00:28:14.480 your hearts are bad 00:28:14.480 --> 00:28:16.779 the kingdom will grow 00:28:16.779 --> 00:28:19.400 just before we pray 00:28:19.400 --> 00:28:19.980 why don't we just have 00:28:19.980 --> 00:28:20.980 a moment of silence 00:28:20.980 --> 00:28:22.600 just for a few moments 00:28:22.600 --> 00:28:23.120 as we allow 00:28:23.120 --> 00:28:23.779 just before we head 00:28:23.779 --> 00:28:24.620 into a busy week 00:28:24.620 --> 00:28:25.640 let's just allow 00:28:25.640 --> 00:28:26.220 God's word 00:28:26.220 --> 00:28:26.940 by his spirit 00:28:26.940 --> 00:28:29.100 to fill our minds 00:28:29.099 --> 00:28:30.000 and our hearts 00:28:30.000 --> 00:28:31.419 just before we finish 00:28:31.419 --> 00:28:43.859 and so maybe just in the quiet 00:28:43.859 --> 00:28:45.859 I wonder if some of us 00:28:45.859 --> 00:28:46.419 need to 00:28:46.419 --> 00:28:47.599 crown him 00:28:47.599 --> 00:28:48.279 the Lord of all 00:28:48.279 --> 00:28:50.319 to take our crown 00:28:50.319 --> 00:28:51.359 off our own heads 00:28:51.359 --> 00:28:53.199 and to place it 00:28:53.199 --> 00:28:53.959 on Christ 00:28:53.960 --> 00:28:56.640 Father we thank you 00:28:56.640 --> 00:28:57.700 so much this morning 00:28:57.700 --> 00:28:59.960 that you are a good God 00:28:59.960 --> 00:29:02.259 Father thank you so much 00:29:02.259 --> 00:29:03.400 for the truth of your word 00:29:03.400 --> 00:29:04.019 that we have it 00:29:04.019 --> 00:29:04.900 in our own language 00:29:04.900 --> 00:29:05.980 that we can read it 00:29:05.980 --> 00:29:07.079 Father that we have 00:29:07.079 --> 00:29:08.000 the freedom to meet 00:29:08.000 --> 00:29:08.319 together 00:29:08.319 --> 00:29:09.340 to worship you 00:29:09.340 --> 00:29:11.519 and Father we ask 00:29:11.519 --> 00:29:12.819 ask Lord 00:29:12.819 --> 00:29:14.000 that you would help us 00:29:14.000 --> 00:29:15.000 to heed the truth 00:29:15.000 --> 00:29:15.500 of your word 00:29:15.500 --> 00:29:16.079 this morning 00:29:16.079 --> 00:29:18.160 and you would help us 00:29:18.160 --> 00:29:19.140 to hold to the truth 00:29:19.140 --> 00:29:19.579 of your word 00:29:19.579 --> 00:29:20.100 this morning 00:29:20.099 --> 00:29:21.839 Father may Jesus 00:29:21.839 --> 00:29:22.980 be ever more glorious 00:29:22.980 --> 00:29:23.659 in our eyes 00:29:23.659 --> 00:29:24.919 as a result of us 00:29:24.919 --> 00:29:26.139 being here this morning 00:29:26.139 --> 00:29:28.279 and it's in his glorious name 00:29:28.279 --> 00:29:28.679 we pray 00:29:28.679 --> 00:29:29.759 Amen