WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.540 Amen. Amen. 00:00:04.639 --> 00:00:09.220 You know and I know what it is for our words not to get through. 00:00:10.120 --> 00:00:13.820 ! For our words not to be understood for them not to penetrate. 00:00:13.820 --> 00:00:15.439 And Jesus knew that as well. 00:00:16.480 --> 00:00:18.620 In the passage that Joanna just read to us, 00:00:18.620 --> 00:00:23.339 he's told his disciples that they will fall away on account of me. 00:00:24.480 --> 00:00:27.660 The word fall away is maybe not the best translation. 00:00:28.039 --> 00:00:29.379 It's the word for trip up. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.079 Or the word for stumble. 00:00:32.659 --> 00:00:41.380 And this passage teaches us that it's very possible for a true disciple of the Lord Jesus to fail miserably. 00:00:43.380 --> 00:00:47.960 And that is what the Lord Jesus is trying to get across to his disciples. 00:00:49.019 --> 00:00:50.379 But it's not getting through. 00:00:51.840 --> 00:00:53.799 I want to see four things this morning. 00:00:54.240 --> 00:00:58.320 I want to see first of all the source of Jesus' knowledge. 00:00:58.320 --> 00:01:01.840 The source of Jesus' knowledge. 00:01:02.539 --> 00:01:08.379 How did Jesus know that all of them, his disciples, were going to fall away, 00:01:08.460 --> 00:01:10.519 were going to trip up on account of him? 00:01:11.239 --> 00:01:14.780 And he knew this because of scripture. 00:01:14.920 --> 00:01:16.900 Do you know what he says in verse 31? 00:01:17.319 --> 00:01:17.900 Can you see that? 00:01:17.900 --> 00:01:20.859 In verse 31, he says, 00:01:21.060 --> 00:01:26.520 You will all fall away because of me this night, for it is written. 00:01:27.460 --> 00:01:31.380 I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered. 00:01:31.379 --> 00:01:38.420 And Jesus is quoting from the Old Testament, from the book of Zechariah, and from chapter 13 in verse 7. 00:01:39.319 --> 00:01:44.439 And in that passage, it has to do with the one that the Lord calls his shepherd. 00:01:45.239 --> 00:01:45.840 He says, 00:01:45.840 --> 00:01:59.300 So whoever this shepherd is, he is one who, as it were, is equal with God himself. 00:02:00.579 --> 00:02:03.020 It's a man who stands next to me, says the Lord. 00:02:03.019 --> 00:02:06.219 So this shepherd has a special dignity. 00:02:07.219 --> 00:02:10.740 And yet, this shepherd is going to undergo grievous suffering. 00:02:11.539 --> 00:02:13.759 Strike the shepherd, he is going to die. 00:02:14.620 --> 00:02:18.939 And it has to do with something that is done under divine direction. 00:02:19.079 --> 00:02:20.479 It's not something that's out of control. 00:02:21.539 --> 00:02:23.740 God is saying, I will strike the shepherd. 00:02:23.740 --> 00:02:25.420 The Lord says, 00:02:25.860 --> 00:02:29.580 Awake, O sword, against the shepherd, in Zechariah 13. 00:02:30.080 --> 00:02:31.620 Zechariah 13. 00:02:32.320 --> 00:02:38.060 And so that is something that is going to happen in some way under God's will. 00:02:39.120 --> 00:02:43.640 And it is going to put God's true people to a refining test. 00:02:44.700 --> 00:02:47.620 And you see that in Zechariah 13, verses 8 and 9. 00:02:47.620 --> 00:02:53.240 So Jesus has the source of this knowledge, that his disciples are going to fall away. 00:02:53.740 --> 00:02:56.540 They are going to stumble, for it is written. 00:02:57.379 --> 00:03:00.600 Because the scriptures say it will happen. 00:03:01.240 --> 00:03:02.360 The shepherd will be struck. 00:03:02.640 --> 00:03:03.540 The sheep will be scattered. 00:03:04.659 --> 00:03:07.680 And you notice how one thing is utterly certain with Jesus. 00:03:09.140 --> 00:03:13.240 That he is saying what the scripture says will come to pass. 00:03:13.700 --> 00:03:14.080 Pass. 00:03:14.219 --> 00:03:16.379 God's word will not fail. 00:03:17.340 --> 00:03:20.160 Just come with me to verse 54. 00:03:21.040 --> 00:03:22.620 And we see that even more clearly. 00:03:22.620 --> 00:03:24.800 Where Jesus says, doesn't he? 00:03:24.939 --> 00:03:26.539 He says in verse 54. 00:03:28.680 --> 00:03:32.719 At that hour, Jesus said, but then. 00:03:33.659 --> 00:03:34.060 Sorry. 00:03:34.400 --> 00:03:34.819 Verse 4. 00:03:34.879 --> 00:03:37.759 But how then should the scripture be fulfilled? 00:03:38.000 --> 00:03:39.219 That it must be so. 00:03:40.800 --> 00:03:42.159 At that hour, Jesus said to the crowds. 00:03:42.420 --> 00:03:45.540 Have you come out against me as a robber with swords and clubs to capture me? 00:03:45.759 --> 00:03:47.700 Day after day, I sat in the temple teaching. 00:03:47.840 --> 00:03:48.939 And you did not seize me. 00:03:48.939 --> 00:03:55.919 But all this has taken place that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. 00:03:58.539 --> 00:04:00.400 It must take place in this way. 00:04:01.199 --> 00:04:02.699 Because the Bible says so. 00:04:03.400 --> 00:04:05.900 So what the scripture says must come to pass. 00:04:06.259 --> 00:04:08.919 There is a certainty about the Bible's teaching. 00:04:08.919 --> 00:04:13.039 And that is the source of Jesus' knowledge. 00:04:13.979 --> 00:04:18.779 It's from the passage of the suffering shepherd in Zechariah 13 and verse 7 and following. 00:04:19.899 --> 00:04:22.599 But do you notice Peter has a very different view? 00:04:22.819 --> 00:04:23.759 Look at verse 33. 00:04:26.319 --> 00:04:32.399 He says, though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away. 00:04:32.399 --> 00:04:38.679 So here you have Jesus who has this certain view of the certainty of scripture. 00:04:39.699 --> 00:04:44.399 And then you have Peter with his feelings of his own about this. 00:04:46.060 --> 00:04:50.299 And I think that's important for us to realize that that's a choice, isn't it? 00:04:51.519 --> 00:04:57.779 Whether we go by what God's word says or we go by the basis of our feelings. 00:04:57.779 --> 00:05:03.439 Peter had very warm, devout feelings towards Jesus. 00:05:03.699 --> 00:05:05.159 And he expresses those. 00:05:06.139 --> 00:05:07.659 And I am certain that Peter was sincere. 00:05:08.559 --> 00:05:13.359 But in doing that, he was contradicting, wasn't he, what the Bible said. 00:05:13.799 --> 00:05:14.599 Explicitly said. 00:05:15.819 --> 00:05:18.539 And I think that has value for how you and I live the Christian life. 00:05:19.639 --> 00:05:22.939 That we don't live the Christian life on the basis of our feelings. 00:05:22.939 --> 00:05:25.359 But on the basis of what God's word says. 00:05:25.360 --> 00:05:29.920 Because our feelings can lead us astray sometimes. 00:05:30.400 --> 00:05:31.420 Feelings can let you down. 00:05:32.560 --> 00:05:33.639 Feelings can lie to you. 00:05:34.740 --> 00:05:37.060 I'm not saying don't have feelings. 00:05:37.220 --> 00:05:38.319 Don't misunderstand me on that. 00:05:38.580 --> 00:05:40.220 I'm not saying don't have feelings. 00:05:40.699 --> 00:05:43.439 But I am definitely saying beware of your feelings. 00:05:45.060 --> 00:05:48.400 You go, you live by what the Bible declares. 00:05:49.080 --> 00:05:51.660 Not what your feelings may be at a certain time. 00:05:52.000 --> 00:05:53.680 And I think most of us know this. 00:05:53.680 --> 00:05:56.639 Most of us sense that that is necessary. 00:05:56.900 --> 00:06:02.019 Because if we lived on the basis of our feelings, we would be in the pits, wouldn't we? 00:06:03.160 --> 00:06:05.439 For a great deal of our Christian experience. 00:06:05.960 --> 00:06:07.600 Feelings just don't cut it. 00:06:09.019 --> 00:06:14.920 But especially be aware of pitting your feelings against what the word of God declares. 00:06:15.460 --> 00:06:16.160 As Peter did. 00:06:16.280 --> 00:06:17.939 That's the source of Jesus' knowledge. 00:06:17.939 --> 00:06:20.660 Secondly, let's see the notice. 00:06:21.160 --> 00:06:24.199 Sorry, let's notice the weakness of Jesus' disciples. 00:06:24.579 --> 00:06:26.060 Look at verses 33 to 35. 00:06:26.860 --> 00:06:29.740 The weakness of Jesus' disciples. 00:06:31.019 --> 00:06:35.500 Not only did Peter in verse 33 contradict what Jesus said in Zechariah. 00:06:35.500 --> 00:06:39.759 But then when Jesus himself says it in verse 34. 00:06:40.959 --> 00:06:42.720 He says, I tell you the truth, Peter. 00:06:43.560 --> 00:06:48.180 This very night, before the rooster crows, before early next morning, you will deny me three times. 00:06:49.920 --> 00:06:54.560 And then Peter contradicts him and says to him, even if I must die with you, I will not deny you. 00:06:56.759 --> 00:06:58.019 It's very, very strong. 00:06:59.060 --> 00:06:59.839 It's emphatic. 00:06:59.839 --> 00:07:02.899 And all the disciples say the same thing. 00:07:03.199 --> 00:07:07.060 Jesus is saying, before early morning, you will deny me three times. 00:07:07.639 --> 00:07:09.959 And Peter emphatically denies that. 00:07:13.139 --> 00:07:16.019 And I think we see here a note of caution, don't we? 00:07:17.819 --> 00:07:21.879 You and I, we know where the story goes with Peter and the rest of his disciples. 00:07:23.659 --> 00:07:25.079 And that note is this. 00:07:25.159 --> 00:07:26.439 It's don't be too overconfident. 00:07:26.439 --> 00:07:30.360 Don't be too overconfident about your own strength. 00:07:30.680 --> 00:07:32.219 And your own resources. 00:07:32.540 --> 00:07:33.939 And your own fervor. 00:07:34.600 --> 00:07:36.819 And your own devotion to Christ. 00:07:38.720 --> 00:07:41.439 I'm saying this morning, have a holy caution. 00:07:43.339 --> 00:07:47.100 About the steadfastness of your affections for Jesus. 00:07:47.439 --> 00:07:50.639 And your ability to hold out in faithfulness. 00:07:51.579 --> 00:07:53.060 At least in your own strength. 00:07:53.060 --> 00:07:56.360 You see, Peter had none of that caution. 00:07:56.699 --> 00:07:59.519 And you and I need to be aware of that. 00:08:00.899 --> 00:08:07.439 We must watch a certain cockiness that says, I would never do that. 00:08:08.040 --> 00:08:09.699 I am a Presbyterian. 00:08:09.779 --> 00:08:10.680 I am a Christian. 00:08:10.920 --> 00:08:11.879 I would never do that. 00:08:12.019 --> 00:08:12.699 I wouldn't do that. 00:08:12.720 --> 00:08:13.600 How do you know you won't? 00:08:14.800 --> 00:08:17.139 How do you know what you wouldn't do? 00:08:17.139 --> 00:08:25.060 There is not much that would surprise me that a Christian would do. 00:08:26.240 --> 00:08:28.240 Given certain circumstances. 00:08:29.560 --> 00:08:33.379 And I hope this morning that you don't think that you're above certain things. 00:08:34.860 --> 00:08:36.539 Have a holy caution. 00:08:37.480 --> 00:08:40.759 About the steadfastness of your own devotion to Jesus. 00:08:40.759 --> 00:08:49.980 Robert Murray McShane said, the seed of every known sin is in my heart. 00:08:51.559 --> 00:08:53.360 I think that's very, very helpful indeed. 00:08:54.059 --> 00:08:58.480 The seed of every known sin is in my heart. 00:08:58.819 --> 00:09:01.299 Peter here has got a rabid self-confidence. 00:09:01.299 --> 00:09:01.500 Confidence. 00:09:02.099 --> 00:09:05.679 And even if all shall fall away, I will never fall away. 00:09:05.979 --> 00:09:07.979 That cocky sense of confidence. 00:09:08.379 --> 00:09:09.919 No, it couldn't be me. 00:09:11.019 --> 00:09:12.479 And yet he fails miserably. 00:09:14.439 --> 00:09:20.419 And when we look at that, don't be surprised how weak your devotion to Christ may really be. 00:09:21.319 --> 00:09:23.339 Especially when it's tested at a certain time. 00:09:24.599 --> 00:09:28.299 And not only is there a note of caution, but also this area of weakness. 00:09:28.299 --> 00:09:30.899 Sometimes we look at what Peter says here. 00:09:31.339 --> 00:09:34.839 And then we know later what happens when he denies the Lord three times. 00:09:35.439 --> 00:09:37.459 And we say, oh, he couldn't stand up under the pressure. 00:09:39.019 --> 00:09:40.079 It's sometimes preached in that. 00:09:40.500 --> 00:09:41.539 They forsook him. 00:09:41.699 --> 00:09:43.139 They all fled. 00:09:43.819 --> 00:09:46.519 When the heat was on, they couldn't handle it. 00:09:46.559 --> 00:09:47.639 They were kind of wimps. 00:09:47.759 --> 00:09:48.479 That sort of thing. 00:09:49.659 --> 00:09:50.859 Maybe we don't put it that strongly. 00:09:51.519 --> 00:09:53.959 But what I've seen this week is it wasn't actually a lack of courage. 00:09:55.159 --> 00:09:57.059 That wasn't the area of weakness. 00:09:58.299 --> 00:10:05.319 Because later in the chapter, in verse 51, Matthew tells us that one of them, actually in John's gospel, John tells us it was Peter. 00:10:05.719 --> 00:10:09.039 Peter takes his sword out when the soldiers come to arrest Jesus. 00:10:10.120 --> 00:10:14.899 And Peter takes off Malchus' ear, the slave of the high priest. 00:10:15.120 --> 00:10:16.179 He cuts off his ear. 00:10:17.459 --> 00:10:19.620 And Peter probably wanted to get his head off. 00:10:20.000 --> 00:10:21.059 But thankfully he missed. 00:10:21.059 --> 00:10:24.519 And so for Peter, it wasn't a failure of courage. 00:10:25.659 --> 00:10:28.099 When he says in verse 35, 00:10:29.579 --> 00:10:33.779 Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you. 00:10:34.219 --> 00:10:35.500 He was ready to do that. 00:10:36.699 --> 00:10:37.759 Peter proved that. 00:10:38.639 --> 00:10:40.079 It was not a failure of nerve. 00:10:40.080 --> 00:10:43.980 The soldiers come to take Jesus. 00:10:44.180 --> 00:10:46.060 And Peter is willing to defend him to death. 00:10:46.160 --> 00:10:47.200 It was no lack of guts. 00:10:48.139 --> 00:10:49.340 But it was a lack of wisdom. 00:10:50.740 --> 00:10:52.379 It was not a lack of courage. 00:10:52.820 --> 00:10:54.340 But it was a lack of insight. 00:10:55.700 --> 00:10:57.800 Put yourself in Peter's shoes for a moment. 00:10:58.000 --> 00:10:59.700 When they come to arrest Jesus. 00:11:00.080 --> 00:11:02.920 And Jesus will not resist the arrest. 00:11:02.919 --> 00:11:05.339 He tells his disciples, 00:11:05.519 --> 00:11:06.379 Put your swords away. 00:11:07.740 --> 00:11:09.759 Jesus didn't want resistance. 00:11:10.019 --> 00:11:11.419 He didn't want them fighting. 00:11:11.740 --> 00:11:12.439 But what do you do? 00:11:13.139 --> 00:11:15.899 What do you do if you are ready to die for someone? 00:11:16.139 --> 00:11:18.679 And you are ready to defend them with your life? 00:11:19.479 --> 00:11:21.639 But they won't let you defend them. 00:11:23.939 --> 00:11:26.240 He is going to give himself over. 00:11:26.319 --> 00:11:28.179 How do you handle a man like that? 00:11:28.179 --> 00:11:30.439 How do you serve a Lord like that? 00:11:30.440 --> 00:11:34.360 Who doesn't want you to use your courage and guts to defend him? 00:11:34.380 --> 00:11:34.920 What do you do? 00:11:36.780 --> 00:11:39.160 Well you are not going to allow yourself here to be defenseless. 00:11:39.340 --> 00:11:40.540 So you get out of there I guess. 00:11:42.100 --> 00:11:45.260 You see it was in this area of insight. 00:11:46.220 --> 00:11:47.860 That Peter and the disciples. 00:11:48.800 --> 00:11:51.280 Never heard those repeated warnings of Jesus. 00:11:52.980 --> 00:11:55.540 They just kind of edited them out. 00:11:55.540 --> 00:11:58.100 They didn't hear that he was going to suffer and die. 00:11:58.420 --> 00:11:59.260 And be handed over. 00:11:59.259 --> 00:12:00.720 They had their own vision. 00:12:01.100 --> 00:12:02.659 Of what the saviour ought to be. 00:12:02.759 --> 00:12:03.500 And was going to be. 00:12:03.819 --> 00:12:06.539 And they didn't pick up that submission to suffering. 00:12:07.419 --> 00:12:08.419 Was part. 00:12:09.360 --> 00:12:10.279 Of his ministry. 00:12:12.259 --> 00:12:13.240 And because of that. 00:12:13.360 --> 00:12:15.720 They didn't understand. 00:12:16.519 --> 00:12:17.600 They didn't have the insight. 00:12:17.840 --> 00:12:19.080 To handle the situation. 00:12:20.519 --> 00:12:21.960 And so it was not a matter of strength. 00:12:23.480 --> 00:12:24.240 Our weakness. 00:12:24.240 --> 00:12:26.519 Is not always in the area of strength. 00:12:26.519 --> 00:12:28.699 Our weakness. 00:12:28.699 --> 00:12:30.159 Maybe in the area of ignorance. 00:12:31.120 --> 00:12:32.299 Or lack of wisdom. 00:12:33.399 --> 00:12:35.199 And that is what it was for them. 00:12:37.199 --> 00:12:38.079 Pull this together. 00:12:38.439 --> 00:12:39.139 Let's ask the question. 00:12:39.299 --> 00:12:41.779 Why has Matthew and the other gospel writers. 00:12:41.919 --> 00:12:43.759 Why have they included this incident here? 00:12:44.860 --> 00:12:48.399 Why have they put this in the middle of the passion narrative? 00:12:48.399 --> 00:12:53.579 Why did the gospel writers include such a big chunk. 00:12:53.939 --> 00:12:56.620 Of the disciples failure and Peter's denial. 00:12:56.959 --> 00:12:57.419 And so on. 00:12:57.519 --> 00:12:58.279 Why is it here? 00:13:00.439 --> 00:13:01.740 And I think it's here. 00:13:01.799 --> 00:13:02.819 Because other Christians. 00:13:02.959 --> 00:13:04.480 Before the first century was over. 00:13:04.579 --> 00:13:06.059 Were going to face this very issue. 00:13:07.799 --> 00:13:10.019 That would come in different circumstances. 00:13:10.019 --> 00:13:11.159 But similar pressure. 00:13:11.159 --> 00:13:14.240 And they must realise. 00:13:14.419 --> 00:13:15.819 And face up to the question. 00:13:15.959 --> 00:13:17.839 Will I be faithful to Christ. 00:13:17.879 --> 00:13:18.579 When I'm tempted. 00:13:19.279 --> 00:13:20.319 Or pressurised. 00:13:20.600 --> 00:13:22.219 To participate in emperor worship. 00:13:23.219 --> 00:13:24.740 Or whatever the pressure will be. 00:13:25.819 --> 00:13:27.600 Will I be faithful to him. 00:13:27.639 --> 00:13:28.839 Or will I fail? 00:13:30.179 --> 00:13:32.959 What if I am unfaithful to Jesus? 00:13:32.960 --> 00:13:36.500 Well to show them by Peter. 00:13:36.840 --> 00:13:37.700 And the rest here. 00:13:38.480 --> 00:13:40.180 That it really is possible. 00:13:40.180 --> 00:13:42.620 To be a true disciple of Jesus. 00:13:43.840 --> 00:13:45.220 And miserably fail. 00:13:46.000 --> 00:13:46.840 On occasion. 00:13:48.600 --> 00:13:50.139 And that in a way. 00:13:50.920 --> 00:13:52.620 I think can be a backhanded compliment. 00:13:52.860 --> 00:13:54.000 And comfort this morning. 00:13:56.180 --> 00:13:58.259 So that you will not utterly despair. 00:13:59.680 --> 00:14:00.960 So that later Christians. 00:14:01.180 --> 00:14:02.100 Even in our own day. 00:14:02.240 --> 00:14:02.920 Can look at this. 00:14:02.960 --> 00:14:03.300 And say. 00:14:03.720 --> 00:14:04.980 Yes you can be. 00:14:05.120 --> 00:14:06.040 A true believer. 00:14:07.400 --> 00:14:08.740 And yet there are times. 00:14:08.740 --> 00:14:10.400 When you will miserably fail. 00:14:11.840 --> 00:14:12.960 And that doesn't put. 00:14:12.960 --> 00:14:14.519 An absolute question mark. 00:14:14.680 --> 00:14:16.200 Over your standing with Jesus. 00:14:16.680 --> 00:14:18.400 Again it just re-emphasises. 00:14:18.400 --> 00:14:19.280 That note of caution. 00:14:19.420 --> 00:14:19.759 Doesn't it? 00:14:21.560 --> 00:14:22.680 Don't place. 00:14:23.340 --> 00:14:24.860 Too much confidence. 00:14:25.540 --> 00:14:26.900 In your own devotion. 00:14:27.139 --> 00:14:28.000 And the strength. 00:14:28.259 --> 00:14:29.019 Of your own devotion. 00:14:29.900 --> 00:14:30.340 To Jesus. 00:14:30.340 --> 00:14:33.440 The third point this morning. 00:14:33.440 --> 00:14:34.120 Is the assurance. 00:14:34.120 --> 00:14:35.280 Of Jesus promise. 00:14:36.120 --> 00:14:37.080 The assurance. 00:14:37.780 --> 00:14:39.019 Of Jesus promise. 00:14:39.080 --> 00:14:39.820 Look at verse 32. 00:14:41.820 --> 00:14:42.220 Notice. 00:14:42.360 --> 00:14:43.240 He draws. 00:14:43.480 --> 00:14:44.379 On this passage. 00:14:44.500 --> 00:14:45.639 From Zechariah 13. 00:14:45.639 --> 00:14:46.639 And he says. 00:14:46.639 --> 00:14:46.620 And he says. 00:14:46.620 --> 00:14:47.319 That the shepherd. 00:14:47.319 --> 00:14:48.279 Will be stricken. 00:14:48.279 --> 00:14:49.340 And the sheep. 00:14:49.480 --> 00:14:50.139 Will be scattered. 00:14:51.419 --> 00:14:53.000 And then he says this. 00:14:54.279 --> 00:14:55.720 But after I'm raised up. 00:14:56.819 --> 00:14:58.419 I will go before you. 00:14:58.980 --> 00:14:59.480 To Galilee. 00:15:01.559 --> 00:15:02.840 Do you notice how Jesus. 00:15:03.840 --> 00:15:04.740 Always tends. 00:15:05.500 --> 00:15:05.819 Intends. 00:15:05.960 --> 00:15:06.699 Always tends to. 00:15:07.199 --> 00:15:08.699 Add a note of encouragement. 00:15:08.700 --> 00:15:10.220 And comfort. 00:15:10.220 --> 00:15:10.900 With the warning. 00:15:12.720 --> 00:15:13.640 There is something. 00:15:13.640 --> 00:15:14.920 Of a warning here. 00:15:15.400 --> 00:15:16.360 But there is a great. 00:15:16.420 --> 00:15:17.100 Positive note. 00:15:17.160 --> 00:15:17.400 Isn't there? 00:15:17.600 --> 00:15:18.920 After I'm raised up. 00:15:19.020 --> 00:15:20.259 I will go before you. 00:15:20.759 --> 00:15:21.320 To Galilee. 00:15:22.740 --> 00:15:23.540 In other words. 00:15:23.680 --> 00:15:24.840 The striking of the shepherd. 00:15:24.840 --> 00:15:26.560 And the scattering of the sheep. 00:15:26.660 --> 00:15:27.820 Are not the end of the story. 00:15:29.280 --> 00:15:30.259 I am going to. 00:15:30.440 --> 00:15:31.300 Be raised up. 00:15:31.480 --> 00:15:32.560 And go before you. 00:15:32.680 --> 00:15:33.320 Into Galilee. 00:15:33.580 --> 00:15:34.900 And that little word there. 00:15:35.020 --> 00:15:35.860 Go before you. 00:15:35.860 --> 00:15:38.419 We can't be sure. 00:15:38.580 --> 00:15:39.980 But I think he's picking up. 00:15:40.039 --> 00:15:40.320 Isn't he? 00:15:40.500 --> 00:15:41.220 On the sheep. 00:15:41.340 --> 00:15:42.500 And the shepherd imagery. 00:15:42.659 --> 00:15:43.680 That he's just alluded to. 00:15:44.620 --> 00:15:46.120 And so he may be saying. 00:15:46.580 --> 00:15:47.740 You as my sheep. 00:15:47.840 --> 00:15:49.080 May be scattered. 00:15:49.539 --> 00:15:50.600 And so on. 00:15:50.820 --> 00:15:52.259 But I will go before you. 00:15:52.300 --> 00:15:52.860 Into Galilee. 00:15:52.980 --> 00:15:53.759 Like a shepherd. 00:15:54.639 --> 00:15:55.519 Who leads the sheep. 00:15:56.800 --> 00:15:57.860 Like in John 10. 00:15:57.919 --> 00:15:58.300 Verse 4. 00:15:58.360 --> 00:15:59.840 I will go before you again. 00:16:00.860 --> 00:16:01.460 You sheep. 00:16:01.720 --> 00:16:02.740 Have been scattered. 00:16:03.779 --> 00:16:04.500 Some of you. 00:16:04.600 --> 00:16:05.600 Have abandoned me. 00:16:05.600 --> 00:16:08.220 And yet I will go before you again. 00:16:09.620 --> 00:16:10.320 You see. 00:16:10.420 --> 00:16:11.820 I think Jesus is saying. 00:16:12.860 --> 00:16:15.159 The sheep may be scattered sometimes. 00:16:16.300 --> 00:16:18.180 But my sheep are never lost. 00:16:19.899 --> 00:16:22.639 Jesus will always go before you again. 00:16:24.320 --> 00:16:26.279 And it may be that some of us this morning. 00:16:26.360 --> 00:16:28.180 Need to hear that in a fresh way. 00:16:29.740 --> 00:16:32.019 We don't know each other's insides really. 00:16:32.019 --> 00:16:36.579 We don't know the sense of failure. 00:16:36.840 --> 00:16:38.220 That we might carry. 00:16:39.639 --> 00:16:40.980 Maybe it's in the past. 00:16:42.059 --> 00:16:43.079 Maybe it's in the present. 00:16:44.519 --> 00:16:45.699 And you think this morning. 00:16:45.819 --> 00:16:48.439 Christ could surely never call me back. 00:16:50.340 --> 00:16:50.679 No. 00:16:50.840 --> 00:16:53.199 Jesus went before these men again. 00:16:53.200 --> 00:16:56.800 And that may be the very word that you need to hear this morning. 00:16:58.020 --> 00:16:58.920 Jesus saying. 00:16:59.259 --> 00:17:00.180 As it were to you. 00:17:00.520 --> 00:17:01.720 In your failure. 00:17:02.360 --> 00:17:04.539 And in your falling away from him. 00:17:04.680 --> 00:17:06.700 And in the coldness of your heart. 00:17:07.360 --> 00:17:08.840 I will go before you again. 00:17:08.839 --> 00:17:11.879 That's the assurance of Jesus' promise. 00:17:13.740 --> 00:17:17.259 Let's lastly look at the secret of Jesus' strength. 00:17:18.059 --> 00:17:20.720 The secret of Jesus' strength. 00:17:22.079 --> 00:17:23.659 Now what is Jesus going to do? 00:17:25.000 --> 00:17:28.879 When he's totally abandoned by his disciples. 00:17:28.880 --> 00:17:32.040 And he has to face alone. 00:17:32.420 --> 00:17:33.820 The mockery of a trial. 00:17:33.980 --> 00:17:34.900 Before Jewish leaders. 00:17:35.800 --> 00:17:37.340 He has to go before Pilate. 00:17:37.580 --> 00:17:38.080 The governor. 00:17:38.220 --> 00:17:39.460 He will be scourged. 00:17:40.100 --> 00:17:41.860 He will go through the cross. 00:17:42.420 --> 00:17:44.500 And as he faces all of that. 00:17:44.620 --> 00:17:46.200 How is he going to manage? 00:17:47.720 --> 00:17:50.800 All human support has been taken away from him. 00:17:51.100 --> 00:17:52.660 How will Jesus endure? 00:17:53.880 --> 00:17:55.940 In faithfulness to his father. 00:17:55.940 --> 00:18:00.080 What is the secret of Jesus' strength. 00:18:00.360 --> 00:18:01.660 And endurance. 00:18:02.279 --> 00:18:02.799 And resilience. 00:18:04.640 --> 00:18:07.000 What was it that he could draw upon? 00:18:07.980 --> 00:18:09.799 And I think the answer is in verse 30. 00:18:12.019 --> 00:18:12.759 Do you remember last week. 00:18:12.900 --> 00:18:14.259 We saw the Passover. 00:18:15.400 --> 00:18:17.340 And how Jesus took the bread. 00:18:17.440 --> 00:18:18.580 And said this is my body. 00:18:18.940 --> 00:18:20.400 And how Jesus took the blood. 00:18:20.519 --> 00:18:22.019 And said this is my blood. 00:18:22.160 --> 00:18:22.860 Poured out for you. 00:18:22.920 --> 00:18:24.539 For the forgiveness of many. 00:18:24.539 --> 00:18:26.859 And it's all in the context of Passover. 00:18:26.960 --> 00:18:27.599 Do you remember that? 00:18:29.059 --> 00:18:30.119 And verse 30. 00:18:30.240 --> 00:18:31.339 As they get up from the table. 00:18:31.559 --> 00:18:33.180 When they sung a hymn. 00:18:34.200 --> 00:18:36.299 They went out to the Mount of Olives. 00:18:37.700 --> 00:18:38.359 And again. 00:18:38.460 --> 00:18:39.180 You've got to keep remembering. 00:18:39.299 --> 00:18:41.299 It's all in the context of Passover. 00:18:42.879 --> 00:18:43.899 And in the Passover. 00:18:44.200 --> 00:18:46.220 It was customary that the Halal was sung. 00:18:46.220 --> 00:18:49.380 A number of psalms were sung. 00:18:49.779 --> 00:18:51.420 From Psalm 113. 00:18:51.640 --> 00:18:52.360 Or 115. 00:18:52.720 --> 00:18:53.180 Some say. 00:18:53.640 --> 00:18:54.600 To 118. 00:18:55.440 --> 00:18:57.680 And they would sing those hymns. 00:18:57.759 --> 00:18:59.019 As part of the Passover. 00:18:59.779 --> 00:19:00.259 Celebration. 00:19:01.900 --> 00:19:03.180 That is part of the hymn. 00:19:03.259 --> 00:19:04.279 That they would have sung. 00:19:04.420 --> 00:19:04.980 That night. 00:19:05.079 --> 00:19:06.420 As they left the table. 00:19:06.539 --> 00:19:07.440 Those psalms. 00:19:08.980 --> 00:19:10.880 And can you ponder. 00:19:10.880 --> 00:19:13.360 And can you think. 00:19:13.500 --> 00:19:14.280 For the rest of this day. 00:19:14.340 --> 00:19:15.120 What it would have meant. 00:19:15.220 --> 00:19:15.660 For Jesus. 00:19:15.940 --> 00:19:17.160 To sing those psalms. 00:19:17.340 --> 00:19:18.640 As he left the Passover table. 00:19:20.400 --> 00:19:20.880 Psalm 116. 00:19:21.680 --> 00:19:22.180 Can you think. 00:19:22.240 --> 00:19:22.940 What it must have meant. 00:19:23.040 --> 00:19:23.460 To Jesus. 00:19:23.740 --> 00:19:24.640 As he knew. 00:19:24.900 --> 00:19:25.860 What he was facing. 00:19:26.220 --> 00:19:27.360 When he sang that night. 00:19:27.440 --> 00:19:28.240 With his disciples. 00:19:28.300 --> 00:19:28.880 From Psalm 116. 00:19:29.880 --> 00:19:31.240 The chords of death. 00:19:32.360 --> 00:19:33.060 Entangle me. 00:19:34.120 --> 00:19:35.140 The anguish. 00:19:35.360 --> 00:19:36.540 Of the grave. 00:19:36.740 --> 00:19:37.580 Has come upon me. 00:19:37.579 --> 00:19:39.500 I was overcome. 00:19:39.919 --> 00:19:40.500 By trouble. 00:19:40.799 --> 00:19:41.299 And sorrow. 00:19:41.799 --> 00:19:42.319 For you. 00:19:42.679 --> 00:19:43.259 O Lord. 00:19:43.339 --> 00:19:43.899 Have delivered. 00:19:44.099 --> 00:19:44.679 My soul. 00:19:44.919 --> 00:19:45.740 From death. 00:19:46.460 --> 00:19:47.179 My eyes. 00:19:47.379 --> 00:19:47.919 From tears. 00:19:48.720 --> 00:19:49.279 My feet. 00:19:49.480 --> 00:19:50.059 From stumbling. 00:19:51.079 --> 00:19:51.939 I believed. 00:19:52.119 --> 00:19:53.199 Even when I said. 00:19:53.279 --> 00:19:54.079 I am greatly. 00:19:54.519 --> 00:19:55.000 Afflicted. 00:19:55.199 --> 00:19:55.879 Can you imagine. 00:19:56.039 --> 00:19:56.899 What it must have been. 00:19:57.699 --> 00:19:58.339 For Jesus. 00:19:58.519 --> 00:19:59.599 To sing those words. 00:20:00.460 --> 00:20:01.179 As he knew. 00:20:01.259 --> 00:20:02.059 What he was facing. 00:20:02.220 --> 00:20:02.720 From men. 00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:03.960 When he sang that part. 00:20:03.960 --> 00:20:05.039 Of Psalm 118. 00:20:05.339 --> 00:20:06.699 The Lord is with me. 00:20:06.700 --> 00:20:08.940 I will not be afraid. 00:20:09.100 --> 00:20:10.299 Of what man can do to me. 00:20:11.259 --> 00:20:12.319 The Lord is with me. 00:20:12.600 --> 00:20:13.660 He is my helper. 00:20:14.019 --> 00:20:15.539 And I will look in triumph. 00:20:15.539 --> 00:20:16.559 Over my enemies. 00:20:16.759 --> 00:20:17.440 It is better. 00:20:17.580 --> 00:20:18.480 To take refuge. 00:20:18.480 --> 00:20:19.340 In the Lord. 00:20:19.640 --> 00:20:20.799 Than to put trust. 00:20:20.900 --> 00:20:21.360 In men. 00:20:22.180 --> 00:20:22.880 It is better. 00:20:23.059 --> 00:20:24.120 To take refuge. 00:20:24.120 --> 00:20:24.819 In the Lord. 00:20:25.000 --> 00:20:26.000 Than put trust. 00:20:26.140 --> 00:20:26.640 In princes. 00:20:26.880 --> 00:20:28.360 I will not die. 00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:29.299 But live. 00:20:30.299 --> 00:20:31.080 And will proclaim. 00:20:31.080 --> 00:20:32.059 What the Lord has done. 00:20:33.340 --> 00:20:34.319 Can you imagine. 00:20:34.319 --> 00:20:35.240 What those words. 00:20:35.240 --> 00:20:36.559 Did for the consciousness. 00:20:36.559 --> 00:20:37.359 Of Jesus. 00:20:37.480 --> 00:20:38.079 What it meant. 00:20:38.279 --> 00:20:39.039 For Jesus. 00:20:39.319 --> 00:20:40.420 As he sang them. 00:20:40.720 --> 00:20:41.299 And as he knew. 00:20:41.400 --> 00:20:42.400 What he was about to face. 00:20:43.400 --> 00:20:44.660 I will not die. 00:20:44.859 --> 00:20:45.799 But live. 00:20:46.759 --> 00:20:48.000 And will proclaim. 00:20:48.160 --> 00:20:49.120 What the Lord has done. 00:20:51.019 --> 00:20:52.519 What man can do to me. 00:20:52.680 --> 00:20:53.220 And so on. 00:20:54.660 --> 00:20:56.160 What was the secret. 00:20:56.160 --> 00:20:57.420 Of Jesus. 00:20:57.420 --> 00:20:58.180 Of Jesus strength. 00:20:59.300 --> 00:21:00.500 And endurance. 00:21:01.140 --> 00:21:01.640 And resilience. 00:21:03.060 --> 00:21:03.840 You see. 00:21:04.019 --> 00:21:04.540 The scriptures. 00:21:04.800 --> 00:21:06.100 Aren't just true. 00:21:06.920 --> 00:21:07.840 That was point one. 00:21:09.440 --> 00:21:10.500 But the scriptures. 00:21:10.500 --> 00:21:11.560 Are strong. 00:21:12.340 --> 00:21:13.440 That is point four. 00:21:15.040 --> 00:21:16.640 And that is what sustained. 00:21:17.000 --> 00:21:18.519 The great shepherd of the sheep. 00:21:19.920 --> 00:21:20.800 That as he went. 00:21:20.920 --> 00:21:22.040 To lay down his life. 00:21:22.200 --> 00:21:22.740 For the sheep. 00:21:22.740 --> 00:21:24.660 It was. 00:21:24.980 --> 00:21:25.779 The living. 00:21:26.099 --> 00:21:26.519 Active. 00:21:26.740 --> 00:21:27.640 Word of God. 00:21:28.000 --> 00:21:28.700 That sustained him. 00:21:30.839 --> 00:21:31.500 And has not. 00:21:31.819 --> 00:21:32.319 Proven true. 00:21:32.400 --> 00:21:33.339 In your experience. 00:21:33.500 --> 00:21:34.460 And my experience too. 00:21:37.099 --> 00:21:38.180 Andrew Bonner. 00:21:39.400 --> 00:21:39.960 Great. 00:21:40.460 --> 00:21:41.380 19th century. 00:21:41.680 --> 00:21:42.039 Man. 00:21:43.059 --> 00:21:43.980 Andrew Bonner's wife. 00:21:44.279 --> 00:21:44.599 Died. 00:21:44.819 --> 00:21:45.180 Very. 00:21:45.500 --> 00:21:45.720 Very. 00:21:45.900 --> 00:21:46.220 Suddenly. 00:21:46.740 --> 00:21:46.980 And. 00:21:47.480 --> 00:21:48.039 Unexpectedly. 00:21:48.039 --> 00:21:48.960 On the night of. 00:21:49.319 --> 00:21:49.680 Saturday. 00:21:49.960 --> 00:21:51.059 October the 15th. 00:21:51.259 --> 00:21:51.859 1864. 00:21:51.859 --> 00:21:54.619 And Andrew Bonner. 00:21:54.759 --> 00:21:55.240 Records. 00:21:55.399 --> 00:21:55.859 Movingly. 00:21:56.019 --> 00:21:56.639 In his diary. 00:21:56.939 --> 00:21:57.819 That he had. 00:21:58.179 --> 00:21:58.899 Been reading. 00:21:59.139 --> 00:21:59.459 The Bible. 00:21:59.539 --> 00:22:00.439 As was his usual. 00:22:00.539 --> 00:22:00.859 Custom. 00:22:00.979 --> 00:22:01.679 Between dinner. 00:22:01.899 --> 00:22:02.579 And tea. 00:22:03.000 --> 00:22:04.000 That very evening. 00:22:05.379 --> 00:22:06.759 His verse of the day. 00:22:06.979 --> 00:22:07.539 He said. 00:22:07.639 --> 00:22:08.240 Was number. 00:22:08.500 --> 00:22:08.899 Nahum. 00:22:09.019 --> 00:22:09.779 Chapter one. 00:22:09.959 --> 00:22:10.759 And verse seven. 00:22:10.979 --> 00:22:11.299 Nahum. 00:22:11.379 --> 00:22:11.979 Chapter one. 00:22:12.099 --> 00:22:12.699 And verse seven. 00:22:13.359 --> 00:22:14.339 The Lord is good. 00:22:15.779 --> 00:22:17.000 And a stronghold. 00:22:17.279 --> 00:22:18.319 In the day of trouble. 00:22:18.319 --> 00:22:20.939 And he knows. 00:22:21.039 --> 00:22:22.039 Those who take refuge. 00:22:22.039 --> 00:22:22.439 In him. 00:22:24.119 --> 00:22:24.919 And Bonner. 00:22:25.000 --> 00:22:25.439 Movingly. 00:22:25.439 --> 00:22:25.859 Writes. 00:22:26.119 --> 00:22:26.559 Oh little. 00:22:26.559 --> 00:22:27.559 Did I think. 00:22:28.599 --> 00:22:29.559 I would need. 00:22:29.659 --> 00:22:30.419 That verse. 00:22:31.079 --> 00:22:32.139 Just half an hour. 00:22:32.139 --> 00:22:32.480 After. 00:22:34.980 --> 00:22:36.000 That's why the apostle. 00:22:36.119 --> 00:22:36.779 Paul says. 00:22:37.000 --> 00:22:37.439 In Romans. 00:22:37.700 --> 00:22:38.139 15. 00:22:38.299 --> 00:22:38.859 Verse four. 00:22:38.859 --> 00:22:39.819 That everything. 00:22:40.339 --> 00:22:41.299 Was written. 00:22:41.799 --> 00:22:42.599 In the old testament. 00:22:42.799 --> 00:22:43.139 Scriptures. 00:22:43.140 --> 00:22:44.540 It was written. 00:22:44.540 --> 00:22:45.660 For our instruction. 00:22:46.259 --> 00:22:46.960 So that through. 00:22:47.120 --> 00:22:48.040 Endurance. 00:22:48.680 --> 00:22:49.460 And through the. 00:22:49.680 --> 00:22:50.200 Encouragement. 00:22:50.200 --> 00:22:51.120 Of these. 00:22:51.120 --> 00:22:51.800 Scriptures. 00:22:52.860 --> 00:22:53.960 We might have hope. 00:22:57.420 --> 00:22:58.259 It is. 00:22:58.460 --> 00:22:58.840 Possible. 00:22:59.700 --> 00:23:00.820 For a genuine. 00:23:01.200 --> 00:23:01.720 Disciple. 00:23:01.840 --> 00:23:02.640 Of the Lord Jesus. 00:23:03.600 --> 00:23:05.040 To fail their Lord. 00:23:05.120 --> 00:23:05.540 Miserably. 00:23:07.140 --> 00:23:08.000 But it is. 00:23:08.120 --> 00:23:08.420 Also. 00:23:08.600 --> 00:23:08.960 Possible. 00:23:09.920 --> 00:23:10.720 For a disciple. 00:23:10.940 --> 00:23:11.700 Of the Lord Jesus. 00:23:11.700 --> 00:23:13.120 To become strong. 00:23:13.299 --> 00:23:14.080 In the storm. 00:23:15.240 --> 00:23:16.100 By feeding. 00:23:16.380 --> 00:23:17.240 On the same. 00:23:17.740 --> 00:23:18.059 Source. 00:23:18.059 --> 00:23:18.860 Of strength. 00:23:19.980 --> 00:23:20.860 As his. 00:23:20.980 --> 00:23:21.400 Or her. 00:23:21.460 --> 00:23:22.120 Shepherd knew. 00:23:23.220 --> 00:23:23.640 In his. 00:23:23.779 --> 00:23:24.259 Great trial. 00:23:26.420 --> 00:23:26.940 Let's love. 00:23:27.019 --> 00:23:27.559 God's word. 00:23:28.640 --> 00:23:29.259 Let's pray.