WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.919 Well, please have a seat and let's pray together. 00:00:09.800 --> 00:00:12.560 Father God, we gather here around your word. 00:00:13.480 --> 00:00:16.100 And our prayer is that you would teach us of 00:00:16.100 --> 00:00:22.039 and let us see afresh the unsearchable riches of your son, Jesus Christ. 00:00:22.820 --> 00:00:25.140 Father, thank you for all the truths that we've sung. 00:00:25.760 --> 00:00:29.320 Father, thank you that because of Jesus, you've heard all of our prayers. 00:00:30.280 --> 00:00:33.159 And so, Lord, we come on our knees this morning. 00:00:33.939 --> 00:00:36.700 And Lord, we ask that you would show us Jesus. 00:00:37.799 --> 00:00:40.620 Show us him as the treasure of the universe. 00:00:41.620 --> 00:00:44.179 Father, may he captivate all of our affections. 00:00:44.880 --> 00:00:47.560 So send your spirit to make this word alive, we pray. 00:00:48.140 --> 00:00:52.400 In his all-sufficient, ever-satisfying name. Amen. 00:00:53.920 --> 00:00:57.760 Well, this is the last in our series in Matthew 13. 00:00:57.920 --> 00:00:59.219 This is our fourth week. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:04.299 Matthew 13 is a collection of eight parables. 00:01:04.939 --> 00:01:06.900 And for the really shrewd amongst you, 00:01:07.219 --> 00:01:10.340 you'll have seen that we've done four parables in three weeks. 00:01:10.680 --> 00:01:15.280 Which, if you do the maths, means that we're doing a bumper crop of four parables 00:01:15.280 --> 00:01:17.740 in one week today. 00:01:17.739 --> 00:01:21.699 And it's all about the kingdom of heaven is like. 00:01:22.199 --> 00:01:24.060 What is the kingdom of heaven like? 00:01:24.119 --> 00:01:30.239 And here, in the middle of Matthew's gospel, in the third of his big teaching sections, 00:01:30.939 --> 00:01:34.699 he's kind of laid it out for us what his kingdom is like. 00:01:34.700 --> 00:01:40.540 The first four parables that we've covered were told to a large crowd. 00:01:40.540 --> 00:01:42.880 Chapter 13, verse 2. 00:01:42.880 --> 00:01:47.660 Such large crowds gathered round him that he got into a boat and sat in it, 00:01:48.020 --> 00:01:49.860 while all the people stood on the shore. 00:01:50.240 --> 00:01:56.560 These first four parables about the kingdom were said to a large crowd from a boat. 00:01:56.560 --> 00:01:59.740 But these last four are slightly different. 00:01:59.859 --> 00:02:01.659 Chapter 13, verse 36. 00:02:02.100 --> 00:02:05.439 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. 00:02:05.900 --> 00:02:07.400 His disciples came to him and said, 00:02:07.480 --> 00:02:10.240 Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the fields. 00:02:10.240 --> 00:02:14.280 And so these other four are kind of separate. 00:02:14.980 --> 00:02:18.200 These are for Jesus' friends, Jesus' followers. 00:02:19.320 --> 00:02:23.260 As he tells us more what the kingdom of God is like. 00:02:24.340 --> 00:02:28.439 The first four parables, as Jesus tells them what the kingdom is like, 00:02:28.740 --> 00:02:32.140 would have been very difficult for the disciples to believe. 00:02:32.879 --> 00:02:37.640 The kingdom that Jesus is telling them that his kingdom is like 00:02:37.639 --> 00:02:40.339 is very different to the one they were expecting. 00:02:41.500 --> 00:02:46.019 They expected the kingdom of God to come almost instantly. 00:02:47.159 --> 00:02:50.239 That at the moment they are under the heel of the Romans. 00:02:50.959 --> 00:02:52.199 They're oppressed. 00:02:53.319 --> 00:02:54.879 Temple worship is diminished. 00:02:56.339 --> 00:02:59.939 And they thought that overnight God's Messiah would reign. 00:03:00.359 --> 00:03:02.139 The Romans would be kicked out. 00:03:02.139 --> 00:03:07.699 And it would be like the golden era of David or Solomon. 00:03:07.839 --> 00:03:09.019 That's what they were expecting. 00:03:10.379 --> 00:03:12.519 But these first four parables have said, 00:03:12.679 --> 00:03:16.419 No, the kingdom of God is radically different to what you're expecting. 00:03:17.179 --> 00:03:18.899 My kingdom is not like that. 00:03:21.000 --> 00:03:23.539 They thought it would be a now and now kingdom. 00:03:23.679 --> 00:03:25.839 That the kingdom of God would come instantly. 00:03:26.560 --> 00:03:28.919 And that Jesus would reign over everything. 00:03:28.919 --> 00:03:33.379 But what Jesus says is it's a now and not yet kingdom. 00:03:33.539 --> 00:03:36.280 It's a now kingdom because Jesus the king is here. 00:03:36.719 --> 00:03:39.459 He starts his ministry in chapter 4 verse 17. 00:03:40.099 --> 00:03:42.259 Repent for the kingdom of God has come near. 00:03:42.739 --> 00:03:43.779 How has it come near? 00:03:43.899 --> 00:03:45.560 Well, because Jesus the king has arrived. 00:03:46.659 --> 00:03:48.179 But it's a not yet kingdom. 00:03:48.299 --> 00:03:49.919 It's not here in all its fullness. 00:03:50.659 --> 00:03:52.279 It's not being inaugurated. 00:03:52.280 --> 00:03:56.219 And so Jesus in the parable of the sower. 00:03:57.159 --> 00:03:59.219 Has said the kingdom of heaven now. 00:03:59.479 --> 00:04:02.259 Might look a little bit of a failure. 00:04:03.420 --> 00:04:05.379 That a lot of seed has been sown. 00:04:05.500 --> 00:04:07.920 But it seems that only a tiny fraction has grown. 00:04:09.240 --> 00:04:12.080 That it may look largely unproductive. 00:04:12.199 --> 00:04:14.500 Like the kingdom is not really working. 00:04:16.300 --> 00:04:17.759 And Jesus says don't worry. 00:04:18.879 --> 00:04:21.420 Because in the end there will be an abundant harvest. 00:04:21.420 --> 00:04:26.680 This seed will grow even 30, 60 and 100 times. 00:04:27.860 --> 00:04:31.259 Then he tells them another parable about wheat and weeds. 00:04:32.439 --> 00:04:36.540 And Jesus says the kingdom of God now may look seemingly messy. 00:04:38.700 --> 00:04:40.740 That there is still evil in the world. 00:04:40.800 --> 00:04:42.879 Even though the kingdom of God has come near. 00:04:43.939 --> 00:04:47.720 And Jesus has said well there is this necessary mix at the moment. 00:04:47.720 --> 00:04:50.900 That the good seed grows to wheat. 00:04:50.980 --> 00:04:52.980 But the evil one planted seeds. 00:04:53.680 --> 00:04:55.880 That are producing weeds in the world. 00:04:55.980 --> 00:04:56.620 But don't worry. 00:04:57.580 --> 00:05:00.380 Because in the end there will be a harvest and a separation. 00:05:02.440 --> 00:05:05.520 Then last week Jesus' third lesson about the kingdom. 00:05:05.620 --> 00:05:07.620 Is the kingdom of God now. 00:05:07.620 --> 00:05:08.620 The kingdom of God. 00:05:08.620 --> 00:05:12.439 Seems so small and insignificant and pathetic and underwhelming. 00:05:13.480 --> 00:05:15.579 Just like a mustard seed or. 00:05:16.920 --> 00:05:18.000 Like yeast. 00:05:19.439 --> 00:05:20.800 But Jesus says don't worry. 00:05:20.899 --> 00:05:23.720 Because this seed will grow and eventually dominate the garden. 00:05:24.360 --> 00:05:28.819 This seed like yeast will eventually transform absolutely everything about this world. 00:05:28.819 --> 00:05:32.519 So he says this kingdom is not like your kingdom. 00:05:32.519 --> 00:05:33.699 Because this is my kingdom. 00:05:33.920 --> 00:05:36.620 And I'm telling you. 00:05:37.139 --> 00:05:38.540 What it will be like. 00:05:39.560 --> 00:05:42.300 The real kingdom of Jesus Christ the King. 00:05:42.439 --> 00:05:45.199 Is radically different to the one they were expecting. 00:05:47.000 --> 00:05:51.100 One that in the end would be like an abundant pure dominating harvest. 00:05:51.659 --> 00:05:52.740 But in the present. 00:05:53.339 --> 00:05:54.620 In the now. 00:05:54.620 --> 00:05:57.439 It seems remarkably slow. 00:05:57.620 --> 00:05:58.819 Underwhelming small. 00:05:59.680 --> 00:06:02.319 Largely shrouded and concealed. 00:06:03.540 --> 00:06:06.220 And so now in the privacy of a house. 00:06:06.780 --> 00:06:10.000 Just away from the lake with his disciples gathered round. 00:06:10.819 --> 00:06:14.000 We get four parables tightly packed together. 00:06:14.540 --> 00:06:17.379 Which somewhat recap what Jesus has already said. 00:06:17.480 --> 00:06:18.939 But also tell us new things. 00:06:19.560 --> 00:06:21.319 About his glorious kingdom. 00:06:22.560 --> 00:06:23.980 And so if you've got a Bible. 00:06:23.980 --> 00:06:26.040 Please turn with me to Matthew 13. 00:06:26.840 --> 00:06:28.180 And verse 44. 00:06:33.379 --> 00:06:34.680 Jesus says this. 00:06:36.360 --> 00:06:40.240 The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. 00:06:41.600 --> 00:06:44.180 When a man found it he hid it again. 00:06:44.980 --> 00:06:48.920 And then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 00:06:48.920 --> 00:06:54.640 Again the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 00:06:55.640 --> 00:06:58.500 When he found one of great value he went away. 00:06:59.500 --> 00:07:01.560 And sold everything he had. 00:07:02.360 --> 00:07:03.480 And bought it. 00:07:04.620 --> 00:07:05.879 Two parables. 00:07:06.020 --> 00:07:09.160 A pair of parables making almost exactly the same point. 00:07:09.259 --> 00:07:09.960 Which is this. 00:07:10.319 --> 00:07:12.220 The kingdom of heaven. 00:07:12.220 --> 00:07:14.600 Is of ultimate value. 00:07:14.600 --> 00:07:16.600 The kingdom of heaven. 00:07:16.600 --> 00:07:17.120 The kingdom of heaven. 00:07:17.560 --> 00:07:19.840 Is of ultimate value. 00:07:20.600 --> 00:07:21.420 I don't know about you. 00:07:21.500 --> 00:07:22.700 But I love treasure. 00:07:23.260 --> 00:07:24.820 I really like treasure hunting. 00:07:25.380 --> 00:07:27.080 If somebody gave me a treasure map. 00:07:27.080 --> 00:07:28.200 Of say North Berwick. 00:07:28.280 --> 00:07:29.840 I would go around all day. 00:07:30.200 --> 00:07:32.340 Looking for the X that marks the spot. 00:07:32.720 --> 00:07:35.280 I don't know if it was because I was brought up on Indiana Jones. 00:07:35.500 --> 00:07:36.700 And the Goonies. 00:07:36.979 --> 00:07:38.979 I don't know whether it was Pirates of the Caribbean. 00:07:39.159 --> 00:07:40.779 Or listening to the famous five. 00:07:41.079 --> 00:07:43.360 Audio cassettes on a long journey. 00:07:43.699 --> 00:07:47.120 The idea of treasure really resonates with me. 00:07:48.240 --> 00:07:50.680 And so to hear that the kingdom of heaven. 00:07:50.839 --> 00:07:53.159 Is like treasure hidden in a field. 00:07:53.599 --> 00:07:54.759 Jesus you've got me. 00:07:55.919 --> 00:07:57.699 I'm fascinated by this. 00:07:59.699 --> 00:08:01.599 And so I love stories about treasure. 00:08:01.719 --> 00:08:02.680 This is Paul Coleman. 00:08:02.680 --> 00:08:05.959 Who on the 21st of December 2014. 00:08:05.959 --> 00:08:07.060 Went on a weekend. 00:08:07.579 --> 00:08:10.120 With the Wanderers Detecting Club. 00:08:10.220 --> 00:08:12.160 That sounds like a fun people to be around. 00:08:12.840 --> 00:08:15.720 Second only to Trainspotting Incorporated. 00:08:16.579 --> 00:08:18.420 And he went down to Buckinghamshire. 00:08:19.420 --> 00:08:20.699 Now he wasn't going to go. 00:08:20.780 --> 00:08:23.300 Because it was 45 pounds petrol there and back. 00:08:23.560 --> 00:08:25.480 But he enlisted the help of his son. 00:08:25.740 --> 00:08:26.480 And a friend. 00:08:27.000 --> 00:08:28.139 And they split the petrol. 00:08:28.139 --> 00:08:30.879 On the weekend. 00:08:31.060 --> 00:08:36.360 He unearthed 5,251 Anglo-Saxon silver coins. 00:08:36.460 --> 00:08:38.139 That were more than a thousand years old. 00:08:39.500 --> 00:08:42.620 And were worth in excess of a million pounds. 00:08:44.199 --> 00:08:46.960 You have to say Paul Coleman really hit the jackpot. 00:08:47.240 --> 00:08:49.559 But compared to our guy in the parable. 00:08:50.159 --> 00:08:52.460 This was small fried loose change. 00:08:52.460 --> 00:08:58.200 Nothing compares to the discovery of a man in verse 44. 00:08:59.160 --> 00:09:01.759 He's probably just a humble laborer. 00:09:01.759 --> 00:09:04.480 Tilling in the field of his master. 00:09:05.240 --> 00:09:06.660 And he's digging around. 00:09:06.820 --> 00:09:07.740 Turning the soil. 00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:09.980 When all of a sudden he digs in his spade. 00:09:10.040 --> 00:09:11.120 And he hears the clang. 00:09:13.900 --> 00:09:15.580 What is this? 00:09:16.340 --> 00:09:17.759 Hidden in this field. 00:09:17.759 --> 00:09:21.039 So he digs around it. 00:09:21.720 --> 00:09:24.039 And in it is a treasure chest. 00:09:25.179 --> 00:09:26.539 Now in this period. 00:09:26.700 --> 00:09:28.000 In first century Palestine. 00:09:28.460 --> 00:09:30.460 A really good way to keep hold of your treasure. 00:09:30.620 --> 00:09:31.580 Was to bury it. 00:09:32.039 --> 00:09:35.139 There wasn't a Swiss safety deposit box. 00:09:36.220 --> 00:09:39.340 You couldn't give it to the Grand Cayman Islands Bank. 00:09:39.679 --> 00:09:41.259 To look after for you. 00:09:42.600 --> 00:09:44.779 And so people used to bury treasure. 00:09:44.879 --> 00:09:46.759 We see it in the parable of the talents. 00:09:46.759 --> 00:09:49.980 Where the guy who wanted to keep his master's talent safe. 00:09:50.019 --> 00:09:50.480 What did he do? 00:09:50.519 --> 00:09:51.220 He buried it. 00:09:51.279 --> 00:09:52.759 Because it was the safest thing to do. 00:09:54.600 --> 00:09:56.779 Now you have to say that the ethics of the man. 00:09:56.840 --> 00:09:58.299 Are probably a bit dubious. 00:09:59.220 --> 00:10:00.620 Because he digs it. 00:10:01.080 --> 00:10:01.659 Digs again. 00:10:01.799 --> 00:10:02.559 Buries it. 00:10:03.220 --> 00:10:05.779 And then he goes and sells everything that he has. 00:10:05.960 --> 00:10:09.019 He has a huge fire sale of everything that he owns. 00:10:09.720 --> 00:10:12.200 And these days you could even sell your wife and your family. 00:10:12.340 --> 00:10:13.639 Although I wouldn't go that far. 00:10:13.879 --> 00:10:15.960 As to the sacrifice he made. 00:10:16.759 --> 00:10:19.439 Because it wasn't finders keepers. 00:10:20.220 --> 00:10:23.279 It wasn't possession being nine tenths of the law. 00:10:23.879 --> 00:10:26.639 As a servant working in his master's field. 00:10:26.740 --> 00:10:30.080 This treasure would solely belong to his master. 00:10:31.379 --> 00:10:32.340 And so what does he do? 00:10:32.399 --> 00:10:33.939 He pulls out all the stocks. 00:10:35.200 --> 00:10:37.080 He sells everything that he has. 00:10:37.399 --> 00:10:37.899 Why? 00:10:37.980 --> 00:10:39.539 Because he wants to purchase the field. 00:10:40.539 --> 00:10:42.259 Because he particularly likes the field. 00:10:42.259 --> 00:10:43.840 Because he knows what's buried. 00:10:44.659 --> 00:10:46.439 The treasure in the field. 00:10:47.819 --> 00:10:48.779 It's a great sacrifice. 00:10:50.439 --> 00:10:53.700 Just imagine if you found something on the meadows walking across. 00:10:54.200 --> 00:10:55.740 Walking home today. 00:10:55.740 --> 00:10:59.919 And it was so compellingly beautiful. 00:11:00.299 --> 00:11:01.580 It was so valuable. 00:11:01.720 --> 00:11:02.680 It was such treasure. 00:11:03.019 --> 00:11:04.039 That you then went home. 00:11:04.139 --> 00:11:04.919 Sold your house. 00:11:05.019 --> 00:11:05.560 Your car. 00:11:05.659 --> 00:11:06.500 Your watch. 00:11:07.220 --> 00:11:08.139 Sold your telly. 00:11:08.419 --> 00:11:09.759 Sold absolutely everything. 00:11:09.879 --> 00:11:13.100 Because of the compelling value of this treasure. 00:11:13.779 --> 00:11:17.200 I don't know whether you'd be able to buy the meadows off the Edinburgh City Council. 00:11:17.200 --> 00:11:19.440 But we can but dream. 00:11:25.780 --> 00:11:27.460 But notice it's not a burden. 00:11:29.379 --> 00:11:30.600 It's very clear. 00:11:30.840 --> 00:11:31.879 End of verse 44. 00:11:31.879 --> 00:11:33.759 And then in his joy. 00:11:35.320 --> 00:11:38.680 Went and sold all he had and bought that field. 00:11:39.000 --> 00:11:39.740 It was joyful. 00:11:41.360 --> 00:11:44.080 This treasure would bring him so much more joy. 00:11:44.980 --> 00:11:46.860 Than his PlayStation 4. 00:11:48.020 --> 00:11:49.420 Or his Honda Civic. 00:11:52.500 --> 00:11:54.660 And then we read about the second guy. 00:11:56.560 --> 00:11:59.980 Whose very job is to be a wholesale jeweler. 00:11:59.980 --> 00:12:01.379 To go all over the world. 00:12:01.600 --> 00:12:03.340 Looking for the finest jewels. 00:12:03.460 --> 00:12:04.440 And the best gems. 00:12:05.259 --> 00:12:07.080 And the most perfect pearls. 00:12:08.640 --> 00:12:10.600 And then one day through his eyeglass. 00:12:10.700 --> 00:12:13.940 He spies the most exquisite pearl he's ever seen. 00:12:14.879 --> 00:12:16.820 And he knows I must have it. 00:12:17.940 --> 00:12:18.980 I must have it. 00:12:18.980 --> 00:12:24.680 That makes all my other things look like mere gravel in my hand. 00:12:24.780 --> 00:12:26.660 Compared to the beauty of this pearl. 00:12:26.659 --> 00:12:30.299 He doesn't haggle. 00:12:30.399 --> 00:12:31.379 He doesn't barter. 00:12:31.699 --> 00:12:33.980 He knows that he needs it at any cost. 00:12:34.059 --> 00:12:36.360 And at any cost it would be an absolute steal. 00:12:38.059 --> 00:12:40.259 And so he goes and sells all he has. 00:12:40.740 --> 00:12:41.799 This is a merchant. 00:12:41.959 --> 00:12:44.299 Just imagine what his warehouse is full of. 00:12:46.620 --> 00:12:50.159 He has some jade and some sapphires and some rubies. 00:12:50.159 --> 00:12:55.719 He has a number of diamonds and he gets rid of it all. 00:12:56.779 --> 00:12:58.519 He sells his house and his shop. 00:12:58.620 --> 00:12:59.360 His yacht. 00:13:00.459 --> 00:13:00.899 Why? 00:13:01.019 --> 00:13:03.779 Because he wants to own this one treasure. 00:13:04.779 --> 00:13:08.939 This one treasure that is worth every other treasure and ten times more. 00:13:08.940 --> 00:13:16.680 And so this pair of parables is not difficult to understand. 00:13:18.260 --> 00:13:20.900 But it's incredibly uncomfortable to apply. 00:13:20.899 --> 00:13:27.559 Jesus is saying that citizenship in his kingdom is of ultimate value. 00:13:28.079 --> 00:13:29.879 It is of eternal value. 00:13:30.240 --> 00:13:35.199 It is of a value that far surpasses any other thing that is worth anything. 00:13:35.200 --> 00:13:43.400 To be bought by grace through faith under the rule of reign of Christ is worth absolutely everything. 00:13:44.560 --> 00:13:49.220 Even if it costs you all of your life and all that you have and all that you are. 00:13:49.440 --> 00:13:51.980 It is a bargain at the price. 00:13:53.520 --> 00:13:54.640 To know salvation. 00:13:54.920 --> 00:13:57.080 To be adopted into God's family forever. 00:13:57.379 --> 00:14:00.120 To know forgiveness of sin and eternal security. 00:14:00.540 --> 00:14:02.600 To have the joy of fellowship with God. 00:14:02.600 --> 00:14:06.659 To be part of a local church family having brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:14:06.860 --> 00:14:08.920 To be a recipient of the Holy Spirit. 00:14:09.379 --> 00:14:10.940 To have sure and certain hope. 00:14:11.460 --> 00:14:13.080 Unspeakable and unending joy. 00:14:13.460 --> 00:14:15.259 To bathe in unconditional love. 00:14:15.580 --> 00:14:16.879 To know death is dead. 00:14:17.180 --> 00:14:22.080 To have life in all its fullness and be under the righteous rule and loving lordship of Christ Jesus. 00:14:22.460 --> 00:14:23.960 To know fresh starts. 00:14:24.480 --> 00:14:25.300 New mercies. 00:14:26.200 --> 00:14:27.180 Uncountable blessings. 00:14:27.660 --> 00:14:29.460 To receive every good gift. 00:14:29.460 --> 00:14:30.940 To be a new creation. 00:14:31.120 --> 00:14:32.460 To have sovereign purpose. 00:14:32.600 --> 00:14:37.779 To possess for yourself and take hold of Jesus as the treasure of your life. 00:14:37.779 --> 00:14:39.720 Is a priceless privilege. 00:14:40.759 --> 00:14:43.879 One that is worth forsaking every other privilege. 00:14:44.899 --> 00:14:47.659 That you might gain Christ. 00:14:47.659 --> 00:14:53.779 And the beautiful thing is that this treasure today is not hidden in a field. 00:14:55.000 --> 00:14:59.219 It's not something that we need to join the Wanderers Detecting Club to go and find. 00:14:59.480 --> 00:15:03.759 It is available to us if we will but turn and trust Jesus Christ. 00:15:04.719 --> 00:15:07.100 And if we have this treasure is ours. 00:15:07.600 --> 00:15:09.179 And it's all ours. 00:15:09.919 --> 00:15:10.360 Forever. 00:15:10.360 --> 00:15:10.879 Forever. 00:15:10.879 --> 00:15:10.960 Forever. 00:15:14.000 --> 00:15:15.559 And it's free. 00:15:16.059 --> 00:15:18.439 But it's very costly. 00:15:18.440 --> 00:15:23.900 To put our faith in Jesus, it's all of grace. 00:15:25.020 --> 00:15:29.500 But the response we need once having acquired that treasure is total. 00:15:30.280 --> 00:15:32.620 The cost of discipleship is everything, 00:15:33.680 --> 00:15:38.840 but nothing compared to the all-surpassing value of Jesus Christ and his kingdom. 00:15:40.420 --> 00:15:43.320 Jim Elliott wrote these words, 00:15:43.320 --> 00:15:48.180 He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot. 00:15:48.440 --> 00:15:49.280 It's loose. 00:15:51.040 --> 00:15:52.420 And that's the equation. 00:15:53.860 --> 00:15:55.700 That's the truth of the economics, 00:15:55.880 --> 00:16:00.260 that everything we have and everything we own is either going to be moths and rust. 00:16:01.400 --> 00:16:03.120 It's all it's going to amount to. 00:16:03.940 --> 00:16:07.980 At the end of life, all the chess pieces, whether you are a king or a pawn, 00:16:08.080 --> 00:16:09.720 you all go back in the same box. 00:16:10.760 --> 00:16:14.620 And what is going to make the difference is what we've done with Jesus Christ. 00:16:14.620 --> 00:16:21.019 To deny oneself, take up your cross and follow after Jesus is a high tariff. 00:16:22.340 --> 00:16:28.539 But the reward is eternal and infinite and will satisfy always. 00:16:28.539 --> 00:16:33.199 The merchant and the laborer saw that it was a no-brainer. 00:16:34.360 --> 00:16:39.439 They saw the scale of the economics and they laid it all down that they might gain Christ 00:16:39.439 --> 00:16:45.079 and have all of their joy, all of their hope, all of their life bound up in him. 00:16:45.939 --> 00:16:48.819 They come to the point of purchase in different ways. 00:16:49.899 --> 00:16:53.059 The laborer by chance, the merchant through a search. 00:16:53.059 --> 00:16:58.019 But don't we know the reality of the spiritual seeker 00:16:58.019 --> 00:17:01.819 who in Jesus finds everything that they were looking for and so much more? 00:17:02.799 --> 00:17:06.000 And the person who almost just stumbles across the gospel, 00:17:06.740 --> 00:17:10.779 who almost hears it by accident but are so compelled by Jesus 00:17:10.779 --> 00:17:14.259 that they cannot but turn and follow him. 00:17:14.960 --> 00:17:16.740 When I was three working in Glasgow, 00:17:17.500 --> 00:17:20.399 I did Bible study with a guy called Sasan who was Iranian. 00:17:20.579 --> 00:17:22.139 He was a very serious Muslim. 00:17:22.140 --> 00:17:25.400 And yet had become dissatisfied with Islam. 00:17:27.320 --> 00:17:30.920 And so he started reading the Bible and was utterly compelled by the Lord Jesus. 00:17:32.380 --> 00:17:34.320 And one day while we were doing Bible study, 00:17:34.420 --> 00:17:35.620 there was this guy called Rab, 00:17:35.900 --> 00:17:39.120 who was definitely Glaswegian in every sense of the word. 00:17:40.400 --> 00:17:43.360 And he just wandered into the church because he wanted to get out of the rain 00:17:43.360 --> 00:17:45.580 because he'd be thrown out of Tesco for bad behavior. 00:17:46.920 --> 00:17:48.320 And he said, well, what are you doing? 00:17:48.380 --> 00:17:49.740 And I said, well, we're reading the Bible. 00:17:49.740 --> 00:17:52.519 And he said, can I join in? 00:17:52.620 --> 00:17:53.960 And I thought, well, this will be fun. 00:17:54.839 --> 00:17:57.339 John Gemmel, who's English, Sasan, who's Iranian, 00:17:57.720 --> 00:18:00.779 and Rab, who's Glaswegian in every sense of the words. 00:18:01.980 --> 00:18:03.799 And for three months we read the Bible. 00:18:03.799 --> 00:18:07.200 And just towards the end of my time, 00:18:07.720 --> 00:18:09.480 we baptize both of them. 00:18:09.539 --> 00:18:11.019 One who searched diligently 00:18:11.019 --> 00:18:15.039 and one who just stumbled upon it getting out of the rain. 00:18:16.039 --> 00:18:19.619 The kingdom of heaven, you see, really is of ultimate value. 00:18:20.339 --> 00:18:22.480 And it's on offer to each of us today, 00:18:22.559 --> 00:18:23.919 whether we're searching diligently 00:18:23.920 --> 00:18:27.519 or whether we've just come because a friend invited us 00:18:27.519 --> 00:18:30.440 and we couldn't say no for the 24th time. 00:18:32.880 --> 00:18:35.300 The kingdom of heaven is of ultimate value. 00:18:35.440 --> 00:18:38.860 The truth we learn in these parables is clear, 00:18:39.000 --> 00:18:41.300 but is it a reality in our lives? 00:18:42.300 --> 00:18:42.779 Is it? 00:18:43.820 --> 00:18:46.900 Can we sing, I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold? 00:18:46.960 --> 00:18:48.200 Is that true in my life? 00:18:48.200 --> 00:18:51.799 Or do I sing that with a certain sense of hypocrisy? 00:18:53.420 --> 00:18:54.420 What about you? 00:18:55.580 --> 00:18:57.360 This week I was really stressed out. 00:18:57.860 --> 00:18:58.620 You can ask Peter. 00:18:59.299 --> 00:19:02.360 I was a miserable man to have in the office next door. 00:19:03.539 --> 00:19:04.940 There's so much going on, 00:19:04.960 --> 00:19:06.519 and I thought, is it really worth it? 00:19:07.740 --> 00:19:09.259 Until I read this parable 00:19:09.259 --> 00:19:11.100 as I was preparing this sermon on Thursday. 00:19:12.059 --> 00:19:14.180 And I thought, Jesus, of course you're worth it. 00:19:15.039 --> 00:19:16.920 You're worth every bit of stress, 00:19:16.920 --> 00:19:19.420 every sleepless night. 00:19:20.880 --> 00:19:22.480 That truly it is you 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:25.560 who is the source of all joy. 00:19:26.820 --> 00:19:28.180 And so what about our priorities? 00:19:28.380 --> 00:19:30.440 Is this truth reflected in our priorities 00:19:30.440 --> 00:19:34.200 that the kingdom of heaven is of ultimate value? 00:19:34.960 --> 00:19:37.340 We'd all put Jesus in the importance column, 00:19:37.860 --> 00:19:38.960 but my question is, 00:19:39.000 --> 00:19:41.120 is he so high up the importance column 00:19:41.120 --> 00:19:43.320 that the rest, everything else, 00:19:44.160 --> 00:19:45.200 is so far down? 00:19:45.300 --> 00:19:46.740 So Jesus is at number one. 00:19:46.920 --> 00:19:49.340 And we have to turn several pages 00:19:49.340 --> 00:19:50.680 before we get to family, 00:19:51.360 --> 00:19:52.980 job, reputation, 00:19:53.380 --> 00:19:54.180 and all the other things 00:19:54.180 --> 00:19:55.880 that so easily become big 00:19:55.880 --> 00:19:58.980 and dominant in our lives. 00:20:00.019 --> 00:20:01.360 The reality is, 00:20:01.420 --> 00:20:03.440 we can all be guilty of playing it safe, 00:20:05.220 --> 00:20:06.480 retreating to comfort 00:20:06.480 --> 00:20:08.600 and self and tokens, 00:20:09.880 --> 00:20:10.360 of thinking, 00:20:10.519 --> 00:20:12.380 how little can I give up 00:20:12.380 --> 00:20:14.600 in order to keep up appearances? 00:20:15.880 --> 00:20:17.440 And yet this parable says 00:20:17.440 --> 00:20:19.160 it is in joyful abandonment 00:20:19.160 --> 00:20:20.240 for the sake of Christ 00:20:20.240 --> 00:20:22.540 that the treasure is ours 00:20:22.540 --> 00:20:24.420 and ever satisfying. 00:20:25.420 --> 00:20:26.620 To count the cost 00:20:26.620 --> 00:20:27.200 and declare, 00:20:27.340 --> 00:20:28.980 Jesus, you're worth it today. 00:20:29.360 --> 00:20:30.460 You're worth it tomorrow. 00:20:30.560 --> 00:20:31.640 You'll be worth it 00:20:31.640 --> 00:20:33.260 and glorious forever. 00:20:33.259 --> 00:20:34.940 I wonder, 00:20:35.019 --> 00:20:35.920 we've had a lot of people 00:20:35.920 --> 00:20:36.980 become parents 00:20:36.980 --> 00:20:38.640 recently in our church. 00:20:38.720 --> 00:20:39.000 I wonder, 00:20:39.099 --> 00:20:39.799 what is the ambition 00:20:39.799 --> 00:20:40.539 for your children? 00:20:41.420 --> 00:20:42.680 If you could have one ambition 00:20:42.680 --> 00:20:43.559 for your children, 00:20:43.680 --> 00:20:44.319 what would it be? 00:20:45.099 --> 00:20:46.140 And I pray it would be this, 00:20:46.200 --> 00:20:47.019 that they would know 00:20:47.019 --> 00:20:49.059 and trust Jesus Christ, 00:20:49.559 --> 00:20:51.019 far and above anything 00:20:51.019 --> 00:20:52.940 and everything else. 00:20:53.619 --> 00:20:54.379 There are many 00:20:54.379 --> 00:20:55.039 who are unwilling 00:20:55.039 --> 00:20:56.059 to count the cost, 00:20:56.720 --> 00:20:58.339 who see Jesus as treasure, 00:20:58.339 --> 00:20:59.939 but cling to other things 00:20:59.939 --> 00:21:01.359 way more. 00:21:02.259 --> 00:21:03.619 Like the rich young ruler, 00:21:04.439 --> 00:21:05.299 who was told 00:21:05.299 --> 00:21:06.119 he's not far from 00:21:06.119 --> 00:21:06.899 the kingdom of God 00:21:06.899 --> 00:21:07.919 but then had to give up 00:21:07.919 --> 00:21:08.899 his enormous wealth. 00:21:09.879 --> 00:21:10.659 And we read that 00:21:10.659 --> 00:21:11.720 he went away sad 00:21:11.720 --> 00:21:14.240 because he was very rich. 00:21:15.259 --> 00:21:16.299 The kingdom of heaven, 00:21:16.379 --> 00:21:16.699 you see, 00:21:16.799 --> 00:21:19.019 is of ultimate value. 00:21:20.259 --> 00:21:21.919 And even more valuable 00:21:21.919 --> 00:21:22.939 when we put alongside 00:21:22.939 --> 00:21:24.000 our next parable, 00:21:24.099 --> 00:21:26.079 the parable of the net. 00:21:27.019 --> 00:21:28.159 So let me read 00:21:28.160 --> 00:21:30.019 chapter 13, 00:21:30.100 --> 00:21:31.019 verse 47. 00:21:33.320 --> 00:21:34.100 Once again, 00:21:34.180 --> 00:21:35.040 the kingdom of heaven 00:21:35.040 --> 00:21:35.900 is like a net 00:21:35.900 --> 00:21:36.800 that was let down 00:21:36.800 --> 00:21:37.540 into the lake 00:21:37.540 --> 00:21:39.460 and caught all kinds of fish. 00:21:40.480 --> 00:21:41.500 When it was full, 00:21:41.600 --> 00:21:43.120 the fishermen pulled it up 00:21:43.120 --> 00:21:43.900 on the shore. 00:21:45.340 --> 00:21:46.620 Then they sat down 00:21:46.620 --> 00:21:47.880 and collected the good fish 00:21:47.880 --> 00:21:48.540 in baskets 00:21:48.540 --> 00:21:51.600 but threw the bad away. 00:21:52.900 --> 00:21:54.279 This is how it will be 00:21:54.279 --> 00:21:55.200 at the end of the age. 00:21:55.279 --> 00:21:56.440 The angels will come 00:21:56.440 --> 00:21:57.500 and separate the wicked 00:21:57.500 --> 00:21:58.240 from the righteous 00:21:58.240 --> 00:21:59.440 and throw them 00:21:59.440 --> 00:22:00.700 into the blazing furnace 00:22:00.700 --> 00:22:02.259 where there will be 00:22:02.259 --> 00:22:03.279 weeping and gnashing 00:22:03.279 --> 00:22:03.960 of teeth. 00:22:04.920 --> 00:22:05.779 Because the kingdom 00:22:05.779 --> 00:22:06.279 of heaven 00:22:06.279 --> 00:22:07.660 is of ultimate value 00:22:07.660 --> 00:22:08.519 but it's also 00:22:08.519 --> 00:22:12.079 of ultimate importance. 00:22:13.039 --> 00:22:13.779 Bear in mind 00:22:13.779 --> 00:22:14.539 that Jesus is 00:22:14.539 --> 00:22:16.000 still by a lake 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:17.920 and so this idea 00:22:17.920 --> 00:22:18.500 of fishing 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:19.619 and this dragnet 00:22:19.619 --> 00:22:20.119 would have been 00:22:20.119 --> 00:22:21.480 something they may have seen 00:22:21.480 --> 00:22:22.680 during the course 00:22:22.680 --> 00:22:23.400 of the day. 00:22:24.359 --> 00:22:25.140 Some of the people 00:22:25.140 --> 00:22:25.619 listening, 00:22:25.619 --> 00:22:26.279 the disciples, 00:22:26.399 --> 00:22:27.119 this is what they did 00:22:27.119 --> 00:22:28.039 for a job 00:22:28.039 --> 00:22:29.500 before they met Jesus. 00:22:29.619 --> 00:22:30.659 They knew the reality 00:22:30.659 --> 00:22:31.319 of hauling it 00:22:31.319 --> 00:22:31.959 onto shore 00:22:31.959 --> 00:22:34.039 and separating 00:22:34.039 --> 00:22:34.959 the wrasse 00:22:34.959 --> 00:22:36.439 from the herring. 00:22:38.979 --> 00:22:39.579 And Jesus says 00:22:39.579 --> 00:22:40.279 this is what it's going 00:22:40.279 --> 00:22:40.779 to be like 00:22:40.779 --> 00:22:42.000 at the end of the age. 00:22:42.879 --> 00:22:43.699 The time 00:22:43.699 --> 00:22:44.419 when the space 00:22:44.419 --> 00:22:45.019 for grace 00:22:45.019 --> 00:22:45.699 has run out. 00:22:45.819 --> 00:22:46.259 The time 00:22:46.259 --> 00:22:47.259 for acquiring 00:22:47.259 --> 00:22:47.919 this treasure 00:22:47.919 --> 00:22:49.139 has gone. 00:22:49.140 --> 00:22:52.520 Jesus says 00:22:52.520 --> 00:22:53.080 my kingdom 00:22:53.080 --> 00:22:53.840 will ultimately 00:22:53.840 --> 00:22:54.740 be ushered in 00:22:54.740 --> 00:22:55.700 like a big 00:22:55.700 --> 00:22:56.560 fishing trip 00:22:56.560 --> 00:22:58.700 and carried 00:22:58.700 --> 00:22:59.380 will be 00:22:59.380 --> 00:23:00.460 a massive net 00:23:00.460 --> 00:23:01.200 and everyone 00:23:01.200 --> 00:23:02.040 will be caught up 00:23:02.040 --> 00:23:02.440 in it. 00:23:02.940 --> 00:23:04.680 All kinds of fish 00:23:04.680 --> 00:23:05.540 that word 00:23:05.540 --> 00:23:06.040 kinds 00:23:06.040 --> 00:23:06.500 is not the 00:23:06.500 --> 00:23:06.920 Greek word 00:23:06.920 --> 00:23:07.759 for types 00:23:07.759 --> 00:23:08.520 it is the 00:23:08.520 --> 00:23:08.960 Greek word 00:23:08.960 --> 00:23:09.980 for tribes 00:23:09.980 --> 00:23:10.800 how it's 00:23:10.800 --> 00:23:11.820 translated elsewhere. 00:23:12.600 --> 00:23:12.980 That Jesus 00:23:12.980 --> 00:23:13.759 is talking about 00:23:13.759 --> 00:23:14.840 the totality 00:23:14.840 --> 00:23:15.600 of his kingdom 00:23:15.599 --> 00:23:17.119 that this 00:23:17.119 --> 00:23:17.740 net 00:23:17.740 --> 00:23:18.399 this kingdom 00:23:18.399 --> 00:23:19.139 will involve 00:23:19.139 --> 00:23:19.959 absolutely 00:23:19.959 --> 00:23:21.219 everyone. 00:23:23.000 --> 00:23:23.459 And after 00:23:23.459 --> 00:23:24.119 hauling 00:23:24.119 --> 00:23:24.639 them 00:23:24.639 --> 00:23:25.240 ashore 00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:26.079 the good fish 00:23:26.079 --> 00:23:26.719 is separated 00:23:26.719 --> 00:23:27.599 from the bad. 00:23:28.980 --> 00:23:29.839 And the separation 00:23:29.839 --> 00:23:30.759 isn't done 00:23:30.759 --> 00:23:31.740 on account of 00:23:31.740 --> 00:23:32.179 whether you've 00:23:32.179 --> 00:23:32.519 paid your 00:23:32.519 --> 00:23:33.240 council tax 00:23:33.240 --> 00:23:33.839 and your TV 00:23:33.839 --> 00:23:34.279 license 00:23:34.279 --> 00:23:34.819 whether you've 00:23:34.819 --> 00:23:35.539 recycled into 00:23:35.539 --> 00:23:36.179 the 29 00:23:36.179 --> 00:23:37.019 different bins 00:23:37.019 --> 00:23:37.599 that the council 00:23:37.599 --> 00:23:38.159 have given you 00:23:38.159 --> 00:23:38.740 this week. 00:23:39.199 --> 00:23:39.919 It's not about 00:23:39.919 --> 00:23:40.659 whether you gave 00:23:40.659 --> 00:23:41.259 up your seat 00:23:41.259 --> 00:23:41.959 on the bus 00:23:41.959 --> 00:23:42.759 or helped 00:23:42.759 --> 00:23:43.339 the old lady 00:23:43.339 --> 00:23:44.119 across the road. 00:23:44.500 --> 00:23:45.119 The defining 00:23:45.119 --> 00:23:45.859 factor for 00:23:45.859 --> 00:23:46.599 all eternity 00:23:46.599 --> 00:23:47.219 for each 00:23:47.219 --> 00:23:47.539 of us 00:23:47.539 --> 00:23:47.839 between 00:23:47.839 --> 00:23:48.359 whether we're 00:23:48.359 --> 00:23:48.799 good or 00:23:48.799 --> 00:23:49.139 bad 00:23:49.139 --> 00:23:49.579 is what 00:23:49.579 --> 00:23:49.839 we've 00:23:49.839 --> 00:23:50.000 done 00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:50.219 with 00:23:50.219 --> 00:23:50.599 Jesus. 00:23:51.500 --> 00:23:52.159 Whether we 00:23:52.159 --> 00:23:52.779 are citizens 00:23:52.779 --> 00:23:53.239 of his 00:23:53.239 --> 00:23:53.599 kingdom 00:23:53.599 --> 00:23:54.519 or not. 00:23:55.179 --> 00:23:55.939 Whether we've 00:23:55.939 --> 00:23:56.939 trusted him 00:23:56.939 --> 00:23:58.099 and have him 00:23:58.099 --> 00:23:58.419 as the 00:23:58.419 --> 00:23:59.000 treasure of 00:23:59.000 --> 00:23:59.779 our lives 00:23:59.779 --> 00:24:00.719 or whether 00:24:00.719 --> 00:24:01.559 we've rejected 00:24:01.559 --> 00:24:02.019 him 00:24:02.019 --> 00:24:03.039 and seen 00:24:03.039 --> 00:24:03.759 more valuable 00:24:03.759 --> 00:24:04.199 treasure 00:24:04.199 --> 00:24:04.719 elsewhere. 00:24:06.239 --> 00:24:06.879 And it's 00:24:06.879 --> 00:24:07.719 not comfortable. 00:24:09.279 --> 00:24:09.919 Verse 50 00:24:09.919 --> 00:24:10.479 after the 00:24:10.479 --> 00:24:11.139 separation 00:24:11.139 --> 00:24:11.879 has happened 00:24:11.879 --> 00:24:12.439 see what 00:24:12.439 --> 00:24:13.039 happens to 00:24:13.039 --> 00:24:13.559 the bad 00:24:13.559 --> 00:24:14.059 fish. 00:24:15.119 --> 00:24:16.479 they're 00:24:16.479 --> 00:24:16.779 thrown 00:24:16.779 --> 00:24:17.279 into the 00:24:17.279 --> 00:24:17.719 blazing 00:24:17.719 --> 00:24:18.159 furnace 00:24:18.159 --> 00:24:18.639 where there 00:24:18.639 --> 00:24:18.979 will be 00:24:18.979 --> 00:24:19.459 weeping 00:24:19.459 --> 00:24:19.939 and gnashing 00:24:19.939 --> 00:24:20.579 of teeth. 00:24:22.139 --> 00:24:22.539 This is not 00:24:22.539 --> 00:24:23.019 just saying 00:24:23.019 --> 00:24:23.319 that the 00:24:23.319 --> 00:24:23.759 kingdom of 00:24:23.759 --> 00:24:24.179 heaven is 00:24:24.179 --> 00:24:24.679 valuable 00:24:24.679 --> 00:24:25.719 and is 00:24:25.719 --> 00:24:26.979 a viable 00:24:26.979 --> 00:24:27.699 option for 00:24:27.699 --> 00:24:28.199 many of 00:24:28.199 --> 00:24:28.459 us. 00:24:28.659 --> 00:24:29.059 It is 00:24:29.059 --> 00:24:29.419 saying it 00:24:29.419 --> 00:24:29.679 is the 00:24:29.679 --> 00:24:30.319 most crucial 00:24:30.319 --> 00:24:31.119 thing we 00:24:31.119 --> 00:24:31.859 can ever 00:24:31.859 --> 00:24:32.939 ever do. 00:24:34.000 --> 00:24:34.759 To be 00:24:34.759 --> 00:24:35.500 citizens of 00:24:35.500 --> 00:24:36.299 this eternal 00:24:36.299 --> 00:24:37.500 kingdom so 00:24:37.500 --> 00:24:37.819 that we 00:24:37.819 --> 00:24:38.319 won't be 00:24:38.319 --> 00:24:38.839 left on the 00:24:38.839 --> 00:24:39.779 outside suffering 00:24:39.779 --> 00:24:40.739 eternal loss. 00:24:40.740 --> 00:24:42.380 that is the 00:24:42.380 --> 00:24:42.900 truth of 00:24:42.900 --> 00:24:43.599 this parable. 00:24:44.779 --> 00:24:45.339 That what 00:24:45.339 --> 00:24:45.960 we do with 00:24:45.960 --> 00:24:47.079 Jesus is of 00:24:47.079 --> 00:24:47.579 ultimate 00:24:47.579 --> 00:24:49.279 importance. 00:24:50.940 --> 00:24:52.059 Those left 00:24:52.059 --> 00:24:52.440 on the 00:24:52.440 --> 00:24:54.099 outside suffer 00:24:54.099 --> 00:24:55.200 eternal loss. 00:24:56.620 --> 00:24:57.440 In the end 00:24:57.440 --> 00:24:57.960 says this 00:24:57.960 --> 00:24:58.900 parable how we 00:24:58.900 --> 00:24:59.519 have responded 00:24:59.519 --> 00:25:00.839 to Jesus will 00:25:00.839 --> 00:25:01.819 be the eternally 00:25:01.819 --> 00:25:02.720 defining feature 00:25:02.720 --> 00:25:04.740 about each of 00:25:04.740 --> 00:25:05.160 us. 00:25:05.859 --> 00:25:06.599 It will mean 00:25:06.599 --> 00:25:07.140 the difference 00:25:07.140 --> 00:25:08.339 between heaven 00:25:08.339 --> 00:25:09.000 and Jesus' 00:25:09.240 --> 00:25:09.959 kingdom forever 00:25:09.959 --> 00:25:11.240 or hell 00:25:11.240 --> 00:25:12.139 left on the 00:25:12.139 --> 00:25:12.679 outside of 00:25:12.679 --> 00:25:13.220 everything that 00:25:13.220 --> 00:25:14.220 is good and 00:25:14.220 --> 00:25:14.799 everything that 00:25:14.799 --> 00:25:15.259 is God. 00:25:15.419 --> 00:25:15.899 It will mean 00:25:15.899 --> 00:25:16.359 the difference 00:25:16.359 --> 00:25:17.399 between inclusion 00:25:17.399 --> 00:25:18.419 and exclusion. 00:25:19.679 --> 00:25:20.299 It will be the 00:25:20.299 --> 00:25:21.019 difference between 00:25:21.019 --> 00:25:22.220 eternal glorious 00:25:22.220 --> 00:25:24.279 satisfaction being 00:25:24.279 --> 00:25:25.159 in the presence 00:25:25.159 --> 00:25:26.220 of the treasure of 00:25:26.220 --> 00:25:27.139 our lives Jesus 00:25:27.139 --> 00:25:28.740 or suffering 00:25:28.740 --> 00:25:29.879 eternal loss. 00:25:31.740 --> 00:25:32.199 I don't know if 00:25:32.199 --> 00:25:32.839 you saw this in 00:25:32.839 --> 00:25:34.679 the paper a 00:25:34.679 --> 00:25:35.279 couple of weeks 00:25:35.279 --> 00:25:36.699 ago but there 00:25:36.699 --> 00:25:37.319 was a BA 00:25:37.319 --> 00:25:38.059 flight. 00:25:38.339 --> 00:25:39.339 on the runway 00:25:39.339 --> 00:25:40.099 at Las Vegas 00:25:40.099 --> 00:25:40.539 that caught 00:25:40.539 --> 00:25:41.259 fire and the 00:25:41.259 --> 00:25:41.799 reason it made 00:25:41.799 --> 00:25:42.819 the news was 00:25:42.819 --> 00:25:43.279 because all the 00:25:43.279 --> 00:25:44.079 passengers coming 00:25:44.079 --> 00:25:45.699 off got their 00:25:45.699 --> 00:25:46.559 hand luggage. 00:25:48.019 --> 00:25:48.699 As smoke was 00:25:48.699 --> 00:25:49.240 filling the 00:25:49.240 --> 00:25:50.419 cabin they got 00:25:50.419 --> 00:25:50.939 their hand 00:25:50.939 --> 00:25:52.399 luggage and 00:25:52.399 --> 00:25:53.039 then made their 00:25:53.039 --> 00:25:53.939 way out. 00:25:56.039 --> 00:25:56.720 And so many 00:25:56.720 --> 00:25:57.759 people criticised 00:25:57.759 --> 00:25:58.399 them saying they 00:25:58.399 --> 00:25:59.259 put others in 00:25:59.259 --> 00:26:00.919 grave danger by 00:26:00.919 --> 00:26:02.019 lifting out and 00:26:02.019 --> 00:26:02.759 clinging to their 00:26:02.759 --> 00:26:04.199 hand luggage when 00:26:04.199 --> 00:26:05.199 their very lives 00:26:05.199 --> 00:26:06.359 were at stake. 00:26:06.359 --> 00:26:08.439 And the truth 00:26:08.439 --> 00:26:09.259 from this parable 00:26:09.259 --> 00:26:09.959 is that many 00:26:09.959 --> 00:26:10.740 people are putting 00:26:10.740 --> 00:26:11.699 their own lives 00:26:11.699 --> 00:26:12.839 in the gravest 00:26:12.839 --> 00:26:13.359 danger. 00:26:14.599 --> 00:26:15.079 Clinging to 00:26:15.079 --> 00:26:15.679 things that will 00:26:15.679 --> 00:26:16.539 ultimately not 00:26:16.539 --> 00:26:17.619 last and ultimately 00:26:17.619 --> 00:26:18.639 will not save 00:26:18.639 --> 00:26:20.119 rather than 00:26:20.119 --> 00:26:21.159 clinging to the 00:26:21.159 --> 00:26:22.319 security available 00:26:22.319 --> 00:26:24.179 in Jesus Christ. 00:26:24.180 --> 00:26:24.320 Christ. 00:26:25.860 --> 00:26:26.360 And so the 00:26:26.360 --> 00:26:27.039 question that 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:28.240 comes out of 00:26:28.240 --> 00:26:28.680 these two 00:26:28.680 --> 00:26:29.220 parables, 00:26:29.560 --> 00:26:30.080 these three 00:26:30.080 --> 00:26:30.740 parables are 00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:31.220 what are you 00:26:31.220 --> 00:26:31.759 doing with 00:26:31.759 --> 00:26:32.519 Jesus Christ? 00:26:33.019 --> 00:26:33.840 How are you 00:26:33.840 --> 00:26:35.180 responding to 00:26:35.180 --> 00:26:36.140 him? 00:26:36.140 --> 00:26:37.900 Are you a 00:26:37.900 --> 00:26:38.660 joy-filled 00:26:38.660 --> 00:26:39.740 citizen of his 00:26:39.740 --> 00:26:40.100 kingdom? 00:26:40.960 --> 00:26:41.860 Or are you on 00:26:41.860 --> 00:26:42.460 the outside 00:26:42.460 --> 00:26:43.160 peering in 00:26:43.160 --> 00:26:44.580 thinking there's 00:26:44.580 --> 00:26:45.420 no real value 00:26:45.420 --> 00:26:45.759 there? 00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:47.859 So C.S. 00:26:47.920 --> 00:26:48.460 Lewis wrote 00:26:48.460 --> 00:26:49.059 Christianity, 00:26:49.440 --> 00:26:49.920 if false, 00:26:49.960 --> 00:26:50.500 is of no 00:26:50.500 --> 00:26:51.279 importance. 00:26:52.259 --> 00:26:53.019 And if true, 00:26:53.119 --> 00:26:54.099 of infinite 00:26:54.099 --> 00:26:54.879 importance. 00:26:55.879 --> 00:26:56.819 The only thing 00:26:56.819 --> 00:26:57.819 it cannot be is 00:26:57.819 --> 00:26:58.500 moderately 00:26:58.500 --> 00:27:00.059 important. 00:27:00.200 --> 00:27:00.819 The kingdom of 00:27:00.819 --> 00:27:01.379 heaven is of 00:27:01.379 --> 00:27:02.119 ultimate value. 00:27:03.059 --> 00:27:03.619 And the kingdom 00:27:03.619 --> 00:27:04.420 of heaven is of 00:27:04.420 --> 00:27:05.420 ultimate importance. 00:27:06.819 --> 00:27:07.480 And then in our 00:27:07.480 --> 00:27:08.599 last parable, 00:27:09.200 --> 00:27:10.140 we see the 00:27:10.140 --> 00:27:10.819 kingdom of heaven 00:27:10.819 --> 00:27:11.599 is ultimately 00:27:11.599 --> 00:27:13.180 about Jesus. 00:27:13.180 --> 00:27:15.240 verse 51 of 00:27:15.240 --> 00:27:16.140 Matthew 13. 00:27:17.320 --> 00:27:18.060 Have you 00:27:18.060 --> 00:27:18.960 understood all 00:27:18.960 --> 00:27:19.480 these things, 00:27:19.560 --> 00:27:20.400 Jesus asked? 00:27:21.320 --> 00:27:22.039 Yes, they 00:27:22.039 --> 00:27:22.519 replied. 00:27:23.700 --> 00:27:24.320 He said to 00:27:24.320 --> 00:27:24.480 them, 00:27:24.620 --> 00:27:24.900 therefore, 00:27:25.160 --> 00:27:25.980 every teacher 00:27:25.980 --> 00:27:26.560 of the law 00:27:26.560 --> 00:27:27.140 who has become 00:27:27.140 --> 00:27:27.920 a disciple in 00:27:27.920 --> 00:27:28.539 the kingdom of 00:27:28.539 --> 00:27:29.660 heaven is like 00:27:29.660 --> 00:27:30.440 the owner of 00:27:30.440 --> 00:27:31.860 a house who 00:27:31.860 --> 00:27:32.519 brings out of 00:27:32.519 --> 00:27:33.259 his storeroom 00:27:33.259 --> 00:27:34.019 new treasures 00:27:34.019 --> 00:27:35.980 as well as 00:27:35.980 --> 00:27:36.500 old. 00:27:37.320 --> 00:27:38.259 Jesus finishes 00:27:38.259 --> 00:27:39.140 by asking his 00:27:39.140 --> 00:27:39.539 disciples, 00:27:39.700 --> 00:27:40.000 have you 00:27:40.000 --> 00:27:40.440 understood? 00:27:41.700 --> 00:27:42.480 Because we 00:27:42.480 --> 00:27:43.100 learn in the 00:27:43.099 --> 00:27:43.759 parable of 00:27:43.759 --> 00:27:44.199 the sower, 00:27:44.379 --> 00:27:44.819 it is 00:27:44.819 --> 00:27:45.919 understanding 00:27:45.919 --> 00:27:47.000 that brings 00:27:47.000 --> 00:27:48.719 good soil. 00:27:49.500 --> 00:27:50.240 Verse 23, 00:27:50.359 --> 00:27:50.879 but the seed 00:27:50.879 --> 00:27:51.379 falling on 00:27:51.379 --> 00:27:51.779 good soil 00:27:51.779 --> 00:27:52.299 refers to 00:27:52.299 --> 00:27:52.759 someone who 00:27:52.759 --> 00:27:53.299 hears the 00:27:53.299 --> 00:27:54.399 word and 00:27:54.399 --> 00:27:55.799 understands it. 00:27:56.959 --> 00:27:57.699 So he says 00:27:57.699 --> 00:27:57.959 it is 00:27:57.959 --> 00:27:58.539 understanding 00:27:58.539 --> 00:27:59.079 all these 00:27:59.079 --> 00:28:00.539 parables that 00:28:00.539 --> 00:28:01.039 make you 00:28:01.039 --> 00:28:02.079 good soil 00:28:02.079 --> 00:28:02.480 and are going 00:28:02.480 --> 00:28:03.039 to bear a 00:28:03.039 --> 00:28:03.740 crop in 00:28:03.740 --> 00:28:04.519 your life. 00:28:05.839 --> 00:28:06.399 Jesus then 00:28:06.399 --> 00:28:07.019 says, 00:28:07.639 --> 00:28:08.559 you disciples 00:28:08.559 --> 00:28:09.279 and anybody 00:28:09.279 --> 00:28:10.000 who follows 00:28:10.000 --> 00:28:11.000 Jesus Christ, 00:28:11.000 --> 00:28:13.039 you're like 00:28:13.039 --> 00:28:13.579 the owner 00:28:13.579 --> 00:28:13.960 and a 00:28:13.960 --> 00:28:14.640 curator of 00:28:14.640 --> 00:28:15.079 a stately 00:28:15.079 --> 00:28:15.519 home. 00:28:16.519 --> 00:28:17.160 And it's 00:28:17.160 --> 00:28:17.720 a brilliant 00:28:17.720 --> 00:28:18.440 stately home 00:28:18.440 --> 00:28:18.819 because it 00:28:18.819 --> 00:28:19.619 has a vault 00:28:19.619 --> 00:28:20.519 full of 00:28:20.519 --> 00:28:20.880 treasure. 00:28:21.880 --> 00:28:22.519 And we 00:28:22.519 --> 00:28:23.759 love treasure. 00:28:23.759 --> 00:28:26.259 And what 00:28:26.259 --> 00:28:26.900 do they do 00:28:26.900 --> 00:28:27.579 with this 00:28:27.579 --> 00:28:28.000 treasure? 00:28:29.379 --> 00:28:30.039 Well, they 00:28:30.039 --> 00:28:30.819 bring out both 00:28:30.819 --> 00:28:31.240 the new 00:28:31.240 --> 00:28:31.720 treasure and 00:28:31.720 --> 00:28:32.079 the old 00:28:32.079 --> 00:28:32.420 treasure. 00:28:33.379 --> 00:28:34.039 And what 00:28:34.039 --> 00:28:34.619 is this new 00:28:34.619 --> 00:28:35.099 treasure and 00:28:35.099 --> 00:28:35.539 this old 00:28:35.539 --> 00:28:35.859 treasure? 00:28:36.319 --> 00:28:36.960 It is 00:28:36.960 --> 00:28:37.400 Jesus. 00:28:38.420 --> 00:28:39.339 It's all 00:28:39.339 --> 00:28:39.879 Jesus. 00:28:40.099 --> 00:28:40.440 Every 00:28:40.440 --> 00:28:41.960 artifact is 00:28:41.960 --> 00:28:42.339 Jesus. 00:28:42.519 --> 00:28:43.420 Every exhibit 00:28:43.420 --> 00:28:44.720 is Jesus. 00:28:44.980 --> 00:28:45.480 The treasures 00:28:45.480 --> 00:28:46.879 of the Old 00:28:46.879 --> 00:28:47.819 Testament, now 00:28:47.819 --> 00:28:48.740 fulfilled by 00:28:48.740 --> 00:28:49.519 Jesus, 00:28:50.339 --> 00:28:51.000 pointing to 00:28:51.000 --> 00:28:51.700 his kingdom 00:28:51.700 --> 00:28:52.200 and his 00:28:52.200 --> 00:28:53.039 reign forever. 00:28:53.740 --> 00:28:54.400 The treasures 00:28:54.400 --> 00:28:55.100 of the New 00:28:55.100 --> 00:28:57.059 Testament, seen 00:28:57.059 --> 00:28:57.799 and available 00:28:57.799 --> 00:28:59.279 in Jesus and 00:28:59.279 --> 00:29:01.900 tangible as 00:29:01.900 --> 00:29:02.680 citizens of 00:29:02.680 --> 00:29:03.200 his kingdom. 00:29:03.319 --> 00:29:03.680 Hasn't he 00:29:03.680 --> 00:29:04.460 already said in 00:29:04.460 --> 00:29:05.759 13 verse 17, 00:29:06.279 --> 00:29:06.980 for truly I 00:29:06.980 --> 00:29:07.600 tell you, many 00:29:07.600 --> 00:29:08.279 prophets and 00:29:08.279 --> 00:29:09.240 righteous people 00:29:09.240 --> 00:29:10.420 longed to see 00:29:10.420 --> 00:29:11.259 what you see but 00:29:11.259 --> 00:29:12.340 did not see it. 00:29:12.920 --> 00:29:13.720 Talking about 00:29:13.720 --> 00:29:14.400 all the saints 00:29:14.400 --> 00:29:15.019 of old, how 00:29:15.019 --> 00:29:17.240 they longed to 00:29:17.240 --> 00:29:18.019 not only have the 00:29:18.019 --> 00:29:18.519 old treasure 00:29:18.519 --> 00:29:19.240 pointing to 00:29:19.240 --> 00:29:19.940 Jesus, now 00:29:19.940 --> 00:29:20.620 fulfilled in 00:29:20.620 --> 00:29:21.360 Jesus, but the 00:29:21.359 --> 00:29:21.959 new treasure, 00:29:23.219 --> 00:29:23.959 Jesus Christ 00:29:23.959 --> 00:29:25.500 himself, the 00:29:25.500 --> 00:29:26.819 King who 00:29:26.819 --> 00:29:27.240 has come 00:29:27.240 --> 00:29:27.579 near. 00:29:28.879 --> 00:29:29.899 This treasure 00:29:29.899 --> 00:29:30.859 centers on, 00:29:31.039 --> 00:29:32.059 revolves around, 00:29:32.500 --> 00:29:33.459 and is each of 00:29:33.459 --> 00:29:33.919 ours through 00:29:33.919 --> 00:29:34.839 faith in 00:29:34.839 --> 00:29:35.659 Jesus. 00:29:37.259 --> 00:29:38.039 J.I. 00:29:38.099 --> 00:29:38.779 Packer writes 00:29:38.779 --> 00:29:40.339 that Christ is 00:29:40.339 --> 00:29:41.019 the subject 00:29:41.019 --> 00:29:41.639 matter of 00:29:41.639 --> 00:29:42.000 scripture. 00:29:42.719 --> 00:29:43.299 All was 00:29:43.299 --> 00:29:43.879 written to 00:29:43.879 --> 00:29:44.500 bear witness 00:29:44.500 --> 00:29:45.059 to him. 00:29:45.359 --> 00:29:45.859 He is the 00:29:45.859 --> 00:29:46.479 sum of the 00:29:46.479 --> 00:29:47.240 whole Bible, 00:29:47.740 --> 00:29:48.419 prophesied, 00:29:48.579 --> 00:29:49.159 typified, 00:29:49.359 --> 00:29:49.979 prefigured, 00:29:50.139 --> 00:29:50.659 exhibited, 00:29:50.660 --> 00:29:51.400 demonstrated, 00:29:51.400 --> 00:29:51.600 demonstrated, 00:29:51.940 --> 00:29:52.800 to be found 00:29:52.800 --> 00:29:53.400 in every 00:29:53.400 --> 00:29:54.480 leaf, almost 00:29:54.480 --> 00:29:55.180 in every 00:29:55.180 --> 00:29:55.740 line, the 00:29:55.740 --> 00:29:56.840 scriptures being 00:29:56.840 --> 00:29:59.480 built, as 00:29:59.480 --> 00:30:00.060 it were, as 00:30:00.060 --> 00:30:00.720 the swaddling 00:30:00.720 --> 00:30:02.360 bands of 00:30:02.360 --> 00:30:03.180 the treasure, 00:30:03.779 --> 00:30:04.660 Jesus Christ. 00:30:05.920 --> 00:30:06.480 See, the 00:30:06.480 --> 00:30:07.100 treasures, though, 00:30:07.140 --> 00:30:08.300 are not simply 00:30:08.300 --> 00:30:08.980 displayed for 00:30:08.980 --> 00:30:10.060 personal enjoyment. 00:30:10.680 --> 00:30:11.340 This is not the 00:30:11.340 --> 00:30:12.279 curator sitting in 00:30:12.279 --> 00:30:12.980 his living room 00:30:12.980 --> 00:30:13.560 thinking, oh, 00:30:13.580 --> 00:30:14.000 isn't that 00:30:14.000 --> 00:30:14.420 beautiful? 00:30:16.120 --> 00:30:17.120 They're displayed 00:30:17.120 --> 00:30:17.800 to others, 00:30:17.920 --> 00:30:18.740 sharing, showing, 00:30:18.740 --> 00:30:19.279 and teaching 00:30:19.279 --> 00:30:20.700 people about 00:30:20.700 --> 00:30:21.620 the matchless 00:30:21.620 --> 00:30:22.940 treasure and 00:30:22.940 --> 00:30:24.200 paramount importance 00:30:24.200 --> 00:30:25.299 of Jesus Christ. 00:30:26.660 --> 00:30:27.859 But today, if we 00:30:27.859 --> 00:30:28.940 are owners of 00:30:28.940 --> 00:30:29.559 this treasure, 00:30:30.480 --> 00:30:31.519 it's not just for 00:30:31.519 --> 00:30:32.099 our personal 00:30:32.099 --> 00:30:34.400 enjoyment, but it 00:30:34.400 --> 00:30:35.240 is that this 00:30:35.240 --> 00:30:36.559 treasure, this 00:30:36.559 --> 00:30:37.259 boundless, 00:30:37.380 --> 00:30:37.819 fulfilling, 00:30:38.700 --> 00:30:39.839 eternal treasure, 00:30:40.620 --> 00:30:42.620 would be shown in 00:30:42.620 --> 00:30:44.259 our whole lives, 00:30:44.259 --> 00:30:47.559 would be exhibited 00:30:47.559 --> 00:30:48.640 to others, 00:30:49.640 --> 00:30:50.839 others whom we 00:30:50.839 --> 00:30:51.839 love, conscious 00:30:51.839 --> 00:30:52.799 that it is eternal 00:30:52.799 --> 00:30:53.819 loss to die, 00:30:54.460 --> 00:30:55.299 rejecting Jesus 00:30:55.299 --> 00:30:55.839 Christ. 00:30:57.500 --> 00:30:58.660 And so, if you're a 00:30:58.660 --> 00:30:59.519 disciple in the 00:30:59.519 --> 00:31:00.339 kingdom today, 00:31:01.559 --> 00:31:02.500 may it be our 00:31:02.500 --> 00:31:04.220 role, our joy, 00:31:04.359 --> 00:31:05.220 our task, 00:31:05.599 --> 00:31:06.519 to take this 00:31:06.519 --> 00:31:07.339 treasure that we've 00:31:07.339 --> 00:31:08.379 received by grace 00:31:08.379 --> 00:31:10.059 and put it on full 00:31:10.059 --> 00:31:10.879 display in our 00:31:10.879 --> 00:31:12.960 words and actions 00:31:12.960 --> 00:31:14.340 to others. 00:31:15.120 --> 00:31:16.000 So what have we 00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:16.559 learned today? 00:31:16.799 --> 00:31:17.360 We've learned three 00:31:17.360 --> 00:31:17.920 things. 00:31:18.680 --> 00:31:19.500 The kingdom of 00:31:19.500 --> 00:31:20.700 heaven is of 00:31:20.700 --> 00:31:21.600 ultimate value, 00:31:22.340 --> 00:31:24.319 like nothing this 00:31:24.319 --> 00:31:25.039 world has. 00:31:26.000 --> 00:31:26.779 The kingdom of 00:31:26.779 --> 00:31:27.680 heaven is of 00:31:27.680 --> 00:31:28.700 ultimate importance, 00:31:28.819 --> 00:31:29.360 knowing it is 00:31:29.360 --> 00:31:32.039 eternal loss if we 00:31:32.039 --> 00:31:33.259 fail to acquire this 00:31:33.259 --> 00:31:33.799 treasure for 00:31:33.799 --> 00:31:34.360 ourselves. 00:31:34.359 --> 00:31:36.859 And the kingdom 00:31:36.859 --> 00:31:37.539 of heaven is 00:31:37.539 --> 00:31:38.459 ultimately about 00:31:38.459 --> 00:31:39.119 Jesus, this 00:31:39.119 --> 00:31:40.079 eternal treasure, 00:31:41.579 --> 00:31:42.339 foreshadowed in 00:31:42.339 --> 00:31:43.139 the Old Testament, 00:31:43.419 --> 00:31:45.439 fulfilled in the 00:31:45.439 --> 00:31:47.500 new, and one day 00:31:47.500 --> 00:31:48.359 present in his 00:31:48.359 --> 00:31:49.779 kingdom forever. 00:31:50.859 --> 00:31:51.419 Why don't we 00:31:51.419 --> 00:31:51.979 pray? 00:31:51.979 --> 00:31:52.059 Pray. 00:31:52.059 --> 00:32:04.819 Father God, thank 00:32:04.819 --> 00:32:05.919 you that Jesus is 00:32:05.919 --> 00:32:06.819 the priceless, 00:32:07.139 --> 00:32:07.819 eternal, and 00:32:07.819 --> 00:32:08.799 ever-satisfying 00:32:08.799 --> 00:32:09.559 treasure of the 00:32:09.559 --> 00:32:09.899 universe. 00:32:12.399 --> 00:32:13.339 Father, I pray 00:32:13.339 --> 00:32:13.940 you would help 00:32:13.940 --> 00:32:14.720 us who know 00:32:14.720 --> 00:32:17.279 him to show 00:32:17.279 --> 00:32:18.159 that through our 00:32:18.159 --> 00:32:20.179 lives, help us 00:32:20.179 --> 00:32:21.079 display this 00:32:21.079 --> 00:32:21.799 unsearchable 00:32:21.799 --> 00:32:22.419 treasure to 00:32:22.419 --> 00:32:24.199 others, in a 00:32:24.199 --> 00:32:24.659 way that is 00:32:24.659 --> 00:32:25.460 compellingly 00:32:25.460 --> 00:32:27.639 beautiful, and 00:32:27.639 --> 00:32:28.319 in a way that 00:32:28.319 --> 00:32:28.939 will make them 00:32:28.939 --> 00:32:29.740 give up absolutely 00:32:29.740 --> 00:32:30.939 everything with 00:32:30.939 --> 00:32:33.220 joy, in order 00:32:33.220 --> 00:32:34.240 that this treasure 00:32:34.240 --> 00:32:35.199 available to them 00:32:35.199 --> 00:32:36.119 might be theirs. 00:32:37.220 --> 00:32:38.000 Father, I pray 00:32:38.000 --> 00:32:38.819 for my friends in 00:32:38.819 --> 00:32:39.319 this room. 00:32:40.259 --> 00:32:40.740 If there are 00:32:40.740 --> 00:32:41.439 people who know 00:32:41.439 --> 00:32:42.240 nothing of this 00:32:42.240 --> 00:32:43.259 treasure themselves, 00:32:44.179 --> 00:32:44.779 would you show 00:32:44.779 --> 00:32:45.599 them grace and 00:32:45.599 --> 00:32:47.599 mercy, and grant 00:32:47.599 --> 00:32:48.359 faith that they 00:32:48.359 --> 00:32:49.159 might trust him 00:32:49.159 --> 00:32:49.799 for forgiveness 00:32:49.799 --> 00:32:50.559 and life. 00:32:51.079 --> 00:32:52.039 that Jesus 00:32:52.039 --> 00:32:52.740 might be the 00:32:52.740 --> 00:32:53.500 Lord of their 00:32:53.500 --> 00:32:55.319 lives, and 00:32:55.319 --> 00:32:55.939 that they might 00:32:55.939 --> 00:32:56.799 know him as 00:32:56.799 --> 00:32:57.539 their treasure, 00:32:58.599 --> 00:33:00.500 their all-satisfying, 00:33:00.639 --> 00:33:02.259 ever-satisfying, 00:33:02.339 --> 00:33:03.539 eternal treasure. 00:33:04.539 --> 00:33:05.299 Father, thank you 00:33:05.299 --> 00:33:05.939 so much for this 00:33:05.939 --> 00:33:06.639 series in Matthew 00:33:06.639 --> 00:33:08.679 13, and I pray 00:33:08.679 --> 00:33:09.519 you would sear its 00:33:09.519 --> 00:33:11.500 truth onto our 00:33:11.500 --> 00:33:12.139 hearts that these 00:33:12.139 --> 00:33:13.099 words might resonate 00:33:13.099 --> 00:33:15.740 in our lives long 00:33:15.740 --> 00:33:16.720 after we leave this 00:33:16.720 --> 00:33:17.419 service today. 00:33:18.119 --> 00:33:19.299 Father, bless us in 00:33:19.299 --> 00:33:19.940 Jesus' name. 00:33:20.659 --> 00:33:20.899 Amen.