WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.760 Well, it's wonderful to see all of you this Sunday. 00:00:05.980 --> 00:00:11.019 For the last five weeks, we have been in the book of Jonah 00:00:11.019 --> 00:00:16.760 and basically looking at the Old Testament text. 00:00:18.300 --> 00:00:25.500 I remember as a young Christian, as a senior in college, 00:00:26.219 --> 00:00:28.900 reading scriptures for the first time. 00:00:28.899 --> 00:00:33.659 I did not grow up in a family where we had regular devotions. 00:00:34.439 --> 00:00:37.899 You could have asked me how many Gospels there are and I'd have no idea. 00:00:38.899 --> 00:00:40.979 That wasn't my upbringing. 00:00:43.159 --> 00:00:49.920 But as a young Christian, I started to realize that Jesus regularly alludes to 00:00:49.920 --> 00:00:55.679 or quotes or mentions the Old Testament. 00:00:55.679 --> 00:01:00.439 As many as 4,000 times. 00:01:02.119 --> 00:01:04.000 I remember reading the verse, 00:01:04.000 --> 00:01:11.280 but my father's house is a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers. 00:01:11.879 --> 00:01:18.680 And it dawned on me that Jesus was quoting from Jeremiah chapter 7, verse 11. 00:01:20.039 --> 00:01:23.760 I was, in some ways I should have known that, but I was shocked. 00:01:23.760 --> 00:01:31.260 I thought to myself, I am reading the same verse that Jesus read at one time. 00:01:32.020 --> 00:01:37.180 And then I started to think to myself, what did he feel? 00:01:37.840 --> 00:01:39.420 How old was he? 00:01:39.420 --> 00:01:42.239 What was he doing before? 00:01:43.060 --> 00:01:45.000 How did that verse impress him? 00:01:45.540 --> 00:01:50.260 Why does he quote it, but he doesn't quote from the other 50 chapters in Jeremiah? 00:01:51.019 --> 00:01:56.760 And I found myself really fascinating by the fact that Jesus knows the Old Testament 00:01:56.760 --> 00:01:59.299 and refers to it regularly. 00:01:59.299 --> 00:02:03.899 Well, this morning, we're going to do something similar to that. 00:02:04.579 --> 00:02:07.519 We are going to look at the sign of Jonah. 00:02:08.180 --> 00:02:10.240 But we're not from the Old Testament. 00:02:10.639 --> 00:02:16.500 We're going to ask ourselves, when Jesus read the book of Jonah, what did he get out of it? 00:02:17.019 --> 00:02:18.680 I know what I get out of it. 00:02:18.680 --> 00:02:26.340 I know what my students get out of it, because I give it a passage on a test and they all do badly. 00:02:26.900 --> 00:02:30.460 So they don't get much out of it, but I get a lot more out of it. 00:02:31.200 --> 00:02:35.300 And I thought, what did Jesus get out of it when he read it for the first time? 00:02:36.360 --> 00:02:39.659 Did he say, oh, that's me in the future? 00:02:40.159 --> 00:02:40.939 Or what? 00:02:41.780 --> 00:02:46.680 So we're going to look at the sign of Jonah in the Gospels. 00:02:46.680 --> 00:02:51.319 You are familiar with the sign of Jonah in the Gospel of Matthew. 00:02:51.860 --> 00:02:54.360 This is not what we're doing today. 00:02:55.020 --> 00:02:57.200 We are not looking at Matthew. 00:02:57.379 --> 00:03:03.780 We are looking at Luke chapter 11, verses 29 through 32. 00:03:04.379 --> 00:03:09.120 So I want you to turn your Bibles to Luke chapter 11. 00:03:09.439 --> 00:03:11.300 But let me cheat here a little bit. 00:03:11.939 --> 00:03:14.120 Because we are in the Gospels, 00:03:14.120 --> 00:03:19.939 whenever you read the Gospel, you must keep two things in mind. 00:03:20.080 --> 00:03:25.219 It doesn't matter which Gospel, which passage, which verse, what chapter. 00:03:25.680 --> 00:03:30.159 You must always remember two things before you even begin. 00:03:30.740 --> 00:03:31.840 This is like preliminary. 00:03:32.960 --> 00:03:34.480 This is like prerequisite. 00:03:34.479 --> 00:03:40.379 And what we need to remember about the Gospels are these two things, 00:03:40.620 --> 00:03:45.819 which we find very well stated in the Gospel of John. 00:03:46.159 --> 00:03:54.719 So please turn, first of all, to the Gospel of John, chapter 20, verses 30 through 31. 00:03:55.519 --> 00:03:57.000 And then we'll go back to Luke. 00:03:57.000 --> 00:04:05.620 Look at John, chapter 20, verse 30 and 31. 00:04:07.159 --> 00:04:14.900 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, 00:04:15.280 --> 00:04:18.480 which are not recorded in this book. 00:04:18.480 --> 00:04:25.819 John is saying, I didn't include everything that Jesus said or did. 00:04:26.259 --> 00:04:28.080 I left out some things. 00:04:28.900 --> 00:04:34.040 I would add to it, he left out some things as he was inspired by the Holy Spirit 00:04:34.040 --> 00:04:37.040 to decide what to include and what not to include. 00:04:37.500 --> 00:04:40.060 But if you read the Gospel of John, you shouldn't say, 00:04:40.580 --> 00:04:45.600 I have read everything that Jesus said and I've read everything that Jesus did. 00:04:45.960 --> 00:04:47.520 John is telling us, no, he did not. 00:04:47.519 --> 00:04:52.859 But Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of the disciples, 00:04:53.199 --> 00:04:55.620 which are not recorded in this book. 00:04:56.359 --> 00:04:59.579 So if he included some things guided by the Spirit, 00:05:00.019 --> 00:05:02.859 if he included some things, why did he include them? 00:05:04.120 --> 00:05:07.039 One of the things you will be surprised to find out, 00:05:07.459 --> 00:05:09.120 that in the four Gospels, 00:05:09.620 --> 00:05:13.939 the only miracle that is recorded in all four Gospels is this. 00:05:14.180 --> 00:05:17.219 It is not raising Lazarus from the dead. 00:05:17.519 --> 00:05:23.359 I thought that would be big enough to make all network news at seven. 00:05:24.399 --> 00:05:26.599 It's not raising Lazarus from the dead. 00:05:27.319 --> 00:05:29.339 It's not walking on water. 00:05:29.339 --> 00:05:34.479 For all of you who think walking on water is easy, 00:05:34.879 --> 00:05:39.639 after the baptism service, I'll pay $10 for everyone who can do it. 00:05:41.759 --> 00:05:43.439 It's not walking on water. 00:05:43.439 --> 00:05:49.620 It is not calming the storm. 00:05:50.319 --> 00:05:53.980 It's interesting to notice that the only miracle that Jesus, 00:05:54.600 --> 00:05:58.120 that all four Gospels record, is feeding the 5,000. 00:05:58.120 --> 00:06:03.340 So this illustrates John's point. 00:06:04.480 --> 00:06:08.259 Jesus did many other things that are not recorded in this book. 00:06:08.519 --> 00:06:11.759 So, why did he include some material and leave out others? 00:06:12.160 --> 00:06:13.100 Look at verse 31. 00:06:13.680 --> 00:06:14.879 These are written, 00:06:15.540 --> 00:06:18.819 that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, 00:06:19.319 --> 00:06:20.340 the Son of God, 00:06:20.339 --> 00:06:22.219 and that by believing, 00:06:23.099 --> 00:06:24.919 you may have life in his name. 00:06:25.519 --> 00:06:26.379 John is saying, 00:06:26.579 --> 00:06:28.379 this is my purpose for writing. 00:06:28.959 --> 00:06:31.039 So if I read the Gospel of John, 00:06:31.239 --> 00:06:34.879 and I conclude that Jesus hates the Gentiles, 00:06:35.419 --> 00:06:37.099 I've misread John. 00:06:37.479 --> 00:06:38.719 Because John is telling me, 00:06:38.719 --> 00:06:41.039 you should arrive at this conclusion. 00:06:41.299 --> 00:06:43.059 If I arrive at that conclusion, 00:06:43.219 --> 00:06:44.120 I miss the point. 00:06:45.079 --> 00:06:45.420 And so, 00:06:45.759 --> 00:06:46.060 John, 00:06:46.160 --> 00:06:46.740 bless his heart, 00:06:46.840 --> 00:06:47.079 says, 00:06:47.660 --> 00:06:48.840 but these are written, 00:06:49.699 --> 00:06:53.399 that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, 00:06:53.560 --> 00:06:54.439 the Son of God, 00:06:54.740 --> 00:06:55.899 and that by believing, 00:06:56.180 --> 00:06:57.899 you have life in his name. 00:06:59.060 --> 00:07:00.079 I love John, 00:07:00.139 --> 00:07:01.180 because he tells us, 00:07:01.939 --> 00:07:02.579 I like, 00:07:03.579 --> 00:07:06.800 I'll put this delicately, 00:07:06.800 --> 00:07:08.920 I like Mark less, 00:07:09.240 --> 00:07:10.639 because he doesn't tell me. 00:07:11.519 --> 00:07:13.040 He wants me to play detective. 00:07:15.120 --> 00:07:16.399 John is kind. 00:07:19.680 --> 00:07:22.060 Mark needs to be rebuked by somebody, 00:07:22.259 --> 00:07:22.720 not me. 00:07:24.139 --> 00:07:25.259 Keeps me guessing. 00:07:26.000 --> 00:07:28.620 Maybe gives New Testament scholars something to do 00:07:28.620 --> 00:07:30.379 in their profession. 00:07:32.740 --> 00:07:33.019 So, 00:07:33.699 --> 00:07:34.579 the Gospels, 00:07:34.740 --> 00:07:35.759 the evangelists, 00:07:36.180 --> 00:07:39.480 choose the material they're going to include, 00:07:39.759 --> 00:07:40.980 guided by the Holy Spirit, 00:07:40.980 --> 00:07:43.579 and they choose it for a purpose. 00:07:44.879 --> 00:07:46.519 John makes the same point, 00:07:46.720 --> 00:07:47.019 again, 00:07:47.180 --> 00:07:48.259 in chapter 21, 00:07:48.399 --> 00:07:49.120 verse 25. 00:07:52.939 --> 00:07:54.759 In chapter 21, 00:07:54.939 --> 00:07:55.959 verse 25, 00:07:57.220 --> 00:07:58.220 John writes, 00:07:58.860 --> 00:08:01.840 Jesus did many other things as well. 00:08:02.620 --> 00:08:03.899 If one of them were to, 00:08:04.740 --> 00:08:06.959 if one of them were written down, 00:08:07.300 --> 00:08:09.280 I suppose that even the whole world 00:08:09.280 --> 00:08:10.879 would not have enough room 00:08:10.879 --> 00:08:12.319 for the books that would be written. 00:08:13.579 --> 00:08:14.199 If we, 00:08:14.879 --> 00:08:15.319 of course, 00:08:15.379 --> 00:08:16.279 this is a hyperbole, 00:08:16.379 --> 00:08:18.399 if we wrote down everything that Jesus did, 00:08:18.740 --> 00:08:20.319 we'd fill this world with books. 00:08:21.019 --> 00:08:21.240 So, 00:08:22.100 --> 00:08:23.959 evangelists do not record everything. 00:08:24.540 --> 00:08:24.759 So, 00:08:24.819 --> 00:08:27.279 we're going to look at the sign of Jonah 00:08:27.279 --> 00:08:28.980 from the Gospel of Luke, 00:08:29.339 --> 00:08:31.259 which automatically raises the question, 00:08:31.699 --> 00:08:33.840 what is the purpose of the Gospel of Luke? 00:08:34.100 --> 00:08:34.340 Well, 00:08:34.500 --> 00:08:35.620 I'm not going to tell you. 00:08:36.240 --> 00:08:36.980 Not right now. 00:08:36.980 --> 00:08:37.879 At the very end, 00:08:37.879 --> 00:08:39.620 we'll get back to this. 00:08:40.080 --> 00:08:40.259 So, 00:08:40.419 --> 00:08:41.860 I'll keep you in suspense for a while. 00:08:42.500 --> 00:08:43.539 We're going to ask ourselves, 00:08:43.860 --> 00:08:46.320 what is the purpose of Luke? 00:08:46.759 --> 00:08:50.279 And why does he include the sign of Jonah? 00:08:50.279 --> 00:08:50.559 So, 00:08:50.779 --> 00:08:53.899 let's turn to the Gospel of Luke, 00:08:54.000 --> 00:08:55.279 where we're going to be staying 00:08:55.279 --> 00:08:59.139 the rest of this sermon. 00:08:59.759 --> 00:09:01.019 Luke chapter 11, 00:09:01.360 --> 00:09:02.179 verse 29. 00:09:05.039 --> 00:09:05.919 Luke 11, 00:09:06.000 --> 00:09:07.759 29 is going to illustrate 00:09:07.759 --> 00:09:09.439 what we just finished reading. 00:09:12.779 --> 00:09:13.699 Luke 11, 00:09:14.699 --> 00:09:15.620 29. 00:09:15.620 --> 00:09:18.560 As the clouds increased, 00:09:19.480 --> 00:09:20.360 Jesus said, 00:09:21.440 --> 00:09:23.500 this is a wicked generation. 00:09:24.639 --> 00:09:26.940 It asks for a miraculous sign, 00:09:27.539 --> 00:09:29.840 but none will be given it 00:09:29.840 --> 00:09:32.299 except the sign of Jonah. 00:09:34.060 --> 00:09:34.980 Keep reading. 00:09:36.019 --> 00:09:39.720 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, 00:09:40.399 --> 00:09:42.379 so also the Son of Man 00:09:42.379 --> 00:09:45.360 be to this generation. 00:09:46.639 --> 00:09:48.279 The Queen of the South 00:09:48.279 --> 00:09:50.500 will rise at the judgment 00:09:50.500 --> 00:09:52.080 with the men of this generation 00:09:52.080 --> 00:09:53.080 and condemn them. 00:09:53.740 --> 00:09:55.519 For she came from the ends of the earth 00:09:55.519 --> 00:09:57.159 to listen to Moses' wisdom. 00:09:57.720 --> 00:09:58.379 And now, 00:09:58.559 --> 00:10:00.179 one greater than Moses is here. 00:10:01.139 --> 00:10:02.279 The men of Nineveh 00:10:02.279 --> 00:10:04.200 will stand up at the judgment 00:10:04.200 --> 00:10:05.220 with this generation 00:10:05.220 --> 00:10:06.179 and condemn it. 00:10:06.659 --> 00:10:07.559 For they repented 00:10:07.559 --> 00:10:08.799 at the preaching of Jonah. 00:10:08.799 --> 00:10:10.120 And now, 00:10:10.559 --> 00:10:12.479 one greater than Jonah is here. 00:10:13.199 --> 00:10:15.279 Look at this passage carefully. 00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:18.699 29 through 32. 00:10:19.439 --> 00:10:21.539 Did you read anywhere 00:10:21.539 --> 00:10:23.500 the word fish? 00:10:25.039 --> 00:10:27.519 There is no word fish. 00:10:28.359 --> 00:10:30.000 Did you read anywhere 00:10:30.000 --> 00:10:32.039 three days and three nights 00:10:32.039 --> 00:10:33.199 in the belly of the earth? 00:10:33.919 --> 00:10:34.459 No. 00:10:34.459 --> 00:10:34.539 No. 00:10:38.799 --> 00:10:41.759 As I was saying a minute earlier, 00:10:42.240 --> 00:10:43.779 the Gospels don't record 00:10:43.779 --> 00:10:45.639 everything that Jesus said. 00:10:46.539 --> 00:10:48.359 They choose what Jesus said 00:10:48.359 --> 00:10:49.219 to make a point. 00:10:50.059 --> 00:10:51.899 So we know that Matthew 00:10:51.899 --> 00:10:53.159 is trying to point 00:10:53.159 --> 00:10:55.179 to Jesus' death and resurrection 00:10:55.179 --> 00:10:57.299 based on scriptures 00:10:57.299 --> 00:10:59.059 because that's important for Jews. 00:10:59.500 --> 00:11:01.459 But Luke is doing something else. 00:11:01.779 --> 00:11:02.939 So what's he trying to do? 00:11:03.799 --> 00:11:05.019 Well, that's what we need to do. 00:11:05.019 --> 00:11:07.179 Let me begin by 00:11:07.179 --> 00:11:09.620 helping you understand something. 00:11:10.159 --> 00:11:10.960 Verse 29. 00:11:11.740 --> 00:11:12.779 As the clouds increased, 00:11:12.919 --> 00:11:13.519 Jesus said, 00:11:14.019 --> 00:11:15.460 this is a wicked generation. 00:11:15.819 --> 00:11:17.659 It asks for a miraculous sign, 00:11:18.019 --> 00:11:19.360 but none will be given it 00:11:19.360 --> 00:11:20.980 except the sign of Jonah. 00:11:21.500 --> 00:11:22.759 What is a sign? 00:11:23.519 --> 00:11:24.579 In the Old Testament, 00:11:24.899 --> 00:11:27.179 if a prophet said something fantastic 00:11:27.179 --> 00:11:29.220 or incredible or too much, 00:11:30.019 --> 00:11:31.120 like if I said, 00:11:31.679 --> 00:11:33.100 God in one night 00:11:33.100 --> 00:11:34.460 is going to wipe out 00:11:34.460 --> 00:11:36.200 the whole Assyrian army 00:11:36.200 --> 00:11:37.180 in one night. 00:11:38.180 --> 00:11:38.620 Miraculously. 00:11:39.659 --> 00:11:40.460 Well, you may say, 00:11:40.580 --> 00:11:42.019 well, he may be patriotic 00:11:42.019 --> 00:11:44.100 or he may be hallucinating 00:11:44.100 --> 00:11:46.080 or maybe he's on LSD 00:11:46.080 --> 00:11:47.139 or, you know, 00:11:47.200 --> 00:11:48.659 God knows what's happening to him. 00:11:49.240 --> 00:11:50.580 So you ask 00:11:50.580 --> 00:11:52.759 the prophet Isaiah, 00:11:53.840 --> 00:11:55.279 give us a sign 00:11:55.279 --> 00:11:57.540 that will authenticate 00:11:57.540 --> 00:11:59.300 that you are a true prophet, 00:11:59.580 --> 00:12:00.840 not a false prophet, 00:12:00.840 --> 00:12:03.240 that you're not making up this stuff, 00:12:03.660 --> 00:12:04.980 that you are indeed 00:12:04.980 --> 00:12:06.600 bringing us a word from God. 00:12:07.759 --> 00:12:08.879 And then you could have 00:12:08.879 --> 00:12:09.780 signs from above 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:11.100 and signs from below. 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:13.000 Signs from above 00:12:13.000 --> 00:12:14.680 would be the rainbow. 00:12:15.460 --> 00:12:16.139 God says, 00:12:16.700 --> 00:12:18.040 I'm going to give you a sign. 00:12:18.160 --> 00:12:19.340 I'm not going to flood the world 00:12:19.340 --> 00:12:20.519 again like this. 00:12:20.899 --> 00:12:21.920 And so a sign from above 00:12:21.920 --> 00:12:23.519 would be the rainbow. 00:12:24.480 --> 00:12:25.680 Another sign from above 00:12:25.680 --> 00:12:27.160 is at the time of Elijah, 00:12:27.940 --> 00:12:28.580 where he says, 00:12:28.580 --> 00:12:30.379 you say Baal is the great God 00:12:30.379 --> 00:12:31.160 and I'm telling you 00:12:31.160 --> 00:12:32.980 Elohim is the great God. 00:12:33.280 --> 00:12:34.420 You call on your God 00:12:34.420 --> 00:12:35.240 to send fire, 00:12:35.400 --> 00:12:36.500 I'll call on my God. 00:12:37.020 --> 00:12:38.160 And they called and called 00:12:38.160 --> 00:12:38.980 and nothing happens. 00:12:39.300 --> 00:12:40.620 And he called on his God 00:12:40.620 --> 00:12:42.660 and fire came from heaven. 00:12:43.120 --> 00:12:44.940 So that's fire from heaven. 00:12:46.040 --> 00:12:47.600 At the time of Noah, 00:12:47.960 --> 00:12:49.280 the flood, water, 00:12:49.920 --> 00:12:51.080 came from heaven. 00:12:51.240 --> 00:12:53.120 So that's a sign from heaven. 00:12:53.580 --> 00:12:55.640 It could be a sign from earth. 00:12:55.639 --> 00:13:00.439 In the book of Numbers, 00:13:01.100 --> 00:13:02.879 because they disobeyed God, 00:13:03.240 --> 00:13:04.559 God made the earth 00:13:04.559 --> 00:13:05.580 open its mouth 00:13:05.580 --> 00:13:06.919 and all these evil leaders 00:13:06.919 --> 00:13:08.000 were swallowed. 00:13:09.500 --> 00:13:11.039 So signs could come 00:13:11.039 --> 00:13:11.779 from both places. 00:13:12.340 --> 00:13:14.480 Jesus' death and resurrection 00:13:14.480 --> 00:13:16.220 is signed from below, 00:13:16.600 --> 00:13:17.460 not from above. 00:13:17.600 --> 00:13:19.759 He is rising from the earth. 00:13:19.759 --> 00:13:21.840 Now, 00:13:22.919 --> 00:13:25.179 in this case, 00:13:26.019 --> 00:13:26.899 the sign is, 00:13:28.019 --> 00:13:29.340 as verse 30, 00:13:30.220 --> 00:13:31.799 as Jonah was a sign 00:13:31.799 --> 00:13:32.639 to the Ninevites, 00:13:33.220 --> 00:13:34.879 so also will the son of man 00:13:34.879 --> 00:13:36.059 be to this generation. 00:13:36.919 --> 00:13:38.580 So we have to figure out 00:13:38.580 --> 00:13:40.519 what does that mean. 00:13:41.860 --> 00:13:43.779 Let's ask several questions. 00:13:44.039 --> 00:13:44.539 The first one, 00:13:44.799 --> 00:13:46.399 the first very important question is, 00:13:46.399 --> 00:13:49.399 how are Jonah and Jesus similar? 00:13:50.720 --> 00:13:51.939 If Jesus is a sign 00:13:51.939 --> 00:13:52.759 to his generation 00:13:52.759 --> 00:13:54.000 the same way that Jonah 00:13:54.000 --> 00:13:56.159 was a sign to his generation, 00:13:56.459 --> 00:13:59.199 how are Jesus and Jonah similar? 00:13:59.600 --> 00:14:00.439 Well, most of the time 00:14:00.439 --> 00:14:02.120 we think of Jesus and Jonah 00:14:02.120 --> 00:14:03.480 are quite different, 00:14:03.600 --> 00:14:04.179 and they are. 00:14:04.639 --> 00:14:05.959 Jesus is the son of God. 00:14:06.120 --> 00:14:07.500 Jonah is not the son of God. 00:14:08.179 --> 00:14:09.679 Jesus will judge the world. 00:14:09.860 --> 00:14:11.179 Jonah will not judge the world. 00:14:12.039 --> 00:14:14.339 Jesus is part of the Trinity. 00:14:14.539 --> 00:14:17.059 Jonah is not part of the Trinity. 00:14:17.479 --> 00:14:18.819 And you can go down the list. 00:14:19.279 --> 00:14:20.979 Jesus accepted his mission. 00:14:21.879 --> 00:14:23.339 Jonah rejected his mission. 00:14:23.959 --> 00:14:25.339 Jesus went and did 00:14:25.339 --> 00:14:26.679 what the father told him to do. 00:14:27.379 --> 00:14:28.519 Jonah tried to run away 00:14:28.519 --> 00:14:29.199 and escape. 00:14:29.859 --> 00:14:31.120 And so there are differences, 00:14:31.500 --> 00:14:32.759 but there are similarities. 00:14:34.019 --> 00:14:34.459 And this, 00:14:35.019 --> 00:14:36.059 noticing the similarities 00:14:36.059 --> 00:14:37.299 will help us figure out 00:14:37.299 --> 00:14:39.240 what the sign is. 00:14:39.240 --> 00:14:40.299 Number one, 00:14:40.940 --> 00:14:44.019 they were both sent by God. 00:14:45.159 --> 00:14:47.779 They were both sent by God. 00:14:49.799 --> 00:14:52.620 I am standing here in front of you 00:14:52.620 --> 00:14:54.060 because the elders asked me 00:14:54.060 --> 00:14:57.000 to preach this Sunday. 00:14:57.919 --> 00:14:59.740 Am I sent by the United Nations? 00:15:00.680 --> 00:15:01.100 No. 00:15:02.100 --> 00:15:04.299 Am I sent by the IRS? 00:15:05.680 --> 00:15:06.360 No. 00:15:06.360 --> 00:15:09.279 Am I sent by FIFA? 00:15:10.279 --> 00:15:11.480 World soccer? 00:15:12.759 --> 00:15:13.220 No. 00:15:14.519 --> 00:15:15.740 Why am I here? 00:15:17.120 --> 00:15:19.259 Because the elders, 00:15:20.100 --> 00:15:21.720 representing God, 00:15:22.580 --> 00:15:23.500 asked me to come. 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:25.460 So I am representing the elders. 00:15:25.820 --> 00:15:27.940 I am also representing the Lord. 00:15:28.460 --> 00:15:29.580 So in that sense, 00:15:29.700 --> 00:15:31.460 in a very, very small way, 00:15:32.420 --> 00:15:33.860 I am sent by God. 00:15:33.860 --> 00:15:36.659 But on a much, much larger, 00:15:37.240 --> 00:15:38.240 more magnificent way, 00:15:38.879 --> 00:15:40.399 Jesus is sent by the father 00:15:40.399 --> 00:15:41.659 in a fantastic way. 00:15:42.060 --> 00:15:43.379 But I am sent by God. 00:15:45.399 --> 00:15:47.060 Why did I come here? 00:15:47.779 --> 00:15:48.139 Well, 00:15:48.879 --> 00:15:50.019 for a purpose. 00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:54.180 It's not to negotiate a treaty 00:15:54.180 --> 00:15:56.039 with Iran. 00:15:56.560 --> 00:15:57.840 If I wanted to negotiate 00:15:57.840 --> 00:15:58.800 a treaty with Iran, 00:15:58.899 --> 00:15:59.639 I wouldn't be here. 00:15:59.700 --> 00:16:00.620 I would be over there. 00:16:00.620 --> 00:16:03.000 I am not here 00:16:03.000 --> 00:16:04.139 to spy 00:16:04.139 --> 00:16:05.460 on 00:16:05.460 --> 00:16:07.299 Mike Salvati. 00:16:07.620 --> 00:16:08.200 I don't know why 00:16:08.200 --> 00:16:09.080 I would want to spy 00:16:09.080 --> 00:16:09.960 on him. 00:16:11.679 --> 00:16:12.879 I am not here 00:16:12.879 --> 00:16:14.100 to pull a rabbit 00:16:14.100 --> 00:16:15.019 out of the hat 00:16:15.019 --> 00:16:16.700 to show that I can do 00:16:16.700 --> 00:16:17.700 more magic tricks 00:16:17.700 --> 00:16:18.480 than the rest of you. 00:16:19.200 --> 00:16:20.360 I am not here 00:16:20.360 --> 00:16:21.419 to conjugate verbs 00:16:21.419 --> 00:16:21.899 in Arabic. 00:16:23.259 --> 00:16:24.279 I am here 00:16:24.279 --> 00:16:24.620 because 00:16:25.200 --> 00:16:26.700 I am 00:16:26.700 --> 00:16:27.919 trying 00:16:27.919 --> 00:16:28.680 to present 00:16:28.680 --> 00:16:29.279 a message 00:16:29.279 --> 00:16:29.940 from the Lord. 00:16:29.940 --> 00:16:31.260 I am bringing 00:16:31.260 --> 00:16:32.200 you a message 00:16:32.200 --> 00:16:34.400 in a very 00:16:34.400 --> 00:16:35.400 humble 00:16:35.400 --> 00:16:36.260 way 00:16:36.260 --> 00:16:37.100 I am saying 00:16:37.100 --> 00:16:37.820 thus 00:16:37.820 --> 00:16:38.860 saith the Lord. 00:16:39.820 --> 00:16:40.240 While 00:16:40.240 --> 00:16:41.440 quite aware 00:16:41.440 --> 00:16:42.380 that I am terribly 00:16:42.380 --> 00:16:42.900 inadequate 00:16:42.900 --> 00:16:44.360 and lousy sinner 00:16:44.360 --> 00:16:45.520 and should be on my knees 00:16:45.520 --> 00:16:46.720 begging for mercy. 00:16:47.740 --> 00:16:47.980 But 00:16:47.980 --> 00:16:50.220 I am sent 00:16:50.220 --> 00:16:50.780 by God 00:16:50.780 --> 00:16:51.760 as was Jesus 00:16:51.760 --> 00:16:52.620 as was Jonah. 00:16:54.080 --> 00:16:55.060 They were both 00:16:55.060 --> 00:16:56.080 sent with a message 00:16:56.080 --> 00:16:57.520 and they both 00:16:57.520 --> 00:16:58.340 preached 00:16:58.340 --> 00:16:59.360 to their audience. 00:16:59.940 --> 00:17:01.940 Jesus didn't 00:17:01.940 --> 00:17:02.880 escape to Germany 00:17:02.880 --> 00:17:04.480 Jesus preached. 00:17:05.400 --> 00:17:06.980 Jonah escaped. 00:17:07.580 --> 00:17:08.500 God got him back 00:17:08.500 --> 00:17:10.019 and he preached. 00:17:10.759 --> 00:17:10.980 So 00:17:10.980 --> 00:17:12.220 they were sent 00:17:12.220 --> 00:17:12.960 by God 00:17:12.960 --> 00:17:14.380 with a message 00:17:14.380 --> 00:17:15.059 from God 00:17:15.059 --> 00:17:16.380 and they carried 00:17:16.380 --> 00:17:17.480 out their duty 00:17:17.480 --> 00:17:19.000 of bringing 00:17:19.000 --> 00:17:19.700 that message. 00:17:20.059 --> 00:17:20.400 One 00:17:20.400 --> 00:17:21.700 with great love 00:17:21.700 --> 00:17:22.220 for the world 00:17:22.220 --> 00:17:22.740 and one 00:17:22.740 --> 00:17:24.019 with resentment 00:17:24.019 --> 00:17:24.600 and 00:17:24.600 --> 00:17:26.480 probably didn't 00:17:26.480 --> 00:17:27.059 like to do it 00:17:27.059 --> 00:17:27.339 anyway. 00:17:28.639 --> 00:17:28.879 But 00:17:28.879 --> 00:17:29.500 interestingly 00:17:29.500 --> 00:17:30.099 enough 00:17:30.099 --> 00:17:31.379 the sign 00:17:31.379 --> 00:17:31.919 of Jonah 00:17:31.919 --> 00:17:33.079 is associated 00:17:33.079 --> 00:17:34.419 is connected 00:17:34.419 --> 00:17:35.480 with the Ninevites 00:17:35.480 --> 00:17:36.299 and the queen. 00:17:36.720 --> 00:17:37.519 So let's look 00:17:37.519 --> 00:17:38.700 at verse 31 00:17:38.700 --> 00:17:39.240 please. 00:17:39.599 --> 00:17:39.879 Please 00:17:39.879 --> 00:17:40.839 verse 31 00:17:40.839 --> 00:17:42.959 the queen 00:17:42.959 --> 00:17:43.859 of the south 00:17:43.859 --> 00:17:46.399 will rise 00:17:46.399 --> 00:17:47.179 at the judgment 00:17:47.179 --> 00:17:48.559 with the men 00:17:48.559 --> 00:17:49.559 of this generation 00:17:49.559 --> 00:17:50.399 and condemn 00:17:50.399 --> 00:17:50.740 them 00:17:50.740 --> 00:17:52.299 because she 00:17:52.299 --> 00:17:53.059 came from 00:17:53.059 --> 00:17:53.799 the ends 00:17:53.799 --> 00:17:54.439 of the earth 00:17:54.439 --> 00:17:54.980 to listen 00:17:54.980 --> 00:17:55.759 to Solomon's 00:17:55.759 --> 00:17:56.079 wisdom 00:17:56.079 --> 00:17:57.939 and now 00:17:57.939 --> 00:17:59.399 one greater 00:17:59.399 --> 00:18:00.019 than Solomon 00:18:00.019 --> 00:18:00.619 is here. 00:18:01.980 --> 00:18:02.579 The men 00:18:02.579 --> 00:18:03.319 of Nineveh 00:18:03.319 --> 00:18:04.339 will stand 00:18:04.339 --> 00:18:05.199 up at the judgment 00:18:05.199 --> 00:18:06.220 with this generation 00:18:06.220 --> 00:18:07.019 and condemn it 00:18:07.019 --> 00:18:08.440 because they 00:18:08.440 --> 00:18:08.900 repented 00:18:08.900 --> 00:18:09.559 at the preaching 00:18:09.559 --> 00:18:10.139 of Jonah 00:18:10.139 --> 00:18:11.259 and now 00:18:11.259 --> 00:18:12.000 one greater 00:18:12.000 --> 00:18:12.559 than Jonah 00:18:12.559 --> 00:18:13.059 is here. 00:18:13.500 --> 00:18:14.299 He is saying 00:18:14.299 --> 00:18:15.319 look at the example 00:18:15.319 --> 00:18:15.900 of the queen 00:18:15.900 --> 00:18:16.460 of the south 00:18:16.460 --> 00:18:17.839 look at the example 00:18:17.839 --> 00:18:20.039 of the Ninevites. 00:18:20.539 --> 00:18:21.680 How are they 00:18:21.680 --> 00:18:22.819 different? 00:18:24.400 --> 00:18:25.279 This will become 00:18:25.279 --> 00:18:26.460 important in just a second 00:18:26.460 --> 00:18:27.400 but let's figure out 00:18:27.400 --> 00:18:27.720 first 00:18:27.720 --> 00:18:29.579 how are the Ninevites 00:18:29.579 --> 00:18:30.660 and the queen 00:18:30.660 --> 00:18:31.220 of the south 00:18:31.220 --> 00:18:31.680 different? 00:18:32.099 --> 00:18:32.259 Well 00:18:32.259 --> 00:18:33.359 first 00:18:33.359 --> 00:18:34.720 obvious way 00:18:34.720 --> 00:18:35.839 is that 00:18:35.839 --> 00:18:37.339 she is a woman 00:18:37.339 --> 00:18:39.420 and they are 00:18:39.420 --> 00:18:40.100 men. 00:18:40.920 --> 00:18:41.740 The text says 00:18:41.740 --> 00:18:42.500 the men 00:18:42.500 --> 00:18:43.200 of Nineveh. 00:18:43.460 --> 00:18:44.220 I need to tell you 00:18:44.220 --> 00:18:45.160 something about Hebrew. 00:18:45.640 --> 00:18:46.299 Semitic languages 00:18:46.299 --> 00:18:47.259 are strange 00:18:47.259 --> 00:18:47.920 in some ways 00:18:47.920 --> 00:18:49.339 as all languages 00:18:49.339 --> 00:18:49.779 are. 00:18:50.180 --> 00:18:50.819 So if there is 00:18:50.819 --> 00:18:51.799 if all of you 00:18:51.799 --> 00:18:52.460 were here 00:18:52.460 --> 00:18:53.539 and indeed you are 00:18:53.539 --> 00:18:54.579 and this is a mixed 00:18:54.579 --> 00:18:55.039 company 00:18:55.039 --> 00:18:55.940 with men 00:18:55.940 --> 00:18:56.500 and women 00:18:56.500 --> 00:18:58.100 in Semitic languages 00:18:58.100 --> 00:18:59.380 I would address 00:18:59.380 --> 00:19:00.339 you as gentlemen. 00:19:01.339 --> 00:19:02.059 It's not because 00:19:02.059 --> 00:19:03.200 I can't tell the difference 00:19:03.200 --> 00:19:03.759 between men 00:19:03.759 --> 00:19:04.220 and women 00:19:04.220 --> 00:19:05.279 or because my 00:19:05.279 --> 00:19:05.860 eyeglasses 00:19:05.860 --> 00:19:06.640 are so bad 00:19:06.640 --> 00:19:07.779 that I can't tell 00:19:07.779 --> 00:19:09.220 that there are 00:19:09.220 --> 00:19:09.960 women standing 00:19:09.960 --> 00:19:10.620 in front of me 00:19:10.620 --> 00:19:12.279 but Semitic language 00:19:12.279 --> 00:19:13.000 is such 00:19:13.000 --> 00:19:14.299 that you would 00:19:14.299 --> 00:19:15.259 use the word 00:19:15.259 --> 00:19:16.000 gentlemen 00:19:16.000 --> 00:19:17.220 to cover men 00:19:17.220 --> 00:19:17.940 and women. 00:19:18.339 --> 00:19:19.160 We don't do that 00:19:19.160 --> 00:19:19.799 in English 00:19:19.799 --> 00:19:20.539 but we do it 00:19:20.539 --> 00:19:21.700 in Semitic languages 00:19:21.700 --> 00:19:22.579 we do it in Arabic 00:19:22.579 --> 00:19:23.579 and you know 00:19:23.579 --> 00:19:24.200 you learn to live 00:19:24.200 --> 00:19:24.539 with it. 00:19:25.240 --> 00:19:25.480 So 00:19:25.480 --> 00:19:26.700 I don't want you 00:19:26.700 --> 00:19:27.380 to think that 00:19:27.380 --> 00:19:28.380 only men 00:19:28.380 --> 00:19:29.519 in Nineveh 00:19:29.519 --> 00:19:30.960 believe the gospel. 00:19:31.240 --> 00:19:31.660 I suspect 00:19:31.660 --> 00:19:32.620 the whole population 00:19:32.619 --> 00:19:33.959 but if you're 00:19:33.959 --> 00:19:35.279 going to talk 00:19:35.279 --> 00:19:35.959 about a mixed 00:19:35.959 --> 00:19:36.279 group 00:19:36.279 --> 00:19:36.779 you would say 00:19:36.779 --> 00:19:37.139 the men. 00:19:37.779 --> 00:19:38.939 So she is 00:19:38.939 --> 00:19:39.519 a woman 00:19:39.519 --> 00:19:40.879 they are 00:19:40.879 --> 00:19:41.659 men. 00:19:42.159 --> 00:19:43.259 Not only men 00:19:43.259 --> 00:19:44.039 but they are 00:19:44.039 --> 00:19:44.819 men. 00:19:45.579 --> 00:19:46.419 She is just 00:19:46.419 --> 00:19:47.119 one singular 00:19:47.119 --> 00:19:47.639 person. 00:19:49.539 --> 00:19:50.179 They are 00:19:50.179 --> 00:19:51.299 multitudes. 00:19:53.079 --> 00:19:53.399 Noah 00:19:53.399 --> 00:19:53.719 mentioned 00:19:53.720 --> 00:19:54.400 God mentions 00:19:54.400 --> 00:19:55.559 the 120,000 00:19:55.559 --> 00:19:57.559 in the city 00:19:57.559 --> 00:19:58.019 who don't know 00:19:58.019 --> 00:19:58.620 the right hand 00:19:58.620 --> 00:19:59.259 from their left. 00:20:00.380 --> 00:20:01.160 She is one 00:20:01.160 --> 00:20:02.700 they are 00:20:02.700 --> 00:20:03.740 multitudes. 00:20:05.440 --> 00:20:06.140 She is 00:20:06.140 --> 00:20:07.380 from the south. 00:20:10.059 --> 00:20:11.039 They are 00:20:11.039 --> 00:20:12.539 from Nineveh 00:20:12.539 --> 00:20:13.259 which would be 00:20:13.259 --> 00:20:14.019 the north. 00:20:14.839 --> 00:20:15.640 It's like saying 00:20:15.640 --> 00:20:16.900 I have a friend 00:20:16.900 --> 00:20:17.839 from New York 00:20:17.839 --> 00:20:19.299 and I have a friend 00:20:19.299 --> 00:20:20.279 from California. 00:20:20.279 --> 00:20:21.460 that means 00:20:21.460 --> 00:20:22.460 one end 00:20:22.460 --> 00:20:23.819 of the United 00:20:23.819 --> 00:20:24.240 States 00:20:24.240 --> 00:20:25.000 the other end 00:20:25.000 --> 00:20:26.059 of the 48 states 00:20:26.059 --> 00:20:26.980 or one 00:20:26.980 --> 00:20:27.700 from Massachusetts 00:20:27.700 --> 00:20:28.379 and one 00:20:28.379 --> 00:20:29.519 from Florida 00:20:29.519 --> 00:20:30.299 north 00:20:30.299 --> 00:20:30.940 south 00:20:30.940 --> 00:20:31.619 east 00:20:31.619 --> 00:20:32.019 west. 00:20:32.559 --> 00:20:33.000 She is 00:20:33.000 --> 00:20:33.740 from the south 00:20:33.740 --> 00:20:34.339 they are 00:20:34.339 --> 00:20:35.000 from the north. 00:20:36.319 --> 00:20:37.619 The other 00:20:37.619 --> 00:20:38.599 difference 00:20:38.599 --> 00:20:39.319 is this. 00:20:40.139 --> 00:20:40.879 She is 00:20:40.879 --> 00:20:41.619 a queen 00:20:41.619 --> 00:20:42.859 they are 00:20:42.859 --> 00:20:43.399 just 00:20:43.399 --> 00:20:44.399 ordinary 00:20:44.399 --> 00:20:45.099 citizens. 00:20:46.440 --> 00:20:47.440 If she is 00:20:47.440 --> 00:20:47.859 a queen 00:20:47.859 --> 00:20:48.660 that means 00:20:48.660 --> 00:20:49.640 she is rich 00:20:49.640 --> 00:20:51.060 she is 00:20:51.060 --> 00:20:51.740 powerful 00:20:51.740 --> 00:20:52.920 she has 00:20:52.920 --> 00:20:53.860 prestige 00:20:53.860 --> 00:20:55.440 she has 00:20:55.440 --> 00:20:56.580 position 00:20:56.580 --> 00:20:57.380 in society 00:20:57.380 --> 00:20:58.240 she is 00:20:58.240 --> 00:20:58.700 highly 00:20:58.700 --> 00:20:59.700 respected 00:20:59.700 --> 00:21:00.759 they are 00:21:00.759 --> 00:21:01.480 just average 00:21:01.480 --> 00:21:02.340 citizens. 00:21:05.160 --> 00:21:05.540 And 00:21:05.540 --> 00:21:06.360 one more 00:21:06.360 --> 00:21:07.100 important thing 00:21:07.100 --> 00:21:07.680 to notice 00:21:07.680 --> 00:21:09.019 she 00:21:09.019 --> 00:21:10.040 came 00:21:10.040 --> 00:21:10.860 to listen 00:21:10.860 --> 00:21:11.560 to Solomon 00:21:11.560 --> 00:21:13.120 they did 00:21:13.120 --> 00:21:13.580 not 00:21:13.580 --> 00:21:14.200 come to 00:21:14.200 --> 00:21:14.740 Jerusalem 00:21:14.740 --> 00:21:16.519 Jonah 00:21:16.519 --> 00:21:17.240 went 00:21:17.240 --> 00:21:17.960 to them 00:21:17.960 --> 00:21:19.120 they stayed 00:21:19.120 --> 00:21:19.559 put 00:21:19.559 --> 00:21:20.700 in their 00:21:20.700 --> 00:21:21.140 place 00:21:21.140 --> 00:21:23.440 but in 00:21:23.440 --> 00:21:24.019 her case 00:21:24.019 --> 00:21:24.700 she had 00:21:24.700 --> 00:21:25.359 to travel 00:21:25.359 --> 00:21:26.819 they didn't 00:21:26.819 --> 00:21:27.279 have to 00:21:27.279 --> 00:21:27.640 travel 00:21:27.640 --> 00:21:29.359 he had 00:21:29.359 --> 00:21:29.859 to travel 00:21:29.859 --> 00:21:30.980 but they 00:21:30.980 --> 00:21:31.680 didn't 00:21:31.680 --> 00:21:33.420 so there 00:21:33.420 --> 00:21:34.240 are these 00:21:34.240 --> 00:21:34.900 differences 00:21:34.900 --> 00:21:37.059 but what 00:21:37.059 --> 00:21:37.519 do they have 00:21:37.519 --> 00:21:38.000 in common 00:21:38.000 --> 00:21:38.900 well 00:21:38.900 --> 00:21:40.099 they have 00:21:40.099 --> 00:21:40.859 several things 00:21:40.859 --> 00:21:41.839 in common 00:21:41.839 --> 00:21:43.879 number 00:21:43.879 --> 00:21:44.259 one 00:21:44.259 --> 00:21:46.059 they are 00:21:46.059 --> 00:21:46.679 both 00:21:46.679 --> 00:21:47.679 Gentiles 00:21:47.679 --> 00:21:48.819 if she 00:21:48.819 --> 00:21:49.519 is queen 00:21:49.519 --> 00:21:50.099 of the 00:21:50.099 --> 00:21:50.419 south 00:21:50.419 --> 00:21:50.919 she is 00:21:50.919 --> 00:21:51.519 a Gentile 00:21:51.519 --> 00:21:52.439 by the 00:21:52.439 --> 00:21:52.720 way 00:21:52.720 --> 00:21:53.839 during 00:21:53.839 --> 00:21:55.720 World War 00:21:55.720 --> 00:21:56.159 II 00:21:56.159 --> 00:21:58.720 Ethiopia 00:21:58.720 --> 00:21:59.659 was ruled 00:21:59.659 --> 00:22:00.279 by a 00:22:00.279 --> 00:22:00.799 dynasty 00:22:00.799 --> 00:22:01.399 the last 00:22:01.399 --> 00:22:01.819 emperor 00:22:01.819 --> 00:22:02.599 in Ethiopia 00:22:02.599 --> 00:22:03.000 was 00:22:03.000 --> 00:22:04.059 Helasi 00:22:04.059 --> 00:22:04.519 Lasi 00:22:04.519 --> 00:22:05.559 and he 00:22:05.559 --> 00:22:06.139 claimed 00:22:06.139 --> 00:22:07.199 that he 00:22:07.199 --> 00:22:07.879 was a 00:22:07.879 --> 00:22:08.819 descendant 00:22:08.819 --> 00:22:09.299 of the 00:22:09.299 --> 00:22:09.619 queen 00:22:09.619 --> 00:22:10.099 of the 00:22:10.099 --> 00:22:10.459 south 00:22:10.459 --> 00:22:12.159 that she 00:22:12.159 --> 00:22:13.699 had a 00:22:13.699 --> 00:22:14.379 son by 00:22:14.379 --> 00:22:14.839 Solomon 00:22:14.839 --> 00:22:16.519 absolutely 00:22:16.519 --> 00:22:17.359 nothing is 00:22:17.359 --> 00:22:17.739 said about 00:22:17.739 --> 00:22:18.500 that in 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:19.599 the Bible 00:22:19.599 --> 00:22:20.079 the Old 00:22:20.079 --> 00:22:20.299 Testament 00:22:20.299 --> 00:22:21.039 it says 00:22:21.039 --> 00:22:21.519 nothing of 00:22:21.519 --> 00:22:21.879 the sort 00:22:21.879 --> 00:22:22.799 they claimed 00:22:22.799 --> 00:22:23.359 according to 00:22:23.359 --> 00:22:24.000 their tradition 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:25.099 which they 00:22:25.099 --> 00:22:25.939 may have 00:22:25.939 --> 00:22:26.379 made up 00:22:26.379 --> 00:22:27.579 that they 00:22:27.579 --> 00:22:28.319 were descendants 00:22:28.319 --> 00:22:29.059 of Solomon 00:22:29.059 --> 00:22:29.579 through the 00:22:29.579 --> 00:22:29.919 queen of 00:22:29.919 --> 00:22:30.399 the south 00:22:30.399 --> 00:22:32.259 in its 00:22:32.259 --> 00:22:32.919 gardeners 00:22:32.919 --> 00:22:33.119 whether 00:22:33.119 --> 00:22:34.500 anyway 00:22:34.500 --> 00:22:37.219 she 00:22:37.219 --> 00:22:38.619 she is 00:22:38.619 --> 00:22:39.339 a Gentile 00:22:39.339 --> 00:22:40.240 and so 00:22:40.240 --> 00:22:40.539 are 00:22:40.539 --> 00:22:40.839 they 00:22:40.839 --> 00:22:43.279 they 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:43.939 both 00:22:43.939 --> 00:22:45.179 heard 00:22:45.179 --> 00:22:45.419 the 00:22:45.419 --> 00:22:45.859 message 00:22:45.859 --> 00:22:47.519 they 00:22:47.519 --> 00:22:48.139 both 00:22:48.139 --> 00:22:49.179 believed 00:22:49.179 --> 00:22:49.519 in 00:22:49.519 --> 00:22:50.059 God 00:22:50.059 --> 00:22:51.799 they 00:22:51.799 --> 00:22:52.579 both 00:22:52.579 --> 00:22:53.779 as the 00:22:53.779 --> 00:22:54.019 text 00:22:54.019 --> 00:22:54.339 says 00:22:54.339 --> 00:22:54.839 will 00:22:54.839 --> 00:22:55.179 stand 00:22:55.179 --> 00:22:55.459 up 00:22:55.459 --> 00:22:55.740 on 00:22:55.740 --> 00:22:56.059 judgment 00:22:56.059 --> 00:22:56.359 day 00:22:56.359 --> 00:22:56.599 and 00:22:56.599 --> 00:22:56.980 condemn 00:22:56.980 --> 00:22:57.259 this 00:22:57.259 --> 00:22:57.959 generation 00:22:57.959 --> 00:22:59.599 and 00:22:59.599 --> 00:23:00.480 they 00:23:00.480 --> 00:23:01.379 both 00:23:01.379 --> 00:23:02.179 were 00:23:02.179 --> 00:23:02.939 ministered 00:23:02.939 --> 00:23:03.119 to 00:23:03.119 --> 00:23:03.720 by 00:23:03.720 --> 00:23:04.299 someone 00:23:04.299 --> 00:23:05.059 less 00:23:05.059 --> 00:23:05.379 than 00:23:05.379 --> 00:23:05.740 Jesus 00:23:05.740 --> 00:23:06.980 please 00:23:06.980 --> 00:23:07.419 notice 00:23:07.419 --> 00:23:07.679 the 00:23:07.679 --> 00:23:08.139 expression 00:23:08.140 --> 00:23:09.220 someone 00:23:09.220 --> 00:23:09.980 greater 00:23:09.980 --> 00:23:10.620 than 00:23:10.620 --> 00:23:12.920 Solomon 00:23:12.920 --> 00:23:13.259 is 00:23:13.259 --> 00:23:13.660 here 00:23:13.660 --> 00:23:14.920 someone 00:23:14.920 --> 00:23:15.660 greater 00:23:15.660 --> 00:23:16.220 than 00:23:16.220 --> 00:23:17.000 Jonah 00:23:17.000 --> 00:23:18.020 is 00:23:18.020 --> 00:23:18.420 here 00:23:18.420 --> 00:23:23.880 so 00:23:23.880 --> 00:23:24.080 they 00:23:24.080 --> 00:23:24.320 are 00:23:24.320 --> 00:23:25.080 Gentiles 00:23:25.080 --> 00:23:25.840 who 00:23:25.840 --> 00:23:26.200 heard 00:23:26.200 --> 00:23:26.440 the 00:23:26.440 --> 00:23:26.600 word 00:23:26.600 --> 00:23:26.780 of 00:23:26.780 --> 00:23:27.120 God 00:23:27.120 --> 00:23:27.900 believed 00:23:27.900 --> 00:23:28.160 in 00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:28.300 the 00:23:28.300 --> 00:23:28.600 Lord 00:23:28.600 --> 00:23:30.120 they 00:23:30.120 --> 00:23:30.420 were 00:23:30.420 --> 00:23:31.160 ministered 00:23:31.160 --> 00:23:31.280 to 00:23:31.280 --> 00:23:31.520 by 00:23:31.520 --> 00:23:31.900 someone 00:23:31.900 --> 00:23:32.440 far 00:23:32.440 --> 00:23:32.780 lower 00:23:32.780 --> 00:23:33.180 rank 00:23:33.180 --> 00:23:33.620 than 00:23:33.619 --> 00:23:34.000 Jesus 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:35.099 and 00:23:35.099 --> 00:23:35.279 they 00:23:35.279 --> 00:23:35.459 will 00:23:35.459 --> 00:23:35.839 stand 00:23:35.839 --> 00:23:36.099 up 00:23:36.099 --> 00:23:36.319 for 00:23:36.319 --> 00:23:36.500 that 00:23:36.500 --> 00:23:36.799 reason 00:23:36.799 --> 00:23:37.099 and 00:23:37.099 --> 00:23:37.519 condemn 00:23:37.519 --> 00:23:38.019 that 00:23:38.019 --> 00:23:38.559 generation 00:23:38.559 --> 00:23:40.739 so 00:23:40.739 --> 00:23:42.839 why 00:23:42.839 --> 00:23:44.519 does 00:23:44.519 --> 00:23:44.939 Luke 00:23:44.939 --> 00:23:45.639 include 00:23:45.639 --> 00:23:46.000 this 00:23:46.000 --> 00:23:46.479 passage 00:23:46.479 --> 00:23:46.719 in 00:23:46.719 --> 00:23:46.939 his 00:23:46.939 --> 00:23:47.359 gospel 00:23:47.359 --> 00:23:49.379 he 00:23:49.379 --> 00:23:49.579 left 00:23:49.579 --> 00:23:49.779 out 00:23:49.779 --> 00:23:50.039 other 00:23:50.039 --> 00:23:50.459 things 00:23:50.459 --> 00:23:54.459 resurrection 00:23:54.459 --> 00:23:56.339 is not 00:23:56.339 --> 00:23:57.139 listed 00:23:57.139 --> 00:23:57.459 here 00:23:57.459 --> 00:23:58.339 so 00:23:58.339 --> 00:23:58.539 why 00:23:58.539 --> 00:23:58.719 does 00:23:58.719 --> 00:23:58.839 he 00:23:58.839 --> 00:23:58.979 do 00:23:58.980 --> 00:23:59.220 it 00:23:59.220 --> 00:24:02.720 John 00:24:02.720 --> 00:24:03.240 tells 00:24:03.240 --> 00:24:03.460 us 00:24:03.460 --> 00:24:03.740 his 00:24:03.740 --> 00:24:04.279 purpose 00:24:04.279 --> 00:24:06.299 you can 00:24:06.299 --> 00:24:06.720 read that 00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:06.960 in 00:24:06.960 --> 00:24:07.220 John 00:24:07.220 --> 00:24:07.599 chapter 00:24:07.599 --> 00:24:08.180 20 00:24:08.180 --> 00:24:08.880 verse 00:24:08.880 --> 00:24:09.360 31 00:24:09.360 --> 00:24:10.740 what 00:24:10.740 --> 00:24:11.059 is 00:24:11.059 --> 00:24:11.640 Luke's 00:24:11.640 --> 00:24:11.980 purpose 00:24:11.980 --> 00:24:13.339 and 00:24:13.339 --> 00:24:13.860 why 00:24:13.860 --> 00:24:14.120 would 00:24:14.120 --> 00:24:14.380 the 00:24:14.380 --> 00:24:14.720 sign 00:24:14.720 --> 00:24:14.940 of 00:24:14.940 --> 00:24:15.259 Jonah 00:24:15.259 --> 00:24:16.220 help 00:24:16.220 --> 00:24:16.839 us 00:24:16.839 --> 00:24:17.559 understand 00:24:17.559 --> 00:24:18.380 Luke's 00:24:18.380 --> 00:24:18.880 purpose 00:24:18.880 --> 00:24:20.779 what's 00:24:20.779 --> 00:24:21.140 on his 00:24:21.140 --> 00:24:21.559 mind 00:24:21.559 --> 00:24:22.480 well 00:24:22.480 --> 00:24:23.079 the best 00:24:23.079 --> 00:24:23.500 way to 00:24:23.500 --> 00:24:24.180 understand 00:24:24.180 --> 00:24:24.559 that 00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:25.360 is 00:24:25.360 --> 00:24:25.620 to 00:24:25.620 --> 00:24:26.279 turn 00:24:26.279 --> 00:24:27.000 to 00:24:27.000 --> 00:24:27.400 Luke 00:24:27.400 --> 00:24:28.200 chapter 00:24:28.200 --> 00:24:28.559 1 00:24:28.559 --> 00:24:34.139 Luke 00:24:34.139 --> 00:24:34.519 chapter 00:24:34.519 --> 00:24:34.879 1 00:24:34.879 --> 00:24:37.299 the 00:24:37.299 --> 00:24:37.679 first 00:24:37.679 --> 00:24:37.980 four 00:24:37.980 --> 00:24:38.480 verses 00:24:38.480 --> 00:24:42.740 many 00:24:42.740 --> 00:24:44.259 have 00:24:44.259 --> 00:24:44.960 undertaken 00:24:44.960 --> 00:24:45.379 to 00:24:45.379 --> 00:24:46.119 draw up 00:24:46.119 --> 00:24:46.299 an 00:24:46.299 --> 00:24:46.720 account 00:24:46.720 --> 00:24:47.759 of the 00:24:47.759 --> 00:24:48.139 things 00:24:48.139 --> 00:24:48.379 that 00:24:48.379 --> 00:24:48.659 have 00:24:48.659 --> 00:24:48.859 been 00:24:48.859 --> 00:24:49.740 fulfilled 00:24:49.740 --> 00:24:53.319 many 00:24:53.319 --> 00:24:53.679 things 00:24:53.679 --> 00:24:53.899 that 00:24:53.899 --> 00:24:54.079 have 00:24:54.079 --> 00:24:54.240 been 00:24:54.240 --> 00:24:54.740 fulfilled 00:24:54.740 --> 00:24:55.119 among 00:24:55.119 --> 00:24:55.519 us 00:24:55.519 --> 00:24:56.619 just 00:24:56.619 --> 00:24:56.879 as 00:24:56.879 --> 00:24:57.019 they 00:24:57.019 --> 00:24:57.179 were 00:24:57.179 --> 00:24:57.480 handed 00:24:57.480 --> 00:24:57.799 down 00:24:57.799 --> 00:24:58.000 to 00:24:58.000 --> 00:24:58.299 us 00:24:58.299 --> 00:24:59.500 by 00:24:59.500 --> 00:24:59.919 those 00:24:59.919 --> 00:25:01.039 who 00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:01.319 from 00:25:01.319 --> 00:25:01.779 first 00:25:01.779 --> 00:25:02.079 were 00:25:02.079 --> 00:25:02.940 eyewitnesses 00:25:02.940 --> 00:25:03.299 and 00:25:03.299 --> 00:25:03.740 servants 00:25:03.740 --> 00:25:04.039 of the 00:25:04.039 --> 00:25:04.299 word 00:25:04.299 --> 00:25:05.480 therefore 00:25:05.480 --> 00:25:05.919 since 00:25:05.919 --> 00:25:06.180 I 00:25:06.180 --> 00:25:06.579 myself 00:25:06.579 --> 00:25:06.819 have 00:25:06.819 --> 00:25:07.240 carefully 00:25:07.240 --> 00:25:07.980 investigated 00:25:07.980 --> 00:25:08.919 everything 00:25:08.919 --> 00:25:09.279 from 00:25:09.279 --> 00:25:09.819 the 00:25:09.819 --> 00:25:10.159 beginning 00:25:10.159 --> 00:25:11.039 it 00:25:11.039 --> 00:25:11.500 seemed 00:25:11.500 --> 00:25:11.960 good 00:25:11.960 --> 00:25:13.119 also 00:25:13.119 --> 00:25:13.559 to 00:25:13.559 --> 00:25:13.879 me 00:25:13.879 --> 00:25:14.480 and 00:25:14.480 --> 00:25:14.659 there 00:25:14.659 --> 00:25:14.819 it 00:25:14.819 --> 00:25:15.099 is 00:25:15.099 --> 00:25:15.879 it 00:25:15.879 --> 00:25:16.319 seemed 00:25:16.319 --> 00:25:16.779 good 00:25:16.779 --> 00:25:17.519 also 00:25:17.519 --> 00:25:17.740 to 00:25:17.740 --> 00:25:18.000 me 00:25:18.000 --> 00:25:18.619 to 00:25:18.619 --> 00:25:19.700 write 00:25:19.700 --> 00:25:20.159 an 00:25:20.159 --> 00:25:20.899 orderly 00:25:20.899 --> 00:25:21.419 account 00:25:21.420 --> 00:25:21.740 for 00:25:21.740 --> 00:25:22.140 you 00:25:22.140 --> 00:25:23.279 most 00:25:23.279 --> 00:25:31.799 excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. 00:25:32.500 --> 00:25:42.500 Most excellent Theophilus. Please notice two things. First of all, his name. If you are at 00:25:42.500 --> 00:25:49.299 a baseball game and they are introducing the players and one of the players' name is Jesus 00:25:49.299 --> 00:25:57.579 Gonzalez, you can say with some certainty, yes, he is probably Hispanic. If the next player 00:25:57.579 --> 00:26:07.159 is Hans Reichenbach, then you can be sure he's probably of German certainty. So if your name 00:26:07.159 --> 00:26:17.799 is Theophilus, what does that mean? It is two Greek words. His name consists of two Greek words. 00:26:17.799 --> 00:26:31.339 Theos or Theo, which means God in words like theology and Theophilus. The Phil part means 00:26:31.339 --> 00:26:44.220 brotherly love. Philadelphia, philanthropy, philosophy. So his name means lover of God, one who loves 00:26:44.220 --> 00:26:55.759 God. That is clearly a Greek name. That's clearly a Greek name. And secondly, he is addressed with the 00:26:55.759 --> 00:27:03.940 title most excellent. In the New Testament, this is the title that you use to address a Roman governor. 00:27:03.940 --> 00:27:14.180 Roman governor. So he may be a Roman governor. It's not limited to Roman governors, but it is used 00:27:14.180 --> 00:27:23.500 very often with Roman governors. He may have been a senator. He may have been a governor of a province 00:27:23.500 --> 00:27:45.579 or mayor of a large city like Corinth, but this is a high-ranking Roman person. He has a Greek name and he has a very high title. 00:27:45.579 --> 00:28:15.399 So if that is the case, then he is a Gentile. In chapter 11, who else is a Gentile? The citizens of Nineveh and the Queen of the South. Both of them heard the message of God and accepted it, even though they were ministered to by 00:28:15.400 --> 00:28:23.400 somebody not quite as great as somebody not quite as great as Jesus. Someone greater than Solomon is here. 00:28:23.400 --> 00:28:42.840 Someone greater than Solomon is here. So this person is also hearing the word of God, but he is not hearing it from a minor prophet. 00:28:42.839 --> 00:29:08.379 And a king. He is hearing it from Jesus. And Jesus is greater than both. If they repented at the preaching of Solomon and Jonah, how much more should he repent hearing the words of Jesus? 00:29:08.380 --> 00:29:21.300 Jesus. But you may say to yourself, well, he is a very high-ranking officer. May I suggest that the Queen of the South was a very high-ranking officer too. 00:29:21.299 --> 00:29:43.079 So what is the point? The point is, God does not say only university professors can be saved. God does not say only musicians can be saved. 00:29:43.079 --> 00:30:08.079 God does not say only taxi drivers can be saved. God does not say that only bankers can be saved. If you look at the Queen and the citizens, the gospel goes out to a woman and it goes out to men, regardless of gender. 00:30:08.079 --> 00:30:18.559 God does not say only. It goes out to a woman and it goes out to a woman and it goes out to people who are high position and people who are just ordinary. 00:30:18.559 --> 00:30:30.720 It goes out to those who have great prestige and just common citizens. It goes out to people who live in the north and people who live in the south. 00:30:30.720 --> 00:30:48.000 It goes out to people who live in the south. It goes out to people who are looking for the truth and think that they have found the truth there and they go to it and some of them just stumble on the truth because somebody decides to share the gospel with them. 00:30:48.000 --> 00:30:55.000 What it is saying is that the gospel goes out to the whole world. 00:30:55.000 --> 00:31:09.000 Regardless of gender, regardless of position, regardless of money, regardless of influence, regardless of geography, the gospel goes out to the world. 00:31:09.000 --> 00:31:16.000 This is like Luke's version of the Great Commission. 00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:31.440 And what Luke wants to do is to encourage the church to open its eyes and realize that the gospel isn't just going to be limited to Jews. 00:31:31.440 --> 00:31:34.299 It will include Gentiles. 00:31:34.440 --> 00:31:44.480 That even in the Old Testament, Gentiles were converting the queen, the people of Nineveh. 00:31:44.759 --> 00:31:46.160 We can add more to those. 00:31:46.160 --> 00:31:46.920 Ruth. 00:31:50.920 --> 00:31:59.820 So, what this means to us is that we shouldn't underestimate the power of the gospel. 00:31:59.819 --> 00:32:12.399 which can convert the whole city or limited to few people, not realizing that it can reach the whole world. 00:32:14.460 --> 00:32:19.779 That is the point that Jesus wants to communicate in the gospel of Luke. 00:32:20.700 --> 00:32:24.079 Now, how is Jesus able to do that? 00:32:24.819 --> 00:32:27.079 Well, here's where the gospel of Matthew puts in. 00:32:27.079 --> 00:32:36.699 He is able to do it because he will rise from the dead, conquer death, and empower us to carry on the task. 00:32:38.740 --> 00:32:39.919 Let's have a word of prayer. 00:32:40.079 --> 00:32:40.839 Let me pray for you. 00:32:48.599 --> 00:32:50.179 Father, we are a young church. 00:32:50.180 --> 00:32:54.279 We desire to obey you. 00:32:54.940 --> 00:32:56.620 We desire to love you. 00:32:57.500 --> 00:32:59.360 We desire to do you well. 00:33:01.080 --> 00:33:12.000 Give us the confidence that the gospel is powerful and that it can reach every segment of the human race, 00:33:12.000 --> 00:33:17.839 regardless of where we are or where that person is. 00:33:18.960 --> 00:33:27.640 Help us to have confidence in your ability to change hearts and to bring into your flock those you are calling. 00:33:30.039 --> 00:33:32.140 Show us how to do these things, Father. 00:33:33.140 --> 00:33:38.039 How to be faithful to you by preaching the gospel. 00:33:38.039 --> 00:33:41.220 I ask it, Father, in Jesus' name. 00:33:42.159 --> 00:33:42.420 Amen.