WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.820 John 7, 25. 00:00:02.780 --> 00:00:05.259 Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, 00:00:05.480 --> 00:00:07.900 Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? 00:00:08.599 --> 00:00:12.439 And here he is speaking openly, and they say nothing to him. 00:00:12.880 --> 00:00:15.960 Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? 00:00:16.480 --> 00:00:18.820 But we know where this man comes from, 00:00:18.940 --> 00:00:21.920 and when Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from. 00:00:22.580 --> 00:00:25.160 So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, 00:00:25.620 --> 00:00:28.300 You know me, and you know where I come from, 00:00:28.300 --> 00:00:31.660 but I have not come of my own accord. 00:00:32.759 --> 00:00:37.260 He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. 00:00:37.539 --> 00:00:40.640 I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me. 00:00:41.439 --> 00:00:45.359 So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, 00:00:45.620 --> 00:00:47.880 because his hour had not yet come. 00:00:49.260 --> 00:00:51.500 Yet many of the people believed in him. 00:00:51.719 --> 00:00:56.019 They said, When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done? 00:00:56.840 --> 00:00:57.960 Verse 32. 00:00:58.299 --> 00:01:02.379 The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about him, 00:01:02.659 --> 00:01:06.280 and the chief priests and Pharisees sent officers to arrest him. 00:01:07.200 --> 00:01:10.620 Jesus then said, I will be with you a little longer, 00:01:10.979 --> 00:01:13.659 and then I am going to him who sent me. 00:01:14.239 --> 00:01:17.060 You will seek me, and you will not find me. 00:01:17.579 --> 00:01:19.920 Where I am, you cannot come. 00:01:19.920 --> 00:01:22.299 The Jews said to one another, 00:01:22.480 --> 00:01:26.320 Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? 00:01:26.640 --> 00:01:31.540 Does he intend to go to the dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 00:01:32.340 --> 00:01:33.740 What does he mean by saying, 00:01:33.859 --> 00:01:35.760 You will seek me, and you will not find me, 00:01:35.820 --> 00:01:37.659 and where I am, you cannot come? 00:01:37.659 --> 00:01:42.259 On the last day of the feast, the great day, 00:01:43.140 --> 00:01:45.140 Jesus stood up and cried out, 00:01:45.780 --> 00:01:48.879 If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 00:01:49.640 --> 00:01:52.939 Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, 00:01:53.299 --> 00:01:57.179 out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. 00:01:57.180 --> 00:02:06.820 Now this he said about the spirit whom those who believed in him were to receive, 00:02:07.160 --> 00:02:09.659 for as yet the spirit had not been given, 00:02:10.340 --> 00:02:12.960 because Jesus was not yet glorified. 00:02:13.520 --> 00:02:14.080 Verse 40. 00:02:14.760 --> 00:02:17.020 When they heard these words, some of the people said, 00:02:17.180 --> 00:02:18.560 This really is the prophet. 00:02:19.260 --> 00:02:21.200 Others said, This is the Christ. 00:02:21.400 --> 00:02:24.780 But some said, Is the Christ to come from Galilee? 00:02:24.780 --> 00:02:28.819 Has not the scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, 00:02:29.199 --> 00:02:31.920 and comes from Bethlehem in the village where David was? 00:02:32.699 --> 00:02:35.439 So there was a division among the people over him. 00:02:36.039 --> 00:02:40.240 Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. 00:02:40.879 --> 00:02:41.520 Verse 45. 00:02:42.420 --> 00:02:45.580 The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, 00:02:45.740 --> 00:02:47.960 who said to them, Why did you not bring him? 00:02:48.460 --> 00:02:52.060 The officers answered, No one ever spoke like this man. 00:02:52.520 --> 00:02:54.080 The Pharisees answered them, 00:02:54.080 --> 00:02:56.300 Have you also been deceived? 00:02:56.880 --> 00:03:00.380 Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? 00:03:00.840 --> 00:03:04.580 But this crowd that does not know the law, it's accursed. 00:03:06.160 --> 00:03:11.620 Nicodemus, who had gone before him, and who was one of them, said to them, 00:03:12.060 --> 00:03:16.880 Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does? 00:03:16.879 --> 00:03:20.060 They replied, Are you from Galilee too? 00:03:20.900 --> 00:03:24.759 Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee. 00:03:25.240 --> 00:03:26.780 This is the word of the Lord. 00:03:27.199 --> 00:03:28.379 Thanks be to God. 00:03:28.379 --> 00:03:29.299 Thanks be to God. 00:03:29.359 --> 00:03:29.919 You may be seated. 00:03:32.799 --> 00:03:33.560 Let's pray. 00:03:33.560 --> 00:03:42.379 Lord Jesus, without you, our lives are dry and barren. 00:03:43.379 --> 00:03:45.719 Would you please quench our thirst today? 00:03:46.599 --> 00:03:48.259 We are earthen vessels. 00:03:48.659 --> 00:03:50.240 We are jars made out of dirt. 00:03:50.740 --> 00:03:52.460 We are empty without you. 00:03:52.460 --> 00:03:58.760 Would you please speak to us again today, as you did to your disciples in Acts 13, 00:03:59.100 --> 00:04:04.340 that we too may once again be filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. 00:04:04.819 --> 00:04:05.080 Amen. 00:04:07.480 --> 00:04:11.000 Well, beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:04:11.520 --> 00:04:18.000 today I want to show you in this passage how Jesus Christ is the Feast of Nations. 00:04:18.000 --> 00:04:20.959 You heard reference to the feast in our passage. 00:04:21.680 --> 00:04:26.560 In the book of Leviticus, chapter 23, six feasts are described. 00:04:27.019 --> 00:04:27.660 One, two, three. 00:04:28.319 --> 00:04:30.699 Then there's a period of rest in between. 00:04:30.899 --> 00:04:31.819 And then one, two, three. 00:04:32.459 --> 00:04:34.560 So the first three feasts come in the spring. 00:04:35.360 --> 00:04:38.279 And the big one that you'll be familiar with is Passover. 00:04:38.680 --> 00:04:40.459 And that's Easter time, even today. 00:04:40.560 --> 00:04:42.399 That's when our Lord Jesus rose from the dead. 00:04:42.800 --> 00:04:44.399 But he's not talking about Passover. 00:04:44.399 --> 00:04:49.419 He's talking about the three feasts and the fall that coincide with the end of the harvest. 00:04:49.620 --> 00:04:52.859 The first one in Leviticus 23 is the Feast of Trumpets. 00:04:53.339 --> 00:04:56.279 It announces that the time of worshiping God will begin. 00:04:56.719 --> 00:05:00.620 And the people travel from all over Jerusalem, all over Israel, up to Jerusalem. 00:05:01.179 --> 00:05:02.039 Feast of Trumpets. 00:05:02.199 --> 00:05:04.399 The next one is the Day of Atonement. 00:05:04.899 --> 00:05:05.579 That comes next. 00:05:05.659 --> 00:05:07.399 The forgiveness of sins. 00:05:08.159 --> 00:05:10.459 And then the last one, the last feast of the year, 00:05:10.459 --> 00:05:16.000 the last one of that cycle of three in the fall after the harvest is called the Feast of Tabernacles. 00:05:16.500 --> 00:05:17.919 And it goes by a lot of different names. 00:05:18.299 --> 00:05:19.259 The Feast of Booths. 00:05:19.759 --> 00:05:23.839 So when it says tabernacle, don't picture the tabernacle where God dwells. 00:05:23.939 --> 00:05:25.060 Just picture a tent. 00:05:25.699 --> 00:05:27.199 And booths means the same thing. 00:05:27.279 --> 00:05:28.639 It means these temporary dwellings. 00:05:29.060 --> 00:05:31.599 Sometimes these booths were made out of branches. 00:05:31.819 --> 00:05:34.279 Other times they're made out of cloth, like we would make a tent. 00:05:34.599 --> 00:05:37.099 So as you'd go to Jerusalem, you'd see tents everywhere. 00:05:37.100 --> 00:05:40.080 And you know they're celebrating the Feast of Booths. 00:05:40.480 --> 00:05:46.560 So my goal today is to take this rich backdrop that John has set up here for what Christ is going to say 00:05:46.560 --> 00:05:47.960 and show you the connection. 00:05:48.580 --> 00:05:50.500 Jesus Christ fulfills this feast. 00:05:51.420 --> 00:05:54.840 I'll show you in a moment why it's also called the Feast of Nations. 00:05:55.020 --> 00:05:56.640 But we'll get to that in a bit. 00:05:57.180 --> 00:06:00.920 So the first observation I want to make here, I want you to see for yourself, 00:06:01.040 --> 00:06:05.320 is how the Feast of Nations was celebrated at God's temple. 00:06:05.319 --> 00:06:09.920 There's no better place for a celebration of our forgiveness, our atonement, 00:06:10.240 --> 00:06:14.500 that God provides by grace through the blood of animals so that sinners can be with him. 00:06:14.899 --> 00:06:16.879 And all of that takes place at the temple. 00:06:17.680 --> 00:06:21.399 So I want to show you that our Lord Jesus Christ, he comes into the temple, 00:06:22.240 --> 00:06:23.839 and this temple is empty. 00:06:24.360 --> 00:06:25.420 It's empty of God. 00:06:26.039 --> 00:06:29.300 But Christ fills the temple with God's truth. 00:06:29.539 --> 00:06:30.519 That's my first point. 00:06:30.620 --> 00:06:33.539 How does Christ fill the temple with the truth of God? 00:06:33.540 --> 00:06:33.580 God. 00:06:35.580 --> 00:06:37.280 This feast goes by several names. 00:06:37.460 --> 00:06:41.100 It's in Leviticus, they're commanded to be, you know, gathering, 00:06:41.360 --> 00:06:43.720 so to form a holy convocation. 00:06:44.460 --> 00:06:47.840 It begins on a Sabbath and it ends on a Sabbath, so it's marked by rest. 00:06:48.260 --> 00:06:51.220 They're to do no ordinary work, Leviticus 23 says. 00:06:51.800 --> 00:06:55.680 And every single day of this feast, we'll give you the details in a moment, 00:06:56.020 --> 00:07:00.100 every day there is the shedding of blood, these offerings of animals, 00:07:00.100 --> 00:07:02.140 and their blood is flowing. 00:07:02.800 --> 00:07:05.200 So I want you to have these images in your mind. 00:07:06.080 --> 00:07:12.820 The temple, the booths, or these tents, water, and blood. 00:07:13.340 --> 00:07:15.100 We're on the temple first, that's number one. 00:07:16.939 --> 00:07:22.140 See, the Feast of Booths, God has already tied it to covenant renewal ceremonies, 00:07:22.139 --> 00:07:24.399 and he's tied it to temple dedications. 00:07:24.899 --> 00:07:28.800 When it says that Jesus entered the temple, look back at verse 14. 00:07:28.959 --> 00:07:32.500 The middle of the feast, Jesus went up into the temple. 00:07:33.019 --> 00:07:36.240 This is really the third temple that Jerusalem has had. 00:07:36.959 --> 00:07:40.139 The first temple God had built through Solomon. 00:07:41.180 --> 00:07:44.860 So in 2 Chronicles chapter 5, we read of that first temple. 00:07:44.979 --> 00:07:48.779 They're moving from that tabernacle, that tent dwelling, to an actual temple. 00:07:48.779 --> 00:07:54.039 They'll be glorious, made of gold, and people will travel from all over to behold its wonder. 00:07:55.079 --> 00:07:59.459 But then that temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, by the Greeks later, 00:07:59.799 --> 00:08:03.419 and it was rebuilt at the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. 00:08:03.759 --> 00:08:07.059 So Ezra 3 and Nehemiah 8, we have the building of the second temple. 00:08:07.459 --> 00:08:09.039 And so that's second temple Judaism. 00:08:09.719 --> 00:08:11.779 However, that temple was also destroyed. 00:08:12.319 --> 00:08:15.779 And this temple was rebuilt by Herod the Great. 00:08:15.859 --> 00:08:17.259 Remember, we've talked about Herod the Great. 00:08:17.259 --> 00:08:19.860 He's the one who wanted to kill all the baby boys. 00:08:20.240 --> 00:08:22.699 Well, it was Herod the Great who built this third temple. 00:08:23.339 --> 00:08:26.879 And if you look at an image, even Google images, you look at the temple, 00:08:27.519 --> 00:08:33.840 and like in ancient times, what's been preserved above the temple was what's called the Herodium. 00:08:34.519 --> 00:08:36.179 And this was Herod's palace. 00:08:36.720 --> 00:08:39.720 So Herod set himself above the temple of God. 00:08:40.240 --> 00:08:43.639 The temple was meant to be the place from where God would rule his nation. 00:08:43.639 --> 00:08:45.860 Well, Herod's making it very clear. 00:08:46.220 --> 00:08:49.159 His palace is above the seat of God. 00:08:50.519 --> 00:08:54.279 That's the temple that Jesus enters, we read in verse 14. 00:08:55.419 --> 00:08:57.980 Now this temple, it's full of people. 00:08:58.159 --> 00:09:01.220 On the rooftops all around it are these booths set up everywhere. 00:09:01.220 --> 00:09:06.180 Where the law of God required that every man, every head of the household travel to Jerusalem 00:09:06.180 --> 00:09:07.720 and celebrate this feast. 00:09:07.800 --> 00:09:09.519 So it would have been full of sinners. 00:09:10.160 --> 00:09:12.220 And they would have been watching the priests do these rituals. 00:09:12.600 --> 00:09:13.779 And the blood is flowing. 00:09:14.580 --> 00:09:17.160 But the symbolism here is totally lost. 00:09:17.500 --> 00:09:21.720 Because even the Holy of Holies by this point in the third temple, it was empty. 00:09:21.720 --> 00:09:27.540 When Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem, they carried away all the belongings of the temple. 00:09:27.840 --> 00:09:32.639 And they carried away the Ark of the Covenant, which represented the presence of God with his people. 00:09:33.259 --> 00:09:34.300 So can you picture that? 00:09:34.500 --> 00:09:36.000 A crowded temple area. 00:09:36.740 --> 00:09:38.899 Herod the Great's palace above looking down. 00:09:39.800 --> 00:09:42.480 And inside the Holy of Holies, empty. 00:09:42.899 --> 00:09:43.360 Echoey. 00:09:44.019 --> 00:09:45.240 God is not there. 00:09:46.040 --> 00:09:49.000 And then Christ steps on the scene. 00:09:49.000 --> 00:09:50.060 Look at verse 25. 00:09:50.059 --> 00:09:53.199 This is the man whom they seek to kill. 00:09:53.879 --> 00:09:55.159 And the crowd is very confused. 00:09:55.319 --> 00:09:56.679 Well, we know he comes from Galilee. 00:09:56.879 --> 00:09:58.819 But the Messiah is supposed to be born in Bethlehem. 00:09:59.159 --> 00:10:00.439 So they didn't have the full story. 00:10:00.719 --> 00:10:02.859 But they had some pieces and they know what to look for. 00:10:03.359 --> 00:10:04.579 They're very confused. 00:10:05.079 --> 00:10:05.939 Verse 26. 00:10:06.319 --> 00:10:09.019 Here he is speaking openly. 00:10:10.099 --> 00:10:10.919 Verse 28. 00:10:11.039 --> 00:10:14.239 Jesus proclaimed as he taught in the temple. 00:10:14.739 --> 00:10:17.059 In the middle of all the noise and the commotion, 00:10:17.519 --> 00:10:19.519 the word of Christ rings out. 00:10:20.059 --> 00:10:24.659 And he fills this empty temple with the word, the truth of God. 00:10:25.199 --> 00:10:26.439 What is it that he tells them? 00:10:26.500 --> 00:10:27.339 Look at verse 28. 00:10:27.919 --> 00:10:28.639 You know me. 00:10:29.139 --> 00:10:31.339 And you know where I come from. 00:10:32.939 --> 00:10:36.579 He didn't want to skip over that very fact. 00:10:36.719 --> 00:10:39.779 They're saying I can't be the Messiah because they know that I'm a man. 00:10:40.199 --> 00:10:41.299 They know I'm from Galilee. 00:10:41.299 --> 00:10:43.079 I'm an ordinary Jew. 00:10:43.080 --> 00:10:48.400 He says you just confessed that I am fully human. 00:10:49.700 --> 00:10:57.720 See, God's justice demands that human nature which has sinned must pay for its sin. 00:10:57.720 --> 00:11:01.560 Yes, the Messiah had to be fully human. 00:11:01.879 --> 00:11:04.660 And they recognize him as fully human. 00:11:05.600 --> 00:11:07.480 But that's not the full story. 00:11:08.379 --> 00:11:11.200 Jesus says, I have not come on my own accord. 00:11:11.920 --> 00:11:13.180 He who sent me is true. 00:11:13.600 --> 00:11:14.840 And him you do not know. 00:11:15.080 --> 00:11:17.060 I know him for I come from him. 00:11:17.279 --> 00:11:18.300 And he sent me. 00:11:18.740 --> 00:11:19.680 Look at verse 31. 00:11:19.679 --> 00:11:23.839 Many of the people believed in him. 00:11:25.219 --> 00:11:28.179 See, not only was Jesus fully human. 00:11:28.719 --> 00:11:30.739 He says, I come from the Father. 00:11:31.699 --> 00:11:33.879 I know God, the Creator. 00:11:34.579 --> 00:11:35.759 I am one with him. 00:11:36.319 --> 00:11:39.139 In the beginning when everything was formed, that was through me. 00:11:40.199 --> 00:11:43.979 I am sent from above for you. 00:11:44.279 --> 00:11:47.639 I am fully God as well as fully human. 00:11:47.639 --> 00:11:51.559 And our catechism answers this question very well. 00:11:51.759 --> 00:11:55.279 Why must Jesus not only be fully human, but also fully God? 00:11:56.179 --> 00:12:03.360 It's so that by the power of his divinity, he might bear the weight of God's wrath against sin in his humanity. 00:12:03.559 --> 00:12:06.939 So that we might be right with God and live. 00:12:06.940 --> 00:12:20.640 The mediator, the Messiah, the one who would be that touching point between the holy God and sinners, he is the new temple. 00:12:21.480 --> 00:12:27.300 He had to be fully human to mediate as their priest, representing them to the holy God. 00:12:27.299 --> 00:12:31.799 And he had to be fully divine to be their prophet and their king. 00:12:31.919 --> 00:12:37.519 He would rule from his temple, not Herod, not the Roman Empire behind Herod. 00:12:37.959 --> 00:12:43.819 Christ, God himself, the mediator, the temple of God. 00:12:43.820 --> 00:12:55.320 So Jesus came to be the temple, the meeting point between God and man, so that the nations could gather and feast on him. 00:12:56.379 --> 00:12:57.500 Look at verse 30. 00:12:57.500 --> 00:13:06.759 As he's coming, as the spiritual king of heaven, inaugurating his kingdom, they were seeking to arrest him. 00:13:07.600 --> 00:13:15.519 But no one laid a hand on him because his hour had not yet come. 00:13:16.740 --> 00:13:20.399 And there are human ways to explain, you know, what they were thinking and why they might have done that. 00:13:20.440 --> 00:13:22.240 But John's blunt on this point. 00:13:22.240 --> 00:13:24.000 Why did they not arrest Jesus? 00:13:24.299 --> 00:13:27.560 Because God's providence did not yet call for it. 00:13:27.840 --> 00:13:30.320 His hour had not yet come. 00:13:30.740 --> 00:13:33.680 This is another proof that Jesus is fully God. 00:13:35.060 --> 00:13:44.799 Jesus is eternal, infinite, and unchangeable in his power and perfection, in his goodness and glory, wisdom, justice, and truth. 00:13:44.799 --> 00:13:46.000 Listen to this. 00:13:46.460 --> 00:13:51.320 Nothing happens except through him and by his will. 00:13:51.320 --> 00:13:54.640 Standing in the temple, they're seeking to kill him. 00:13:55.040 --> 00:13:57.879 Nothing's going to happen except through him and by his will. 00:13:58.200 --> 00:14:00.540 His hour had not yet come. 00:14:01.480 --> 00:14:02.960 Do you see the power of Christ? 00:14:03.500 --> 00:14:04.400 The true king. 00:14:05.379 --> 00:14:12.040 And this is power, the same power, the same king who laid down his life when the time did arrive. 00:14:12.680 --> 00:14:15.160 So that your sin could be forgiven. 00:14:15.159 --> 00:14:19.019 And this same Christ now rules from heaven. 00:14:19.539 --> 00:14:29.559 And he watches over us, Heidelberg number one, in such a way that not a hair can fall from your head without the will of the Father in heaven. 00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:33.120 You can trust this same powerful God. 00:14:33.120 --> 00:14:37.580 See, you are no better than these Jews. 00:14:38.399 --> 00:14:40.500 And I'm worse than most of them, I'm sure. 00:14:41.299 --> 00:14:44.639 You and I, we need a mediator just as much as they did. 00:14:45.379 --> 00:14:55.860 Christ alone, the God-man, His perfect holiness to remove your sin, to be your perfect temple, the fullness of God in Christ. 00:14:55.860 --> 00:14:59.980 Christ, that you can dwell with your maker and be at peace. 00:15:00.800 --> 00:15:02.539 So you see how Jesus is the temple? 00:15:02.720 --> 00:15:03.639 That's the first image. 00:15:04.779 --> 00:15:07.680 Well, let's move from the temple now to the booths. 00:15:08.259 --> 00:15:11.600 This feast would have been celebrated all around what's going on at the temple, 00:15:11.740 --> 00:15:15.700 but people in the whole city would be dwelling in these tents and in the booths. 00:15:15.700 --> 00:15:23.379 And what I want you to understand with this on the feast is that God has always desired that the sojourners, 00:15:23.560 --> 00:15:27.800 those traveling to Him from all the nations, would be able to feast with God. 00:15:28.020 --> 00:15:30.200 That's been God's heart all along. 00:15:30.800 --> 00:15:34.320 And our Lord Jesus Christ, He fulfills that desire. 00:15:34.879 --> 00:15:38.320 He brings the nations to feast in Him. 00:15:39.580 --> 00:15:41.620 So I want to break this down into two parts. 00:15:41.759 --> 00:15:44.440 First, the sojourners, what does that mean? 00:15:44.440 --> 00:15:45.980 And then all the nations, those two. 00:15:47.060 --> 00:15:50.400 God desires that sojourners from all nations feast on Him. 00:15:50.440 --> 00:15:51.400 I want to break that down. 00:15:51.840 --> 00:15:52.900 Number one, sojourners. 00:15:53.620 --> 00:15:55.560 This was a feast for pilgrims. 00:15:56.080 --> 00:15:57.780 As they were traveling to Jerusalem, 00:15:58.480 --> 00:16:02.640 they would have been singing special psalms that were set apart just for this feast. 00:16:03.140 --> 00:16:07.860 One of them would have been the batch of songs from Psalm 113 to 118. 00:16:08.020 --> 00:16:09.300 This is known as the Hallel. 00:16:09.680 --> 00:16:13.000 If you go look this up, all of these songs have this repeating motif. 00:16:13.000 --> 00:16:15.519 Hallel means praise God. 00:16:15.919 --> 00:16:16.559 Praise the Lord. 00:16:16.659 --> 00:16:18.379 So that's going to be the theme over and over and over, 00:16:18.460 --> 00:16:20.639 this repeating chorus as they travel. 00:16:21.100 --> 00:16:25.320 And then the second group of songs is Psalm 120 to 134. 00:16:26.000 --> 00:16:28.399 These are called the songs of ascent. 00:16:28.779 --> 00:16:31.039 The songs you're meant to be singing as you sojourn, 00:16:31.379 --> 00:16:35.379 remembering those pilgrim years in the wilderness as you gather in Jerusalem. 00:16:35.379 --> 00:16:41.100 Deuteronomy 14 says that every family must set apart a tithe, 00:16:41.240 --> 00:16:46.059 a special tithe, 10% just to celebrate on this day, 00:16:46.200 --> 00:16:48.320 on this week of the Feast of the Nations. 00:16:48.860 --> 00:16:51.500 So it's almost guaranteed that you're going to have a good time. 00:16:52.159 --> 00:16:56.360 10% of all your family's income has been set apart for you to go and spend 00:16:56.360 --> 00:16:58.439 on this one week in Jerusalem. 00:16:59.039 --> 00:17:00.019 It's a big deal. 00:17:00.019 --> 00:17:05.680 You can imagine this city vibrating with all the sights and the smells and the colors, 00:17:07.099 --> 00:17:09.539 these tents everywhere, all shapes and sizes. 00:17:10.059 --> 00:17:11.279 Children would have loved this. 00:17:11.559 --> 00:17:13.839 The ceremonies at the beginning of the day and the end of the day, 00:17:13.920 --> 00:17:16.480 which I'll talk about more this week and next. 00:17:17.500 --> 00:17:22.220 But yet in the midst of all that clamor and that alive city all the time, 00:17:22.940 --> 00:17:25.859 these are worshipers who on the inside were very empty. 00:17:25.859 --> 00:17:31.659 They were physically near God represented by this temple, 00:17:32.139 --> 00:17:35.539 but spiritually they were very distant from God. 00:17:36.799 --> 00:17:37.919 They were dark. 00:17:38.299 --> 00:17:39.839 Their foolish minds were darkened. 00:17:40.579 --> 00:17:41.619 And look at verse 32. 00:17:42.419 --> 00:17:46.099 The authorities, the religious elite, sent officers to arrest Jesus. 00:17:46.899 --> 00:17:47.659 Verse 33. 00:17:47.660 --> 00:17:49.920 Jesus then said, 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:52.700 I will be with you a little longer. 00:17:53.300 --> 00:17:56.580 Then I am going to him who sent me. 00:17:57.880 --> 00:18:02.940 And I think this is especially fitting with the image of everyone traveling 00:18:02.940 --> 00:18:04.660 and living in these temporary booths. 00:18:05.519 --> 00:18:06.660 Do you see what Jesus is saying? 00:18:07.279 --> 00:18:11.400 You are here in this week-long celebration that you grew up doing as your tradition. 00:18:12.560 --> 00:18:16.779 This celebration, dwelling as a sojourner temporarily like this, 00:18:16.779 --> 00:18:20.920 this points to what I am doing by taking on flesh. 00:18:21.480 --> 00:18:26.599 In these 33 years, I came to dwell among you for a short while. 00:18:27.279 --> 00:18:29.579 But I am not going to set up a kingdom here. 00:18:30.079 --> 00:18:32.720 I'm not going to go knock down the walls of the Herodium. 00:18:33.440 --> 00:18:35.960 And I'm not going to drive away the Roman legions. 00:18:36.740 --> 00:18:38.799 I am dwelling among you in the flesh 00:18:38.799 --> 00:18:44.299 so that my spiritual kingdom from heaven will come until the fullness of time. 00:18:44.460 --> 00:18:45.420 Then I will come again. 00:18:45.420 --> 00:18:52.519 But my mission now is to prepare a place for everyone that my spirit will draw to faith. 00:18:53.779 --> 00:18:55.680 In John 14, 2, Jesus says, 00:18:56.200 --> 00:18:58.340 In my Father's house are many rooms. 00:18:59.100 --> 00:19:02.000 I will go first to prepare a place for you there. 00:19:02.279 --> 00:19:03.620 And I will come again. 00:19:04.060 --> 00:19:08.900 And I will take you to myself that where I am, you also may be. 00:19:09.779 --> 00:19:12.400 See, he's opening up this early hint that he gives. 00:19:12.500 --> 00:19:14.120 I'm not going to be here forever. 00:19:14.119 --> 00:19:17.459 This is not my final coming. 00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:20.079 But you will come to be with me. 00:19:21.579 --> 00:19:22.379 Verse 34, 00:19:22.539 --> 00:19:25.399 You will seek me and you will not find me. 00:19:25.779 --> 00:19:28.959 Where I am, you cannot come. 00:19:29.639 --> 00:19:35.639 It is humanly impossible for a sinner to do anything to merit their way into heaven. 00:19:35.640 --> 00:19:37.900 Christ has to blaze that trail. 00:19:37.900 --> 00:19:41.820 And he has to pull you with him as part of his parade, 00:19:41.980 --> 00:19:45.800 ushering in his church to his eternal rule. 00:19:45.799 --> 00:19:51.779 But listen, what Jesus says there gets this reaction from them that I think John is using irony once again. 00:19:52.139 --> 00:19:56.500 Because they're actually foreshadowing the second point, which is not only sojourning, 00:19:56.579 --> 00:19:58.460 but it's how all nations will be part of that. 00:19:58.919 --> 00:20:00.000 Look at verse 35. 00:20:00.000 --> 00:20:04.640 They say, does he intend to go to the dispersion? 00:20:04.920 --> 00:20:10.180 This means Jews who no longer live in Israel, but live now in the Greek territories and other parts of the world. 00:20:10.259 --> 00:20:11.200 They've been dispersed. 00:20:11.880 --> 00:20:15.299 Does he going to go to them among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 00:20:15.680 --> 00:20:16.380 Is that what he means? 00:20:16.420 --> 00:20:17.500 We can't go where I'm going? 00:20:17.500 --> 00:20:25.900 See, they're foreshadowing that Jesus is dwelling temporarily here and his mission does include the Greeks. 00:20:26.019 --> 00:20:26.619 Yes, it does. 00:20:26.920 --> 00:20:27.920 And that's what Paul is going to do. 00:20:27.980 --> 00:20:29.819 That's what the book of Acts is about. 00:20:30.099 --> 00:20:35.259 So you see how both the sojourning, the traveling, the tents and the all nations is included 00:20:35.259 --> 00:20:37.880 and the backdrop of this feast of the nations. 00:20:40.140 --> 00:20:47.259 In 1 Kings 8, there's a wonderful prophecy that God gives that will come to pass in two levels. 00:20:47.500 --> 00:20:49.599 The first level of fulfillment will be with Solomon, 00:20:49.980 --> 00:20:54.039 but that's only a greater picture of what Christ will do when he comes back the final time. 00:20:54.500 --> 00:20:55.579 So here's what it says. 00:20:56.779 --> 00:21:03.339 When a foreigner who is not of your people Israel comes from a far country for your name's sake. 00:21:03.799 --> 00:21:07.960 So think of the Queen of Sheba traveling to Jerusalem because Solomon is famous. 00:21:07.960 --> 00:21:09.980 You can picture that as the level one fulfillment. 00:21:10.879 --> 00:21:15.460 They shall hear of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm. 00:21:15.460 --> 00:21:19.620 When he comes and prays toward his house, this house, the temple, 00:21:20.160 --> 00:21:26.460 here in heaven, your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls on you. 00:21:27.259 --> 00:21:31.420 The promise, this blessing says that as foreigners travel because of the name of God 00:21:31.420 --> 00:21:34.460 put on display with Solomon, they will be blessed. 00:21:35.000 --> 00:21:38.759 And even foreigners now will be able to pray and know that their prayers are heard 00:21:38.759 --> 00:21:41.700 because of the great name of God elevated. 00:21:41.700 --> 00:21:45.660 See, David came as Christ in his incarnation. 00:21:46.299 --> 00:21:49.539 Solomon then is a picture of Christ in his glorification, 00:21:50.039 --> 00:21:52.380 in the full glory that he has now from heaven. 00:21:52.720 --> 00:21:55.100 And the nations, that's you and me, we are gathering. 00:21:55.460 --> 00:21:59.740 And as we pray in the name of Christ that's elevated, he hears our prayer. 00:22:00.279 --> 00:22:01.319 Isn't that a wonderful promise? 00:22:01.319 --> 00:22:03.480 That's way back in 1 Kings 8. 00:22:04.899 --> 00:22:09.259 Christ knew that all the nations would hear of his great name and they would come to him. 00:22:10.759 --> 00:22:12.659 What's the connection with the Feast of Booths? 00:22:12.879 --> 00:22:14.740 Well, Deuteronomy 16 says this, 00:22:14.740 --> 00:22:37.660 Now when it describes the sojourner here, it's talking about everyone. 00:22:37.660 --> 00:22:42.140 The traveler, the foreigner, the alien, the stranger. 00:22:42.740 --> 00:22:44.700 That's all that's included in that word. 00:22:45.120 --> 00:22:49.880 So for this reason, the Israelites came to call this Feast of Booths the Feast of the Nations. 00:22:50.340 --> 00:22:52.300 This is the feast where they can all come. 00:22:52.620 --> 00:22:55.880 They can all have this special blessing that God will hear their prayer. 00:22:57.200 --> 00:23:00.460 See, this has never been all about Israel. 00:23:00.600 --> 00:23:03.500 It's never been about a piece of geography in the desert. 00:23:03.880 --> 00:23:07.180 What Christ has desired all along is a spiritual kingdom. 00:23:07.660 --> 00:23:12.940 And it's the kingdom of heaven that's been pictured for us throughout the history of Israel. 00:23:13.320 --> 00:23:18.180 But listen to how Hebrews 11, 9 interprets what Abraham looked forward to. 00:23:19.140 --> 00:23:22.980 By faith, Abraham went to live in the land of promise. 00:23:23.540 --> 00:23:28.560 So here is Abraham now as a picture of a sojourner, as a foreigner in the promised land. 00:23:28.720 --> 00:23:33.040 Living there in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, 00:23:33.480 --> 00:23:35.960 heirs with him of the same promise. 00:23:35.960 --> 00:23:43.900 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 00:23:44.680 --> 00:23:48.360 Even Abraham, the one to whom God promised this promised land, 00:23:48.720 --> 00:23:53.220 even Abraham was looking not to Israel and the geography and that land there. 00:23:53.420 --> 00:23:57.819 He was looking at that as a picture of the heavenly kingdom that God designed. 00:23:57.819 --> 00:24:04.960 And Abraham represents the nations in that sense that he lives there temporarily, in tents, dwelling, 00:24:05.399 --> 00:24:09.019 looking forward to the greater kingdom of God that would come. 00:24:09.980 --> 00:24:11.240 So Christ is the temple. 00:24:12.099 --> 00:24:16.379 Christ came to sojourn so that all the nations could receive that blessing through him. 00:24:17.059 --> 00:24:20.259 The next image I want you to picture is that of water. 00:24:20.259 --> 00:24:22.019 The water. 00:24:23.480 --> 00:24:26.500 See, the Feast of the Nations had two ceremonies. 00:24:26.740 --> 00:24:28.559 The one in the evening we'll talk about next week. 00:24:28.619 --> 00:24:29.460 It involved lights. 00:24:29.759 --> 00:24:31.859 But the one in the morning involved water. 00:24:32.819 --> 00:24:36.680 And God wants everyone who is at his feast to not leave dry, 00:24:37.319 --> 00:24:40.140 not go back to the desert wasteland empty. 00:24:40.400 --> 00:24:45.000 He wants to fill you, not only with food and luxuries and water. 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:47.720 He wants to fill your heart, your inner being. 00:24:47.720 --> 00:24:50.220 And that's what our Lord Jesus Christ preaches. 00:24:50.720 --> 00:24:54.980 He comes to fill your thirsty heart with living water. 00:24:57.100 --> 00:25:02.759 The Feast of Nations was such a big feast that there was actually a curse attached to not keeping it. 00:25:02.940 --> 00:25:07.579 In Zechariah 14, if you refuse to observe this feast, 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:12.480 you will be supernaturally punished by God with no rain and with drought. 00:25:13.000 --> 00:25:16.079 Because this feast comes at the very end of the crop cycle. 00:25:16.079 --> 00:25:19.019 And it's really to celebrate God has provided. 00:25:19.139 --> 00:25:20.779 Look at the bounty, all the good. 00:25:20.839 --> 00:25:22.299 We can live through another winter. 00:25:22.639 --> 00:25:26.139 And when we plant our seed, it will be watered once again in the new year. 00:25:26.579 --> 00:25:28.759 So they came up with a ritual. 00:25:29.000 --> 00:25:30.539 It's not commanded in God's word. 00:25:30.619 --> 00:25:31.659 It's not part of the law. 00:25:31.859 --> 00:25:32.759 But it was a ritual. 00:25:33.480 --> 00:25:38.359 And the ritual, it involved celebrating the water that God would provide 00:25:38.359 --> 00:25:40.859 and trusting that he would do so for yet another year. 00:25:40.859 --> 00:25:42.500 And this is how it would go. 00:25:43.159 --> 00:25:48.059 From the temple, the high priest that year would walk away from the temple 00:25:48.059 --> 00:25:52.579 with a large procession of worshipers following behind him. 00:25:52.899 --> 00:25:54.500 They would walk out of the temple. 00:25:54.919 --> 00:25:57.979 And they would walk about 300 meters away. 00:25:58.339 --> 00:26:00.039 That's about a third of a football field. 00:26:00.039 --> 00:26:07.119 And they would go down some steps into what would look like a rectangular man-made pool of water, 00:26:07.240 --> 00:26:09.740 a little bit lower, cut into limestone. 00:26:10.539 --> 00:26:13.779 And this was a man-made pool called the Pool of Siloam. 00:26:14.159 --> 00:26:15.159 We've seen this already. 00:26:15.240 --> 00:26:16.559 We're going to see this pool more and more. 00:26:17.099 --> 00:26:20.399 So the Pool of Siloam, it's fascinating how it came to be. 00:26:20.400 --> 00:26:25.120 When Nebuchadnezzar was approaching to take over Jerusalem and the city, 00:26:25.780 --> 00:26:27.840 the king at the time, his name was Hezekiah. 00:26:28.620 --> 00:26:33.080 And Hezekiah got all of his men and laborers together with pitch axe, 00:26:33.220 --> 00:26:37.500 and they set out to dig a tunnel to bring water into the heart of the city 00:26:37.500 --> 00:26:40.400 in case the Babylonian army surrounded them in a siege, 00:26:40.759 --> 00:26:43.860 tried to cut off access to water and food and starve them so they would die 00:26:43.860 --> 00:26:45.700 or get so weak they have to surrender. 00:26:46.100 --> 00:26:47.060 They were anticipating. 00:26:47.059 --> 00:26:50.740 So at breakneck speed, they set two crews of workers, one on either end, 00:26:50.960 --> 00:26:52.399 and they're chopping at the limestone. 00:26:52.879 --> 00:26:55.220 It's about six feet up to 18 feet high. 00:26:55.879 --> 00:26:58.299 And this man-made tunnel is still, to this day, 00:26:58.379 --> 00:27:02.700 the longest underground water tunnel from the ancient world. 00:27:03.419 --> 00:27:10.039 And the total length of this tunnel is about six soccer fields, 1,700-some feet. 00:27:10.679 --> 00:27:14.220 That was connecting this spring outside of the city of Jerusalem, 00:27:14.639 --> 00:27:15.879 under the walls of the city, 00:27:15.880 --> 00:27:19.100 and it came to fill up what's now called the Pool of Siloam. 00:27:19.720 --> 00:27:22.140 So there's a city that would not naturally have water, 00:27:22.420 --> 00:27:24.580 but it does have this spring now in this pool, 00:27:24.640 --> 00:27:27.820 so even if you surround it underground, they can't cut off your water. 00:27:28.720 --> 00:27:32.620 And Jesus now knows of all this typology, all this history. 00:27:32.760 --> 00:27:34.080 Many of the worshipers are gathering, 00:27:34.680 --> 00:27:36.900 and this just adds significance to what He said. 00:27:37.180 --> 00:27:40.040 But in their water ritual, the priest would go down to this pool. 00:27:40.040 --> 00:27:41.040 He'd take a golden vessel. 00:27:41.160 --> 00:27:41.800 He would fill it. 00:27:41.799 --> 00:27:43.559 Then they would march all the way back up. 00:27:43.639 --> 00:27:48.000 They would go through what's called the water gate into the temple, up the planks. 00:27:48.379 --> 00:27:49.539 Then you'd have two basins. 00:27:50.079 --> 00:27:53.200 One basin is where all the worshipers would pour in the wine. 00:27:53.379 --> 00:27:57.180 They had to contribute wine to the livelihood of the priests and Levites. 00:27:57.559 --> 00:28:02.599 Then the other basin is where He would pour from a golden vessel the water from the Pool of Siloam. 00:28:02.599 --> 00:28:07.539 And He would raise His hand, and as He would pour, the people would chant back, 00:28:07.599 --> 00:28:08.659 Raise it higher, raise it higher. 00:28:08.699 --> 00:28:09.759 It's this big celebration. 00:28:10.419 --> 00:28:13.259 And they would do that every single day, every morning of the feast. 00:28:13.879 --> 00:28:16.240 Here, the Lord will provide water for the next year. 00:28:16.679 --> 00:28:17.599 More water is coming. 00:28:17.699 --> 00:28:18.579 Every day they do it. 00:28:18.959 --> 00:28:21.799 And every day of this feast is marking out those seven days. 00:28:22.059 --> 00:28:23.639 It's like rehearsing new creation. 00:28:24.000 --> 00:28:27.159 It's like the creation story, 24-hour days. 00:28:27.160 --> 00:28:28.960 One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. 00:28:29.500 --> 00:28:32.820 Then on the last day of the feast, they would not pour water. 00:28:33.279 --> 00:28:34.720 We're trusting by faith. 00:28:35.400 --> 00:28:37.300 Trusting by faith going into the new year. 00:28:39.360 --> 00:28:42.660 Now, in the midst of all this superficial festivity, 00:28:43.420 --> 00:28:45.980 the worshipers gather, and they're thirsty. 00:28:46.220 --> 00:28:46.940 They're muttering. 00:28:47.259 --> 00:28:48.759 They're longing for the true Messiah. 00:28:49.480 --> 00:28:51.200 Their bodies are being gorged. 00:28:51.360 --> 00:28:54.120 They're just living it up, spending all the money they had to. 00:28:54.119 --> 00:28:57.399 But their souls are parched. 00:28:59.299 --> 00:29:03.879 They knew, some knew, the promise from Isaiah 12, 3, 00:29:04.619 --> 00:29:05.579 that God said, 00:29:05.839 --> 00:29:11.159 With joy you will draw water from the wells of your salvation. 00:29:12.619 --> 00:29:17.419 And in Isaiah 44, God promises he will pour out his spirit on them. 00:29:18.059 --> 00:29:21.319 See, up to this point, the spirit is given like droplets in measure. 00:29:21.319 --> 00:29:24.619 And you didn't even have to be a believer to receive the spirit. 00:29:24.759 --> 00:29:26.480 Like Saul got God's spirit. 00:29:26.579 --> 00:29:27.179 God used him. 00:29:27.700 --> 00:29:31.379 One author said that the spirit would put on a man and do something through him 00:29:31.379 --> 00:29:32.980 and then let him go like a garment. 00:29:34.099 --> 00:29:36.000 Samson, you know, these droplets of the spirit. 00:29:36.379 --> 00:29:37.599 But God promised in Isaiah, 00:29:38.220 --> 00:29:42.779 I will pour water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground. 00:29:43.139 --> 00:29:44.399 What is this talking about? 00:29:44.400 --> 00:29:50.040 I will pour my spirit upon your offspring and my blessing on your descendants. 00:29:50.680 --> 00:29:56.340 They shall spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams. 00:29:57.240 --> 00:29:58.780 You look out at this crowd. 00:29:59.080 --> 00:29:59.840 They're broken. 00:30:00.080 --> 00:30:00.600 They're poor. 00:30:00.840 --> 00:30:01.720 They're oppressed. 00:30:02.480 --> 00:30:04.620 God will pour out his spirit on them. 00:30:05.100 --> 00:30:05.960 They will blossom. 00:30:06.400 --> 00:30:07.240 They will flourish. 00:30:07.360 --> 00:30:09.860 They will be like oaks planted by the water. 00:30:09.859 --> 00:30:14.539 And it will be the spirit of God blessing them like the water. 00:30:15.740 --> 00:30:19.179 Now look in your Bible at verse 36 and 37. 00:30:20.919 --> 00:30:23.759 On the last day of the feast. 00:30:24.699 --> 00:30:26.339 He even adds a comment. 00:30:26.919 --> 00:30:28.619 The great day. 00:30:29.539 --> 00:30:32.939 See, this is the last feast of the series of three in the fall. 00:30:33.240 --> 00:30:37.319 And it's the last feast of all six that are commanded in Leviticus 23 00:30:37.319 --> 00:30:39.139 that they're going to do every single year. 00:30:39.140 --> 00:30:41.960 And this is the last day of the last feast. 00:30:42.340 --> 00:30:43.320 The great feast. 00:30:44.740 --> 00:30:45.480 Verse 37. 00:30:46.280 --> 00:30:50.360 Jesus stood up and cried out, 00:30:51.200 --> 00:30:55.520 If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 00:30:56.140 --> 00:30:58.660 Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, 00:30:59.020 --> 00:31:04.800 out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. 00:31:04.799 --> 00:31:08.599 Isaiah 58 says, 00:31:08.599 --> 00:31:14.839 The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places 00:31:14.839 --> 00:31:17.079 and make your bones strong. 00:31:17.519 --> 00:31:21.180 And you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, 00:31:21.359 --> 00:31:23.440 whose waters do not fail. 00:31:24.079 --> 00:31:25.319 You shall be that way. 00:31:26.279 --> 00:31:26.759 Jesus says, 00:31:26.839 --> 00:31:31.240 Out of your heart, rivers of living water will flow forth. 00:31:31.240 --> 00:31:38.319 See, what's being pictured here is what the Lord does from heaven 00:31:38.319 --> 00:31:41.620 in pouring out his Holy Spirit on the church, 00:31:42.059 --> 00:31:44.359 starting in Jerusalem in Acts chapter 2. 00:31:44.700 --> 00:31:48.420 And it spills out from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria, 00:31:48.559 --> 00:31:50.359 representing all of the 12 tribes of Israel, 00:31:50.579 --> 00:31:52.940 and to the ends of the earth. 00:31:52.940 --> 00:31:54.380 And everywhere the apostles go, 00:31:54.740 --> 00:31:58.420 they are taking the Holy Spirit waters flowing through the church, 00:31:58.700 --> 00:32:00.680 through the word, through these church plants, 00:32:01.000 --> 00:32:03.660 going out to all the nations. 00:32:04.100 --> 00:32:05.080 And look, here we are. 00:32:05.880 --> 00:32:08.380 We're all foreigners, not Jews. 00:32:09.100 --> 00:32:11.759 The waters of the Holy Spirit have flowed all the way to us 00:32:11.759 --> 00:32:13.200 through the word of God. 00:32:13.720 --> 00:32:15.019 And if he has saved you, 00:32:15.299 --> 00:32:16.720 you know what this talks about, 00:32:16.779 --> 00:32:17.660 what Jesus promises. 00:32:17.660 --> 00:32:19.019 In your heart, 00:32:19.660 --> 00:32:20.540 your inner being, 00:32:21.080 --> 00:32:23.660 waters of life will fill up. 00:32:24.640 --> 00:32:25.720 He will make you new. 00:32:26.259 --> 00:32:30.000 And he will produce a bounty of fruit in your life. 00:32:30.860 --> 00:32:32.680 And the waters are the Holy Spirit. 00:32:33.240 --> 00:32:36.360 And the fruit is the fruit of the Spirit, 00:32:36.920 --> 00:32:38.640 abounding in your life, 00:32:38.700 --> 00:32:40.620 if you are planted in Christ. 00:32:40.619 --> 00:32:45.500 God provides for your soul, 00:32:45.979 --> 00:32:48.239 this flow of waters through his church, 00:32:48.979 --> 00:32:50.059 through his word. 00:32:50.539 --> 00:32:55.000 And we are the plan for how these waters will go to every nation and tribe. 00:32:55.539 --> 00:32:59.399 See, Revelation chapter 22 describes the river of water of life 00:32:59.399 --> 00:33:03.199 that flows forth from the temple to all the nations of the world. 00:33:04.000 --> 00:33:07.379 Here's a picture of the spiritual kingdom of Christ. 00:33:07.380 --> 00:33:10.340 And it's the river of the water of life, 00:33:10.540 --> 00:33:11.360 bright as crystal, 00:33:11.820 --> 00:33:14.560 flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 00:33:14.560 --> 00:33:17.480 through the middle of the street of the city, 00:33:17.780 --> 00:33:19.780 and also on either side of the river, 00:33:20.380 --> 00:33:21.280 the tree of life, 00:33:21.800 --> 00:33:23.780 with its 12 kinds of fruit, 00:33:24.260 --> 00:33:26.500 yielding each fruit in its month. 00:33:27.100 --> 00:33:28.420 And the leaves of the tree 00:33:28.420 --> 00:33:31.180 were for the healing of the nations. 00:33:32.480 --> 00:33:35.700 See, Jesus redeems the fall in the garden 00:33:35.700 --> 00:33:36.740 with Adam and Eve, 00:33:36.740 --> 00:33:39.319 the picture of his kingdom is like a new garden, 00:33:39.680 --> 00:33:42.059 and there's trees on both sides of the streets, 00:33:42.500 --> 00:33:43.559 both sides of the river, 00:33:43.799 --> 00:33:44.920 and from Christ, 00:33:45.279 --> 00:33:46.920 through his city, his church, 00:33:47.359 --> 00:33:48.920 the water flows, 00:33:49.380 --> 00:33:51.120 and what brings with it the healing 00:33:51.120 --> 00:33:52.640 for the nations. 00:33:53.319 --> 00:33:55.180 That is his promise, 00:33:55.519 --> 00:33:56.920 and we get to be part of it. 00:33:59.099 --> 00:34:00.440 Well, the fourth image 00:34:00.440 --> 00:34:02.200 is blood. 00:34:02.200 --> 00:34:04.299 We've seen the temple. 00:34:05.019 --> 00:34:07.019 We've seen the tents and booths. 00:34:07.660 --> 00:34:09.039 We just saw the water, 00:34:09.519 --> 00:34:11.240 and this is the last image for today, 00:34:11.639 --> 00:34:12.179 the blood. 00:34:13.699 --> 00:34:16.539 Spilling of blood was regulated by God's law. 00:34:17.539 --> 00:34:19.679 It was a required payment for sin. 00:34:19.679 --> 00:34:22.539 And I want to show you 00:34:22.539 --> 00:34:24.000 how our Lord Jesus Christ 00:34:24.000 --> 00:34:25.019 is the fullness, 00:34:25.980 --> 00:34:27.179 the perfect fulfillment 00:34:27.179 --> 00:34:28.679 of God's law, 00:34:29.559 --> 00:34:31.319 including the shedding of his own blood. 00:34:31.679 --> 00:34:32.639 Look at verse 49. 00:34:35.359 --> 00:34:38.179 This crowd that does not know the law 00:34:38.179 --> 00:34:39.259 is accursed. 00:34:40.839 --> 00:34:43.000 The Pharisees looked out at these people. 00:34:43.119 --> 00:34:44.599 They didn't see a special blessing 00:34:44.599 --> 00:34:45.419 coming through Christ. 00:34:45.519 --> 00:34:46.839 They saw people who didn't know 00:34:46.839 --> 00:34:47.859 as much as they did, 00:34:47.860 --> 00:34:49.440 and they must be cursed. 00:34:49.539 --> 00:34:50.620 They can't keep it perfectly. 00:34:51.079 --> 00:34:52.039 We know it so well, 00:34:52.079 --> 00:34:52.980 we have a better shot. 00:34:54.740 --> 00:34:56.700 What they're saying is ironic as well 00:34:56.700 --> 00:34:57.700 because everyone, 00:34:58.519 --> 00:34:59.099 including them, 00:34:59.200 --> 00:35:00.780 are under the curse of Adam. 00:35:01.099 --> 00:35:02.440 Everyone who has sinned 00:35:02.440 --> 00:35:04.980 has broken the perfect law of God. 00:35:05.559 --> 00:35:06.620 But they also expose 00:35:06.620 --> 00:35:07.599 that they don't know 00:35:07.599 --> 00:35:09.640 God's law perfectly themselves. 00:35:10.280 --> 00:35:11.840 Deuteronomy 31 commanded 00:35:11.840 --> 00:35:13.760 that every sabbatical year, 00:35:13.840 --> 00:35:14.940 so every seven years, 00:35:15.480 --> 00:35:16.720 during the Feast of Booths, 00:35:16.719 --> 00:35:18.719 the entire law of God 00:35:18.719 --> 00:35:20.179 was to be publicly read 00:35:20.179 --> 00:35:21.219 during this feast. 00:35:21.439 --> 00:35:22.259 So every day, 00:35:22.359 --> 00:35:23.579 they're going to be reading the law 00:35:23.579 --> 00:35:24.899 so that these crowds 00:35:24.899 --> 00:35:26.500 would know the law of God, 00:35:26.639 --> 00:35:27.899 would know what pleases Him. 00:35:28.500 --> 00:35:29.359 Numbers 29, 00:35:29.480 --> 00:35:30.939 we read that on the 15th day 00:35:30.939 --> 00:35:32.339 of the seventh month, 00:35:32.719 --> 00:35:34.199 you shall have a holy convocation 00:35:34.199 --> 00:35:36.099 and not do any work, 00:35:36.659 --> 00:35:37.699 and you shall feast 00:35:37.699 --> 00:35:39.859 before the Lord for seven days. 00:35:40.279 --> 00:35:41.759 Now I want to walk you through 00:35:41.759 --> 00:35:42.519 what it commands 00:35:42.519 --> 00:35:43.619 for the rest of the chapter. 00:35:43.980 --> 00:35:44.799 I'm not going to read it. 00:35:44.800 --> 00:35:45.420 I'm going to summarize. 00:35:46.420 --> 00:35:47.920 On the first day of the feast, 00:35:48.019 --> 00:35:49.720 you shall offer a burnt offering. 00:35:49.720 --> 00:35:51.140 This is a food offering 00:35:51.140 --> 00:35:53.200 with a pleasing aroma to the Lord. 00:35:53.580 --> 00:35:54.900 The first thing they offer 00:35:54.900 --> 00:35:56.580 is 13 bowls. 00:35:58.080 --> 00:35:59.300 The next day, 00:35:59.640 --> 00:36:01.120 they offer 12 bowls. 00:36:01.840 --> 00:36:03.019 The next day, 00:36:03.380 --> 00:36:05.280 they offer 11 bowls. 00:36:05.800 --> 00:36:07.000 The day after that, 00:36:07.440 --> 00:36:08.100 10 bowls. 00:36:08.880 --> 00:36:10.019 And there's only seven days 00:36:10.019 --> 00:36:10.440 in the feast, 00:36:10.519 --> 00:36:11.340 so you count down. 00:36:11.340 --> 00:36:12.840 On the last day of the feast, 00:36:12.940 --> 00:36:15.120 you're going to offer seven bowls, 00:36:15.320 --> 00:36:15.800 and we're done. 00:36:17.460 --> 00:36:19.039 And to the Hebrew mind, 00:36:19.320 --> 00:36:20.860 seven is the number of perfection 00:36:20.860 --> 00:36:22.340 and completeness. 00:36:22.900 --> 00:36:24.880 And it's also establishing a rhythm 00:36:24.880 --> 00:36:25.980 of counting down, 00:36:26.360 --> 00:36:27.500 less blood spilled, 00:36:27.760 --> 00:36:29.079 a little less blood spilled. 00:36:29.559 --> 00:36:30.820 Finally, the fullness, 00:36:31.059 --> 00:36:32.240 the perfect amount of blood 00:36:32.240 --> 00:36:33.100 has been spilled, 00:36:33.559 --> 00:36:35.200 and the forgiveness of sins 00:36:35.200 --> 00:36:36.280 is complete. 00:36:36.280 --> 00:36:39.180 Do you see how this countdown 00:36:39.180 --> 00:36:40.600 is preparing them 00:36:40.600 --> 00:36:42.220 for the work of Christ? 00:36:44.500 --> 00:36:46.400 If you add up the number, 00:36:46.860 --> 00:36:48.820 13 plus 12 plus 11, 00:36:48.880 --> 00:36:50.060 you add it all up down to seven, 00:36:50.380 --> 00:36:51.960 it comes to the number 70. 00:36:53.019 --> 00:36:53.800 And to the Jews, 00:36:54.019 --> 00:36:54.740 the number 70 00:36:54.740 --> 00:36:55.519 would have represented 00:36:55.519 --> 00:36:56.460 all the nations. 00:36:56.720 --> 00:36:57.600 And this goes all the way back 00:36:57.600 --> 00:36:58.940 to Genesis chapter 10. 00:36:59.480 --> 00:37:00.780 Moses lists a bunch of names 00:37:00.780 --> 00:37:01.660 that came after Noah, 00:37:01.960 --> 00:37:02.860 and you add up 00:37:02.860 --> 00:37:03.860 all those heads of homes, 00:37:04.019 --> 00:37:05.500 and it's the number 70. 00:37:06.280 --> 00:37:07.019 So for them, 00:37:07.500 --> 00:37:09.500 70 bulls represents 00:37:09.500 --> 00:37:10.860 all the nations of the world, 00:37:10.940 --> 00:37:12.099 not just Abraham's line, 00:37:12.219 --> 00:37:12.920 all the nations. 00:37:13.860 --> 00:37:14.699 And the countdown 00:37:14.699 --> 00:37:16.599 until the final satisfaction, 00:37:17.199 --> 00:37:18.920 no more blood will be spilled. 00:37:20.039 --> 00:37:21.500 The nations can have 00:37:21.500 --> 00:37:23.599 forgiveness of sin. 00:37:25.340 --> 00:37:27.059 The other animals are interesting. 00:37:27.179 --> 00:37:28.280 We don't have time for it today, 00:37:28.360 --> 00:37:29.739 but I want you to just remember this. 00:37:29.920 --> 00:37:30.840 Picture this in your mind. 00:37:31.260 --> 00:37:32.719 When the Lord made a covenant 00:37:32.719 --> 00:37:33.440 with Abraham, 00:37:33.679 --> 00:37:34.460 he told them what, 00:37:34.460 --> 00:37:35.199 he told Abraham 00:37:35.199 --> 00:37:36.699 what animals to sacrifice. 00:37:37.260 --> 00:37:37.980 Split them in two, 00:37:38.079 --> 00:37:39.039 lay them on the two sides, 00:37:39.240 --> 00:37:40.659 and the Lord consumed it. 00:37:41.340 --> 00:37:42.699 Every one of those animals 00:37:42.699 --> 00:37:44.179 that God commanded to Abraham, 00:37:44.519 --> 00:37:45.880 every one of them show up 00:37:45.880 --> 00:37:47.960 for the ceremonies of Israel. 00:37:49.019 --> 00:37:50.280 And one scholar, 00:37:50.420 --> 00:37:51.260 Alistair Roberts, 00:37:51.460 --> 00:37:52.860 Old Testament scholar in England, 00:37:53.280 --> 00:37:54.199 he observed, 00:37:54.380 --> 00:37:54.559 you know, 00:37:54.619 --> 00:37:55.699 taking their culture, 00:37:56.260 --> 00:37:58.079 the bull represents the nation. 00:37:59.019 --> 00:38:00.440 The next is like the ram. 00:38:00.440 --> 00:38:02.740 It represents the leader of the tribe 00:38:02.740 --> 00:38:03.740 or like the head of the home. 00:38:04.099 --> 00:38:05.240 Then the lambs represent 00:38:05.240 --> 00:38:06.200 the women and children. 00:38:07.200 --> 00:38:09.579 The dove represents the clean, 00:38:09.659 --> 00:38:10.320 it's a clean bird. 00:38:10.400 --> 00:38:11.420 It represents Israel. 00:38:11.800 --> 00:38:12.019 You know, 00:38:12.059 --> 00:38:13.579 like the poor among Israel 00:38:13.579 --> 00:38:14.619 that couldn't afford anything else, 00:38:14.659 --> 00:38:15.559 they would offer a dove. 00:38:15.980 --> 00:38:16.960 And then the pigeons 00:38:16.960 --> 00:38:17.940 were also to be offered. 00:38:18.039 --> 00:38:19.740 And the pigeons represented us, 00:38:20.000 --> 00:38:20.659 the Gentiles, 00:38:20.760 --> 00:38:21.579 the non-Jews. 00:38:21.860 --> 00:38:22.880 It's not a clean animal. 00:38:23.579 --> 00:38:24.619 Every one of those animals 00:38:24.619 --> 00:38:25.240 accounted for, 00:38:25.340 --> 00:38:27.240 every single people within Israel 00:38:27.239 --> 00:38:28.759 represented by blood. 00:38:30.479 --> 00:38:31.459 Isn't that powerful? 00:38:32.599 --> 00:38:34.099 I don't know what all Jesus 00:38:34.099 --> 00:38:34.919 would have taught 00:38:34.919 --> 00:38:35.879 from the temple, 00:38:36.179 --> 00:38:37.399 but this is what would have been 00:38:37.399 --> 00:38:38.719 going on around everyone 00:38:38.719 --> 00:38:39.919 for seven days. 00:38:40.299 --> 00:38:41.399 And when he's speaking 00:38:41.399 --> 00:38:42.439 on the last day, 00:38:43.359 --> 00:38:44.500 look at verse 45. 00:38:45.179 --> 00:38:47.059 The officers came to the chief priests 00:38:47.059 --> 00:38:48.319 and Pharisees and said, 00:38:48.819 --> 00:38:50.859 why did you not bring him to us? 00:38:50.919 --> 00:38:52.159 And the officers answered, 00:38:52.159 --> 00:38:55.879 no one ever spoke like this man. 00:38:57.239 --> 00:38:57.819 See, 00:38:57.939 --> 00:39:00.099 Jesus spoke with an authority, 00:39:00.619 --> 00:39:03.119 being God and being man, 00:39:03.379 --> 00:39:04.659 being the true high priest. 00:39:04.959 --> 00:39:06.419 His authority was the one 00:39:06.419 --> 00:39:08.059 of the man who knew 00:39:08.059 --> 00:39:10.059 he would pay the price 00:39:10.059 --> 00:39:12.059 that God's law requires. 00:39:13.219 --> 00:39:15.839 And he spoke with compassion for them. 00:39:16.479 --> 00:39:18.139 And he spoke knowing exactly 00:39:18.139 --> 00:39:21.019 what his mission for them was. 00:39:22.679 --> 00:39:24.159 Hebrews 10.4 says, 00:39:24.399 --> 00:39:25.259 it is impossible 00:39:25.260 --> 00:39:27.640 for the blood of bulls and goats 00:39:27.640 --> 00:39:29.060 to take away sin. 00:39:30.080 --> 00:39:32.640 So God set up this beautiful ceremony 00:39:32.640 --> 00:39:33.820 to show, look, 00:39:34.400 --> 00:39:35.800 the blood of a substitute 00:39:35.800 --> 00:39:37.280 is what you need. 00:39:37.880 --> 00:39:39.360 And there's no forgiveness of sins 00:39:39.360 --> 00:39:40.500 except through grace 00:39:40.500 --> 00:39:41.760 given by faith 00:39:41.760 --> 00:39:43.220 in both testaments. 00:39:43.640 --> 00:39:44.860 And it's ultimately 00:39:44.860 --> 00:39:46.480 the faith that you have 00:39:46.480 --> 00:39:47.540 that God will be true 00:39:47.540 --> 00:39:48.380 to his promise, 00:39:48.720 --> 00:39:51.120 ultimately by taking on flesh himself 00:39:51.119 --> 00:39:53.279 and shedding his very own blood 00:39:53.279 --> 00:39:55.819 that your sins may be forgiven. 00:39:56.779 --> 00:39:57.920 Notice the response. 00:39:58.119 --> 00:39:58.839 Verse 47. 00:39:59.339 --> 00:40:00.460 The Pharisees answered him, 00:40:01.480 --> 00:40:02.099 answered them, 00:40:02.159 --> 00:40:04.219 these officials who did not arrest him, 00:40:04.679 --> 00:40:07.159 have you also been deceived? 00:40:08.359 --> 00:40:09.279 Well, they are the ones 00:40:09.279 --> 00:40:10.199 who are deceived, aren't they? 00:40:10.219 --> 00:40:11.099 They're long on all 00:40:11.099 --> 00:40:12.239 their man-made regulations. 00:40:12.539 --> 00:40:14.920 They're very short on true holiness. 00:40:15.539 --> 00:40:16.219 Verse 48. 00:40:16.579 --> 00:40:17.699 Have any of the authorities 00:40:17.699 --> 00:40:19.159 or the Pharisees believed in him? 00:40:19.679 --> 00:40:21.059 Expecting the answer would be no. 00:40:21.559 --> 00:40:22.599 And then John subtly, 00:40:22.799 --> 00:40:23.579 ironically again, 00:40:23.719 --> 00:40:24.839 sets in Nicodemus. 00:40:25.299 --> 00:40:26.899 Here's a prominent Pharisee 00:40:26.899 --> 00:40:28.980 who has in fact believed him. 00:40:29.199 --> 00:40:29.980 And at this point, 00:40:30.059 --> 00:40:31.559 Nicodemus is not at night. 00:40:32.119 --> 00:40:33.579 It's on the great day of the feast 00:40:33.579 --> 00:40:34.579 with everyone's attention, 00:40:34.719 --> 00:40:36.279 all the murmuring about him. 00:40:36.799 --> 00:40:37.899 He speaks up now. 00:40:38.659 --> 00:40:40.420 He speaks up in verse 50. 00:40:41.279 --> 00:40:43.119 Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, 00:40:43.239 --> 00:40:44.379 who was one of them, 00:40:44.500 --> 00:40:45.259 one of the Pharisees, 00:40:45.339 --> 00:40:45.920 said to them, 00:40:46.420 --> 00:40:47.599 does our law judge a man 00:40:47.599 --> 00:40:49.500 without first giving him 00:40:49.500 --> 00:40:51.119 a hearing and learning 00:40:51.119 --> 00:40:51.900 what he does. 00:40:52.339 --> 00:40:53.259 He's still tactful. 00:40:53.759 --> 00:40:55.179 He's still, you know, 00:40:55.279 --> 00:40:56.179 politically savvy, 00:40:56.259 --> 00:40:56.839 you could say, 00:40:56.960 --> 00:40:57.699 like Esther. 00:40:57.900 --> 00:40:58.839 For such a time as this, 00:40:58.920 --> 00:40:59.619 God placed him 00:40:59.619 --> 00:41:01.059 and used Nicodemus 00:41:01.059 --> 00:41:01.860 in his providence. 00:41:02.659 --> 00:41:03.739 We can take an encouragement 00:41:03.739 --> 00:41:04.659 from this as well, 00:41:04.759 --> 00:41:06.619 that Peter's profession of faith 00:41:06.619 --> 00:41:08.219 was bold and loud, you know. 00:41:08.219 --> 00:41:09.539 You alone have the words 00:41:09.539 --> 00:41:10.420 of eternal life. 00:41:11.339 --> 00:41:12.339 Nicodemus believed 00:41:12.339 --> 00:41:13.339 and he spoke up, 00:41:13.400 --> 00:41:14.420 but it was in God's timing 00:41:14.420 --> 00:41:14.920 for him. 00:41:15.740 --> 00:41:17.559 And God will save each one 00:41:17.559 --> 00:41:18.680 that he died for 00:41:18.680 --> 00:41:20.039 in his right timing. 00:41:20.380 --> 00:41:21.280 We need to be patient. 00:41:21.800 --> 00:41:22.579 We need to trust him 00:41:22.579 --> 00:41:24.119 to draw each one 00:41:24.119 --> 00:41:25.380 in their own way. 00:41:26.400 --> 00:41:27.780 And look at the reaction 00:41:27.780 --> 00:41:28.920 that Nicodemus gets. 00:41:29.380 --> 00:41:30.539 Immediately after making 00:41:30.539 --> 00:41:31.720 a profession of faith, 00:41:32.300 --> 00:41:33.079 he's persecuted. 00:41:33.559 --> 00:41:35.079 They replied to Nicodemus 00:41:35.079 --> 00:41:35.940 in verse 52, 00:41:36.320 --> 00:41:37.559 are you from Galilee too? 00:41:38.099 --> 00:41:38.980 Search and see that 00:41:38.980 --> 00:41:40.220 no prophet arises 00:41:40.220 --> 00:41:41.639 from Galilee. 00:41:42.299 --> 00:41:43.219 You're going to associate 00:41:43.219 --> 00:41:44.460 yourself with that man. 00:41:44.879 --> 00:41:45.579 You better be ready 00:41:45.579 --> 00:41:46.739 for the way of the cross. 00:41:47.219 --> 00:41:48.359 That's the way he's going. 00:41:49.239 --> 00:41:50.400 And if you follow him, 00:41:50.859 --> 00:41:51.699 that's what you need 00:41:51.699 --> 00:41:52.779 to expect as well. 00:41:54.960 --> 00:41:56.579 So that's the Feast of Nations 00:41:56.579 --> 00:41:58.000 to the end of chapter 7, 00:41:58.079 --> 00:41:58.719 but it continues 00:41:58.719 --> 00:42:00.219 into chapter 8 next week. 00:42:00.940 --> 00:42:02.179 I've just tried to show you 00:42:02.179 --> 00:42:02.960 how Jesus is 00:42:02.960 --> 00:42:04.339 the temple mediator. 00:42:05.299 --> 00:42:06.719 He is the living water. 00:42:07.960 --> 00:42:09.960 He fulfilled God's law perfectly. 00:42:09.960 --> 00:42:12.480 And he poured out his blood, 00:42:12.579 --> 00:42:14.000 the full satisfaction 00:42:14.000 --> 00:42:15.900 that God requires. 00:42:16.579 --> 00:42:18.519 Jesus is the head 00:42:18.519 --> 00:42:19.300 of his nation. 00:42:20.440 --> 00:42:22.139 He poured out his life 00:42:22.139 --> 00:42:24.199 on his last day of ministry, 00:42:24.340 --> 00:42:25.000 the great day, 00:42:25.099 --> 00:42:25.800 the last day, 00:42:25.920 --> 00:42:26.440 Good Friday. 00:42:27.099 --> 00:42:29.360 And he rose on the Lord's day, 00:42:29.440 --> 00:42:30.079 the first day 00:42:30.079 --> 00:42:31.039 of the new creation. 00:42:31.920 --> 00:42:33.840 And he promises bounty 00:42:33.840 --> 00:42:36.280 and abundance of life in him. 00:42:36.940 --> 00:42:37.579 You'll be part 00:42:37.579 --> 00:42:38.460 of the new creation. 00:42:38.460 --> 00:42:40.539 His blood fully satisfied 00:42:40.539 --> 00:42:41.400 God's law 00:42:41.400 --> 00:42:42.539 because he took 00:42:42.539 --> 00:42:43.880 the wrath of God 00:42:43.880 --> 00:42:44.960 in the place 00:42:44.960 --> 00:42:47.539 of death-deserving sinners. 00:42:48.420 --> 00:42:49.059 Who he said, 00:42:49.179 --> 00:42:49.860 that people, 00:42:50.380 --> 00:42:51.539 they are my bride. 00:42:51.920 --> 00:42:53.019 I'm married to them. 00:42:53.460 --> 00:42:54.300 They're coming with me 00:42:54.300 --> 00:42:55.840 to my father's home. 00:42:57.500 --> 00:42:59.280 I want to encourage you today 00:42:59.280 --> 00:43:01.179 to approach God 00:43:01.179 --> 00:43:02.360 through the truth 00:43:02.360 --> 00:43:03.519 that Christ preaches. 00:43:04.079 --> 00:43:05.720 You need to drink of him. 00:43:06.800 --> 00:43:07.800 Take Christ in. 00:43:07.800 --> 00:43:09.360 He pours out his spirit 00:43:09.360 --> 00:43:11.200 to anyone who is thirsty. 00:43:12.240 --> 00:43:13.340 And if you are thirsty, 00:43:13.440 --> 00:43:14.400 it's because he's caused 00:43:14.400 --> 00:43:16.519 your soul to thirst for him. 00:43:17.539 --> 00:43:18.240 Praise God 00:43:18.240 --> 00:43:19.000 that even though 00:43:19.000 --> 00:43:20.740 you are still in this world, 00:43:20.840 --> 00:43:21.820 you don't belong here, 00:43:22.120 --> 00:43:23.060 you're a sojourner, 00:43:24.220 --> 00:43:27.039 your home is waiting for you 00:43:27.039 --> 00:43:29.580 and your home is with Christ 00:43:29.580 --> 00:43:31.240 if you are in him. 00:43:32.160 --> 00:43:33.380 He says that now 00:43:33.380 --> 00:43:34.980 you no longer need to thirst 00:43:34.980 --> 00:43:35.720 in your soul. 00:43:35.719 --> 00:43:36.559 You can be filled 00:43:36.559 --> 00:43:38.139 each day with the Holy Spirit. 00:43:38.259 --> 00:43:39.159 Ephesians 5. 00:43:40.059 --> 00:43:41.079 And that from your heart 00:43:41.079 --> 00:43:43.079 living waters will flow. 00:43:44.399 --> 00:43:45.619 So ask Christ now 00:43:45.619 --> 00:43:46.539 to conform you 00:43:46.539 --> 00:43:47.219 and prepare you 00:43:47.219 --> 00:43:49.139 for your eternal home with him. 00:43:50.339 --> 00:43:51.379 And it's for you, 00:43:51.459 --> 00:43:52.939 but it's not just for you. 00:43:53.299 --> 00:43:54.119 You're still on earth 00:43:54.119 --> 00:43:54.799 to be prepared, 00:43:54.919 --> 00:43:55.779 but also to be part 00:43:55.779 --> 00:43:56.379 of his mission. 00:43:57.159 --> 00:43:58.819 See, the nations are parched. 00:44:00.219 --> 00:44:01.139 They're thirsty. 00:44:01.699 --> 00:44:02.359 They don't even know 00:44:02.360 --> 00:44:03.340 what they're thirsty for. 00:44:04.360 --> 00:44:06.500 There's over 6,000 people groups 00:44:06.500 --> 00:44:08.260 that don't have God's word. 00:44:08.579 --> 00:44:09.920 And we need to be part of that. 00:44:10.140 --> 00:44:11.079 Through his church, 00:44:11.500 --> 00:44:12.960 the waters of life 00:44:12.960 --> 00:44:13.860 will flow out 00:44:13.860 --> 00:44:15.700 until all of his people 00:44:15.700 --> 00:44:16.780 come to him. 00:44:17.780 --> 00:44:18.559 Hebrews 12 00:44:18.559 --> 00:44:20.680 tells us that Jesus, 00:44:21.440 --> 00:44:23.500 for the joy set before him, 00:44:23.660 --> 00:44:25.099 endured the cross, 00:44:25.740 --> 00:44:27.200 despising its shame. 00:44:27.199 --> 00:44:29.359 And now from his throne 00:44:29.359 --> 00:44:30.239 in heaven, 00:44:30.639 --> 00:44:32.319 he is bringing in 00:44:32.319 --> 00:44:33.239 the harvest 00:44:33.239 --> 00:44:34.879 because he is 00:44:34.879 --> 00:44:36.039 the feast 00:44:36.039 --> 00:44:37.159 of the nations. 00:44:38.279 --> 00:44:39.719 You get to be part of that. 00:44:40.119 --> 00:44:40.539 Let's pray. 00:44:41.539 --> 00:44:43.379 From Revelation 22. 00:44:48.519 --> 00:44:50.460 The Spirit and the Bride 00:44:50.460 --> 00:44:51.139 say, come. 00:44:51.139 --> 00:44:54.420 Even now, 00:44:54.679 --> 00:44:55.859 let the one who hears 00:44:55.859 --> 00:44:57.779 say, come to Christ. 00:44:59.039 --> 00:45:00.000 And let the one 00:45:00.000 --> 00:45:01.119 who is thirsty come. 00:45:02.319 --> 00:45:03.799 Let the one who desires 00:45:03.799 --> 00:45:04.980 take Christ 00:45:04.980 --> 00:45:06.440 as Lord and Savior 00:45:06.440 --> 00:45:08.379 and drink from him 00:45:08.379 --> 00:45:10.699 the water of life 00:45:10.699 --> 00:45:12.879 given without price. 00:45:13.619 --> 00:45:13.960 Amen.