WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.080 We hope that you enjoy this teaching from Christ Church. 00:00:05.540 --> 00:00:09.519 This material is copyrighted and no unauthorized duplication, 00:00:09.880 --> 00:00:15.280 redistribution, or any other use of any part is permitted without prior consent from Christ Church. 00:00:15.280 --> 00:00:22.620 Please consider donating to this work in the San Francisco Bay Area online at ChristChurchEastBay.org. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:37.159 Today's scripture reading is according to the Gospel of Mark, chapter 1, verses 21 to 45. 00:00:39.759 --> 00:00:41.780 A reading from the Gospel according to Mark. 00:00:42.679 --> 00:00:48.780 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 00:00:49.579 --> 00:00:57.240 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 00:00:57.240 --> 00:01:03.800 Just then, a man in their synagogue, who was possessed by an impure spirit, cried out, 00:01:04.400 --> 00:01:07.120 What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? 00:01:07.760 --> 00:01:09.420 Have you come to destroy us? 00:01:09.920 --> 00:01:12.420 I know who you are, the Holy One of God. 00:01:14.659 --> 00:01:17.280 Be quiet, said Jesus sternly. 00:01:18.180 --> 00:01:19.359 Come out of him. 00:01:20.500 --> 00:01:25.359 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. 00:01:27.239 --> 00:01:30.799 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, 00:01:31.280 --> 00:01:32.640 What is this? 00:01:32.899 --> 00:01:34.839 A new teaching, and with authority. 00:01:35.979 --> 00:01:38.819 He even gives orders to impure spirits, and they obey him. 00:01:39.839 --> 00:01:43.379 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. 00:01:44.780 --> 00:01:50.019 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 00:01:50.019 --> 00:01:56.619 Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. 00:01:57.959 --> 00:02:01.280 So he went to her, took her hand, and helped her up. 00:02:02.840 --> 00:02:04.959 The fever left her, and she began to wait on them. 00:02:06.280 --> 00:02:11.620 That evening, after sunset, the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 00:02:11.620 --> 00:02:17.840 The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. 00:02:18.659 --> 00:02:24.080 He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak, because they knew who he was. 00:02:25.500 --> 00:02:34.040 Very early in the morning, while it was dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place where he prayed. 00:02:34.039 --> 00:02:40.500 Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed, 00:02:40.939 --> 00:02:42.419 Everyone is looking for you. 00:02:43.599 --> 00:02:44.419 Jesus replied, 00:02:45.120 --> 00:02:50.199 Let us go somewhere else, to the nearby villages, so I can preach there also. 00:02:51.199 --> 00:02:52.379 That is why I have come. 00:02:54.359 --> 00:02:59.639 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. 00:02:59.639 --> 00:03:03.859 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, 00:03:04.119 --> 00:03:06.419 If you are willing, you can make me clean. 00:03:08.039 --> 00:03:09.159 Jesus was indignant. 00:03:09.739 --> 00:03:11.959 He reached out his hand and touched the man. 00:03:12.739 --> 00:03:14.299 I am willing, he said. 00:03:15.000 --> 00:03:15.559 Be clean. 00:03:17.019 --> 00:03:19.439 Immediately, the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. 00:03:21.279 --> 00:03:23.599 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning. 00:03:24.259 --> 00:03:26.579 See that you don't tell this to anyone, but go. 00:03:26.580 --> 00:03:34.600 Show yourself to the priests and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing as a testimony to them. 00:03:35.960 --> 00:03:42.200 Instead, he went out and began to talk frequently, freely, spreading the news. 00:03:43.439 --> 00:03:49.220 As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly, but stayed outside in lonely places. 00:03:50.080 --> 00:03:52.000 Yet the people still came to him from everywhere. 00:03:53.240 --> 00:03:54.520 This is the gospel of the Lord. 00:03:54.520 --> 00:03:58.939 Father, we thank you for sending your son. 00:04:00.520 --> 00:04:01.580 As a servant. 00:04:02.460 --> 00:04:03.860 As a beloved son. 00:04:05.240 --> 00:04:07.460 And also as a king. 00:04:07.719 --> 00:04:08.320 A messiah. 00:04:08.500 --> 00:04:09.420 The royal one. 00:04:10.480 --> 00:04:12.240 And a king unlike any other. 00:04:13.960 --> 00:04:16.819 And I pray, God, that this morning in the preaching of your word, 00:04:16.819 --> 00:04:24.180 you would open our eyes to the uniqueness of Jesus' royal identity. 00:04:25.620 --> 00:04:27.040 And would we behold him? 00:04:27.459 --> 00:04:32.259 And would our hearts be filled with worship because of the king that he's revealed himself to be? 00:04:32.920 --> 00:04:34.019 In Jesus' name. 00:04:34.600 --> 00:04:34.839 Amen. 00:04:34.839 --> 00:04:34.919 Amen. 00:04:36.119 --> 00:04:36.319 All right. 00:04:36.359 --> 00:04:42.119 So I want to test you if you remember, maybe youth in the room, I want to ask you if you can remember, 00:04:42.299 --> 00:04:44.579 help your third through fifth grade brothers out. 00:04:45.759 --> 00:04:51.779 Every gospel emphasizes the identity of Jesus in a distinct particular way. 00:04:52.019 --> 00:04:52.259 All right? 00:04:52.259 --> 00:04:55.439 What way does Matthew emphasize Jesus? 00:04:55.599 --> 00:05:00.360 Jesus as the promised what? 00:05:01.079 --> 00:05:02.199 Promised Messiah. 00:05:02.519 --> 00:05:02.819 Who is that? 00:05:02.839 --> 00:05:03.519 Was that you, Dorothy? 00:05:04.099 --> 00:05:04.500 All right. 00:05:04.539 --> 00:05:05.240 A plus, Dorothy. 00:05:05.420 --> 00:05:05.740 All right. 00:05:06.639 --> 00:05:07.000 Luke. 00:05:07.420 --> 00:05:10.259 Luke emphasizes Jesus' identity as what? 00:05:10.259 --> 00:05:10.339 What? 00:05:10.339 --> 00:05:16.339 If Matthew was the son of David, Luke is the son of... 00:05:18.979 --> 00:05:20.219 Son of man. 00:05:20.299 --> 00:05:20.899 Who said that? 00:05:21.899 --> 00:05:22.279 All right. 00:05:22.339 --> 00:05:23.560 Steve Cooglin, you count too. 00:05:24.239 --> 00:05:24.599 All right. 00:05:24.659 --> 00:05:25.279 Son of man. 00:05:25.759 --> 00:05:27.259 Luke emphasizes his humanity. 00:05:27.639 --> 00:05:27.899 All right? 00:05:28.259 --> 00:05:29.859 The gospel of John emphasizes what? 00:05:30.019 --> 00:05:33.439 Jesus as God. 00:05:33.679 --> 00:05:34.500 As the son of God. 00:05:34.759 --> 00:05:35.039 Right? 00:05:35.379 --> 00:05:35.659 Okay. 00:05:35.659 --> 00:05:39.919 And now this gospel that we're working on, the gospel of Mark, emphasizes what? 00:05:40.339 --> 00:05:42.279 Thank you. 00:05:42.419 --> 00:05:43.479 Good job, Jack Jack. 00:05:44.099 --> 00:05:45.679 Jesus as the servant. 00:05:45.799 --> 00:05:47.099 The servant, son of God. 00:05:47.139 --> 00:05:48.339 That's what we talked about last week. 00:05:48.579 --> 00:05:51.079 I just want to give a little bit of a refresher on that. 00:05:51.359 --> 00:05:53.179 I wish I did this last week, actually. 00:05:54.519 --> 00:05:57.659 We talked about Jesus as the servant, son of God. 00:05:58.039 --> 00:05:58.239 Right? 00:05:58.579 --> 00:06:00.359 And I wish I just gave this illustration last week. 00:06:00.439 --> 00:06:03.399 But, you know, now that we have the third and fifth graders, it's a perfect time to do it again. 00:06:04.099 --> 00:06:06.139 What does it mean that Jesus is the servant, son of God? 00:06:07.099 --> 00:06:08.519 Well, it means a lot of things. 00:06:09.199 --> 00:06:13.979 That he's a son, it means that he has a father. 00:06:14.699 --> 00:06:15.000 Right? 00:06:15.500 --> 00:06:20.039 And many of you have seen this triangle before and you're rolling your eyes at me, but this is how we create culture, all right? 00:06:20.079 --> 00:06:21.839 This is how we get it into the DNA of our church. 00:06:22.259 --> 00:06:25.740 He's a son, therefore he has a father who loves him. 00:06:25.740 --> 00:06:30.659 He rips open the heavens and says, this is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased. 00:06:30.799 --> 00:06:32.459 He gives him that identity. 00:06:32.659 --> 00:06:34.000 You are my beloved son. 00:06:34.719 --> 00:06:35.819 You are my beloved son. 00:06:35.819 --> 00:06:40.099 And we need to remember that that's how everything kicks off. 00:06:40.180 --> 00:06:41.040 Does Jesus go and heal? 00:06:41.120 --> 00:06:42.420 Does Jesus go and teach? 00:06:42.680 --> 00:06:45.879 Does Jesus go and do anything before this happens? 00:06:46.540 --> 00:06:46.819 No. 00:06:47.920 --> 00:06:50.120 His identity is declared from the heavens. 00:06:50.459 --> 00:06:51.459 You are my beloved son. 00:06:51.620 --> 00:06:52.680 With you I am well pleased. 00:06:52.959 --> 00:06:56.579 And then he goes into the wilderness and triumphs over Satan and the wild animals. 00:06:56.779 --> 00:07:00.639 And then he goes out and starts to build his squad of disciples. 00:07:00.639 --> 00:07:06.379 Then he goes out to teach and to heal and do all the things that we read about just now, today. 00:07:07.099 --> 00:07:13.079 His father proclaims his identity as his son from the heavens, beloved. 00:07:14.259 --> 00:07:18.479 And it's out of that identity that he obeys. 00:07:18.480 --> 00:07:24.680 You got this in your notes, Rachel Passman? 00:07:25.800 --> 00:07:26.780 You got this triangle? 00:07:27.280 --> 00:07:27.660 All right. 00:07:27.939 --> 00:07:31.600 And we call this the covenant triangle. 00:07:31.720 --> 00:07:36.980 Because it speaks to Jesus' covenant relationship with his father. 00:07:37.120 --> 00:07:44.700 And it also speaks to, if we understand that Jesus is the way, it speaks to our relationships with our father. 00:07:44.699 --> 00:07:47.319 And this order is so important. 00:07:47.420 --> 00:07:48.979 The order of Jesus' life is so important. 00:07:49.259 --> 00:07:51.500 His baptism before his works and his teachings. 00:07:51.959 --> 00:07:59.219 Because the pattern is not that we obey the father to get an identity. 00:08:00.159 --> 00:08:00.480 No. 00:08:01.839 --> 00:08:04.259 That's called self-righteousness. 00:08:05.259 --> 00:08:08.779 But the pattern is God telling Jesus who he is. 00:08:09.399 --> 00:08:12.120 And it's out of that identity that he obeys. 00:08:12.680 --> 00:08:14.279 He's a son before he's a servant. 00:08:15.180 --> 00:08:16.379 He's a son before he's a servant. 00:08:16.479 --> 00:08:18.120 And the same way with us. 00:08:18.719 --> 00:08:21.659 Now that's super important that he is a son and a servant. 00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:23.360 But make no mistake, he is a servant. 00:08:23.479 --> 00:08:25.159 There is obedience involved. 00:08:25.339 --> 00:08:25.599 All right. 00:08:25.879 --> 00:08:32.480 And what we're getting into today in Mark's gospel is we're getting into how this servant life looked. 00:08:32.919 --> 00:08:33.179 Okay. 00:08:33.340 --> 00:08:36.439 And what's important to note is that he's not just a son and a servant. 00:08:36.860 --> 00:08:39.720 But he's also a king. 00:08:40.899 --> 00:08:41.179 Okay. 00:08:41.799 --> 00:08:43.519 He's also a king. 00:08:43.600 --> 00:08:44.299 His father's a king. 00:08:44.299 --> 00:08:45.839 He's a royal son of the king. 00:08:46.839 --> 00:08:49.339 And I want to show you another triangle that we use. 00:08:50.639 --> 00:08:52.939 We call this the kingdom triangle. 00:08:54.439 --> 00:08:54.759 Okay. 00:08:55.719 --> 00:08:59.699 His father is also a king. 00:08:59.700 --> 00:09:11.440 And his identity comes with authority. 00:09:11.440 --> 00:09:14.040 And his authority comes with power. 00:09:14.039 --> 00:09:16.339 That's what we're going to look at today. 00:09:16.340 --> 00:09:17.879 The unique identity of Jesus. 00:09:17.879 --> 00:09:18.279 Jesus. 00:09:18.279 --> 00:09:19.460 Not just as a son and a servant. 00:09:20.139 --> 00:09:22.460 But as the son of a king. 00:09:23.080 --> 00:09:25.639 With inherent authority from his heavenly father. 00:09:26.360 --> 00:09:31.220 And who uses that authority in power to obey. 00:09:31.360 --> 00:09:35.639 To do all the things that God his father has called him to do. 00:09:35.820 --> 00:09:36.500 Does that make sense? 00:09:36.500 --> 00:09:37.139 All right. 00:09:37.139 --> 00:09:38.159 So we have two triangles. 00:09:38.159 --> 00:09:39.000 The covenant triangle. 00:09:39.200 --> 00:09:40.779 And the kingdom triangle. 00:09:41.240 --> 00:09:41.539 Okay. 00:09:42.440 --> 00:09:46.080 And what I want to do now is I want to open up our text. 00:09:46.259 --> 00:09:47.480 Matthew chapter 21. 00:09:49.039 --> 00:09:53.980 And I want to show us how he exercises this authority. 00:09:54.980 --> 00:09:56.320 How he exercises this authority. 00:09:56.320 --> 00:10:00.460 So will you turn with me to Mark chapter 1 verse 21. 00:10:01.980 --> 00:10:05.160 And basically what we're going to do is we're going to ask three questions. 00:10:05.720 --> 00:10:10.080 We're going to ask what does Jesus exercise his authority over? 00:10:11.000 --> 00:10:14.660 We're going to ask who does Jesus exercise his authority for? 00:10:15.260 --> 00:10:19.560 And then we're going to ask how does Jesus exercise his authority? 00:10:20.420 --> 00:10:23.160 And to sum up the answer to all three questions. 00:10:23.440 --> 00:10:24.360 Here's the main point. 00:10:24.360 --> 00:10:30.320 Jesus exercises his authority over illness and evil. 00:10:31.440 --> 00:10:33.060 For his father. 00:10:33.820 --> 00:10:35.000 And with compassion. 00:10:35.740 --> 00:10:39.600 Jesus exercises his authority over evil and illness. 00:10:40.019 --> 00:10:41.100 For his father. 00:10:41.899 --> 00:10:43.480 And with compassion. 00:10:45.200 --> 00:10:48.240 So let's turn to Mark chapter 1 verse 21. 00:10:49.060 --> 00:10:53.259 I think it's on page 812 of your pew Bibles. 00:10:53.259 --> 00:10:55.039 If you'd like to look at that. 00:10:59.639 --> 00:11:00.039 Now. 00:11:01.039 --> 00:11:02.700 What does Jesus exercise his authority over? 00:11:02.759 --> 00:11:03.439 I just gave you the answer. 00:11:03.720 --> 00:11:05.860 We're talking about evil and illness. 00:11:06.100 --> 00:11:06.299 Alright. 00:11:06.539 --> 00:11:08.439 We see him do these two things right away. 00:11:08.559 --> 00:11:08.919 Verse 21. 00:11:09.039 --> 00:11:09.519 Walk with me. 00:11:10.240 --> 00:11:11.220 They went to Capernaum. 00:11:11.960 --> 00:11:13.059 And when the Sabbath came. 00:11:13.220 --> 00:11:14.720 Jesus went into the synagogue. 00:11:14.720 --> 00:11:16.120 And began to teach. 00:11:16.120 --> 00:11:18.840 So you already see his authority is beginning to be recognized. 00:11:19.039 --> 00:11:19.419 Even there. 00:11:19.500 --> 00:11:20.580 They're letting him teach in the synagogue. 00:11:21.039 --> 00:11:21.600 Verse 22. 00:11:21.899 --> 00:11:25.740 The people were amazed at his teaching. 00:11:26.379 --> 00:11:27.539 The people were amazed at his teaching. 00:11:27.779 --> 00:11:28.139 Because. 00:11:28.600 --> 00:11:28.799 Why? 00:11:29.340 --> 00:11:31.539 He taught them as one who had authority. 00:11:32.080 --> 00:11:33.960 Not as the teachers of the law. 00:11:34.519 --> 00:11:36.500 Now Mark doesn't give us all the clues about like. 00:11:36.500 --> 00:11:39.659 What was so seemingly authoritative about his teaching. 00:11:39.740 --> 00:11:42.419 But if you look back in the Gospel of Matthew's account. 00:11:43.139 --> 00:11:46.299 This same language happens right after he gives his famous sermon. 00:11:46.600 --> 00:11:47.580 The Sermon on the Mount. 00:11:48.139 --> 00:11:49.559 Where he's saying things like. 00:11:49.860 --> 00:11:50.779 You have heard it was said. 00:11:50.919 --> 00:11:51.879 But I say to you. 00:11:52.139 --> 00:11:53.799 Truly I tell you this. 00:11:53.840 --> 00:11:55.840 He's speaking on his own authority. 00:11:56.440 --> 00:11:59.100 Whereas many of the scribes and the teachers of the law at the time would say. 00:11:59.340 --> 00:12:00.419 Well Moses said that. 00:12:00.480 --> 00:12:01.700 Or Rabbi this said that. 00:12:01.759 --> 00:12:02.899 And this is what I think. 00:12:02.899 --> 00:12:04.179 Like Jesus said. 00:12:04.860 --> 00:12:06.759 This is my authoritative voice. 00:12:07.319 --> 00:12:09.120 I'm telling you what the truth is. 00:12:09.539 --> 00:12:10.799 And they noticed that. 00:12:10.860 --> 00:12:12.059 There's something different about him. 00:12:12.439 --> 00:12:14.659 He has authority in his teaching. 00:12:14.779 --> 00:12:15.379 So from the beginning. 00:12:15.519 --> 00:12:17.159 There's just something unique about him. 00:12:18.379 --> 00:12:18.860 Unmistakable. 00:12:19.600 --> 00:12:22.500 And it's not only the people who recognize this authority. 00:12:23.379 --> 00:12:25.620 But also the spirits in the room. 00:12:26.120 --> 00:12:27.059 There are spirits in this room. 00:12:27.120 --> 00:12:27.699 Verse 23. 00:12:28.100 --> 00:12:28.620 Just then. 00:12:28.620 --> 00:12:29.799 So as Jesus is teaching. 00:12:29.980 --> 00:12:31.539 You know with his amazingly unique authority. 00:12:31.539 --> 00:12:33.079 A man in their synagogue. 00:12:33.799 --> 00:12:36.679 Who was possessed by an impure spirit. 00:12:37.000 --> 00:12:37.599 Cried out. 00:12:38.459 --> 00:12:39.819 What do you want with us? 00:12:39.860 --> 00:12:41.120 Jesus of Nazareth. 00:12:41.659 --> 00:12:43.439 Have you come to destroy us? 00:12:44.079 --> 00:12:45.339 I know who you are. 00:12:45.679 --> 00:12:48.120 The Holy One of God. 00:12:49.779 --> 00:12:51.079 And what does Jesus do? 00:12:51.599 --> 00:12:53.419 Simply by his authoritative. 00:12:53.980 --> 00:12:55.039 Powerful word. 00:12:55.179 --> 00:12:56.299 Jesus removes the demon. 00:12:57.019 --> 00:12:57.699 He's not afraid. 00:12:57.819 --> 00:12:58.799 He's not hesitant. 00:12:59.120 --> 00:12:59.919 He's not startled. 00:13:00.059 --> 00:13:00.719 He doesn't stutter. 00:13:00.720 --> 00:13:01.820 He knows who he is. 00:13:01.899 --> 00:13:03.580 And he knows what he's there to do. 00:13:03.720 --> 00:13:06.620 To exercise his authority for the kingdom of God. 00:13:06.779 --> 00:13:09.220 And he commands the demon to come out. 00:13:09.899 --> 00:13:10.360 Get out. 00:13:10.800 --> 00:13:11.360 Verse 25. 00:13:11.500 --> 00:13:12.100 Be quiet. 00:13:12.600 --> 00:13:13.240 Be quiet. 00:13:13.399 --> 00:13:14.740 Said Jesus sternly. 00:13:15.139 --> 00:13:15.920 Come out of him. 00:13:16.920 --> 00:13:19.360 The impure spirit shook the man violently. 00:13:19.820 --> 00:13:21.920 And came out of him with a shriek. 00:13:22.440 --> 00:13:24.560 The people were all so amazed. 00:13:24.899 --> 00:13:26.139 That they asked each other. 00:13:26.600 --> 00:13:27.519 What is this? 00:13:27.519 --> 00:13:28.919 A new teaching. 00:13:29.519 --> 00:13:30.960 And with authority. 00:13:31.539 --> 00:13:33.679 He even gives orders to impure spirits. 00:13:34.480 --> 00:13:36.120 And they obey him. 00:13:36.819 --> 00:13:41.799 Therefore news about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. 00:13:41.980 --> 00:13:43.939 News about his authority. 00:13:44.779 --> 00:13:47.379 And not just his authority over spiritual affliction. 00:13:47.539 --> 00:13:48.960 But look with me down at verse 29. 00:13:49.340 --> 00:13:51.879 Authority over physical affliction as well. 00:13:52.480 --> 00:13:54.059 He cast out this demon in the synagogue. 00:13:54.059 --> 00:13:55.879 As soon as they left the synagogue. 00:13:56.179 --> 00:13:57.059 It says in verse 29. 00:13:57.239 --> 00:13:59.939 They went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 00:14:00.599 --> 00:14:02.679 Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever. 00:14:03.239 --> 00:14:05.919 And they immediately told Jesus about her. 00:14:06.639 --> 00:14:07.479 So he went to her. 00:14:07.579 --> 00:14:08.079 Took her hand. 00:14:08.159 --> 00:14:09.279 And helped her up. 00:14:09.919 --> 00:14:10.859 The fever left her. 00:14:11.759 --> 00:14:13.959 And she began to wait on them. 00:14:14.859 --> 00:14:16.239 That evening after sunset. 00:14:16.239 --> 00:14:19.479 The people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon possessed. 00:14:19.599 --> 00:14:21.419 The whole town gathered at the door. 00:14:21.419 --> 00:14:23.959 For when Jesus healed many who had various diseases. 00:14:24.139 --> 00:14:25.659 He also drove out many demons. 00:14:26.099 --> 00:14:28.179 But he would not let the demons speak. 00:14:28.639 --> 00:14:31.719 Because they knew who he was. 00:14:32.219 --> 00:14:32.639 Okay. 00:14:32.719 --> 00:14:33.719 What is going on here? 00:14:34.639 --> 00:14:35.919 He's casting out demons. 00:14:36.139 --> 00:14:37.079 He's healing the sick. 00:14:37.479 --> 00:14:39.179 But he's not letting those unclean spirits. 00:14:39.279 --> 00:14:42.199 Those unclean mouths proclaim his identity. 00:14:42.419 --> 00:14:44.839 He doesn't want to be preached by them. 00:14:44.840 --> 00:14:50.100 And the point Mark is making here is that when Jesus, the servant, son of God, comes. 00:14:50.800 --> 00:14:54.100 He comes again with his father's royal authority and power. 00:14:54.300 --> 00:14:55.899 He comes to wage war. 00:14:56.220 --> 00:14:58.639 He comes to wage war on evil and illness. 00:14:58.759 --> 00:15:00.000 On demons and fevers. 00:15:00.360 --> 00:15:01.639 And he always wins. 00:15:02.680 --> 00:15:03.740 It's easy for him. 00:15:03.820 --> 00:15:05.180 Just by speaking a word. 00:15:05.500 --> 00:15:08.800 Just by taking hold of a bedridden woman's hand. 00:15:09.519 --> 00:15:11.480 He brings life into the situation. 00:15:11.660 --> 00:15:12.879 Light into the situation. 00:15:12.879 --> 00:15:18.759 Mark is showing us how the kingdom of light was breaking into the darkness upon the arrival of Jesus. 00:15:19.519 --> 00:15:21.799 He's the one we've been waiting for. 00:15:22.700 --> 00:15:24.039 He's the one we need. 00:15:25.419 --> 00:15:28.340 Now, this might sound kind of strange to you. 00:15:28.399 --> 00:15:36.399 Just starting off this kingdom authority aspect of Jesus with this demon possession. 00:15:36.600 --> 00:15:37.539 This exorcism. 00:15:38.019 --> 00:15:38.100 Right? 00:15:38.100 --> 00:15:49.779 Maybe there are some of us here who just feel like to talk about demon possession and the spirits, it seems kind of like superstitious and primitive and ancient. 00:15:50.480 --> 00:15:58.920 And even for those of us who do believe that this is possible, that this actually happened, most of us probably have never seen something like this. 00:15:58.919 --> 00:16:04.500 And we'd be surprised to, probably, in our lifetime, to see something like this. 00:16:04.599 --> 00:16:06.259 And we can talk about why that is. 00:16:06.579 --> 00:16:13.659 Why it was, you know, there seemed to be more demon possession, attacks of the spirits here in Jesus' time. 00:16:13.659 --> 00:16:17.240 Or maybe in other places in the world compared to the Western world. 00:16:17.299 --> 00:16:18.179 We can talk about that. 00:16:18.179 --> 00:16:20.579 But that's not what I'm going to focus on today. 00:16:21.939 --> 00:16:32.500 I want to focus on this question of, why is it plausible to believe that this spirit world, demons and the devil, exist? 00:16:33.139 --> 00:16:38.259 Why is it not just some kind of superstitious ancient thing that primitive people held to? 00:16:38.259 --> 00:16:45.559 And the first thing I want to say is, you know, there's this professor at Columbia University out in New York. 00:16:45.659 --> 00:16:47.059 His name is Andrew Del Blanco. 00:16:48.059 --> 00:16:49.100 He's Harvard educated. 00:16:49.240 --> 00:16:49.639 He's brilliant. 00:16:49.799 --> 00:16:54.059 Time magazine called him, you know, the best, America's best social critic. 00:16:54.819 --> 00:16:55.679 And he's not a Christian. 00:16:56.019 --> 00:16:59.720 He considers himself as someone who is secular, a secular liberal. 00:16:59.720 --> 00:17:07.620 And he would describe himself as pretty much an unbeliever is how he would describe himself. 00:17:07.740 --> 00:17:12.000 Even though, actually, in an interview I read with him, he said, yeah, I would characterize myself as an unbeliever. 00:17:12.100 --> 00:17:16.920 But then as they dug into his writings, they said, okay, maybe I'm like a half believer in something. 00:17:17.440 --> 00:17:22.279 But basically he considers himself kind of as a non-observant Jewish person. 00:17:23.279 --> 00:17:23.559 All right. 00:17:24.059 --> 00:17:25.480 And he wrote this book. 00:17:25.559 --> 00:17:26.680 It was all the way in 1996. 00:17:26.680 --> 00:17:29.340 He wrote this book called The Death of Satan. 00:17:29.820 --> 00:17:33.660 The Death of Satan, How Americans Have Lost the Sense of Evil. 00:17:34.620 --> 00:17:36.279 And in that book he writes this. 00:17:37.420 --> 00:17:39.220 The work of the devil is everywhere. 00:17:39.980 --> 00:17:41.660 But no one knows where to find him. 00:17:42.360 --> 00:17:44.960 We live in the most brutal century in human history. 00:17:45.140 --> 00:17:49.400 But instead of stepping forward to take the credit, he has rendered himself invisible. 00:17:50.160 --> 00:17:56.039 We no longer have a conception of evil as an entity with an essence of its own. 00:17:56.039 --> 00:18:00.440 And yet something that feels like this force still invades our experience. 00:18:01.079 --> 00:18:05.440 And we still discover in ourselves the capacity to inflict it on others. 00:18:06.139 --> 00:18:08.379 We have an inescapable problem. 00:18:08.519 --> 00:18:14.159 We feel something that our culture no longer gives us the vocabulary to express. 00:18:14.160 --> 00:18:20.300 And to him that is devils and demons and the evil spirits of this world. 00:18:20.360 --> 00:18:26.120 And I think what he's getting at is he's saying if you don't believe, if you don't believe the spiritual dimension of evil, 00:18:26.820 --> 00:18:33.880 which demons and the devil point to, then you're left with actually very shallow and simplistic understanding of evil. 00:18:33.880 --> 00:18:41.180 Like unless we acknowledge the spiritual dimension of evil and the demonic entities underlying evil, 00:18:41.240 --> 00:18:46.860 we won't understand the depth and the power and the pervasiveness of evil. 00:18:46.980 --> 00:18:51.240 Evil will only ever be natural and material and just random. 00:18:51.880 --> 00:18:56.020 And you'll either begin to accept it as inevitable and maybe even not that bad at all, 00:18:56.019 --> 00:19:03.319 or you'll spend the rest of your life trying to hack evil with psychology and social policies 00:19:03.319 --> 00:19:06.500 and all these insufficient natural fixes. 00:19:06.700 --> 00:19:09.819 Better education is all we need to get rid of evil in this world. 00:19:10.440 --> 00:19:11.960 More people to think like me. 00:19:12.519 --> 00:19:13.160 More money. 00:19:13.500 --> 00:19:14.220 Better policies. 00:19:14.519 --> 00:19:15.660 Better individual decisions. 00:19:16.059 --> 00:19:18.019 More scientific and technological advances. 00:19:18.019 --> 00:19:18.619 More advances. 00:19:19.200 --> 00:19:21.639 Eventually then we'll eradicate evil. 00:19:23.099 --> 00:19:28.920 But my question is how long will we modern secular Western people believe this godless lie? 00:19:30.139 --> 00:19:36.039 How many world wars and heinous scandals will we endure with such naive optimism? 00:19:37.339 --> 00:19:41.420 That's what happens when we don't admit the spiritual realm of darkness. 00:19:41.420 --> 00:19:46.420 And the second thing I want to say is to not believe in the spiritual dimension of evil 00:19:46.420 --> 00:19:49.680 is actually super Western, which is not a bad thing, 00:19:50.180 --> 00:19:53.440 but we have to acknowledge that it is very, very Western. 00:19:54.000 --> 00:19:58.039 Go to Africa, go to South America, many parts of Asia, 00:19:58.220 --> 00:20:02.240 and to them it's like no duh, we believe in the spiritual dimension of reality 00:20:02.240 --> 00:20:07.940 and, you know, in an invisible spiritual war between good and evil. 00:20:08.480 --> 00:20:14.759 How else could you explain the reality of the dynamics of good and evil in this world, they would say. 00:20:14.759 --> 00:20:20.640 So what if it's actually super arrogant and even imperialistic for us to think of ourselves 00:20:20.640 --> 00:20:23.680 as the rational and skeptical ones toward the spirits 00:20:23.680 --> 00:20:29.200 and then to think of our neighbors across the globe as more primitive and superstitious? 00:20:30.119 --> 00:20:33.920 Like, yes, Christianity has very much promoted the scientific endeavor 00:20:33.920 --> 00:20:36.180 and our understanding of the natural world, 00:20:36.240 --> 00:20:39.879 and it's even weeded out a lot of harmful and irrational superstition, 00:20:39.880 --> 00:20:45.160 but it's always at the same time upheld the reality of the spiritual realm. 00:20:45.740 --> 00:20:46.840 Just as the Apostle Paul says, 00:20:46.900 --> 00:20:49.340 our struggle is not against flesh and blood, 00:20:49.440 --> 00:20:51.200 but against the rulers, against the authorities, 00:20:51.380 --> 00:20:52.780 against the powers of this dark world, 00:20:53.160 --> 00:20:55.560 against the spiritual forces of evil. 00:20:56.740 --> 00:20:58.800 And then maybe this makes you feel uncomfortable, 00:20:59.380 --> 00:21:03.100 because, like, if the problem of evil is not just natural, 00:21:03.740 --> 00:21:05.760 if the problem of evil is spiritual, 00:21:05.759 --> 00:21:09.900 and you can't just hack it through techniques or simply natural means, 00:21:10.039 --> 00:21:13.259 then maybe you feel incredibly vulnerable, right? 00:21:13.759 --> 00:21:15.059 If it's a spiritual problem. 00:21:15.960 --> 00:21:17.400 But that's exactly the point. 00:21:18.119 --> 00:21:19.160 We are vulnerable. 00:21:19.859 --> 00:21:21.980 We are subject to invisible powers, 00:21:22.099 --> 00:21:24.980 deeper, darker, and deadlier than we know and realize. 00:21:25.079 --> 00:21:27.740 But listen, this is why the authority of Jesus 00:21:27.740 --> 00:21:30.140 is absolutely relevant, 00:21:30.879 --> 00:21:33.480 even to us modern Western people, 00:21:33.539 --> 00:21:34.039 to everyone. 00:21:34.039 --> 00:21:37.500 Do you remember what the demon says here in verse 24? 00:21:38.659 --> 00:21:40.159 What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? 00:21:40.480 --> 00:21:41.579 Have you come to destroy us? 00:21:41.639 --> 00:21:42.480 I know who you are. 00:21:42.539 --> 00:21:43.139 What does he call him? 00:21:43.599 --> 00:21:46.240 The Holy One of God. 00:21:47.480 --> 00:21:49.779 He's recognizing that Jesus has been anointed 00:21:49.779 --> 00:21:52.740 with the infinite power of the Holy Spirit. 00:21:53.700 --> 00:21:55.740 He's the light that expels all darkness, 00:21:55.879 --> 00:21:57.440 both the darkness outside of us 00:21:57.440 --> 00:21:59.220 and the darkness inside of us 00:21:59.220 --> 00:22:01.579 that we need to admit. 00:22:01.579 --> 00:22:04.639 The world needs a spiritual authority, 00:22:05.439 --> 00:22:08.460 a spiritual power that will fight for us, 00:22:08.740 --> 00:22:12.019 that will defend us and heal us inside and out, 00:22:12.099 --> 00:22:13.779 body, mind, and spirit. 00:22:14.799 --> 00:22:17.980 And that's what we see Christ doing here 00:22:17.980 --> 00:22:19.460 with his authority. 00:22:20.559 --> 00:22:23.220 Jesus comes as the son of a king 00:22:23.220 --> 00:22:26.500 who has authority over evil and illness. 00:22:26.559 --> 00:22:27.460 And this is good news. 00:22:27.460 --> 00:22:29.140 This is good news for the world, 00:22:29.220 --> 00:22:30.980 better news than we realize. 00:22:32.259 --> 00:22:34.700 Now, I said Jesus exercises authority 00:22:34.700 --> 00:22:36.880 over evil and illness, 00:22:37.539 --> 00:22:38.920 but who does he exercise it for? 00:22:39.180 --> 00:22:39.920 Point number two. 00:22:40.360 --> 00:22:43.200 He exercises it for his father. 00:22:44.019 --> 00:22:44.900 For his father. 00:22:45.180 --> 00:22:46.400 Let's move to verse 35. 00:22:46.400 --> 00:22:49.140 Very early in the morning, 00:22:50.180 --> 00:22:51.460 while it was still dark, 00:22:52.080 --> 00:22:53.040 Jesus got up, 00:22:53.580 --> 00:22:54.380 left the house, 00:22:54.980 --> 00:22:57.200 and went off to a solitary place 00:22:57.200 --> 00:22:58.460 where he prayed. 00:22:59.759 --> 00:23:02.040 Now, I want us to think about that for a second. 00:23:02.620 --> 00:23:02.800 Okay? 00:23:03.460 --> 00:23:04.600 If your job, 00:23:04.840 --> 00:23:08.820 if your job was to be the ultimate servant of God, 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:09.319 right? 00:23:09.319 --> 00:23:10.119 Right? 00:23:10.439 --> 00:23:11.359 If your job, 00:23:11.619 --> 00:23:14.619 if your mission was to save the world 00:23:14.619 --> 00:23:17.559 from evil and suffering and death, 00:23:18.000 --> 00:23:20.759 and you had the authority, 00:23:21.220 --> 00:23:22.319 like Jesus does here, 00:23:22.799 --> 00:23:24.379 to defeat the spirits, 00:23:24.500 --> 00:23:25.519 to vanquish evil, 00:23:26.059 --> 00:23:27.419 and to alleviate suffering, 00:23:27.500 --> 00:23:29.819 as he did for Simon's mother-in-law, 00:23:30.379 --> 00:23:32.799 and if your popularity and your productivity 00:23:32.799 --> 00:23:34.639 and all your opportunities 00:23:34.639 --> 00:23:36.500 just continue to increase and increase, 00:23:36.579 --> 00:23:38.439 and your platform as well, 00:23:38.440 --> 00:23:41.160 how would you spend your time? 00:23:42.480 --> 00:23:43.400 How would you spend your time? 00:23:43.420 --> 00:23:44.920 How would you spend your early mornings? 00:23:46.240 --> 00:23:47.279 Would you spend it alone? 00:23:47.980 --> 00:23:49.480 In the solitary place? 00:23:49.820 --> 00:23:52.400 Which here is the same Greek word as wilderness, 00:23:52.580 --> 00:23:53.600 which we talked about last week. 00:23:53.680 --> 00:23:56.039 Jesus goes out again to the wilderness. 00:23:56.920 --> 00:23:58.299 Would you spend your time in prayer? 00:23:59.500 --> 00:24:00.500 If you're like me, 00:24:00.660 --> 00:24:01.420 I'd be like, 00:24:02.059 --> 00:24:02.480 prayer? 00:24:02.860 --> 00:24:03.620 What for? 00:24:03.799 --> 00:24:05.039 I have stuff to do. 00:24:05.420 --> 00:24:05.600 Right? 00:24:06.259 --> 00:24:07.740 I don't even have that much authority now, 00:24:07.740 --> 00:24:08.920 and I feel that way already 00:24:08.920 --> 00:24:10.359 about my prayer life. 00:24:11.180 --> 00:24:12.680 I remember there's a moment in seminary, 00:24:12.720 --> 00:24:14.000 I think I've shared this story before, 00:24:14.519 --> 00:24:15.019 where, you know, 00:24:15.079 --> 00:24:16.140 I was maybe later, 00:24:16.420 --> 00:24:17.779 I was third or fourth year, 00:24:18.259 --> 00:24:20.440 and I was really trying hard 00:24:20.440 --> 00:24:21.960 to get into a PhD program, 00:24:22.319 --> 00:24:23.400 working on my grades, 00:24:23.660 --> 00:24:25.140 and my friend asked me, 00:24:25.180 --> 00:24:27.220 we had these regular weekly prayer meetings, 00:24:27.339 --> 00:24:28.059 my friend asked me, 00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:29.120 hey, you gonna go to prayer meeting? 00:24:29.119 --> 00:24:29.500 And I said, 00:24:29.559 --> 00:24:30.719 I don't have time to pray. 00:24:32.000 --> 00:24:33.619 And there was a staff member 00:24:33.619 --> 00:24:34.759 in that lounge area 00:24:34.759 --> 00:24:37.079 that we were hanging out in, 00:24:37.239 --> 00:24:38.219 and she said to me, 00:24:38.739 --> 00:24:40.759 boy, you don't have time not to pray. 00:24:41.879 --> 00:24:42.939 And she was right. 00:24:43.679 --> 00:24:44.459 And she was right. 00:24:45.459 --> 00:24:46.839 Why did Jesus go and pray? 00:24:47.559 --> 00:24:49.000 How could Jesus go and pray 00:24:49.000 --> 00:24:50.419 when he had so much to accomplish? 00:24:50.539 --> 00:24:52.219 It's because he was keeping 00:24:52.219 --> 00:24:54.079 the first thing first. 00:24:54.159 --> 00:24:54.719 And what is that? 00:24:54.720 --> 00:24:57.819 It's union and communion with his father. 00:24:58.860 --> 00:25:00.860 Union and communion with his father. 00:25:01.000 --> 00:25:01.660 See, he didn't just come 00:25:01.660 --> 00:25:02.620 to wield his authority, 00:25:02.819 --> 00:25:03.579 cast out demons, 00:25:03.920 --> 00:25:04.400 heal sickness. 00:25:04.480 --> 00:25:05.660 The whole point of his kingdom 00:25:05.660 --> 00:25:07.600 is not shalom for shalom's sake, 00:25:07.680 --> 00:25:10.339 but shalom as it is experienced 00:25:10.339 --> 00:25:12.299 in restored relationship 00:25:12.299 --> 00:25:13.880 with God the Father. 00:25:14.259 --> 00:25:15.600 The whole point of salvation 00:25:15.600 --> 00:25:17.460 is not the end of evil and illness, 00:25:17.460 --> 00:25:20.620 but the reunion of God with his people. 00:25:21.640 --> 00:25:23.880 The primary purpose of Jesus' authority 00:25:23.880 --> 00:25:26.060 was to bring people back to God. 00:25:27.200 --> 00:25:29.400 And so why would he go about doing that 00:25:29.400 --> 00:25:30.760 without himself prizing 00:25:30.760 --> 00:25:33.440 his own relationship with God? 00:25:34.820 --> 00:25:36.140 And just like we have trouble 00:25:36.140 --> 00:25:37.540 understanding this in our own lives, 00:25:37.600 --> 00:25:39.500 so often wanting to be doing things for God 00:25:39.500 --> 00:25:41.980 rather than wanting to simply be with God, 00:25:42.820 --> 00:25:44.800 this is something even Jesus' disciples 00:25:44.800 --> 00:25:46.640 didn't understand at first. 00:25:47.160 --> 00:25:48.380 Look with me at verse 36. 00:25:49.540 --> 00:25:50.300 So Simon comes. 00:25:50.440 --> 00:25:51.360 Simon and his companions 00:25:51.360 --> 00:25:52.400 went to look for him, 00:25:52.400 --> 00:25:54.180 and when they found him, 00:25:54.320 --> 00:25:55.320 they exclaimed, 00:25:56.200 --> 00:25:58.540 everyone is looking for you. 00:25:59.580 --> 00:26:00.660 Everyone's looking for you, man. 00:26:00.680 --> 00:26:01.280 What are you doing? 00:26:02.360 --> 00:26:03.280 But they don't realize 00:26:03.280 --> 00:26:04.100 that this mindset 00:26:04.100 --> 00:26:05.180 is actually counter 00:26:05.180 --> 00:26:06.680 to the very authority of Jesus 00:26:06.680 --> 00:26:08.820 that they're appreciating 00:26:08.820 --> 00:26:10.080 and benefiting from. 00:26:10.620 --> 00:26:12.100 In the disciples' minds, 00:26:12.240 --> 00:26:13.120 Jesus' authority 00:26:13.120 --> 00:26:14.880 is meant to serve them. 00:26:15.420 --> 00:26:16.320 Jesus' authority 00:26:16.320 --> 00:26:17.780 is meant to serve the people. 00:26:17.920 --> 00:26:19.940 It's meant to meet popular demand 00:26:19.940 --> 00:26:22.960 as their personal miracle worker, right? 00:26:23.440 --> 00:26:24.240 But Jesus, 00:26:25.120 --> 00:26:26.920 prioritizing being alone 00:26:26.920 --> 00:26:28.160 with his father, 00:26:29.220 --> 00:26:30.580 he knew who his authority 00:26:30.580 --> 00:26:32.120 was really meant to serve. 00:26:32.259 --> 00:26:33.279 First and foremost, 00:26:33.400 --> 00:26:34.740 his father in heaven. 00:26:35.700 --> 00:26:37.640 And he would not be taken captive 00:26:37.640 --> 00:26:38.660 by the agendas 00:26:38.660 --> 00:26:40.220 of this population. 00:26:41.400 --> 00:26:42.799 Jesus came to establish 00:26:42.799 --> 00:26:44.440 the father's perfect kingdom 00:26:44.440 --> 00:26:46.500 and not the idealized kingdom 00:26:46.500 --> 00:26:47.620 of the people's 00:26:47.620 --> 00:26:49.400 limited imaginations. 00:26:50.000 --> 00:26:51.360 And I think that's a word for us. 00:26:52.360 --> 00:26:53.380 Jesus doesn't come 00:26:53.380 --> 00:26:54.840 just to serve us. 00:26:55.580 --> 00:26:56.559 Yes, he has served us 00:26:56.559 --> 00:26:57.580 in the most beautiful way, 00:26:57.700 --> 00:26:58.440 but it was ultimately 00:26:58.440 --> 00:26:59.799 to serve the will 00:26:59.799 --> 00:27:00.759 of his father. 00:27:01.759 --> 00:27:03.559 And we must not manipulate him 00:27:03.559 --> 00:27:04.480 and use him 00:27:04.480 --> 00:27:05.720 for our own purposes 00:27:05.720 --> 00:27:06.440 and agendas. 00:27:06.720 --> 00:27:07.340 His authority 00:27:07.340 --> 00:27:08.580 will not allow it. 00:27:08.640 --> 00:27:09.360 He's the king 00:27:09.360 --> 00:27:10.860 and we are not. 00:27:10.859 --> 00:27:13.339 And Jesus here, 00:27:13.679 --> 00:27:14.419 so what he does 00:27:14.419 --> 00:27:15.719 is he exercises his authority 00:27:15.719 --> 00:27:17.279 first for his father's agenda 00:27:17.279 --> 00:27:18.199 and that's why 00:27:18.199 --> 00:27:20.139 he was in prayer, okay? 00:27:20.719 --> 00:27:21.259 He's praying, 00:27:21.359 --> 00:27:21.899 he's meditating, 00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:22.839 he's reminding himself 00:27:22.839 --> 00:27:23.719 of who he is 00:27:23.719 --> 00:27:24.839 and what he came to do. 00:27:24.899 --> 00:27:25.879 When he's communing 00:27:25.879 --> 00:27:26.419 with his father, 00:27:26.479 --> 00:27:27.419 he's reminding himself 00:27:27.419 --> 00:27:28.599 of his identity 00:27:28.599 --> 00:27:29.740 and therefore also 00:27:29.740 --> 00:27:31.000 of his authority. 00:27:31.299 --> 00:27:32.039 This is integral 00:27:32.039 --> 00:27:33.419 to all the things 00:27:33.419 --> 00:27:34.539 that he accomplishes. 00:27:34.979 --> 00:27:35.819 It's his prayer life, 00:27:35.859 --> 00:27:36.439 it's the source. 00:27:36.539 --> 00:27:37.740 He's coming to his father 00:27:37.740 --> 00:27:38.539 remembering that his 00:27:38.539 --> 00:27:39.279 very authority 00:27:39.279 --> 00:27:40.839 flows from his 00:27:40.839 --> 00:27:41.720 sonship, 00:27:42.720 --> 00:27:43.980 his vibrant relationship 00:27:43.980 --> 00:27:44.679 with his father 00:27:44.679 --> 00:27:47.339 and resolve to exercise 00:27:47.339 --> 00:27:48.339 his authority 00:27:48.339 --> 00:27:49.959 only for his father's 00:27:49.959 --> 00:27:51.079 kingdom agenda. 00:27:51.220 --> 00:27:52.259 Jesus doesn't go back 00:27:52.259 --> 00:27:52.939 with his disciples 00:27:52.939 --> 00:27:53.899 to the crowd 00:27:53.899 --> 00:27:54.619 but he insists 00:27:54.619 --> 00:27:55.599 on his own authority 00:27:55.599 --> 00:27:57.079 and tells them 00:27:57.079 --> 00:27:57.839 where they're going 00:27:57.839 --> 00:27:58.459 to go next. 00:27:59.039 --> 00:27:59.379 He can say, 00:27:59.519 --> 00:28:00.099 okay Simon, 00:28:00.319 --> 00:28:01.000 let's do it, 00:28:01.059 --> 00:28:01.699 whatever you say, 00:28:01.919 --> 00:28:03.139 I could do a couple more today. 00:28:03.240 --> 00:28:03.759 No, he says, 00:28:03.839 --> 00:28:04.459 verse 38, 00:28:05.959 --> 00:28:06.679 Jesus replied, 00:28:07.159 --> 00:28:09.019 let us go somewhere else 00:28:09.019 --> 00:28:10.639 to the nearby villages 00:28:10.640 --> 00:28:11.460 and again, 00:28:11.580 --> 00:28:11.820 this is, 00:28:12.360 --> 00:28:12.940 let's not even go 00:28:12.940 --> 00:28:13.560 into the big city 00:28:13.560 --> 00:28:14.200 Capernaum anymore, 00:28:14.280 --> 00:28:14.660 let's just go 00:28:14.660 --> 00:28:15.380 to the nearby villages, 00:28:15.480 --> 00:28:16.380 I don't need to build 00:28:16.380 --> 00:28:17.740 my platform in the big city 00:28:17.740 --> 00:28:19.840 so I can preach there also. 00:28:20.740 --> 00:28:23.360 That is why I have come, 00:28:23.680 --> 00:28:24.120 he says. 00:28:24.980 --> 00:28:25.900 So he traveled 00:28:25.900 --> 00:28:26.840 throughout Galilee 00:28:26.840 --> 00:28:28.840 preaching in their synagogues 00:28:28.840 --> 00:28:31.560 and driving out their demons. 00:28:31.559 --> 00:28:35.000 Jesus exercises his authority 00:28:35.000 --> 00:28:36.159 not for himself, 00:28:36.639 --> 00:28:37.779 not for the crowds, 00:28:38.619 --> 00:28:39.500 but for his father 00:28:39.500 --> 00:28:41.779 and that's the most important thing. 00:28:42.759 --> 00:28:42.980 All right, 00:28:43.059 --> 00:28:44.639 so Jesus exercises his authority 00:28:44.639 --> 00:28:46.940 over evil and illness 00:28:46.940 --> 00:28:48.359 for his father 00:28:48.359 --> 00:28:49.839 and the final point, 00:28:49.960 --> 00:28:51.599 how does Jesus exercise 00:28:51.599 --> 00:28:52.679 his authority? 00:28:54.339 --> 00:28:55.159 Verse 40, 00:28:55.160 --> 00:28:56.680 a man with leprosy 00:28:56.680 --> 00:28:57.180 came to him 00:28:57.180 --> 00:28:58.320 and begged him on his knees, 00:28:58.420 --> 00:28:59.019 if you are willing, 00:28:59.140 --> 00:29:00.160 you can make me clean. 00:29:01.060 --> 00:29:02.400 Jesus was indignant. 00:29:02.519 --> 00:29:03.420 He reached out his hand 00:29:03.420 --> 00:29:04.200 and touched the man. 00:29:04.660 --> 00:29:05.240 I am willing, 00:29:05.340 --> 00:29:05.720 he said, 00:29:05.759 --> 00:29:06.240 be clean. 00:29:07.060 --> 00:29:07.460 Immediately, 00:29:07.640 --> 00:29:08.500 the leprosy left him 00:29:08.500 --> 00:29:09.500 and he was cleansed. 00:29:09.940 --> 00:29:10.840 Jesus sent him away 00:29:10.840 --> 00:29:12.519 at once with a strong warning. 00:29:12.700 --> 00:29:13.900 See that you don't tell anyone, 00:29:14.460 --> 00:29:15.420 see that you don't tell this 00:29:15.420 --> 00:29:16.120 to anyone. 00:29:16.259 --> 00:29:16.400 All right, 00:29:16.540 --> 00:29:17.080 unfortunately, 00:29:17.080 --> 00:29:17.779 I'm not going to be able 00:29:17.779 --> 00:29:18.400 to cover this, 00:29:18.660 --> 00:29:19.140 the secret, 00:29:19.360 --> 00:29:20.580 the secrecy of Jesus here. 00:29:20.900 --> 00:29:21.800 You can ask Pastor Jonathan 00:29:21.800 --> 00:29:22.340 about that. 00:29:22.399 --> 00:29:23.019 Why doesn't Jesus 00:29:23.019 --> 00:29:23.959 want other people to know? 00:29:24.279 --> 00:29:25.039 There's an answer, 00:29:25.539 --> 00:29:26.919 but we're not going to be able 00:29:26.919 --> 00:29:27.419 to get there today. 00:29:27.539 --> 00:29:28.119 But there are a couple things 00:29:28.119 --> 00:29:28.919 I want to draw out here 00:29:28.919 --> 00:29:30.759 about how Jesus exercises 00:29:30.759 --> 00:29:31.639 his authority. 00:29:31.879 --> 00:29:33.019 Two really, 00:29:33.099 --> 00:29:34.099 really beautiful things, 00:29:34.159 --> 00:29:34.500 I think. 00:29:35.559 --> 00:29:35.839 Now, 00:29:35.939 --> 00:29:36.679 if you don't know anything 00:29:36.679 --> 00:29:37.379 about lepers, 00:29:37.759 --> 00:29:39.740 in the Jewish society, 00:29:39.899 --> 00:29:41.039 they were considered 00:29:41.039 --> 00:29:41.659 as unclean. 00:29:41.740 --> 00:29:42.339 They were considered 00:29:42.339 --> 00:29:43.699 as people who couldn't live 00:29:43.699 --> 00:29:44.879 and be with the rest 00:29:44.879 --> 00:29:45.419 of the people. 00:29:45.519 --> 00:29:46.619 They were outcasts. 00:29:46.899 --> 00:29:48.319 And even to associate with them 00:29:48.319 --> 00:29:49.500 would make you an outcast. 00:29:49.599 --> 00:29:50.819 There was one rabbinical teaching 00:29:50.819 --> 00:29:51.299 that said, 00:29:51.639 --> 00:29:52.279 if there's a leper, 00:29:52.339 --> 00:29:54.079 standing underneath a tree 00:29:54.079 --> 00:29:55.319 and someone else comes 00:29:55.319 --> 00:29:56.699 and the shadow of that tree 00:29:56.699 --> 00:29:57.599 touches them as well, 00:29:57.759 --> 00:29:58.819 they become unclean. 00:29:59.899 --> 00:30:00.599 So to be a leper 00:30:00.599 --> 00:30:02.139 was to be just completely 00:30:02.139 --> 00:30:03.919 outcast, right? 00:30:04.659 --> 00:30:05.779 No one wanted to even 00:30:05.779 --> 00:30:06.699 go near them. 00:30:08.559 --> 00:30:09.819 What does this leper do, though? 00:30:10.519 --> 00:30:11.759 He comes to Jesus anyway. 00:30:12.939 --> 00:30:13.879 He comes even when 00:30:13.879 --> 00:30:14.980 it's against social custom 00:30:14.980 --> 00:30:16.740 and with no presumption 00:30:16.740 --> 00:30:17.359 whatsoever, 00:30:17.480 --> 00:30:19.319 he recognizes Jesus' authority. 00:30:19.879 --> 00:30:21.740 And I love how he approaches Jesus. 00:30:22.559 --> 00:30:22.960 He says, 00:30:23.160 --> 00:30:24.839 if you are willing, 00:30:25.799 --> 00:30:26.819 you can make me clean. 00:30:28.160 --> 00:30:29.519 He knows he can do it. 00:30:29.599 --> 00:30:30.460 He knows Jesus has 00:30:30.460 --> 00:30:31.359 the authority to do it, 00:30:31.480 --> 00:30:32.720 but he does not presume 00:30:32.720 --> 00:30:33.960 upon the authority of Jesus. 00:30:34.079 --> 00:30:35.500 He has the order 00:30:35.500 --> 00:30:36.859 of authority 00:30:36.859 --> 00:30:38.440 right in his head 00:30:38.440 --> 00:30:39.620 about who Jesus is 00:30:39.620 --> 00:30:40.900 and about who he is. 00:30:42.019 --> 00:30:43.279 And I want you to notice 00:30:43.279 --> 00:30:44.480 also this word that he uses, 00:30:44.559 --> 00:30:45.440 you can make me clean. 00:30:46.259 --> 00:30:47.880 Now, if he wasn't Jewish, 00:30:47.960 --> 00:30:48.400 he might have used 00:30:48.400 --> 00:30:48.820 a different word. 00:30:48.860 --> 00:30:49.799 You can make me well. 00:30:50.200 --> 00:30:51.740 You can make me healthy. 00:30:52.519 --> 00:30:53.700 But the word here he uses 00:30:53.700 --> 00:30:54.980 is the word clean. 00:30:55.720 --> 00:30:57.420 Because this is a Jewish leper. 00:30:58.320 --> 00:30:59.160 And in his mind, 00:30:59.220 --> 00:31:00.600 he needs a whole cleansing. 00:31:01.160 --> 00:31:02.500 The cleansing of his body 00:31:02.500 --> 00:31:02.980 physically. 00:31:03.600 --> 00:31:05.480 The cleansing of his social status 00:31:05.480 --> 00:31:07.200 with the rest of the community. 00:31:08.039 --> 00:31:09.279 And perhaps most importantly, 00:31:09.920 --> 00:31:10.940 he needs to be clean enough 00:31:10.940 --> 00:31:11.680 to enter the temple, 00:31:11.799 --> 00:31:12.880 to worship once again. 00:31:13.840 --> 00:31:14.759 He needs to be 00:31:14.759 --> 00:31:16.120 spiritually clean. 00:31:16.220 --> 00:31:17.080 That's what he's asking for, 00:31:17.120 --> 00:31:18.539 a holistic cleansing. 00:31:19.360 --> 00:31:20.299 No presumption, 00:31:21.180 --> 00:31:21.960 just hoping 00:31:21.960 --> 00:31:23.840 that the authoritative king, 00:31:23.980 --> 00:31:24.420 Messiah, 00:31:25.340 --> 00:31:26.640 will show him mercy. 00:31:28.279 --> 00:31:29.180 And he does. 00:31:29.180 --> 00:31:32.200 It says Jesus was indignant here. 00:31:32.940 --> 00:31:33.799 And, oh man, 00:31:33.860 --> 00:31:34.580 I wish I had more time. 00:31:35.519 --> 00:31:36.400 The Greek word here, 00:31:36.480 --> 00:31:37.539 it's actually contested. 00:31:38.680 --> 00:31:39.759 Most of the manuscripts 00:31:39.759 --> 00:31:41.259 actually use the word compassion. 00:31:41.680 --> 00:31:42.920 But there are also good reasons 00:31:42.920 --> 00:31:44.400 to believe that is indignant. 00:31:44.779 --> 00:31:45.580 Either way you go, 00:31:45.680 --> 00:31:46.400 it doesn't make a huge 00:31:46.400 --> 00:31:47.380 theological difference. 00:31:47.860 --> 00:31:49.320 And I probably shouldn't have 00:31:49.320 --> 00:31:50.640 even gotten into that just now. 00:31:53.060 --> 00:31:54.480 But I actually prefer 00:31:54.480 --> 00:31:55.299 the reading compassion, 00:31:55.640 --> 00:31:56.860 which actually goes against 00:31:56.860 --> 00:31:57.860 the NIV here. 00:31:59.180 --> 00:32:01.440 I shouldn't have done. 00:32:01.940 --> 00:32:02.200 Okay. 00:32:05.320 --> 00:32:06.340 In most of the manuscripts, 00:32:06.519 --> 00:32:07.299 there's the word compassion. 00:32:07.400 --> 00:32:08.340 It's the same word you see 00:32:08.340 --> 00:32:09.420 when Jesus goes out 00:32:09.420 --> 00:32:10.120 and he sees the crowds 00:32:10.120 --> 00:32:12.299 and he's moved in his insides. 00:32:13.519 --> 00:32:14.420 That's the word 00:32:14.420 --> 00:32:16.320 that most of the manuscripts use, 00:32:16.360 --> 00:32:17.240 at least the best ones. 00:32:17.779 --> 00:32:20.140 And that's what he feels 00:32:20.140 --> 00:32:20.740 for this man, 00:32:21.560 --> 00:32:22.680 even with his authority. 00:32:23.779 --> 00:32:25.640 And that's how he exercises 00:32:25.640 --> 00:32:26.279 his authority, 00:32:26.279 --> 00:32:27.279 with compassion. 00:32:28.279 --> 00:32:28.980 With compassion. 00:32:29.720 --> 00:32:30.560 It's a big deal 00:32:30.560 --> 00:32:31.620 for this king 00:32:31.620 --> 00:32:33.039 to be approached 00:32:33.039 --> 00:32:34.380 by this leper, 00:32:34.740 --> 00:32:35.400 but he reaches out 00:32:35.400 --> 00:32:36.200 to him in compassion. 00:32:36.279 --> 00:32:37.519 He even touches him. 00:32:38.539 --> 00:32:39.340 He touches him. 00:32:40.279 --> 00:32:40.440 You know, 00:32:40.460 --> 00:32:41.640 every other instance 00:32:41.640 --> 00:32:42.200 of authority 00:32:42.200 --> 00:32:43.500 in world history 00:32:43.500 --> 00:32:46.440 is people 00:32:46.440 --> 00:32:47.600 asserting their authority 00:32:47.600 --> 00:32:49.000 for their own agendas. 00:32:49.799 --> 00:32:50.600 Not for the sake 00:32:50.600 --> 00:32:51.600 of others. 00:32:51.779 --> 00:32:52.600 Especially not 00:32:52.600 --> 00:32:54.560 in such a sacrificial way 00:32:54.560 --> 00:32:55.779 as to come into proximity 00:32:55.779 --> 00:32:56.299 with someone 00:32:56.299 --> 00:32:57.160 who can make us 00:32:57.160 --> 00:32:58.140 unclean. 00:32:59.140 --> 00:33:00.759 But that's what Jesus does 00:33:00.759 --> 00:33:01.880 right here. 00:33:02.620 --> 00:33:03.320 He comes near. 00:33:04.420 --> 00:33:05.100 The I am, 00:33:05.500 --> 00:33:06.580 who only ever had 00:33:06.580 --> 00:33:07.660 to be I am, 00:33:07.779 --> 00:33:08.100 says, 00:33:08.460 --> 00:33:09.380 I am willing. 00:33:09.940 --> 00:33:10.860 The I am says, 00:33:10.960 --> 00:33:11.380 I will. 00:33:12.540 --> 00:33:13.460 And that's the gospel. 00:33:14.120 --> 00:33:14.840 The gospel is that 00:33:14.840 --> 00:33:16.420 we don't deserve healing. 00:33:17.100 --> 00:33:17.860 We don't deserve 00:33:17.860 --> 00:33:18.600 God's mercy. 00:33:19.460 --> 00:33:20.220 We don't deserve, 00:33:20.600 --> 00:33:21.340 because we've made 00:33:21.340 --> 00:33:22.400 ourselves unclean, 00:33:22.400 --> 00:33:23.120 we don't deserve 00:33:23.120 --> 00:33:24.060 to be made clean 00:33:24.060 --> 00:33:24.519 and whole 00:33:24.519 --> 00:33:25.000 and restored 00:33:25.000 --> 00:33:25.700 to our community 00:33:25.700 --> 00:33:26.700 or to God. 00:33:27.400 --> 00:33:28.640 But Jesus comes near. 00:33:29.320 --> 00:33:30.040 He doesn't just come near, 00:33:30.100 --> 00:33:31.640 but he touches us. 00:33:31.940 --> 00:33:32.460 He comes near 00:33:32.460 --> 00:33:33.820 to our uncleanness. 00:33:34.380 --> 00:33:35.460 He exposes himself 00:33:35.460 --> 00:33:36.140 to us. 00:33:36.380 --> 00:33:37.100 That's what the incarnation 00:33:37.100 --> 00:33:37.560 is, 00:33:37.580 --> 00:33:38.519 him taking on flesh 00:33:38.519 --> 00:33:39.720 and becoming a curse 00:33:39.720 --> 00:33:40.800 on a cross. 00:33:42.060 --> 00:33:42.800 He comes near 00:33:42.800 --> 00:33:43.660 to the unclean, 00:33:43.960 --> 00:33:45.259 and because he is so clean, 00:33:45.380 --> 00:33:46.240 because he is so filled 00:33:46.240 --> 00:33:46.860 with the spirit, 00:33:47.019 --> 00:33:47.740 because he's lived 00:33:47.740 --> 00:33:48.560 the life we failed 00:33:48.560 --> 00:33:49.220 to live that we could 00:33:49.220 --> 00:33:49.580 never live, 00:33:49.620 --> 00:33:50.480 the perfect life, 00:33:50.480 --> 00:33:52.079 his cleanness 00:33:52.079 --> 00:33:52.860 can undo 00:33:52.860 --> 00:33:54.279 our uncleanness. 00:33:55.200 --> 00:33:56.339 And that's the good news. 00:33:57.380 --> 00:33:58.460 The I am says, 00:33:58.640 --> 00:33:59.380 I will. 00:34:01.360 --> 00:34:02.460 And that's the king 00:34:02.460 --> 00:34:03.319 that we worship. 00:34:03.480 --> 00:34:04.200 That's the uniqueness 00:34:04.200 --> 00:34:05.579 of his authority, 00:34:06.559 --> 00:34:07.920 wielded in compassion 00:34:07.920 --> 00:34:09.719 toward others. 00:34:11.219 --> 00:34:12.240 So what's his call to us? 00:34:12.280 --> 00:34:12.900 His call to us, 00:34:13.039 --> 00:34:13.920 at the end of Matthew 00:34:13.920 --> 00:34:14.579 chapter 28, 00:34:14.639 --> 00:34:15.079 what does he say? 00:34:15.260 --> 00:34:15.500 He says, 00:34:15.579 --> 00:34:16.280 All authority 00:34:16.280 --> 00:34:17.800 in heaven and on earth 00:34:17.800 --> 00:34:18.659 have been given to me. 00:34:18.760 --> 00:34:19.000 Therefore, 00:34:19.240 --> 00:34:20.340 go and make disciples 00:34:20.340 --> 00:34:21.140 of the nations, 00:34:22.019 --> 00:34:23.760 teaching them to do 00:34:23.760 --> 00:34:24.720 everything I have 00:34:24.720 --> 00:34:25.579 commanded you to do. 00:34:27.260 --> 00:34:28.200 If we have a king 00:34:28.200 --> 00:34:29.220 who's used his authority 00:34:29.220 --> 00:34:30.059 in that way, 00:34:30.940 --> 00:34:31.660 how are we to go 00:34:31.660 --> 00:34:32.320 and make disciples? 00:34:32.440 --> 00:34:33.160 How are we to teach 00:34:33.160 --> 00:34:34.620 people to do everything 00:34:34.620 --> 00:34:36.180 he has commanded us to do? 00:34:36.240 --> 00:34:36.840 Well, it's with that 00:34:36.840 --> 00:34:37.640 same compassion. 00:34:38.320 --> 00:34:39.059 It's with that same 00:34:39.059 --> 00:34:40.900 confidence of authority 00:34:40.900 --> 00:34:42.600 that we have in him. 00:34:43.400 --> 00:34:44.460 And those are the kinds 00:34:44.460 --> 00:34:45.000 of disciples 00:34:45.000 --> 00:34:46.120 we are called to be, 00:34:46.180 --> 00:34:46.780 Christ's church, 00:34:46.820 --> 00:34:48.100 as we deny ourselves, 00:34:48.600 --> 00:34:49.400 take up our crosses, 00:34:49.400 --> 00:34:50.980 and follow him. 00:34:52.079 --> 00:34:53.019 This is our king 00:34:53.019 --> 00:34:54.460 and this is the way 00:34:54.460 --> 00:34:55.660 we will be his royal children. 00:34:56.380 --> 00:34:56.980 Let's pray. 00:35:03.420 --> 00:35:04.420 Father, we thank you 00:35:04.420 --> 00:35:06.680 for this special kind 00:35:06.680 --> 00:35:07.599 of king that you've sent 00:35:07.599 --> 00:35:08.220 in your son. 00:35:09.280 --> 00:35:10.619 This king who comes near, 00:35:11.660 --> 00:35:12.340 who is not afraid 00:35:12.340 --> 00:35:13.300 to get his hands dirty, 00:35:13.380 --> 00:35:14.340 his hands pierced 00:35:14.340 --> 00:35:15.840 for us. 00:35:15.840 --> 00:35:17.780 Would that change 00:35:17.780 --> 00:35:19.000 the way we live 00:35:19.000 --> 00:35:20.360 and exercise our authority 00:35:20.360 --> 00:35:21.500 in our homes, 00:35:21.620 --> 00:35:22.440 in our workplaces, 00:35:22.900 --> 00:35:24.600 in every area 00:35:24.600 --> 00:35:25.380 of our lives? 00:35:25.480 --> 00:35:28.340 Would we demonstrate 00:35:28.340 --> 00:35:30.559 the kingdom authority 00:35:30.559 --> 00:35:31.840 of Jesus in our lives? 00:35:31.860 --> 00:35:33.240 Not with oppression 00:35:33.240 --> 00:35:34.559 and violence 00:35:34.559 --> 00:35:35.720 and force, 00:35:37.079 --> 00:35:38.360 but with gentle, 00:35:38.579 --> 00:35:39.079 compelling, 00:35:39.480 --> 00:35:40.700 sacrificial love 00:35:40.700 --> 00:35:41.700 and compassion 00:35:41.700 --> 00:35:43.380 that we saw 00:35:43.380 --> 00:35:43.980 in our Savior. 00:35:43.980 --> 00:35:45.659 in his name we pray. 00:35:46.139 --> 00:35:46.480 Amen. 00:35:46.480 --> 00:35:46.579 Amen.