WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.280 John chapter 18 verse 28. 00:00:07.080 --> 00:00:12.599 Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman Gummider. 00:00:12.599 --> 00:00:20.839 ! By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness, they did not enter the palace, 00:00:20.839 --> 00:00:27.679 because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and asked, 00:00:27.679 --> 00:00:30.800 What charges are you bringing against this man? 00:00:30.800 --> 00:00:36.880 If he were not a criminal, they replied, we would not have handed him over to you. 00:00:38.079 --> 00:00:41.859 Pilate said, Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law. 00:00:42.539 --> 00:00:46.500 But we have no right to execute anyone, they objected. 00:00:47.519 --> 00:00:53.460 This took place to fulfill what Jesus had said about the kind of death he was going to die. 00:00:53.460 --> 00:01:00.120 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, 00:01:00.120 --> 00:01:02.780 Are you the king of the Jews? 00:01:03.780 --> 00:01:08.579 Is that your own idea? Jesus asked. Or did others talk to you about me? 00:01:09.859 --> 00:01:12.299 Am I a Jew? Pilate replied. 00:01:13.060 --> 00:01:17.859 Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done? 00:01:17.859 --> 00:01:23.539 Jesus said, My kingdom is not of this world. 00:01:24.340 --> 00:01:29.219 If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. 00:01:30.019 --> 00:01:33.060 But now my kingdom is from another place. 00:01:34.099 --> 00:01:37.000 You are a king then, said Pilate. 00:01:37.939 --> 00:01:41.159 Jesus answered, You say that I am a king. 00:01:41.159 --> 00:01:47.560 In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. 00:01:48.439 --> 00:01:52.019 Everyone on the side of truth listens to me. 00:01:53.239 --> 00:01:56.000 What is truth? retorted Pilate. 00:01:57.079 --> 00:02:01.079 With this, he went out again to the Jewish gathered there and said, 00:02:01.079 --> 00:02:04.439 I find no basis for a charge against him. 00:02:05.400 --> 00:02:11.960 But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. 00:02:12.840 --> 00:02:15.860 Do you want me to release the king of the Jews? 00:02:17.079 --> 00:02:21.539 They shouted back, No, not him. Give us Barabbas. 00:02:22.400 --> 00:02:25.120 Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising. 00:02:25.120 --> 00:02:30.420 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 00:02:31.120 --> 00:02:35.840 The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. 00:02:36.560 --> 00:02:41.740 They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, 00:02:42.400 --> 00:02:44.159 saying, Hail, King of the Jews. 00:02:44.659 --> 00:02:46.500 And they slapped him in the face. 00:02:48.319 --> 00:02:51.879 Once more, Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, 00:02:51.879 --> 00:02:59.019 Look, I'm bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him. 00:03:00.419 --> 00:03:04.379 When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, 00:03:04.840 --> 00:03:07.759 Pilate said to them, Here is the man. 00:03:08.780 --> 00:03:11.780 As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, 00:03:12.280 --> 00:03:15.139 they shouted, Crucify! Crucify! 00:03:15.139 --> 00:03:20.259 But Pilate answered, You take him and crucify him. 00:03:20.819 --> 00:03:24.679 As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him. 00:03:25.779 --> 00:03:27.679 The Jewish leaders insisted, 00:03:28.339 --> 00:03:32.659 We have a law, and according to that law, he must die, 00:03:33.060 --> 00:03:35.259 because he claimed to be the son of God. 00:03:36.859 --> 00:03:40.479 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 00:03:41.019 --> 00:03:43.019 and he went back inside the palace. 00:03:43.020 --> 00:03:45.740 Where do you come from? 00:03:46.020 --> 00:03:46.840 He asked Jesus. 00:03:47.560 --> 00:03:49.800 But Jesus gave him no answer. 00:03:50.840 --> 00:03:53.240 Do you refuse to speak to me? 00:03:53.680 --> 00:03:54.400 Pilate asked. 00:03:54.920 --> 00:03:59.400 Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you? 00:04:01.000 --> 00:04:02.160 Jesus answered, 00:04:03.160 --> 00:04:07.840 You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. 00:04:07.840 --> 00:04:13.800 Therefore, the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin. 00:04:15.480 --> 00:04:19.199 From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, 00:04:19.780 --> 00:04:21.860 but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, 00:04:22.720 --> 00:04:25.899 If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. 00:04:26.459 --> 00:04:29.480 Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar. 00:04:29.480 --> 00:04:33.000 When Pilate heard this, 00:04:33.580 --> 00:04:37.020 he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge's seat 00:04:37.020 --> 00:04:39.720 at a place known as the stone pavement, 00:04:40.439 --> 00:04:42.220 which in Aramaic is Gabbatha. 00:04:43.160 --> 00:04:46.220 It was the day of preparation of the Passover. 00:04:47.100 --> 00:04:48.379 It was about noon. 00:04:48.379 --> 00:04:52.719 Here is your king, Pilate said to the Jews. 00:04:53.600 --> 00:04:54.500 But they shouted, 00:04:55.100 --> 00:04:55.980 Take him away! 00:04:56.500 --> 00:04:57.279 Take him away! 00:04:57.699 --> 00:04:58.600 Crucify him! 00:04:59.540 --> 00:05:01.600 Shall I crucify your king? 00:05:02.000 --> 00:05:02.800 Pilate asked. 00:05:03.500 --> 00:05:05.759 We have no king but Caesar, 00:05:06.240 --> 00:05:07.399 the chief priests answered. 00:05:08.639 --> 00:05:09.279 Finally, 00:05:09.980 --> 00:05:12.100 Pilate handed him over to them 00:05:12.100 --> 00:05:13.519 to be crucified. 00:05:13.519 --> 00:05:19.479 So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. 00:05:27.879 --> 00:05:30.159 So we're continuing this morning 00:05:30.159 --> 00:05:31.879 to think about the journey 00:05:31.879 --> 00:05:36.740 that John records of Jesus towards the cross. 00:05:37.000 --> 00:05:39.899 And we come to the second trial 00:05:39.899 --> 00:05:41.519 that Jesus faces. 00:05:41.519 --> 00:05:42.959 Last week, 00:05:43.719 --> 00:05:45.919 he was before the Jewish religious leaders. 00:05:46.779 --> 00:05:47.699 And the big question there, 00:05:47.740 --> 00:05:48.620 as we were thinking about it, 00:05:48.680 --> 00:05:50.500 was related to truth. 00:05:51.899 --> 00:05:52.539 But this time, 00:05:52.620 --> 00:05:54.060 as he stands before Pilate, 00:05:54.099 --> 00:05:55.839 who represents the Roman Empire, 00:05:56.500 --> 00:05:58.639 we can think about power. 00:06:00.180 --> 00:06:02.519 Here is Jesus standing before the man 00:06:02.519 --> 00:06:04.259 who represents the might of Rome, 00:06:04.339 --> 00:06:05.519 the greatest empire, 00:06:05.620 --> 00:06:08.000 the most powerful empire to date. 00:06:08.899 --> 00:06:10.079 And at a human level, 00:06:10.079 --> 00:06:12.319 it might seem something of a mismatch. 00:06:13.180 --> 00:06:14.039 Here is Jesus, 00:06:14.180 --> 00:06:16.539 this man who has no wealth or status. 00:06:16.759 --> 00:06:20.019 He has no position or power within society. 00:06:20.539 --> 00:06:23.120 He has very little recognition or honor 00:06:23.120 --> 00:06:26.120 beyond a very small circle of followers. 00:06:27.199 --> 00:06:27.519 But yet, 00:06:27.519 --> 00:06:29.000 as we come today, 00:06:29.139 --> 00:06:30.759 2,000 or so years later, 00:06:30.759 --> 00:06:34.419 we recognize that the empire of Rome is gone. 00:06:34.420 --> 00:06:36.319 It's of interest to historians, 00:06:36.500 --> 00:06:37.340 but nobody else. 00:06:38.040 --> 00:06:39.400 But the kingdom of Jesus 00:06:39.400 --> 00:06:42.439 is one that grows and continues to grow. 00:06:42.699 --> 00:06:44.960 And that billions of people since this moment 00:06:44.960 --> 00:06:46.300 have come to worship him. 00:06:47.340 --> 00:06:50.180 So we can learn some really interesting things about power 00:06:50.180 --> 00:06:54.300 from our trial scene here. 00:06:54.700 --> 00:06:57.120 So we're going to think about the limits of power. 00:06:57.800 --> 00:06:59.900 We're going to consider the problem of power. 00:06:59.899 --> 00:07:03.419 And we're going to see how Jesus transforms power 00:07:03.419 --> 00:07:04.519 for a few minutes together. 00:07:04.639 --> 00:07:05.199 First of all, 00:07:05.779 --> 00:07:08.299 thinking about the limits of power 00:07:08.299 --> 00:07:13.000 takes us to the question and answer 00:07:13.000 --> 00:07:17.539 in verses 33 to 36 of chapter 18. 00:07:17.659 --> 00:07:19.299 Are you the king of the Jews? 00:07:20.060 --> 00:07:21.899 So it was a question that the religious leaders 00:07:21.899 --> 00:07:23.620 wanted an answer to as well. 00:07:24.579 --> 00:07:26.120 There is this driving concern. 00:07:26.120 --> 00:07:28.860 Is Jesus a political figure? 00:07:30.319 --> 00:07:31.660 For Pilate, perhaps, 00:07:31.740 --> 00:07:33.280 is he a threat to Caesar 00:07:33.280 --> 00:07:34.800 and the authority of Rome? 00:07:35.579 --> 00:07:38.300 Is this another freedom fighter Messiah 00:07:38.300 --> 00:07:40.259 that they are going to need to send troops 00:07:40.259 --> 00:07:41.459 to crack down on? 00:07:42.879 --> 00:07:44.860 How does Jesus answer the question, 00:07:45.259 --> 00:07:46.019 are you a king? 00:07:48.860 --> 00:07:50.100 In a sense, he says, 00:07:50.199 --> 00:07:51.220 well, yes, I am. 00:07:51.220 --> 00:07:53.440 But another way, 00:07:54.020 --> 00:07:54.680 no, I'm not, 00:07:54.720 --> 00:07:56.180 or at least not the way you think. 00:07:56.500 --> 00:07:57.300 Verse 36, 00:07:57.420 --> 00:08:00.280 my kingdom is not of this world. 00:08:00.400 --> 00:08:01.020 If it were, 00:08:01.660 --> 00:08:02.920 my servants would fight 00:08:02.920 --> 00:08:04.100 to prevent my arrest 00:08:04.100 --> 00:08:05.200 by the Jewish leaders, 00:08:05.600 --> 00:08:06.720 but now my kingdom 00:08:06.720 --> 00:08:08.840 is from another place. 00:08:08.900 --> 00:08:09.640 I am a king, 00:08:09.720 --> 00:08:10.540 I have a kingdom, 00:08:10.900 --> 00:08:11.900 but it doesn't work 00:08:11.900 --> 00:08:13.280 according to the usual 00:08:13.280 --> 00:08:14.720 operating systems. 00:08:15.260 --> 00:08:17.020 My kingdom is not of this world. 00:08:17.560 --> 00:08:18.580 And because of that, 00:08:18.600 --> 00:08:19.640 and we've seen this already, 00:08:19.639 --> 00:08:21.680 Jesus won't use force. 00:08:22.259 --> 00:08:23.599 So he's already showing 00:08:23.599 --> 00:08:25.219 he's different to the Roman Empire. 00:08:25.360 --> 00:08:26.279 He's different to so many 00:08:26.279 --> 00:08:27.659 of the great men of history. 00:08:28.279 --> 00:08:29.560 He's already said to Peter, 00:08:29.680 --> 00:08:30.560 put your sword away. 00:08:30.659 --> 00:08:32.259 I don't want you to fight this. 00:08:33.159 --> 00:08:34.179 And Jesus says, 00:08:34.319 --> 00:08:35.659 I would and I could 00:08:35.659 --> 00:08:38.340 summon legions of angels to help me, 00:08:38.419 --> 00:08:40.019 but that's not God's way. 00:08:41.000 --> 00:08:42.419 And so I won't use force 00:08:42.419 --> 00:08:44.480 because my kingdom 00:08:44.480 --> 00:08:45.919 is from another place. 00:08:47.259 --> 00:08:48.019 Here is a king 00:08:48.019 --> 00:08:49.240 standing before the might 00:08:49.240 --> 00:08:50.199 of the empire 00:08:50.199 --> 00:08:51.439 and this kingdom 00:08:51.439 --> 00:08:52.439 looks and feels 00:08:52.439 --> 00:08:53.399 so very different. 00:08:55.179 --> 00:08:56.179 He won't resist, 00:08:56.279 --> 00:08:56.860 he won't fight, 00:08:56.939 --> 00:08:57.899 he won't use force. 00:08:58.019 --> 00:08:58.399 Why? 00:08:59.620 --> 00:09:00.980 Because Jesus understands 00:09:00.980 --> 00:09:02.139 this is God's way. 00:09:02.279 --> 00:09:03.079 Verse 34, 00:09:03.799 --> 00:09:04.699 this took place 00:09:04.699 --> 00:09:05.360 to fulfill 00:09:05.360 --> 00:09:06.419 what Jesus had said 00:09:06.419 --> 00:09:07.500 about the kind of death 00:09:07.500 --> 00:09:08.759 he was going to die. 00:09:10.620 --> 00:09:11.819 Here is God's king, 00:09:12.019 --> 00:09:12.360 Jesus, 00:09:12.360 --> 00:09:14.340 and he has come 00:09:14.340 --> 00:09:16.919 to lay aside power, 00:09:17.500 --> 00:09:19.080 to sacrifice himself. 00:09:19.800 --> 00:09:21.980 He voluntarily gave up 00:09:21.980 --> 00:09:23.200 his life to death 00:09:23.200 --> 00:09:24.560 as a substitute 00:09:24.560 --> 00:09:26.779 for his people. 00:09:27.919 --> 00:09:28.820 No king, 00:09:29.300 --> 00:09:30.039 no Caesar, 00:09:30.200 --> 00:09:31.580 no empire, 00:09:31.700 --> 00:09:32.399 no emperor, 00:09:32.519 --> 00:09:33.180 no president 00:09:33.180 --> 00:09:34.680 operates in this way. 00:09:35.639 --> 00:09:37.600 It is not their default setting 00:09:37.600 --> 00:09:37.980 to say, 00:09:38.139 --> 00:09:39.100 I have power, 00:09:39.580 --> 00:09:40.899 but I'm going to give up power 00:09:40.899 --> 00:09:42.240 in order to serve others. 00:09:43.939 --> 00:09:45.240 Jesus is a different king. 00:09:46.399 --> 00:09:47.139 Jesus didn't come 00:09:47.139 --> 00:09:47.679 to bring 00:09:47.679 --> 00:09:48.799 some kind of 00:09:48.799 --> 00:09:50.639 political regime change 00:09:50.639 --> 00:09:51.480 because that always 00:09:51.480 --> 00:09:53.100 requires force. 00:09:54.740 --> 00:09:55.639 Jesus came 00:09:55.639 --> 00:09:57.079 to bring heart change 00:09:57.079 --> 00:09:59.139 and that requires grace 00:09:59.139 --> 00:09:59.939 and love 00:09:59.939 --> 00:10:01.399 and sacrifice. 00:10:02.740 --> 00:10:03.600 And so the way 00:10:03.600 --> 00:10:04.319 of Jesus 00:10:04.319 --> 00:10:05.379 in his life 00:10:05.379 --> 00:10:06.579 was so different. 00:10:06.759 --> 00:10:07.559 His was 00:10:07.559 --> 00:10:08.579 a kingdom 00:10:08.579 --> 00:10:10.039 marked by grace. 00:10:10.899 --> 00:10:12.639 that transformed 00:10:12.639 --> 00:10:13.559 lives. 00:10:14.480 --> 00:10:15.519 It saw those 00:10:15.519 --> 00:10:16.199 who were naturally 00:10:16.199 --> 00:10:16.899 excluded 00:10:16.899 --> 00:10:18.799 being welcomed. 00:10:19.720 --> 00:10:20.600 It saw those 00:10:20.600 --> 00:10:21.179 who were filled 00:10:21.179 --> 00:10:22.079 with shame 00:10:22.079 --> 00:10:23.419 coming to Jesus 00:10:23.419 --> 00:10:24.860 and being honored. 00:10:25.899 --> 00:10:27.279 Those who were needy 00:10:27.279 --> 00:10:28.360 could have their needs 00:10:28.360 --> 00:10:29.639 met and satisfied 00:10:29.639 --> 00:10:30.480 in Jesus 00:10:30.480 --> 00:10:31.679 and those who were 00:10:31.679 --> 00:10:33.299 profoundly aware 00:10:33.299 --> 00:10:34.059 of their sin 00:10:34.059 --> 00:10:34.659 and guilt 00:10:34.659 --> 00:10:35.659 could have that 00:10:35.659 --> 00:10:36.259 forgiven. 00:10:37.259 --> 00:10:38.019 It's a very different 00:10:38.019 --> 00:10:38.480 kingdom. 00:10:38.480 --> 00:10:40.200 It's a very different 00:10:40.200 --> 00:10:41.340 operating system. 00:10:42.220 --> 00:10:43.180 It's interesting 00:10:43.180 --> 00:10:44.440 to trace then 00:10:44.440 --> 00:10:45.539 what happens 00:10:45.539 --> 00:10:46.560 to the church 00:10:46.560 --> 00:10:47.700 after Jesus 00:10:47.700 --> 00:10:48.560 returns to heaven 00:10:48.560 --> 00:10:49.420 and sends the spirit 00:10:49.420 --> 00:10:50.060 because the way 00:10:50.060 --> 00:10:50.940 of the early church 00:10:50.940 --> 00:10:51.899 was absolutely 00:10:51.899 --> 00:10:52.879 the way of Jesus. 00:10:54.139 --> 00:10:55.240 To look at the story 00:10:55.240 --> 00:10:56.220 of the first church 00:10:56.220 --> 00:10:57.399 in the book of Acts 00:10:57.399 --> 00:10:58.399 and in the first 00:10:58.399 --> 00:10:59.240 couple of centuries 00:10:59.240 --> 00:11:00.240 is to discover 00:11:00.240 --> 00:11:01.360 here are a group 00:11:01.360 --> 00:11:01.860 of people 00:11:01.860 --> 00:11:02.420 who are doing 00:11:02.420 --> 00:11:02.840 mission 00:11:02.840 --> 00:11:04.320 from the margins 00:11:04.320 --> 00:11:05.240 of society 00:11:05.240 --> 00:11:06.779 with a clear 00:11:06.779 --> 00:11:07.580 understanding. 00:11:08.740 --> 00:11:09.519 We are a people 00:11:09.519 --> 00:11:10.379 who've been changed 00:11:10.379 --> 00:11:11.560 by God's grace 00:11:11.560 --> 00:11:13.060 and we want to 00:11:13.060 --> 00:11:13.840 follow the way 00:11:13.840 --> 00:11:14.379 of grace. 00:11:14.759 --> 00:11:15.860 We follow a loving 00:11:15.860 --> 00:11:16.419 saviour 00:11:16.419 --> 00:11:17.240 and so we want 00:11:17.240 --> 00:11:18.740 to live lives 00:11:18.740 --> 00:11:19.240 of love 00:11:19.240 --> 00:11:20.100 and service 00:11:20.100 --> 00:11:21.259 and as a tiny 00:11:21.259 --> 00:11:22.180 minority 00:11:22.180 --> 00:11:24.220 they turned 00:11:24.220 --> 00:11:25.060 the power of 00:11:25.060 --> 00:11:26.580 Rome on its head. 00:11:26.700 --> 00:11:27.340 They turned 00:11:27.340 --> 00:11:28.440 the Roman Empire 00:11:28.440 --> 00:11:29.419 upside down. 00:11:29.419 --> 00:11:31.500 I've been reading 00:11:31.500 --> 00:11:32.279 this week 00:11:32.279 --> 00:11:32.939 a book by 00:11:32.939 --> 00:11:34.139 a sociologist 00:11:34.139 --> 00:11:35.099 called Rodney Stark 00:11:35.099 --> 00:11:36.000 called The Triumph 00:11:36.000 --> 00:11:36.699 of Christianity 00:11:36.699 --> 00:11:37.399 and he's asking 00:11:37.399 --> 00:11:37.819 the question 00:11:37.819 --> 00:11:38.779 how is it 00:11:38.779 --> 00:11:39.620 that this tiny 00:11:39.620 --> 00:11:40.979 group of followers 00:11:40.979 --> 00:11:41.519 of Jesus 00:11:41.519 --> 00:11:42.279 could have such 00:11:42.279 --> 00:11:43.379 a massive impact 00:11:43.379 --> 00:11:44.799 on the Roman Empire? 00:11:45.879 --> 00:11:46.519 And some things 00:11:46.519 --> 00:11:47.419 that historians 00:11:47.419 --> 00:11:48.339 and sociologists 00:11:48.339 --> 00:11:48.799 notice 00:11:48.799 --> 00:11:50.199 is that unlike 00:11:50.199 --> 00:11:51.319 Rome which said 00:11:51.319 --> 00:11:52.099 mercy 00:11:52.099 --> 00:11:53.719 was weakness 00:11:53.719 --> 00:11:55.839 for the Christian 00:11:55.839 --> 00:11:56.219 church 00:11:56.219 --> 00:11:56.740 mercy 00:11:56.740 --> 00:11:57.779 was a great 00:11:57.779 --> 00:11:58.319 virtue. 00:11:58.320 --> 00:11:59.700 they saw 00:11:59.700 --> 00:12:00.220 that Jesus 00:12:00.220 --> 00:12:00.700 was full 00:12:00.700 --> 00:12:01.120 of kindness 00:12:01.120 --> 00:12:01.780 and compassion 00:12:01.780 --> 00:12:02.280 and so they 00:12:02.280 --> 00:12:02.680 lived with 00:12:02.680 --> 00:12:02.960 kindness 00:12:02.960 --> 00:12:03.660 and compassion 00:12:03.660 --> 00:12:04.140 to others. 00:12:04.379 --> 00:12:04.720 That made 00:12:04.720 --> 00:12:05.480 a huge difference. 00:12:06.800 --> 00:12:07.520 Another thing 00:12:07.520 --> 00:12:07.820 that made 00:12:07.820 --> 00:12:08.520 a huge difference 00:12:08.520 --> 00:12:08.940 is that they 00:12:08.940 --> 00:12:09.440 followed the 00:12:09.440 --> 00:12:10.460 example of Jesus 00:12:10.460 --> 00:12:11.620 when it came 00:12:11.620 --> 00:12:12.100 to how to 00:12:12.100 --> 00:12:12.600 treat women. 00:12:14.020 --> 00:12:14.460 They gave 00:12:14.460 --> 00:12:15.379 rights and honour 00:12:15.379 --> 00:12:16.040 and a place 00:12:16.040 --> 00:12:16.820 of security 00:12:16.820 --> 00:12:17.740 to women 00:12:17.740 --> 00:12:18.460 not regarding 00:12:18.460 --> 00:12:18.940 women as 00:12:18.940 --> 00:12:19.560 playthings 00:12:19.560 --> 00:12:20.000 and again 00:12:20.000 --> 00:12:20.680 that made 00:12:20.680 --> 00:12:21.660 a huge difference 00:12:21.660 --> 00:12:23.080 in society. 00:12:24.260 --> 00:12:24.840 When the 00:12:24.840 --> 00:12:25.640 great plague 00:12:25.640 --> 00:12:26.200 came 00:12:26.200 --> 00:12:27.560 when smallpox 00:12:27.560 --> 00:12:28.300 arrived in the 00:12:28.299 --> 00:12:28.939 empire 00:12:28.939 --> 00:12:29.939 when people 00:12:29.939 --> 00:12:30.359 were running 00:12:30.359 --> 00:12:30.779 for their 00:12:30.779 --> 00:12:31.039 lives 00:12:31.039 --> 00:12:31.319 when they 00:12:31.319 --> 00:12:31.919 were literally 00:12:31.919 --> 00:12:32.719 throwing their 00:12:32.719 --> 00:12:33.240 own family 00:12:33.240 --> 00:12:34.079 members out 00:12:34.079 --> 00:12:34.539 onto the 00:12:34.539 --> 00:12:34.819 streets 00:12:34.819 --> 00:12:35.439 the Christians 00:12:35.439 --> 00:12:36.240 were different 00:12:36.240 --> 00:12:37.839 because they 00:12:37.839 --> 00:12:38.579 stayed and at 00:12:38.579 --> 00:12:39.179 great risk 00:12:39.179 --> 00:12:39.759 to themselves 00:12:39.759 --> 00:12:40.399 would nurse 00:12:40.399 --> 00:12:41.379 their own 00:12:41.379 --> 00:12:42.179 friends and 00:12:42.179 --> 00:12:42.500 family 00:12:42.500 --> 00:12:43.299 but also 00:12:43.299 --> 00:12:44.019 strangers 00:12:44.019 --> 00:12:44.939 that nobody 00:12:44.939 --> 00:12:45.439 else was 00:12:45.439 --> 00:12:46.039 caring for 00:12:46.039 --> 00:12:46.959 and these 00:12:46.959 --> 00:12:47.599 actions 00:12:47.599 --> 00:12:48.179 following 00:12:48.179 --> 00:12:49.339 the example 00:12:49.339 --> 00:12:49.839 of Jesus 00:12:49.839 --> 00:12:50.599 had a 00:12:50.599 --> 00:12:51.000 massive 00:12:51.000 --> 00:12:51.599 impact. 00:12:53.139 --> 00:12:53.699 So they 00:12:53.699 --> 00:12:54.399 lived the 00:12:54.399 --> 00:12:54.959 message 00:12:54.960 --> 00:12:55.960 and they 00:12:55.960 --> 00:12:56.560 spoke 00:12:56.560 --> 00:12:56.820 the 00:12:56.820 --> 00:12:57.280 message 00:12:57.280 --> 00:12:58.360 and people 00:12:58.360 --> 00:12:59.660 flocked 00:12:59.660 --> 00:13:01.120 because they 00:13:01.120 --> 00:13:01.920 saw here is 00:13:01.920 --> 00:13:02.440 a better 00:13:02.440 --> 00:13:03.120 community. 00:13:04.320 --> 00:13:04.800 Here is a 00:13:04.800 --> 00:13:05.200 safer, 00:13:05.660 --> 00:13:06.120 kinder, 00:13:06.440 --> 00:13:07.220 more respectful 00:13:07.220 --> 00:13:07.940 community. 00:13:08.600 --> 00:13:09.600 It includes 00:13:09.600 --> 00:13:10.900 people and it's 00:13:10.900 --> 00:13:11.500 got a message 00:13:11.500 --> 00:13:12.320 at its heart 00:13:12.320 --> 00:13:12.980 of love and 00:13:12.980 --> 00:13:13.540 grace. 00:13:14.720 --> 00:13:15.500 It's the way 00:13:15.500 --> 00:13:16.000 of Jesus. 00:13:17.000 --> 00:13:17.580 It's not about 00:13:17.580 --> 00:13:18.660 power and force, 00:13:18.780 --> 00:13:19.400 it's about love 00:13:19.400 --> 00:13:20.120 and grace. 00:13:20.120 --> 00:13:21.820 Well that was 00:13:21.820 --> 00:13:22.419 then but what 00:13:22.419 --> 00:13:23.019 about now? 00:13:25.039 --> 00:13:25.820 Shouldn't it be 00:13:25.820 --> 00:13:26.519 the way for the 00:13:26.519 --> 00:13:27.000 church in the 00:13:27.000 --> 00:13:28.019 21st century? 00:13:29.580 --> 00:13:30.179 That we too 00:13:30.179 --> 00:13:30.899 are called to 00:13:30.899 --> 00:13:31.820 do mission on 00:13:31.820 --> 00:13:32.519 the margins 00:13:32.519 --> 00:13:33.240 following the 00:13:33.240 --> 00:13:33.940 way of Jesus. 00:13:36.220 --> 00:13:36.980 Next week, 00:13:37.340 --> 00:13:38.299 Saturday, 00:13:38.879 --> 00:13:39.379 Hope Church 00:13:39.379 --> 00:13:39.919 Leith have got 00:13:39.919 --> 00:13:40.460 an open day. 00:13:40.560 --> 00:13:41.060 See their new 00:13:41.060 --> 00:13:42.240 building, come 00:13:42.240 --> 00:13:42.700 and meet the 00:13:42.700 --> 00:13:43.419 community and 00:13:43.419 --> 00:13:44.299 as Derek was 00:13:44.299 --> 00:13:45.560 writing, inviting 00:13:45.560 --> 00:13:46.940 people, he said 00:13:46.940 --> 00:13:47.519 this, it's 00:13:47.519 --> 00:13:48.320 striking, it's 00:13:48.320 --> 00:13:49.200 very Derek, as 00:13:49.200 --> 00:13:49.659 he was talking 00:13:49.659 --> 00:13:50.080 about who's 00:13:50.080 --> 00:13:50.620 this church 00:13:50.620 --> 00:13:51.000 going to be 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:51.460 for. 00:13:52.379 --> 00:13:52.800 He said he 00:13:52.800 --> 00:13:53.420 wants it to 00:13:53.420 --> 00:13:54.160 be for the 00:13:54.160 --> 00:13:54.840 last, the 00:13:54.840 --> 00:13:55.440 least and the 00:13:55.440 --> 00:13:55.879 lost. 00:13:56.800 --> 00:13:57.100 Why? 00:13:57.200 --> 00:13:57.540 Because that's 00:13:57.540 --> 00:13:57.960 the way of 00:13:57.960 --> 00:13:58.600 Jesus, that's 00:13:58.600 --> 00:13:58.960 the way of 00:13:58.960 --> 00:13:59.520 grace. 00:14:01.420 --> 00:14:02.520 As Christians, 00:14:02.759 --> 00:14:03.620 as a church, 00:14:03.700 --> 00:14:04.160 we won't 00:14:04.160 --> 00:14:04.780 change the 00:14:04.780 --> 00:14:05.300 world by 00:14:05.300 --> 00:14:06.200 political force 00:14:06.200 --> 00:14:06.620 and we 00:14:06.620 --> 00:14:07.480 shouldn't try. 00:14:08.820 --> 00:14:09.259 That whole 00:14:09.259 --> 00:14:09.740 idea of 00:14:09.740 --> 00:14:10.520 Christendom, 00:14:11.259 --> 00:14:11.560 well it 00:14:11.560 --> 00:14:12.600 failed, trying 00:14:12.600 --> 00:14:14.120 to impose a 00:14:14.120 --> 00:14:14.980 set of values 00:14:14.980 --> 00:14:15.280 and a 00:14:15.280 --> 00:14:15.700 religion. 00:14:16.500 --> 00:14:16.820 But we 00:14:16.820 --> 00:14:17.580 can change 00:14:17.580 --> 00:14:19.160 society, we 00:14:19.160 --> 00:14:19.840 can change 00:14:19.840 --> 00:14:20.720 our communities 00:14:20.720 --> 00:14:22.379 by grace and 00:14:22.379 --> 00:14:22.759 love. 00:14:23.820 --> 00:14:24.660 Imagine the 00:14:24.660 --> 00:14:25.519 possibilities. 00:14:26.280 --> 00:14:26.980 As we think 00:14:26.980 --> 00:14:27.300 about the 00:14:27.300 --> 00:14:27.780 people that 00:14:27.780 --> 00:14:28.580 work with 00:14:28.580 --> 00:14:29.139 us, as the 00:14:29.139 --> 00:14:29.580 people who 00:14:29.580 --> 00:14:30.259 live around 00:14:30.259 --> 00:14:31.360 us, in the 00:14:31.360 --> 00:14:32.379 confusion, in 00:14:32.379 --> 00:14:34.280 the anxiety, in 00:14:34.280 --> 00:14:34.820 the loneliness 00:14:34.820 --> 00:14:35.580 that so many 00:14:35.580 --> 00:14:36.519 people experience, 00:14:36.580 --> 00:14:37.600 if we determine 00:14:37.600 --> 00:14:39.000 to be a 00:14:39.000 --> 00:14:39.740 community that 00:14:39.740 --> 00:14:40.759 recognizes the 00:14:40.759 --> 00:14:41.420 dignity, the 00:14:41.420 --> 00:14:41.840 worth, the 00:14:41.840 --> 00:14:42.540 value of every 00:14:42.540 --> 00:14:43.240 person that we 00:14:43.240 --> 00:14:45.300 meet, if we 00:14:45.300 --> 00:14:46.259 care for 00:14:46.259 --> 00:14:47.000 neighbors because 00:14:47.000 --> 00:14:47.800 our hearts have 00:14:47.799 --> 00:14:48.479 been changed 00:14:48.479 --> 00:14:49.019 and gripped 00:14:49.019 --> 00:14:51.879 by grace, if 00:14:51.879 --> 00:14:52.699 we refuse to 00:14:52.699 --> 00:14:53.399 exclude but 00:14:53.399 --> 00:14:54.259 always choose to 00:14:54.259 --> 00:14:56.219 welcome, when we 00:14:56.219 --> 00:14:56.740 want to show 00:14:56.740 --> 00:14:57.679 mercy to those 00:14:57.679 --> 00:14:58.219 both who are 00:14:58.219 --> 00:14:58.919 like us and 00:14:58.919 --> 00:14:59.519 those who are 00:14:59.519 --> 00:15:00.459 unlike us. 00:15:00.819 --> 00:15:01.639 Imagine how 00:15:01.639 --> 00:15:02.500 different this 00:15:02.500 --> 00:15:03.859 city would be if 00:15:03.859 --> 00:15:05.099 Christians in our 00:15:05.099 --> 00:15:05.819 city, if we 00:15:05.819 --> 00:15:06.679 acted this way. 00:15:06.679 --> 00:15:11.000 just like the 00:15:11.000 --> 00:15:11.719 first church, just 00:15:11.719 --> 00:15:12.519 like Jesus, but 00:15:12.519 --> 00:15:13.179 clue is on the 00:15:13.179 --> 00:15:13.620 margins. 00:15:16.000 --> 00:15:16.839 But that doesn't 00:15:16.839 --> 00:15:17.639 stop God's 00:15:17.639 --> 00:15:18.000 kingdom. 00:15:19.639 --> 00:15:20.459 And what our 00:15:20.459 --> 00:15:21.259 world needs to 00:15:21.259 --> 00:15:23.279 see, what we 00:15:23.279 --> 00:15:24.759 need to see, are 00:15:24.759 --> 00:15:26.259 the limits of 00:15:26.259 --> 00:15:26.699 power. 00:15:27.719 --> 00:15:28.599 Political power 00:15:28.599 --> 00:15:29.479 is limited. 00:15:30.139 --> 00:15:30.959 It can make some 00:15:30.959 --> 00:15:31.639 changes, but it 00:15:31.639 --> 00:15:32.240 cannot change 00:15:32.240 --> 00:15:32.699 hearts. 00:15:33.719 --> 00:15:34.439 We need to see 00:15:34.439 --> 00:15:35.279 the limits of 00:15:35.279 --> 00:15:35.819 force. 00:15:35.820 --> 00:15:36.820 force. 00:15:36.820 --> 00:15:37.240 And instead to 00:15:37.240 --> 00:15:38.900 be gripped by this 00:15:38.900 --> 00:15:39.560 kingdom from 00:15:39.560 --> 00:15:40.480 another place. 00:15:41.560 --> 00:15:42.540 This king with a 00:15:42.540 --> 00:15:43.360 different set of 00:15:43.360 --> 00:15:44.080 values. 00:15:44.800 --> 00:15:45.500 Because what our 00:15:45.500 --> 00:15:46.200 world needs and 00:15:46.200 --> 00:15:48.020 what we need is 00:15:48.020 --> 00:15:49.240 grace and truth, 00:15:49.920 --> 00:15:52.000 not expressions of 00:15:52.000 --> 00:15:52.860 raw power. 00:15:53.700 --> 00:15:56.180 Jesus' message and 00:15:56.180 --> 00:15:57.040 his message about 00:15:57.040 --> 00:15:57.780 power is always 00:15:57.780 --> 00:15:58.680 going to sound so 00:15:58.680 --> 00:16:00.260 different to the 00:16:00.260 --> 00:16:00.620 world. 00:16:00.840 --> 00:16:01.600 So different to 00:16:01.600 --> 00:16:03.000 what we hear in 00:16:03.000 --> 00:16:03.760 our news, but it's 00:16:03.760 --> 00:16:05.160 a message we need 00:16:05.159 --> 00:16:05.819 to hear. 00:16:06.519 --> 00:16:07.159 Because it 00:16:07.159 --> 00:16:07.860 connects to, the 00:16:07.860 --> 00:16:08.500 limits of power 00:16:08.500 --> 00:16:10.419 connect to the 00:16:10.419 --> 00:16:11.779 problem of power 00:16:11.779 --> 00:16:13.339 that Pilate and 00:16:13.339 --> 00:16:15.639 his actions and 00:16:15.639 --> 00:16:16.179 reactions 00:16:16.179 --> 00:16:16.980 demonstrate. 00:16:18.240 --> 00:16:18.779 So there's a 00:16:18.779 --> 00:16:19.740 popular phrase and 00:16:19.740 --> 00:16:20.699 an idea I think 00:16:20.699 --> 00:16:21.639 that people admire, 00:16:21.779 --> 00:16:22.439 maybe we've heard 00:16:22.439 --> 00:16:23.199 it, the idea that 00:16:23.199 --> 00:16:24.839 truth speaks, you 00:16:24.839 --> 00:16:25.719 know, speak truth 00:16:25.719 --> 00:16:26.279 to power. 00:16:26.279 --> 00:16:26.319 power. 00:16:27.839 --> 00:16:29.360 We admire those who 00:16:29.360 --> 00:16:30.480 speak up, who 00:16:30.480 --> 00:16:32.319 take risks to 00:16:32.319 --> 00:16:33.439 stand up for what 00:16:33.439 --> 00:16:34.500 is right, to stand 00:16:34.500 --> 00:16:36.179 up for justice, even 00:16:36.179 --> 00:16:36.939 in the face of 00:16:36.939 --> 00:16:38.019 powerful figures who 00:16:38.019 --> 00:16:39.000 would resent it. 00:16:40.220 --> 00:16:40.919 I don't know how 00:16:40.919 --> 00:16:41.600 many of you saw 00:16:41.600 --> 00:16:43.259 this week the story 00:16:43.259 --> 00:16:44.459 of the senator in 00:16:44.459 --> 00:16:45.319 the States, Cory 00:16:45.319 --> 00:16:45.779 Booker. 00:16:46.419 --> 00:16:47.039 And we come across 00:16:47.039 --> 00:16:47.819 that story and all 00:16:47.819 --> 00:16:48.279 the kind of the 00:16:48.279 --> 00:16:48.679 stuff that was 00:16:48.679 --> 00:16:49.179 happening in the 00:16:49.179 --> 00:16:49.319 news. 00:16:49.320 --> 00:16:50.960 This guy gave a 00:16:50.960 --> 00:16:53.300 25-hour speech. 00:16:55.280 --> 00:16:56.960 An incredible act 00:16:56.960 --> 00:16:57.580 of endurance. 00:16:57.820 --> 00:16:58.400 He was asked how 00:16:58.400 --> 00:16:59.160 he managed to do it. 00:16:59.180 --> 00:17:00.620 He had to fast for 00:17:00.620 --> 00:17:01.060 days. 00:17:01.400 --> 00:17:02.140 He had to go without 00:17:02.140 --> 00:17:03.160 water for days because 00:17:03.160 --> 00:17:03.740 you weren't allowed 00:17:03.740 --> 00:17:05.160 any bathroom breaks. 00:17:05.660 --> 00:17:06.640 So he took this 00:17:06.640 --> 00:17:08.080 deliberate stand. 00:17:09.340 --> 00:17:10.279 He said he felt this 00:17:10.279 --> 00:17:11.400 was something he had 00:17:11.400 --> 00:17:11.860 to do. 00:17:12.140 --> 00:17:12.940 This wasn't about 00:17:12.940 --> 00:17:14.039 political left and 00:17:14.039 --> 00:17:14.279 right. 00:17:14.279 --> 00:17:15.180 He felt like he 00:17:15.180 --> 00:17:15.980 wanted to make a 00:17:15.980 --> 00:17:16.700 stand for what he 00:17:16.700 --> 00:17:17.620 saw as a right and 00:17:17.620 --> 00:17:18.480 wrong issue. 00:17:19.319 --> 00:17:20.200 As he was seeing 00:17:20.200 --> 00:17:21.339 the impact of 00:17:21.339 --> 00:17:22.899 government policies, 00:17:23.339 --> 00:17:24.539 he wanted to make 00:17:24.539 --> 00:17:25.539 a stand and say 00:17:25.539 --> 00:17:26.299 there are certain 00:17:26.299 --> 00:17:27.220 things that I 00:17:27.220 --> 00:17:28.579 believe are wrong. 00:17:29.579 --> 00:17:30.439 And the world 00:17:30.439 --> 00:17:32.539 took notice because 00:17:32.539 --> 00:17:35.159 of that 25-hour 00:17:35.159 --> 00:17:35.960 stand. 00:17:36.960 --> 00:17:38.379 Truth speaks to 00:17:38.379 --> 00:17:38.700 power. 00:17:39.819 --> 00:17:40.819 We admire it, I 00:17:40.819 --> 00:17:41.359 think, when we come 00:17:41.359 --> 00:17:42.439 across those examples 00:17:42.439 --> 00:17:43.079 in the Bible. 00:17:43.700 --> 00:17:44.619 Think about Daniel 00:17:44.619 --> 00:17:45.679 and his friends 00:17:45.679 --> 00:17:47.200 standing against the 00:17:47.200 --> 00:17:48.259 might of an empire. 00:17:48.259 --> 00:17:49.379 No, we will not 00:17:49.379 --> 00:17:50.379 bow down to your 00:17:50.379 --> 00:17:50.819 statues. 00:17:51.019 --> 00:17:51.799 No, we will not 00:17:51.799 --> 00:17:53.839 worship the king as 00:17:53.839 --> 00:17:54.720 if he were a god. 00:17:55.779 --> 00:17:57.140 And we admire John 00:17:57.140 --> 00:17:58.420 the Baptist, perhaps, 00:17:59.079 --> 00:18:00.440 as he confronted the 00:18:00.440 --> 00:18:01.339 religious leaders, 00:18:01.480 --> 00:18:02.319 calling them a brood 00:18:02.319 --> 00:18:03.220 of vipers because 00:18:03.220 --> 00:18:04.319 they're hypocrites, 00:18:04.839 --> 00:18:05.680 challenging King 00:18:05.680 --> 00:18:06.660 Herod for being 00:18:06.660 --> 00:18:08.440 immoral, speaking 00:18:08.440 --> 00:18:09.660 truth to power. 00:18:09.660 --> 00:18:09.759 power. 00:18:11.400 --> 00:18:12.720 And we hear Jesus 00:18:12.720 --> 00:18:15.180 speaking truth to 00:18:15.180 --> 00:18:15.840 Pilate. 00:18:17.640 --> 00:18:19.620 And Pilate is not 00:18:19.620 --> 00:18:20.560 ready to listen. 00:18:21.680 --> 00:18:24.400 Verse 37, we have 00:18:24.400 --> 00:18:25.840 Pilate saying, you 00:18:25.840 --> 00:18:27.720 are a king then. 00:18:28.500 --> 00:18:29.600 So at this point it 00:18:29.600 --> 00:18:30.759 seems as if Pilate 00:18:30.759 --> 00:18:31.740 said, okay, I 00:18:31.740 --> 00:18:32.860 understand power, I 00:18:32.860 --> 00:18:34.400 understand kingship and 00:18:34.400 --> 00:18:35.200 rule and authority. 00:18:35.779 --> 00:18:37.100 Okay, we're speaking the 00:18:37.100 --> 00:18:38.240 same language right now. 00:18:38.240 --> 00:18:39.799 I get Jesus, he's in 00:18:39.799 --> 00:18:40.920 the power business as 00:18:40.920 --> 00:18:41.660 well, but what does 00:18:41.660 --> 00:18:42.640 Jesus say? 00:18:44.380 --> 00:18:45.839 Verse 37, you say 00:18:45.839 --> 00:18:46.620 that I'm a king. 00:18:47.339 --> 00:18:50.099 In fact, the reason I 00:18:50.099 --> 00:18:51.200 was born and came into 00:18:51.200 --> 00:18:52.120 the world is to 00:18:52.120 --> 00:18:54.400 testify to the truth. 00:18:55.380 --> 00:18:56.259 Everyone on the side 00:18:56.259 --> 00:18:57.240 of truth listens to 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:57.500 me. 00:19:00.359 --> 00:19:01.259 Not in the power 00:19:01.259 --> 00:19:02.099 business, Jesus is in 00:19:02.099 --> 00:19:02.839 the truth business. 00:19:02.940 --> 00:19:04.160 He's come to testify to 00:19:04.160 --> 00:19:04.440 truth. 00:19:04.440 --> 00:19:06.059 It is true that he is 00:19:06.059 --> 00:19:07.279 the eternal son of 00:19:07.279 --> 00:19:07.680 God. 00:19:08.880 --> 00:19:10.180 It is true that he is a 00:19:10.180 --> 00:19:10.759 king, but he's a 00:19:10.759 --> 00:19:11.559 different kind of king. 00:19:11.640 --> 00:19:12.680 He's the servant king. 00:19:13.240 --> 00:19:14.380 It is true that he's 00:19:14.380 --> 00:19:15.299 come to build a 00:19:15.299 --> 00:19:16.240 kingdom, but that's not 00:19:16.240 --> 00:19:17.279 by raw aggression. 00:19:17.740 --> 00:19:19.120 It's by a kingdom of 00:19:19.120 --> 00:19:21.259 love and sacrifice. 00:19:24.380 --> 00:19:25.720 What will Pilate do 00:19:25.720 --> 00:19:27.620 with this message? 00:19:28.320 --> 00:19:29.120 It's one of the things 00:19:29.120 --> 00:19:30.019 that John's gospel 00:19:30.019 --> 00:19:31.180 records for us. 00:19:31.820 --> 00:19:32.680 Jesus makes these 00:19:32.680 --> 00:19:33.840 great claims, great 00:19:33.840 --> 00:19:35.220 statements about who 00:19:35.220 --> 00:19:36.460 he is and why he came 00:19:36.460 --> 00:19:37.660 and how do different 00:19:37.660 --> 00:19:38.640 people react. 00:19:39.420 --> 00:19:40.480 And as we read John's 00:19:40.480 --> 00:19:41.279 gospel, there's always 00:19:41.279 --> 00:19:42.539 that invitation drawing 00:19:42.539 --> 00:19:42.860 us in. 00:19:42.900 --> 00:19:43.980 How do we respond? 00:19:44.080 --> 00:19:45.860 How do we react to the 00:19:45.860 --> 00:19:46.940 truth claims about 00:19:46.940 --> 00:19:47.299 Jesus? 00:19:47.440 --> 00:19:48.759 So the gospel begins 00:19:48.759 --> 00:19:49.200 with some really 00:19:49.200 --> 00:19:50.259 positive responses. 00:19:51.100 --> 00:19:52.039 So we've got John who 00:19:52.039 --> 00:19:52.779 writes the gospel. 00:19:52.920 --> 00:19:54.360 He says, Jesus is God. 00:19:55.000 --> 00:19:55.940 And he reveals the 00:19:55.940 --> 00:19:56.820 glory of God to us. 00:19:56.860 --> 00:19:57.860 We look at Jesus and 00:19:57.860 --> 00:19:59.080 we see the glory of God. 00:19:59.079 --> 00:20:00.859 We have John the 00:20:00.859 --> 00:20:01.839 Baptist saying to 00:20:01.839 --> 00:20:03.039 people, listen, this is 00:20:03.039 --> 00:20:03.819 the Lamb of God. 00:20:03.899 --> 00:20:04.859 He's been sent to take 00:20:04.859 --> 00:20:05.579 away the sin of the 00:20:05.579 --> 00:20:05.759 world. 00:20:05.839 --> 00:20:06.480 You should all listen 00:20:06.480 --> 00:20:06.859 to him. 00:20:08.039 --> 00:20:09.079 We have Andrew 00:20:09.079 --> 00:20:10.559 excitedly coming to his 00:20:10.559 --> 00:20:11.379 brother saying, listen, 00:20:11.519 --> 00:20:12.639 we found the Messiah. 00:20:12.779 --> 00:20:13.539 Come and meet him. 00:20:14.619 --> 00:20:15.759 After a wedding, when 00:20:15.759 --> 00:20:17.000 Jesus turns water into 00:20:17.000 --> 00:20:18.159 wine, the disciples 00:20:18.159 --> 00:20:20.199 believe because they see 00:20:20.199 --> 00:20:21.079 Jesus' glory. 00:20:23.559 --> 00:20:26.819 But we also see lots of 00:20:26.819 --> 00:20:27.960 negative responses. 00:20:29.179 --> 00:20:29.960 We thought about a lot 00:20:29.960 --> 00:20:30.980 of them last week. 00:20:31.460 --> 00:20:32.539 The attempts especially 00:20:32.539 --> 00:20:33.599 of the religious leaders 00:20:33.599 --> 00:20:34.859 to get rid of Jesus, to 00:20:34.859 --> 00:20:36.119 kill him, to stone him. 00:20:36.579 --> 00:20:37.619 But we also meet the 00:20:37.619 --> 00:20:38.779 people who walked away. 00:20:39.399 --> 00:20:40.539 They found his claims to 00:20:40.539 --> 00:20:41.799 truth too hard to take 00:20:41.799 --> 00:20:42.700 and so they simply 00:20:42.700 --> 00:20:44.839 stopped listening. 00:20:45.159 --> 00:20:45.960 They doubted his 00:20:45.960 --> 00:20:47.740 identity, rejected his 00:20:47.740 --> 00:20:49.319 teaching, rejecting his 00:20:49.319 --> 00:20:50.379 offer of salvation. 00:20:51.000 --> 00:20:52.159 So here's our question 00:20:52.159 --> 00:20:52.639 today. 00:20:52.640 --> 00:20:56.140 What will Pilate do in 00:20:56.140 --> 00:20:56.860 this moment? 00:20:59.800 --> 00:21:01.500 Pilate in verse 38 makes 00:21:01.500 --> 00:21:03.259 that famous statement, 00:21:03.480 --> 00:21:05.280 what is truth? 00:21:06.980 --> 00:21:08.460 But he never waits for the 00:21:08.460 --> 00:21:08.940 answer. 00:21:11.180 --> 00:21:12.040 What is truth? 00:21:12.180 --> 00:21:13.620 Retorted Pilate and with 00:21:13.620 --> 00:21:15.540 that he went out. 00:21:16.500 --> 00:21:18.180 And the striking thing, 00:21:18.460 --> 00:21:19.500 and you would have heard it 00:21:19.500 --> 00:21:21.440 as we heard the text read, 00:21:21.779 --> 00:21:23.680 is that Pilate clearly 00:21:23.680 --> 00:21:26.099 knows Jesus is 00:21:26.099 --> 00:21:26.420 innocent. 00:21:28.420 --> 00:21:31.000 He is working so hard 00:21:31.000 --> 00:21:33.700 to find a way to have 00:21:33.700 --> 00:21:35.319 Jesus released, 00:21:35.980 --> 00:21:37.519 but at the same time 00:21:37.519 --> 00:21:38.779 he will have Jesus 00:21:38.779 --> 00:21:41.240 beaten and mocked with 00:21:41.240 --> 00:21:43.079 a crown of thorns and the 00:21:43.079 --> 00:21:44.299 robe placed on him. 00:21:44.299 --> 00:21:45.480 And ultimately, 00:21:46.220 --> 00:21:47.480 he will hand Jesus 00:21:47.480 --> 00:21:49.299 over to be executed. 00:21:49.619 --> 00:21:49.720 Why? 00:21:52.200 --> 00:21:53.740 Because Pilate values 00:21:53.740 --> 00:21:55.159 power more than he values 00:21:55.159 --> 00:21:55.659 truth. 00:21:56.099 --> 00:21:57.440 The turning point is there 00:21:57.440 --> 00:21:58.359 in verse 12. 00:21:59.279 --> 00:22:00.200 As soon as the crowd 00:22:00.200 --> 00:22:00.960 starts shouting, 00:22:01.159 --> 00:22:02.399 anyone who claims to be a 00:22:02.399 --> 00:22:04.180 king opposes Caesar, 00:22:05.200 --> 00:22:06.740 it's at that point 00:22:06.740 --> 00:22:09.500 that he's going to hand 00:22:09.500 --> 00:22:11.299 Jesus over to be 00:22:11.299 --> 00:22:11.779 crucified. 00:22:11.779 --> 00:22:14.619 Pilate is standing 00:22:14.619 --> 00:22:15.500 before Jesus. 00:22:16.379 --> 00:22:17.299 He is the way 00:22:17.299 --> 00:22:18.000 and the truth 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:18.680 and the life. 00:22:18.779 --> 00:22:19.279 He is the one 00:22:19.279 --> 00:22:20.500 who's come from God. 00:22:20.859 --> 00:22:21.899 He reveals the truth 00:22:21.899 --> 00:22:22.339 of God. 00:22:22.599 --> 00:22:23.379 He would bring people 00:22:23.379 --> 00:22:24.319 back to life 00:22:24.319 --> 00:22:25.740 in proper relationship 00:22:25.740 --> 00:22:26.480 with God. 00:22:26.779 --> 00:22:27.579 But Pilate, 00:22:27.920 --> 00:22:30.440 he chooses his own God. 00:22:30.559 --> 00:22:30.920 Ultimately, 00:22:31.059 --> 00:22:31.960 he chooses power 00:22:31.960 --> 00:22:32.980 over truth. 00:22:33.059 --> 00:22:33.839 He chooses power 00:22:33.839 --> 00:22:35.279 over Jesus. 00:22:37.359 --> 00:22:38.279 One of the things 00:22:38.279 --> 00:22:39.299 that we see, 00:22:39.500 --> 00:22:40.779 so we admire, 00:22:40.779 --> 00:22:43.139 when people speak 00:22:43.139 --> 00:22:44.259 truth to power. 00:22:45.779 --> 00:22:46.480 It's a really 00:22:46.480 --> 00:22:47.599 attractive quality, 00:22:48.119 --> 00:22:49.359 but it often meets 00:22:49.359 --> 00:22:51.039 with very fierce opposition 00:22:51.039 --> 00:22:53.079 because it means 00:22:53.079 --> 00:22:53.779 someone's power 00:22:53.779 --> 00:22:54.319 and control 00:22:54.319 --> 00:22:55.220 is being threatened. 00:22:55.740 --> 00:22:56.220 And so there is 00:22:56.220 --> 00:22:57.139 that effort to fight 00:22:57.139 --> 00:22:58.379 and to silence the truth. 00:23:00.420 --> 00:23:01.420 Maybe you remember 00:23:01.420 --> 00:23:02.619 that famous scene 00:23:02.619 --> 00:23:03.059 in the movie 00:23:03.059 --> 00:23:04.099 A Few Good Men. 00:23:04.639 --> 00:23:05.220 As you get to 00:23:05.220 --> 00:23:06.220 this climactic 00:23:06.220 --> 00:23:08.019 trial scene, 00:23:08.099 --> 00:23:09.059 you have Jack Nicholson 00:23:09.059 --> 00:23:10.720 shouting across the court, 00:23:10.799 --> 00:23:11.619 you want the truth, 00:23:11.679 --> 00:23:13.099 you can't handle the truth. 00:23:14.139 --> 00:23:15.119 And we see it all 00:23:15.119 --> 00:23:15.879 through the pages 00:23:15.879 --> 00:23:16.419 of scripture 00:23:16.419 --> 00:23:17.279 and through history. 00:23:17.700 --> 00:23:19.099 Daniel and his friends 00:23:19.099 --> 00:23:19.839 will that the king 00:23:19.839 --> 00:23:20.619 would get rid of them 00:23:20.619 --> 00:23:21.259 by throwing them 00:23:21.259 --> 00:23:22.279 into a fiery furnace 00:23:22.279 --> 00:23:22.879 or throwing them 00:23:22.879 --> 00:23:23.599 to the lions. 00:23:23.740 --> 00:23:24.119 John, 00:23:24.679 --> 00:23:25.319 as he speaks, 00:23:25.419 --> 00:23:26.200 truth to power 00:23:26.200 --> 00:23:26.740 to Herod, 00:23:26.779 --> 00:23:27.399 he's beheaded. 00:23:28.059 --> 00:23:29.200 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 00:23:29.399 --> 00:23:30.359 as he spoke against 00:23:30.359 --> 00:23:31.220 the Nazi regime, 00:23:31.220 --> 00:23:32.619 was killed by them. 00:23:32.700 --> 00:23:33.559 Martin Luther King, 00:23:33.599 --> 00:23:34.220 as he spoke 00:23:34.220 --> 00:23:35.440 for civil rights, 00:23:35.500 --> 00:23:36.980 ended up assassinated. 00:23:36.980 --> 00:23:39.740 The problem is apparent 00:23:39.740 --> 00:23:42.779 because people love power 00:23:42.779 --> 00:23:44.099 so much 00:23:44.099 --> 00:23:47.140 and will cling to it 00:23:47.140 --> 00:23:49.079 at all costs. 00:23:50.059 --> 00:23:52.160 There is a very real problem 00:23:52.160 --> 00:23:52.900 with power. 00:23:53.680 --> 00:23:54.940 It can serve truth 00:23:54.940 --> 00:23:56.120 and it can serve people, 00:23:56.319 --> 00:23:57.240 but it can also be 00:23:57.240 --> 00:23:58.400 very self-serving 00:23:58.400 --> 00:24:00.620 so that we would resist 00:24:00.620 --> 00:24:01.240 the truth. 00:24:01.839 --> 00:24:03.180 We would build our identity 00:24:03.180 --> 00:24:05.120 on the power and influence 00:24:05.119 --> 00:24:06.039 that we have. 00:24:08.739 --> 00:24:09.359 And again, 00:24:09.439 --> 00:24:10.319 this isn't just for 00:24:10.319 --> 00:24:11.399 power-hungry leaders 00:24:11.399 --> 00:24:12.099 over there. 00:24:14.079 --> 00:24:15.519 This is for all of us 00:24:15.519 --> 00:24:16.239 right here. 00:24:17.419 --> 00:24:18.399 We will all have 00:24:18.399 --> 00:24:19.239 some measure 00:24:19.239 --> 00:24:20.679 of power and control, 00:24:21.059 --> 00:24:21.879 some measure 00:24:21.879 --> 00:24:22.579 that we will want 00:24:22.579 --> 00:24:23.500 to hold on to. 00:24:23.579 --> 00:24:24.759 So whether we're a child 00:24:24.759 --> 00:24:25.859 or whether we're an adult, 00:24:26.759 --> 00:24:27.279 and whether we're 00:24:27.279 --> 00:24:28.279 looking at ourselves today 00:24:28.279 --> 00:24:28.599 and we think, 00:24:28.699 --> 00:24:29.479 well, I'm at the bottom 00:24:29.479 --> 00:24:30.299 rung of the ladder 00:24:30.299 --> 00:24:30.979 or whether we're 00:24:30.979 --> 00:24:32.119 at the top of the tree, 00:24:32.119 --> 00:24:33.739 there are going to be 00:24:33.739 --> 00:24:35.139 places where we have power. 00:24:35.979 --> 00:24:37.239 That might be in a company, 00:24:37.599 --> 00:24:38.779 it might be in a community, 00:24:39.219 --> 00:24:40.719 it might be within our family, 00:24:40.879 --> 00:24:41.759 it might be in a team, 00:24:41.839 --> 00:24:42.459 or it might just be 00:24:42.459 --> 00:24:43.479 in our own lives. 00:24:45.879 --> 00:24:47.139 And we need to beware 00:24:47.139 --> 00:24:50.659 to draw lessons from Pilate, 00:24:51.659 --> 00:24:54.139 to be aware of our own hearts, 00:24:54.899 --> 00:24:55.699 that temptation 00:24:55.699 --> 00:24:56.679 that we will all have 00:24:56.679 --> 00:24:57.479 to use power 00:24:57.479 --> 00:24:58.739 for selfish reasons, 00:24:58.740 --> 00:25:01.500 to take our influence 00:25:01.500 --> 00:25:01.839 and say, 00:25:01.960 --> 00:25:03.120 I'm going to use my influence 00:25:03.120 --> 00:25:04.640 to make sure it's my agenda, 00:25:05.240 --> 00:25:06.140 it's my needs, 00:25:06.200 --> 00:25:07.039 it's my ego. 00:25:09.079 --> 00:25:09.960 Sometimes we feel 00:25:09.960 --> 00:25:11.200 that we just need control 00:25:11.200 --> 00:25:12.420 and we need status. 00:25:13.400 --> 00:25:14.740 But more than that, 00:25:16.299 --> 00:25:18.180 the warning of Pilate 00:25:18.180 --> 00:25:20.779 is that we beware 00:25:20.779 --> 00:25:21.799 the temptation 00:25:21.799 --> 00:25:24.059 in our own hearts 00:25:24.059 --> 00:25:26.440 to walk away from Jesus 00:25:26.440 --> 00:25:27.140 and His truth. 00:25:27.140 --> 00:25:29.720 where we don't want 00:25:29.720 --> 00:25:30.300 that truth 00:25:30.300 --> 00:25:32.100 to get too close to us 00:25:32.100 --> 00:25:34.060 because we understand 00:25:34.060 --> 00:25:34.880 the implications. 00:25:35.180 --> 00:25:37.300 If I walk towards Jesus, 00:25:37.480 --> 00:25:38.860 if I submit to Him 00:25:38.860 --> 00:25:39.320 as Lord, 00:25:39.440 --> 00:25:40.759 then He's in charge 00:25:40.759 --> 00:25:41.440 and not me. 00:25:42.340 --> 00:25:43.000 Then there's going to be 00:25:43.000 --> 00:25:43.980 power and control 00:25:43.980 --> 00:25:44.560 and influence 00:25:44.560 --> 00:25:45.580 that I have to give up. 00:25:45.680 --> 00:25:46.520 Jesus spoke a bit, 00:25:46.580 --> 00:25:47.460 denying ourselves 00:25:47.460 --> 00:25:48.440 to follow Him. 00:25:49.860 --> 00:25:51.080 That can be really hard. 00:25:53.960 --> 00:25:54.820 Well, you and I 00:25:54.819 --> 00:25:57.259 may not have Pilate's power, 00:25:58.259 --> 00:26:00.939 I imagine we will all face 00:26:00.939 --> 00:26:02.279 Pilate's temptation 00:26:02.279 --> 00:26:06.279 to make power and control 00:26:06.279 --> 00:26:09.899 an idol that rules us. 00:26:11.659 --> 00:26:12.839 Martin Luther has a really 00:26:12.839 --> 00:26:14.220 helpful definition 00:26:14.220 --> 00:26:15.919 of what an idol is 00:26:15.919 --> 00:26:16.559 in our hearts. 00:26:16.700 --> 00:26:17.319 He said this, 00:26:17.379 --> 00:26:17.639 he said, 00:26:17.640 --> 00:26:19.520 a God is whatever 00:26:19.520 --> 00:26:20.540 we expect 00:26:20.540 --> 00:26:21.780 to provide 00:26:21.780 --> 00:26:22.820 all good 00:26:22.820 --> 00:26:24.600 and in which 00:26:24.600 --> 00:26:25.520 we take refuge 00:26:25.520 --> 00:26:27.060 in all distress. 00:26:28.080 --> 00:26:28.900 Whatever you set 00:26:28.900 --> 00:26:29.660 your heart on 00:26:29.660 --> 00:26:30.960 and put your trust in, 00:26:31.420 --> 00:26:31.759 that, 00:26:32.160 --> 00:26:33.259 I tell you, 00:26:33.700 --> 00:26:34.820 is your true 00:26:34.820 --> 00:26:35.820 God. 00:26:36.520 --> 00:26:37.300 And we can do that 00:26:37.300 --> 00:26:37.720 with power. 00:26:37.800 --> 00:26:38.620 If I have power, 00:26:38.900 --> 00:26:40.020 then I've got the good life. 00:26:40.860 --> 00:26:41.960 If things are going badly, 00:26:42.040 --> 00:26:42.200 well, 00:26:42.240 --> 00:26:43.340 at least I've got my status. 00:26:44.500 --> 00:26:45.740 We can set our heart on, 00:26:45.740 --> 00:26:47.480 I want to be somebody, 00:26:47.640 --> 00:26:48.400 to be a person 00:26:48.400 --> 00:26:49.220 of significance. 00:26:51.220 --> 00:26:52.359 Jesus challenges 00:26:52.359 --> 00:26:53.180 our hearts 00:26:53.180 --> 00:26:53.880 because He says 00:26:53.880 --> 00:26:54.559 to follow me 00:26:54.559 --> 00:26:55.759 involves sacrifice. 00:26:57.779 --> 00:26:59.039 It involves being willing 00:26:59.039 --> 00:27:01.120 to deny ourselves daily, 00:27:02.059 --> 00:27:03.759 to deny our claim 00:27:03.759 --> 00:27:05.759 to power daily 00:27:05.759 --> 00:27:08.019 in order to follow Him, 00:27:08.099 --> 00:27:08.839 to have Him as King. 00:27:10.079 --> 00:27:10.859 How can we do it? 00:27:11.200 --> 00:27:12.079 Why should we do it? 00:27:12.620 --> 00:27:13.279 That leads us 00:27:13.279 --> 00:27:14.140 to our last thought. 00:27:14.140 --> 00:27:15.240 Let's think about 00:27:15.240 --> 00:27:15.960 how Jesus 00:27:15.960 --> 00:27:18.800 transforms power. 00:27:19.160 --> 00:27:19.640 This takes us 00:27:19.640 --> 00:27:21.140 into chapter 19. 00:27:21.440 --> 00:27:22.680 And what becomes clear 00:27:22.680 --> 00:27:25.380 is there is this moment 00:27:25.380 --> 00:27:26.240 of recognition 00:27:26.240 --> 00:27:27.360 where Pilate goes 00:27:27.360 --> 00:27:27.940 from thinking, 00:27:28.500 --> 00:27:29.080 I'm the man, 00:27:29.640 --> 00:27:30.940 I'm in charge, 00:27:31.440 --> 00:27:32.480 I'm calling the shots, 00:27:32.560 --> 00:27:33.180 to all of a sudden 00:27:33.180 --> 00:27:34.280 understanding 00:27:34.280 --> 00:27:36.120 that he's not. 00:27:36.980 --> 00:27:38.280 And Jesus speaks to him. 00:27:39.500 --> 00:27:40.460 Chapter 19 00:27:40.460 --> 00:27:41.540 and verse 7, 00:27:41.539 --> 00:27:43.339 Pilate hears 00:27:43.339 --> 00:27:44.220 the Jewish leaders 00:27:44.220 --> 00:27:45.279 say of Jesus, 00:27:45.399 --> 00:27:45.879 we have a law 00:27:45.879 --> 00:27:46.920 and according to that law 00:27:46.920 --> 00:27:47.519 he must die 00:27:47.519 --> 00:27:48.680 because he claimed 00:27:48.680 --> 00:27:51.180 to be the Son of God. 00:27:52.740 --> 00:27:54.079 And when Pilate heard this 00:27:54.079 --> 00:27:56.019 he was even more afraid. 00:27:57.819 --> 00:27:59.339 So Pilate is beginning 00:27:59.339 --> 00:28:00.700 gradually to realize 00:28:00.700 --> 00:28:01.859 the man in front of me 00:28:01.859 --> 00:28:03.099 though he looks weak, 00:28:03.460 --> 00:28:04.639 though I have humiliated 00:28:04.639 --> 00:28:05.460 and beaten him, 00:28:05.740 --> 00:28:06.519 he is a force 00:28:06.519 --> 00:28:08.159 far greater than I am. 00:28:08.160 --> 00:28:10.759 But still he tries 00:28:10.759 --> 00:28:11.500 to hold on 00:28:11.500 --> 00:28:12.860 to his power claims. 00:28:13.860 --> 00:28:14.380 Listen to him 00:28:14.380 --> 00:28:15.140 in verse 10, 00:28:15.620 --> 00:28:16.500 do you refuse 00:28:16.500 --> 00:28:17.700 to speak to me? 00:28:18.380 --> 00:28:18.940 Pilate said, 00:28:19.259 --> 00:28:20.140 don't you realize 00:28:20.140 --> 00:28:20.920 I have power 00:28:20.920 --> 00:28:22.279 either to free you 00:28:22.279 --> 00:28:23.820 or to crucify you? 00:28:24.860 --> 00:28:26.140 Like so many people, 00:28:26.640 --> 00:28:27.900 he's persuaded government, 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:28.900 that's where power is, 00:28:28.980 --> 00:28:29.779 that's where influence 00:28:29.779 --> 00:28:30.240 is found. 00:28:31.440 --> 00:28:32.220 Listen to Jesus, 00:28:32.220 --> 00:28:34.120 you would have 00:28:34.120 --> 00:28:35.779 no power over me 00:28:35.779 --> 00:28:37.480 if it were not given 00:28:37.480 --> 00:28:38.740 to you from above. 00:28:39.639 --> 00:28:40.319 Therefore the one 00:28:40.319 --> 00:28:41.519 who handed me over 00:28:41.519 --> 00:28:42.339 to you is guilty 00:28:42.339 --> 00:28:43.779 of a greater sin. 00:28:46.220 --> 00:28:47.599 You would have no power 00:28:47.599 --> 00:28:49.519 unless God had given it 00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:49.940 to you 00:28:49.940 --> 00:28:51.519 and this was God's plan 00:28:51.519 --> 00:28:52.579 all along. 00:28:53.579 --> 00:28:54.160 And we have this 00:28:54.160 --> 00:28:55.139 remarkable truth 00:28:55.139 --> 00:28:56.180 that while evil things 00:28:56.180 --> 00:28:56.720 are happening 00:28:56.720 --> 00:28:57.960 God takes up 00:28:57.960 --> 00:28:59.200 these evil actions 00:28:59.200 --> 00:29:00.119 of the Jewish leaders 00:29:00.119 --> 00:29:00.799 and of Pilate 00:29:00.799 --> 00:29:02.160 in order to accomplish 00:29:02.160 --> 00:29:02.940 his good plan 00:29:02.940 --> 00:29:03.619 of salvation. 00:29:03.619 --> 00:29:05.979 We discover 00:29:05.979 --> 00:29:07.259 that this is God's plan 00:29:07.259 --> 00:29:08.719 Jesus already told us. 00:29:09.879 --> 00:29:11.159 The Bible tells us 00:29:11.159 --> 00:29:12.039 it's God's plan 00:29:12.039 --> 00:29:14.019 that his son dies 00:29:14.019 --> 00:29:14.739 as a sacrifice 00:29:14.739 --> 00:29:15.939 to be our savior. 00:29:16.399 --> 00:29:18.659 The cross is God's idea 00:29:18.659 --> 00:29:20.179 and he is driving 00:29:20.179 --> 00:29:21.099 the agenda. 00:29:22.399 --> 00:29:23.139 But nevertheless, 00:29:23.519 --> 00:29:24.619 Pilate is responsible 00:29:24.619 --> 00:29:26.059 for his own moral choice. 00:29:26.219 --> 00:29:27.359 So are the Jews. 00:29:27.500 --> 00:29:28.899 There is real guilt. 00:29:30.419 --> 00:29:31.539 But what they intended 00:29:31.539 --> 00:29:32.079 for evil, 00:29:32.219 --> 00:29:33.500 God intended for good. 00:29:33.619 --> 00:29:34.099 God intended for good. 00:29:37.679 --> 00:29:39.159 Where do you come from? 00:29:39.819 --> 00:29:41.239 He asked Jesus. 00:29:42.799 --> 00:29:43.619 Jesus says 00:29:43.619 --> 00:29:44.359 you'd have no power 00:29:44.359 --> 00:29:45.119 if it were not given 00:29:45.119 --> 00:29:46.119 to you from above. 00:29:46.879 --> 00:29:47.559 And remember 00:29:47.559 --> 00:29:48.379 that all the time 00:29:48.379 --> 00:29:49.179 John's gospel 00:29:49.179 --> 00:29:50.439 has been saying to us 00:29:50.439 --> 00:29:51.019 remember 00:29:51.019 --> 00:29:51.839 Jesus 00:29:51.839 --> 00:29:53.500 is from above. 00:29:54.799 --> 00:29:55.299 Remember 00:29:55.299 --> 00:29:56.719 Jesus is the king 00:29:56.719 --> 00:29:59.159 who is eternal. 00:30:00.419 --> 00:30:01.959 He has unlimited power. 00:30:01.960 --> 00:30:02.960 He is God. 00:30:02.960 --> 00:30:03.740 He is God. 00:30:04.480 --> 00:30:05.860 He is not being forced. 00:30:07.559 --> 00:30:08.700 He is not being dragged 00:30:08.700 --> 00:30:09.700 against his will. 00:30:10.880 --> 00:30:13.079 This is voluntary sacrifice. 00:30:13.079 --> 00:30:16.619 the same Jesus 00:30:16.619 --> 00:30:19.139 who just a few hours earlier 00:30:19.139 --> 00:30:21.159 took off his robe 00:30:21.159 --> 00:30:22.579 in order to wash 00:30:22.579 --> 00:30:23.799 his disciples' feet 00:30:23.799 --> 00:30:26.159 is the same Jesus 00:30:26.159 --> 00:30:28.039 who willingly goes on trial, 00:30:28.419 --> 00:30:29.039 who is willing 00:30:29.039 --> 00:30:30.579 to be clothed 00:30:30.579 --> 00:30:31.779 in a purple robe 00:30:31.779 --> 00:30:32.839 and mocked 00:30:32.839 --> 00:30:34.159 as they put a crown of thorns 00:30:34.159 --> 00:30:35.079 on his head. 00:30:35.079 --> 00:30:37.639 It's the same Jesus 00:30:37.639 --> 00:30:38.899 who in chapter 19 00:30:38.899 --> 00:30:40.019 and verse 23 00:30:40.019 --> 00:30:41.359 will be stripped 00:30:41.359 --> 00:30:42.519 of his clothes 00:30:42.519 --> 00:30:43.839 as he hangs 00:30:43.839 --> 00:30:44.799 dying. 00:30:47.359 --> 00:30:48.980 Jesus is 00:30:48.980 --> 00:30:49.879 a king 00:30:49.879 --> 00:30:53.399 and he is 00:30:53.399 --> 00:30:54.480 a servant. 00:30:56.000 --> 00:30:56.599 And Jesus 00:30:56.599 --> 00:30:58.279 transforms power 00:30:58.279 --> 00:30:59.939 because he gives it up 00:30:59.939 --> 00:31:01.199 for the sake of others. 00:31:01.200 --> 00:31:04.080 He transforms power 00:31:04.080 --> 00:31:06.259 by embracing sacrifice 00:31:06.259 --> 00:31:08.160 so that he can embrace 00:31:08.160 --> 00:31:11.059 sinners by his grace. 00:31:13.519 --> 00:31:15.200 For the king of heaven, 00:31:16.080 --> 00:31:16.980 real power 00:31:16.980 --> 00:31:18.680 is service. 00:31:19.720 --> 00:31:21.340 Not ruling by force. 00:31:22.160 --> 00:31:24.080 Not ruling for self-interest. 00:31:24.420 --> 00:31:25.620 Not ruling to be seen 00:31:25.620 --> 00:31:26.600 as a somebody. 00:31:26.599 --> 00:31:28.980 Jesus came to save us 00:31:28.980 --> 00:31:29.959 by service 00:31:29.959 --> 00:31:31.819 and by sacrifice. 00:31:35.319 --> 00:31:36.859 And when our hearts 00:31:36.859 --> 00:31:39.179 are transformed 00:31:39.179 --> 00:31:40.480 by that truth, 00:31:41.240 --> 00:31:42.079 when our hearts 00:31:42.079 --> 00:31:42.879 are filled 00:31:42.879 --> 00:31:43.859 by that truth, 00:31:44.879 --> 00:31:45.659 that Jesus 00:31:45.659 --> 00:31:46.480 loved me 00:31:46.480 --> 00:31:47.219 and gave himself 00:31:47.219 --> 00:31:47.839 for me, 00:31:47.899 --> 00:31:48.399 that Jesus 00:31:48.399 --> 00:31:50.179 left the glory 00:31:50.179 --> 00:31:50.839 of heaven 00:31:50.839 --> 00:31:52.359 to become one of us 00:31:52.359 --> 00:31:53.439 in order to die 00:31:53.439 --> 00:31:53.980 for us, 00:31:54.059 --> 00:31:55.359 to save us, 00:31:55.359 --> 00:31:59.899 when we understand 00:31:59.899 --> 00:32:00.339 that, 00:32:01.479 --> 00:32:02.279 when we're moved 00:32:02.279 --> 00:32:03.159 by that love 00:32:03.159 --> 00:32:04.139 and that sacrifice, 00:32:04.240 --> 00:32:05.039 then we too 00:32:05.039 --> 00:32:06.459 are given the power 00:32:06.459 --> 00:32:07.199 to follow 00:32:07.199 --> 00:32:08.459 the way of Jesus 00:32:08.459 --> 00:32:10.019 from transformed hearts. 00:32:11.879 --> 00:32:13.079 Here's how we can 00:32:13.079 --> 00:32:13.779 do mission 00:32:13.779 --> 00:32:14.799 on the margins, 00:32:14.939 --> 00:32:16.000 not grasping 00:32:16.000 --> 00:32:16.799 for power, 00:32:17.799 --> 00:32:19.379 but ready to serve 00:32:19.379 --> 00:32:20.259 and sacrifice. 00:32:21.240 --> 00:32:22.199 Following Jesus' 00:32:22.399 --> 00:32:22.839 pattern, 00:32:23.819 --> 00:32:24.859 relying on the power 00:32:24.859 --> 00:32:25.899 that he provides. 00:32:27.439 --> 00:32:28.299 Let's pray 00:32:28.299 --> 00:32:29.679 to give thanks. 00:32:33.199 --> 00:32:33.759 God, 00:32:33.879 --> 00:32:34.699 our Father, 00:32:34.859 --> 00:32:35.879 we thank you 00:32:35.879 --> 00:32:37.599 for the willingness 00:32:37.599 --> 00:32:38.719 of Jesus 00:32:38.719 --> 00:32:43.359 to voluntarily 00:32:43.359 --> 00:32:45.619 come to this place, 00:32:45.799 --> 00:32:47.000 to come to this earth, 00:32:47.659 --> 00:32:48.759 to be arrested, 00:32:49.459 --> 00:32:50.479 to be tried, 00:32:50.599 --> 00:32:51.379 to be mocked, 00:32:51.479 --> 00:32:52.179 to be beaten, 00:32:52.180 --> 00:32:54.120 to be questioned, 00:32:54.120 --> 00:32:55.600 to be rejected, 00:32:56.519 --> 00:32:57.480 and to be killed. 00:33:00.320 --> 00:33:01.480 To do that 00:33:01.480 --> 00:33:02.340 out of love 00:33:02.340 --> 00:33:04.039 as an act 00:33:04.039 --> 00:33:05.120 of sacrifice, 00:33:05.120 --> 00:33:07.680 to save us 00:33:07.680 --> 00:33:08.560 from our sin, 00:33:09.039 --> 00:33:10.120 to bring us 00:33:10.120 --> 00:33:11.700 into your kingdom, 00:33:12.980 --> 00:33:13.799 to give us 00:33:13.799 --> 00:33:15.039 a new way 00:33:15.039 --> 00:33:15.940 of understanding 00:33:15.940 --> 00:33:16.580 power, 00:33:17.140 --> 00:33:19.080 and a new power 00:33:19.080 --> 00:33:19.740 within us 00:33:19.740 --> 00:33:20.380 to live 00:33:20.380 --> 00:33:20.920 the way 00:33:20.920 --> 00:33:21.460 of Jesus. 00:33:22.640 --> 00:33:23.359 We pray 00:33:23.359 --> 00:33:23.740 that you'd 00:33:23.740 --> 00:33:24.420 help us 00:33:24.420 --> 00:33:25.819 to pursue 00:33:25.819 --> 00:33:26.819 lives marked 00:33:26.819 --> 00:33:27.640 by mercy, 00:33:28.740 --> 00:33:29.539 marked by 00:33:29.539 --> 00:33:31.039 loving sacrifice, 00:33:31.539 --> 00:33:33.880 that we too 00:33:33.880 --> 00:33:34.700 would be willing 00:33:34.700 --> 00:33:36.299 to give up 00:33:36.299 --> 00:33:36.680 power, 00:33:36.839 --> 00:33:37.460 to deny 00:33:37.460 --> 00:33:38.339 ourselves 00:33:38.339 --> 00:33:39.920 in order 00:33:39.920 --> 00:33:40.599 to follow 00:33:40.599 --> 00:33:41.140 Jesus, 00:33:41.920 --> 00:33:42.759 our humble 00:33:42.759 --> 00:33:44.240 servant king. 00:33:44.839 --> 00:33:45.539 Help us 00:33:45.539 --> 00:33:46.339 towards this, 00:33:46.460 --> 00:33:46.960 we pray. 00:33:46.960 --> 00:33:48.120 in Jesus' 00:33:48.380 --> 00:33:48.620 name, 00:33:49.200 --> 00:33:49.500 amen. 00:33:52.299 --> 00:33:53.160 Now we come 00:33:53.160 --> 00:33:54.079 to the point 00:33:54.079 --> 00:33:54.819 of our service 00:33:54.819 --> 00:33:55.140 where we'll 00:33:55.140 --> 00:33:56.059 shortly come 00:33:56.059 --> 00:33:57.660 to the Lord's 00:33:57.660 --> 00:33:58.200 table, 00:33:59.019 --> 00:34:00.039 and as we 00:34:00.039 --> 00:34:00.840 do so, 00:34:01.200 --> 00:34:01.900 again we're 00:34:01.900 --> 00:34:03.680 taken to 00:34:03.680 --> 00:34:04.259 the cross 00:34:04.259 --> 00:34:04.759 of the Lord 00:34:04.759 --> 00:34:05.180 Jesus, 00:34:05.480 --> 00:34:06.319 in visible 00:34:06.319 --> 00:34:06.980 form. 00:34:07.940 --> 00:34:08.760 As the Christian 00:34:08.760 --> 00:34:09.019 church, 00:34:09.079 --> 00:34:09.500 we should never 00:34:09.500 --> 00:34:10.559 stray far 00:34:10.559 --> 00:34:11.519 from the cross, 00:34:11.559 --> 00:34:11.960 it should be 00:34:11.960 --> 00:34:12.780 in our thoughts, 00:34:13.460 --> 00:34:14.280 in our words, 00:34:14.340 --> 00:34:15.059 in our songs. 00:34:15.059 --> 00:34:16.739 It should 00:34:16.739 --> 00:34:17.920 determine our 00:34:17.920 --> 00:34:18.539 actions and 00:34:18.539 --> 00:34:19.159 our attitudes, 00:34:19.320 --> 00:34:19.759 as we thought 00:34:19.759 --> 00:34:20.179 about from 00:34:20.179 --> 00:34:20.880 John's gospel. 00:34:21.000 --> 00:34:21.259 It should 00:34:21.259 --> 00:34:22.719 influence our 00:34:22.719 --> 00:34:23.559 affections, 00:34:23.679 --> 00:34:24.279 how we 00:34:24.279 --> 00:34:25.119 love. 00:34:26.820 --> 00:34:27.679 I came across 00:34:27.679 --> 00:34:28.380 a quote this 00:34:28.380 --> 00:34:28.799 week I'm going 00:34:28.799 --> 00:34:29.159 to share 00:34:29.159 --> 00:34:29.980 from Tim 00:34:29.980 --> 00:34:30.500 Chester. 00:34:31.559 --> 00:34:31.880 He wrote 00:34:31.880 --> 00:34:32.079 this, 00:34:32.119 --> 00:34:32.579 when we go 00:34:32.579 --> 00:34:33.440 to the cross, 00:34:34.179 --> 00:34:35.400 we see our 00:34:35.400 --> 00:34:36.480 God dying 00:34:36.480 --> 00:34:37.079 for us. 00:34:38.079 --> 00:34:38.960 If you let 00:34:38.960 --> 00:34:39.579 any other 00:34:39.579 --> 00:34:40.679 God down, 00:34:41.679 --> 00:34:42.539 then it 00:34:42.539 --> 00:34:42.880 will beat 00:34:42.880 --> 00:34:43.320 you up. 00:34:43.320 --> 00:34:44.480 If you 00:34:44.480 --> 00:34:45.080 don't make 00:34:45.080 --> 00:34:45.420 it or 00:34:45.420 --> 00:34:45.940 you mess 00:34:45.940 --> 00:34:46.300 up, 00:34:46.820 --> 00:34:47.200 then you'll 00:34:47.200 --> 00:34:47.559 be left 00:34:47.559 --> 00:34:47.860 feeling 00:34:47.860 --> 00:34:48.519 afraid, 00:34:49.220 --> 00:34:49.880 downcast, 00:34:50.080 --> 00:34:50.600 or bitter. 00:34:52.059 --> 00:34:52.800 But when 00:34:52.800 --> 00:34:53.080 you let 00:34:53.080 --> 00:34:53.920 Christ down, 00:34:55.240 --> 00:34:55.660 he loves 00:34:55.660 --> 00:34:56.180 you still. 00:34:57.440 --> 00:34:58.260 He doesn't 00:34:58.260 --> 00:34:58.620 beat you 00:34:58.620 --> 00:34:58.980 up, 00:34:59.840 --> 00:35:00.700 he dies 00:35:00.700 --> 00:35:01.100 for you. 00:35:02.640 --> 00:35:02.880 Jesus 00:35:02.880 --> 00:35:03.519 transforms 00:35:03.519 --> 00:35:05.320 power by 00:35:05.320 --> 00:35:05.740 his loving 00:35:05.740 --> 00:35:07.140 service and 00:35:07.140 --> 00:35:07.700 sacrifice. 00:35:09.740 --> 00:35:10.260 And so 00:35:10.260 --> 00:35:10.700 as those 00:35:10.700 --> 00:35:11.039 who've been 00:35:11.039 --> 00:35:11.580 saved by 00:35:11.580 --> 00:35:11.940 grace, 00:35:11.940 --> 00:35:12.659 we come 00:35:12.659 --> 00:35:13.420 to the 00:35:13.420 --> 00:35:13.780 table. 00:35:14.720 --> 00:35:15.119 We come 00:35:15.119 --> 00:35:15.480 as those 00:35:15.480 --> 00:35:15.700 who are 00:35:15.700 --> 00:35:16.320 both blessed 00:35:16.320 --> 00:35:17.599 and broken. 00:35:18.659 --> 00:35:19.039 We come 00:35:19.039 --> 00:35:19.420 as those 00:35:19.420 --> 00:35:19.760 bringing 00:35:19.760 --> 00:35:20.579 nothing in 00:35:20.579 --> 00:35:21.260 our hands 00:35:21.260 --> 00:35:22.659 except our 00:35:22.659 --> 00:35:23.380 sin and 00:35:23.380 --> 00:35:23.940 our shame, 00:35:24.280 --> 00:35:24.760 and we 00:35:24.760 --> 00:35:25.320 cling to 00:35:25.320 --> 00:35:25.960 the cross 00:35:25.960 --> 00:35:26.420 for our 00:35:26.420 --> 00:35:26.960 salvation. 00:35:28.840 --> 00:35:29.740 We come 00:35:29.740 --> 00:35:30.320 to receive 00:35:30.320 --> 00:35:31.159 these elements 00:35:31.159 --> 00:35:32.079 that represent 00:35:32.079 --> 00:35:32.840 his broken 00:35:32.840 --> 00:35:33.440 body and 00:35:33.440 --> 00:35:33.840 his shed 00:35:33.840 --> 00:35:34.159 blood, 00:35:34.240 --> 00:35:34.480 and we 00:35:34.480 --> 00:35:35.139 recognize 00:35:35.139 --> 00:35:36.720 as they 00:35:36.720 --> 00:35:37.200 point us 00:35:37.200 --> 00:35:37.460 to the 00:35:37.460 --> 00:35:37.760 cross, 00:35:37.900 --> 00:35:38.820 these are 00:35:38.820 --> 00:35:39.420 the source 00:35:39.420 --> 00:35:39.780 of our 00:35:39.780 --> 00:35:41.099 hope and 00:35:41.099 --> 00:35:41.740 our healing. 00:35:41.940 --> 00:35:44.360 we come 00:35:44.360 --> 00:35:44.700 to the 00:35:44.700 --> 00:35:45.340 table knowing 00:35:45.340 --> 00:35:46.139 that Jesus 00:35:46.139 --> 00:35:47.260 meets with 00:35:47.260 --> 00:35:49.019 us, he 00:35:49.019 --> 00:35:49.599 is the 00:35:49.599 --> 00:35:50.059 host, 00:35:51.700 --> 00:35:52.159 that he 00:35:52.159 --> 00:35:52.740 speaks to 00:35:52.740 --> 00:35:53.380 us again 00:35:53.380 --> 00:35:53.900 of his 00:35:53.900 --> 00:35:54.720 grace, his 00:35:54.720 --> 00:35:55.360 mercy, and 00:35:55.360 --> 00:35:55.920 his love, 00:35:56.059 --> 00:35:56.480 and he 00:35:56.480 --> 00:35:56.920 would give 00:35:56.920 --> 00:35:57.860 us power 00:35:57.860 --> 00:35:59.380 to enable 00:35:59.380 --> 00:36:00.000 us to go 00:36:00.000 --> 00:36:00.539 into this 00:36:00.539 --> 00:36:01.099 world to 00:36:01.099 --> 00:36:02.019 live for 00:36:02.019 --> 00:36:02.400 him. 00:36:05.400 --> 00:36:06.059 Who is 00:36:06.059 --> 00:36:06.480 the Lord's 00:36:06.480 --> 00:36:06.639 supper 00:36:06.639 --> 00:36:07.099 for? 00:36:08.220 --> 00:36:08.800 It's for 00:36:08.800 --> 00:36:09.139 those who 00:36:09.139 --> 00:36:09.440 can say 00:36:09.440 --> 00:36:09.780 the Lord 00:36:09.780 --> 00:36:10.460 loves me 00:36:10.460 --> 00:36:11.920 and gave 00:36:11.920 --> 00:36:12.680 himself for 00:36:12.680 --> 00:36:12.900 me. 00:36:14.460 --> 00:36:15.160 It is for 00:36:15.160 --> 00:36:15.540 those who 00:36:15.540 --> 00:36:15.900 have given 00:36:15.900 --> 00:36:16.519 up looking 00:36:16.519 --> 00:36:16.940 to our 00:36:16.940 --> 00:36:17.620 own power 00:36:17.620 --> 00:36:18.280 and ability 00:36:18.280 --> 00:36:18.900 to save 00:36:18.900 --> 00:36:19.580 us, rather 00:36:19.580 --> 00:36:20.380 we are 00:36:20.380 --> 00:36:20.820 trusting 00:36:20.820 --> 00:36:21.380 ourselves 00:36:21.380 --> 00:36:22.380 entirely 00:36:22.380 --> 00:36:24.080 on God's 00:36:24.080 --> 00:36:24.560 powerful 00:36:24.560 --> 00:36:25.320 grace shown 00:36:25.320 --> 00:36:25.780 to us in 00:36:25.780 --> 00:36:27.019 Jesus to 00:36:27.019 --> 00:36:27.780 save us. 00:36:28.880 --> 00:36:29.360 If that's 00:36:29.360 --> 00:36:29.980 your personal 00:36:29.980 --> 00:36:30.880 testimony and 00:36:30.880 --> 00:36:31.600 experience, 00:36:32.180 --> 00:36:32.700 then the 00:36:32.700 --> 00:36:33.280 table is for 00:36:33.280 --> 00:36:33.400 you. 00:36:33.460 --> 00:36:33.740 If you're a 00:36:33.740 --> 00:36:34.100 member of 00:36:34.100 --> 00:36:34.660 God's church, 00:36:34.780 --> 00:36:35.340 God's family, 00:36:35.460 --> 00:36:35.940 anywhere, 00:36:36.400 --> 00:36:36.920 then please 00:36:36.920 --> 00:36:37.260 come and 00:36:37.260 --> 00:36:37.760 share this 00:36:37.760 --> 00:36:38.380 meal with 00:36:38.380 --> 00:36:38.760 us. 00:36:39.780 --> 00:36:40.320 If you're 00:36:40.320 --> 00:36:40.639 here today 00:36:40.639 --> 00:36:40.920 and that's 00:36:40.920 --> 00:36:41.360 not yet 00:36:41.360 --> 00:36:42.019 your story, 00:36:42.980 --> 00:36:43.740 then just 00:36:43.740 --> 00:36:44.059 stay in 00:36:44.059 --> 00:36:44.400 your seats 00:36:44.400 --> 00:36:44.780 when other 00:36:44.780 --> 00:36:45.180 folks are 00:36:45.180 --> 00:36:45.700 coming up. 00:36:46.920 --> 00:36:47.559 As we 00:36:47.559 --> 00:36:48.559 sing a 00:36:48.559 --> 00:36:49.019 song 00:36:49.019 --> 00:36:49.780 together, 00:36:51.099 --> 00:36:51.440 you can 00:36:51.440 --> 00:36:51.880 use it 00:36:51.880 --> 00:36:52.480 as words 00:36:52.480 --> 00:36:53.079 of God's 00:36:53.079 --> 00:36:53.900 invitation 00:36:53.900 --> 00:36:54.720 to you, 00:36:56.320 --> 00:36:57.000 that you 00:36:57.000 --> 00:36:57.360 too would 00:36:57.360 --> 00:36:57.860 come to 00:36:57.860 --> 00:36:58.280 Jesus, 00:36:59.559 --> 00:37:00.200 come to 00:37:00.200 --> 00:37:00.559 this one 00:37:00.559 --> 00:37:00.820 who is 00:37:00.820 --> 00:37:01.500 all-powerful 00:37:01.500 --> 00:37:02.059 and yet 00:37:02.059 --> 00:37:02.680 was willing 00:37:02.680 --> 00:37:03.480 to sacrifice 00:37:03.480 --> 00:37:04.360 and serve 00:37:04.360 --> 00:37:05.519 to save 00:37:05.519 --> 00:37:05.780 and to 00:37:05.780 --> 00:37:06.300 forgive you 00:37:06.300 --> 00:37:06.660 and me. 00:37:07.600 --> 00:37:08.039 So in 00:37:08.039 --> 00:37:08.300 just a 00:37:08.300 --> 00:37:08.539 moment, 00:37:08.660 --> 00:37:08.760 we're 00:37:08.760 --> 00:37:09.180 going to 00:37:09.180 --> 00:37:09.820 stand as 00:37:09.820 --> 00:37:09.940 we're 00:37:09.940 --> 00:37:10.019 here.