WEBVTT

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 Good morning, church. Let me pray for the reading and preaching of God's Word.

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 Actually, for those of you who are new, if you don't have a Bible, just raise your hand,

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 and we'll have one of our guests bring a Bible for you that you can use.

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 For those of you who don't know me, my name is Sean. I'm one of the pastors of Trinity Cambridge Church,

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 and I'm excited. I feel privileged and honored and rejoice in this opportunity to preach God's Word to you.

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 We're in John 1, 19-42 this morning, just following up exactly where we left off from last week, John 1, 18.

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 So John 1, 19-42.

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 Let me pray for the reading and preaching of God's Word.

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 Heavenly Father, we have come.

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 And gathered this morning, not ultimately because of what we have to offer to one another out of our own resources,

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 but because of what you offer us.

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 We have come to behold the risen Christ, the Lamb of God,

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 that was slain and is now alive again.

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 Grip our hearts this morning with your love, Father.

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 With the preciousness of Jesus' sacrifice.

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 That we might stand in awe again.

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 And worship you all our days.

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 In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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 If you are able, please stand.

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 And I will read John 1, 19-42.

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 And this is the testimony of John.

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 When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him,

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 Who are you?

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 He confessed and did not deny, but confessed,

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 I am not the Christ.

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 And they asked him,

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 What then?

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 Are you Elijah?

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 He said, I am not.

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 Are you the prophet?

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 And he answered, No.

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 So they said to him,

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 Who are you?

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 We need to give an answer to those who sent us.

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 What do you say about yourself?

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 He said,

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 I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness.

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 Make straight the way of the Lord,

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 as the prophet Isaiah said.

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 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.

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 They asked him,

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 Then why are you baptizing,

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 if you are neither the Christ nor Elijah nor the prophet?

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 John answered them,

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 I baptize with water,

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 but among you stands one you do not know.

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 Even he who comes after me,

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 the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.

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 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan,

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 where John was baptizing.

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 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said,

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 Behold the Lamb of God,

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 who takes away the sin of the world.

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 This is he of whom I said,

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 After me comes a man who ranks before me,

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 because he was before me.

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 I myself did not know him,

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 but for this purpose I came baptizing with water,

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 that he might be revealed to Israel.

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 And John bore witness.

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 I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove,

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 and it remained on him.

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 I myself did not know him,

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 but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me,

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 He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain,

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 this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.

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 And I have seen and have borne witness

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 that this is the Son of God.

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 The next day again,

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 John was standing with two of his disciples,

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 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said,

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 Behold the Lamb of God.

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 The two disciples heard him say this,

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 and they followed Jesus.

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 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them,

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 What are you seeking?

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 And they said to him, Rabbi, which means teacher,

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 Where are you staying?

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 He said to them,

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 Come, and you will see.

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 So they came and saw where he was staying,

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 and they stayed with him that day,

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 for it was about the tenth hour.

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 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus

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 was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

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 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him,

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 We have found the Messiah,

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 which means Christ.

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 He brought him to Jesus.

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 Jesus looked at him and said,

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 You are Simon, the son of John.

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 You shall be called Cephas,

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 which means Peter.

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 This is God's holy and authoritative word.

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 Please be seated.

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 As some of you are aware,

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 I had the jarring experience this week

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 of being impersonated by an internet scammer.

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 Someone created a new email address,

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 sean.trinitycambridge.gmail.com,

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 and then started emailing our church's community group leaders,

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 whose emails are listed on our website,

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 pretending to be me,

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 asking them to purchase gift cards worth hundreds of dollars,

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 and send him pictures of the pin numbers,

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 promising reimbursement,

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 and saying that he needs the gift cards for ministry.

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 Thankfully, all of our CG leaders are bright,

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 and they caught on,

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 and none of them sent the scammer any money.

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 But it feels really strange to see emails sent in my name

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 that I did not compose.

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 And then to see your friends interacting with this person

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 that is not you,

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 but is pretending to be you.

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 It's a really strange feeling.

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 It's not quite an out-of-body experience.

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 I've never had one.

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 I wouldn't know what that would be like.

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 But it kind of feels like it,

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 because you're observing from an outside vantage point,

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 like, you interacting in some way.

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 It's very strange.

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 And I think that's why it kind of felt like

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 someone took over my life for a minute, you know?

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 Took over my identity.

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 And I think that's why false personation,

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 or impersonating someone for the sake of defrauding someone,

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 is a crime in and of itself,

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 even if the defrauding is not successful.

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 It has the potential to do great harm,

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 because both to the person that's being impersonated,

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 because they're being used to do something

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 that they don't intend to do,

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 and also to people who are being deceived by the impersonator.

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 Identity is important.

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 It's a foundation for relationships,

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 to society.

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 And this passage is all about identity.

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 The first half answers the question,

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 who is John?

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 And the second half answers the question,

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 who is Jesus?

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 And we're going to talk about those two things in turn.

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 In the first half,

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 John strenuously denies that he is the Christ.

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 People suspect him of being the Christ.

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 They ask him, are you the Christ?

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 And John says again and again,

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 no, I am not the Christ.

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 He refuses to impersonate Christ,

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 even though he knows full well

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 that when he admits who he really is,

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 and points people to the true Messiah,

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 that all the spotlight that's on him will leave him.

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 All the following that he has will leave him.

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 And yet, he bears witness,

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 because he does not have his own personal agenda,

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 but he does not want to deceive or manipulate.

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 He just wants to tell people who Jesus is,

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 who the Messiah is.

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 So he humbly points to Jesus,

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 and then gracefully steps aside

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 to make way for Jesus.

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 And through John's example,

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 this passage exhorts us to follow Jesus,

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 who is the Lamb of God

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 who takes away the sin of the world.

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 That's my main point for this morning.

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 Let's first look at who John is,

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 so that we can see and appreciate

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 who Jesus is in the following passage.

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 In verses 19 to 28,

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 there's a Jewish delegation

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 that has been sent out from Jerusalem

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 to make a formal inquiry into John the Baptist,

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 to investigate him and find out who he really is.

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 Verse 19 says that the Jews sent priests and Levites

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 from Jerusalem to ask John the Baptist,

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 who are you?

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 So this delegation is made up of Jewish leaders,

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 priests and Levites,

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 who are sent out from the Jewish capital of Jerusalem.

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 So these are people of influence

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 and standing and authority.

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 And it says in verse 24 later

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 that they were sent from the Pharisees in particular.

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 The Pharisees were a Jewish sect

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 that was known for their strict adherence to Jewish law.

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 And they will emerge as kind of primary antagonists

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 in Jesus' story.

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 So already at this point,

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 when we see that this delegation was from the Pharisees,

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 that they're Jewish leaders, priests and Levites,

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 and then they're formally investigating John,

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 it's already ominous from the start.

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 It has the feel of an inquisition.

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 A powerful establishment commissioned a delegation

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 to interrogate a solitary preacher in the wilderness

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 to ask him,

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 who are you?

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 Verse 20 is emphatic.

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 It says,

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 John confessed and did not deny,

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 but confessed,

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 I am not the Christ.

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 The Christ means anointed one.

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 And in the Old Testament,

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 only the priest and the prophet and kings were anointed.

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 It's a special process,

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 a ritual to mark someone

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 that's set apart for God's service.

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 And so the anointed one is a title,

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 the Christ,

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 for the messianic king that was to come

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 to save God's people.

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 And the messianic expectations

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 were really bubbling over

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 at a fever pitch at this point

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 of Israel's history.

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 And John knows that he's not the Messiah,

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 and he could have simply said,

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 you know,

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 I'm not the Christ.

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 Well, he does say I'm not the Christ.

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 But the John,

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 Apostle John,

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 could have told us that John simply said,

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 I am not the Christ.

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 But that's not how it's put here.

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 It's not emphatic enough.

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 So John piles on the verbs.

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 He says,

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 he confessed and did not deny,

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 but confessed,

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 I am not the Christ.

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 It can't be more emphatic.

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 In no uncertain terms,

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 John made it known

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 he is not the Christ.

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 But that simple denial

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 isn't enough for the Jewish delegation

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 because they knew John had influence

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 and a following,

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 and so they expected him to be someone great,

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 or at least to claim to be someone great.

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 And so they continued the interrogation.

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 They say,

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 what then?

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 Are you Elijah?

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 He said,

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 I am not.

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 In 2 Kings 2.11,

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 we see that Elijah didn't die a normal death.

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 He was actually taken up straight to heaven,

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 his body and all,

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 by God.

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 And because of that,

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 some people speculated

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 and expected that maybe Elijah

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 will return in his flesh.

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 And this was spurred on further

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 by the prophecy in Malachi 4.5,

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 Behold,

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 I will send you Elijah the prophet

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 before the great and awesome day

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 of the Lord comes.

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 So because of that prophecy,

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 there was an expectation

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 that Elijah would return.

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 And so they're asking John,

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 are you the promised Elijah

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 who would come before the day of the Lord?

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 And John answers,

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 I am not.

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 So they ask him again,

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 are you the prophet?

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 And he answers,

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 no.

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 The question is not,

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 are you a prophet?

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 The question is,

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 are you the prophet?

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 This again has to do with the prophecy

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 in Deuteronomy 18

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 where Moses prophesies

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 that God will raise up for Israel

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 a prophet like himself.

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 So the messianic expectation

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 was rife with people talking about

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 the prophet like Moses

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 who would come in the end times.

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 And John once again denies

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 that he is that prophet.

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 It makes sense that John,

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 you know,

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 admits that he is not

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 the prophet like Moses

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 because we find out

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 from other parts of scripture

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 that Jesus is in fact

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 the prophesied prophet like Moses.

00:13:15.700 --> 00:13:16.940
 But what's interesting here

00:13:16.940 --> 00:13:18.620
 is that he also denies

00:13:18.620 --> 00:13:20.060
 that he is Elijah.

00:13:21.240 --> 00:13:22.800
 And in the other gospels,

00:13:22.920 --> 00:13:24.200
 Matthew, Mark, and Luke,

00:13:24.680 --> 00:13:27.000
 Jesus explicitly identifies

00:13:27.000 --> 00:13:28.280
 the prophesied Elijah

00:13:28.280 --> 00:13:29.780
 with John the Baptist.

00:13:30.879 --> 00:13:33.019
 So John is the prophesied Elijah,

00:13:33.019 --> 00:13:35.519
 but probably John had the expectation

00:13:35.519 --> 00:13:37.559
 that Elijah would return his flesh

00:13:37.559 --> 00:13:40.759
 and he knows he's not Elijah.

00:13:41.039 --> 00:13:42.079
 I'm just, he's John.

00:13:42.319 --> 00:13:43.279
 So he probably said,

00:13:43.340 --> 00:13:44.819
 oh no, I'm not, I'm not Elijah.

00:13:44.980 --> 00:13:46.120
 He didn't understand

00:13:46.120 --> 00:13:47.699
 that the prophecy had to do

00:13:47.699 --> 00:13:50.059
 with the figure like Elijah,

00:13:50.340 --> 00:13:51.620
 a type of Elijah,

00:13:51.960 --> 00:13:53.980
 who would fulfill Elijah's prophetic role

00:13:53.980 --> 00:13:55.259
 to prepare the way of the Lord

00:13:55.259 --> 00:13:56.659
 in the end times.

00:13:56.699 --> 00:13:57.779
 And he was that figure.

00:13:57.779 --> 00:14:00.399
 John was not aware

00:14:00.399 --> 00:14:01.659
 of the significance

00:14:01.659 --> 00:14:03.120
 of his ministry.

00:14:04.059 --> 00:14:05.120
 And I think that's often

00:14:05.120 --> 00:14:06.319
 the case for us too.

00:14:06.939 --> 00:14:08.939
 You know, we don't sometimes realize

00:14:08.939 --> 00:14:10.480
 the full significance

00:14:10.480 --> 00:14:11.519
 of all the work

00:14:11.519 --> 00:14:12.120
 that we are doing.

00:14:13.259 --> 00:14:14.419
 It may seem small

00:14:14.419 --> 00:14:16.919
 and insignificant to us,

00:14:17.339 --> 00:14:19.600
 but from God's heaven's eye view,

00:14:19.860 --> 00:14:21.299
 what we are doing in service to God

00:14:21.299 --> 00:14:22.959
 may be much more significant

00:14:22.959 --> 00:14:24.399
 than we deem.

00:14:24.399 --> 00:14:26.279
 And so he says,

00:14:27.019 --> 00:14:27.819
 I'm not Elijah

00:14:27.819 --> 00:14:29.759
 and I'm not the prophet like Moses

00:14:29.759 --> 00:14:33.240
 and I am definitely not the Christ.

00:14:35.000 --> 00:14:37.059
 And the delegation is exasperated

00:14:37.059 --> 00:14:37.620
 by this point

00:14:37.620 --> 00:14:38.939
 and they ask in verse 22,

00:14:39.740 --> 00:14:40.799
 who are you?

00:14:41.740 --> 00:14:42.939
 We need to give an answer

00:14:42.939 --> 00:14:44.159
 to those who sent us.

00:14:44.419 --> 00:14:46.519
 What do you say about yourself?

00:14:47.699 --> 00:14:48.659
 Their presumptions

00:14:48.659 --> 00:14:50.399
 and speculations aside now,

00:14:50.500 --> 00:14:51.639
 they finally want to hear

00:14:51.639 --> 00:14:52.899
 from John's own mouth,

00:14:52.899 --> 00:14:54.699
 who do you say that you are?

00:14:55.179 --> 00:14:56.579
 And he says in verse 23,

00:14:57.199 --> 00:14:59.100
 I am the voice of one

00:14:59.100 --> 00:15:00.319
 crying out in the wilderness.

00:15:01.159 --> 00:15:03.019
 Make straight the way of the Lord.

00:15:03.959 --> 00:15:05.559
 This is an amazing answer.

00:15:06.120 --> 00:15:08.340
 He's alluding to Isaiah 40,

00:15:08.459 --> 00:15:09.480
 verses 3 to 5,

00:15:09.559 --> 00:15:10.079
 which says,

00:15:10.519 --> 00:15:11.740
 a voice cries,

00:15:12.319 --> 00:15:13.279
 in the wilderness,

00:15:13.480 --> 00:15:14.699
 prepare the way of the Lord.

00:15:14.860 --> 00:15:16.279
 Make straight in the desert

00:15:16.279 --> 00:15:17.600
 a highway for our God.

00:15:17.899 --> 00:15:19.579
 Every valley shall be lifted up

00:15:19.579 --> 00:15:20.699
 and every mountain and hill

00:15:20.699 --> 00:15:21.439
 be made low.

00:15:21.440 --> 00:15:23.720
 The uneven ground shall become level

00:15:23.720 --> 00:15:25.600
 and the rough place is a plain.

00:15:25.880 --> 00:15:27.380
 And the glory of the Lord

00:15:27.380 --> 00:15:28.220
 shall be revealed

00:15:28.220 --> 00:15:29.940
 and all flesh shall see it together

00:15:29.940 --> 00:15:31.380
 for the mouth of the Lord

00:15:31.380 --> 00:15:32.180
 has spoken.

00:15:33.660 --> 00:15:36.240
 Making straight the way of the Lord

00:15:36.240 --> 00:15:37.820
 is a metaphorical description

00:15:37.820 --> 00:15:40.320
 of improving the road system,

00:15:41.240 --> 00:15:43.600
 leveling of hills and valleys

00:15:43.600 --> 00:15:45.720
 and straightening curb roads.

00:15:45.720 --> 00:15:49.060
 When the Lord of glory comes,

00:15:49.440 --> 00:15:50.660
 when God Almighty comes,

00:15:51.779 --> 00:15:54.160
 he will not bend to creation,

00:15:54.779 --> 00:15:56.820
 but creation will bend for him.

00:15:58.480 --> 00:16:00.379
 He will not follow the curves,

00:16:01.019 --> 00:16:02.320
 stoop down to the valleys,

00:16:02.440 --> 00:16:03.580
 or climb the hills.

00:16:03.840 --> 00:16:05.660
 No, the valleys will rise

00:16:05.660 --> 00:16:07.420
 as if in standing ovation.

00:16:07.419 --> 00:16:10.759
 The mountains will fall

00:16:10.759 --> 00:16:12.679
 as if bowing in prostration.

00:16:15.759 --> 00:16:17.299
 And all roads will be straight

00:16:17.299 --> 00:16:18.360
 for the way of the king.

00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:21.679
 Some of you might have visited

00:16:21.679 --> 00:16:23.899
 the Buckingham Palace in London,

00:16:24.240 --> 00:16:25.979
 or at least have seen videos of this.

00:16:27.860 --> 00:16:30.000
 There's the famous king's guard

00:16:30.000 --> 00:16:32.759
 that's in their uniform

00:16:32.759 --> 00:16:35.019
 and I think a rifle.

00:16:37.200 --> 00:16:38.220
 I'm not sure what it is.

00:16:38.460 --> 00:16:39.100
 Believe it or not,

00:16:39.200 --> 00:16:39.899
 the king's guard

00:16:39.899 --> 00:16:42.639
 is not just a ceremonial tourist attraction.

00:16:42.799 --> 00:16:43.899
 They're actually real soldiers

00:16:43.899 --> 00:16:45.559
 with the real responsibility

00:16:45.559 --> 00:16:47.120
 of protecting the monarch,

00:16:47.580 --> 00:16:48.240
 the British monarch.

00:16:48.439 --> 00:16:51.059
 And so if an unwitting tourist

00:16:51.059 --> 00:16:52.039
 gets in the way

00:16:52.039 --> 00:16:54.679
 when they're doing their patrol

00:16:54.679 --> 00:16:56.819
 on their set course,

00:16:57.559 --> 00:16:58.360
 do you know what they yell?

00:17:01.100 --> 00:17:02.740
 Make way for the king's guard!

00:17:03.559 --> 00:17:04.259
 And they'll be like,

00:17:04.299 --> 00:17:05.200
 sometimes they'll push you.

00:17:06.220 --> 00:17:07.660
 Make way for the king's guard!

00:17:07.680 --> 00:17:08.200
 And they make way.

00:17:08.259 --> 00:17:09.079
 They push people away.

00:17:09.539 --> 00:17:10.319
 It's really funny.

00:17:10.440 --> 00:17:10.879
 I mean, it's like,

00:17:11.099 --> 00:17:12.259
 I think there are videos of it.

00:17:12.559 --> 00:17:13.640
 It's a huge waste of time.

00:17:13.720 --> 00:17:14.259
 Don't look it up.

00:17:15.480 --> 00:17:17.920
 But it's similar to the way

00:17:17.920 --> 00:17:19.379
 heralds with loud voices,

00:17:19.680 --> 00:17:20.519
 you know, back in the day,

00:17:20.940 --> 00:17:22.759
 you know, when a king's on his way

00:17:22.759 --> 00:17:24.059
 would go ahead of the king

00:17:24.059 --> 00:17:25.559
 and tell everybody

00:17:25.559 --> 00:17:26.819
 in every town square,

00:17:27.180 --> 00:17:28.359
 the king is coming!

00:17:28.799 --> 00:17:29.900
 The king is coming!

00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:31.359
 Make way for the king!

00:17:31.899 --> 00:17:33.259
 It's their way of rolling out

00:17:33.259 --> 00:17:33.859
 the red carpet.

00:17:34.519 --> 00:17:35.539
 It's their way of moving out

00:17:35.539 --> 00:17:36.639
 everything out of the way

00:17:36.639 --> 00:17:37.159
 so that the king

00:17:37.159 --> 00:17:38.119
 has a straight path.

00:17:39.279 --> 00:17:40.879
 That's how John sees himself.

00:17:42.219 --> 00:17:43.919
 As a herald who announces

00:17:43.919 --> 00:17:44.899
 the coming of the king

00:17:44.899 --> 00:17:45.379
 and shouts,

00:17:45.579 --> 00:17:46.139
 make way!

00:17:47.719 --> 00:17:48.979
 Right, in chapter 1 alone,

00:17:49.119 --> 00:17:50.859
 we were told seven times

00:17:50.859 --> 00:17:52.899
 that John is merely a witness,

00:17:53.539 --> 00:17:55.139
 someone who bears testimony

00:17:55.139 --> 00:17:56.379
 about someone else.

00:17:56.380 --> 00:17:58.700
 Earlier in this chapter,

00:17:58.760 --> 00:17:59.500
 we were told of how

00:17:59.500 --> 00:18:00.740
 Jesus, the Son of God,

00:18:00.800 --> 00:18:02.900
 is the Word of God made flesh.

00:18:03.520 --> 00:18:04.480
 And if the Word

00:18:04.480 --> 00:18:06.260
 is the authoritative decree

00:18:06.260 --> 00:18:07.080
 of the king

00:18:07.080 --> 00:18:08.220
 that executes the will

00:18:08.220 --> 00:18:08.720
 of the king,

00:18:09.560 --> 00:18:10.680
 John says he himself

00:18:10.680 --> 00:18:12.260
 is merely a voice,

00:18:13.260 --> 00:18:14.100
 a herald who goes

00:18:14.100 --> 00:18:15.020
 into the town square

00:18:15.020 --> 00:18:16.160
 to proclaim the Word

00:18:16.160 --> 00:18:16.700
 of the king.

00:18:17.740 --> 00:18:19.780
 If Jesus is the leading actor

00:18:19.780 --> 00:18:20.760
 in a play,

00:18:21.540 --> 00:18:23.080
 John is a stagehand

00:18:23.079 --> 00:18:25.639
 who works behind the scenes,

00:18:25.899 --> 00:18:26.279
 backstage,

00:18:26.619 --> 00:18:27.699
 to move around the props

00:18:27.699 --> 00:18:28.279
 in the dark

00:18:28.279 --> 00:18:29.519
 to set the scene

00:18:29.519 --> 00:18:30.599
 for the lead actor

00:18:30.599 --> 00:18:31.639
 to take center stage.

00:18:33.919 --> 00:18:35.460
 This is yet another reminder

00:18:35.460 --> 00:18:36.399
 of what we talked about

00:18:36.399 --> 00:18:37.039
 last week.

00:18:37.039 --> 00:18:39.319
 This life is not about us.

00:18:42.079 --> 00:18:43.439
 Our calling,

00:18:44.279 --> 00:18:44.919
 our mission

00:18:44.919 --> 00:18:47.119
 is not about us.

00:18:48.639 --> 00:18:49.740
 In our interactions

00:18:49.740 --> 00:18:50.720
 with family,

00:18:51.519 --> 00:18:52.039
 friends,

00:18:52.319 --> 00:18:52.899
 co-workers,

00:18:53.079 --> 00:18:54.119
 and neighbors,

00:18:54.259 --> 00:18:55.439
 what would it look like

00:18:55.439 --> 00:18:56.720
 if we stopped

00:18:56.720 --> 00:18:58.259
 trying to have our way

00:18:58.259 --> 00:19:00.319
 and instead

00:19:00.319 --> 00:19:03.579
 sought to make way

00:19:03.579 --> 00:19:04.179
 for the Lord?

00:19:06.819 --> 00:19:08.480
 What if in our conversations,

00:19:08.740 --> 00:19:10.000
 instead of only talking

00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:11.259
 about ourselves

00:19:11.259 --> 00:19:12.339
 or our interests

00:19:12.339 --> 00:19:13.759
 or our experiences,

00:19:14.379 --> 00:19:15.399
 we sought to prepare

00:19:15.399 --> 00:19:16.460
 the way for the Lord

00:19:16.460 --> 00:19:17.899
 to enter into that conversation,

00:19:18.379 --> 00:19:19.539
 to draw others closer

00:19:19.539 --> 00:19:20.119
 to the Lord,

00:19:20.339 --> 00:19:21.599
 to encourage and edify

00:19:21.599 --> 00:19:22.339
 them in the Lord?

00:19:24.079 --> 00:19:25.839
 What if in our career decisions,

00:19:26.720 --> 00:19:28.139
 instead of only asking

00:19:28.139 --> 00:19:28.839
 and considering

00:19:28.839 --> 00:19:29.919
 what is most lucrative

00:19:29.919 --> 00:19:31.740
 or what is most prestigious,

00:19:32.539 --> 00:19:33.619
 we considered

00:19:33.619 --> 00:19:35.500
 what most honors the Lord,

00:19:36.500 --> 00:19:38.899
 what most prepares the way

00:19:38.899 --> 00:19:41.019
 for the Lord to work

00:19:41.019 --> 00:19:41.740
 in my life

00:19:41.740 --> 00:19:42.939
 and in my family's life?

00:19:42.940 --> 00:19:46.380
 What if deciding

00:19:46.380 --> 00:19:47.299
 what to do

00:19:47.299 --> 00:19:48.259
 tonight

00:19:48.259 --> 00:19:50.240
 or next weekend

00:19:50.240 --> 00:19:52.259
 or in our budgeting

00:19:52.259 --> 00:19:53.680
 and spending priorities,

00:19:54.120 --> 00:19:55.380
 we did not stop

00:19:55.380 --> 00:19:55.860
 at asking,

00:19:56.019 --> 00:19:56.860
 what do I want?

00:19:57.480 --> 00:19:58.420
 And then we asked,

00:19:58.580 --> 00:19:59.559
 what does the Lord want?

00:20:00.559 --> 00:20:02.559
 How can I prepare a path

00:20:02.559 --> 00:20:03.720
 for the gospel

00:20:03.720 --> 00:20:04.820
 to go forward?

00:20:04.819 --> 00:20:08.759
 I am the voice

00:20:08.759 --> 00:20:09.879
 of one crying

00:20:09.879 --> 00:20:10.839
 out in the wilderness,

00:20:11.079 --> 00:20:12.000
 make straight

00:20:12.000 --> 00:20:13.319
 the way of the Lord.

00:20:13.720 --> 00:20:15.460
 That was John's posture.

00:20:17.240 --> 00:20:17.859
 And though John

00:20:17.859 --> 00:20:18.799
 was a unique figure

00:20:18.799 --> 00:20:19.519
 in his role

00:20:19.519 --> 00:20:20.799
 as preparing

00:20:20.799 --> 00:20:21.559
 the way for Jesus,

00:20:21.980 --> 00:20:23.159
 we can all emulate him

00:20:23.159 --> 00:20:23.740
 in our role

00:20:23.740 --> 00:20:24.319
 as witnesses

00:20:24.319 --> 00:20:25.279
 for Jesus

00:20:25.279 --> 00:20:25.899
 because we are

00:20:25.899 --> 00:20:26.659
 all witnesses.

00:20:28.579 --> 00:20:30.000
 But John's insistence

00:20:30.000 --> 00:20:30.919
 that he is a nobody

00:20:30.919 --> 00:20:33.019
 raises a further question

00:20:33.019 --> 00:20:34.019
 for the Jewish delegation.

00:20:34.460 --> 00:20:35.079
 They ask him

00:20:35.079 --> 00:20:35.900
 in verse 25,

00:20:36.660 --> 00:20:38.339
 then why are you baptizing

00:20:38.339 --> 00:20:39.980
 if you are neither

00:20:39.980 --> 00:20:40.480
 the Christ

00:20:40.480 --> 00:20:41.000
 nor Elijah

00:20:41.000 --> 00:20:41.619
 nor the prophet?

00:20:42.279 --> 00:20:43.119
 The Pharisees

00:20:43.119 --> 00:20:43.839
 were not unfamiliar

00:20:43.839 --> 00:20:44.599
 with the practice

00:20:44.599 --> 00:20:45.079
 of baptism.

00:20:45.400 --> 00:20:46.339
 Some Jewish groups

00:20:46.339 --> 00:20:48.220
 practiced proselyte baptism.

00:20:49.160 --> 00:20:50.339
 So they would take

00:20:50.339 --> 00:20:51.019
 Gentiles

00:20:51.019 --> 00:20:52.220
 who want to become Jews

00:20:52.220 --> 00:20:52.819
 and then they would

00:20:52.819 --> 00:20:54.220
 have them baptize

00:20:54.220 --> 00:20:55.139
 themselves in water.

00:20:56.039 --> 00:20:57.279
 The key difference here

00:20:57.279 --> 00:20:57.879
 is that John

00:20:57.879 --> 00:20:59.579
 is not letting them

00:20:59.579 --> 00:21:00.299
 baptize themselves.

00:21:00.539 --> 00:21:01.299
 He is himself

00:21:01.299 --> 00:21:02.079
 baptizing them.

00:21:02.079 --> 00:21:03.460
 And then secondly,

00:21:03.679 --> 00:21:04.480
 John's not just

00:21:04.480 --> 00:21:06.099
 baptizing Gentiles,

00:21:06.159 --> 00:21:07.599
 he's baptizing Jews

00:21:07.599 --> 00:21:09.740
 as if Jews

00:21:09.740 --> 00:21:10.220
 themselves

00:21:10.220 --> 00:21:11.159
 need to be converted,

00:21:11.599 --> 00:21:12.359
 as if the Jews

00:21:12.359 --> 00:21:13.559
 also need to repent

00:21:13.559 --> 00:21:14.720
 of their sin.

00:21:16.679 --> 00:21:17.299
 And so,

00:21:17.559 --> 00:21:18.859
 they're asking

00:21:18.859 --> 00:21:19.419
 this question,

00:21:19.519 --> 00:21:20.179
 if you are not

00:21:20.179 --> 00:21:20.919
 a special

00:21:20.919 --> 00:21:21.980
 end time figure

00:21:21.980 --> 00:21:23.359
 like the Christ

00:21:23.359 --> 00:21:23.980
 or the Elijah

00:21:23.980 --> 00:21:24.659
 or the prophet

00:21:24.659 --> 00:21:25.099
 like Moses,

00:21:25.259 --> 00:21:26.759
 then what authority,

00:21:26.899 --> 00:21:27.500
 what warrant

00:21:27.500 --> 00:21:28.179
 do you have

00:21:28.179 --> 00:21:29.539
 to baptize Jews

00:21:29.539 --> 00:21:30.139
 in this way?

00:21:30.140 --> 00:21:32.259
 this kind

00:21:32.259 --> 00:21:32.820
 of special

00:21:32.820 --> 00:21:33.960
 work can be

00:21:33.960 --> 00:21:34.340
 carried out

00:21:34.340 --> 00:21:35.140
 only by someone

00:21:35.140 --> 00:21:36.020
 else who is special.

00:21:37.240 --> 00:21:38.100
 What's the reason?

00:21:38.240 --> 00:21:38.820
 What's the purpose

00:21:38.820 --> 00:21:39.540
 of your baptisms?

00:21:40.300 --> 00:21:40.720
 And then John

00:21:40.720 --> 00:21:41.480
 answers this final

00:21:41.480 --> 00:21:42.280
 question by telling

00:21:42.280 --> 00:21:42.900
 the Jews about

00:21:42.900 --> 00:21:43.520
 the person that

00:21:43.520 --> 00:21:44.520
 he is waiting for

00:21:44.520 --> 00:21:45.600
 in verses 26

00:21:45.600 --> 00:21:46.200
 to 27.

00:21:46.960 --> 00:21:48.000
 I baptize

00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:48.720
 with water,

00:21:49.160 --> 00:21:49.940
 but among you

00:21:49.940 --> 00:21:50.560
 stands one

00:21:50.560 --> 00:21:51.340
 you do not know,

00:21:51.840 --> 00:21:52.600
 even he who

00:21:52.600 --> 00:21:53.840
 comes after me,

00:21:54.200 --> 00:21:54.840
 the strap of

00:21:54.840 --> 00:21:55.600
 whose sandal

00:21:55.600 --> 00:21:56.480
 I am not worthy

00:21:56.480 --> 00:21:57.120
 to untie.

00:21:57.119 --> 00:21:59.279
 This great person

00:21:59.279 --> 00:21:59.719
 that John

00:21:59.719 --> 00:22:00.639
 is waiting for

00:22:00.639 --> 00:22:01.679
 is the reason

00:22:01.679 --> 00:22:02.379
 why John

00:22:02.379 --> 00:22:03.119
 is baptizing

00:22:03.119 --> 00:22:04.019
 with water.

00:22:04.899 --> 00:22:05.599
 John says this

00:22:05.599 --> 00:22:06.939
 explicitly in verse 31,

00:22:07.519 --> 00:22:08.959
 for this purpose

00:22:08.959 --> 00:22:10.259
 I came baptizing

00:22:10.259 --> 00:22:10.659
 with water,

00:22:11.779 --> 00:22:13.199
 that he

00:22:13.199 --> 00:22:14.519
 might be revealed

00:22:14.519 --> 00:22:15.000
 to Israel.

00:22:16.339 --> 00:22:17.379
 John's purpose

00:22:17.379 --> 00:22:18.739
 in baptizing people

00:22:18.739 --> 00:22:19.399
 and calling them

00:22:19.399 --> 00:22:19.939
 to repentance

00:22:19.939 --> 00:22:21.359
 is to reveal

00:22:21.359 --> 00:22:22.399
 the long-awaited

00:22:22.399 --> 00:22:22.799
 Messiah

00:22:22.799 --> 00:22:23.859
 and prepare

00:22:23.859 --> 00:22:26.059
 people for him

00:22:26.059 --> 00:22:26.899
 for his coming.

00:22:28.119 --> 00:22:28.799
 John was sent

00:22:28.799 --> 00:22:29.679
 by God himself

00:22:29.679 --> 00:22:30.379
 to baptize

00:22:30.379 --> 00:22:30.919
 with water

00:22:30.919 --> 00:22:32.000
 for this very purpose,

00:22:32.139 --> 00:22:32.799
 as John 33,

00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:34.059
 verse 33 tells us.

00:22:34.559 --> 00:22:35.219
 John's ministry

00:22:35.219 --> 00:22:36.339
 is anticipatory

00:22:36.339 --> 00:22:37.519
 and preparatory.

00:22:37.939 --> 00:22:38.639
 He's not trying

00:22:38.639 --> 00:22:39.279
 to bring attention

00:22:39.279 --> 00:22:40.000
 to himself

00:22:40.000 --> 00:22:40.639
 or to gain

00:22:40.639 --> 00:22:41.099
 a following

00:22:41.099 --> 00:22:41.799
 for himself.

00:22:42.019 --> 00:22:42.559
 He's trying

00:22:42.559 --> 00:22:43.059
 to reveal

00:22:43.059 --> 00:22:44.019
 someone else

00:22:44.019 --> 00:22:45.279
 the strap

00:22:45.279 --> 00:22:45.919
 of whose sandal

00:22:45.919 --> 00:22:46.639
 he's not worthy

00:22:46.639 --> 00:22:47.279
 to untie.

00:22:48.139 --> 00:22:49.119
 That's a startling

00:22:49.119 --> 00:22:49.479
 admission.

00:22:50.879 --> 00:22:51.679
 There's a Jewish

00:22:51.679 --> 00:22:52.500
 rabbinic saying

00:22:52.500 --> 00:22:53.379
 that says this,

00:22:53.619 --> 00:22:53.819
 quote,

00:22:54.439 --> 00:22:55.359
 every service

00:22:55.359 --> 00:22:56.179
 which a slave

00:22:56.179 --> 00:22:56.759
 performs

00:22:56.759 --> 00:22:57.559
 for his master

00:22:57.559 --> 00:22:59.019
 shall a disciple

00:22:59.019 --> 00:23:00.099
 do for his teacher

00:23:00.099 --> 00:23:03.279
 except the losing

00:23:03.279 --> 00:23:04.480
 of his sandal thong.

00:23:07.359 --> 00:23:08.000
 Everything

00:23:08.000 --> 00:23:09.220
 that a slave

00:23:09.220 --> 00:23:10.180
 does for his master,

00:23:10.400 --> 00:23:11.259
 waiting on him,

00:23:11.759 --> 00:23:12.700
 fetching him water,

00:23:13.740 --> 00:23:15.259
 wiping his sweaty brows,

00:23:15.779 --> 00:23:16.940
 a disciple should do

00:23:16.940 --> 00:23:17.819
 for his teacher

00:23:17.819 --> 00:23:21.619
 except the untying

00:23:21.619 --> 00:23:22.239
 the strap

00:23:22.239 --> 00:23:23.379
 of his sandals.

00:23:26.419 --> 00:23:27.379
 Removing someone's

00:23:27.379 --> 00:23:27.599
 sandal

00:23:27.599 --> 00:23:28.079
 was considered

00:23:28.079 --> 00:23:28.819
 so beneath

00:23:28.819 --> 00:23:29.839
 the person's dignity

00:23:29.839 --> 00:23:30.859
 that it was a task

00:23:30.859 --> 00:23:31.599
 reserved only

00:23:31.599 --> 00:23:32.279
 for slaves.

00:23:32.919 --> 00:23:33.159
 And yet,

00:23:33.219 --> 00:23:33.839
 John the Baptist

00:23:33.839 --> 00:23:34.699
 singles out

00:23:34.699 --> 00:23:35.799
 this particular

00:23:35.799 --> 00:23:37.319
 humiliating act

00:23:37.319 --> 00:23:38.139
 and says

00:23:38.139 --> 00:23:39.719
 he is not worthy

00:23:39.719 --> 00:23:41.039
 to untie

00:23:41.039 --> 00:23:41.639
 his sandals.

00:23:43.000 --> 00:23:44.039
 It's a shocking

00:23:44.039 --> 00:23:44.719
 admission.

00:23:45.379 --> 00:23:46.399
 John is not saying,

00:23:47.099 --> 00:23:47.219
 oh,

00:23:47.299 --> 00:23:48.159
 I'm a nobody,

00:23:48.259 --> 00:23:48.779
 I'm only fit

00:23:48.779 --> 00:23:50.019
 to untie his sandals.

00:23:50.779 --> 00:23:51.920
 That's not what he's saying.

00:23:52.579 --> 00:23:53.279
 He's saying,

00:23:53.579 --> 00:23:55.240
 I'm not worthy

00:23:55.240 --> 00:23:56.980
 to untie

00:23:56.980 --> 00:23:58.319
 his sandals.

00:23:58.319 --> 00:24:04.299
 In other words,

00:24:04.700 --> 00:24:05.419
 he does not

00:24:05.419 --> 00:24:06.480
 even deserve

00:24:06.480 --> 00:24:07.399
 to be

00:24:07.399 --> 00:24:08.659
 the slave

00:24:08.659 --> 00:24:09.359
 of the Messiah

00:24:09.359 --> 00:24:13.939
 because

00:24:13.939 --> 00:24:15.539
 of how great

00:24:15.539 --> 00:24:16.619
 he is.

00:24:21.480 --> 00:24:22.439
 John's humility

00:24:22.439 --> 00:24:23.659
 is instructive for us,

00:24:23.819 --> 00:24:24.599
 but John's humility

00:24:24.599 --> 00:24:25.419
 is not the point

00:24:25.419 --> 00:24:26.000
 of this narrative.

00:24:27.319 --> 00:24:28.179
 The point is not

00:24:28.180 --> 00:24:29.680
 John's great humility.

00:24:29.900 --> 00:24:30.460
 The point is

00:24:30.460 --> 00:24:31.220
 Jesus'

00:24:31.680 --> 00:24:33.539
 surpassing worth.

00:24:37.779 --> 00:24:38.860
 John's saying

00:24:38.860 --> 00:24:39.640
 that he's not worthy

00:24:39.640 --> 00:24:40.259
 to untie

00:24:40.259 --> 00:24:40.680
 the strap

00:24:40.680 --> 00:24:41.759
 of Jesus' shoes.

00:24:42.320 --> 00:24:43.039
 This is not

00:24:43.039 --> 00:24:43.940
 exaggerated

00:24:43.940 --> 00:24:45.019
 false humility.

00:24:45.220 --> 00:24:45.940
 It's simply

00:24:45.940 --> 00:24:46.740
 reality.

00:24:48.779 --> 00:24:49.440
 C.J. Mahaney,

00:24:49.680 --> 00:24:50.519
 who is a pastor

00:24:50.519 --> 00:24:51.420
 within our denomination,

00:24:52.039 --> 00:24:52.779
 writes this

00:24:52.779 --> 00:24:53.480
 in his book

00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:54.660
 entitled Humility.

00:24:55.259 --> 00:24:55.940
 Humility is

00:24:55.940 --> 00:24:57.160
 honestly assessing

00:24:57.160 --> 00:24:57.800
 ourselves

00:24:57.800 --> 00:24:59.380
 in light of God's

00:24:59.380 --> 00:24:59.800
 holiness

00:24:59.800 --> 00:25:00.920
 and our

00:25:00.920 --> 00:25:01.740
 sinfulness.

00:25:03.580 --> 00:25:04.720
 When we know

00:25:04.720 --> 00:25:05.740
 ourselves as we

00:25:05.740 --> 00:25:06.460
 truly are,

00:25:06.759 --> 00:25:07.560
 and when we know

00:25:07.560 --> 00:25:08.460
 God as he

00:25:08.460 --> 00:25:09.519
 truly is,

00:25:09.720 --> 00:25:10.620
 the only

00:25:10.620 --> 00:25:11.820
 proper posture

00:25:11.820 --> 00:25:12.480
 for us

00:25:12.480 --> 00:25:13.820
 is abject

00:25:13.820 --> 00:25:14.400
 humility.

00:25:17.519 --> 00:25:18.680
 Humility is not

00:25:18.680 --> 00:25:19.759
 a denial of one's

00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:20.080
 greatness.

00:25:20.079 --> 00:25:20.240
 forgiveness.

00:25:20.240 --> 00:25:21.439
 It is simply

00:25:21.439 --> 00:25:22.199
 an honest

00:25:22.199 --> 00:25:22.899
 assessment

00:25:22.899 --> 00:25:23.859
 of one's

00:25:23.859 --> 00:25:24.220
 relative

00:25:24.220 --> 00:25:25.179
 insignificance

00:25:25.179 --> 00:25:26.059
 in light of

00:25:26.059 --> 00:25:26.579
 God's

00:25:26.579 --> 00:25:27.599
 surpassing worth.

00:25:29.919 --> 00:25:31.279
 Do we live

00:25:31.279 --> 00:25:32.279
 with an honest

00:25:32.279 --> 00:25:33.039
 assessment

00:25:33.039 --> 00:25:33.579
 of our

00:25:33.579 --> 00:25:34.419
 insignificance

00:25:34.419 --> 00:25:34.980
 compared to

00:25:34.980 --> 00:25:35.399
 God's

00:25:35.399 --> 00:25:36.579
 surpassing worth?

00:25:38.279 --> 00:25:39.139
 Do we live

00:25:39.139 --> 00:25:39.879
 with humility

00:25:39.879 --> 00:25:40.619
 and gratitude

00:25:40.619 --> 00:25:41.639
 that we

00:25:41.639 --> 00:25:42.679
 get to

00:25:42.679 --> 00:25:43.639
 untie

00:25:43.639 --> 00:25:44.259
 the strap

00:25:44.259 --> 00:25:44.599
 of his

00:25:44.599 --> 00:25:45.139
 sandals?

00:25:45.140 --> 00:25:48.280
 or do we

00:25:48.280 --> 00:25:48.680
 live with

00:25:48.680 --> 00:25:49.200
 pride

00:25:49.200 --> 00:25:50.280
 and an

00:25:50.280 --> 00:25:50.780
 attitude of

00:25:50.780 --> 00:25:51.320
 entitlement

00:25:51.320 --> 00:25:52.120
 that scoffs

00:25:52.120 --> 00:25:52.540
 at such

00:25:52.540 --> 00:25:53.380
 menial tasks?

00:25:53.380 --> 00:25:55.980
 Are we

00:25:55.980 --> 00:25:56.400
 willing to

00:25:56.400 --> 00:25:57.040
 suffer for

00:25:57.040 --> 00:25:57.260
 him?

00:25:58.100 --> 00:25:58.640
 To be

00:25:58.640 --> 00:25:59.260
 ridiculed

00:25:59.260 --> 00:25:59.720
 for him?

00:26:00.580 --> 00:26:00.940
 Are we

00:26:00.940 --> 00:26:01.280
 willing to

00:26:01.280 --> 00:26:01.860
 give up our

00:26:01.860 --> 00:26:02.740
 comforts and

00:26:02.740 --> 00:26:03.600
 pleasures for

00:26:03.600 --> 00:26:03.900
 him?

00:26:05.120 --> 00:26:06.080
 To go and

00:26:06.080 --> 00:26:06.620
 serve where

00:26:06.620 --> 00:26:07.060
 there is no

00:26:07.060 --> 00:26:07.760
 clean water

00:26:07.760 --> 00:26:08.220
 or hot

00:26:08.220 --> 00:26:08.600
 showers?

00:26:09.520 --> 00:26:10.060
 Are we

00:26:10.060 --> 00:26:10.420
 willing to

00:26:10.420 --> 00:26:10.840
 serve the

00:26:10.840 --> 00:26:11.200
 Lord in

00:26:11.200 --> 00:26:12.000
 places where

00:26:12.000 --> 00:26:12.460
 we will be

00:26:12.460 --> 00:26:12.920
 forgotten?

00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:14.320
 The

00:26:14.320 --> 00:26:14.740
 backstage,

00:26:15.860 --> 00:26:16.320
 the prayer

00:26:16.320 --> 00:26:16.740
 closet?

00:26:18.740 --> 00:26:19.420
 Are we

00:26:19.420 --> 00:26:19.920
 willing to

00:26:19.920 --> 00:26:20.700
 befriend and

00:26:20.700 --> 00:26:21.260
 care for

00:26:21.260 --> 00:26:21.980
 irritable and

00:26:21.980 --> 00:26:22.800
 difficult people?

00:26:23.380 --> 00:26:25.700
 awkward and

00:26:25.700 --> 00:26:26.540
 overly talkative

00:26:26.540 --> 00:26:26.920
 people?

00:26:29.520 --> 00:26:30.460
 In Acts

00:26:30.460 --> 00:26:31.280
 5.41,

00:26:32.160 --> 00:26:32.820
 after being

00:26:32.820 --> 00:26:33.480
 unfairly

00:26:33.480 --> 00:26:33.920
 arrested,

00:26:34.320 --> 00:26:34.720
 tried,

00:26:34.920 --> 00:26:35.200
 and beaten

00:26:35.200 --> 00:26:36.040
 for proclaiming

00:26:36.040 --> 00:26:36.360
 Jesus,

00:26:37.040 --> 00:26:37.880
 the apostles

00:26:37.880 --> 00:26:38.440
 are finally

00:26:38.440 --> 00:26:39.420
 released and

00:26:39.420 --> 00:26:40.900
 it says that

00:26:40.900 --> 00:26:41.200
 when they

00:26:41.200 --> 00:26:41.780
 left the

00:26:41.780 --> 00:26:42.180
 presence of

00:26:42.180 --> 00:26:42.700
 the council,

00:26:43.120 --> 00:26:43.620
 they left

00:26:43.620 --> 00:26:45.940
 rejoicing that

00:26:45.940 --> 00:26:46.320
 they were

00:26:46.320 --> 00:26:47.840
 counted worthy

00:26:47.840 --> 00:26:48.800
 to suffer

00:26:48.800 --> 00:26:50.120
 dishonor for

00:26:50.120 --> 00:26:50.680
 the name

00:26:50.680 --> 00:26:51.600
 of Jesus.

00:26:53.380 --> 00:26:55.900
 they were

00:26:55.900 --> 00:26:56.740
 not rejoicing

00:26:56.740 --> 00:26:57.200
 because they

00:26:57.200 --> 00:26:57.880
 were insane.

00:26:59.160 --> 00:26:59.540
 They were

00:26:59.540 --> 00:27:00.300
 not rejoicing

00:27:00.300 --> 00:27:00.720
 because they

00:27:00.720 --> 00:27:01.180
 thought being

00:27:01.180 --> 00:27:01.780
 beaten was

00:27:01.780 --> 00:27:02.520
 such a

00:27:02.520 --> 00:27:03.140
 pleasurable

00:27:03.140 --> 00:27:03.620
 thing.

00:27:05.700 --> 00:27:06.800
 But because

00:27:06.800 --> 00:27:07.540
 they knew the

00:27:07.540 --> 00:27:08.940
 surpassing worth

00:27:08.940 --> 00:27:09.780
 of Jesus,

00:27:10.820 --> 00:27:11.640
 if I get to

00:27:11.640 --> 00:27:12.160
 do anything

00:27:12.160 --> 00:27:12.920
 for Jesus

00:27:12.920 --> 00:27:14.120
 that is beyond

00:27:14.120 --> 00:27:15.160
 my deserts,

00:27:15.440 --> 00:27:16.040
 if I can

00:27:16.040 --> 00:27:16.720
 suffer for

00:27:16.720 --> 00:27:16.960
 him,

00:27:17.020 --> 00:27:17.560
 be punished

00:27:17.560 --> 00:27:18.060
 for him,

00:27:18.260 --> 00:27:18.520
 doubt,

00:27:18.519 --> 00:27:21.180
 and even

00:27:21.180 --> 00:27:21.759
 martyr for

00:27:21.759 --> 00:27:22.019
 him,

00:27:24.019 --> 00:27:26.319
 if I get

00:27:26.319 --> 00:27:27.079
 to even

00:27:27.079 --> 00:27:28.660
 loosen,

00:27:29.240 --> 00:27:29.859
 untie the

00:27:29.859 --> 00:27:30.240
 straps of

00:27:30.240 --> 00:27:30.819
 his sandals,

00:27:31.539 --> 00:27:32.420
 that is a

00:27:32.420 --> 00:27:34.400
 task far

00:27:34.400 --> 00:27:34.960
 beyond my

00:27:34.960 --> 00:27:35.519
 deserts.

00:27:35.519 --> 00:27:41.920
 that's how

00:27:41.920 --> 00:27:42.339
 John thought

00:27:42.339 --> 00:27:42.759
 of himself.

00:27:44.319 --> 00:27:44.920
 And this

00:27:44.920 --> 00:27:45.379
 is John

00:27:45.379 --> 00:27:46.039
 the Baptist's

00:27:46.039 --> 00:27:46.440
 answer to

00:27:46.440 --> 00:27:46.960
 the question,

00:27:47.839 --> 00:27:48.279
 quite a

00:27:48.279 --> 00:27:48.619
 sobering

00:27:48.619 --> 00:27:48.940
 answer.

00:27:49.579 --> 00:27:50.180
 Who are

00:27:50.180 --> 00:27:50.359
 you,

00:27:50.460 --> 00:27:50.660
 John?

00:27:52.240 --> 00:27:52.680
 Me?

00:27:54.119 --> 00:27:54.680
 I'm a

00:27:54.680 --> 00:27:55.019
 slave,

00:27:55.900 --> 00:27:56.599
 not worthy

00:27:56.599 --> 00:27:56.980
 to be a

00:27:56.980 --> 00:27:57.279
 slave.

00:27:57.980 --> 00:27:58.480
 A herald

00:27:58.480 --> 00:27:59.139
 announcing the

00:27:59.139 --> 00:27:59.539
 message of

00:27:59.539 --> 00:27:59.859
 the king,

00:27:59.980 --> 00:28:00.440
 the stage

00:28:00.440 --> 00:28:01.119
 hand moving

00:28:01.119 --> 00:28:01.759
 around the

00:28:01.759 --> 00:28:02.220
 props to

00:28:02.220 --> 00:28:02.839
 make way for

00:28:02.839 --> 00:28:03.139
 the lead

00:28:03.139 --> 00:28:03.480
 actor,

00:28:03.940 --> 00:28:04.259
 someone who

00:28:04.259 --> 00:28:04.759
 is not

00:28:04.759 --> 00:28:05.339
 worthy to

00:28:05.339 --> 00:28:05.720
 untie

00:28:05.720 --> 00:28:06.140
 Jesus'

00:28:06.379 --> 00:28:06.900
 shoelaces.

00:28:07.339 --> 00:28:07.920
 That's who

00:28:07.920 --> 00:28:08.359
 I am.

00:28:09.039 --> 00:28:09.420
 Why are you

00:28:09.420 --> 00:28:09.759
 asking me

00:28:09.759 --> 00:28:10.279
 who I am?

00:28:10.400 --> 00:28:10.640
 You should

00:28:10.640 --> 00:28:11.099
 be asking

00:28:11.099 --> 00:28:11.619
 some different

00:28:11.619 --> 00:28:12.019
 question.

00:28:16.539 --> 00:28:17.420
 And John's

00:28:17.420 --> 00:28:17.960
 testimony

00:28:17.960 --> 00:28:19.099
 prepares a

00:28:19.099 --> 00:28:19.799
 way for us

00:28:19.799 --> 00:28:20.160
 to explore

00:28:20.160 --> 00:28:20.640
 who Jesus

00:28:20.640 --> 00:28:21.000
 is.

00:28:22.700 --> 00:28:23.359
 We already

00:28:23.359 --> 00:28:23.819
 know that

00:28:23.819 --> 00:28:24.240
 Jesus is

00:28:24.240 --> 00:28:24.640
 someone who

00:28:24.640 --> 00:28:25.140
 possesses

00:28:25.140 --> 00:28:25.700
 surpassing

00:28:25.700 --> 00:28:25.980
 worth.

00:28:26.460 --> 00:28:26.779
 In fact,

00:28:26.839 --> 00:28:27.099
 we know

00:28:27.099 --> 00:28:27.460
 more than

00:28:27.460 --> 00:28:27.920
 that because

00:28:27.920 --> 00:28:28.200
 in verse

00:28:28.200 --> 00:28:28.660
 23,

00:28:28.799 --> 00:28:29.299
 John cited

00:28:29.299 --> 00:28:30.000
 Isaiah 40

00:28:30.000 --> 00:28:30.599
 verse 3

00:28:30.599 --> 00:28:31.039
 saying that

00:28:31.039 --> 00:28:31.379
 he is the

00:28:31.379 --> 00:28:31.839
 voice in

00:28:31.839 --> 00:28:32.180
 the wilderness

00:28:32.180 --> 00:28:32.779
 crying,

00:28:33.220 --> 00:28:33.680
 make straight

00:28:33.680 --> 00:28:34.079
 the way

00:28:34.079 --> 00:28:35.179
 of the

00:28:35.179 --> 00:28:35.519
 Lord.

00:28:36.839 --> 00:28:37.699
 John thinks

00:28:37.699 --> 00:28:38.279
 he is preparing

00:28:38.279 --> 00:28:38.939
 the way for

00:28:38.939 --> 00:28:39.339
 the Lord

00:28:39.339 --> 00:28:39.879
 of glory

00:28:39.879 --> 00:28:40.740
 himself.

00:28:42.539 --> 00:28:42.919
 And this

00:28:42.919 --> 00:28:43.419
 Messiah,

00:28:43.960 --> 00:28:44.519
 he is not

00:28:44.519 --> 00:28:45.220
 just some

00:28:45.220 --> 00:28:46.339
 human VIP,

00:28:48.099 --> 00:28:48.460
 though he

00:28:48.460 --> 00:28:48.879
 is fully

00:28:48.879 --> 00:28:49.220
 man,

00:28:49.599 --> 00:28:50.159
 he is

00:28:50.159 --> 00:28:51.079
 God

00:28:51.079 --> 00:28:52.619
 in flesh.

00:28:56.119 --> 00:28:56.919
 John makes

00:28:56.919 --> 00:28:57.299
 this even

00:28:57.299 --> 00:28:57.879
 more explicit

00:28:57.879 --> 00:28:58.240
 in verses

00:28:58.240 --> 00:28:58.759
 32 to

00:28:58.759 --> 00:28:59.179
 34,

00:28:59.279 --> 00:28:59.619
 I saw

00:28:59.619 --> 00:29:00.419
 the spirit

00:29:00.419 --> 00:29:01.460
 descend from

00:29:01.460 --> 00:29:02.139
 heaven like a

00:29:02.139 --> 00:29:02.519
 dove and

00:29:02.519 --> 00:29:03.220
 remained on

00:29:03.220 --> 00:29:03.460
 him.

00:29:03.460 --> 00:29:04.019
 I

00:29:04.019 --> 00:29:04.420
 myself

00:29:04.420 --> 00:29:04.759
 did not

00:29:04.759 --> 00:29:05.000
 know

00:29:05.000 --> 00:29:05.140
 him,

00:29:05.180 --> 00:29:05.400
 but he

00:29:05.400 --> 00:29:05.500
 who

00:29:05.500 --> 00:29:05.799
 sent me

00:29:05.799 --> 00:29:05.900
 to

00:29:05.900 --> 00:29:06.299
 baptize

00:29:06.299 --> 00:29:06.440
 with

00:29:06.440 --> 00:29:06.660
 water

00:29:06.660 --> 00:29:06.900
 said

00:29:06.900 --> 00:29:07.039
 to

00:29:07.039 --> 00:29:07.259
 me,

00:29:07.259 --> 00:29:07.700
 he

00:29:07.700 --> 00:29:07.880
 on

00:29:07.880 --> 00:29:08.079
 whom

00:29:08.079 --> 00:29:08.240
 you

00:29:08.240 --> 00:29:08.440
 see

00:29:08.440 --> 00:29:08.600
 the

00:29:08.600 --> 00:29:09.039
 spirit

00:29:09.039 --> 00:29:09.579
 descend

00:29:09.579 --> 00:29:09.720
 and

00:29:09.720 --> 00:29:10.039
 remain.

00:29:10.220 --> 00:29:10.660
 This is

00:29:10.660 --> 00:29:10.980
 he who

00:29:10.980 --> 00:29:11.480
 baptizes

00:29:11.480 --> 00:29:11.960
 with the

00:29:11.960 --> 00:29:12.539
 Holy Spirit.

00:29:12.980 --> 00:29:13.500
 And I

00:29:13.500 --> 00:29:14.140
 have seen

00:29:14.140 --> 00:29:14.740
 and I

00:29:14.740 --> 00:29:15.380
 borne witness

00:29:15.380 --> 00:29:15.860
 that this

00:29:15.860 --> 00:29:16.920
 is the

00:29:16.920 --> 00:29:17.259
 Son of

00:29:17.259 --> 00:29:17.559
 God.

00:29:18.519 --> 00:29:19.279
 Three times

00:29:19.279 --> 00:29:19.620
 the word

00:29:19.620 --> 00:29:20.400
 spirit is

00:29:20.400 --> 00:29:20.940
 repeated in

00:29:20.940 --> 00:29:21.500
 this passage.

00:29:22.519 --> 00:29:23.160
 And it's

00:29:23.160 --> 00:29:23.759
 significant that

00:29:23.759 --> 00:29:24.259
 spirit of

00:29:24.259 --> 00:29:24.960
 God not

00:29:24.960 --> 00:29:25.720
 only descends

00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:26.299
 upon him,

00:29:26.819 --> 00:29:27.220
 descends,

00:29:27.519 --> 00:29:28.240
 remains upon

00:29:28.240 --> 00:29:28.539
 him.

00:29:28.539 --> 00:29:31.599
 historically

00:29:31.599 --> 00:29:32.159
 throughout the

00:29:32.159 --> 00:29:32.680
 Old Testament

00:29:32.680 --> 00:29:33.619
 the spirit of

00:29:33.619 --> 00:29:34.299
 God descends

00:29:34.299 --> 00:29:34.920
 upon select

00:29:34.920 --> 00:29:35.899
 individuals like

00:29:35.899 --> 00:29:36.759
 builders of

00:29:36.759 --> 00:29:37.319
 the tabernacle

00:29:37.319 --> 00:29:37.619
 and the

00:29:37.619 --> 00:29:37.920
 temple,

00:29:38.079 --> 00:29:38.559
 the prophets,

00:29:38.879 --> 00:29:39.319
 the priests,

00:29:39.500 --> 00:29:39.960
 the kings,

00:29:40.359 --> 00:29:40.799
 the judges,

00:29:40.980 --> 00:29:41.379
 and the spirit

00:29:41.379 --> 00:29:41.920
 of God comes

00:29:41.920 --> 00:29:42.539
 upon them to

00:29:42.539 --> 00:29:43.299
 enable them to

00:29:43.299 --> 00:29:43.819
 fulfill a

00:29:43.819 --> 00:29:44.940
 particular God

00:29:44.940 --> 00:29:45.759
 given task.

00:29:48.359 --> 00:29:49.599
 But for the

00:29:49.599 --> 00:29:50.420
 spirit of God to

00:29:50.420 --> 00:29:51.139
 descend upon

00:29:51.139 --> 00:29:52.859
 Jesus personally

00:29:52.859 --> 00:29:53.859
 like a dove

00:29:53.859 --> 00:29:54.939
 and then to

00:29:54.939 --> 00:29:55.619
 remain on

00:29:55.619 --> 00:29:56.759
 him permanently

00:29:56.759 --> 00:29:58.039
 is unique.

00:29:59.839 --> 00:30:00.500
 Jesus is the

00:30:00.500 --> 00:30:01.339
 messianic king

00:30:01.339 --> 00:30:02.000
 from David's

00:30:02.000 --> 00:30:02.959
 royal lineage of

00:30:02.959 --> 00:30:03.899
 whom Isaiah 11

00:30:03.899 --> 00:30:05.000
 2 prophesied

00:30:05.000 --> 00:30:05.839
 the spirit of

00:30:05.839 --> 00:30:06.740
 the Lord shall

00:30:06.740 --> 00:30:08.319
 rest upon

00:30:08.319 --> 00:30:08.599
 him.

00:30:10.439 --> 00:30:11.240
 And not only

00:30:11.240 --> 00:30:11.539
 that,

00:30:11.699 --> 00:30:12.500
 Jesus is then

00:30:12.500 --> 00:30:13.240
 able because he

00:30:13.240 --> 00:30:14.079
 has the spirit

00:30:14.079 --> 00:30:14.599
 in fullness

00:30:14.599 --> 00:30:15.779
 always with him.

00:30:16.019 --> 00:30:16.679
 He's able to

00:30:16.679 --> 00:30:17.659
 baptize others

00:30:17.659 --> 00:30:18.159
 with the Holy

00:30:18.159 --> 00:30:18.519
 Spirit.

00:30:19.079 --> 00:30:19.740
 He's able to

00:30:19.740 --> 00:30:20.779
 immerse people in

00:30:20.779 --> 00:30:21.299
 the Holy Spirit,

00:30:21.500 --> 00:30:22.219
 fill them with

00:30:22.219 --> 00:30:22.979
 the Holy Spirit.

00:30:23.859 --> 00:30:25.299
 that's no mere

00:30:25.299 --> 00:30:26.000
 human authority,

00:30:26.099 --> 00:30:26.819
 that's divine

00:30:26.819 --> 00:30:27.399
 authority.

00:30:27.519 --> 00:30:28.199
 That's why John

00:30:28.199 --> 00:30:29.279
 has no option

00:30:29.279 --> 00:30:30.000
 but to conclude,

00:30:30.339 --> 00:30:30.919
 I have seen

00:30:30.919 --> 00:30:32.219
 and bear witness

00:30:32.219 --> 00:30:34.379
 that he is

00:30:34.379 --> 00:30:35.339
 the son of

00:30:35.339 --> 00:30:35.740
 God.

00:30:37.099 --> 00:30:37.819
 As we saw

00:30:37.819 --> 00:30:38.379
 already in the

00:30:38.379 --> 00:30:38.959
 prologue of

00:30:38.959 --> 00:30:40.240
 John in the

00:30:40.240 --> 00:30:40.500
 last,

00:30:40.899 --> 00:30:41.919
 earlier this

00:30:41.919 --> 00:30:42.479
 chapter last

00:30:42.479 --> 00:30:42.740
 week,

00:30:43.219 --> 00:30:43.679
 Jesus is the

00:30:43.679 --> 00:30:44.119
 word made

00:30:44.119 --> 00:30:44.519
 flesh,

00:30:44.619 --> 00:30:45.919
 the only son

00:30:45.919 --> 00:30:46.759
 from the

00:30:46.759 --> 00:30:47.099
 father.

00:30:47.559 --> 00:30:48.019
 He is the

00:30:48.019 --> 00:30:49.059
 only God who

00:30:49.059 --> 00:30:49.419
 is at the

00:30:49.419 --> 00:30:50.159
 father's side

00:30:50.159 --> 00:30:50.500
 who makes

00:30:50.500 --> 00:30:50.899
 the father

00:30:50.899 --> 00:30:51.240
 known.

00:30:52.119 --> 00:30:52.500
 In other

00:30:52.500 --> 00:30:52.719
 words,

00:30:52.779 --> 00:30:53.179
 he is the

00:30:53.179 --> 00:30:53.579
 unique

00:30:53.579 --> 00:30:54.199
 son of

00:30:54.199 --> 00:30:54.419
 God,

00:30:54.519 --> 00:30:55.139
 the only

00:30:55.139 --> 00:30:55.779
 divine

00:30:55.779 --> 00:30:56.639
 son who

00:30:56.639 --> 00:30:57.199
 shares the

00:30:57.199 --> 00:30:57.740
 father's

00:30:57.740 --> 00:30:58.439
 nature,

00:31:00.079 --> 00:31:00.559
 the second

00:31:00.559 --> 00:31:01.000
 person of

00:31:01.000 --> 00:31:01.339
 the Trinity.

00:31:03.439 --> 00:31:03.960
 Now,

00:31:04.879 --> 00:31:05.460
 let's do a

00:31:05.460 --> 00:31:06.000
 little exercise

00:31:06.000 --> 00:31:06.779
 for a moment.

00:31:06.980 --> 00:31:07.559
 If I stopped

00:31:07.559 --> 00:31:08.279
 you right now

00:31:08.279 --> 00:31:09.659
 and then asked

00:31:09.659 --> 00:31:10.399
 you to picture,

00:31:11.039 --> 00:31:11.519
 choose for

00:31:11.519 --> 00:31:12.159
 yourself an

00:31:12.159 --> 00:31:13.199
 animal imagery

00:31:13.199 --> 00:31:14.919
 to describe

00:31:14.919 --> 00:31:15.599
 the Lord of

00:31:15.599 --> 00:31:15.960
 glory,

00:31:16.439 --> 00:31:17.000
 before whom

00:31:17.000 --> 00:31:17.720
 mountains bow

00:31:17.720 --> 00:31:18.119
 down,

00:31:18.379 --> 00:31:18.799
 before whom

00:31:18.799 --> 00:31:19.819
 valleys stand,

00:31:20.339 --> 00:31:21.220
 the son of

00:31:21.220 --> 00:31:21.720
 God,

00:31:22.019 --> 00:31:22.740
 the messianic

00:31:22.740 --> 00:31:23.299
 king,

00:31:23.299 --> 00:31:24.319
 who baptized

00:31:24.319 --> 00:31:25.339
 people with

00:31:25.339 --> 00:31:26.399
 spirit and

00:31:26.399 --> 00:31:26.980
 fire,

00:31:28.500 --> 00:31:29.639
 what animal

00:31:29.639 --> 00:31:30.019
 would you

00:31:30.019 --> 00:31:30.339
 choose?

00:31:34.119 --> 00:31:35.039
 Maybe a

00:31:35.039 --> 00:31:36.119
 fire-breathing

00:31:36.119 --> 00:31:36.539
 dragon?

00:31:40.139 --> 00:31:41.019
 Maybe a

00:31:41.019 --> 00:31:41.759
 regal lion?

00:31:41.759 --> 00:31:41.819
 dragon.

00:31:47.039 --> 00:31:47.879
 But Revelation

00:31:47.879 --> 00:31:48.299
 20,

00:31:48.400 --> 00:31:48.720
 verse 2,

00:31:48.799 --> 00:31:49.339
 says that the

00:31:49.339 --> 00:31:50.900
 devil is the

00:31:50.900 --> 00:31:51.240
 dragon,

00:31:52.019 --> 00:31:52.440
 that ancient

00:31:52.440 --> 00:31:52.799
 serpent.

00:31:56.079 --> 00:31:57.039
 1 Peter 5,

00:31:57.039 --> 00:31:57.680
 8 says that the

00:31:57.680 --> 00:31:58.839
 devil prowls around

00:31:58.839 --> 00:31:59.420
 like a roaring

00:31:59.420 --> 00:31:59.779
 lion,

00:31:59.940 --> 00:32:00.519
 seeking someone

00:32:00.519 --> 00:32:01.079
 to devour.

00:32:03.819 --> 00:32:04.299
 Yes,

00:32:04.339 --> 00:32:04.940
 it's true that

00:32:04.940 --> 00:32:05.859
 Jesus is the

00:32:05.859 --> 00:32:07.220
 conquering lion

00:32:07.220 --> 00:32:08.379
 of the tribe

00:32:08.379 --> 00:32:09.099
 of Judah,

00:32:09.099 --> 00:32:09.700
 as it says in

00:32:09.700 --> 00:32:10.480
 Revelation 5,

00:32:10.559 --> 00:32:10.880
 5.

00:32:11.240 --> 00:32:11.920
 But that is

00:32:11.920 --> 00:32:12.720
 paradoxical,

00:32:13.319 --> 00:32:14.019
 because in

00:32:14.019 --> 00:32:14.759
 Revelation 5,

00:32:14.840 --> 00:32:15.880
 John hears the

00:32:15.880 --> 00:32:16.440
 voice of the

00:32:16.440 --> 00:32:17.380
 elders saying,

00:32:18.180 --> 00:32:18.680
 behold the

00:32:18.680 --> 00:32:19.860
 conquering lion

00:32:19.860 --> 00:32:20.539
 of the tribe

00:32:20.539 --> 00:32:20.880
 of Judah.

00:32:20.980 --> 00:32:21.620
 He hears the

00:32:21.620 --> 00:32:21.940
 voice,

00:32:22.380 --> 00:32:22.900
 and so John

00:32:22.900 --> 00:32:23.799
 turns to look

00:32:23.799 --> 00:32:24.680
 at this

00:32:24.680 --> 00:32:25.539
 conquering lion.

00:32:25.700 --> 00:32:26.120
 What does he

00:32:26.120 --> 00:32:26.480
 see?

00:32:27.380 --> 00:32:28.880
 He sees a

00:32:28.880 --> 00:32:31.039
 lamb standing

00:32:31.039 --> 00:32:31.580
 there as if

00:32:31.580 --> 00:32:32.299
 is slain.

00:32:32.299 --> 00:32:38.399
 The lion of

00:32:38.399 --> 00:32:39.519
 Judah conquers

00:32:39.519 --> 00:32:40.359
 by being

00:32:40.359 --> 00:32:41.639
 slain as

00:32:41.639 --> 00:32:42.159
 the lamb

00:32:42.159 --> 00:32:42.680
 of God.

00:32:45.299 --> 00:32:46.659
 Jesus conquers

00:32:46.659 --> 00:32:47.339
 sin and

00:32:47.339 --> 00:32:47.960
 death by

00:32:47.960 --> 00:32:49.139
 dying on

00:32:49.139 --> 00:32:49.639
 the cross

00:32:49.639 --> 00:32:49.960
 in the

00:32:49.960 --> 00:32:50.299
 stead of

00:32:50.299 --> 00:32:50.559
 sinners.

00:32:52.399 --> 00:32:53.339
 This is why

00:32:53.339 --> 00:32:53.799
 John the

00:32:53.799 --> 00:32:54.599
 Baptist lands

00:32:54.599 --> 00:32:54.879
 on the

00:32:54.879 --> 00:32:55.559
 metaphor of

00:32:55.559 --> 00:32:56.359
 the lamb

00:32:56.359 --> 00:32:57.919
 twice.

00:32:58.440 --> 00:32:59.079
 Verse 29

00:32:59.079 --> 00:32:59.799
 and verse 36,

00:32:59.899 --> 00:33:00.139
 he says,

00:33:00.220 --> 00:33:01.399
 behold the

00:33:01.399 --> 00:33:01.960
 lamb.

00:33:02.299 --> 00:33:03.259
 of God.

00:33:06.220 --> 00:33:06.919
 Look,

00:33:07.539 --> 00:33:08.519
 pay attention,

00:33:09.339 --> 00:33:10.079
 the lamb,

00:33:10.579 --> 00:33:11.519
 the lamb of

00:33:11.519 --> 00:33:12.019
 God that

00:33:12.019 --> 00:33:12.639
 takes away

00:33:12.639 --> 00:33:13.220
 the sin of

00:33:13.220 --> 00:33:13.799
 the world,

00:33:14.720 --> 00:33:15.379
 a lamb,

00:33:16.740 --> 00:33:17.700
 a symbol of

00:33:17.700 --> 00:33:19.779
 innocence and

00:33:19.779 --> 00:33:20.539
 meekness,

00:33:21.779 --> 00:33:22.419
 a symbol of

00:33:22.419 --> 00:33:23.599
 gentleness and

00:33:23.599 --> 00:33:24.119
 purity.

00:33:28.359 --> 00:33:29.200
 There's a lot

00:33:29.200 --> 00:33:29.839
 more I can say

00:33:29.839 --> 00:33:30.240
 about this

00:33:30.240 --> 00:33:30.599
 passage,

00:33:30.759 --> 00:33:31.240
 but since this

00:33:31.240 --> 00:33:31.720
 is an Advent

00:33:31.720 --> 00:33:32.059
 series,

00:33:32.059 --> 00:33:32.359
 I'm going

00:33:32.359 --> 00:33:32.839
 to hone

00:33:32.839 --> 00:33:33.279
 in on

00:33:33.279 --> 00:33:34.460
 this identity

00:33:34.460 --> 00:33:35.019
 of Jesus

00:33:35.019 --> 00:33:35.700
 as the

00:33:35.700 --> 00:33:36.159
 lamb of

00:33:36.159 --> 00:33:36.519
 God.

00:33:37.519 --> 00:33:38.019
 Where is

00:33:38.019 --> 00:33:38.579
 John getting

00:33:38.579 --> 00:33:39.119
 this imagery

00:33:39.119 --> 00:33:39.480
 of the

00:33:39.480 --> 00:33:39.759
 lamb?

00:33:40.740 --> 00:33:41.240
 The lamb

00:33:41.240 --> 00:33:41.539
 is a

00:33:41.539 --> 00:33:41.879
 particularly

00:33:41.879 --> 00:33:42.440
 appropriate

00:33:42.440 --> 00:33:43.220
 image because

00:33:43.220 --> 00:33:43.740
 it recurs

00:33:43.740 --> 00:33:44.500
 throughout the

00:33:44.500 --> 00:33:45.019
 Old Testament

00:33:45.019 --> 00:33:46.299
 in so many

00:33:46.299 --> 00:33:46.779
 significant

00:33:46.779 --> 00:33:47.440
 contexts.

00:33:48.119 --> 00:33:48.539
 In Genesis

00:33:48.539 --> 00:33:49.039
 22,

00:33:49.259 --> 00:33:49.539
 when the

00:33:49.539 --> 00:33:49.960
 Lord God

00:33:49.960 --> 00:33:50.519
 commands

00:33:50.519 --> 00:33:51.220
 Abraham to

00:33:51.220 --> 00:33:51.879
 sacrifice

00:33:51.879 --> 00:33:53.139
 his only

00:33:53.139 --> 00:33:53.500
 son,

00:33:53.539 --> 00:33:53.980
 his beloved

00:33:53.980 --> 00:33:55.159
 son Isaac,

00:33:56.559 --> 00:33:56.940
 Abraham,

00:33:57.599 --> 00:33:58.339
 despite his

00:33:58.339 --> 00:33:59.899
 grief,

00:33:59.900 --> 00:34:01.160
 steps out

00:34:01.160 --> 00:34:01.920
 in faith

00:34:01.920 --> 00:34:02.560
 and obedience.

00:34:04.900 --> 00:34:05.540
 They make

00:34:05.540 --> 00:34:05.980
 their way to

00:34:05.980 --> 00:34:06.360
 the mountain

00:34:06.360 --> 00:34:06.980
 where Isaac

00:34:06.980 --> 00:34:07.380
 is to be

00:34:07.380 --> 00:34:07.840
 sacrificed,

00:34:08.200 --> 00:34:08.400
 and then

00:34:08.400 --> 00:34:08.720
 Isaac,

00:34:08.900 --> 00:34:09.119
 being the

00:34:09.119 --> 00:34:09.599
 smart boy

00:34:09.599 --> 00:34:09.860
 that he

00:34:09.860 --> 00:34:10.059
 is,

00:34:10.119 --> 00:34:10.559
 asks his

00:34:10.559 --> 00:34:10.920
 dad a

00:34:10.920 --> 00:34:11.320
 question,

00:34:11.980 --> 00:34:12.579
 my father,

00:34:13.079 --> 00:34:13.619
 behold the

00:34:13.619 --> 00:34:14.180
 fire and

00:34:14.180 --> 00:34:14.559
 the wood,

00:34:14.680 --> 00:34:15.260
 but where's

00:34:15.260 --> 00:34:15.880
 the lamb

00:34:15.880 --> 00:34:16.240
 for the

00:34:16.240 --> 00:34:16.780
 burnt offering?

00:34:18.820 --> 00:34:19.160
 Can you

00:34:19.160 --> 00:34:19.720
 imagine being

00:34:19.720 --> 00:34:20.340
 a father and

00:34:20.340 --> 00:34:20.840
 having to answer

00:34:20.840 --> 00:34:21.400
 that question?

00:34:21.400 --> 00:34:24.840
 with an

00:34:24.840 --> 00:34:25.440
 aching heart

00:34:25.440 --> 00:34:26.300
 Abraham answers,

00:34:26.960 --> 00:34:27.480
 God will

00:34:27.480 --> 00:34:28.960
 provide for

00:34:28.960 --> 00:34:30.079
 himself the

00:34:30.079 --> 00:34:31.400
 lamb for a

00:34:31.400 --> 00:34:31.980
 burnt offering,

00:34:32.079 --> 00:34:32.539
 my son,

00:34:34.619 --> 00:34:36.099
 knowing full

00:34:36.099 --> 00:34:36.579
 well that it

00:34:36.579 --> 00:34:37.059
 is in fact

00:34:37.059 --> 00:34:37.740
 Isaac that is

00:34:37.740 --> 00:34:37.960
 to be

00:34:37.960 --> 00:34:38.340
 sacrificed.

00:34:39.380 --> 00:34:40.220
 But God

00:34:40.220 --> 00:34:41.160
 intervenes.

00:34:43.480 --> 00:34:44.260
 When Isaac

00:34:44.260 --> 00:34:44.920
 is on the

00:34:44.920 --> 00:34:45.240
 altar,

00:34:45.780 --> 00:34:46.280
 when Abraham

00:34:46.280 --> 00:34:46.900
 has given

00:34:46.900 --> 00:34:47.500
 him up for

00:34:47.500 --> 00:34:47.860
 the Lord,

00:34:48.200 --> 00:34:48.720
 the Lord

00:34:48.720 --> 00:34:49.559
 intervenes,

00:34:49.559 --> 00:34:51.460
 and he

00:34:51.460 --> 00:34:52.219
 supplies a

00:34:52.219 --> 00:34:52.699
 substitute,

00:34:53.000 --> 00:34:53.420
 a ram,

00:34:53.539 --> 00:34:53.799
 that can

00:34:53.799 --> 00:34:54.639
 take Isaac's

00:34:54.639 --> 00:34:55.019
 place.

00:34:55.619 --> 00:34:55.920
 And so

00:34:55.920 --> 00:34:56.299
 Abraham,

00:34:56.559 --> 00:34:57.219
 so grateful,

00:34:57.880 --> 00:34:58.840
 he cries out

00:34:58.840 --> 00:34:59.380
 prophetically,

00:34:59.460 --> 00:34:59.719
 he says,

00:34:59.860 --> 00:35:00.380
 on the

00:35:00.380 --> 00:35:01.039
 mount of

00:35:01.039 --> 00:35:01.559
 the Lord

00:35:01.559 --> 00:35:02.179
 it shall

00:35:02.179 --> 00:35:03.199
 be provided.

00:35:04.239 --> 00:35:04.739
 And on

00:35:04.739 --> 00:35:05.380
 the mount

00:35:05.380 --> 00:35:06.619
 of Calvary,

00:35:07.079 --> 00:35:08.159
 Jesus died

00:35:08.159 --> 00:35:09.079
 on the cross

00:35:09.079 --> 00:35:09.739
 as the

00:35:09.739 --> 00:35:10.380
 substitute

00:35:10.380 --> 00:35:11.039
 lamb

00:35:11.039 --> 00:35:12.799
 in the

00:35:12.799 --> 00:35:13.699
 place of

00:35:13.699 --> 00:35:14.739
 God's

00:35:14.739 --> 00:35:15.320
 son.

00:35:16.940 --> 00:35:17.239
 God

00:35:17.239 --> 00:35:17.860
 describes his

00:35:17.860 --> 00:35:18.320
 people as

00:35:18.320 --> 00:35:18.779
 his son,

00:35:18.780 --> 00:35:19.760
 Exodus 4

00:35:19.760 --> 00:35:20.140
 22.

00:35:21.560 --> 00:35:22.480
 The lamb,

00:35:23.100 --> 00:35:23.620
 the substitute,

00:35:23.880 --> 00:35:24.500
 restores the

00:35:24.500 --> 00:35:25.000
 son to his

00:35:25.000 --> 00:35:25.300
 father.

00:35:26.960 --> 00:35:27.380
 Maybe you

00:35:27.380 --> 00:35:27.980
 feel your

00:35:27.980 --> 00:35:28.760
 own responsibility

00:35:28.760 --> 00:35:29.400
 for sin

00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.920
 keenly.

00:35:30.700 --> 00:35:31.000
 Maybe you

00:35:31.000 --> 00:35:31.540
 feel that no

00:35:31.540 --> 00:35:32.140
 one else but

00:35:32.140 --> 00:35:32.840
 you can pay

00:35:32.840 --> 00:35:33.480
 the price.

00:35:33.780 --> 00:35:34.320
 But Jesus

00:35:34.320 --> 00:35:34.900
 has already

00:35:34.900 --> 00:35:35.340
 paid the

00:35:35.340 --> 00:35:35.720
 price.

00:35:36.800 --> 00:35:37.500
 You already

00:35:37.500 --> 00:35:38.040
 have a

00:35:38.040 --> 00:35:38.700
 substitute who

00:35:38.700 --> 00:35:39.060
 has taken

00:35:39.060 --> 00:35:39.800
 your place

00:35:39.800 --> 00:35:41.560
 so that you

00:35:41.560 --> 00:35:42.000
 can live

00:35:42.000 --> 00:35:42.640
 forever with

00:35:42.640 --> 00:35:43.100
 your God

00:35:43.100 --> 00:35:43.420
 in heaven.

00:35:45.180 --> 00:35:45.880
 There's more.

00:35:45.980 --> 00:35:46.360
 According to

00:35:46.360 --> 00:35:47.420
 Leviticus 14,

00:35:47.540 --> 00:35:48.280
 a male lamb,

00:35:48.280 --> 00:35:49.060
 a year old

00:35:49.060 --> 00:35:49.900
 and without

00:35:49.900 --> 00:35:50.600
 blemish was

00:35:50.600 --> 00:35:51.180
 used as a

00:35:51.180 --> 00:35:51.980
 guilt offering

00:35:51.980 --> 00:35:53.700
 in order to

00:35:53.700 --> 00:35:54.560
 make atonement

00:35:54.560 --> 00:35:55.180
 for lepers.

00:35:56.519 --> 00:35:57.220
 The original

00:35:57.220 --> 00:35:57.760
 meaning of the

00:35:57.760 --> 00:35:58.240
 Hebrew word for

00:35:58.240 --> 00:35:59.000
 atone is to

00:35:59.000 --> 00:36:00.519
 cover or to

00:36:00.519 --> 00:36:01.280
 wipe clean.

00:36:03.380 --> 00:36:04.320
 So the

00:36:04.320 --> 00:36:04.840
 lamb would be

00:36:04.840 --> 00:36:05.480
 killed and the

00:36:05.480 --> 00:36:06.040
 blood would be

00:36:06.040 --> 00:36:06.900
 spilled and

00:36:06.900 --> 00:36:07.280
 then some of

00:36:07.280 --> 00:36:07.620
 that blood

00:36:07.620 --> 00:36:07.960
 would be

00:36:07.960 --> 00:36:09.200
 smeared on

00:36:09.200 --> 00:36:10.140
 the leper to

00:36:10.140 --> 00:36:10.900
 make him

00:36:10.900 --> 00:36:11.480
 clean.

00:36:12.680 --> 00:36:13.260
 By this

00:36:13.260 --> 00:36:13.700
 offering,

00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:15.280
 his impurity,

00:36:15.420 --> 00:36:16.220
 his defilement,

00:36:16.219 --> 00:36:16.759
 his sins

00:36:16.759 --> 00:36:17.319
 were covered.

00:36:18.459 --> 00:36:19.059
 Jesus was

00:36:19.059 --> 00:36:19.759
 the sacrificial

00:36:19.759 --> 00:36:20.219
 lamb,

00:36:20.619 --> 00:36:21.079
 the guilt

00:36:21.079 --> 00:36:21.599
 offering,

00:36:22.039 --> 00:36:22.419
 and it's

00:36:22.419 --> 00:36:23.259
 his blood

00:36:23.259 --> 00:36:24.699
 that cleanses

00:36:24.699 --> 00:36:26.000
 us so that

00:36:26.000 --> 00:36:26.480
 we might be

00:36:26.480 --> 00:36:26.899
 justified.

00:36:28.199 --> 00:36:28.959
 The cleansing

00:36:28.959 --> 00:36:30.359
 agent for our

00:36:30.359 --> 00:36:31.099
 contaminating

00:36:31.099 --> 00:36:32.119
 disease of sin

00:36:32.119 --> 00:36:33.739
 is the blood

00:36:33.739 --> 00:36:34.339
 that Jesus

00:36:34.339 --> 00:36:34.959
 poured out for

00:36:34.959 --> 00:36:35.299
 us on the

00:36:35.299 --> 00:36:35.659
 cross.

00:36:38.500 --> 00:36:39.279
 Some of you

00:36:39.279 --> 00:36:39.599
 may have

00:36:39.599 --> 00:36:40.459
 committed sin

00:36:40.459 --> 00:36:41.339
 so grave

00:36:41.340 --> 00:36:42.740
 that you

00:36:42.740 --> 00:36:43.519
 still carry

00:36:43.519 --> 00:36:43.940
 the guilt

00:36:43.940 --> 00:36:44.400
 upon your

00:36:44.400 --> 00:36:44.760
 shoulders.

00:36:47.000 --> 00:36:47.720
 Maybe you

00:36:47.720 --> 00:36:48.519
 have sins

00:36:48.519 --> 00:36:48.800
 in your

00:36:48.800 --> 00:36:49.720
 life that

00:36:49.720 --> 00:36:50.340
 you're so

00:36:50.340 --> 00:36:51.140
 ashamed of

00:36:51.140 --> 00:36:51.740
 that you

00:36:51.740 --> 00:36:52.360
 have vowed

00:36:52.360 --> 00:36:52.860
 to never

00:36:52.860 --> 00:36:53.539
 tell a

00:36:53.539 --> 00:36:54.340
 living soul

00:36:54.340 --> 00:36:55.059
 about it.

00:37:00.220 --> 00:37:01.000
 But we

00:37:01.000 --> 00:37:01.600
 no longer

00:37:01.600 --> 00:37:02.200
 need to be

00:37:02.200 --> 00:37:02.900
 stooped low

00:37:02.900 --> 00:37:03.480
 by the burden

00:37:03.480 --> 00:37:03.880
 of sin.

00:37:04.579 --> 00:37:05.120
 We no

00:37:05.120 --> 00:37:05.700
 longer need

00:37:05.700 --> 00:37:06.140
 to hide

00:37:06.140 --> 00:37:06.740
 our faces

00:37:06.740 --> 00:37:07.519
 in shame.

00:37:07.680 --> 00:37:07.900
 Why?

00:37:08.019 --> 00:37:09.340
 Because the

00:37:09.340 --> 00:37:10.100
 lamb of

00:37:10.099 --> 00:37:11.299
 God has

00:37:11.299 --> 00:37:11.440
 been

00:37:11.440 --> 00:37:12.000
 sacrificed

00:37:12.000 --> 00:37:13.719
 and his

00:37:13.719 --> 00:37:14.219
 blood has

00:37:14.219 --> 00:37:14.880
 covered us.

00:37:17.940 --> 00:37:18.460
 Similarly,

00:37:18.579 --> 00:37:19.279
 Leviticus 3

00:37:19.279 --> 00:37:20.360
 prescribes the

00:37:20.360 --> 00:37:21.139
 sacrifice of a

00:37:21.139 --> 00:37:21.960
 lamb for the

00:37:21.960 --> 00:37:22.679
 peace offering.

00:37:24.099 --> 00:37:24.539
 A lamb would

00:37:24.539 --> 00:37:25.079
 be killed and

00:37:25.079 --> 00:37:25.579
 his blood will

00:37:25.579 --> 00:37:26.219
 be thrown upon

00:37:26.219 --> 00:37:27.500
 the altar of

00:37:27.500 --> 00:37:28.079
 the tabernacle

00:37:28.079 --> 00:37:28.500
 so that there

00:37:28.500 --> 00:37:29.339
 might be peace

00:37:29.339 --> 00:37:30.139
 between God

00:37:30.139 --> 00:37:30.880
 and his people

00:37:30.880 --> 00:37:31.679
 so that they

00:37:31.679 --> 00:37:32.299
 might share a

00:37:32.299 --> 00:37:32.960
 meal together,

00:37:33.079 --> 00:37:33.739
 have fellowship,

00:37:34.119 --> 00:37:34.839
 communion with

00:37:34.839 --> 00:37:35.319
 one another.

00:37:36.799 --> 00:37:37.239
 Likewise,

00:37:37.380 --> 00:37:38.319
 Romans 5 tells

00:37:38.319 --> 00:37:38.639
 us that we

00:37:38.639 --> 00:37:39.219
 have peace

00:37:39.219 --> 00:37:39.980
 with God

00:37:39.980 --> 00:37:40.920
 through the

00:37:40.920 --> 00:37:41.380
 Lord Jesus

00:37:41.380 --> 00:37:41.719
 Christ,

00:37:41.820 --> 00:37:42.199
 our Lord

00:37:42.199 --> 00:37:42.900
 Jesus Christ

00:37:42.900 --> 00:37:44.039
 because Jesus

00:37:44.039 --> 00:37:44.679
 died for us

00:37:44.679 --> 00:37:45.219
 while we were

00:37:45.219 --> 00:37:46.079
 still sinners,

00:37:46.380 --> 00:37:47.079
 while we were

00:37:47.079 --> 00:37:47.699
 his enemies.

00:37:48.099 --> 00:37:49.119
 He died for us

00:37:49.119 --> 00:37:50.260
 and in doing so

00:37:50.260 --> 00:37:51.260
 Jesus satisfied

00:37:51.260 --> 00:37:52.039
 the wrath of

00:37:52.039 --> 00:37:53.260
 God against

00:37:53.260 --> 00:37:54.260
 sinners and

00:37:54.260 --> 00:37:55.139
 he reconciled

00:37:55.139 --> 00:37:55.719
 us to him

00:37:55.719 --> 00:37:56.880
 by his death.

00:38:00.199 --> 00:38:01.119
 That's why we

00:38:01.119 --> 00:38:01.840
 are recipients

00:38:01.840 --> 00:38:02.579
 of his peace

00:38:02.579 --> 00:38:02.940
 rather than

00:38:02.940 --> 00:38:03.420
 objects of

00:38:03.420 --> 00:38:03.920
 his wrath.

00:38:05.000 --> 00:38:05.900
 Do you feel

00:38:05.900 --> 00:38:06.599
 far away from

00:38:06.599 --> 00:38:06.880
 God?

00:38:07.980 --> 00:38:08.659
 Do you feel

00:38:08.659 --> 00:38:09.059
 that God

00:38:09.059 --> 00:38:09.699
 is hostile

00:38:09.699 --> 00:38:10.279
 towards you,

00:38:10.319 --> 00:38:10.819
 that he is

00:38:10.819 --> 00:38:11.899
 angry with

00:38:11.899 --> 00:38:12.219
 you,

00:38:13.019 --> 00:38:13.519
 that his

00:38:13.519 --> 00:38:14.339
 wrath still

00:38:14.339 --> 00:38:15.059
 rests upon

00:38:15.059 --> 00:38:15.420
 you?

00:38:16.199 --> 00:38:16.779
 Remember that

00:38:16.779 --> 00:38:17.420
 the lamb

00:38:17.420 --> 00:38:18.519
 has been

00:38:18.519 --> 00:38:19.099
 sacrificed

00:38:19.099 --> 00:38:20.319
 to make

00:38:20.319 --> 00:38:21.359
 peace for

00:38:21.359 --> 00:38:23.039
 you so

00:38:23.039 --> 00:38:23.319
 that you

00:38:23.319 --> 00:38:24.519
 might have

00:38:24.519 --> 00:38:25.199
 fellowship with

00:38:25.199 --> 00:38:25.460
 God,

00:38:26.119 --> 00:38:27.119
 you might

00:38:27.119 --> 00:38:27.799
 have peace

00:38:27.799 --> 00:38:28.319
 with him

00:38:28.319 --> 00:38:30.319
 and enjoy

00:38:30.319 --> 00:38:30.759
 even his

00:38:30.759 --> 00:38:31.119
 friendship.

00:38:33.719 --> 00:38:34.319
 Perhaps

00:38:34.319 --> 00:38:35.119
 most prominently

00:38:35.119 --> 00:38:35.639
 the lamb of

00:38:35.639 --> 00:38:36.059
 God is

00:38:36.059 --> 00:38:36.500
 in allusion

00:38:36.500 --> 00:38:37.059
 to the

00:38:37.059 --> 00:38:37.460
 Passover

00:38:37.460 --> 00:38:38.019
 lamb in

00:38:38.019 --> 00:38:38.799
 Exodus 12.

00:38:39.679 --> 00:38:40.239
 When God

00:38:40.239 --> 00:38:40.779
 was delivering

00:38:40.779 --> 00:38:41.920
 Israel from

00:38:41.920 --> 00:38:42.460
 their slavery

00:38:42.460 --> 00:38:43.199
 in Egypt,

00:38:44.199 --> 00:38:45.379
 he instructed

00:38:45.379 --> 00:38:46.000
 the Israelites

00:38:46.000 --> 00:38:46.839
 to sacrifice

00:38:46.839 --> 00:38:47.299
 a lamb,

00:38:47.420 --> 00:38:47.719
 to kill

00:38:47.719 --> 00:38:48.079
 a lamb

00:38:48.079 --> 00:38:49.539
 and to

00:38:49.539 --> 00:38:49.920
 daub its

00:38:49.920 --> 00:38:50.679
 blood on

00:38:50.679 --> 00:38:51.079
 the door,

00:38:51.879 --> 00:38:52.299
 the post

00:38:52.299 --> 00:38:52.579
 and the

00:38:52.579 --> 00:38:52.920
 lintel,

00:38:53.759 --> 00:38:54.319
 so that when

00:38:54.319 --> 00:38:55.319
 the angel

00:38:55.319 --> 00:38:56.420
 of death,

00:38:56.579 --> 00:38:57.420
 the destroyer,

00:38:57.759 --> 00:38:58.379
 sweeps

00:38:58.379 --> 00:38:59.159
 through Egypt

00:38:59.159 --> 00:38:59.719
 to kill

00:38:59.719 --> 00:39:00.079
 all the

00:39:00.079 --> 00:39:00.500
 firstborn

00:39:00.500 --> 00:39:01.059
 sons,

00:39:02.059 --> 00:39:03.199
 that the

00:39:03.199 --> 00:39:03.859
 angel of the

00:39:03.859 --> 00:39:04.359
 destroyer would

00:39:04.360 --> 00:39:05.019
 see the

00:39:05.019 --> 00:39:05.440
 blood of

00:39:05.440 --> 00:39:05.900
 the lamb

00:39:05.900 --> 00:39:06.680
 and Passover.

00:39:08.000 --> 00:39:08.840
 So God's

00:39:08.840 --> 00:39:09.539
 judgment and

00:39:09.539 --> 00:39:10.500
 punishment can

00:39:10.500 --> 00:39:11.059
 be averted.

00:39:12.200 --> 00:39:12.500
 And so

00:39:12.500 --> 00:39:13.320
 Paul says in

00:39:13.320 --> 00:39:14.340
 1 Corinthians 5,

00:39:14.440 --> 00:39:14.860
 7, that

00:39:14.860 --> 00:39:15.720
 Christ is our

00:39:15.720 --> 00:39:16.680
 Passover lamb

00:39:16.680 --> 00:39:17.539
 who has been

00:39:17.539 --> 00:39:18.079
 sacrificed.

00:39:20.539 --> 00:39:21.519
 It's because of

00:39:21.519 --> 00:39:22.160
 Jesus that we're

00:39:22.160 --> 00:39:22.539
 no longer

00:39:22.539 --> 00:39:23.260
 slaves of sin.

00:39:24.680 --> 00:39:25.640
 Are you living

00:39:25.640 --> 00:39:26.400
 like you're still

00:39:26.400 --> 00:39:27.500
 enslaved to sin?

00:39:28.680 --> 00:39:29.400
 The shackles

00:39:29.400 --> 00:39:29.980
 have been

00:39:29.980 --> 00:39:30.320
 broken.

00:39:31.180 --> 00:39:31.940
 We have been

00:39:31.940 --> 00:39:32.700
 delivered from

00:39:32.700 --> 00:39:33.360
 the dominion of

00:39:33.360 --> 00:39:33.640
 sin.

00:39:33.639 --> 00:39:34.859
 the Passover

00:39:34.859 --> 00:39:35.819
 lamb was the

00:39:35.819 --> 00:39:36.980
 price of our

00:39:36.980 --> 00:39:37.659
 freedom in the

00:39:37.659 --> 00:39:37.920
 spirit.

00:39:41.279 --> 00:39:42.239
 And finally,

00:39:43.000 --> 00:39:43.859
 Isaiah 53,

00:39:44.440 --> 00:39:44.980
 that we read

00:39:44.980 --> 00:39:45.339
 for the

00:39:45.339 --> 00:39:45.839
 assurance of

00:39:45.839 --> 00:39:46.079
 pardon,

00:39:46.239 --> 00:39:46.779
 prophesies

00:39:46.779 --> 00:39:47.779
 concerning the

00:39:47.779 --> 00:39:48.440
 coming Messiah.

00:39:49.099 --> 00:39:49.879
 Surely he

00:39:49.879 --> 00:39:50.719
 has borne our

00:39:50.719 --> 00:39:51.339
 griefs and

00:39:51.339 --> 00:39:51.879
 carried our

00:39:51.879 --> 00:39:52.420
 sorrows.

00:39:52.879 --> 00:39:53.239
 Yet we

00:39:53.239 --> 00:39:54.099
 esteemed him

00:39:54.099 --> 00:39:54.659
 stricken,

00:39:54.900 --> 00:39:55.679
 smitten by

00:39:55.679 --> 00:39:56.179
 God,

00:39:56.259 --> 00:39:57.059
 and afflicted.

00:39:57.519 --> 00:39:57.960
 But he

00:39:57.960 --> 00:39:58.719
 was pierced

00:39:58.719 --> 00:39:59.179
 for our

00:39:59.179 --> 00:40:00.039
 transgressions.

00:40:00.279 --> 00:40:00.779
 He was

00:40:00.779 --> 00:40:02.019
 crushed for

00:40:02.019 --> 00:40:02.879
 our iniquities.

00:40:02.880 --> 00:40:04.519
 Upon him

00:40:04.519 --> 00:40:04.900
 was the

00:40:04.900 --> 00:40:06.059
 chastisement

00:40:06.059 --> 00:40:06.500
 that brought

00:40:06.500 --> 00:40:07.300
 us peace,

00:40:07.599 --> 00:40:08.140
 and with

00:40:08.140 --> 00:40:09.079
 his wounds

00:40:09.079 --> 00:40:09.579
 we are

00:40:09.579 --> 00:40:10.019
 healed.

00:40:10.700 --> 00:40:11.440
 All we

00:40:11.440 --> 00:40:12.140
 like sheep

00:40:12.140 --> 00:40:12.500
 have gone

00:40:12.500 --> 00:40:12.960
 astray.

00:40:13.140 --> 00:40:13.360
 We have

00:40:13.360 --> 00:40:13.840
 turned

00:40:13.840 --> 00:40:14.900
 everyone to

00:40:14.900 --> 00:40:15.320
 his own

00:40:15.320 --> 00:40:15.660
 way,

00:40:15.920 --> 00:40:16.480
 and the

00:40:16.480 --> 00:40:17.079
 Lord has

00:40:17.079 --> 00:40:17.559
 laid on

00:40:17.559 --> 00:40:18.200
 him the

00:40:18.200 --> 00:40:18.720
 iniquity of

00:40:18.720 --> 00:40:19.160
 us all.

00:40:21.099 --> 00:40:21.800
 He was

00:40:21.800 --> 00:40:22.380
 oppressed,

00:40:23.160 --> 00:40:23.960
 and he was

00:40:23.960 --> 00:40:24.619
 afflicted,

00:40:25.240 --> 00:40:25.700
 yet he

00:40:25.700 --> 00:40:26.460
 opened not

00:40:26.460 --> 00:40:27.119
 his mouth.

00:40:27.119 --> 00:40:28.819
 like a

00:40:28.819 --> 00:40:29.359
 lamb that

00:40:29.359 --> 00:40:29.880
 is led to

00:40:29.880 --> 00:40:30.440
 the slaughter,

00:40:31.039 --> 00:40:31.659
 and like a

00:40:31.659 --> 00:40:32.519
 sheep that

00:40:32.519 --> 00:40:33.139
 before its

00:40:33.139 --> 00:40:33.799
 shears is

00:40:33.799 --> 00:40:34.359
 silent,

00:40:35.480 --> 00:40:36.500
 so he

00:40:36.500 --> 00:40:37.519
 opened not

00:40:37.519 --> 00:40:38.139
 his mouth.

00:40:39.819 --> 00:40:40.519
 This is

00:40:40.519 --> 00:40:41.079
 probably the

00:40:41.079 --> 00:40:41.759
 most poignant

00:40:41.759 --> 00:40:42.299
 image of

00:40:42.299 --> 00:40:42.679
 them all.

00:40:44.039 --> 00:40:44.900
 In order to

00:40:44.900 --> 00:40:45.619
 bring us

00:40:45.619 --> 00:40:46.079
 back,

00:40:46.199 --> 00:40:46.659
 sheep who

00:40:46.659 --> 00:40:47.000
 had gone

00:40:47.000 --> 00:40:47.559
 astray,

00:40:48.940 --> 00:40:49.679
 Jesus suffered

00:40:49.679 --> 00:40:50.299
 and died like

00:40:50.299 --> 00:40:51.420
 a lamb led

00:40:51.420 --> 00:40:52.059
 to the slaughter,

00:40:52.859 --> 00:40:53.679
 like a sheep

00:40:53.679 --> 00:40:54.339
 that before its

00:40:54.339 --> 00:40:54.839
 shears is

00:40:54.839 --> 00:40:55.380
 silent,

00:40:55.380 --> 00:40:56.400
 so he

00:40:56.400 --> 00:40:56.880
 opened not

00:40:56.880 --> 00:40:57.340
 his mouth.

00:41:00.440 --> 00:41:01.160
 The sheep

00:41:01.160 --> 00:41:01.619
 is silent

00:41:01.619 --> 00:41:02.300
 because it

00:41:02.300 --> 00:41:02.800
 has no idea

00:41:02.800 --> 00:41:03.260
 what's coming

00:41:03.260 --> 00:41:03.599
 to him,

00:41:04.260 --> 00:41:05.140
 but Jesus

00:41:05.140 --> 00:41:05.880
 knew exactly

00:41:05.880 --> 00:41:06.280
 what was

00:41:06.280 --> 00:41:06.539
 coming,

00:41:06.640 --> 00:41:06.980
 and yet he

00:41:06.980 --> 00:41:07.559
 was silent.

00:41:08.820 --> 00:41:09.079
 The

00:41:09.079 --> 00:41:09.539
 conquering

00:41:09.539 --> 00:41:10.740
 lion went

00:41:10.740 --> 00:41:12.320
 silently and

00:41:12.320 --> 00:41:13.360
 submissively to

00:41:13.360 --> 00:41:13.980
 his death,

00:41:14.220 --> 00:41:15.000
 like a lamb

00:41:15.000 --> 00:41:15.700
 to the slaughter,

00:41:16.539 --> 00:41:17.320
 because he

00:41:17.320 --> 00:41:18.140
 knew that by

00:41:18.140 --> 00:41:18.900
 his wounds

00:41:18.900 --> 00:41:19.519
 that we

00:41:19.519 --> 00:41:19.820
 would be

00:41:19.820 --> 00:41:20.099
 healed,

00:41:21.360 --> 00:41:21.880
 that he

00:41:21.880 --> 00:41:22.420
 had to be

00:41:22.420 --> 00:41:23.539
 crushed in

00:41:23.539 --> 00:41:24.039
 order for us

00:41:24.039 --> 00:41:24.619
 to be whole,

00:41:24.619 --> 00:41:26.699
 because he

00:41:26.699 --> 00:41:27.279
 knew that by

00:41:27.279 --> 00:41:27.900
 his death

00:41:27.900 --> 00:41:28.219
 we would

00:41:28.219 --> 00:41:28.859
 gain life,

00:41:29.880 --> 00:41:30.219
 eternal

00:41:30.219 --> 00:41:30.599
 life.

00:41:32.539 --> 00:41:33.219
 So we

00:41:33.219 --> 00:41:33.659
 ask,

00:41:34.460 --> 00:41:35.460
 who is

00:41:35.460 --> 00:41:35.980
 Jesus?

00:41:39.639 --> 00:41:40.359
 And this

00:41:40.359 --> 00:41:41.059
 passage tells

00:41:41.059 --> 00:41:41.380
 us,

00:41:41.900 --> 00:41:43.039
 behold the

00:41:43.039 --> 00:41:43.659
 lamb of

00:41:43.659 --> 00:41:44.039
 God,

00:41:44.339 --> 00:41:45.519
 who takes

00:41:45.519 --> 00:41:46.159
 away the

00:41:46.159 --> 00:41:46.659
 sin of the

00:41:46.659 --> 00:41:46.940
 world.

00:41:47.980 --> 00:41:48.639
 All of

00:41:48.639 --> 00:41:49.079
 these images

00:41:49.079 --> 00:41:49.480
 that we've

00:41:49.480 --> 00:41:49.920
 looked at

00:41:49.920 --> 00:41:50.639
 in scripture,

00:41:51.039 --> 00:41:51.299
 and there's

00:41:51.299 --> 00:41:51.880
 still more,

00:41:52.639 --> 00:41:53.139
 they form

00:41:53.139 --> 00:41:53.400
 this

00:41:53.400 --> 00:41:55.619
 what do

00:41:55.619 --> 00:41:55.780
 you call

00:41:55.780 --> 00:41:55.920
 that,

00:41:56.220 --> 00:41:56.240
 the

00:41:56.240 --> 00:41:56.780
 photo

00:41:56.780 --> 00:41:57.160
 mosaic,

00:41:58.119 --> 00:41:58.700
 a composite

00:41:58.700 --> 00:41:59.119
 image,

00:41:59.579 --> 00:42:00.200
 all these

00:42:00.200 --> 00:42:00.740
 little pictures

00:42:00.740 --> 00:42:01.119
 of the

00:42:01.119 --> 00:42:01.639
 lamb throughout

00:42:01.639 --> 00:42:01.920
 the Old

00:42:01.920 --> 00:42:02.139
 Testament,

00:42:02.200 --> 00:42:02.440
 you put

00:42:02.440 --> 00:42:02.720
 them all

00:42:02.720 --> 00:42:03.200
 together and

00:42:03.200 --> 00:42:03.480
 you take

00:42:03.480 --> 00:42:03.800
 a step

00:42:03.800 --> 00:42:04.300
 back and

00:42:04.300 --> 00:42:04.639
 look at

00:42:04.639 --> 00:42:04.840
 it and

00:42:04.840 --> 00:42:05.180
 it's the

00:42:05.180 --> 00:42:06.340
 face of

00:42:06.340 --> 00:42:06.760
 Jesus.

00:42:10.780 --> 00:42:11.220
 The

00:42:11.220 --> 00:42:11.539
 lamb of

00:42:11.539 --> 00:42:11.940
 God who

00:42:11.940 --> 00:42:12.420
 takes away

00:42:12.420 --> 00:42:12.800
 the sin of

00:42:12.800 --> 00:42:13.180
 the world,

00:42:13.840 --> 00:42:14.440
 the fresh,

00:42:15.079 --> 00:42:15.460
 soft,

00:42:15.740 --> 00:42:16.099
 pure,

00:42:16.539 --> 00:42:16.980
 and white

00:42:16.980 --> 00:42:18.039
 wool of

00:42:18.039 --> 00:42:18.360
 the lamb

00:42:18.360 --> 00:42:18.860
 of God,

00:42:20.360 --> 00:42:21.039
 matted down

00:42:21.039 --> 00:42:21.739
 with black

00:42:21.739 --> 00:42:22.800
 suit of

00:42:22.800 --> 00:42:23.259
 our sin,

00:42:24.340 --> 00:42:27.119
 and then

00:42:27.119 --> 00:42:27.759
 pierced,

00:42:28.460 --> 00:42:28.840
 and then

00:42:28.840 --> 00:42:29.380
 stained

00:42:29.380 --> 00:42:30.579
 crimson red

00:42:30.579 --> 00:42:32.639
 with his

00:42:32.639 --> 00:42:33.320
 blood poured

00:42:33.320 --> 00:42:33.779
 out for our

00:42:33.779 --> 00:42:34.139
 cleansing,

00:42:35.099 --> 00:42:36.440
 for our

00:42:36.440 --> 00:42:36.860
 covering,

00:42:37.599 --> 00:42:38.239
 for our

00:42:38.239 --> 00:42:38.579
 freedom,

00:42:39.320 --> 00:42:39.759
 for our

00:42:39.759 --> 00:42:40.239
 reconciliation.

00:42:43.340 --> 00:42:44.059
 That's why

00:42:44.059 --> 00:42:44.659
 Jesus came

00:42:44.659 --> 00:42:44.940
 into the

00:42:44.940 --> 00:42:45.199
 world.

00:42:47.320 --> 00:42:48.219
 In the rest

00:42:48.219 --> 00:42:48.480
 of this

00:42:48.480 --> 00:42:48.820
 passage,

00:42:48.920 --> 00:42:49.179
 and in the

00:42:49.179 --> 00:42:49.759
 passage after

00:42:49.760 --> 00:42:50.340
 that, a

00:42:50.340 --> 00:42:51.080
 couple words

00:42:51.080 --> 00:42:51.600
 and phrases

00:42:51.600 --> 00:42:52.880
 repeat over

00:42:52.880 --> 00:42:53.240
 and over

00:42:53.240 --> 00:42:54.380
 again, and

00:42:54.380 --> 00:42:54.760
 they are

00:42:54.760 --> 00:42:55.560
 come and

00:42:55.560 --> 00:42:57.140
 see and

00:42:57.140 --> 00:42:57.760
 follow.

00:42:58.960 --> 00:42:59.600
 In verse

00:42:59.600 --> 00:43:00.400
 39, Jesus

00:43:00.400 --> 00:43:00.940
 invites the

00:43:00.940 --> 00:43:01.460
 two disciples

00:43:01.460 --> 00:43:02.260
 of John and

00:43:02.260 --> 00:43:02.660
 the Baptist

00:43:02.660 --> 00:43:02.940
 who are

00:43:02.940 --> 00:43:03.500
 following him,

00:43:03.640 --> 00:43:04.200
 come and

00:43:04.200 --> 00:43:04.440
 you will

00:43:04.440 --> 00:43:04.780
 see.

00:43:06.420 --> 00:43:06.800
 And then

00:43:06.800 --> 00:43:07.220
 later in

00:43:07.220 --> 00:43:07.840
 verse 46,

00:43:07.960 --> 00:43:08.420
 Philip says

00:43:08.420 --> 00:43:08.740
 to his

00:43:08.740 --> 00:43:09.120
 skeptical

00:43:09.120 --> 00:43:09.560
 friend,

00:43:09.660 --> 00:43:10.100
 Nathanael,

00:43:10.220 --> 00:43:10.920
 come and

00:43:10.920 --> 00:43:11.420
 see.

00:43:12.380 --> 00:43:12.800
 Similarly,

00:43:12.940 --> 00:43:13.220
 the verb

00:43:13.220 --> 00:43:14.000
 follow occurs

00:43:14.000 --> 00:43:14.740
 several times

00:43:14.740 --> 00:43:15.280
 in this

00:43:15.280 --> 00:43:15.780
 chapter.

00:43:16.220 --> 00:43:16.540
 The gospel

00:43:16.540 --> 00:43:16.960
 of John,

00:43:17.220 --> 00:43:17.580
 the word

00:43:17.580 --> 00:43:18.300
 follow means

00:43:18.300 --> 00:43:18.820
 to follow,

00:43:19.040 --> 00:43:19.460
 to become

00:43:19.460 --> 00:43:20.079
 a disciple.

00:43:20.519 --> 00:43:20.780
 So he

00:43:20.780 --> 00:43:21.139
 says the

00:43:21.139 --> 00:43:21.679
 two disciples

00:43:21.679 --> 00:43:22.079
 of John

00:43:22.079 --> 00:43:23.179
 follow Jesus

00:43:23.179 --> 00:43:24.000
 in verse 47,

00:43:24.139 --> 00:43:24.639
 and Jesus

00:43:24.639 --> 00:43:25.059
 saw them

00:43:25.059 --> 00:43:25.820
 following in

00:43:25.820 --> 00:43:26.420
 verse 38,

00:43:26.679 --> 00:43:27.240
 and Andrew

00:43:27.240 --> 00:43:28.139
 follows Jesus

00:43:28.139 --> 00:43:28.840
 in verse 40,

00:43:28.940 --> 00:43:29.480
 and Jesus

00:43:29.480 --> 00:43:30.099
 tells Philip

00:43:30.099 --> 00:43:30.760
 in verse 43

00:43:30.760 --> 00:43:31.380
 to follow

00:43:31.380 --> 00:43:31.820
 me.

00:43:33.240 --> 00:43:33.780
 So if you

00:43:33.780 --> 00:43:34.420
 are not yet

00:43:34.420 --> 00:43:34.960
 a follower

00:43:34.960 --> 00:43:35.639
 of Jesus,

00:43:35.820 --> 00:43:36.099
 then my

00:43:36.099 --> 00:43:36.579
 challenge to

00:43:36.579 --> 00:43:36.860
 you this

00:43:36.860 --> 00:43:37.320
 morning is

00:43:37.320 --> 00:43:37.820
 to follow

00:43:37.820 --> 00:43:38.139
 him.

00:43:42.760 --> 00:43:43.280
 There's

00:43:43.280 --> 00:43:43.920
 only one

00:43:43.920 --> 00:43:44.900
 lamb of

00:43:44.900 --> 00:43:46.199
 God who

00:43:46.199 --> 00:43:46.559
 can take

00:43:46.559 --> 00:43:47.179
 away your

00:43:47.179 --> 00:43:47.440
 sin,

00:43:47.440 --> 00:43:49.039
 and he

00:43:49.039 --> 00:43:49.179
 is

00:43:49.179 --> 00:43:49.559
 sufficient

00:43:49.559 --> 00:43:50.059
 for the

00:43:50.059 --> 00:43:50.320
 sin of

00:43:50.320 --> 00:43:50.500
 the whole

00:43:50.500 --> 00:43:50.880
 world.

00:43:55.079 --> 00:43:55.639
 The way

00:43:55.639 --> 00:43:55.860
 of the

00:43:55.860 --> 00:43:56.179
 lamb is

00:43:56.179 --> 00:43:56.480
 full of

00:43:56.480 --> 00:43:56.960
 suffering in

00:43:56.960 --> 00:43:57.320
 this life

00:43:57.320 --> 00:43:57.679
 because it

00:43:57.679 --> 00:43:57.900
 is the

00:43:57.900 --> 00:43:58.139
 way of

00:43:58.139 --> 00:43:58.659
 the cross,

00:43:58.659 --> 00:43:59.619
 but it's

00:43:59.619 --> 00:44:00.000
 also full

00:44:00.000 --> 00:44:00.539
 of love

00:44:00.539 --> 00:44:01.480
 and joy

00:44:01.480 --> 00:44:02.800
 and peace.

00:44:04.380 --> 00:44:05.000
 It is the

00:44:05.000 --> 00:44:05.380
 way of the

00:44:05.380 --> 00:44:05.780
 abundant

00:44:05.780 --> 00:44:06.320
 life,

00:44:07.000 --> 00:44:07.400
 and we are

00:44:07.400 --> 00:44:08.260
 promised eternal

00:44:08.260 --> 00:44:09.280
 resurrection life

00:44:09.280 --> 00:44:09.679
 and glory

00:44:09.679 --> 00:44:10.119
 thereafter.

00:44:10.119 --> 00:44:10.219
 answer.

00:44:12.679 --> 00:44:13.359
 If you are

00:44:13.359 --> 00:44:13.739
 already a

00:44:13.739 --> 00:44:14.179
 follower of

00:44:14.179 --> 00:44:14.420
 Jesus,

00:44:15.000 --> 00:44:15.659
 then go

00:44:15.659 --> 00:44:16.239
 and tell

00:44:16.239 --> 00:44:16.739
 your family,

00:44:16.880 --> 00:44:17.119
 friends,

00:44:17.239 --> 00:44:17.539
 neighbors,

00:44:17.719 --> 00:44:18.299
 and co-workers

00:44:18.299 --> 00:44:19.299
 to come

00:44:19.299 --> 00:44:19.679
 and see.

00:44:21.819 --> 00:44:22.539
 Come and

00:44:22.539 --> 00:44:23.059
 see I have

00:44:23.059 --> 00:44:23.440
 found the

00:44:23.440 --> 00:44:23.839
 Messiah.

00:44:25.199 --> 00:44:25.900
 Come and

00:44:25.900 --> 00:44:26.739
 behold the

00:44:26.739 --> 00:44:27.199
 Lamb of

00:44:27.199 --> 00:44:28.299
 God who

00:44:28.299 --> 00:44:28.839
 takes away

00:44:28.839 --> 00:44:29.259
 the sin of

00:44:29.259 --> 00:44:29.699
 the world.

00:44:30.359 --> 00:44:31.000
 Come and

00:44:31.000 --> 00:44:31.759
 see my

00:44:31.759 --> 00:44:32.380
 beautiful

00:44:32.380 --> 00:44:33.239
 Savior.

00:44:33.239 --> 00:44:33.359
 Savior.