WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.919 Matthew 24, 36. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:34.579 So will be the coming of the Son of Man. 00:00:36.280 --> 00:00:38.340 Then two men will be in the field. 00:00:38.840 --> 00:00:40.719 One will be taken and one left. 00:00:41.359 --> 00:00:43.200 Two women will be grinding at the mill. 00:00:43.820 --> 00:00:45.600 One will be taken and one left. 00:00:46.760 --> 00:00:50.920 Therefore stay awake, for you do not know what day your Lord is coming. 00:00:52.120 --> 00:00:57.859 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, 00:00:57.859 --> 00:01:02.439 he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 00:01:03.560 --> 00:01:10.079 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. 00:01:11.379 --> 00:01:16.579 Who then is the faithful and wise servant whom his master has set over his household 00:01:16.579 --> 00:01:18.719 to give them their food at the proper time? 00:01:19.659 --> 00:01:24.420 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find doing so when he comes. 00:01:24.420 --> 00:01:29.040 Truly I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 00:01:30.019 --> 00:01:32.120 But if that wicked servant says to himself, 00:01:32.620 --> 00:01:37.879 My master is delayed and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with the drunkards, 00:01:38.320 --> 00:01:42.500 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him 00:01:42.500 --> 00:01:44.439 and at an hour he does not know, 00:01:44.900 --> 00:01:47.520 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. 00:01:48.140 --> 00:01:51.460 In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 00:01:51.459 --> 00:01:58.780 Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 00:01:59.439 --> 00:02:02.099 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 00:02:02.659 --> 00:02:06.019 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 00:02:06.479 --> 00:02:09.199 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 00:02:10.500 --> 00:02:14.120 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 00:02:14.120 --> 00:02:16.659 But at midnight there was a cry, 00:02:17.099 --> 00:02:19.719 Here is the bridegroom, come out to meet him. 00:02:20.360 --> 00:02:23.120 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 00:02:23.719 --> 00:02:25.420 And the foolish said to the wise, 00:02:25.740 --> 00:02:28.259 Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. 00:02:28.920 --> 00:02:30.360 But the wise answered, saying, 00:02:30.800 --> 00:02:33.439 Since there will be not enough for us and for you, 00:02:33.900 --> 00:02:36.420 go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves. 00:02:36.419 --> 00:02:40.399 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, 00:02:40.780 --> 00:02:43.839 and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, 00:02:44.060 --> 00:02:45.199 and the door was shut. 00:02:46.119 --> 00:02:48.539 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 00:02:48.919 --> 00:02:50.619 Lord, Lord, open to us. 00:02:51.079 --> 00:02:51.799 But he answered, 00:02:52.259 --> 00:02:54.639 Truly I say to you, I do not know you. 00:02:55.479 --> 00:02:58.939 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. 00:02:59.839 --> 00:03:00.759 That's the word of the Lord. 00:03:03.560 --> 00:03:04.519 Well, good morning, everyone. 00:03:04.519 --> 00:03:04.579 Good morning. 00:03:06.419 --> 00:03:10.319 Warm welcome to you if you're visiting this morning. 00:03:10.879 --> 00:03:11.579 Very welcome. 00:03:11.679 --> 00:03:14.299 Hope you stick around for a cuppa after the service 00:03:14.299 --> 00:03:15.419 so we can get to know you better. 00:03:17.659 --> 00:03:19.739 Why don't we pray as we come to God's word. 00:03:27.299 --> 00:03:32.319 Father, we need all of your word to know you properly 00:03:32.319 --> 00:03:37.620 and to know what you ask of us. 00:03:38.139 --> 00:03:40.539 So I pray that you give us hearts that are trusting 00:03:40.539 --> 00:03:43.280 that we need your word to us this morning. 00:03:43.620 --> 00:03:46.039 I pray that, as always, you would give us your spirit 00:03:46.039 --> 00:03:48.000 to understand what you are saying 00:03:48.000 --> 00:03:52.400 and to believe and to cherish you more 00:03:52.400 --> 00:03:53.959 and to obey you more. 00:03:54.060 --> 00:03:55.280 And I pray this in Jesus' name. 00:03:55.280 --> 00:03:56.199 Amen. 00:03:56.199 --> 00:04:05.019 Well, there's many important things I haven't felt ready for. 00:04:06.899 --> 00:04:07.959 This sermon's one. 00:04:08.079 --> 00:04:08.899 Ooh, hello. 00:04:10.500 --> 00:04:12.000 This sermon is one of them. 00:04:14.199 --> 00:04:16.620 I didn't feel ready to become a dad. 00:04:17.839 --> 00:04:18.860 And I was right. 00:04:18.860 --> 00:04:24.180 But God gives us grace, doesn't he? 00:04:25.540 --> 00:04:29.580 I never feel ready for those difficult conversations with people. 00:04:30.500 --> 00:04:32.639 I'm sure you can empathize. 00:04:33.100 --> 00:04:35.860 I question my suitability for church work. 00:04:36.620 --> 00:04:38.060 Am I really ready for that? 00:04:39.840 --> 00:04:44.900 No doubt you HSC students could do with another week or month 00:04:44.900 --> 00:04:45.720 to feel ready. 00:04:46.319 --> 00:04:47.800 But again, God will give you grace. 00:04:47.800 --> 00:04:54.079 But I am ready for Christ to come back. 00:04:57.680 --> 00:05:01.460 Not because of me, but I am ready. 00:05:02.660 --> 00:05:04.240 That's the most important thing. 00:05:04.720 --> 00:05:06.819 And there's so much peace in that. 00:05:06.920 --> 00:05:10.660 And I pray that you too might be able to confidently, 00:05:11.160 --> 00:05:12.240 not confident in yourself, 00:05:12.439 --> 00:05:17.600 but confidently share that same feeling of being ready. 00:05:17.800 --> 00:05:18.579 Knowing you're ready. 00:05:20.720 --> 00:05:24.759 Where we're up to is Jesus' private instruction to his disciples, 00:05:25.139 --> 00:05:28.980 where he's telling them about the end of history. 00:05:30.620 --> 00:05:35.600 We saw last week that it's going to be characterized by a lot of distress, 00:05:36.600 --> 00:05:37.639 a lot of hard things. 00:05:37.740 --> 00:05:39.080 Life is going to be struggle. 00:05:39.079 --> 00:05:45.399 But we can interpret them like a woman going into labor can interpret them in hope. 00:05:46.399 --> 00:05:49.379 Knowing that joy is just around the corner. 00:05:49.859 --> 00:05:55.539 We saw that Jesus gives us a proper balance when we're expecting his return. 00:05:55.539 --> 00:06:02.459 Not to be too quick when people say it's so, so close when they're reading political events and things. 00:06:02.459 --> 00:06:08.299 But also this pulsating hope that he is at the very gates. 00:06:08.680 --> 00:06:09.579 He is so near. 00:06:10.219 --> 00:06:11.939 Because these signs are happening. 00:06:12.079 --> 00:06:14.639 They have been happening for many generations now. 00:06:15.639 --> 00:06:17.719 He could come back in my lifetime. 00:06:18.500 --> 00:06:20.459 It could progress very quickly. 00:06:20.699 --> 00:06:25.639 And so we're picking up where Jesus is answering the disciples' questions of when. 00:06:25.639 --> 00:06:33.399 So verse 36, concerning that day and hour when he comes and no one will have to tell you he's come. 00:06:33.759 --> 00:06:36.019 We're all going to see it like lightning in the sky. 00:06:36.539 --> 00:06:37.339 It'll be obvious. 00:06:38.159 --> 00:06:39.680 No one knows that day and hour. 00:06:40.680 --> 00:06:45.339 Not even the angels of heaven, nor the sun, but the Father only. 00:06:47.740 --> 00:06:53.560 So don't go claiming you've found evidence in scripture that you know. 00:06:53.560 --> 00:06:57.780 I don't know why Christians do it. 00:06:58.379 --> 00:07:01.620 It's claiming you've had a dream or a vision or a prophecy. 00:07:04.019 --> 00:07:05.879 No angel can tell you that. 00:07:08.079 --> 00:07:11.340 As one person put it, it's almost blasphemy to claim that. 00:07:11.620 --> 00:07:14.180 The sun doesn't even know. 00:07:18.019 --> 00:07:23.120 Only the Father knows the day or hour. 00:07:23.560 --> 00:07:31.240 I don't think that's meant to be encouraging us to work out the week or month or year. 00:07:31.699 --> 00:07:34.699 The day or hour is emphasizing the suddenness of it. 00:07:36.079 --> 00:07:38.280 It could be this hour, this day. 00:07:38.279 --> 00:07:46.259 It's calling us like Mad-Eye Moody in Harry Potter. 00:07:47.259 --> 00:07:48.599 Constant vigilance. 00:07:49.659 --> 00:07:53.319 That's the point of this passage, of knowing this. 00:07:55.199 --> 00:07:56.839 But notice the Father knows. 00:07:57.879 --> 00:07:59.639 He's not going to be reactionary. 00:07:59.639 --> 00:08:04.699 He does know the time he has set, the moment. 00:08:06.099 --> 00:08:08.199 He's not going to be rushed. 00:08:09.479 --> 00:08:14.060 He knows when the sin of the world has reached its full and enough is enough. 00:08:14.319 --> 00:08:20.759 He knows when each of the people Christ has died for has come into the fold and that's enough. 00:08:21.719 --> 00:08:22.560 He knows. 00:08:22.659 --> 00:08:23.379 There is a time. 00:08:23.379 --> 00:08:25.939 But how is it that the son doesn't know? 00:08:26.120 --> 00:08:27.920 I can't just skip over that, can I? 00:08:28.040 --> 00:08:30.680 It's the burning question in all of our minds. 00:08:33.000 --> 00:08:34.519 Isn't he fully God? 00:08:34.519 --> 00:08:48.559 We need to let scripture help us understand how Jesus being fully divine and fully human works. 00:08:48.799 --> 00:08:52.639 And there's obviously much mystery in the incarnation. 00:08:54.240 --> 00:08:59.340 If we can, one helpful thing I've come across is if we look at Gospel of John. 00:08:59.419 --> 00:09:04.360 The Gospel of John, out of all the four gospels, emphasizes Jesus' deity. 00:09:04.519 --> 00:09:09.460 Like, in the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God. 00:09:09.579 --> 00:09:15.500 But it's the Gospel of John that emphasizes his dependence on the Father. 00:09:18.079 --> 00:09:21.620 Every single word he speaks is what the Father has given him. 00:09:22.240 --> 00:09:28.100 Not one miracle, not one work apart from what the Father tells him to do. 00:09:28.379 --> 00:09:34.379 So in that one gospel you've got his deity and his dependence on the Father. 00:09:34.519 --> 00:09:43.819 Whether he knows now that he has returned to the Father's right hand, I don't think we're told. 00:09:44.720 --> 00:09:48.019 At least in his earthly ministry, he did not know. 00:09:49.319 --> 00:09:53.019 How that works, I'm not claiming that has satisfied your question. 00:09:53.419 --> 00:09:57.659 All I'm saying is let's let scripture tell us how this works. 00:09:57.899 --> 00:09:59.279 He's dependent on the Father. 00:09:59.279 --> 00:10:02.100 He's not bothered by not knowing. 00:10:04.659 --> 00:10:09.079 He just leans in to what his Father has called him to do. 00:10:09.080 --> 00:10:18.879 I think his not knowing also means that what he's saying here to his disciples means he's not manipulating us. 00:10:19.820 --> 00:10:22.060 He's not saying, I could come at any time. 00:10:23.680 --> 00:10:27.720 But I actually know it's, I don't know, he knows the precise. 00:10:27.820 --> 00:10:28.280 He's not. 00:10:29.879 --> 00:10:31.360 There's an integrity here. 00:10:31.360 --> 00:10:36.220 He's preparing us for how to live well. 00:10:40.019 --> 00:10:41.580 So what does he tell us? 00:10:41.639 --> 00:10:42.700 What do we know? 00:10:43.620 --> 00:10:46.220 Well, he says, he compares the days to Noah. 00:10:47.639 --> 00:10:51.899 They were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. 00:10:52.419 --> 00:10:54.879 I'm going to give you a sign of Jesus coming back. 00:10:55.200 --> 00:10:57.700 Okay, I'm going to do what I just said not to do. 00:10:57.700 --> 00:11:08.000 Next time the toaster pops up and it startles you a bit, that could be a sign Jesus is coming back. 00:11:08.160 --> 00:11:12.160 Because they were having brekkie when Noah, when the flood came in Noah's time. 00:11:12.240 --> 00:11:13.300 They're eating and drinking. 00:11:14.060 --> 00:11:15.360 Life is very ordinary. 00:11:16.879 --> 00:11:21.920 Apart from that wacko over there who no one took seriously, no one expected the flood. 00:11:23.160 --> 00:11:23.980 It was just ordinary. 00:11:23.980 --> 00:11:27.759 They're selling things. 00:11:27.860 --> 00:11:28.740 They're buying things. 00:11:28.860 --> 00:11:29.779 They're going on holidays. 00:11:30.519 --> 00:11:31.680 They're getting a promotion. 00:11:31.840 --> 00:11:33.379 They're getting made redundant. 00:11:33.639 --> 00:11:34.480 They're having a baby. 00:11:34.620 --> 00:11:35.580 They're attending a funeral. 00:11:35.740 --> 00:11:37.300 They're refinancing their house. 00:11:41.980 --> 00:11:45.980 And then the flood came. 00:11:48.980 --> 00:11:50.060 And it was too late. 00:11:50.059 --> 00:11:58.039 Those who weren't ready were swept away in judgment. 00:11:58.379 --> 00:12:00.500 So will be the coming of the Son of Man. 00:12:01.559 --> 00:12:08.419 One of the things that I find, it's just so hard to believe in Jesus' second coming because life is ordinary. 00:12:09.479 --> 00:12:14.519 It doesn't feel like it could happen any moment. 00:12:14.519 --> 00:12:18.120 But he says it'll be like that. 00:12:23.919 --> 00:12:26.659 Today's jobs feel the same as last week. 00:12:27.340 --> 00:12:28.659 Two men are in the field. 00:12:29.360 --> 00:12:30.779 Maybe a father and a son. 00:12:32.139 --> 00:12:36.779 Two women are grinding wheat into flour. 00:12:37.639 --> 00:12:39.139 Just getting on with life. 00:12:40.259 --> 00:12:41.759 Two workers are in the office. 00:12:42.079 --> 00:12:43.579 Two mums are on a play date. 00:12:43.580 --> 00:12:50.879 Two friends are walking by Lake Macquarie and one taken and the other left. 00:12:51.040 --> 00:12:53.240 It's going to be sudden is what he's saying. 00:12:54.580 --> 00:12:57.680 Very ordinary and very sudden. 00:12:57.679 --> 00:13:06.679 And so he urges us, stay awake. 00:13:09.819 --> 00:13:12.959 You do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 00:13:13.419 --> 00:13:14.679 Be spiritually alert. 00:13:14.679 --> 00:13:25.000 Don't let the ordinary just lull you into, I don't know, complacency. 00:13:27.139 --> 00:13:28.919 Don't let it be all you see. 00:13:29.539 --> 00:13:31.339 I've got these jobs to do today. 00:13:32.399 --> 00:13:35.319 We need to be spiritually minded. 00:13:35.320 --> 00:13:43.440 Do you lock your doors at night when you go to bed? 00:13:45.320 --> 00:13:45.960 I do. 00:13:46.120 --> 00:13:49.200 I go around and check every door. 00:13:51.400 --> 00:13:52.120 I don't know. 00:13:52.660 --> 00:13:53.480 Anyone not? 00:13:53.480 --> 00:14:04.500 Now, why don't we do it on the 12th of every month? 00:14:05.279 --> 00:14:06.580 Why do we do it every night? 00:14:08.060 --> 00:14:09.539 Well, it's pretty obvious, isn't it? 00:14:10.920 --> 00:14:14.759 We have no idea when someone might want to just walk in. 00:14:15.259 --> 00:14:18.300 Two doors down, someone tried to steal our neighbour's car. 00:14:18.299 --> 00:14:22.620 Got the car keys, but I don't know, something happened and they got thwarted. 00:14:22.719 --> 00:14:26.339 But my brother had an intruder and the family was asleep. 00:14:26.439 --> 00:14:30.819 He was in his study and just came out and noticed things weren't quite right. 00:14:31.519 --> 00:14:32.559 You just don't know. 00:14:32.740 --> 00:14:34.199 That's why we lock the doors at night. 00:14:36.399 --> 00:14:39.559 If you want to be ready for the thief, you've got to always be ready. 00:14:40.519 --> 00:14:42.019 It's the simple point. 00:14:45.120 --> 00:14:46.179 It's a simple point. 00:14:46.179 --> 00:14:47.439 You must always be ready. 00:14:48.299 --> 00:14:55.759 If you're unsure of where you stand with God, it is really, really unwise to keep saying, 00:14:56.079 --> 00:14:57.899 one day, one day. 00:14:58.740 --> 00:15:00.199 It's very unwise. 00:15:02.099 --> 00:15:05.159 You don't even do that with your physical belongings. 00:15:05.379 --> 00:15:07.019 You lock the door every night. 00:15:07.479 --> 00:15:09.620 Why are you doing that with your soul? 00:15:13.479 --> 00:15:15.179 Don't keep pushing it. 00:15:16.399 --> 00:15:17.419 Down the line. 00:15:18.299 --> 00:15:24.939 Some people say they're not afraid of death or judgment. 00:15:26.479 --> 00:15:28.259 I don't know why. 00:15:28.259 --> 00:15:37.220 If you're not afraid of God's judgment because you think you're a good person. 00:15:38.039 --> 00:15:39.319 I heard this illustration. 00:15:39.519 --> 00:15:41.039 I'll test it on you. 00:15:41.399 --> 00:15:45.559 Imagine you had this invisible tape recorder hanging around your neck. 00:15:45.559 --> 00:15:53.019 And it only turned on when you started a sentence like, people ought to... 00:15:53.019 --> 00:15:55.519 I don't know. 00:15:56.019 --> 00:15:56.879 Put their rubbish out. 00:15:57.019 --> 00:15:57.599 I don't know. 00:15:57.600 --> 00:16:00.600 People ought to be on time. 00:16:00.600 --> 00:16:01.240 People... 00:16:01.240 --> 00:16:03.240 I hate it when someone... 00:16:04.240 --> 00:16:07.240 I would never... 00:16:07.779 --> 00:16:09.519 People should... 00:16:09.519 --> 00:16:14.460 If the recorder just picked up your moral rules... 00:16:14.460 --> 00:16:17.080 And let's say God replayed that tape recorder. 00:16:17.080 --> 00:16:19.780 Like, he takes it off your neck when you face him in judgment. 00:16:19.960 --> 00:16:21.840 Oh, I didn't know that was there. 00:16:22.139 --> 00:16:24.060 It's an invisible tape recorder. 00:16:24.500 --> 00:16:26.940 And God just plays it back. 00:16:27.040 --> 00:16:28.360 Your own moral rules. 00:16:28.639 --> 00:16:29.480 How would you go? 00:16:35.960 --> 00:16:37.320 You want... 00:16:37.320 --> 00:16:38.940 I'm stuttering here. 00:16:38.940 --> 00:16:40.240 No one would measure up. 00:16:41.680 --> 00:16:44.040 I would not measure up to my own rules. 00:16:44.160 --> 00:16:45.820 Let alone the Ten Commandments. 00:16:50.740 --> 00:16:52.040 You must be ready. 00:16:53.280 --> 00:16:54.080 Jesus said. 00:16:54.940 --> 00:16:57.360 You don't know the day or hour. 00:17:00.120 --> 00:17:03.100 So the question is, what does it look like to be ready? 00:17:04.779 --> 00:17:08.700 What does it look like to be following Jesus? 00:17:08.700 --> 00:17:11.440 Have a real relationship with Jesus and be ready? 00:17:14.400 --> 00:17:17.880 We're given four parables until the end of chapter 25. 00:17:19.000 --> 00:17:20.860 We're just going to cover the first two today. 00:17:23.480 --> 00:17:25.720 These parables are spoken to his disciples. 00:17:26.039 --> 00:17:30.700 And the consequences at the end of each of these is an eternal difference. 00:17:31.500 --> 00:17:35.120 This is not about different rewards for Christians. 00:17:35.580 --> 00:17:37.519 This is eternal. 00:17:37.519 --> 00:17:40.980 It's pictures of life or death. 00:17:42.359 --> 00:17:46.440 Jesus seems to be presuming that the visible church in the world, 00:17:46.700 --> 00:17:48.359 people who profess Christianity, 00:17:49.819 --> 00:17:54.519 that some prove that they have no spiritual reality, 00:17:55.220 --> 00:17:57.599 only external appearance. 00:17:57.599 --> 00:18:03.859 But he's telling us these things for his people who do have spiritual reality, 00:18:04.339 --> 00:18:07.139 to know they're ready and how we are to live, 00:18:08.099 --> 00:18:09.159 waiting for his return. 00:18:09.160 --> 00:18:15.820 Some show that they don't know Jesus because they fail to be ready. 00:18:17.480 --> 00:18:19.040 Others are always ready. 00:18:20.680 --> 00:18:23.360 That's the picture we've got here in these four parables. 00:18:24.700 --> 00:18:26.560 It's calling for self-examination. 00:18:26.820 --> 00:18:28.620 Please don't be sitting here today going, 00:18:28.619 --> 00:18:32.179 I really wish that person heard this sermon. 00:18:32.399 --> 00:18:36.639 This is a self-examination section of scripture. 00:18:36.640 --> 00:18:39.660 So what does it look like to be ready? 00:18:39.780 --> 00:18:46.120 Well, the first picture we have is servants to a master. 00:18:46.280 --> 00:18:49.720 It looks like a faithful servant to their master. 00:18:49.940 --> 00:18:51.480 Verses 45 to 51. 00:18:51.480 --> 00:18:57.860 Now, I think this section especially speaks to elders 00:18:57.860 --> 00:19:02.160 and those in recognised spiritual leadership. 00:19:02.339 --> 00:19:04.759 I think there is... 00:19:04.759 --> 00:19:07.279 Not everyone should presume to be teachers. 00:19:07.440 --> 00:19:08.539 There is a greater judgement. 00:19:10.539 --> 00:19:12.019 So please pray for us. 00:19:13.259 --> 00:19:17.599 Pray for your elders because we can do the church good or a lot of harm. 00:19:17.599 --> 00:19:24.240 But I also don't see why the principles here 00:19:24.240 --> 00:19:26.619 doesn't also speak to all believers 00:19:26.619 --> 00:19:30.079 when you're given responsibility over other believers. 00:19:31.139 --> 00:19:34.240 Even if that responsibility is for a brief time 00:19:34.240 --> 00:19:35.539 and a brief opportunity. 00:19:37.199 --> 00:19:38.179 So fathers and mothers, 00:19:38.419 --> 00:19:40.619 your spiritual oversight of your children. 00:19:43.240 --> 00:19:47.279 Grace Kids teachers coming into term four next term, next week. 00:19:47.599 --> 00:19:51.859 A brother or sister who comes to you for counsel. 00:19:52.559 --> 00:19:57.500 They're opening themselves up to your input in that moment. 00:20:00.000 --> 00:20:03.480 Leading the church in whatever activity, 00:20:03.679 --> 00:20:05.359 in small group, in prayer. 00:20:05.359 --> 00:20:11.979 So I think it also applies to any responsibility, 00:20:14.000 --> 00:20:18.339 any task being given from our master to serve our fellow servants. 00:20:19.240 --> 00:20:22.219 If we compare the faithful servant to the wicked servant, 00:20:22.319 --> 00:20:25.639 I think we see four characteristics of the difference. 00:20:26.500 --> 00:20:29.699 One is being conscious of being a fellow servant. 00:20:29.700 --> 00:20:35.980 The one put in charge in that moment 00:20:35.980 --> 00:20:39.640 isn't comparing themselves going, 00:20:39.779 --> 00:20:40.600 I'm superior. 00:20:42.880 --> 00:20:45.500 They're faithful to their master. 00:20:47.259 --> 00:20:49.680 They're just getting on with the job for his sake. 00:20:49.680 --> 00:20:53.660 Whereas the wicked servant has forgotten 00:20:53.660 --> 00:20:56.720 and he starts to beat his fellow servants. 00:20:58.039 --> 00:20:59.019 He's forgotten. 00:20:59.180 --> 00:21:01.420 He is a fellow servant. 00:21:04.420 --> 00:21:09.200 The second characteristic is conscious of his master's return. 00:21:09.200 --> 00:21:16.580 The wise servant is conscious he will give an account to his master. 00:21:17.580 --> 00:21:21.940 The wicked servant presumes his master's absence. 00:21:23.019 --> 00:21:27.120 I assume that means they're just focused on the present situation. 00:21:27.119 --> 00:21:31.819 They're just forgetting the fact that they need to give an account. 00:21:34.959 --> 00:21:40.500 The third characteristic is this leads to their treatment of fellow servants. 00:21:42.399 --> 00:21:47.079 One uses each opportunity to care for the fellow servant, 00:21:47.339 --> 00:21:52.919 are careful with the words and whatever deeds of love and decisions will build up. 00:21:52.920 --> 00:22:00.200 I think of the wisdom of a man in church 00:22:00.200 --> 00:22:02.940 where this younger Christian got up to pray 00:22:02.940 --> 00:22:05.920 and his theology was shocking. 00:22:06.120 --> 00:22:08.460 He was like, thank you, Father, for dying for me 00:22:08.460 --> 00:22:10.980 and calling the Holy Spirit it. 00:22:11.180 --> 00:22:12.940 He was just so nervous. 00:22:13.100 --> 00:22:17.640 He was just fumbling his way through it. 00:22:17.700 --> 00:22:19.820 An older saint came up to him 00:22:19.820 --> 00:22:22.019 and he was pretty nervous at what he was about to say 00:22:22.019 --> 00:22:23.920 and he just put his hand on his shoulder and said, 00:22:24.960 --> 00:22:28.259 whatever you do for the Lord, I'm with you 100%. 00:22:28.259 --> 00:22:35.139 What a wise serving word to give him in that moment. 00:22:36.799 --> 00:22:38.980 He didn't come down heavy. 00:22:39.099 --> 00:22:40.000 He knew what he needed. 00:22:40.000 --> 00:22:48.940 There's a servant-hearted nature to the wise servant. 00:22:48.940 --> 00:22:56.380 But then the wicked servant is harsh with those under their authority. 00:22:56.380 --> 00:23:07.620 I just wonder what will Jesus say to the church leader 00:23:07.620 --> 00:23:10.880 who uses the church's programs and their goals 00:23:10.880 --> 00:23:13.980 and some have even called it like a bus. 00:23:14.340 --> 00:23:16.080 We're on this bus as a church 00:23:16.080 --> 00:23:18.800 and if you don't get on board, we're going to run you over. 00:23:18.940 --> 00:23:20.200 Like, we're just keeping going. 00:23:20.200 --> 00:23:24.380 What is Jesus going to say about that? 00:23:30.240 --> 00:23:34.000 What of the Father who is modelling coming to church every week 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:35.480 but in private at home, 00:23:36.019 --> 00:23:37.580 he is the law of God. 00:23:39.220 --> 00:23:39.700 Tremble. 00:23:44.539 --> 00:23:47.360 What's your master going to say to that? 00:23:47.360 --> 00:23:47.640 What? 00:23:47.640 --> 00:23:47.680 What? 00:23:50.200 --> 00:23:52.900 Now, obviously, I can add heaps here. 00:23:52.960 --> 00:23:54.680 The royal commission's into the church 00:23:54.680 --> 00:23:58.779 and there's harsh treatment among leaders even. 00:24:00.380 --> 00:24:04.140 The wicked servant forgets he's accountable 00:24:04.140 --> 00:24:05.740 and starts to be harsh. 00:24:08.019 --> 00:24:10.240 Now, we all need forgiveness at points. 00:24:10.400 --> 00:24:11.100 We all need forgiveness. 00:24:11.700 --> 00:24:14.319 This seems to characterise the servant 00:24:14.319 --> 00:24:16.539 over a long period of time. 00:24:16.539 --> 00:24:20.920 A fourth characteristic 00:24:20.920 --> 00:24:26.700 is they seem to be motivated by the master's reward 00:24:26.700 --> 00:24:28.720 and punishment. 00:24:30.960 --> 00:24:34.220 The wicked servant is not afraid of the final judgement 00:24:34.220 --> 00:24:37.019 and Jesus reserves the strongest warnings 00:24:37.019 --> 00:24:38.159 to those in authority. 00:24:39.819 --> 00:24:41.619 These are strong words. 00:24:41.619 --> 00:24:48.839 He's consigned a place with the hypocrites 00:24:48.839 --> 00:24:50.639 because that is what he is in the end. 00:24:50.779 --> 00:24:53.639 He's a visible church leader 00:24:53.639 --> 00:24:56.059 but inside there's pride. 00:24:56.839 --> 00:24:58.619 There's no consciousness of Christ. 00:24:58.899 --> 00:25:01.939 There's no servant leadership following Christ. 00:25:02.099 --> 00:25:02.779 It's a sham. 00:25:02.779 --> 00:25:08.259 Whereas the faithful servant 00:25:08.259 --> 00:25:13.819 fears his master's opinion more than anyone else's. 00:25:14.819 --> 00:25:17.559 He wants his master to say, 00:25:17.799 --> 00:25:20.139 well done, good and faithful servant. 00:25:20.639 --> 00:25:23.599 His master's praise is so much more weighty 00:25:23.599 --> 00:25:25.779 than any human being. 00:25:25.779 --> 00:25:36.180 The faithful servant is given a motivation of reward here 00:25:36.180 --> 00:25:38.299 and we need a whole other sermon 00:25:38.299 --> 00:25:40.059 on the idea of Christian rewards 00:25:40.059 --> 00:25:43.319 but it's helpful. 00:25:43.700 --> 00:25:45.000 I need to keep telling myself 00:25:45.000 --> 00:25:46.379 and I hope you tell yourself, 00:25:47.059 --> 00:25:49.119 your reward is not here and now. 00:25:49.379 --> 00:25:52.299 I always keep connecting my reward 00:25:52.299 --> 00:25:53.359 with something now 00:25:53.359 --> 00:25:54.519 and it's not now. 00:25:54.519 --> 00:25:56.000 It's coming. 00:25:56.579 --> 00:25:57.319 It is coming. 00:25:57.480 --> 00:25:58.240 It's going to be glorious 00:25:58.240 --> 00:25:59.200 but it's not now. 00:26:03.539 --> 00:26:05.279 Now what these possessions 00:26:05.279 --> 00:26:06.859 he's put in charge of are, 00:26:06.940 --> 00:26:07.740 I'm not sure. 00:26:08.139 --> 00:26:10.339 I think the idea of a bigger mansion in heaven 00:26:10.339 --> 00:26:12.839 is a pretty rubbish idea. 00:26:14.539 --> 00:26:16.759 Something that does seem to be in the text 00:26:16.759 --> 00:26:19.980 is it's still his master's possessions. 00:26:20.379 --> 00:26:22.779 He's put in more responsibility. 00:26:22.779 --> 00:26:25.539 I think the reward is more serving. 00:26:26.899 --> 00:26:28.200 There's your reward. 00:26:28.539 --> 00:26:29.839 If you want to serve Christ, 00:26:30.240 --> 00:26:33.059 you're going to get more opportunity to serve him. 00:26:35.220 --> 00:26:39.759 I think that sounds more like the gospel. 00:26:39.759 --> 00:26:45.559 So in this parable we've seen, 00:26:45.680 --> 00:26:48.180 being ready looks like being faithful to the master, 00:26:49.379 --> 00:26:50.379 conscious of him. 00:26:54.220 --> 00:26:56.940 In verses 1 to 13 in chapter 25, 00:26:57.759 --> 00:27:00.539 we get a second thing of what it looks like to be ready. 00:27:00.660 --> 00:27:02.319 It's being ready for the long haul. 00:27:02.319 --> 00:27:05.659 It's not a quick sprint, 00:27:06.980 --> 00:27:07.759 the Christian race, 00:27:07.879 --> 00:27:09.000 but a marathon. 00:27:10.439 --> 00:27:11.159 Now this one, 00:27:11.939 --> 00:27:15.000 of the ten virgins and the wedding, 00:27:15.879 --> 00:27:17.339 we need to understand the customs 00:27:17.339 --> 00:27:20.279 of weddings back in those days. 00:27:20.279 --> 00:27:24.000 The groom would walk to the bride's home, 00:27:24.119 --> 00:27:26.000 they would have some ceremonies there, 00:27:26.720 --> 00:27:30.240 and then as they're coming back to the groom's home, 00:27:30.639 --> 00:27:33.960 that's when friends who are invited to the wedding 00:27:33.960 --> 00:27:36.720 would join in a procession to the groom's home. 00:27:36.819 --> 00:27:37.980 And then at the groom's home, 00:27:38.619 --> 00:27:39.879 that's where you've got the ceremony, 00:27:40.039 --> 00:27:40.740 the wedding ceremony, 00:27:41.220 --> 00:27:42.579 and that's when the party begins. 00:27:42.859 --> 00:27:44.440 And it could go on for a week. 00:27:45.240 --> 00:27:47.080 So these ten virgins, 00:27:47.220 --> 00:27:47.940 they're not the bride. 00:27:49.779 --> 00:27:52.059 Yes, the church is the bride of Christ, 00:27:52.120 --> 00:27:53.580 but that's not the point here. 00:27:54.460 --> 00:27:56.160 It's okay to change the metaphor. 00:27:57.200 --> 00:27:58.660 There's a different point being said. 00:27:58.759 --> 00:28:01.100 I don't think we're meant to read into the numbers of ten 00:28:01.100 --> 00:28:03.320 or the percentage, five and five. 00:28:03.320 --> 00:28:06.500 I don't think we should get hung up on that. 00:28:08.620 --> 00:28:10.440 The tension in this parable 00:28:10.440 --> 00:28:13.820 is the groom is taking his good old time. 00:28:14.440 --> 00:28:17.980 He's taking a long time to come. 00:28:19.019 --> 00:28:20.259 It's getting dark. 00:28:20.900 --> 00:28:22.279 It's getting late. 00:28:23.500 --> 00:28:26.160 He's taking so long, they all fall asleep. 00:28:26.400 --> 00:28:27.640 Even the wise fall asleep. 00:28:28.120 --> 00:28:30.740 There's no criticism of them there. 00:28:33.840 --> 00:28:35.420 They're all woken up, 00:28:36.039 --> 00:28:36.860 sudden cry, 00:28:37.440 --> 00:28:38.220 bridegroom's here, 00:28:38.680 --> 00:28:39.600 come out to meet him. 00:28:39.940 --> 00:28:40.519 This is it. 00:28:41.600 --> 00:28:43.019 Now how were they wise? 00:28:43.019 --> 00:28:45.379 They were wise because they were prepared 00:28:45.379 --> 00:28:47.920 for a lengthy delay. 00:28:48.039 --> 00:28:49.379 They were prepared for the long haul. 00:28:53.160 --> 00:28:54.720 The wise were prepared. 00:28:55.019 --> 00:28:56.160 They had oil with them. 00:28:56.799 --> 00:28:58.240 They joined the procession. 00:28:58.940 --> 00:28:59.460 They're in. 00:29:00.599 --> 00:29:01.920 They're in the wedding feast. 00:29:02.460 --> 00:29:03.720 But then the door is shut. 00:29:04.759 --> 00:29:05.799 Those not prepared, 00:29:06.480 --> 00:29:07.680 not with oil, 00:29:08.160 --> 00:29:09.119 it's too late. 00:29:09.559 --> 00:29:10.779 There's no time to get some. 00:29:10.779 --> 00:29:12.059 The door's shut. 00:29:12.180 --> 00:29:13.180 They're banging on the door. 00:29:15.059 --> 00:29:16.220 And they hear words 00:29:16.220 --> 00:29:17.420 you do not want to hear 00:29:17.420 --> 00:29:18.259 on the last day. 00:29:18.379 --> 00:29:19.759 I do not know you. 00:29:24.559 --> 00:29:26.819 They seem to be professing Christians. 00:29:27.079 --> 00:29:28.200 They've got lanterns. 00:29:30.000 --> 00:29:30.839 They're claiming 00:29:30.839 --> 00:29:32.839 they want to go to the wedding feast. 00:29:32.839 --> 00:29:39.279 They're expecting the groom to come. 00:29:49.279 --> 00:29:52.379 I wonder what a boss might say 00:29:52.379 --> 00:29:53.119 to an employee 00:29:53.119 --> 00:29:54.939 who says they want a promotion. 00:29:54.940 --> 00:29:57.640 But then 00:29:57.640 --> 00:29:59.140 she never takes up 00:29:59.140 --> 00:30:01.680 the professional development opportunities 00:30:01.680 --> 00:30:03.180 that the boss gives her 00:30:03.180 --> 00:30:04.340 at the company's cost. 00:30:04.759 --> 00:30:07.180 And whenever a work colleague 00:30:07.180 --> 00:30:08.420 asks for her help 00:30:08.420 --> 00:30:09.240 and advice, 00:30:10.059 --> 00:30:10.279 she's like, 00:30:10.340 --> 00:30:11.200 well, that's your problem. 00:30:11.779 --> 00:30:13.019 I've got too much to do. 00:30:14.620 --> 00:30:16.740 The boss might say to her, 00:30:17.220 --> 00:30:18.880 you claim you want a promotion, 00:30:18.880 --> 00:30:19.360 but 00:30:19.360 --> 00:30:23.040 you're not taking any steps 00:30:23.040 --> 00:30:26.560 to show that you want, 00:30:26.660 --> 00:30:28.300 you actually want this promotion. 00:30:28.440 --> 00:30:29.620 You're not taking any steps 00:30:29.620 --> 00:30:31.440 to show you really do want this. 00:30:36.040 --> 00:30:37.960 What might a girl say to a guy 00:30:37.960 --> 00:30:38.920 who says, 00:30:39.080 --> 00:30:40.820 I want to pursue marriage. 00:30:40.960 --> 00:30:41.980 But every weekend, 00:30:42.260 --> 00:30:44.000 he always chooses his mates 00:30:44.000 --> 00:30:45.060 over her. 00:30:45.059 --> 00:30:46.319 And she says, 00:30:46.359 --> 00:30:47.319 come meet my parents. 00:30:47.480 --> 00:30:49.279 And he never does. 00:30:49.519 --> 00:30:51.480 And he's making no effort 00:30:51.480 --> 00:30:52.179 to get a job. 00:30:52.279 --> 00:30:53.079 He's making no effort 00:30:53.079 --> 00:30:54.299 to further his studies 00:30:54.299 --> 00:30:55.619 to get ready to provide. 00:30:59.720 --> 00:31:01.200 She might well say, 00:31:02.159 --> 00:31:04.019 your words of love are empty. 00:31:07.119 --> 00:31:08.399 You're not preparing 00:31:08.399 --> 00:31:10.059 for a relationship at all. 00:31:15.059 --> 00:31:17.859 I think 00:31:17.859 --> 00:31:20.299 the effect of this parable 00:31:20.299 --> 00:31:20.639 is 00:31:20.639 --> 00:31:22.379 if you really wanted, 00:31:22.839 --> 00:31:24.019 if those girls 00:31:24.019 --> 00:31:25.059 really wanted to be 00:31:25.059 --> 00:31:25.779 in the wedding feast, 00:31:25.859 --> 00:31:27.159 they would have taken steps 00:31:27.159 --> 00:31:27.639 to prepare. 00:31:31.319 --> 00:31:32.940 I think it's another sharp 00:31:32.940 --> 00:31:35.319 warning of this external religion 00:31:35.319 --> 00:31:37.220 and no internal desire, 00:31:37.419 --> 00:31:38.679 no internal reality 00:31:38.679 --> 00:31:40.279 of wanting to be with Christ. 00:31:41.240 --> 00:31:42.960 No friendship with the Lord. 00:31:42.960 --> 00:31:47.299 So what does the oil represent? 00:31:47.779 --> 00:31:48.640 I have no idea. 00:31:48.900 --> 00:31:49.960 And I think we should be 00:31:49.960 --> 00:31:50.840 really careful 00:31:50.840 --> 00:31:52.620 of identifying the oil 00:31:52.620 --> 00:31:53.720 with something in particular. 00:31:54.140 --> 00:31:54.960 I think that might be 00:31:54.960 --> 00:31:56.200 a dangerous misstep. 00:31:58.480 --> 00:31:59.660 I don't think there's anything 00:31:59.660 --> 00:32:00.279 in the text 00:32:00.279 --> 00:32:01.539 that can tell us 00:32:01.539 --> 00:32:02.740 what the oil represents. 00:32:03.860 --> 00:32:05.380 The punch of the parable 00:32:05.380 --> 00:32:08.940 comes at the end. 00:32:09.160 --> 00:32:09.660 Jesus says, 00:32:09.799 --> 00:32:10.579 watch therefore, 00:32:10.720 --> 00:32:12.319 for you know neither the day 00:32:12.319 --> 00:32:13.379 nor the hour. 00:32:14.159 --> 00:32:15.619 Those who are ready 00:32:15.619 --> 00:32:16.399 for his return 00:32:16.399 --> 00:32:17.559 are preparing 00:32:17.559 --> 00:32:20.039 for the long haul. 00:32:20.419 --> 00:32:21.720 They're making steps 00:32:21.720 --> 00:32:25.359 to be ready 00:32:25.359 --> 00:32:26.220 for his return. 00:32:31.000 --> 00:32:32.359 Like the thief in the night, 00:32:32.500 --> 00:32:33.240 it's a mistake 00:32:33.240 --> 00:32:33.980 not to be ready 00:32:33.980 --> 00:32:34.740 at any time. 00:32:34.740 --> 00:32:37.380 But it's also a mistake 00:32:37.380 --> 00:32:38.400 not to be ready 00:32:38.400 --> 00:32:39.839 for a long time. 00:32:40.120 --> 00:32:40.539 Get ready 00:32:40.539 --> 00:32:41.400 to endure. 00:32:47.079 --> 00:32:48.039 I'm encouraged 00:32:48.039 --> 00:32:49.599 going to elderly 00:32:49.599 --> 00:32:50.220 Christians' 00:32:50.460 --> 00:32:51.000 funerals 00:32:51.000 --> 00:32:51.660 and they have 00:32:51.660 --> 00:32:52.359 a lifetime 00:32:52.359 --> 00:32:53.660 of endurance 00:32:53.660 --> 00:32:54.660 that people 00:32:54.660 --> 00:32:55.940 can testify to. 00:32:59.640 --> 00:33:00.960 It testifies 00:33:00.960 --> 00:33:01.799 to the reality 00:33:01.799 --> 00:33:02.700 of grace 00:33:02.700 --> 00:33:04.119 day in 00:33:04.119 --> 00:33:04.799 and day out 00:33:04.799 --> 00:33:05.859 that they endured 00:33:05.859 --> 00:33:07.419 so much 00:33:07.419 --> 00:33:09.779 over so many years. 00:33:15.779 --> 00:33:16.619 So can I ask 00:33:16.619 --> 00:33:17.359 what strategies 00:33:17.359 --> 00:33:18.059 are you putting 00:33:18.059 --> 00:33:18.559 in place 00:33:18.559 --> 00:33:19.139 to endure? 00:33:21.059 --> 00:33:22.039 What steps 00:33:22.039 --> 00:33:23.180 are you taking? 00:33:27.099 --> 00:33:27.879 I don't want to be 00:33:27.880 --> 00:33:28.640 too prescriptive 00:33:28.640 --> 00:33:28.920 here. 00:33:32.340 --> 00:33:33.480 But are you 00:33:33.480 --> 00:33:34.260 soaking in 00:33:34.260 --> 00:33:35.020 God's means 00:33:35.020 --> 00:33:35.560 of grace 00:33:35.560 --> 00:33:36.180 each day? 00:33:37.440 --> 00:33:38.200 Because if you 00:33:38.200 --> 00:33:39.260 really want to endure, 00:33:39.580 --> 00:33:40.080 if you really 00:33:40.080 --> 00:33:40.680 want to be there, 00:33:41.180 --> 00:33:42.160 it looks like 00:33:42.160 --> 00:33:43.000 taking steps. 00:33:47.700 --> 00:33:48.820 I need to get 00:33:48.820 --> 00:33:49.700 happy in God 00:33:49.700 --> 00:33:50.820 every single day. 00:33:50.900 --> 00:33:51.700 I don't wake up 00:33:51.700 --> 00:33:51.960 going, 00:33:52.060 --> 00:33:52.740 I can't wait 00:33:52.740 --> 00:33:53.480 to serve you 00:33:53.480 --> 00:33:54.040 again, God. 00:33:54.200 --> 00:33:54.780 I don't. 00:33:55.060 --> 00:33:55.720 I need to get 00:33:55.720 --> 00:33:56.500 happy in God 00:33:56.500 --> 00:33:57.180 every day. 00:33:58.880 --> 00:33:59.680 I need 00:33:59.680 --> 00:34:00.260 his word. 00:34:00.420 --> 00:34:00.720 I need 00:34:00.720 --> 00:34:01.160 prayer. 00:34:01.480 --> 00:34:01.840 I need 00:34:01.840 --> 00:34:02.560 small group. 00:34:05.540 --> 00:34:06.400 I need 00:34:06.400 --> 00:34:07.000 church. 00:34:07.740 --> 00:34:08.000 I need 00:34:08.000 --> 00:34:09.320 friendship. 00:34:09.660 --> 00:34:09.940 I need 00:34:09.940 --> 00:34:10.280 someone 00:34:10.280 --> 00:34:13.440 who I 00:34:13.440 --> 00:34:13.980 trust 00:34:13.980 --> 00:34:14.340 and who 00:34:14.340 --> 00:34:14.880 knows me 00:34:14.880 --> 00:34:15.140 and can 00:34:15.140 --> 00:34:15.619 ask the 00:34:15.619 --> 00:34:15.840 hard 00:34:15.840 --> 00:34:16.380 questions. 00:34:16.380 --> 00:34:28.180 maybe we 00:34:28.180 --> 00:34:28.579 could ask 00:34:28.579 --> 00:34:29.000 how are we 00:34:29.000 --> 00:34:29.200 going to 00:34:29.200 --> 00:34:29.800 endure as a 00:34:29.800 --> 00:34:30.400 church as 00:34:30.400 --> 00:34:30.619 well? 00:34:34.579 --> 00:34:35.300 We don't 00:34:35.300 --> 00:34:35.860 want to just 00:34:35.860 --> 00:34:37.119 be really 00:34:37.119 --> 00:34:38.559 busy for 00:34:38.559 --> 00:34:39.119 one week 00:34:39.119 --> 00:34:39.599 or one 00:34:39.599 --> 00:34:40.119 month or 00:34:40.119 --> 00:34:40.599 one year. 00:34:40.599 --> 00:34:41.039 We need 00:34:41.039 --> 00:34:41.300 to be 00:34:41.300 --> 00:34:42.480 soaking in 00:34:42.480 --> 00:34:42.940 the whole 00:34:42.940 --> 00:34:43.660 counsel of 00:34:43.659 --> 00:34:44.199 God's word 00:34:44.199 --> 00:34:44.599 to become 00:34:44.599 --> 00:34:45.019 mature. 00:34:47.059 --> 00:34:47.859 We need 00:34:47.859 --> 00:34:48.079 to be 00:34:48.079 --> 00:34:48.519 thinking about 00:34:48.519 --> 00:34:49.139 raising up 00:34:49.139 --> 00:34:49.519 the next 00:34:49.519 --> 00:34:50.179 generation, 00:34:51.659 --> 00:34:52.339 training more 00:34:52.339 --> 00:34:53.119 gospel workers. 00:34:53.119 --> 00:34:58.000 so being 00:34:58.000 --> 00:34:58.380 ready for 00:34:58.380 --> 00:34:58.759 Christ's 00:34:58.759 --> 00:34:59.199 return, 00:34:59.519 --> 00:35:00.179 it looks 00:35:00.179 --> 00:35:00.739 like a 00:35:00.739 --> 00:35:01.079 servant 00:35:01.079 --> 00:35:01.359 who's 00:35:01.359 --> 00:35:02.819 faithful to 00:35:02.819 --> 00:35:03.539 their 00:35:03.539 --> 00:35:04.559 master for 00:35:04.559 --> 00:35:05.239 his sake 00:35:05.239 --> 00:35:05.859 and it 00:35:05.859 --> 00:35:06.339 looks like 00:35:06.339 --> 00:35:06.579 someone 00:35:06.579 --> 00:35:07.380 preparing for 00:35:07.380 --> 00:35:07.739 the long 00:35:07.739 --> 00:35:08.119 haul, 00:35:08.880 --> 00:35:09.139 taking 00:35:09.139 --> 00:35:09.699 steps 00:35:09.699 --> 00:35:10.460 because 00:35:10.460 --> 00:35:12.519 we don't 00:35:12.519 --> 00:35:12.880 know 00:35:12.880 --> 00:35:13.680 to the 00:35:13.680 --> 00:35:14.059 day or 00:35:14.059 --> 00:35:14.380 hour. 00:35:17.019 --> 00:35:17.660 It could 00:35:17.660 --> 00:35:18.700 be soon 00:35:18.700 --> 00:35:19.059 or it 00:35:19.059 --> 00:35:19.300 could be 00:35:19.300 --> 00:35:19.579 a long 00:35:19.579 --> 00:35:19.980 time. 00:35:20.940 --> 00:35:21.480 So it 00:35:21.480 --> 00:35:21.800 looks like 00:35:21.800 --> 00:35:22.340 both and 00:35:22.340 --> 00:35:22.559 we've got 00:35:22.559 --> 00:35:22.920 more to 00:35:22.920 --> 00:35:23.280 learn in 00:35:23.280 --> 00:35:23.579 the next 00:35:23.579 --> 00:35:23.820 two 00:35:23.820 --> 00:35:24.240 parables. 00:35:31.460 --> 00:35:32.019 Now if 00:35:32.019 --> 00:35:32.440 it was all 00:35:32.440 --> 00:35:33.039 on us, 00:35:33.940 --> 00:35:34.300 this would 00:35:34.300 --> 00:35:34.539 be a 00:35:34.539 --> 00:35:35.220 really scary 00:35:35.220 --> 00:35:38.099 sermon and 00:35:38.099 --> 00:35:38.539 we'd feel 00:35:38.539 --> 00:35:38.940 the weight 00:35:38.940 --> 00:35:39.300 of it. 00:35:39.300 --> 00:35:42.940 that when 00:35:42.940 --> 00:35:43.720 Jesus finishes 00:35:43.720 --> 00:35:44.600 this teaching, 00:35:46.160 --> 00:35:46.760 there's 00:35:46.760 --> 00:35:47.140 something 00:35:47.140 --> 00:35:50.039 that he 00:35:50.039 --> 00:35:50.680 does know. 00:35:51.280 --> 00:35:51.880 He knows 00:35:51.880 --> 00:35:52.300 about a 00:35:52.300 --> 00:35:52.600 day. 00:35:53.060 --> 00:35:53.460 He doesn't 00:35:53.460 --> 00:35:53.720 know the 00:35:53.720 --> 00:35:54.080 day he's 00:35:54.080 --> 00:35:54.519 returning, 00:35:56.140 --> 00:35:56.980 but he 00:35:56.980 --> 00:35:57.500 does know 00:35:57.500 --> 00:35:58.240 another day. 00:36:00.320 --> 00:36:01.180 He says 00:36:01.180 --> 00:36:02.400 in the first 00:36:02.400 --> 00:36:02.840 few verses 00:36:02.840 --> 00:36:03.220 of chapter 00:36:03.220 --> 00:36:03.740 26, 00:36:04.019 --> 00:36:04.600 when Jesus 00:36:04.600 --> 00:36:05.180 had finished 00:36:05.180 --> 00:36:05.700 all these 00:36:05.700 --> 00:36:06.160 sayings, 00:36:06.240 --> 00:36:06.640 he said 00:36:06.640 --> 00:36:06.900 to his 00:36:06.900 --> 00:36:07.380 disciples, 00:36:08.340 --> 00:36:08.660 you know 00:36:08.660 --> 00:36:09.100 that after 00:36:09.099 --> 00:36:10.319 two days 00:36:10.319 --> 00:36:11.659 the Passover 00:36:11.659 --> 00:36:12.360 is coming 00:36:12.360 --> 00:36:13.500 and the 00:36:13.500 --> 00:36:13.880 Son of 00:36:13.880 --> 00:36:14.259 Man will 00:36:14.259 --> 00:36:14.719 be delivered 00:36:14.719 --> 00:36:15.099 up to 00:36:15.099 --> 00:36:15.699 be crucified. 00:36:16.900 --> 00:36:17.500 Then the 00:36:17.500 --> 00:36:18.179 chief priests 00:36:18.179 --> 00:36:18.480 and the 00:36:18.480 --> 00:36:18.900 elders of 00:36:18.900 --> 00:36:19.259 the people 00:36:19.259 --> 00:36:19.960 gathered in 00:36:19.960 --> 00:36:20.440 the palace 00:36:20.440 --> 00:36:20.699 of the 00:36:20.699 --> 00:36:21.279 high priest 00:36:21.279 --> 00:36:21.739 whose name 00:36:21.739 --> 00:36:22.380 was Caiaphas 00:36:22.380 --> 00:36:23.659 and plotted 00:36:23.659 --> 00:36:24.440 together in 00:36:24.440 --> 00:36:24.839 order to 00:36:24.839 --> 00:36:25.679 arrest Jesus 00:36:25.679 --> 00:36:26.639 by stealth 00:36:26.639 --> 00:36:28.000 and kill 00:36:28.000 --> 00:36:28.279 him. 00:36:28.819 --> 00:36:29.239 But they 00:36:29.239 --> 00:36:29.619 said not 00:36:29.619 --> 00:36:30.039 during the 00:36:30.039 --> 00:36:30.519 feast, 00:36:31.400 --> 00:36:32.159 lest there 00:36:32.159 --> 00:36:32.440 be an 00:36:32.440 --> 00:36:32.980 uproar 00:36:32.980 --> 00:36:33.480 among the 00:36:33.480 --> 00:36:33.839 people. 00:36:34.460 --> 00:36:34.779 There was 00:36:34.779 --> 00:36:35.139 an elders 00:36:35.139 --> 00:36:35.539 meeting. 00:36:35.539 --> 00:36:38.300 let's 00:36:38.300 --> 00:36:38.779 suddenly 00:36:38.779 --> 00:36:39.599 capture 00:36:39.599 --> 00:36:40.599 Jesus. 00:36:41.860 --> 00:36:42.199 He was 00:36:42.199 --> 00:36:42.440 ready. 00:36:44.820 --> 00:36:45.519 Not on 00:36:45.519 --> 00:36:45.659 the 00:36:45.659 --> 00:36:46.059 Passover. 00:36:47.820 --> 00:36:48.340 No, 00:36:48.719 --> 00:36:48.920 the 00:36:48.920 --> 00:36:49.139 father 00:36:49.139 --> 00:36:49.659 chose 00:36:49.659 --> 00:36:50.679 the 00:36:50.679 --> 00:36:51.139 Passover 00:36:51.139 --> 00:36:51.719 so that 00:36:51.719 --> 00:36:51.980 we would 00:36:51.980 --> 00:36:52.480 understand 00:36:52.480 --> 00:36:52.920 why he 00:36:52.920 --> 00:36:53.279 died. 00:36:55.619 --> 00:36:56.139 The 00:36:56.139 --> 00:36:56.440 father 00:36:56.440 --> 00:36:56.900 had chosen 00:36:56.900 --> 00:36:57.340 the day 00:36:57.340 --> 00:36:57.579 he would 00:36:57.579 --> 00:36:58.019 give up 00:36:58.019 --> 00:36:58.619 his son. 00:36:59.119 --> 00:36:59.579 The fact 00:36:59.579 --> 00:36:59.860 that he 00:36:59.860 --> 00:37:00.420 is fully 00:37:00.420 --> 00:37:01.179 human and 00:37:01.179 --> 00:37:01.659 doesn't know 00:37:01.659 --> 00:37:02.000 the day 00:37:02.000 --> 00:37:02.400 or hour 00:37:02.400 --> 00:37:03.059 is really 00:37:03.059 --> 00:37:04.219 good news. 00:37:04.340 --> 00:37:04.840 It means 00:37:04.840 --> 00:37:05.619 that he 00:37:05.619 --> 00:37:06.259 can stand 00:37:06.259 --> 00:37:06.679 in our 00:37:06.679 --> 00:37:08.719 place in 00:37:08.719 --> 00:37:09.179 the judgment 00:37:09.179 --> 00:37:09.739 of God. 00:37:09.880 --> 00:37:10.179 He can 00:37:10.179 --> 00:37:10.719 represent 00:37:10.719 --> 00:37:11.279 us. 00:37:12.920 --> 00:37:13.519 He can 00:37:13.519 --> 00:37:13.900 go to 00:37:13.900 --> 00:37:14.619 that cross 00:37:14.619 --> 00:37:15.279 and feel 00:37:15.279 --> 00:37:15.900 the full 00:37:15.900 --> 00:37:16.480 weight of 00:37:16.480 --> 00:37:17.599 hell being 00:37:17.599 --> 00:37:18.159 shut out 00:37:18.159 --> 00:37:18.519 from the 00:37:18.519 --> 00:37:18.900 father. 00:37:19.159 --> 00:37:19.659 The father 00:37:19.659 --> 00:37:20.159 saying to 00:37:20.159 --> 00:37:20.559 the son, 00:37:21.480 --> 00:37:21.860 I do 00:37:21.860 --> 00:37:22.460 not know 00:37:22.460 --> 00:37:22.920 you. 00:37:24.820 --> 00:37:25.679 He took 00:37:25.679 --> 00:37:26.019 that. 00:37:31.219 --> 00:37:32.099 We know 00:37:32.099 --> 00:37:32.460 he is 00:37:32.460 --> 00:37:32.900 returning 00:37:32.900 --> 00:37:33.319 one day 00:37:33.319 --> 00:37:33.639 to put 00:37:33.639 --> 00:37:33.980 an end 00:37:33.980 --> 00:37:34.400 to all 00:37:34.400 --> 00:37:34.759 evil. 00:37:36.460 --> 00:37:37.079 And he 00:37:37.079 --> 00:37:37.739 chose to 00:37:37.739 --> 00:37:38.339 go through 00:37:38.339 --> 00:37:39.440 that day 00:37:39.440 --> 00:37:40.380 so that 00:37:40.380 --> 00:37:41.239 he wouldn't 00:37:41.239 --> 00:37:42.559 have to 00:37:42.559 --> 00:37:43.079 end you 00:37:43.079 --> 00:37:43.519 and me 00:37:43.519 --> 00:37:44.059 when he 00:37:44.059 --> 00:37:44.319 comes 00:37:44.319 --> 00:37:44.719 back. 00:37:50.039 --> 00:37:50.880 He gets 00:37:50.880 --> 00:37:51.299 us ready. 00:37:52.920 --> 00:37:53.400 He's 00:37:53.400 --> 00:37:53.920 established 00:37:53.920 --> 00:37:54.319 our 00:37:54.319 --> 00:37:54.880 relationship 00:37:54.880 --> 00:37:55.420 with God 00:37:55.420 --> 00:37:56.239 by grace. 00:37:57.319 --> 00:37:57.839 He's 00:37:57.839 --> 00:37:58.279 given us 00:37:58.279 --> 00:37:59.259 his words 00:37:59.259 --> 00:37:59.940 to prepare 00:37:59.940 --> 00:38:00.699 us to 00:38:00.699 --> 00:38:01.679 stay 00:38:01.679 --> 00:38:02.319 spiritually 00:38:02.319 --> 00:38:02.819 awake. 00:38:03.199 --> 00:38:03.619 He even 00:38:03.619 --> 00:38:04.000 gives us 00:38:04.000 --> 00:38:04.819 his spirit 00:38:04.819 --> 00:38:06.019 to empower 00:38:06.019 --> 00:38:06.759 us to be 00:38:06.759 --> 00:38:07.179 faithful. 00:38:07.899 --> 00:38:08.719 He gives 00:38:08.719 --> 00:38:09.339 us his 00:38:09.339 --> 00:38:10.779 spirit to 00:38:10.779 --> 00:38:11.419 persevere 00:38:11.419 --> 00:38:11.779 for the 00:38:11.779 --> 00:38:12.179 long haul. 00:38:12.259 --> 00:38:12.619 He gives 00:38:12.619 --> 00:38:12.980 us one 00:38:12.980 --> 00:38:13.539 another in 00:38:13.539 --> 00:38:14.219 the church. 00:38:19.339 --> 00:38:20.000 And then 00:38:20.000 --> 00:38:21.019 he congratulates 00:38:21.019 --> 00:38:21.419 us for 00:38:21.419 --> 00:38:24.019 using his 00:38:24.019 --> 00:38:24.460 grace. 00:38:25.039 --> 00:38:25.419 He gives 00:38:25.419 --> 00:38:25.919 us everything. 00:38:25.920 --> 00:38:27.220 his 00:38:27.220 --> 00:38:28.360 word to 00:38:28.360 --> 00:38:28.920 endure. 00:38:28.920 --> 00:38:28.579 He took 00:38:28.579 --> 00:38:29.159 the judgment 00:38:29.159 --> 00:38:31.059 and then 00:38:31.059 --> 00:38:31.539 he gives 00:38:31.539 --> 00:38:31.900 us his 00:38:31.900 --> 00:38:32.240 spirit. 00:38:32.420 --> 00:38:32.599 He gives 00:38:32.599 --> 00:38:32.920 us his 00:38:32.920 --> 00:38:33.380 word to 00:38:33.380 --> 00:38:33.700 endure. 00:38:39.099 --> 00:38:39.820 So we 00:38:39.820 --> 00:38:40.079 can be 00:38:40.079 --> 00:38:40.780 ready for 00:38:40.780 --> 00:38:40.940 his 00:38:40.940 --> 00:38:41.380 return. 00:38:47.659 --> 00:38:48.380 If his 00:38:48.380 --> 00:38:48.680 promised 00:38:48.680 --> 00:38:49.700 return isn't 00:38:49.700 --> 00:38:50.480 on our 00:38:50.480 --> 00:38:50.940 minds 00:38:50.940 --> 00:38:51.500 regularly, 00:38:52.340 --> 00:38:53.039 I think 00:38:53.039 --> 00:38:53.340 that can 00:38:53.340 --> 00:38:54.119 only mean 00:38:54.119 --> 00:38:55.099 his cross 00:38:55.099 --> 00:38:56.480 isn't on 00:38:56.480 --> 00:38:57.119 our mind 00:38:57.119 --> 00:38:58.380 regularly. 00:38:59.880 --> 00:39:00.719 Either that 00:39:00.719 --> 00:39:01.380 or we turn 00:39:01.380 --> 00:39:01.940 his cross 00:39:01.940 --> 00:39:02.799 into he 00:39:02.799 --> 00:39:03.539 died so 00:39:03.539 --> 00:39:03.819 that he 00:39:03.819 --> 00:39:04.199 can give 00:39:04.199 --> 00:39:04.699 my life 00:39:04.699 --> 00:39:05.400 now this 00:39:05.400 --> 00:39:05.880 comfortable 00:39:05.880 --> 00:39:06.599 existence. 00:39:07.319 --> 00:39:08.000 His cross 00:39:08.000 --> 00:39:08.319 and his 00:39:08.319 --> 00:39:08.819 return, 00:39:09.219 --> 00:39:10.420 those two 00:39:10.420 --> 00:39:10.920 days are 00:39:10.920 --> 00:39:11.360 connected. 00:39:12.400 --> 00:39:12.719 He went 00:39:12.719 --> 00:39:13.079 through the 00:39:13.079 --> 00:39:13.940 one to 00:39:13.940 --> 00:39:14.319 give us 00:39:14.319 --> 00:39:14.759 the other. 00:39:16.819 --> 00:39:17.579 I think 00:39:17.579 --> 00:39:17.940 that's how 00:39:17.940 --> 00:39:18.339 we stay 00:39:18.339 --> 00:39:18.819 spiritually 00:39:18.819 --> 00:39:19.319 awake. 00:39:20.039 --> 00:39:20.779 Having that 00:39:20.779 --> 00:39:21.659 perspective, 00:39:21.659 --> 00:39:23.480 not just 00:39:23.480 --> 00:39:24.019 the present 00:39:24.019 --> 00:39:25.739 but one 00:39:25.739 --> 00:39:26.179 eye on 00:39:26.179 --> 00:39:26.619 the cross 00:39:26.619 --> 00:39:27.079 and one 00:39:27.079 --> 00:39:28.319 eye on 00:39:28.319 --> 00:39:28.500 his 00:39:28.500 --> 00:39:29.019 return. 00:39:32.940 --> 00:39:33.460 It 00:39:33.460 --> 00:39:34.079 fills us 00:39:34.079 --> 00:39:34.279 with 00:39:34.279 --> 00:39:35.059 consciousness 00:39:35.059 --> 00:39:35.899 that he's 00:39:35.899 --> 00:39:36.599 here now, 00:39:36.819 --> 00:39:37.119 that he's 00:39:37.119 --> 00:39:37.739 my master 00:39:37.739 --> 00:39:38.159 now, 00:39:38.339 --> 00:39:39.199 that he's 00:39:39.199 --> 00:39:39.879 empowering 00:39:39.879 --> 00:39:40.339 me by 00:39:40.339 --> 00:39:40.839 his spirit 00:39:40.839 --> 00:39:41.279 now. 00:39:46.119 --> 00:39:46.619 He's 00:39:46.619 --> 00:39:47.000 made us 00:39:47.000 --> 00:39:47.699 ready for 00:39:47.699 --> 00:39:48.319 his return. 00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:49.579 If he 00:39:49.579 --> 00:39:50.139 comes back 00:39:50.139 --> 00:39:50.460 at two 00:39:50.460 --> 00:39:50.859 o'clock, 00:39:51.000 --> 00:39:51.239 I'm 00:39:51.239 --> 00:39:51.480 ready. 00:39:53.079 --> 00:39:53.839 I really 00:39:53.839 --> 00:39:54.219 hope you 00:39:54.219 --> 00:39:54.539 can say 00:39:54.539 --> 00:39:55.039 the same. 00:39:58.659 --> 00:39:59.739 Will you 00:39:59.739 --> 00:40:00.079 pray with 00:40:00.079 --> 00:40:00.219 me? 00:40:00.379 --> 00:40:00.539 Let's 00:40:00.539 --> 00:40:00.759 pray. 00:40:12.039 --> 00:40:12.480 Father, 00:40:12.639 --> 00:40:13.519 we forgive 00:40:13.519 --> 00:40:13.879 us for 00:40:13.879 --> 00:40:14.379 being so 00:40:14.379 --> 00:40:15.839 prone to 00:40:15.839 --> 00:40:18.019 just filling 00:40:18.019 --> 00:40:18.579 our minds 00:40:18.579 --> 00:40:18.879 with the 00:40:18.879 --> 00:40:19.679 ordinary in 00:40:19.679 --> 00:40:20.059 life. 00:40:20.139 --> 00:40:21.400 and not 00:40:21.400 --> 00:40:22.879 interpreting 00:40:22.879 --> 00:40:23.819 the ordinary 00:40:23.819 --> 00:40:26.639 with heavenly 00:40:26.639 --> 00:40:27.219 things, 00:40:27.379 --> 00:40:28.059 with your 00:40:28.059 --> 00:40:28.759 cross that 00:40:28.759 --> 00:40:29.119 has made 00:40:29.119 --> 00:40:29.519 us ready 00:40:29.519 --> 00:40:29.859 for your 00:40:29.859 --> 00:40:30.579 return and 00:40:30.579 --> 00:40:30.879 that you 00:40:30.879 --> 00:40:31.559 will return 00:40:31.559 --> 00:40:34.480 and what 00:40:34.480 --> 00:40:34.799 a day 00:40:34.799 --> 00:40:35.079 that will 00:40:35.079 --> 00:40:35.379 be. 00:40:36.219 --> 00:40:36.799 Forgive us 00:40:36.799 --> 00:40:37.139 for that. 00:40:37.259 --> 00:40:38.739 Please fill 00:40:38.739 --> 00:40:39.179 us as a 00:40:39.179 --> 00:40:41.500 church with 00:40:41.500 --> 00:40:43.199 an expectation 00:40:43.199 --> 00:40:43.940 that you'll 00:40:43.940 --> 00:40:44.359 return. 00:40:44.599 --> 00:40:46.480 Please give 00:40:46.480 --> 00:40:47.059 us grace 00:40:47.059 --> 00:40:47.900 upon grace 00:40:47.900 --> 00:40:48.900 so that we 00:40:48.900 --> 00:40:49.500 might be 00:40:49.500 --> 00:40:50.180 faithful to 00:40:50.180 --> 00:40:50.480 you, 00:40:51.160 --> 00:40:51.480 that we 00:40:51.480 --> 00:40:51.740 might 00:40:51.740 --> 00:40:52.200 endure. 00:40:53.200 --> 00:40:54.039 For your 00:40:54.039 --> 00:40:54.800 glory and 00:40:54.800 --> 00:40:55.220 our good, 00:40:55.280 --> 00:40:56.079 I pray in 00:40:56.079 --> 00:40:56.519 his name. 00:40:56.740 --> 00:40:57.059 Amen. 00:40:57.059 --> 00:40:58.719 holy 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:58.719 00:40:58.719 --> 00:41:28.699 Thank you.