WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.980 My name is Matthew Capone and I'm the pastor here at Cheyenne Mountain Presbyterian Church 00:00:05.980 --> 00:00:09.160 and it's my joy to bring God's Word to you this morning. 00:00:09.640 --> 00:00:11.939 A special welcome if you're new or visiting with us. 00:00:12.000 --> 00:00:16.280 We're glad that you're here and we're glad that you're here not because we're trying to fill seats 00:00:16.280 --> 00:00:19.960 but because we're following Jesus together as one community 00:00:19.960 --> 00:00:24.740 and as we follow Jesus together we become convinced that there's no one so good. 00:00:24.839 --> 00:00:28.400 They don't need God's grace and no one so bad that they can't have it 00:00:28.399 --> 00:00:34.239 which is why we come back week after week Sunday after Sunday to hear what God has to say to us in His Word. 00:00:35.280 --> 00:00:38.979 We're starting this morning a new series in the Gospel of Mark. 00:00:39.019 --> 00:00:42.339 In the Gospel of Mark as all the Gospels simply tells the story of Jesus. 00:00:42.560 --> 00:00:45.759 It's the story of His life and His death and His resurrection. 00:00:46.119 --> 00:00:51.599 And we talk about Jesus. We are not talking about an abstraction or an idea or a construct 00:00:51.599 --> 00:00:56.460 but at risk of saying the obvious we are talking about a historical real man. 00:00:56.460 --> 00:01:00.020 We are talking about someone who was born in the first century in Bethlehem. 00:01:00.500 --> 00:01:03.719 Bethlehem was five or six miles south of Jerusalem. 00:01:04.400 --> 00:01:07.079 And we're also talking about someone who grew up in Nazareth 00:01:07.079 --> 00:01:10.939 which is 64 or 65 miles north of Jerusalem. 00:01:11.359 --> 00:01:14.920 And I mention that to remind us all, while it may seem clear, 00:01:15.640 --> 00:01:18.760 Jesus takes on all kinds of different ideas from all kinds of different people. 00:01:18.920 --> 00:01:23.560 We are talking about a real man who lived in real time and real space. 00:01:23.560 --> 00:01:27.760 And as we come to this book, the Gospel of Mark asks two simple questions 00:01:27.760 --> 00:01:30.480 that we're going to be asking as we go through it. 00:01:30.480 --> 00:01:32.760 And it's going to be our questions this morning which are simply this. 00:01:32.859 --> 00:01:35.900 Who is Jesus and how do we respond to Him? 00:01:36.719 --> 00:01:40.219 Who is Jesus and how do we respond to Him? 00:01:40.260 --> 00:01:42.379 Now that second question, you could rephrase it. 00:01:42.540 --> 00:01:44.320 If you don't consider yourself a Christian, 00:01:44.680 --> 00:01:46.620 maybe you're not interested in responding to Jesus. 00:01:46.680 --> 00:01:47.879 You could ask it a different way. 00:01:47.879 --> 00:01:49.899 Why would you follow Jesus? 00:01:51.719 --> 00:01:54.239 Okay, so how do you respond to Him or why would you follow Him? 00:01:54.280 --> 00:01:56.159 And I use that word because Jesus does. 00:01:56.239 --> 00:02:00.459 He invites people later in the Gospel of Mark to follow after Him. 00:02:00.859 --> 00:02:01.939 And so we're going to jump right in. 00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:05.840 Mark's known for repeating over and over the word immediately 00:02:05.840 --> 00:02:09.039 because he moves quickly from scene to scene. 00:02:09.159 --> 00:02:11.599 This is in fact the shortest of all the Gospels. 00:02:11.719 --> 00:02:13.620 And so in answering those questions this morning, 00:02:13.620 --> 00:02:14.879 we're going to see two things. 00:02:15.000 --> 00:02:16.159 First of all, the Savior. 00:02:17.200 --> 00:02:18.659 And second of all, the sick. 00:02:19.140 --> 00:02:21.700 We're going to see the Savior and the sick. 00:02:21.800 --> 00:02:23.840 And so it's with that I invite you to turn with me now 00:02:23.840 --> 00:02:25.360 to the beginning of the Gospel of Mark. 00:02:25.439 --> 00:02:26.879 You can turn in your Bible. 00:02:27.460 --> 00:02:29.280 You can turn in your worship guide. 00:02:29.379 --> 00:02:30.860 You can turn on your phone. 00:02:31.400 --> 00:02:34.280 No matter where you turn, remember that this is God's word. 00:02:34.400 --> 00:02:37.040 God tells us that His word is a lamp to our feet 00:02:37.040 --> 00:02:38.480 and a light to our path. 00:02:39.040 --> 00:02:43.480 In other words, God has not left us to stumble alone in the dark. 00:02:43.620 --> 00:02:47.200 But instead, He has given us His word to show us the way to go. 00:02:47.840 --> 00:02:52.060 And so that's why we read now, starting at Mark 1, verse 1. 00:02:53.140 --> 00:02:56.759 The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 00:02:57.460 --> 00:02:59.379 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, 00:03:00.180 --> 00:03:03.000 Behold, I send my messenger before your face, 00:03:03.219 --> 00:03:04.780 who will prepare your way. 00:03:05.420 --> 00:03:07.740 The voice of one crying in the wilderness. 00:03:08.700 --> 00:03:10.420 Prepare the way of the Lord. 00:03:11.060 --> 00:03:12.900 Make His paths straight. 00:03:13.620 --> 00:03:16.620 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness 00:03:16.620 --> 00:03:19.200 and proclaiming a baptism of repentance 00:03:19.200 --> 00:03:21.180 for the forgiveness of sins. 00:03:21.960 --> 00:03:24.180 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem 00:03:24.180 --> 00:03:25.280 were going out to him 00:03:25.280 --> 00:03:28.080 and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, 00:03:28.640 --> 00:03:29.640 confessing their sins. 00:03:30.599 --> 00:03:32.980 Now John was clothed with camel's hair 00:03:32.980 --> 00:03:35.719 and wore a leather belt around his waist 00:03:35.719 --> 00:03:38.140 and ate locusts and wild honey. 00:03:38.139 --> 00:03:40.339 And he preached, saying, 00:03:40.979 --> 00:03:43.599 After me comes he who is mightier than I, 00:03:44.179 --> 00:03:48.959 the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 00:03:48.960 --> 00:03:52.080 I have baptized you with water, 00:03:52.580 --> 00:03:55.640 but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. 00:03:56.580 --> 00:04:00.360 I invite you to pray with me as we come to this portion of God's Word. 00:04:01.480 --> 00:04:04.960 Our Father in heaven, we praise you again 00:04:04.960 --> 00:04:09.159 that you have not left us alone as orphans in a merciless universe, 00:04:09.159 --> 00:04:11.659 but instead you speak to us, 00:04:11.740 --> 00:04:15.140 and you speak to us clearly in words that we can understand. 00:04:15.139 --> 00:04:18.279 We ask that you would do that this morning by your Holy Spirit, 00:04:18.399 --> 00:04:21.319 that you would open our minds and eyes and heart, 00:04:21.399 --> 00:04:24.759 that we would be able to see Jesus in this passage, 00:04:25.339 --> 00:04:27.079 that you would cast a spotlight on him, 00:04:27.159 --> 00:04:31.740 that he would be more beautiful than we expected or realized, 00:04:31.919 --> 00:04:35.620 and that you would shape us and change us as a result of it. 00:04:35.839 --> 00:04:39.139 We thank you that we haven't earned these things or deserved them, 00:04:39.180 --> 00:04:42.719 but instead we simply ask them in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 00:04:43.339 --> 00:04:43.620 Amen. 00:04:45.139 --> 00:04:51.959 If you have seen Star Wars Episode I, The Phantom Menace, 00:04:52.439 --> 00:04:54.899 you know that getting into the film, 00:04:54.959 --> 00:04:57.240 maybe in the middle or maybe three quarters of the way through, 00:04:57.339 --> 00:05:00.199 you get to see this meeting of the Jedi Council. 00:05:00.939 --> 00:05:04.219 And Qui-Gon Jinn is coming before the Council to speak to them, 00:05:04.579 --> 00:05:06.779 and we find out during this meeting 00:05:06.779 --> 00:05:10.180 that there's been this prophecy from old times during the Jedi 00:05:10.180 --> 00:05:13.180 that there's going to be a chosen one who's supposed to come. 00:05:13.180 --> 00:05:16.439 And this chosen one is supposed to balance light and dark. 00:05:16.519 --> 00:05:20.199 He's going to balance the Force, and he's going to end the Sith. 00:05:20.660 --> 00:05:22.840 He's going to balance what has not been balanced before. 00:05:23.000 --> 00:05:26.280 And what Qui-Gon Jinn is convinced of that the Council is not 00:05:26.280 --> 00:05:29.360 is that young Anakin is the one that they've been looking forward to. 00:05:29.720 --> 00:05:32.060 He is the one who's going to balance light and dark. 00:05:32.160 --> 00:05:34.840 He's the one who's going to bring the Sith to an end. 00:05:34.839 --> 00:05:36.500 And he has reasons for believing this. 00:05:36.599 --> 00:05:38.219 Qui-Gon Jinn doesn't just make this up. 00:05:38.439 --> 00:05:39.679 He interacts with Anakin. 00:05:39.859 --> 00:05:42.459 He realizes that he's especially strong in the Force. 00:05:42.560 --> 00:05:46.159 In fact, remember the scene where they measure the midichlorians in his blood, 00:05:46.199 --> 00:05:52.019 and they're shocked to find out he has 20,000, over 20,000 midichlorians. 00:05:52.099 --> 00:05:57.439 And as he says, even Master Yoda doesn't have a midichlorian count that high. 00:05:58.179 --> 00:06:00.120 It's not just his midichlorian count, though. 00:06:00.120 --> 00:06:05.959 Remember when Anakin is sort of flirting with Padme, he tells her he's the only human being 00:06:05.959 --> 00:06:08.899 who can compete in pod racing. 00:06:09.579 --> 00:06:12.439 We find out that's because of his skill in the Force. 00:06:13.120 --> 00:06:16.980 And finally, when Qui-Gon Jinn is trying to convince the Council that this is the Chosen One, 00:06:17.079 --> 00:06:20.780 he tells them, look, I sense a convergence in the Force. 00:06:21.100 --> 00:06:26.560 In other words, there's a centrality of the Force around this individual that's not there with others. 00:06:26.620 --> 00:06:29.340 There's this high concentration of energy. 00:06:29.339 --> 00:06:31.179 And so Qui-Gon Jinn is trying to convince them. 00:06:31.259 --> 00:06:36.819 He's insisting this is the Chosen One, despite the skepticism of those in the room. 00:06:37.139 --> 00:06:40.839 Now, you might wonder why I'm bringing up Star Wars in the midst of the beginning of the Gospel of Mark. 00:06:40.859 --> 00:06:41.560 And the reason is this. 00:06:41.599 --> 00:06:43.439 There's a connection in this story. 00:06:43.560 --> 00:06:47.459 Qui-Gon Jinn is trying to say there's a connection between what we have been expecting 00:06:47.459 --> 00:06:52.339 and looking for in the past and what is now in front of us in the future. 00:06:52.459 --> 00:06:54.059 We've been anticipating this. 00:06:54.379 --> 00:06:56.879 I think it's now here in front of us. 00:06:56.879 --> 00:07:00.620 He's the one we have been waiting for. 00:07:01.839 --> 00:07:05.620 Mark here with John the Baptist is making the same point. 00:07:05.759 --> 00:07:07.639 There is a prophecy being fulfilled. 00:07:07.800 --> 00:07:09.659 Now, don't carry this too far, right? 00:07:09.980 --> 00:07:11.680 Star Wars is filled with Eastern religion. 00:07:11.800 --> 00:07:12.959 We're talking about Christianity. 00:07:12.959 --> 00:07:17.919 But he's saying there's this thing that we've been looking towards for years 00:07:17.919 --> 00:07:23.219 that has been prophesied that is now before us right here and right now. 00:07:23.279 --> 00:07:25.699 We see this first of all, verses 2 and 3. 00:07:25.799 --> 00:07:27.240 He quotes the prophet Isaiah. 00:07:27.560 --> 00:07:31.859 He's actually quoting Isaiah and Malachi here. 00:07:31.860 --> 00:07:35.879 Typically, in the New Testament, when someone quotes an Old Testament prophet, 00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:38.420 they only mention one of them, even if they're quoting multiples. 00:07:39.180 --> 00:07:44.000 And he's saying this prophecy, by the way, it's just about God returning to his people 00:07:44.000 --> 00:07:44.720 after the exile. 00:07:44.879 --> 00:07:50.199 God giving his people his presence once again and bringing his salvation fully and finally. 00:07:50.540 --> 00:07:54.900 This prophecy from Isaiah and Malachi is being fulfilled right now. 00:07:54.899 --> 00:07:58.599 The thing that you've been waiting for, the thing that you've been longing for, 00:07:58.659 --> 00:08:02.339 the fact that you've never been fully restored since your exile in Babylon, 00:08:02.879 --> 00:08:07.299 God's presence, which never returned to the temple, it is finally here. 00:08:07.599 --> 00:08:10.279 The prophecy is being fulfilled. 00:08:10.859 --> 00:08:13.620 This is the one we've been looking for. 00:08:14.060 --> 00:08:17.419 And we find here a specific portion of this prophecy that we're pointed to. 00:08:17.679 --> 00:08:22.639 It's not just that God is returning finally with his presence to his people, 00:08:22.639 --> 00:08:26.860 but we know from these prophecies that there's meant to be a messenger 00:08:26.860 --> 00:08:30.019 who comes to prepare the way. 00:08:30.699 --> 00:08:34.419 That's the point made in Isaiah chapter 40, verse 3. 00:08:34.879 --> 00:08:39.179 And Malachi put together as part of what we read earlier this morning. 00:08:39.720 --> 00:08:44.360 And he is telling us here this messenger that's meant to prepare the way for God 00:08:44.360 --> 00:08:46.319 is in fact John the Baptist. 00:08:46.580 --> 00:08:50.019 That's why we find out in verse 4, we're told John appeared 00:08:50.019 --> 00:08:53.139 immediately after we're told that this prophecy has come. 00:08:53.939 --> 00:08:58.480 John is coming as the one who's meant to prepare the way. 00:08:58.659 --> 00:09:01.539 He's the messenger that the Old Testament predicted, 00:09:02.179 --> 00:09:04.759 and so God's salvation is almost here. 00:09:04.840 --> 00:09:06.179 It's right around the corner. 00:09:06.620 --> 00:09:10.819 His messenger has shown up to announce and proclaim his presence. 00:09:11.840 --> 00:09:15.419 He tells us more just in the fact that John has appeared, though. 00:09:15.419 --> 00:09:18.860 We'll come back to this repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 00:09:18.860 --> 00:09:21.199 but we find out John's location. 00:09:21.959 --> 00:09:24.860 By the way, in Malachi chapter 4, verse 5, 00:09:24.979 --> 00:09:28.399 we're told that this messenger who's preparing the way for God 00:09:28.399 --> 00:09:30.019 is going to be Elijah again. 00:09:30.879 --> 00:09:32.839 Remember Elijah, an Old Testament prophet. 00:09:33.079 --> 00:09:36.199 He's been long dead at this point since the beginning of the Gospel of Mark, 00:09:36.459 --> 00:09:39.919 and yet Elijah's the one they're looking for to appear again, 00:09:40.299 --> 00:09:43.139 and that's what he's getting at over and over in these verses. 00:09:43.139 --> 00:09:44.639 So first of all, John appears. 00:09:44.980 --> 00:09:47.100 We have to trust him that John's supposed to be Elijah 00:09:47.100 --> 00:09:49.419 because he's coming right after the fulfillment of the prophecy, 00:09:49.620 --> 00:09:51.600 but he gives us reasons to believe. 00:09:52.080 --> 00:09:55.220 It's not just that Qui-Gon Jinn believes that Anakin's the chosen one, 00:09:55.279 --> 00:09:57.299 but he has the midichlorian count to back him up. 00:09:57.500 --> 00:09:59.799 He has his power in podracing to back him up. 00:10:00.259 --> 00:10:02.759 John also brings his evidence here. 00:10:02.860 --> 00:10:04.279 He is appearing in the wilderness, 00:10:04.860 --> 00:10:07.360 the same place where Elijah disappeared. 00:10:08.220 --> 00:10:11.759 So he's reappearing the last place Elijah was seen. 00:10:11.759 --> 00:10:14.200 He's also wearing clothes here. 00:10:14.539 --> 00:10:16.559 Verse 6, camel's hair and a leather belt. 00:10:16.720 --> 00:10:18.980 That is meant to remind us of Elijah. 00:10:19.100 --> 00:10:21.340 Not only is he appearing in Elijah's place, 00:10:21.620 --> 00:10:23.340 he looks like Elijah. 00:10:24.500 --> 00:10:28.720 And he's coming here, giving us what we've been looking for forever. 00:10:29.460 --> 00:10:32.679 We've been looking for the promised return of God. 00:10:32.679 --> 00:10:37.739 And so this appearance of John the Baptist is meant to build our excitement up, 00:10:37.779 --> 00:10:40.259 our anticipation that God's return, 00:10:40.419 --> 00:10:44.879 which has been waited for for centuries, is finally coming. 00:10:45.899 --> 00:10:49.059 We find out about another prophecy fulfilled too. 00:10:49.139 --> 00:10:51.739 It's not just that John is coming here, 00:10:51.859 --> 00:10:55.019 but John is coming to prepare the way, right, for the Lord. 00:10:55.019 --> 00:10:57.519 Lord, this one who is coming, verse 8, 00:10:57.960 --> 00:11:00.779 is going to baptize you with the Holy Spirit. 00:11:01.759 --> 00:11:06.000 This comes as a fulfillment of prophecies in the books of Isaiah and Ezekiel 00:11:06.000 --> 00:11:08.919 that talk a lot about the day when God is going to come 00:11:08.919 --> 00:11:11.759 and finally pour out his Spirit on his people. 00:11:11.899 --> 00:11:14.000 And so it's not just that God's presence is coming, 00:11:14.319 --> 00:11:16.299 but his power is coming as well. 00:11:17.000 --> 00:11:19.159 When we think about the Holy Spirit in the Bible, 00:11:19.340 --> 00:11:21.120 there's all kinds of things we could talk about, 00:11:21.120 --> 00:11:26.799 but the Holy Spirit comes bringing God's power to change hearts and lives. 00:11:26.879 --> 00:11:29.519 That's what these prophecies in the Old Testament talk about. 00:11:30.179 --> 00:11:32.639 And so this one, baptizing with the Holy Spirit, 00:11:32.740 --> 00:11:35.299 is coming and going to bring that power finally 00:11:35.299 --> 00:11:37.480 that they've been longing for and looking for 00:11:37.480 --> 00:11:40.039 that's been promised for centuries in the prophets. 00:11:40.159 --> 00:11:43.080 The Holy Spirit is going to be able to change hearts and minds. 00:11:43.960 --> 00:11:46.019 It's the Holy Spirit that allows us, 00:11:46.080 --> 00:11:49.659 that causes us to finally be able to admit that we're wrong. 00:11:49.659 --> 00:11:52.819 It's the Holy Spirit we find out in the New Testament 00:11:52.819 --> 00:11:56.219 that helps us to understand the truths about God 00:11:56.219 --> 00:11:58.899 that we would not be able to understand on our own. 00:11:59.299 --> 00:12:03.839 It's the Holy Spirit that changes our affections and our loves. 00:12:04.779 --> 00:12:07.279 The Spirit has power. 00:12:08.779 --> 00:12:10.139 In other words, 00:12:10.959 --> 00:12:16.360 this God is going to come and save his world, 00:12:16.659 --> 00:12:18.639 and he has the power to do it. 00:12:18.639 --> 00:12:22.080 This great and powerful presence 00:12:22.080 --> 00:12:24.740 that we've been waiting for for so long 00:12:24.740 --> 00:12:26.879 is finally here. 00:12:28.100 --> 00:12:29.340 Now I'm going to pause for a second 00:12:29.340 --> 00:12:30.819 just to explain to you all the difference 00:12:30.819 --> 00:12:32.500 between baptizing with water 00:12:32.500 --> 00:12:34.399 and baptizing with the Holy Spirit 00:12:34.399 --> 00:12:35.360 might seem strange 00:12:35.360 --> 00:12:36.860 because water and the Holy Spirit 00:12:36.860 --> 00:12:38.240 don't seem like opposites, 00:12:38.419 --> 00:12:39.960 and it might also be strange 00:12:39.960 --> 00:12:41.100 because there's all kinds of people 00:12:41.100 --> 00:12:42.659 who have all kinds of theories and thoughts 00:12:42.659 --> 00:12:43.460 about what's meant here, 00:12:43.500 --> 00:12:46.279 and I want you to think about it simply in this way. 00:12:46.279 --> 00:12:48.919 The difference between baptism in water 00:12:48.919 --> 00:12:50.579 and baptism with the Holy Spirit 00:12:50.579 --> 00:12:53.839 is the difference between the nurse and the doctor. 00:12:54.819 --> 00:12:56.600 Now if you go and you visit your doctor, 00:12:56.659 --> 00:12:57.699 you go to the doctor's office, 00:12:57.799 --> 00:12:59.799 which I know doesn't happen quite as often anymore. 00:12:59.899 --> 00:13:01.259 People are just texting their doctors 00:13:01.259 --> 00:13:02.699 or doing telehealth, 00:13:02.779 --> 00:13:04.939 but if you actually show up to the office in person, 00:13:05.319 --> 00:13:06.339 what's going to happen first? 00:13:06.379 --> 00:13:07.220 Well, you're going to get checked in 00:13:07.220 --> 00:13:08.240 by the receptionist, right? 00:13:09.039 --> 00:13:10.939 Then you get called back to the room. 00:13:11.639 --> 00:13:12.779 When you're in the room, 00:13:13.480 --> 00:13:15.379 the nurse is going to come in and talk to you, 00:13:15.399 --> 00:13:16.159 and what's he going to say? 00:13:16.919 --> 00:13:17.579 He's going to ask you, 00:13:17.699 --> 00:13:18.519 what's wrong with you? 00:13:18.879 --> 00:13:20.740 Why are you here to see the doctor? 00:13:20.980 --> 00:13:22.679 Now I always find that to be a silly question 00:13:22.679 --> 00:13:24.339 because I never set up doctor's appointments 00:13:24.339 --> 00:13:26.079 without already telling them why I'm there, 00:13:26.240 --> 00:13:27.259 but for some reason, 00:13:27.339 --> 00:13:28.360 we have to go through this charade 00:13:28.360 --> 00:13:29.419 where they ask me why I'm there, 00:13:29.480 --> 00:13:30.159 so I tell them. 00:13:31.519 --> 00:13:33.240 I am admitting in that moment 00:13:33.240 --> 00:13:34.519 that I have a need, right? 00:13:35.879 --> 00:13:38.039 I am saying, I need help. 00:13:38.039 --> 00:13:39.139 Here's why I'm here. 00:13:39.480 --> 00:13:42.039 This nurse is helping me to admit that need. 00:13:43.419 --> 00:13:45.279 And the nurse can't help me, right? 00:13:45.419 --> 00:13:47.860 The nurse does not have the power to prescribe. 00:13:48.419 --> 00:13:50.339 The nurse is not there to diagnose. 00:13:50.959 --> 00:13:52.939 We might say the nurse is there 00:13:52.939 --> 00:13:55.759 to prepare the way for the doctor. 00:13:56.720 --> 00:13:57.519 And so it's important. 00:13:57.639 --> 00:13:58.740 I have to admit my need, 00:13:58.959 --> 00:14:01.360 but my need's not going to be solved by that. 00:14:02.019 --> 00:14:04.159 What I need, what I'm waiting for 00:14:04.159 --> 00:14:05.779 is the doctor to show up. 00:14:05.799 --> 00:14:06.720 And what's going to happen? 00:14:06.720 --> 00:14:08.679 Well, after my temperature has been taken 00:14:08.679 --> 00:14:09.459 and I've been weighed 00:14:09.459 --> 00:14:10.539 and I've admitted my problem, 00:14:10.620 --> 00:14:12.019 the doctor is going to show up. 00:14:12.019 --> 00:14:14.120 She is the one who is going to be able 00:14:14.120 --> 00:14:16.840 to prescribe and administer and diagnose. 00:14:17.039 --> 00:14:18.819 She is the one who actually has the power 00:14:18.819 --> 00:14:20.519 to make things right again. 00:14:21.379 --> 00:14:23.120 That is what we're talking about here 00:14:23.120 --> 00:14:24.139 when we look at the difference 00:14:24.139 --> 00:14:25.659 between baptism with water 00:14:25.659 --> 00:14:27.120 and baptism with the Holy Spirit. 00:14:27.559 --> 00:14:30.019 John is preparing the way for Jesus. 00:14:30.199 --> 00:14:32.039 He is getting the patients ready, 00:14:32.480 --> 00:14:33.480 admitting their need, 00:14:33.620 --> 00:14:35.600 knowing that they need someone greater 00:14:35.600 --> 00:14:36.679 and more powerful 00:14:36.679 --> 00:14:39.419 who can bring the Spirit to change them. 00:14:40.139 --> 00:14:41.919 And so they're ready 00:14:41.919 --> 00:14:43.679 when the doctor shows up. 00:14:44.859 --> 00:14:46.319 He is getting them ready 00:14:46.319 --> 00:14:47.959 so that Jesus can come 00:14:47.959 --> 00:14:50.139 and actually bring real healing 00:14:50.139 --> 00:14:51.819 and power and transformation. 00:14:53.379 --> 00:14:54.819 And so the point is this, 00:14:54.859 --> 00:14:56.120 that we look at the very beginning 00:14:56.120 --> 00:14:57.219 of the Gospel of Mark. 00:14:57.220 --> 00:14:59.060 The world is sick 00:14:59.060 --> 00:15:03.139 and the one who can save it 00:15:03.139 --> 00:15:05.080 and heal it is finally here. 00:15:06.560 --> 00:15:08.080 The world is sick 00:15:08.080 --> 00:15:10.279 and the one who can save it 00:15:10.279 --> 00:15:12.019 and heal it is finally here. 00:15:12.399 --> 00:15:14.540 Help is on the way. 00:15:15.420 --> 00:15:17.120 This is not a drill. 00:15:17.120 --> 00:15:21.500 That's how Mark begins his Gospel. 00:15:21.639 --> 00:15:22.220 And so you'll remember 00:15:22.220 --> 00:15:23.019 I had two questions. 00:15:23.139 --> 00:15:23.740 Who is Jesus? 00:15:24.120 --> 00:15:25.460 How do we respond to him? 00:15:26.039 --> 00:15:27.320 First of all, who is Jesus? 00:15:27.440 --> 00:15:28.240 We learn here, 00:15:28.379 --> 00:15:30.080 he is not just a man. 00:15:30.500 --> 00:15:31.480 He's also God. 00:15:32.179 --> 00:15:33.580 These Old Testament passages 00:15:33.580 --> 00:15:35.340 speak of God's return, 00:15:35.799 --> 00:15:36.600 his presence. 00:15:37.720 --> 00:15:39.799 Jesus is the one fulfilling that return. 00:15:39.960 --> 00:15:42.060 He is not just a good teacher, 00:15:42.060 --> 00:15:44.019 although he does have good teachings. 00:15:44.419 --> 00:15:45.480 He is divine. 00:15:46.480 --> 00:15:47.639 He is fulfilling 00:15:47.639 --> 00:15:49.500 the Old Testament prophecies 00:15:49.500 --> 00:15:51.120 even if it's not in the way 00:15:51.120 --> 00:15:52.420 you might expect. 00:15:53.300 --> 00:15:56.100 Not only is he not just a man, 00:15:56.180 --> 00:15:56.600 but God, 00:15:56.759 --> 00:15:57.940 he also is coming 00:15:57.940 --> 00:15:59.779 with real and true power. 00:15:59.940 --> 00:16:01.220 He is coming to provide 00:16:01.220 --> 00:16:03.720 the baptism of the Holy Spirit. 00:16:03.820 --> 00:16:05.440 He's going to use that power 00:16:05.440 --> 00:16:07.399 to actually save us. 00:16:08.539 --> 00:16:09.680 A few weeks ago, 00:16:09.680 --> 00:16:11.519 I referenced Charlie Brown, 00:16:11.600 --> 00:16:12.840 which if you're old like me, 00:16:13.100 --> 00:16:13.940 you'll remember. 00:16:14.940 --> 00:16:16.780 Remember Lucy always has her booth. 00:16:17.400 --> 00:16:18.660 It says psychiatric help, 00:16:18.780 --> 00:16:19.300 five cents, 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:20.240 and she has this sign 00:16:20.240 --> 00:16:21.560 that says the doctor is in. 00:16:22.760 --> 00:16:24.180 Mark is telling us, 00:16:24.440 --> 00:16:24.840 finally, 00:16:25.020 --> 00:16:26.320 after centuries of waiting, 00:16:26.680 --> 00:16:28.100 the doctor is in. 00:16:29.100 --> 00:16:31.500 He is here to save the world. 00:16:31.600 --> 00:16:32.840 He's going to be the one 00:16:32.840 --> 00:16:34.420 who comes and brings to an end 00:16:34.420 --> 00:16:35.500 all shame and sin 00:16:35.500 --> 00:16:36.620 and disease and death 00:16:36.620 --> 00:16:38.720 and alienation and wars. 00:16:38.940 --> 00:16:40.200 And it's important that we see this 00:16:40.200 --> 00:16:40.900 at the very beginning. 00:16:41.060 --> 00:16:42.460 Mark's giving us an introduction here 00:16:42.460 --> 00:16:43.460 to lay the groundwork 00:16:43.460 --> 00:16:45.100 because Jesus' power, 00:16:45.300 --> 00:16:46.100 that kind of power, 00:16:46.180 --> 00:16:46.920 we're going to see at work 00:16:46.920 --> 00:16:48.100 throughout the rest of the gospel. 00:16:48.620 --> 00:16:50.379 And so keep this introduction in mind 00:16:50.379 --> 00:16:51.800 as we see Jesus' healings 00:16:51.800 --> 00:16:52.960 and his teachings 00:16:52.960 --> 00:16:54.220 and his miracles. 00:16:55.720 --> 00:16:57.440 He is a God. 00:16:57.560 --> 00:16:58.420 He is the God. 00:16:58.519 --> 00:16:59.400 He is God 00:16:59.400 --> 00:17:01.560 coming with true and real power 00:17:01.560 --> 00:17:02.800 to heal this world. 00:17:03.960 --> 00:17:05.559 And so that's our first answer 00:17:05.559 --> 00:17:06.380 in the gospel of Mark 00:17:06.380 --> 00:17:07.400 to who Jesus is. 00:17:07.400 --> 00:17:08.880 We'll see more answers 00:17:08.880 --> 00:17:09.720 as we continue. 00:17:09.720 --> 00:17:11.779 Mark, though, 00:17:11.779 --> 00:17:12.559 is calling us 00:17:12.559 --> 00:17:13.900 not just to look at Jesus 00:17:13.900 --> 00:17:16.299 but also for a response. 00:17:16.880 --> 00:17:18.539 If the doctor is here, 00:17:18.819 --> 00:17:19.960 then what? 00:17:21.120 --> 00:17:22.880 Well, we see in verses 2 and 3 00:17:22.880 --> 00:17:24.319 that there's meant to be 00:17:24.319 --> 00:17:25.279 a preparation here. 00:17:25.360 --> 00:17:26.160 I will send my messenger 00:17:26.160 --> 00:17:27.259 who will prepare the way 00:17:27.259 --> 00:17:28.400 and then there's going to be 00:17:28.400 --> 00:17:29.220 the voice of one 00:17:29.220 --> 00:17:30.140 crying in the wilderness, 00:17:30.700 --> 00:17:32.700 prepare the way of the Lord. 00:17:33.660 --> 00:17:34.640 And then we find out 00:17:34.640 --> 00:17:35.440 in verse 4 00:17:35.440 --> 00:17:37.660 what this preparation looks like. 00:17:37.660 --> 00:17:38.820 John appeared, 00:17:39.040 --> 00:17:40.180 baptizing in the wilderness 00:17:40.180 --> 00:17:41.620 and proclaiming a baptism 00:17:41.620 --> 00:17:42.500 of repentance 00:17:42.500 --> 00:17:45.180 for the forgiveness of sins. 00:17:45.660 --> 00:17:47.300 Now, baptism is this water cleansing 00:17:47.300 --> 00:17:47.940 as we know 00:17:47.940 --> 00:17:48.840 that represents 00:17:48.840 --> 00:17:50.380 God cleansing us 00:17:50.380 --> 00:17:51.960 from the dirt of sin. 00:17:52.300 --> 00:17:53.080 We find out here 00:17:53.080 --> 00:17:54.620 that John's giving a baptism here 00:17:54.620 --> 00:17:55.660 that requires repentance. 00:17:55.880 --> 00:17:57.060 He is requiring people 00:17:57.060 --> 00:17:58.259 to admit and confess 00:17:58.259 --> 00:17:59.759 that they are sinners 00:17:59.759 --> 00:18:00.740 in need of help, 00:18:00.800 --> 00:18:02.500 that they need God's mercy 00:18:02.500 --> 00:18:03.740 and without it 00:18:03.740 --> 00:18:04.820 they deserve only 00:18:04.820 --> 00:18:06.040 his judgment. 00:18:06.039 --> 00:18:07.720 And so that simply is 00:18:07.720 --> 00:18:08.859 how John the Baptist 00:18:08.859 --> 00:18:09.700 is preparing the way. 00:18:09.779 --> 00:18:10.399 It goes back to my 00:18:10.399 --> 00:18:11.619 illustration earlier. 00:18:11.779 --> 00:18:12.960 John is the nurse 00:18:12.960 --> 00:18:14.559 getting people in the rooms. 00:18:15.379 --> 00:18:16.519 He's getting them ready. 00:18:16.599 --> 00:18:17.619 They've already admitted 00:18:17.619 --> 00:18:18.559 that they have need. 00:18:18.639 --> 00:18:19.720 They've already told 00:18:19.720 --> 00:18:20.940 this person 00:18:20.940 --> 00:18:21.659 that they're sick. 00:18:22.539 --> 00:18:23.720 That is his preparation 00:18:23.720 --> 00:18:24.440 for Jesus 00:18:24.440 --> 00:18:26.099 so that when Jesus shows up 00:18:26.099 --> 00:18:26.980 they are waiting 00:18:26.980 --> 00:18:28.240 and ready. 00:18:28.539 --> 00:18:29.339 In fact, Jesus is going 00:18:29.339 --> 00:18:30.240 to tell us later 00:18:30.240 --> 00:18:31.119 in the Gospel of Mark 00:18:31.119 --> 00:18:31.920 in chapter 2 00:18:31.920 --> 00:18:34.079 that he is coming 00:18:34.079 --> 00:18:35.839 as a physician. 00:18:35.839 --> 00:18:36.299 He says, 00:18:36.519 --> 00:18:37.039 those who are well 00:18:37.039 --> 00:18:37.899 have no need 00:18:37.899 --> 00:18:38.539 of a physician 00:18:38.539 --> 00:18:40.039 but those who are sick. 00:18:40.579 --> 00:18:41.839 I came not to call 00:18:41.839 --> 00:18:42.399 the righteous 00:18:42.399 --> 00:18:43.599 but sinners. 00:18:44.220 --> 00:18:45.299 So Jesus is coming 00:18:45.299 --> 00:18:46.720 only for those 00:18:46.720 --> 00:18:47.259 who are willing 00:18:47.259 --> 00:18:47.859 to admit 00:18:47.859 --> 00:18:49.059 and confess 00:18:49.059 --> 00:18:50.220 their need. 00:18:50.439 --> 00:18:51.299 And there's a challenge 00:18:51.299 --> 00:18:53.000 here in John's baptism 00:18:53.000 --> 00:18:54.439 because typically 00:18:54.439 --> 00:18:55.619 baptism at this point 00:18:55.619 --> 00:18:56.139 in history 00:18:56.139 --> 00:18:57.259 in biblical history 00:18:57.259 --> 00:18:58.319 was only for those 00:18:58.319 --> 00:18:59.199 who were non-Jews 00:18:59.199 --> 00:19:00.019 becoming Jews. 00:19:00.500 --> 00:19:01.259 And yet John here 00:19:01.259 --> 00:19:02.079 is requiring it 00:19:02.079 --> 00:19:02.919 of Jews as well. 00:19:02.980 --> 00:19:03.379 In other words, 00:19:03.419 --> 00:19:03.839 he's saying 00:19:03.839 --> 00:19:04.559 your pedigree, 00:19:04.959 --> 00:19:06.079 your religious background 00:19:06.079 --> 00:19:06.939 doesn't matter. 00:19:07.539 --> 00:19:08.279 I don't care 00:19:08.279 --> 00:19:09.259 if you're a Jew or not. 00:19:09.720 --> 00:19:11.559 I care if you are able 00:19:11.559 --> 00:19:12.859 to admit your need. 00:19:13.419 --> 00:19:14.339 On top of that, 00:19:14.459 --> 00:19:15.299 baptism at this time 00:19:15.299 --> 00:19:15.819 was typically 00:19:15.819 --> 00:19:16.899 self-administered. 00:19:16.899 --> 00:19:17.359 It was done 00:19:17.359 --> 00:19:18.059 by the person 00:19:18.059 --> 00:19:18.759 being baptized. 00:19:19.119 --> 00:19:19.699 John, however, 00:19:19.759 --> 00:19:20.319 is the one 00:19:20.319 --> 00:19:21.819 performing the baptism, right? 00:19:22.059 --> 00:19:22.879 They're being baptized 00:19:22.879 --> 00:19:23.759 by John 00:19:23.759 --> 00:19:24.679 and so he's telling them 00:19:24.679 --> 00:19:25.579 not only do you have 00:19:25.579 --> 00:19:26.419 to admit your need, 00:19:26.500 --> 00:19:27.539 not only do I not care 00:19:27.539 --> 00:19:28.500 about your background, 00:19:28.500 --> 00:19:30.920 you can't help yourself. 00:19:31.920 --> 00:19:33.440 You need something 00:19:33.440 --> 00:19:34.420 outside of you 00:19:34.420 --> 00:19:35.539 to cleanse you 00:19:35.539 --> 00:19:36.720 and save you. 00:19:38.220 --> 00:19:38.920 And so the question 00:19:38.920 --> 00:19:39.500 for us, 00:19:39.559 --> 00:19:40.200 brothers and sisters, 00:19:40.200 --> 00:19:41.460 is how do we respond? 00:19:41.599 --> 00:19:43.000 How are we preparing 00:19:43.000 --> 00:19:44.660 the way for Jesus? 00:19:44.799 --> 00:19:45.660 How are we prepared 00:19:45.660 --> 00:19:46.779 for him to come 00:19:46.779 --> 00:19:47.720 and heal? 00:19:48.740 --> 00:19:49.619 And the answer 00:19:49.619 --> 00:19:50.180 is simple. 00:19:50.299 --> 00:19:51.920 We also have to admit 00:19:51.920 --> 00:19:52.759 our mess. 00:19:54.640 --> 00:19:56.779 We can't find healing 00:19:56.779 --> 00:19:58.180 unless we're willing 00:19:58.180 --> 00:19:59.180 to admit where we need it. 00:19:59.240 --> 00:20:00.180 Imagine how ridiculous 00:20:00.180 --> 00:20:01.000 it would be 00:20:01.000 --> 00:20:02.599 if I showed up 00:20:02.599 --> 00:20:03.519 to the doctor's office, 00:20:03.619 --> 00:20:04.539 the nurse comes in, 00:20:04.940 --> 00:20:05.599 she asked me, 00:20:05.660 --> 00:20:06.139 why are you here 00:20:06.139 --> 00:20:06.779 to see the doctor? 00:20:06.819 --> 00:20:07.200 And I said, 00:20:07.339 --> 00:20:07.759 honestly, 00:20:08.279 --> 00:20:09.759 it's been a long time 00:20:09.759 --> 00:20:10.599 since I've seen him 00:20:10.599 --> 00:20:12.039 and I just really 00:20:12.039 --> 00:20:12.960 wanted to catch up. 00:20:14.180 --> 00:20:14.460 You know, 00:20:14.579 --> 00:20:15.500 I don't know 00:20:15.500 --> 00:20:16.480 what his kids are up to. 00:20:17.019 --> 00:20:18.359 Are they still playing baseball? 00:20:18.480 --> 00:20:19.019 Have they shifted 00:20:19.019 --> 00:20:19.480 to volleyball? 00:20:20.319 --> 00:20:20.619 I mean, 00:20:20.680 --> 00:20:21.759 I have questions. 00:20:23.220 --> 00:20:24.240 What would the nurse do? 00:20:24.319 --> 00:20:25.000 I probably wouldn't 00:20:25.000 --> 00:20:25.700 know what to do. 00:20:26.400 --> 00:20:28.080 You're at the doctor's office. 00:20:28.779 --> 00:20:28.960 Okay, 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:30.000 why are you here? 00:20:30.319 --> 00:20:31.640 What do you need? 00:20:31.680 --> 00:20:33.279 If you want to be healed, 00:20:33.340 --> 00:20:34.100 if you want him 00:20:34.100 --> 00:20:34.940 to help you, 00:20:35.259 --> 00:20:36.440 you have to be honest 00:20:36.440 --> 00:20:37.360 and upfront. 00:20:38.680 --> 00:20:38.980 And so, 00:20:39.059 --> 00:20:40.080 as we are coming 00:20:40.080 --> 00:20:41.039 to the gospel 00:20:41.039 --> 00:20:41.960 of Mark together, 00:20:42.380 --> 00:20:44.019 the price of admission 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:45.059 to this gospel 00:20:45.059 --> 00:20:46.100 is admitting your need. 00:20:46.460 --> 00:20:47.720 We are not here 00:20:47.720 --> 00:20:49.259 as an intellectual exercise. 00:20:49.720 --> 00:20:50.680 I am not here 00:20:50.680 --> 00:20:51.580 to simply give you 00:20:51.580 --> 00:20:52.559 some kind of insights 00:20:52.559 --> 00:20:53.640 into this text. 00:20:53.640 --> 00:20:55.200 we are here 00:20:55.200 --> 00:20:56.420 to be saved. 00:20:57.840 --> 00:20:58.860 We are here 00:20:58.860 --> 00:20:59.600 for Jesus, 00:20:59.780 --> 00:21:00.860 this great physician 00:21:00.860 --> 00:21:01.640 to come 00:21:01.640 --> 00:21:02.880 and to help us. 00:21:03.200 --> 00:21:03.780 I want you to think 00:21:03.780 --> 00:21:04.520 about it like this. 00:21:04.560 --> 00:21:05.420 If you've been in school, 00:21:05.560 --> 00:21:06.040 you know there are 00:21:06.040 --> 00:21:08.000 two ways to take a class. 00:21:08.360 --> 00:21:09.140 You can take it 00:21:09.140 --> 00:21:09.680 for credit 00:21:09.680 --> 00:21:11.780 or you can audit it. 00:21:12.340 --> 00:21:13.160 If you take it 00:21:13.160 --> 00:21:13.660 for credit, 00:21:14.000 --> 00:21:14.520 you have to do 00:21:14.520 --> 00:21:15.300 all the work, right? 00:21:15.340 --> 00:21:16.580 You buy the textbooks. 00:21:17.080 --> 00:21:18.200 You do the reading. 00:21:18.540 --> 00:21:19.500 You write the papers. 00:21:19.600 --> 00:21:20.640 You turn in the assignments. 00:21:21.080 --> 00:21:21.680 Maybe if there's 00:21:21.680 --> 00:21:22.560 a curse upon you, 00:21:22.620 --> 00:21:23.100 you have to do 00:21:23.100 --> 00:21:23.860 some group work. 00:21:25.480 --> 00:21:26.660 If you audit it, 00:21:26.700 --> 00:21:27.320 you get to skip 00:21:27.320 --> 00:21:28.100 all of that, right? 00:21:28.800 --> 00:21:30.180 You just get to show up 00:21:30.180 --> 00:21:31.160 for the lectures. 00:21:31.840 --> 00:21:32.420 You just get to hear 00:21:32.420 --> 00:21:32.980 some things. 00:21:33.060 --> 00:21:33.460 You don't have to 00:21:33.460 --> 00:21:34.520 engage it very much. 00:21:34.759 --> 00:21:35.380 You can gain 00:21:35.380 --> 00:21:36.259 some new ideas. 00:21:36.380 --> 00:21:37.180 You don't have to do 00:21:37.180 --> 00:21:38.360 any work. 00:21:39.200 --> 00:21:40.500 The only problem 00:21:40.500 --> 00:21:41.400 is that, of course, 00:21:41.440 --> 00:21:42.259 you don't get any credit 00:21:42.259 --> 00:21:43.000 for the class. 00:21:44.800 --> 00:21:46.000 Brothers and sisters, 00:21:46.000 --> 00:21:48.119 if we do not admit 00:21:48.119 --> 00:21:49.859 our need for Jesus, 00:21:50.519 --> 00:21:52.240 we are only going 00:21:52.240 --> 00:21:53.799 to audit this class. 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:56.640 Our hope, 00:21:56.779 --> 00:21:57.240 our goal 00:21:57.240 --> 00:21:58.319 as God's people 00:21:58.319 --> 00:21:59.440 is that we would not audit 00:21:59.440 --> 00:22:01.299 but we would take it. 00:22:01.900 --> 00:22:02.779 And if we're going 00:22:02.779 --> 00:22:03.420 to take it, 00:22:03.599 --> 00:22:04.640 we have to do 00:22:04.640 --> 00:22:05.700 the work. 00:22:06.500 --> 00:22:07.099 It's tempting 00:22:07.099 --> 00:22:07.819 to believe 00:22:07.819 --> 00:22:08.819 if we're someone 00:22:08.819 --> 00:22:09.380 who's been a Christian 00:22:09.380 --> 00:22:10.000 for a while 00:22:10.000 --> 00:22:11.099 that we've arrived, 00:22:11.579 --> 00:22:12.099 that repentance 00:22:12.099 --> 00:22:12.779 is mainly 00:22:12.779 --> 00:22:13.819 for other people 00:22:13.819 --> 00:22:14.819 who have not been around 00:22:14.819 --> 00:22:16.119 as long as we have 00:22:16.119 --> 00:22:18.240 and yet we learn here 00:22:18.240 --> 00:22:18.819 in this gospel 00:22:18.819 --> 00:22:19.439 we're going to see 00:22:19.439 --> 00:22:20.159 over and over 00:22:20.159 --> 00:22:20.839 that the people 00:22:20.839 --> 00:22:22.299 who see and meet Jesus 00:22:22.299 --> 00:22:23.519 and receive his healing 00:22:23.519 --> 00:22:24.859 more than any others 00:22:24.859 --> 00:22:25.399 are the ones 00:22:25.399 --> 00:22:26.039 who are going to admit 00:22:26.039 --> 00:22:26.519 their need. 00:22:26.599 --> 00:22:27.279 And so the same 00:22:27.279 --> 00:22:28.679 is true for us. 00:22:28.740 --> 00:22:30.159 If we want to take 00:22:30.159 --> 00:22:31.240 this class, 00:22:31.319 --> 00:22:32.259 if we want to see 00:22:32.259 --> 00:22:33.460 real, true joy 00:22:33.460 --> 00:22:33.939 and healing 00:22:33.939 --> 00:22:35.279 come from our Lord Jesus 00:22:35.279 --> 00:22:36.019 to us 00:22:36.019 --> 00:22:37.119 through his gospel, 00:22:37.220 --> 00:22:38.139 then we have to admit 00:22:38.139 --> 00:22:38.700 as well 00:22:38.700 --> 00:22:39.839 that our marriages 00:22:39.839 --> 00:22:40.839 might be messier 00:22:40.839 --> 00:22:41.379 than they look 00:22:41.379 --> 00:22:42.139 from the outside. 00:22:43.159 --> 00:22:43.700 The pictures 00:22:43.700 --> 00:22:44.559 on Instagram 00:22:44.559 --> 00:22:45.960 might not match 00:22:45.960 --> 00:22:46.579 the reality 00:22:46.579 --> 00:22:47.700 behind closed doors. 00:22:48.460 --> 00:22:49.799 You might have to admit, 00:22:50.179 --> 00:22:51.299 yes, I struggle 00:22:51.299 --> 00:22:52.039 with pornography. 00:22:52.500 --> 00:22:53.839 I have an addiction 00:22:53.839 --> 00:22:54.559 of this sort 00:22:54.559 --> 00:22:55.539 or another sort. 00:22:55.839 --> 00:22:56.579 I'm someone 00:22:56.579 --> 00:22:57.179 who's tempted 00:22:57.179 --> 00:22:57.879 by gossip 00:22:57.879 --> 00:22:58.460 that's fueled 00:22:58.460 --> 00:22:59.259 by insecurity 00:22:59.259 --> 00:23:00.240 and it's torn up 00:23:00.240 --> 00:23:01.079 my family 00:23:01.079 --> 00:23:01.839 and my community. 00:23:02.759 --> 00:23:03.740 I have a tendency 00:23:03.740 --> 00:23:04.779 to try to control 00:23:04.779 --> 00:23:05.379 other people 00:23:05.379 --> 00:23:06.559 rather than to love them. 00:23:07.200 --> 00:23:08.179 I'm a salesman. 00:23:08.599 --> 00:23:09.759 I lied my way 00:23:09.759 --> 00:23:10.679 to the success 00:23:10.679 --> 00:23:12.339 I experience now 00:23:12.339 --> 00:23:14.200 and I'm deathly afraid 00:23:14.200 --> 00:23:14.600 that I'm going 00:23:14.600 --> 00:23:15.640 to be found out. 00:23:16.340 --> 00:23:17.460 I work hard 00:23:17.460 --> 00:23:19.140 but I do it 00:23:19.140 --> 00:23:20.059 to make others 00:23:20.059 --> 00:23:20.880 owe me 00:23:20.880 --> 00:23:21.880 and so it's a form 00:23:21.880 --> 00:23:23.559 of deep manipulation. 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:25.400 The question 00:23:25.400 --> 00:23:26.120 for us 00:23:26.120 --> 00:23:26.720 is this, 00:23:27.180 --> 00:23:28.420 do you truly 00:23:28.420 --> 00:23:29.799 think you need 00:23:29.799 --> 00:23:30.180 Jesus? 00:23:33.759 --> 00:23:35.340 Are you willing 00:23:35.340 --> 00:23:36.960 to do what John 00:23:36.960 --> 00:23:38.319 is asking for here 00:23:38.319 --> 00:23:39.640 to engage 00:23:39.640 --> 00:23:40.480 in repentance 00:23:40.480 --> 00:23:41.720 for the forgiveness 00:23:41.720 --> 00:23:42.360 of sins? 00:23:42.360 --> 00:23:43.279 That is who 00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:44.799 Jesus is coming for. 00:23:44.940 --> 00:23:45.420 That is who 00:23:45.420 --> 00:23:46.019 he's bringing 00:23:46.019 --> 00:23:47.900 his healing for. 00:23:50.039 --> 00:23:51.620 I know some of you 00:23:51.620 --> 00:23:52.700 here in this room 00:23:52.700 --> 00:23:53.640 have experienced 00:23:53.640 --> 00:23:54.420 over the last 00:23:54.420 --> 00:23:55.339 couple years 00:23:55.339 --> 00:23:56.700 real and deep 00:23:56.700 --> 00:23:58.360 and powerful change. 00:23:59.279 --> 00:24:00.120 We've seen 00:24:00.120 --> 00:24:01.180 in various circumstances 00:24:01.180 --> 00:24:01.759 the true 00:24:01.759 --> 00:24:03.180 power of God 00:24:03.180 --> 00:24:03.920 at work 00:24:03.920 --> 00:24:06.440 and you have 00:24:06.440 --> 00:24:07.640 only experienced 00:24:07.640 --> 00:24:08.380 that power 00:24:08.380 --> 00:24:09.019 at work 00:24:09.019 --> 00:24:09.900 if you have 00:24:09.900 --> 00:24:10.799 had the humility 00:24:10.799 --> 00:24:11.539 to confess 00:24:11.539 --> 00:24:12.139 your need. 00:24:13.700 --> 00:24:14.119 In fact, 00:24:14.160 --> 00:24:14.700 I can't think 00:24:14.700 --> 00:24:15.240 of anyone 00:24:15.240 --> 00:24:16.379 who has experienced 00:24:16.379 --> 00:24:17.259 deep and real 00:24:17.259 --> 00:24:18.619 and true transformation 00:24:18.619 --> 00:24:20.319 without the humility 00:24:20.319 --> 00:24:21.079 and confession 00:24:21.079 --> 00:24:22.180 that comes with saying 00:24:22.180 --> 00:24:23.779 I need help. 00:24:24.139 --> 00:24:25.019 Things here 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:25.660 are not 00:24:25.660 --> 00:24:26.400 what they need 00:24:26.400 --> 00:24:26.779 to be 00:24:26.779 --> 00:24:27.799 or should be. 00:24:28.619 --> 00:24:29.319 There's powerful 00:24:29.319 --> 00:24:30.400 things going on 00:24:30.400 --> 00:24:30.980 right now 00:24:30.980 --> 00:24:32.259 in our band 00:24:32.259 --> 00:24:32.680 of brothers 00:24:32.680 --> 00:24:33.299 Bible study, 00:24:33.359 --> 00:24:34.019 our men who meet 00:24:34.019 --> 00:24:34.859 on Saturday mornings. 00:24:34.980 --> 00:24:35.720 The reason 00:24:35.720 --> 00:24:36.420 that God 00:24:36.420 --> 00:24:36.859 is at work 00:24:36.859 --> 00:24:37.619 in such a powerful 00:24:37.619 --> 00:24:38.039 way 00:24:38.039 --> 00:24:39.599 is because 00:24:39.599 --> 00:24:40.219 there's deep 00:24:40.219 --> 00:24:40.859 honesty 00:24:40.859 --> 00:24:41.899 and humility. 00:24:42.799 --> 00:24:43.519 That's what 00:24:43.519 --> 00:24:44.659 gospel transformation 00:24:44.659 --> 00:24:45.759 requires. 00:24:46.679 --> 00:24:47.699 It's the willingness 00:24:47.699 --> 00:24:48.459 to admit 00:24:48.459 --> 00:24:49.199 our problems 00:24:49.199 --> 00:24:49.879 and our need 00:24:49.879 --> 00:24:50.879 that leads 00:24:50.879 --> 00:24:51.879 to joy. 00:24:53.159 --> 00:24:53.859 We're going to 00:24:53.859 --> 00:24:54.539 talk about this 00:24:54.539 --> 00:24:55.919 more in Mark 00:24:55.919 --> 00:24:56.599 chapter 2. 00:24:57.539 --> 00:24:58.719 I'll simply say this. 00:24:58.779 --> 00:24:59.519 When Jesus talks 00:24:59.519 --> 00:25:00.079 about the fact 00:25:00.079 --> 00:25:00.799 that he's come 00:25:00.799 --> 00:25:01.799 not for the healthy 00:25:01.799 --> 00:25:02.519 but for the sick, 00:25:03.259 --> 00:25:04.339 we'll see everyone 00:25:04.339 --> 00:25:05.719 is actually sick. 00:25:06.579 --> 00:25:07.099 It's just that 00:25:07.099 --> 00:25:07.619 some people 00:25:07.619 --> 00:25:08.019 are willing 00:25:08.019 --> 00:25:08.659 to admit it. 00:25:09.299 --> 00:25:09.959 Others are not. 00:25:11.539 --> 00:25:12.019 Everyone 00:25:12.019 --> 00:25:13.459 is actually sick. 00:25:14.119 --> 00:25:14.439 It's just 00:25:14.439 --> 00:25:15.000 some people 00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:15.379 are willing 00:25:15.379 --> 00:25:16.039 to admit it. 00:25:16.619 --> 00:25:16.939 Others 00:25:16.939 --> 00:25:17.899 are not. 00:25:18.859 --> 00:25:19.759 You can't 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:20.459 get help 00:25:20.459 --> 00:25:22.279 unless you ask. 00:25:23.099 --> 00:25:23.500 It's true 00:25:23.500 --> 00:25:24.240 in this life. 00:25:24.899 --> 00:25:25.459 It's true 00:25:25.459 --> 00:25:26.179 as we start 00:25:26.179 --> 00:25:26.719 this journey 00:25:26.719 --> 00:25:27.639 with our Lord Jesus 00:25:27.639 --> 00:25:28.859 in the gospel 00:25:28.859 --> 00:25:29.599 of Mark. 00:25:30.839 --> 00:25:31.240 And so 00:25:31.240 --> 00:25:31.799 as we ask 00:25:31.799 --> 00:25:32.439 these two simple 00:25:32.439 --> 00:25:32.819 questions, 00:25:32.899 --> 00:25:33.279 we've seen 00:25:33.279 --> 00:25:33.919 just the beginning 00:25:33.919 --> 00:25:34.859 answer this morning. 00:25:34.859 --> 00:25:35.299 Jesus 00:25:35.299 --> 00:25:37.339 is the man 00:25:37.339 --> 00:25:38.419 who is also God. 00:25:39.059 --> 00:25:39.719 He comes 00:25:39.719 --> 00:25:40.459 with real 00:25:40.459 --> 00:25:41.039 and true 00:25:41.039 --> 00:25:42.159 power to heal 00:25:42.159 --> 00:25:43.419 and to change. 00:25:44.099 --> 00:25:45.519 We respond 00:25:45.519 --> 00:25:46.119 to that. 00:25:46.979 --> 00:25:48.119 We experience 00:25:48.119 --> 00:25:48.779 his power 00:25:48.779 --> 00:25:49.859 and his change 00:25:49.859 --> 00:25:51.039 as we admit 00:25:51.039 --> 00:25:52.059 and confess 00:25:52.059 --> 00:25:53.519 our need for it. 00:25:54.279 --> 00:25:55.659 You can't get help 00:25:55.659 --> 00:25:57.339 unless you ask 00:25:57.339 --> 00:25:57.719 for it. 00:25:57.720 --> 00:26:00.440 in his 00:26:00.440 --> 00:26:01.579 autobiography 00:26:01.579 --> 00:26:02.600 About Face, 00:26:03.279 --> 00:26:04.240 Colonel David Hackworth 00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:05.240 who became famous 00:26:05.240 --> 00:26:06.160 for his involvement 00:26:06.160 --> 00:26:07.759 in the Vietnam War 00:26:07.759 --> 00:26:09.360 tells about his time 00:26:09.360 --> 00:26:09.880 in Korea 00:26:09.880 --> 00:26:10.460 and Vietnam. 00:26:11.039 --> 00:26:11.579 And in between 00:26:11.579 --> 00:26:12.240 that time 00:26:12.240 --> 00:26:13.100 he spent 00:26:13.100 --> 00:26:14.880 some of his service 00:26:14.880 --> 00:26:15.480 in the army 00:26:15.480 --> 00:26:16.339 and 00:26:16.339 --> 00:26:18.559 stationed in Germany. 00:26:18.640 --> 00:26:19.120 And while he was 00:26:19.120 --> 00:26:19.799 stationed in Germany 00:26:19.799 --> 00:26:20.339 he had all sorts 00:26:20.339 --> 00:26:21.079 of interesting things 00:26:21.079 --> 00:26:21.600 happen to him. 00:26:21.680 --> 00:26:22.319 A variety of boring 00:26:22.319 --> 00:26:23.319 things happened to him. 00:26:23.740 --> 00:26:24.460 And at one point 00:26:24.460 --> 00:26:25.500 he had this visit 00:26:25.500 --> 00:26:26.220 from this man 00:26:26.220 --> 00:26:27.140 who was very prominent 00:26:27.140 --> 00:26:27.720 at the time 00:26:27.720 --> 00:26:28.360 named General 00:26:28.360 --> 00:26:29.080 Yabakovsky. 00:26:29.580 --> 00:26:30.240 And Yabakovsky 00:26:30.240 --> 00:26:30.980 was the chief 00:26:30.980 --> 00:26:31.940 of the Soviet army 00:26:31.940 --> 00:26:32.660 in East Germany 00:26:32.660 --> 00:26:34.180 and he came to inspect 00:26:34.180 --> 00:26:34.960 their battle group. 00:26:35.920 --> 00:26:36.340 And so 00:26:36.340 --> 00:26:37.420 as you would expect 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:38.460 they needed to prepare 00:26:38.460 --> 00:26:39.759 for this great general 00:26:39.759 --> 00:26:40.200 to come 00:26:40.200 --> 00:26:40.560 and so they had 00:26:40.560 --> 00:26:40.980 a variety 00:26:40.980 --> 00:26:42.040 of creative ideas. 00:26:42.500 --> 00:26:42.980 First of all 00:26:42.980 --> 00:26:43.720 they repainted 00:26:43.720 --> 00:26:45.140 some of the walls 00:26:45.140 --> 00:26:45.920 on their barracks 00:26:45.920 --> 00:26:46.880 except 00:26:46.880 --> 00:26:48.120 they only painted 00:26:48.120 --> 00:26:49.420 the sides of the walls 00:26:49.420 --> 00:26:50.140 that you could see 00:26:50.140 --> 00:26:50.800 from the plane 00:26:50.800 --> 00:26:51.360 as it landed. 00:26:52.120 --> 00:26:52.600 They needed to worry 00:26:52.600 --> 00:26:53.360 about the other sides 00:26:53.360 --> 00:26:53.820 the plane wasn't 00:26:53.820 --> 00:26:54.480 going to pass those. 00:26:55.340 --> 00:26:56.420 On this air strip 00:26:56.420 --> 00:26:56.960 where his plane 00:26:56.960 --> 00:26:57.840 was going to land 00:26:57.840 --> 00:26:58.380 there were some 00:26:58.380 --> 00:26:59.440 large patches of dirt. 00:26:59.640 --> 00:26:59.980 So they thought 00:26:59.980 --> 00:27:01.080 well if you're looking 00:27:01.080 --> 00:27:01.900 down from the airplane 00:27:01.900 --> 00:27:02.300 and you see 00:27:02.300 --> 00:27:03.000 these large patches 00:27:03.000 --> 00:27:03.320 of dirt 00:27:03.320 --> 00:27:03.900 how about instead 00:27:03.900 --> 00:27:04.600 of them being brown 00:27:04.600 --> 00:27:05.100 they're green. 00:27:05.900 --> 00:27:06.600 So they took 00:27:06.600 --> 00:27:07.400 some green paint 00:27:07.400 --> 00:27:08.660 and they painted 00:27:08.660 --> 00:27:09.380 up the brown dirt 00:27:09.380 --> 00:27:09.900 so it would look 00:27:09.900 --> 00:27:10.500 like grass 00:27:10.500 --> 00:27:11.900 when you were coming down. 00:27:12.980 --> 00:27:13.519 And then 00:27:13.519 --> 00:27:14.600 since this man 00:27:14.600 --> 00:27:15.480 was a Russian general 00:27:15.480 --> 00:27:16.140 they pulled all 00:27:16.140 --> 00:27:17.000 the Russian speakers 00:27:17.000 --> 00:27:17.740 they could find 00:27:17.740 --> 00:27:18.960 and they put those 00:27:18.960 --> 00:27:19.480 as the people 00:27:19.480 --> 00:27:20.539 who were on that day. 00:27:21.279 --> 00:27:21.860 And so they wanted 00:27:21.860 --> 00:27:22.720 this man to come in 00:27:22.720 --> 00:27:23.039 and think 00:27:23.039 --> 00:27:24.340 wow look at this army 00:27:24.340 --> 00:27:25.539 every single one 00:27:25.539 --> 00:27:26.139 of their soldiers 00:27:26.139 --> 00:27:26.700 from the top 00:27:26.700 --> 00:27:27.139 to the bottom 00:27:27.139 --> 00:27:27.879 speaks Russian. 00:27:28.819 --> 00:27:30.119 These Americans 00:27:30.119 --> 00:27:31.359 are amazing. 00:27:32.099 --> 00:27:32.799 So they pull out 00:27:32.799 --> 00:27:33.500 all the stops 00:27:33.500 --> 00:27:34.899 to cover up reality. 00:27:35.399 --> 00:27:36.299 They want things 00:27:36.299 --> 00:27:36.859 to appear 00:27:36.859 --> 00:27:37.980 greater and better 00:27:37.980 --> 00:27:39.339 than they actually are. 00:27:39.379 --> 00:27:40.259 And that's our intuition 00:27:40.259 --> 00:27:41.180 that's what we want 00:27:41.180 --> 00:27:42.500 when a great person 00:27:42.500 --> 00:27:43.399 comes and visits. 00:27:43.559 --> 00:27:44.839 We want to prepare 00:27:44.839 --> 00:27:45.539 the way. 00:27:45.920 --> 00:27:46.539 We want things 00:27:46.539 --> 00:27:47.159 to appear 00:27:47.159 --> 00:27:48.200 better than reality. 00:27:48.420 --> 00:27:50.460 We want to clean up. 00:27:51.420 --> 00:27:52.319 John the Baptist 00:27:52.319 --> 00:27:52.980 tells us 00:27:52.980 --> 00:27:54.259 someone great 00:27:54.259 --> 00:27:54.920 is coming. 00:27:55.119 --> 00:27:55.759 God himself 00:27:55.759 --> 00:27:56.799 is on the way 00:27:56.799 --> 00:27:58.480 coming with his power 00:27:58.480 --> 00:27:59.259 except 00:27:59.259 --> 00:28:00.900 he, 00:28:01.160 --> 00:28:01.819 this king 00:28:01.819 --> 00:28:02.579 is the one 00:28:02.579 --> 00:28:03.539 who comes 00:28:03.539 --> 00:28:04.599 to clean up. 00:28:05.980 --> 00:28:07.720 He requires us 00:28:07.720 --> 00:28:08.960 not to paint 00:28:08.960 --> 00:28:09.920 over the dirt 00:28:09.920 --> 00:28:11.460 with green paint. 00:28:12.339 --> 00:28:13.359 He requires us 00:28:13.359 --> 00:28:14.099 on the other hand 00:28:14.099 --> 00:28:15.379 to actually show him 00:28:15.379 --> 00:28:16.279 our mess. 00:28:17.000 --> 00:28:17.960 It's not that 00:28:17.960 --> 00:28:18.759 we clean 00:28:18.759 --> 00:28:19.660 for him 00:28:19.660 --> 00:28:21.279 but that 00:28:21.279 --> 00:28:22.460 we show him 00:28:22.460 --> 00:28:23.140 how dirty 00:28:23.140 --> 00:28:23.759 and broken 00:28:23.759 --> 00:28:24.460 we are 00:28:24.460 --> 00:28:25.740 and he 00:28:25.740 --> 00:28:26.880 cleans 00:28:26.880 --> 00:28:28.220 for us. 00:28:29.819 --> 00:28:30.340 Instead 00:28:30.340 --> 00:28:31.200 of looking 00:28:31.200 --> 00:28:31.779 good 00:28:31.779 --> 00:28:33.240 we admit 00:28:33.240 --> 00:28:34.539 that we're not. 00:28:34.620 --> 00:28:35.319 That is our 00:28:35.319 --> 00:28:35.880 introduction 00:28:35.880 --> 00:28:37.539 and our pathway 00:28:37.539 --> 00:28:38.940 into the gospel 00:28:38.940 --> 00:28:39.380 of Mark. 00:28:39.880 --> 00:28:40.340 Let's pray. 00:28:42.019 --> 00:28:43.240 Our Father in heaven 00:28:43.240 --> 00:28:44.440 we thank you 00:28:44.440 --> 00:28:45.059 that you 00:28:45.059 --> 00:28:45.779 send us 00:28:45.779 --> 00:28:46.460 your Lord Jesus 00:28:46.460 --> 00:28:47.240 and that you 00:28:47.240 --> 00:28:48.519 speak to us 00:28:48.519 --> 00:28:49.079 about him 00:28:49.079 --> 00:28:49.819 even now. 00:28:49.819 --> 00:28:50.399 We ask that you 00:28:50.399 --> 00:28:50.939 give us 00:28:50.939 --> 00:28:52.000 the hope 00:28:52.000 --> 00:28:52.619 and encouragement 00:28:52.619 --> 00:28:53.200 that comes 00:28:53.200 --> 00:28:53.700 from knowing 00:28:53.700 --> 00:28:54.279 that he 00:28:54.279 --> 00:28:55.480 is showing up 00:28:55.480 --> 00:28:56.740 as God himself 00:28:56.740 --> 00:28:57.740 with your presence 00:28:57.740 --> 00:28:58.759 and power. 00:28:59.539 --> 00:29:00.379 We ask that you 00:29:00.379 --> 00:29:00.980 would give us 00:29:00.980 --> 00:29:01.579 the humility 00:29:01.579 --> 00:29:02.299 and courage 00:29:02.299 --> 00:29:03.039 and joy 00:29:03.039 --> 00:29:04.480 to admit our need 00:29:04.480 --> 00:29:05.039 that Jesus 00:29:05.039 --> 00:29:05.939 would be able 00:29:05.939 --> 00:29:07.259 to help us 00:29:07.259 --> 00:29:08.139 clean up 00:29:08.139 --> 00:29:09.480 that we would be able 00:29:09.480 --> 00:29:10.659 to prepare 00:29:10.659 --> 00:29:11.379 the way. 00:29:11.819 --> 00:29:12.779 We ask these things 00:29:12.779 --> 00:29:13.299 grateful 00:29:13.299 --> 00:29:15.119 that we don't have 00:29:15.119 --> 00:29:15.639 to pretend 00:29:15.639 --> 00:29:16.259 things are better 00:29:16.259 --> 00:29:16.819 than they are 00:29:16.819 --> 00:29:17.259 but instead 00:29:17.259 --> 00:29:18.059 we can simply 00:29:18.059 --> 00:29:18.559 ask them 00:29:18.559 --> 00:29:19.200 in the mighty name 00:29:19.200 --> 00:29:20.019 of Jesus Christ. 00:29:20.419 --> 00:29:20.679 Amen.