WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.000 Morning everybody, welcome back to our church service. It's a real pleasure to be able to welcome you wherever you're tuning in from. 00:00:09.540 --> 00:00:18.160 There's digital tea and coffee as usual afterwards and the details that you'll find either on Avanto or on your email. 00:00:18.160 --> 00:00:34.460 Well, after our week of prayer, and thanks to everyone for taking part in that, it's wonderful to be able to gather our voices and our prayers together to show our concern for our family, friends, colleagues, nation, the nations of the world. 00:00:34.760 --> 00:00:44.359 But we're back to a normal pattern this week. It's on Monday prayer at 8pm. Again, details on the email on Avanto. 00:00:44.359 --> 00:00:50.460 And our community groups are back again studying through the Gospel of John. 00:00:50.780 --> 00:01:06.079 And just to remind you that one of the reasons we're doing that is so that we might be able to use that word one-to-one resource to think about how we might be able to share the Gospel of John with a friend during this time in particular. 00:01:06.640 --> 00:01:12.379 So again, everybody's welcome. If you've not been part of a community group before, please be in touch. We'd love to get you connected. 00:01:12.379 --> 00:01:19.159 Now, our call to worship comes from Isaiah 55 this morning. 00:01:19.159 --> 00:01:49.140 From the beginning. 00:01:49.159 --> 00:01:51.359 That you may live. 00:01:51.819 --> 00:01:53.899 Here's the wonderful invitation. 00:01:54.539 --> 00:02:03.019 As God draws near to us, he invites us to draw near to him and to find that he satisfies the deep wants and longings in our hearts. 00:02:03.840 --> 00:02:06.140 And so as we begin our time together, we're going to sing. 00:02:06.199 --> 00:02:11.759 We're going to sing the hymn that we started learning last week, Jesus Strong and Kind. 00:02:11.759 --> 00:02:19.000 Really thankful to Cailin for learning it and for this recording, which we can worship God with now. 00:02:20.500 --> 00:02:27.340 Now, our Bible reading this morning comes from Matthew chapter 9. 00:02:27.340 --> 00:02:29.979 Matthew chapter 9. 00:02:30.080 --> 00:02:35.080 And we're going to read together the first 13 verses. 00:02:35.680 --> 00:02:38.860 Now, we're going to concentrate our thoughts on verses 1 to 8. 00:02:39.620 --> 00:02:41.980 So let's hear God's word together. 00:02:41.979 --> 00:02:47.780 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 00:02:48.659 --> 00:02:52.060 Some men brought to him a paralysed man lying on a mat. 00:02:52.599 --> 00:02:55.339 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, 00:02:55.340 --> 00:02:58.500 Take heart, son, your sins are forgiven. 00:02:59.259 --> 00:03:02.520 At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, 00:03:02.980 --> 00:03:04.620 This fellow is blaspheming. 00:03:05.460 --> 00:03:07.379 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, 00:03:07.920 --> 00:03:10.199 Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? 00:03:10.480 --> 00:03:16.520 Which is easier, to say, your sins are forgiven, or to say, get up and walk. 00:03:17.020 --> 00:03:21.340 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. 00:03:21.340 --> 00:03:23.960 So he said to the paralysed man, 00:03:24.420 --> 00:03:27.500 Get up, take your mat, and go home. 00:03:28.020 --> 00:03:30.500 Then the man got up and went home. 00:03:31.060 --> 00:03:33.780 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe. 00:03:34.439 --> 00:03:37.980 And they praised God, who had given such authority to man. 00:03:39.159 --> 00:03:40.879 As Jesus went on from there, 00:03:41.300 --> 00:03:44.640 he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. 00:03:45.219 --> 00:03:46.520 Follow me, he told him. 00:03:46.800 --> 00:03:48.640 And Matthew got up and followed him. 00:03:48.639 --> 00:03:51.879 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, 00:03:52.479 --> 00:03:56.099 many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 00:03:56.819 --> 00:03:59.759 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, 00:04:00.559 --> 00:04:03.519 Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? 00:04:04.339 --> 00:04:06.599 On hearing this, Jesus said, 00:04:07.099 --> 00:04:10.279 It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but those who are ill. 00:04:11.000 --> 00:04:12.719 But go and learn what this means. 00:04:12.719 --> 00:04:16.660 I desire mercy, not sacrifice. 00:04:17.079 --> 00:04:21.639 For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. 00:04:23.399 --> 00:04:27.639 So as we continue to think about the subject of faith together, 00:04:28.639 --> 00:04:32.360 what we are invited to see here today from Matthew 00:04:32.360 --> 00:04:38.819 is that we are called to have faith in the sin-forgiving power of Jesus. 00:04:38.819 --> 00:04:43.599 When it comes to the telling of stories, 00:04:44.500 --> 00:04:48.639 it feels like there are maybe two main styles, 00:04:49.540 --> 00:04:53.240 two routes, as it were, to get to the same destination. 00:04:54.159 --> 00:04:57.759 Some storytellers, they like to meander. 00:04:58.839 --> 00:05:01.139 Every detail is gone into. 00:05:02.219 --> 00:05:05.800 Every point of a conversation is addressed. 00:05:05.800 --> 00:05:09.240 You find yourself maybe going on surprising sidetracks 00:05:09.240 --> 00:05:09.720 and you wonder, 00:05:09.840 --> 00:05:12.780 How in the world is this story ever going to get back to resolution? 00:05:13.100 --> 00:05:14.180 You know, you sort of beg down. 00:05:14.259 --> 00:05:15.220 This is going to be a while. 00:05:16.199 --> 00:05:18.000 Other storytellers, very different, aren't they? 00:05:18.040 --> 00:05:19.240 Very direct. 00:05:20.000 --> 00:05:21.199 Straight to the point. 00:05:21.780 --> 00:05:23.019 No elaboration. 00:05:24.699 --> 00:05:26.939 And probably, if you take a few seconds 00:05:26.939 --> 00:05:28.819 to think about your friends or your family, 00:05:29.620 --> 00:05:32.379 you'll recognise those different storytelling styles. 00:05:32.379 --> 00:05:34.620 I wonder which one you are. 00:05:35.019 --> 00:05:36.159 Terrible storytellers. 00:05:36.300 --> 00:05:37.399 I get the point. 00:05:37.699 --> 00:05:38.060 Make it. 00:05:38.259 --> 00:05:38.899 Try to move on. 00:05:40.000 --> 00:05:42.920 Matthew, our gospel writer here, 00:05:43.019 --> 00:05:45.759 he's a very direct storyteller. 00:05:46.339 --> 00:05:48.420 A number of times where he records 00:05:48.420 --> 00:05:50.139 things that happened in the life of Jesus, 00:05:50.279 --> 00:05:53.279 he strips back the details 00:05:53.279 --> 00:05:55.379 to focus on a main point. 00:05:56.360 --> 00:05:57.500 So, boys and girls, 00:05:57.500 --> 00:06:00.060 if you were to read this same story 00:06:00.060 --> 00:06:02.579 in Mark or in Luke, 00:06:03.379 --> 00:06:05.660 you would discover that really interesting 00:06:05.660 --> 00:06:06.720 and surprising moment 00:06:06.720 --> 00:06:07.579 where the friends, 00:06:08.100 --> 00:06:10.160 yes, they bring the man to Jesus, 00:06:10.279 --> 00:06:11.540 but they do that by 00:06:11.540 --> 00:06:13.220 climbing up on the roof 00:06:13.220 --> 00:06:14.699 and then digging the hole 00:06:14.699 --> 00:06:15.639 through the ceiling. 00:06:15.680 --> 00:06:17.019 You remember that story 00:06:17.019 --> 00:06:18.920 where they dig the hole in the ceiling 00:06:18.920 --> 00:06:20.600 and they lower the man down 00:06:20.600 --> 00:06:23.000 on his mat 00:06:23.000 --> 00:06:24.639 in front of Jesus 00:06:24.639 --> 00:06:26.699 while the crowd in the house 00:06:26.699 --> 00:06:28.319 are astonished at what's going on. 00:06:29.240 --> 00:06:30.339 Why is Matthew so brief? 00:06:32.060 --> 00:06:34.259 Because he wants us 00:06:34.259 --> 00:06:36.779 to not miss his goal, 00:06:36.899 --> 00:06:37.779 his point. 00:06:38.219 --> 00:06:40.979 His point is that he wants to show us 00:06:40.979 --> 00:06:43.479 the authority of Jesus in another way. 00:06:43.860 --> 00:06:45.039 This thing to show us 00:06:45.039 --> 00:06:47.800 the sin-forgiving power of Jesus. 00:06:47.800 --> 00:06:51.040 So, he takes a laser-like focus 00:06:51.040 --> 00:06:52.480 to the story 00:06:52.480 --> 00:06:54.699 so that we come to see 00:06:54.699 --> 00:06:56.040 that forgiveness 00:06:56.040 --> 00:06:59.500 is Jesus' number one priority 00:06:59.500 --> 00:07:00.460 for this man 00:07:00.460 --> 00:07:02.360 and by extension for you and for me. 00:07:04.000 --> 00:07:05.460 Matthew wants us to see 00:07:05.460 --> 00:07:06.540 that forgiveness 00:07:06.540 --> 00:07:08.160 is the greatest gift 00:07:08.160 --> 00:07:09.600 that Jesus offers. 00:07:10.720 --> 00:07:12.560 And Jesus offers that 00:07:12.560 --> 00:07:14.759 coming to us with authority 00:07:14.759 --> 00:07:17.620 as God with us. 00:07:17.800 --> 00:07:20.980 So, let's think 00:07:20.980 --> 00:07:22.060 for most of our time 00:07:22.060 --> 00:07:23.680 we'll think about Jesus' priority 00:07:23.680 --> 00:07:25.100 and think about 00:07:25.100 --> 00:07:27.000 the gift of forgiveness. 00:07:28.040 --> 00:07:29.819 So, in verse 1 00:07:29.819 --> 00:07:30.580 we're told 00:07:30.580 --> 00:07:32.080 very briefly 00:07:32.080 --> 00:07:34.080 that Jesus has arrived home. 00:07:34.960 --> 00:07:36.360 Capernaum was his hometown 00:07:36.360 --> 00:07:38.080 and what he discovers 00:07:38.080 --> 00:07:38.939 in verse 2 00:07:38.939 --> 00:07:41.620 is a man with obvious need. 00:07:41.980 --> 00:07:43.060 He is paralyzed. 00:07:43.639 --> 00:07:44.639 But that's not all 00:07:44.639 --> 00:07:46.019 Jesus discovered. 00:07:46.160 --> 00:07:47.680 We're also told in verse 2 00:07:47.680 --> 00:07:48.980 that Jesus sees 00:07:48.980 --> 00:07:50.579 their faith. 00:07:51.699 --> 00:07:53.079 Now, we're in a wider section 00:07:53.079 --> 00:07:54.319 Matthew 8 to 10 00:07:54.319 --> 00:07:55.780 where we see a lot 00:07:55.780 --> 00:07:57.079 of Jesus' authority 00:07:57.079 --> 00:07:58.439 being demonstrated 00:07:58.439 --> 00:07:59.340 in different ways. 00:08:00.720 --> 00:08:01.560 Authority over 00:08:01.560 --> 00:08:03.180 a variety of illnesses. 00:08:04.439 --> 00:08:05.199 A variety over 00:08:05.199 --> 00:08:06.100 the forces of nature 00:08:06.100 --> 00:08:06.720 like last week 00:08:06.720 --> 00:08:07.879 when he stilled the storm. 00:08:08.860 --> 00:08:10.879 Authority over demons. 00:08:10.879 --> 00:08:12.899 So, presumably 00:08:12.899 --> 00:08:15.000 these men 00:08:15.000 --> 00:08:16.439 including the paralyzed man 00:08:16.439 --> 00:08:18.199 recognized that Jesus 00:08:18.199 --> 00:08:19.879 brings hope. 00:08:21.219 --> 00:08:22.180 So, Jesus sees their faith. 00:08:22.259 --> 00:08:23.959 So, how does Jesus respond 00:08:23.959 --> 00:08:25.560 to their faith? 00:08:25.620 --> 00:08:26.399 In verse 2 00:08:26.399 --> 00:08:28.100 he said to the man 00:08:28.100 --> 00:08:29.639 take heart, son. 00:08:30.639 --> 00:08:31.620 There's encouragement. 00:08:32.279 --> 00:08:33.259 There's welcome. 00:08:34.659 --> 00:08:35.120 Then he says 00:08:35.120 --> 00:08:36.179 your sins are forgiven. 00:08:36.179 --> 00:08:39.239 Now, if you were to hear 00:08:39.239 --> 00:08:39.959 the first part 00:08:39.959 --> 00:08:40.519 of the sentence 00:08:40.519 --> 00:08:41.439 you were part of the crowd 00:08:41.439 --> 00:08:41.839 or you were 00:08:41.839 --> 00:08:43.199 the paralyzed man's friends 00:08:43.199 --> 00:08:44.620 I don't imagine 00:08:44.620 --> 00:08:46.079 that's how you expected 00:08:46.079 --> 00:08:47.279 to fill in the blank. 00:08:48.139 --> 00:08:48.879 How you would expect 00:08:48.879 --> 00:08:50.120 Jesus to conclude 00:08:50.120 --> 00:08:50.819 that sentence 00:08:50.819 --> 00:08:52.239 your sins are forgiven. 00:08:53.239 --> 00:08:54.059 For the friends 00:08:54.059 --> 00:08:54.459 as they 00:08:54.459 --> 00:08:55.979 brought the man 00:08:55.979 --> 00:08:56.539 to Jesus 00:08:56.539 --> 00:08:57.159 for the man 00:08:57.159 --> 00:08:57.899 as he came 00:08:57.899 --> 00:08:59.239 on his mat 00:08:59.239 --> 00:08:59.759 to Jesus 00:08:59.759 --> 00:09:00.439 I'm sure 00:09:00.439 --> 00:09:02.179 he would be thinking 00:09:02.179 --> 00:09:04.179 I really want to walk 00:09:04.179 --> 00:09:06.439 I really want 00:09:06.439 --> 00:09:07.479 to be able to work 00:09:07.479 --> 00:09:09.439 I would like 00:09:09.439 --> 00:09:10.159 to be able to 00:09:10.159 --> 00:09:10.579 worship 00:09:10.579 --> 00:09:11.359 in the temple 00:09:11.359 --> 00:09:11.939 perhaps 00:09:11.939 --> 00:09:13.839 he says 00:09:13.839 --> 00:09:15.139 I want to be whole 00:09:15.139 --> 00:09:18.299 Jesus says 00:09:18.299 --> 00:09:20.519 take heart, son 00:09:20.519 --> 00:09:21.639 your sins are forgiven 00:09:21.639 --> 00:09:24.079 what's happening here? 00:09:25.659 --> 00:09:26.539 What's happening 00:09:26.539 --> 00:09:27.159 is that Jesus 00:09:27.159 --> 00:09:28.539 has looked deeper 00:09:28.539 --> 00:09:31.120 into the man's problems 00:09:31.120 --> 00:09:32.039 getting all the way 00:09:32.039 --> 00:09:33.459 to his heart 00:09:33.459 --> 00:09:35.120 and he's looked wider 00:09:35.120 --> 00:09:36.699 he's looked beyond 00:09:36.699 --> 00:09:37.659 just the temporary 00:09:37.659 --> 00:09:40.120 to give hope 00:09:40.120 --> 00:09:41.159 for eternity 00:09:41.159 --> 00:09:42.899 and so Jesus 00:09:42.899 --> 00:09:44.059 comes and he provides 00:09:44.059 --> 00:09:44.699 in actual fact 00:09:44.699 --> 00:09:45.819 the deepest help 00:09:45.819 --> 00:09:47.360 and healing 00:09:47.360 --> 00:09:49.439 now Jesus 00:09:49.439 --> 00:09:50.079 could 00:09:50.079 --> 00:09:51.219 and we discovered 00:09:51.219 --> 00:09:51.740 in our story 00:09:51.740 --> 00:09:52.659 that he did 00:09:52.659 --> 00:09:54.199 heal the man's 00:09:54.199 --> 00:09:54.719 body 00:09:54.719 --> 00:09:57.419 but 00:09:57.419 --> 00:09:59.179 that man 00:09:59.179 --> 00:10:01.360 even after being 00:10:01.360 --> 00:10:01.620 healed 00:10:01.620 --> 00:10:02.159 he would still 00:10:02.159 --> 00:10:02.620 face 00:10:02.620 --> 00:10:03.639 disappointment 00:10:03.639 --> 00:10:05.159 there would 00:10:05.159 --> 00:10:05.700 still be 00:10:05.700 --> 00:10:06.519 frustrations 00:10:06.519 --> 00:10:08.120 and ultimately 00:10:08.120 --> 00:10:09.220 there would 00:10:09.220 --> 00:10:09.740 still be 00:10:09.740 --> 00:10:10.100 death 00:10:10.100 --> 00:10:11.659 so Jesus 00:10:11.659 --> 00:10:12.220 wants to go 00:10:12.220 --> 00:10:12.620 deeper 00:10:12.620 --> 00:10:13.340 and wider 00:10:13.340 --> 00:10:15.519 in the salvation 00:10:15.519 --> 00:10:16.539 that he brings 00:10:16.539 --> 00:10:17.659 there's a wonderful 00:10:17.659 --> 00:10:18.399 little phrase 00:10:18.399 --> 00:10:19.320 in Ecclesiastes 00:10:19.320 --> 00:10:20.139 chapter 3 00:10:20.139 --> 00:10:20.779 where we're told 00:10:20.779 --> 00:10:22.139 God has put 00:10:22.139 --> 00:10:23.000 eternity 00:10:23.000 --> 00:10:25.080 into our hearts 00:10:25.080 --> 00:10:26.780 we have 00:10:26.780 --> 00:10:27.020 we have that 00:10:27.020 --> 00:10:27.620 ache 00:10:27.620 --> 00:10:29.000 for eternity 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:30.740 Jesus 00:10:30.740 --> 00:10:31.500 understands 00:10:31.500 --> 00:10:32.259 that knowing 00:10:32.259 --> 00:10:33.740 eternal life 00:10:33.740 --> 00:10:35.160 knowing 00:10:35.160 --> 00:10:36.160 God 00:10:36.160 --> 00:10:37.700 is where 00:10:37.700 --> 00:10:38.200 we find 00:10:38.200 --> 00:10:38.840 lasting 00:10:38.840 --> 00:10:39.780 satisfaction 00:10:39.780 --> 00:10:41.080 that's where 00:10:41.080 --> 00:10:41.920 deep and 00:10:41.920 --> 00:10:42.520 unending 00:10:42.520 --> 00:10:43.420 joy comes 00:10:43.420 --> 00:10:43.740 from 00:10:43.740 --> 00:10:44.700 and to get 00:10:44.700 --> 00:10:45.560 to that point 00:10:45.560 --> 00:10:46.720 we need 00:10:46.720 --> 00:10:47.180 forgiveness 00:10:47.180 --> 00:10:48.720 we need 00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:49.379 the barrier 00:10:49.379 --> 00:10:50.320 of sin 00:10:50.320 --> 00:10:50.900 between us 00:10:50.900 --> 00:10:51.259 and God 00:10:51.259 --> 00:10:51.920 to be removed 00:10:51.919 --> 00:10:54.259 so we see 00:10:54.259 --> 00:10:54.599 clearly 00:10:54.599 --> 00:10:55.519 Jesus loved 00:10:55.519 --> 00:10:55.979 the man 00:10:55.979 --> 00:10:57.539 and remember 00:10:57.539 --> 00:10:58.439 Jesus also 00:10:58.439 --> 00:10:59.179 healed his 00:10:59.179 --> 00:10:59.539 body 00:10:59.539 --> 00:11:00.139 because Jesus 00:11:00.139 --> 00:11:00.839 cares for us 00:11:00.839 --> 00:11:01.620 physically 00:11:01.620 --> 00:11:02.639 and spiritually 00:11:02.639 --> 00:11:03.059 and that's 00:11:03.059 --> 00:11:03.659 really good 00:11:03.659 --> 00:11:04.039 for us 00:11:04.039 --> 00:11:04.659 to remember 00:11:04.659 --> 00:11:06.079 during this 00:11:06.079 --> 00:11:06.439 crisis 00:11:06.439 --> 00:11:07.000 but his 00:11:07.000 --> 00:11:07.879 priority 00:11:07.879 --> 00:11:10.399 is spiritual 00:11:10.399 --> 00:11:12.620 and eternal 00:11:12.620 --> 00:11:14.059 verse 6 00:11:14.059 --> 00:11:14.819 I want you 00:11:14.819 --> 00:11:15.500 to know 00:11:15.500 --> 00:11:16.559 that the 00:11:16.559 --> 00:11:17.139 son of man 00:11:17.139 --> 00:11:18.000 has authority 00:11:18.000 --> 00:11:18.579 on earth 00:11:18.579 --> 00:11:19.959 to forgive 00:11:19.959 --> 00:11:21.120 sins 00:11:21.120 --> 00:11:22.600 Jesus 00:11:22.600 --> 00:11:23.699 is clear 00:11:23.699 --> 00:11:25.240 life 00:11:25.240 --> 00:11:26.519 enjoying 00:11:26.519 --> 00:11:27.519 God 00:11:27.519 --> 00:11:29.159 matters 00:11:29.159 --> 00:11:29.799 more 00:11:29.799 --> 00:11:30.840 than a 00:11:30.840 --> 00:11:31.220 life 00:11:31.220 --> 00:11:32.159 enjoying 00:11:32.159 --> 00:11:32.919 good 00:11:32.919 --> 00:11:33.480 hell 00:11:33.480 --> 00:11:36.840 can we 00:11:36.840 --> 00:11:38.000 believe 00:11:38.000 --> 00:11:38.759 that today 00:11:38.759 --> 00:11:39.919 maybe it's 00:11:39.919 --> 00:11:40.539 particularly 00:11:40.539 --> 00:11:41.220 challenging 00:11:41.220 --> 00:11:42.620 to believe 00:11:42.620 --> 00:11:43.259 that today 00:11:43.259 --> 00:11:44.039 that life 00:11:44.039 --> 00:11:44.419 enjoying 00:11:44.419 --> 00:11:44.919 God 00:11:44.919 --> 00:11:45.860 matters 00:11:45.860 --> 00:11:46.299 more than 00:11:46.299 --> 00:11:46.559 life 00:11:46.559 --> 00:11:46.919 enjoying 00:11:46.919 --> 00:11:47.159 good 00:11:47.159 --> 00:11:47.419 hell 00:11:47.419 --> 00:11:49.259 Jesus 00:11:49.259 --> 00:11:50.139 has gone 00:11:50.139 --> 00:11:50.639 above 00:11:50.639 --> 00:11:51.439 and beyond 00:11:51.439 --> 00:11:52.960 in no doubt 00:11:52.960 --> 00:11:53.840 everybody's 00:11:53.840 --> 00:11:54.720 expectations 00:11:54.720 --> 00:11:56.059 and maybe 00:11:56.059 --> 00:11:56.679 some of you 00:11:56.679 --> 00:11:58.100 listening in 00:11:58.100 --> 00:11:59.120 are sports 00:11:59.120 --> 00:11:59.600 fans and 00:11:59.600 --> 00:12:00.000 you're feeling 00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:00.620 the gap 00:12:00.620 --> 00:12:01.700 with the 00:12:01.700 --> 00:12:02.100 lack of 00:12:02.100 --> 00:12:02.700 live sport 00:12:02.700 --> 00:12:03.059 maybe 00:12:03.059 --> 00:12:04.259 like me 00:12:04.259 --> 00:12:04.519 you've been 00:12:04.519 --> 00:12:05.039 tuning in 00:12:05.039 --> 00:12:05.559 to the 00:12:05.559 --> 00:12:06.279 last dance 00:12:06.279 --> 00:12:06.980 the story 00:12:06.980 --> 00:12:07.319 of Michael 00:12:07.319 --> 00:12:07.700 Jordan 00:12:07.700 --> 00:12:08.920 Chicago Bulls 00:12:08.920 --> 00:12:10.900 on Netflix 00:12:10.900 --> 00:12:13.080 each episode 00:12:13.080 --> 00:12:13.520 tends to 00:12:13.520 --> 00:12:13.920 focus on 00:12:13.920 --> 00:12:14.300 a different 00:12:14.300 --> 00:12:15.040 character 00:12:15.040 --> 00:12:16.280 from the 00:12:16.280 --> 00:12:16.560 team 00:12:16.560 --> 00:12:17.300 and in 00:12:17.300 --> 00:12:18.080 the Dennis 00:12:18.080 --> 00:12:18.560 Rodman 00:12:18.560 --> 00:12:19.920 episode 00:12:19.920 --> 00:12:21.120 there's this 00:12:21.120 --> 00:12:21.540 wonderful 00:12:21.540 --> 00:12:21.940 moment 00:12:21.940 --> 00:12:22.420 where after 00:12:22.420 --> 00:12:22.860 a game 00:12:22.860 --> 00:12:24.700 Dennis 00:12:24.700 --> 00:12:25.120 Rodman 00:12:25.120 --> 00:12:26.320 massive 00:12:26.320 --> 00:12:27.820 tattooed 00:12:27.820 --> 00:12:28.620 multicolored 00:12:28.620 --> 00:12:29.060 haired 00:12:29.060 --> 00:12:30.140 basketball 00:12:30.140 --> 00:12:30.520 player 00:12:30.520 --> 00:12:32.300 sees a 00:12:32.300 --> 00:12:32.720 crowd of 00:12:32.720 --> 00:12:33.220 fans 00:12:33.220 --> 00:12:33.900 who are 00:12:33.900 --> 00:12:34.220 waiting 00:12:34.220 --> 00:12:34.720 beyond a 00:12:34.720 --> 00:12:34.980 barrier 00:12:34.980 --> 00:12:35.580 to get 00:12:35.580 --> 00:12:36.000 an autograph 00:12:36.000 --> 00:12:36.740 and one 00:12:36.740 --> 00:12:37.320 little boy 00:12:37.320 --> 00:12:39.580 sticks out 00:12:39.580 --> 00:12:40.620 his autograph 00:12:40.620 --> 00:12:41.259 book for 00:12:41.259 --> 00:12:41.780 Dennis to 00:12:41.780 --> 00:12:42.000 sign 00:12:42.000 --> 00:12:42.340 and what 00:12:42.340 --> 00:12:43.020 Dennis does 00:12:43.020 --> 00:12:44.060 he signs 00:12:44.060 --> 00:12:44.400 the autograph 00:12:44.400 --> 00:12:44.800 sure 00:12:44.800 --> 00:12:45.620 but then 00:12:45.620 --> 00:12:45.940 he takes 00:12:45.940 --> 00:12:46.180 a wee 00:12:46.180 --> 00:12:46.500 second 00:12:46.500 --> 00:12:47.259 and he 00:12:47.259 --> 00:12:47.780 takes his 00:12:47.780 --> 00:12:48.440 shoes off 00:12:48.440 --> 00:12:48.980 his shoulder 00:12:48.980 --> 00:12:50.000 and he 00:12:50.000 --> 00:12:50.379 gives them 00:12:50.379 --> 00:12:50.600 to the 00:12:50.600 --> 00:12:50.860 boy 00:12:50.860 --> 00:12:52.360 what a 00:12:52.360 --> 00:12:52.740 gift 00:12:52.740 --> 00:12:53.840 again hoping 00:12:53.840 --> 00:12:54.379 he saves 00:12:54.379 --> 00:12:54.680 them 00:12:54.680 --> 00:12:55.340 and he 00:12:55.340 --> 00:12:55.460 would be 00:12:55.460 --> 00:12:55.680 worth 00:12:55.680 --> 00:12:55.820 the 00:12:55.820 --> 00:12:56.180 fortune 00:12:56.180 --> 00:12:57.240 but in 00:12:57.240 --> 00:12:57.580 a much 00:12:57.580 --> 00:12:58.259 greater 00:12:58.259 --> 00:12:58.800 way 00:12:58.800 --> 00:13:00.139 Jesus 00:13:00.139 --> 00:13:00.620 has gone 00:13:00.620 --> 00:13:01.000 above 00:13:01.000 --> 00:13:01.720 and beyond 00:13:01.720 --> 00:13:04.120 what these 00:13:04.120 --> 00:13:04.639 friends could 00:13:04.639 --> 00:13:05.120 have asked 00:13:05.120 --> 00:13:06.320 as they 00:13:06.320 --> 00:13:06.600 brought 00:13:06.600 --> 00:13:07.560 their 00:13:07.560 --> 00:13:08.139 paralysed 00:13:08.139 --> 00:13:08.480 friend 00:13:08.480 --> 00:13:09.240 to Jesus 00:13:09.240 --> 00:13:11.920 but maybe 00:13:11.920 --> 00:13:12.379 we're asking 00:13:12.379 --> 00:13:13.379 why does 00:13:13.379 --> 00:13:14.480 Jesus put 00:13:14.480 --> 00:13:15.100 forgiveness 00:13:15.100 --> 00:13:15.740 first 00:13:15.740 --> 00:13:17.500 why is 00:13:17.500 --> 00:13:18.300 forgiveness 00:13:18.300 --> 00:13:19.019 his first 00:13:19.019 --> 00:13:19.940 priority 00:13:19.940 --> 00:13:20.740 and maybe 00:13:20.740 --> 00:13:21.100 it'll help 00:13:21.100 --> 00:13:21.500 if we think 00:13:21.500 --> 00:13:22.080 about the 00:13:22.080 --> 00:13:22.659 storyline 00:13:22.659 --> 00:13:23.820 of the 00:13:23.820 --> 00:13:24.139 Bible 00:13:24.139 --> 00:13:25.460 to help 00:13:25.460 --> 00:13:25.840 to see 00:13:25.840 --> 00:13:26.279 why that 00:13:26.279 --> 00:13:26.620 would be 00:13:26.620 --> 00:13:27.019 if we go 00:13:27.019 --> 00:13:27.559 back to 00:13:27.559 --> 00:13:28.059 the beginning 00:13:28.059 --> 00:13:29.700 go back 00:13:29.700 --> 00:13:30.419 to creation 00:13:30.419 --> 00:13:31.639 God made 00:13:31.639 --> 00:13:32.080 a perfect 00:13:32.080 --> 00:13:32.559 world 00:13:32.559 --> 00:13:33.600 and then 00:13:33.600 --> 00:13:34.080 he made 00:13:34.080 --> 00:13:34.679 the first 00:13:34.679 --> 00:13:35.000 people 00:13:35.000 --> 00:13:35.559 Adam and 00:13:35.559 --> 00:13:35.820 Eve 00:13:35.820 --> 00:13:36.559 and Adam 00:13:36.559 --> 00:13:36.840 and Eve 00:13:36.840 --> 00:13:37.259 they were 00:13:37.259 --> 00:13:37.620 made 00:13:37.620 --> 00:13:38.080 in the 00:13:38.080 --> 00:13:38.419 image 00:13:38.419 --> 00:13:39.059 of God 00:13:39.059 --> 00:13:39.919 they were 00:13:39.919 --> 00:13:40.240 made 00:13:40.240 --> 00:13:41.240 to steward 00:13:41.240 --> 00:13:41.679 to look 00:13:41.679 --> 00:13:42.480 after creation 00:13:42.480 --> 00:13:43.340 and they 00:13:43.340 --> 00:13:43.700 were made 00:13:43.700 --> 00:13:44.039 for a 00:13:44.039 --> 00:13:44.580 relationship 00:13:44.580 --> 00:13:45.019 with one 00:13:45.019 --> 00:13:45.279 another 00:13:45.279 --> 00:13:45.639 but they 00:13:45.639 --> 00:13:46.139 were also 00:13:46.139 --> 00:13:46.679 made to 00:13:46.679 --> 00:13:47.179 enjoy 00:13:47.179 --> 00:13:48.539 relationship 00:13:48.539 --> 00:13:49.080 with 00:13:49.080 --> 00:13:49.759 God 00:13:49.759 --> 00:13:51.419 they 00:13:51.419 --> 00:13:51.899 knew 00:13:51.899 --> 00:13:52.279 God 00:13:52.279 --> 00:13:52.620 God 00:13:52.620 --> 00:13:53.500 walked 00:13:53.500 --> 00:13:53.779 with 00:13:53.779 --> 00:13:54.079 them 00:13:54.079 --> 00:13:54.699 and 00:13:54.699 --> 00:13:55.199 talked 00:13:55.199 --> 00:13:55.479 with 00:13:55.479 --> 00:13:55.819 them 00:13:55.819 --> 00:13:56.779 so 00:13:56.779 --> 00:13:57.500 people 00:13:57.500 --> 00:13:57.759 were 00:13:57.759 --> 00:13:58.099 made 00:13:58.099 --> 00:13:58.719 for 00:13:58.719 --> 00:14:00.000 enjoying 00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:00.439 that 00:14:00.439 --> 00:14:01.199 relationship 00:14:01.199 --> 00:14:02.959 for enjoying 00:14:02.959 --> 00:14:04.120 the glory 00:14:04.120 --> 00:14:04.699 of God 00:14:04.699 --> 00:14:06.799 receiving 00:14:06.799 --> 00:14:07.699 life 00:14:07.699 --> 00:14:09.059 in that 00:14:09.059 --> 00:14:09.659 fellowship 00:14:09.659 --> 00:14:10.579 with 00:14:10.579 --> 00:14:11.299 God 00:14:11.299 --> 00:14:12.459 but from 00:14:12.459 --> 00:14:13.059 the beauty 00:14:13.059 --> 00:14:14.819 of that 00:14:14.819 --> 00:14:15.459 perfection 00:14:15.459 --> 00:14:16.159 of life 00:14:16.159 --> 00:14:16.419 in the 00:14:16.419 --> 00:14:16.879 Garden of 00:14:16.879 --> 00:14:17.099 Eden 00:14:17.099 --> 00:14:18.120 the Bible 00:14:18.120 --> 00:14:18.639 tells us 00:14:18.639 --> 00:14:18.939 there was 00:14:18.939 --> 00:14:19.500 a fall 00:14:19.500 --> 00:14:21.720 there was 00:14:21.720 --> 00:14:22.539 a rejection 00:14:22.539 --> 00:14:24.220 of God 00:14:24.220 --> 00:14:24.720 and his 00:14:24.720 --> 00:14:25.139 word 00:14:25.139 --> 00:14:26.919 which brought 00:14:26.919 --> 00:14:27.340 sin 00:14:27.340 --> 00:14:29.440 which led 00:14:29.440 --> 00:14:30.279 to shame 00:14:30.279 --> 00:14:31.960 which led 00:14:31.960 --> 00:14:32.659 to hiding 00:14:32.659 --> 00:14:33.519 from God 00:14:33.519 --> 00:14:35.440 which led 00:14:35.440 --> 00:14:36.320 to suffering 00:14:36.320 --> 00:14:37.820 and ultimately 00:14:37.820 --> 00:14:39.240 release 00:14:39.240 --> 00:14:40.080 today 00:14:40.080 --> 00:14:43.000 and Adam 00:14:43.000 --> 00:14:43.419 and Eve 00:14:43.419 --> 00:14:44.340 were sent 00:14:44.340 --> 00:14:45.220 out of the 00:14:45.220 --> 00:14:45.659 Garden 00:14:45.659 --> 00:14:47.819 symbolic 00:14:47.819 --> 00:14:48.279 of the 00:14:48.279 --> 00:14:48.600 fact 00:14:48.600 --> 00:14:49.539 that sin 00:14:49.539 --> 00:14:50.799 severs 00:14:50.799 --> 00:14:51.919 breaks 00:14:51.919 --> 00:14:52.600 the 00:14:52.600 --> 00:14:53.139 relationship 00:14:53.139 --> 00:14:53.539 between 00:14:53.539 --> 00:14:54.500 people 00:14:54.500 --> 00:14:56.139 and God 00:14:56.139 --> 00:14:58.259 so for 00:14:58.259 --> 00:14:58.799 Jesus 00:14:58.799 --> 00:15:00.379 the deepest 00:15:00.379 --> 00:15:01.019 problem 00:15:01.019 --> 00:15:02.159 then is the 00:15:02.159 --> 00:15:02.860 problem of sin 00:15:02.860 --> 00:15:03.439 deep in our 00:15:03.439 --> 00:15:03.759 heart 00:15:03.759 --> 00:15:06.899 it's the 00:15:06.899 --> 00:15:07.500 problem of 00:15:07.500 --> 00:15:08.600 ignoring God 00:15:08.600 --> 00:15:09.840 in the world 00:15:09.840 --> 00:15:10.379 that he has 00:15:10.379 --> 00:15:10.679 made 00:15:10.679 --> 00:15:13.439 it's refusing 00:15:13.439 --> 00:15:14.159 to honour 00:15:14.159 --> 00:15:14.700 God 00:15:14.700 --> 00:15:16.019 or to love 00:15:16.019 --> 00:15:16.319 him 00:15:16.319 --> 00:15:17.840 to turn 00:15:17.840 --> 00:15:18.519 our back 00:15:18.519 --> 00:15:19.120 on our 00:15:19.120 --> 00:15:19.600 father 00:15:19.600 --> 00:15:22.299 to rebel 00:15:22.299 --> 00:15:23.419 against God 00:15:23.419 --> 00:15:24.159 as king 00:15:24.159 --> 00:15:26.340 because that 00:15:26.340 --> 00:15:26.860 sin 00:15:26.860 --> 00:15:28.240 if it is not 00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:28.799 forgiven 00:15:28.799 --> 00:15:29.759 and covered 00:15:29.759 --> 00:15:31.240 leads to 00:15:31.240 --> 00:15:32.319 eternal 00:15:32.319 --> 00:15:33.120 separation 00:15:33.120 --> 00:15:35.200 so Jesus 00:15:35.200 --> 00:15:36.000 came 00:15:36.000 --> 00:15:37.299 with a 00:15:37.299 --> 00:15:37.659 clear 00:15:37.659 --> 00:15:38.360 priority 00:15:38.360 --> 00:15:39.179 to carry 00:15:39.179 --> 00:15:39.700 out a 00:15:39.700 --> 00:15:40.039 mission 00:15:40.039 --> 00:15:40.940 to 00:15:40.940 --> 00:15:42.200 rescue 00:15:42.200 --> 00:15:42.500 us 00:15:42.500 --> 00:15:42.679 to 00:15:42.679 --> 00:15:43.700 reconcile 00:15:43.700 --> 00:15:44.080 us 00:15:44.080 --> 00:15:44.379 to God 00:15:44.379 --> 00:15:44.820 to make 00:15:44.820 --> 00:15:45.299 peace 00:15:45.299 --> 00:15:46.039 with God 00:15:46.039 --> 00:15:47.240 to redeem 00:15:47.240 --> 00:15:48.000 us 00:15:48.000 --> 00:15:49.019 from a 00:15:49.019 --> 00:15:49.740 slavery to 00:15:49.740 --> 00:15:49.899 sin 00:15:49.899 --> 00:15:50.539 leading to 00:15:50.539 --> 00:15:50.799 death 00:15:50.799 --> 00:15:51.480 by 00:15:51.480 --> 00:15:52.379 forgiving 00:15:52.379 --> 00:15:52.980 sin 00:15:52.980 --> 00:15:53.960 through his 00:15:53.960 --> 00:15:54.399 death 00:15:54.399 --> 00:15:55.060 on the 00:15:55.060 --> 00:15:55.580 cross 00:15:55.580 --> 00:15:56.799 even 00:15:56.799 --> 00:15:57.399 before he 00:15:57.399 --> 00:15:57.940 was born 00:15:57.940 --> 00:15:58.519 the angels 00:15:58.519 --> 00:15:59.120 came to 00:15:59.120 --> 00:15:59.899 to marry 00:15:59.899 --> 00:16:00.519 his mother 00:16:00.519 --> 00:16:01.539 and said 00:16:01.539 --> 00:16:01.980 you are to 00:16:01.980 --> 00:16:02.419 give him 00:16:02.419 --> 00:16:02.799 the name 00:16:02.799 --> 00:16:03.379 Jesus 00:16:03.379 --> 00:16:05.079 because he 00:16:05.079 --> 00:16:05.539 will save 00:16:05.539 --> 00:16:06.059 his people 00:16:06.059 --> 00:16:07.319 from 00:16:07.319 --> 00:16:08.139 their 00:16:08.139 --> 00:16:09.159 sin 00:16:09.159 --> 00:16:10.500 so that's 00:16:10.500 --> 00:16:10.799 Jesus' 00:16:10.959 --> 00:16:11.459 priority 00:16:11.459 --> 00:16:13.139 and Jesus' 00:16:13.299 --> 00:16:14.059 greatest gift 00:16:14.059 --> 00:16:14.719 is forgiveness 00:16:14.719 --> 00:16:17.079 now I can 00:16:17.079 --> 00:16:18.099 imagine today 00:16:18.099 --> 00:16:19.620 you might very 00:16:19.620 --> 00:16:20.459 well have a 00:16:20.459 --> 00:16:20.919 list of 00:16:20.919 --> 00:16:21.439 lockdown 00:16:21.439 --> 00:16:22.839 if only 00:16:22.839 --> 00:16:24.500 if only 00:16:24.500 --> 00:16:25.319 I had that 00:16:25.319 --> 00:16:26.059 opportunity 00:16:26.059 --> 00:16:26.659 if only 00:16:26.659 --> 00:16:27.799 that freedom 00:16:27.799 --> 00:16:28.480 hadn't been 00:16:28.480 --> 00:16:29.099 denied me 00:16:29.100 --> 00:16:30.659 then I 00:16:30.659 --> 00:16:31.480 would be 00:16:31.480 --> 00:16:32.420 happy 00:16:32.420 --> 00:16:34.340 none 00:16:34.340 --> 00:16:35.540 of those 00:16:35.540 --> 00:16:36.259 if only 00:16:36.259 --> 00:16:37.379 can fill 00:16:37.379 --> 00:16:38.340 the eternal 00:16:38.340 --> 00:16:39.100 ache 00:16:39.100 --> 00:16:40.220 in your 00:16:40.220 --> 00:16:40.639 heart 00:16:40.639 --> 00:16:42.879 but Jesus 00:16:42.879 --> 00:16:43.519 can and 00:16:43.519 --> 00:16:44.340 Jesus wants 00:16:44.340 --> 00:16:44.720 to and 00:16:44.720 --> 00:16:45.759 Jesus does 00:16:45.759 --> 00:16:49.220 as people 00:16:49.220 --> 00:16:50.500 we plan 00:16:50.500 --> 00:16:52.180 we dream 00:16:52.180 --> 00:16:53.279 we make 00:16:53.279 --> 00:16:53.740 our bucket 00:16:53.740 --> 00:16:54.180 lists 00:16:54.179 --> 00:16:55.399 we make 00:16:55.399 --> 00:16:55.919 our five 00:16:55.919 --> 00:16:56.099 year 00:16:56.099 --> 00:16:56.639 plans 00:16:56.639 --> 00:16:58.219 but we 00:16:58.219 --> 00:16:58.519 need to 00:16:58.519 --> 00:16:58.979 understand 00:16:58.979 --> 00:16:59.459 that that 00:16:59.459 --> 00:17:00.099 holiday 00:17:00.099 --> 00:17:01.599 that career 00:17:01.599 --> 00:17:03.059 that family 00:17:03.059 --> 00:17:03.719 good though 00:17:03.719 --> 00:17:04.220 they may 00:17:04.220 --> 00:17:04.519 be 00:17:04.519 --> 00:17:05.359 cannot 00:17:05.359 --> 00:17:06.000 fill 00:17:06.000 --> 00:17:07.480 the God 00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:07.759 shaped 00:17:07.759 --> 00:17:08.159 hole 00:17:08.159 --> 00:17:09.200 in our 00:17:09.200 --> 00:17:09.500 heart 00:17:09.500 --> 00:17:11.220 Jesus 00:17:11.220 --> 00:17:11.779 knows 00:17:11.779 --> 00:17:12.640 the greatest 00:17:12.640 --> 00:17:13.299 gift 00:17:13.299 --> 00:17:14.460 that he 00:17:14.460 --> 00:17:15.039 can give 00:17:15.039 --> 00:17:15.779 the greatest 00:17:15.779 --> 00:17:16.400 gift that 00:17:16.400 --> 00:17:16.960 God can 00:17:16.960 --> 00:17:17.480 give you 00:17:17.480 --> 00:17:19.039 is to 00:17:19.039 --> 00:17:19.759 give himself 00:17:19.759 --> 00:17:23.319 Jesus 00:17:23.319 --> 00:17:24.359 came as 00:17:24.359 --> 00:17:24.920 God 00:17:24.920 --> 00:17:26.059 with us 00:17:26.059 --> 00:17:28.220 Jesus 00:17:28.220 --> 00:17:29.279 came to 00:17:29.279 --> 00:17:29.779 bring 00:17:29.779 --> 00:17:30.980 forgiveness 00:17:30.980 --> 00:17:33.319 so that 00:17:33.319 --> 00:17:34.240 by faith 00:17:34.240 --> 00:17:35.079 in Jesus 00:17:35.079 --> 00:17:36.220 and his 00:17:36.220 --> 00:17:36.819 work on 00:17:36.819 --> 00:17:37.480 the cross 00:17:37.480 --> 00:17:39.259 of his 00:17:39.259 --> 00:17:40.019 dying 00:17:40.019 --> 00:17:41.140 for sin 00:17:41.140 --> 00:17:41.940 taking the 00:17:41.940 --> 00:17:42.420 punishment 00:17:42.420 --> 00:17:43.559 we deserve 00:17:43.559 --> 00:17:45.120 by faith 00:17:45.120 --> 00:17:45.799 by trusting 00:17:45.799 --> 00:17:46.339 in Jesus 00:17:46.339 --> 00:17:47.339 we can have 00:17:47.339 --> 00:17:47.799 life 00:17:47.799 --> 00:17:48.720 enjoying 00:17:48.720 --> 00:17:49.240 God 00:17:49.240 --> 00:17:50.079 which is 00:17:50.079 --> 00:17:50.460 how we 00:17:50.460 --> 00:17:51.079 were made 00:17:51.079 --> 00:17:51.779 to be 00:17:51.779 --> 00:17:52.660 and that's 00:17:52.660 --> 00:17:53.380 life 00:17:53.380 --> 00:17:53.940 enjoying 00:17:53.940 --> 00:17:54.599 God now 00:17:54.599 --> 00:17:55.500 and for 00:17:55.500 --> 00:17:55.940 all 00:17:55.940 --> 00:17:57.079 eternity 00:17:57.079 --> 00:18:01.259 is Jesus 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:02.220 priority 00:18:02.220 --> 00:18:04.339 my 00:18:04.339 --> 00:18:05.740 priority 00:18:05.740 --> 00:18:06.819 when I 00:18:06.819 --> 00:18:07.480 think about 00:18:07.480 --> 00:18:08.299 my life 00:18:08.299 --> 00:18:08.599 when you 00:18:08.599 --> 00:18:09.180 think about 00:18:09.180 --> 00:18:09.539 your 00:18:09.539 --> 00:18:10.220 life 00:18:10.220 --> 00:18:11.180 do our 00:18:11.180 --> 00:18:11.799 priorities 00:18:11.799 --> 00:18:12.539 match up 00:18:12.539 --> 00:18:12.920 with that 00:18:12.920 --> 00:18:13.460 of Jesus 00:18:13.460 --> 00:18:15.240 what about 00:18:15.240 --> 00:18:15.680 when we 00:18:15.680 --> 00:18:16.160 think about 00:18:16.160 --> 00:18:16.660 our wishes 00:18:16.660 --> 00:18:17.400 and desires 00:18:17.400 --> 00:18:17.779 for the 00:18:17.779 --> 00:18:18.200 people that 00:18:18.200 --> 00:18:18.660 we love 00:18:18.660 --> 00:18:19.660 even for 00:18:19.660 --> 00:18:20.160 the prayers 00:18:20.160 --> 00:18:20.539 that we 00:18:20.539 --> 00:18:20.940 make 00:18:20.940 --> 00:18:24.079 above all 00:18:24.079 --> 00:18:25.420 do we want 00:18:25.420 --> 00:18:25.980 people to 00:18:25.980 --> 00:18:26.900 find forgiveness 00:18:26.900 --> 00:18:27.559 so they can 00:18:27.559 --> 00:18:28.039 know 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:29.539 life with 00:18:29.539 --> 00:18:29.920 God 00:18:29.920 --> 00:18:32.180 I 00:18:32.180 --> 00:18:32.779 started 00:18:32.779 --> 00:18:33.660 re-reading 00:18:33.660 --> 00:18:34.840 C.S. 00:18:34.940 --> 00:18:35.420 Lewis's 00:18:35.420 --> 00:18:36.519 little book 00:18:36.519 --> 00:18:37.180 The Weight 00:18:37.180 --> 00:18:38.019 of Glory 00:18:38.019 --> 00:18:38.820 and in 00:18:38.820 --> 00:18:40.279 the essay 00:18:40.279 --> 00:18:41.060 that gives 00:18:41.060 --> 00:18:41.420 the book 00:18:41.420 --> 00:18:42.080 its title 00:18:42.080 --> 00:18:44.720 Lewis discusses 00:18:44.720 --> 00:18:45.680 glory 00:18:45.680 --> 00:18:47.460 and reward 00:18:47.460 --> 00:18:48.820 in the 00:18:48.820 --> 00:18:49.700 Christian faith 00:18:49.700 --> 00:18:51.500 and what he 00:18:51.500 --> 00:18:52.279 says is that 00:18:52.279 --> 00:18:53.380 the great 00:18:53.380 --> 00:18:54.060 glory 00:18:54.060 --> 00:18:55.140 that we look 00:18:55.140 --> 00:18:55.680 forward to 00:18:55.680 --> 00:18:56.560 the reward 00:18:56.560 --> 00:18:57.600 that is ours 00:18:57.599 --> 00:18:59.599 ultimately is 00:18:59.599 --> 00:19:00.059 to be 00:19:00.059 --> 00:19:00.959 approved 00:19:00.959 --> 00:19:01.659 of 00:19:01.659 --> 00:19:02.980 by God 00:19:02.980 --> 00:19:04.319 to be 00:19:04.319 --> 00:19:05.399 welcomed 00:19:05.399 --> 00:19:06.719 by God 00:19:06.719 --> 00:19:07.899 to have 00:19:07.899 --> 00:19:08.240 God 00:19:08.240 --> 00:19:09.539 delight 00:19:09.539 --> 00:19:10.319 in us 00:19:10.319 --> 00:19:11.480 to have 00:19:11.480 --> 00:19:11.980 God 00:19:11.980 --> 00:19:13.139 love 00:19:13.139 --> 00:19:13.939 us 00:19:13.939 --> 00:19:16.059 here is 00:19:16.059 --> 00:19:17.279 the ultimate 00:19:17.279 --> 00:19:17.699 gift 00:19:17.699 --> 00:19:18.939 here is the 00:19:18.939 --> 00:19:19.879 great priority 00:19:19.879 --> 00:19:20.539 and goal 00:19:20.539 --> 00:19:20.939 that should 00:19:20.939 --> 00:19:21.740 drive our 00:19:21.740 --> 00:19:22.139 lives 00:19:22.139 --> 00:19:23.000 and Jesus 00:19:23.000 --> 00:19:24.099 came for 00:19:24.099 --> 00:19:24.819 this reason 00:19:24.819 --> 00:19:25.879 Jesus brings 00:19:25.879 --> 00:19:26.459 forgiveness 00:19:26.459 --> 00:19:27.500 for this reason 00:19:27.500 --> 00:19:28.220 so we might 00:19:28.220 --> 00:19:28.839 find our 00:19:28.839 --> 00:19:29.319 joy 00:19:29.319 --> 00:19:30.599 in God 00:19:30.599 --> 00:19:33.319 possibly the 00:19:33.319 --> 00:19:34.180 most famous 00:19:34.180 --> 00:19:34.940 quote 00:19:34.940 --> 00:19:36.299 from 00:19:36.299 --> 00:19:38.099 that essay 00:19:38.099 --> 00:19:39.059 is this one 00:19:39.059 --> 00:19:39.819 let me read it 00:19:39.819 --> 00:19:41.819 if we consider 00:19:41.819 --> 00:19:43.480 the staggering 00:19:43.480 --> 00:19:44.640 nature of the 00:19:44.640 --> 00:19:45.880 rewards promised 00:19:45.880 --> 00:19:46.740 us in the 00:19:46.740 --> 00:19:47.500 gospels 00:19:47.500 --> 00:19:48.799 it would 00:19:48.799 --> 00:19:49.359 seem 00:19:49.359 --> 00:19:50.460 our Lord 00:19:50.460 --> 00:19:51.000 finds our 00:19:51.000 --> 00:19:51.779 desires not 00:19:51.779 --> 00:19:52.779 too strong 00:19:52.779 --> 00:19:54.279 but too 00:19:54.279 --> 00:19:54.619 weak 00:19:54.619 --> 00:19:56.079 we are 00:19:56.079 --> 00:19:57.139 half-hearted 00:19:57.139 --> 00:19:57.959 creatures 00:19:57.959 --> 00:19:59.439 fooling about 00:19:59.439 --> 00:20:00.359 with drink 00:20:00.359 --> 00:20:01.239 and sex 00:20:01.239 --> 00:20:02.179 and ambition 00:20:02.179 --> 00:20:03.959 while infinite 00:20:03.959 --> 00:20:04.619 joy is 00:20:04.619 --> 00:20:05.239 offered us 00:20:05.239 --> 00:20:06.419 like an 00:20:06.419 --> 00:20:06.759 ignorant 00:20:06.759 --> 00:20:07.339 child 00:20:07.339 --> 00:20:08.119 who wants 00:20:08.119 --> 00:20:08.639 to go on 00:20:08.639 --> 00:20:09.239 making mud 00:20:09.239 --> 00:20:09.919 pies in a 00:20:09.919 --> 00:20:10.319 slum 00:20:10.319 --> 00:20:11.319 because he 00:20:11.319 --> 00:20:12.219 cannot imagine 00:20:12.219 --> 00:20:13.439 what is meant 00:20:13.439 --> 00:20:14.059 by the offer 00:20:14.059 --> 00:20:14.739 of a holiday 00:20:14.739 --> 00:20:15.359 at the scene 00:20:15.359 --> 00:20:16.740 we are 00:20:16.740 --> 00:20:18.059 far too 00:20:18.059 --> 00:20:19.319 easily 00:20:19.319 --> 00:20:20.199 pleased 00:20:20.199 --> 00:20:23.779 I wonder 00:20:23.779 --> 00:20:24.659 and does 00:20:24.659 --> 00:20:25.959 Lewis in his 00:20:25.959 --> 00:20:26.459 assessment 00:20:26.459 --> 00:20:27.459 does he reflect 00:20:27.459 --> 00:20:28.659 your life and 00:20:28.659 --> 00:20:29.639 mine today 00:20:29.639 --> 00:20:30.699 Jesus' 00:20:30.879 --> 00:20:31.559 priority 00:20:31.559 --> 00:20:32.839 Jesus' 00:20:33.219 --> 00:20:33.579 gift 00:20:33.579 --> 00:20:34.839 is that we 00:20:34.839 --> 00:20:35.639 be forgiven 00:20:35.639 --> 00:20:36.839 so that infinite 00:20:36.839 --> 00:20:37.639 joy may be 00:20:37.639 --> 00:20:38.079 ours 00:20:38.079 --> 00:20:40.339 they're 00:20:40.339 --> 00:20:41.220 connected to 00:20:41.220 --> 00:20:41.559 them 00:20:41.559 --> 00:20:42.379 and it's 00:20:42.379 --> 00:20:42.799 something that 00:20:42.799 --> 00:20:44.659 the crowds 00:20:44.659 --> 00:20:45.480 recognize or 00:20:45.480 --> 00:20:45.879 at least some 00:20:45.879 --> 00:20:46.179 of them 00:20:46.179 --> 00:20:47.059 and there is a 00:20:47.059 --> 00:20:47.980 great claim 00:20:47.980 --> 00:20:49.139 that Jesus 00:20:49.139 --> 00:20:49.819 is making 00:20:49.819 --> 00:20:50.419 the religious 00:20:50.419 --> 00:20:50.939 leaders they 00:20:50.939 --> 00:20:51.319 certainly 00:20:51.319 --> 00:20:52.139 understand this 00:20:52.139 --> 00:20:52.480 and they're 00:20:52.480 --> 00:20:54.019 shocked by 00:20:54.019 --> 00:20:54.379 Jesus' 00:20:54.379 --> 00:20:55.139 statement in 00:20:55.139 --> 00:20:55.980 verse 3 00:20:55.980 --> 00:20:56.859 Jesus having 00:20:56.859 --> 00:20:57.439 said your sins 00:20:57.439 --> 00:20:57.859 are forgiven 00:20:57.859 --> 00:20:58.339 at this 00:20:58.339 --> 00:20:59.599 some of the 00:20:59.599 --> 00:21:00.119 teachers of 00:21:00.119 --> 00:21:00.539 the law 00:21:00.539 --> 00:21:01.319 said to 00:21:01.319 --> 00:21:01.859 themselves 00:21:01.859 --> 00:21:03.279 this fellow 00:21:03.279 --> 00:21:05.740 is blaspheming 00:21:05.740 --> 00:21:07.120 he is 00:21:07.120 --> 00:21:07.960 misusing 00:21:07.960 --> 00:21:08.440 the name 00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:08.839 of God 00:21:08.839 --> 00:21:09.680 by claiming 00:21:09.680 --> 00:21:10.599 some of 00:21:10.599 --> 00:21:11.120 the rights 00:21:11.120 --> 00:21:11.640 of God 00:21:11.640 --> 00:21:13.279 they understand 00:21:13.279 --> 00:21:14.120 the implications 00:21:14.120 --> 00:21:15.200 because to 00:21:15.200 --> 00:21:16.339 forgive someone 00:21:16.339 --> 00:21:18.279 you must have 00:21:18.279 --> 00:21:19.120 been sinned 00:21:19.120 --> 00:21:19.660 against 00:21:19.660 --> 00:21:20.720 you think 00:21:20.720 --> 00:21:21.059 about this 00:21:21.059 --> 00:21:21.940 in a personal 00:21:21.940 --> 00:21:23.319 relationship 00:21:23.319 --> 00:21:25.259 if Tom 00:21:25.259 --> 00:21:25.779 and Dick 00:21:25.779 --> 00:21:26.880 have a fight 00:21:26.880 --> 00:21:27.720 and Tom 00:21:27.720 --> 00:21:28.500 hits Dick 00:21:28.500 --> 00:21:30.440 Harry 00:21:30.440 --> 00:21:31.160 person number 00:21:31.160 --> 00:21:31.559 three he 00:21:31.559 --> 00:21:32.079 cannot come 00:21:32.079 --> 00:21:32.660 along and say 00:21:32.660 --> 00:21:33.660 I forgive 00:21:33.660 --> 00:21:34.000 you 00:21:34.000 --> 00:21:35.720 only Dick 00:21:35.720 --> 00:21:36.339 can do 00:21:36.339 --> 00:21:36.620 that 00:21:36.620 --> 00:21:38.420 so to 00:21:38.420 --> 00:21:38.720 forgive 00:21:38.720 --> 00:21:38.980 someone 00:21:38.980 --> 00:21:39.440 you must 00:21:39.440 --> 00:21:39.740 have been 00:21:39.740 --> 00:21:40.100 sinned 00:21:40.100 --> 00:21:40.460 against 00:21:40.460 --> 00:21:41.860 and they 00:21:41.860 --> 00:21:42.319 understand 00:21:42.319 --> 00:21:42.640 that 00:21:42.640 --> 00:21:44.200 and another 00:21:44.200 --> 00:21:44.620 thing that 00:21:44.620 --> 00:21:45.200 they understand 00:21:45.200 --> 00:21:45.660 the religious 00:21:45.660 --> 00:21:46.140 leaders is 00:21:46.140 --> 00:21:46.680 that forgiveness 00:21:46.680 --> 00:21:47.460 belongs to 00:21:47.460 --> 00:21:47.799 God 00:21:47.799 --> 00:21:49.700 in Psalm 51 00:21:49.700 --> 00:21:50.559 in verse 4 00:21:50.559 --> 00:21:51.720 David 00:21:51.720 --> 00:21:53.299 confessing 00:21:53.299 --> 00:21:53.779 sin says 00:21:53.779 --> 00:21:55.039 against you 00:21:55.039 --> 00:21:56.120 and you 00:21:56.120 --> 00:21:56.740 only have 00:21:56.740 --> 00:21:57.600 I sinned 00:21:57.600 --> 00:21:59.140 other people 00:21:59.140 --> 00:21:59.759 have been 00:21:59.759 --> 00:22:00.360 sinned against 00:22:00.360 --> 00:22:01.319 but primarily 00:22:01.319 --> 00:22:03.100 it's against 00:22:03.100 --> 00:22:03.460 God 00:22:03.460 --> 00:22:04.660 God establishes 00:22:04.660 --> 00:22:05.220 the rule 00:22:05.220 --> 00:22:06.040 so every 00:22:06.040 --> 00:22:06.500 time we 00:22:06.500 --> 00:22:07.620 break those 00:22:07.620 --> 00:22:07.880 rules 00:22:07.880 --> 00:22:08.300 every time 00:22:08.300 --> 00:22:09.240 we break 00:22:09.240 --> 00:22:09.960 God's 00:22:09.960 --> 00:22:10.320 commands 00:22:10.320 --> 00:22:10.640 we are 00:22:10.640 --> 00:22:10.980 sinning 00:22:10.980 --> 00:22:11.560 against 00:22:11.560 --> 00:22:12.320 God 00:22:12.320 --> 00:22:13.320 and even 00:22:13.320 --> 00:22:13.779 when we 00:22:13.779 --> 00:22:14.420 sin against 00:22:14.420 --> 00:22:15.160 another person 00:22:15.160 --> 00:22:15.500 we are 00:22:15.500 --> 00:22:15.880 sinning 00:22:15.880 --> 00:22:16.340 against 00:22:16.340 --> 00:22:17.220 an image 00:22:17.220 --> 00:22:17.660 bearer 00:22:17.660 --> 00:22:18.180 of God 00:22:18.180 --> 00:22:18.920 and so 00:22:18.920 --> 00:22:19.400 we sin 00:22:19.400 --> 00:22:20.279 against 00:22:20.279 --> 00:22:20.920 God 00:22:20.920 --> 00:22:21.480 so the 00:22:21.480 --> 00:22:21.779 religious 00:22:21.779 --> 00:22:22.140 leaders 00:22:22.140 --> 00:22:23.500 they understand 00:22:23.500 --> 00:22:24.820 in a moment 00:22:24.820 --> 00:22:26.640 that Jesus 00:22:26.640 --> 00:22:27.440 is saying 00:22:27.440 --> 00:22:28.740 I am 00:22:28.740 --> 00:22:29.340 God 00:22:29.339 --> 00:22:30.799 and as 00:22:30.799 --> 00:22:31.259 God 00:22:31.259 --> 00:22:32.619 I forgive 00:22:32.619 --> 00:22:33.159 you 00:22:33.159 --> 00:22:35.559 that's a 00:22:35.559 --> 00:22:36.139 huge claim 00:22:36.139 --> 00:22:36.939 isn't it 00:22:36.939 --> 00:22:37.759 now the 00:22:37.759 --> 00:22:38.299 heart of 00:22:38.299 --> 00:22:38.859 the religious 00:22:38.859 --> 00:22:39.279 leaders 00:22:39.279 --> 00:22:40.199 opposition 00:22:40.199 --> 00:22:42.639 is that 00:22:42.639 --> 00:22:43.439 they reject 00:22:43.439 --> 00:22:44.599 the claims 00:22:44.599 --> 00:22:45.079 of Jesus 00:22:45.079 --> 00:22:45.919 they refuse 00:22:45.919 --> 00:22:47.059 to believe 00:22:47.059 --> 00:22:47.879 he is God 00:22:47.879 --> 00:22:49.279 Jesus 00:22:49.279 --> 00:22:50.240 speaking of 00:22:50.240 --> 00:22:50.759 their thoughts 00:22:50.759 --> 00:22:51.079 says 00:22:51.079 --> 00:22:52.059 why do you 00:22:52.059 --> 00:22:52.619 entertain 00:22:52.619 --> 00:22:53.779 evil thoughts 00:22:53.779 --> 00:22:55.420 in your 00:22:55.420 --> 00:22:56.000 hearts 00:22:56.000 --> 00:22:58.039 and then 00:22:58.039 --> 00:22:58.440 in verses 00:22:58.440 --> 00:22:59.000 five and 00:22:59.000 --> 00:22:59.460 six there 00:22:59.460 --> 00:22:59.799 is the 00:22:59.799 --> 00:23:00.399 question 00:23:00.399 --> 00:23:01.259 which 00:23:01.259 --> 00:23:02.099 is 00:23:02.099 --> 00:23:03.039 easier 00:23:03.039 --> 00:23:04.500 to say 00:23:04.500 --> 00:23:05.799 your sins 00:23:05.799 --> 00:23:06.599 are forgiven 00:23:06.599 --> 00:23:08.299 or to say 00:23:08.299 --> 00:23:09.500 get up 00:23:09.500 --> 00:23:10.079 and walk 00:23:10.079 --> 00:23:11.519 and this is a 00:23:11.519 --> 00:23:12.079 question that 00:23:12.079 --> 00:23:13.079 that provokes 00:23:13.079 --> 00:23:13.639 quite a lot 00:23:13.639 --> 00:23:14.839 of debate 00:23:14.839 --> 00:23:15.660 when you read 00:23:15.660 --> 00:23:16.839 different books 00:23:16.839 --> 00:23:17.680 or you hear 00:23:17.680 --> 00:23:18.460 people talk 00:23:18.460 --> 00:23:19.819 I guess 00:23:19.819 --> 00:23:20.160 for us 00:23:20.160 --> 00:23:20.940 in the 21st 00:23:20.940 --> 00:23:21.399 century 00:23:21.399 --> 00:23:22.920 our instinct 00:23:22.920 --> 00:23:23.319 might be 00:23:23.319 --> 00:23:23.519 well 00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:24.759 talk is 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:25.339 cheap 00:23:25.339 --> 00:23:28.279 it's 00:23:28.279 --> 00:23:29.019 easy in a 00:23:29.019 --> 00:23:29.339 sense to 00:23:29.339 --> 00:23:29.619 say your 00:23:29.619 --> 00:23:29.940 sins are 00:23:29.940 --> 00:23:30.200 forgiven 00:23:30.200 --> 00:23:30.639 because there's 00:23:30.639 --> 00:23:31.099 no proof 00:23:31.099 --> 00:23:31.559 of that 00:23:31.559 --> 00:23:32.440 therefore get 00:23:32.440 --> 00:23:33.059 up and walk 00:23:33.059 --> 00:23:33.639 is harder 00:23:33.639 --> 00:23:34.180 because that 00:23:34.180 --> 00:23:34.920 needs proof 00:23:34.920 --> 00:23:37.720 but I 00:23:37.720 --> 00:23:38.240 wonder if 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:38.539 that would 00:23:38.539 --> 00:23:39.099 be how a 00:23:39.099 --> 00:23:39.740 first century 00:23:39.740 --> 00:23:40.619 religious person 00:23:40.619 --> 00:23:41.079 might think 00:23:41.079 --> 00:23:43.299 they might 00:23:43.299 --> 00:23:43.720 say well 00:23:43.720 --> 00:23:45.119 we know 00:23:45.119 --> 00:23:45.420 that there 00:23:45.420 --> 00:23:45.740 are other 00:23:45.740 --> 00:23:46.259 people who 00:23:46.259 --> 00:23:47.079 have healed 00:23:47.079 --> 00:23:48.460 with the 00:23:48.460 --> 00:23:48.839 power of 00:23:48.839 --> 00:23:49.099 God 00:23:49.099 --> 00:23:50.680 maybe it's 00:23:50.680 --> 00:23:51.319 harder 00:23:51.319 --> 00:23:51.599 to 00:23:53.519 --> 00:23:54.339 to say 00:23:54.339 --> 00:23:54.779 your sins 00:23:54.779 --> 00:23:55.339 are forgiven 00:23:55.339 --> 00:23:57.019 because that's 00:23:57.019 --> 00:23:58.019 claiming the 00:23:58.019 --> 00:23:59.279 rights and 00:23:59.279 --> 00:24:00.000 the authority 00:24:00.000 --> 00:24:00.960 of God 00:24:00.960 --> 00:24:03.019 and to a 00:24:03.019 --> 00:24:03.839 religious society 00:24:03.839 --> 00:24:04.680 that took the 00:24:04.680 --> 00:24:05.700 name of God 00:24:05.700 --> 00:24:07.099 that took the 00:24:07.099 --> 00:24:08.139 holiness of God 00:24:08.139 --> 00:24:08.700 seriously 00:24:08.700 --> 00:24:09.759 that's a hard 00:24:09.759 --> 00:24:10.639 thing to claim 00:24:10.639 --> 00:24:11.920 but what Jesus 00:24:11.920 --> 00:24:12.799 does either way 00:24:12.799 --> 00:24:14.279 it's hard to say 00:24:14.279 --> 00:24:14.879 which is true 00:24:14.879 --> 00:24:15.579 but either way 00:24:15.579 --> 00:24:17.000 Jesus connects 00:24:17.000 --> 00:24:18.579 forgiveness of sin 00:24:18.579 --> 00:24:19.139 and the healing 00:24:19.140 --> 00:24:19.740 of the man 00:24:19.740 --> 00:24:21.480 to claim identity 00:24:21.480 --> 00:24:22.900 of God 00:24:22.900 --> 00:24:23.660 to claim 00:24:23.660 --> 00:24:24.860 the power of God 00:24:24.860 --> 00:24:25.960 especially the 00:24:25.960 --> 00:24:26.460 power of God 00:24:26.460 --> 00:24:27.820 to forgive sin 00:24:27.820 --> 00:24:29.759 now on this 00:24:29.759 --> 00:24:30.900 it's so important 00:24:30.900 --> 00:24:31.800 for us 00:24:31.800 --> 00:24:33.180 that we take 00:24:33.180 --> 00:24:34.480 Jesus' claims 00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:35.400 seriously 00:24:35.400 --> 00:24:37.440 sometimes when 00:24:37.440 --> 00:24:38.360 people don't 00:24:38.360 --> 00:24:39.600 make a full 00:24:39.600 --> 00:24:40.380 study of the 00:24:40.380 --> 00:24:40.620 Bible 00:24:40.620 --> 00:24:41.220 they maybe think 00:24:41.220 --> 00:24:42.040 I like Jesus 00:24:42.040 --> 00:24:43.200 I like he's a 00:24:43.200 --> 00:24:43.900 good teacher 00:24:43.900 --> 00:24:45.520 I like they went 00:24:45.520 --> 00:24:46.140 around helping 00:24:46.140 --> 00:24:46.580 people 00:24:46.579 --> 00:24:47.939 like some of 00:24:47.939 --> 00:24:48.480 his wise 00:24:48.480 --> 00:24:49.299 teaching 00:24:49.299 --> 00:24:51.939 but you can't 00:24:51.939 --> 00:24:52.699 really ignore 00:24:52.699 --> 00:24:54.019 when Jesus 00:24:54.019 --> 00:24:55.539 claims to be 00:24:55.539 --> 00:24:56.279 God as he does 00:24:56.279 --> 00:24:56.799 in many many 00:24:56.799 --> 00:24:57.299 many different 00:24:57.299 --> 00:24:57.919 ways 00:24:57.919 --> 00:25:00.740 in the 19th 00:25:00.740 --> 00:25:01.559 century there 00:25:01.559 --> 00:25:02.980 was a professor 00:25:02.980 --> 00:25:03.519 at the Free 00:25:03.519 --> 00:25:04.240 Church College 00:25:04.240 --> 00:25:05.079 who went by 00:25:05.079 --> 00:25:05.500 the nickname 00:25:05.500 --> 00:25:06.199 of Rabbi 00:25:06.199 --> 00:25:07.079 Duncan 00:25:07.079 --> 00:25:09.199 and he was 00:25:09.199 --> 00:25:09.839 followed in the 00:25:09.839 --> 00:25:10.639 20th century 00:25:10.639 --> 00:25:11.439 again by 00:25:11.439 --> 00:25:12.460 C.S. Lewis 00:25:12.460 --> 00:25:13.240 who both 00:25:13.240 --> 00:25:14.879 present 00:25:14.880 --> 00:25:17.680 a response 00:25:17.680 --> 00:25:18.700 to the 00:25:18.700 --> 00:25:19.340 claims of 00:25:19.340 --> 00:25:19.680 Jesus 00:25:19.680 --> 00:25:20.540 Rabbi Duncan 00:25:20.540 --> 00:25:21.160 talks about 00:25:21.160 --> 00:25:21.640 it as a 00:25:21.640 --> 00:25:22.640 trilemma 00:25:22.640 --> 00:25:23.900 you know 00:25:23.900 --> 00:25:24.240 Jesus 00:25:24.240 --> 00:25:25.500 when he makes 00:25:25.500 --> 00:25:26.040 claims like 00:25:26.040 --> 00:25:26.500 this he's 00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:27.280 either a 00:25:27.280 --> 00:25:27.720 liar 00:25:27.720 --> 00:25:29.240 who is 00:25:29.240 --> 00:25:29.880 deliberately 00:25:29.880 --> 00:25:30.900 deceiving 00:25:30.900 --> 00:25:31.380 people 00:25:31.380 --> 00:25:31.920 he are 00:25:31.920 --> 00:25:32.320 deliberately 00:25:32.320 --> 00:25:33.040 deceiving 00:25:33.040 --> 00:25:33.620 us on the 00:25:33.620 --> 00:25:33.980 fact that he 00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:34.500 can forgive 00:25:34.500 --> 00:25:34.960 sins 00:25:34.960 --> 00:25:36.280 he's either 00:25:36.280 --> 00:25:37.360 a lunatic 00:25:37.360 --> 00:25:38.100 who's completely 00:25:38.100 --> 00:25:38.940 self-deluded 00:25:38.940 --> 00:25:39.320 who's got 00:25:39.320 --> 00:25:40.200 delusions of 00:25:40.200 --> 00:25:40.960 grandeur 00:25:40.960 --> 00:25:41.800 and imagines 00:25:41.800 --> 00:25:42.260 he's God 00:25:42.260 --> 00:25:42.640 when actually 00:25:42.640 --> 00:25:43.060 he's just 00:25:43.060 --> 00:25:44.040 a normal 00:25:44.039 --> 00:25:44.480 person 00:25:44.480 --> 00:25:44.779 who's 00:25:44.779 --> 00:25:45.639 imbalanced 00:25:45.639 --> 00:25:46.740 or 00:25:46.740 --> 00:25:48.720 we take 00:25:48.720 --> 00:25:49.180 his claims 00:25:49.180 --> 00:25:49.659 seriously 00:25:49.659 --> 00:25:50.339 we recognise 00:25:50.339 --> 00:25:50.839 that he 00:25:50.839 --> 00:25:51.399 is 00:25:51.399 --> 00:25:52.259 Lord 00:25:52.259 --> 00:25:54.960 he is 00:25:54.960 --> 00:25:55.339 either 00:25:55.339 --> 00:25:56.279 truly 00:25:56.279 --> 00:25:57.139 evil 00:25:57.139 --> 00:25:58.420 because 00:25:58.420 --> 00:25:59.279 he's 00:25:59.279 --> 00:25:59.839 claiming 00:25:59.839 --> 00:26:00.180 to be 00:26:00.180 --> 00:26:00.559 the way 00:26:00.559 --> 00:26:01.019 to God 00:26:01.019 --> 00:26:01.659 and millions 00:26:01.659 --> 00:26:02.119 and millions 00:26:02.119 --> 00:26:02.659 of people 00:26:02.659 --> 00:26:03.779 have followed 00:26:03.779 --> 00:26:04.879 Jesus 00:26:04.879 --> 00:26:05.960 because of 00:26:05.960 --> 00:26:06.539 those claims 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:07.279 because of 00:26:07.279 --> 00:26:08.059 his truth 00:26:08.059 --> 00:26:08.539 because of 00:26:08.539 --> 00:26:08.779 his life 00:26:08.779 --> 00:26:09.339 or 00:26:09.339 --> 00:26:10.119 he's either 00:26:10.119 --> 00:26:10.920 truly evil 00:26:10.920 --> 00:26:11.279 or he's 00:26:11.279 --> 00:26:11.980 truly good 00:26:11.980 --> 00:26:12.480 he is 00:26:12.480 --> 00:26:12.980 truly 00:26:12.980 --> 00:26:14.140 God 00:26:14.140 --> 00:26:16.180 there is 00:26:16.180 --> 00:26:17.240 no halfway 00:26:17.240 --> 00:26:17.779 house 00:26:17.779 --> 00:26:18.360 if we take 00:26:18.360 --> 00:26:18.759 Jesus' 00:26:18.940 --> 00:26:19.259 claims 00:26:19.259 --> 00:26:19.740 seriously 00:26:19.740 --> 00:26:20.400 it doesn't 00:26:20.400 --> 00:26:21.140 allow us 00:26:21.140 --> 00:26:21.660 to sit 00:26:21.660 --> 00:26:22.200 on the 00:26:22.200 --> 00:26:22.539 fence 00:26:22.539 --> 00:26:25.079 what's 00:26:25.079 --> 00:26:25.220 what's at 00:26:25.220 --> 00:26:25.680 stake 00:26:25.680 --> 00:26:26.000 when it 00:26:26.000 --> 00:26:26.339 comes to 00:26:26.339 --> 00:26:26.720 thinking 00:26:26.720 --> 00:26:27.019 about 00:26:27.019 --> 00:26:27.339 Jesus' 00:26:27.559 --> 00:26:28.099 identity 00:26:28.099 --> 00:26:29.339 well if 00:26:29.339 --> 00:26:29.480 we 00:26:29.480 --> 00:26:30.359 trust 00:26:30.359 --> 00:26:30.759 the 00:26:30.759 --> 00:26:31.720 gospels 00:26:31.720 --> 00:26:34.399 Jesus 00:26:34.399 --> 00:26:35.039 is 00:26:35.039 --> 00:26:36.139 God 00:26:36.139 --> 00:26:36.579 who is 00:26:36.579 --> 00:26:37.240 with us 00:26:37.240 --> 00:26:37.799 who has 00:26:37.799 --> 00:26:38.139 become 00:26:38.139 --> 00:26:38.740 one of 00:26:38.740 --> 00:26:39.059 us 00:26:39.059 --> 00:26:40.500 to save 00:26:40.500 --> 00:26:40.839 us 00:26:40.839 --> 00:26:42.319 to forgive 00:26:42.319 --> 00:26:43.139 our sin 00:26:43.139 --> 00:26:44.599 to bring 00:26:44.599 --> 00:26:45.019 to us 00:26:45.019 --> 00:26:45.440 eternal 00:26:45.440 --> 00:26:45.859 life 00:26:45.859 --> 00:26:46.420 and eternal 00:26:46.420 --> 00:26:46.980 hope 00:26:46.980 --> 00:26:50.960 so it's 00:26:50.960 --> 00:26:51.319 really 00:26:51.319 --> 00:26:51.900 important 00:26:51.900 --> 00:26:53.220 that each 00:26:53.220 --> 00:26:53.680 one of 00:26:53.680 --> 00:26:54.099 us 00:26:54.099 --> 00:26:54.980 takes 00:26:54.980 --> 00:26:55.660 seriously 00:26:55.660 --> 00:26:56.460 the 00:26:56.460 --> 00:26:56.900 identity 00:26:56.900 --> 00:26:57.160 of 00:26:57.160 --> 00:26:57.460 Jesus 00:26:57.460 --> 00:26:58.740 because 00:26:58.740 --> 00:26:59.019 of the 00:26:59.019 --> 00:26:59.319 claims 00:26:59.319 --> 00:26:59.620 that he 00:26:59.620 --> 00:27:00.019 makes 00:27:00.019 --> 00:27:02.200 and if 00:27:02.200 --> 00:27:02.559 Jesus 00:27:02.559 --> 00:27:03.039 is who 00:27:03.039 --> 00:27:03.740 he claims 00:27:03.740 --> 00:27:04.339 to be 00:27:04.339 --> 00:27:06.420 how do 00:27:06.420 --> 00:27:07.000 I respond 00:27:07.000 --> 00:27:08.700 we see 00:27:08.700 --> 00:27:09.460 two positive 00:27:09.460 --> 00:27:10.319 responses to 00:27:10.319 --> 00:27:10.839 Jesus in 00:27:10.839 --> 00:27:11.299 our story 00:27:11.299 --> 00:27:11.759 first we 00:27:11.759 --> 00:27:12.120 saw the 00:27:12.120 --> 00:27:12.559 men who 00:27:12.559 --> 00:27:13.240 had faith 00:27:13.240 --> 00:27:16.519 here is a 00:27:16.519 --> 00:27:17.000 call to 00:27:17.000 --> 00:27:18.339 trust in 00:27:18.339 --> 00:27:18.859 Jesus 00:27:18.859 --> 00:27:21.680 to trust 00:27:21.680 --> 00:27:22.000 that he 00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:22.779 is strong 00:27:22.779 --> 00:27:24.160 and kind 00:27:24.160 --> 00:27:25.440 to trust 00:27:25.440 --> 00:27:25.740 that he 00:27:25.740 --> 00:27:26.180 is the 00:27:26.180 --> 00:27:26.680 saviour 00:27:26.680 --> 00:27:27.480 that you 00:27:27.480 --> 00:27:27.960 need 00:27:27.960 --> 00:27:29.059 to trust 00:27:29.059 --> 00:27:29.279 that he 00:27:29.279 --> 00:27:29.779 can meet 00:27:29.779 --> 00:27:30.440 your deepest 00:27:30.440 --> 00:27:30.720 need 00:27:30.720 --> 00:27:30.960 that he 00:27:30.960 --> 00:27:31.579 can forgive 00:27:31.579 --> 00:27:32.079 your sin 00:27:32.079 --> 00:27:32.680 he can 00:27:32.680 --> 00:27:33.140 bring you 00:27:33.140 --> 00:27:33.680 peace 00:27:33.680 --> 00:27:34.559 with God 00:27:34.559 --> 00:27:34.880 he can 00:27:34.880 --> 00:27:35.220 give you 00:27:35.220 --> 00:27:35.980 hope of 00:27:35.980 --> 00:27:36.480 eternal 00:27:36.480 --> 00:27:37.480 life that 00:27:37.480 --> 00:27:37.960 will never 00:27:37.960 --> 00:27:38.799 end 00:27:38.799 --> 00:27:39.660 of perfect 00:27:39.660 --> 00:27:40.299 joy 00:27:40.299 --> 00:27:41.059 and 00:27:43.240 --> 00:27:44.440 so one 00:27:44.440 --> 00:27:44.960 response is 00:27:44.960 --> 00:27:45.220 B 00:27:45.220 --> 00:27:46.440 the other 00:27:46.440 --> 00:27:46.839 positive 00:27:46.839 --> 00:27:47.460 response we 00:27:47.460 --> 00:27:47.920 find in 00:27:47.920 --> 00:27:48.480 here is 00:27:48.480 --> 00:27:49.319 awe 00:27:49.319 --> 00:27:51.120 and praise 00:27:51.120 --> 00:27:53.059 the crowd 00:27:53.059 --> 00:27:53.759 recognise 00:27:53.759 --> 00:27:54.660 Jesus is 00:27:54.660 --> 00:27:55.480 awesome 00:27:55.480 --> 00:27:56.440 in the 00:27:56.440 --> 00:27:56.920 truest sense 00:27:56.920 --> 00:27:57.120 of the 00:27:57.120 --> 00:27:57.299 word 00:27:57.299 --> 00:27:57.900 they recognise 00:27:57.900 --> 00:27:58.740 the authority 00:27:58.740 --> 00:27:59.319 of Jesus 00:27:59.319 --> 00:28:00.500 and they 00:28:00.500 --> 00:28:01.799 praise God 00:28:01.799 --> 00:28:03.299 for the 00:28:03.299 --> 00:28:03.779 gift that 00:28:03.779 --> 00:28:04.420 he brings 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:07.140 Jesus 00:28:07.140 --> 00:28:07.819 came to 00:28:07.819 --> 00:28:08.460 forgive 00:28:08.460 --> 00:28:08.859 sin 00:28:08.859 --> 00:28:09.480 that's not 00:28:09.480 --> 00:28:10.099 something we 00:28:10.099 --> 00:28:10.519 deserve 00:28:10.519 --> 00:28:11.299 that's God's 00:28:11.299 --> 00:28:12.019 grace 00:28:12.019 --> 00:28:12.980 we deserve 00:28:12.980 --> 00:28:13.519 judgment 00:28:13.519 --> 00:28:14.099 we deserve 00:28:14.099 --> 00:28:14.579 hell 00:28:14.579 --> 00:28:15.559 but God 00:28:15.559 --> 00:28:15.859 in his 00:28:15.859 --> 00:28:16.500 kindness 00:28:16.500 --> 00:28:17.480 sends Jesus 00:28:17.480 --> 00:28:18.019 so we can 00:28:18.019 --> 00:28:18.980 receive forgiveness 00:28:18.980 --> 00:28:19.519 and we can 00:28:19.519 --> 00:28:20.339 receive heaven 00:28:20.339 --> 00:28:22.259 Jesus came 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:23.119 to transform 00:28:23.119 --> 00:28:23.960 sinners 00:28:23.960 --> 00:28:25.359 to change 00:28:25.359 --> 00:28:26.079 our lives 00:28:26.079 --> 00:28:27.180 to bring 00:28:27.180 --> 00:28:28.099 infinite joy 00:28:28.099 --> 00:28:28.680 and hope 00:28:28.680 --> 00:28:29.339 in life 00:28:29.339 --> 00:28:30.019 and death 00:28:30.019 --> 00:28:32.460 how do we 00:28:32.460 --> 00:28:33.039 respond 00:28:33.039 --> 00:28:35.079 to Jesus 00:28:35.079 --> 00:28:35.500 and to 00:28:35.500 --> 00:28:35.980 what he 00:28:35.980 --> 00:28:36.339 offers 00:28:36.339 --> 00:28:38.619 maybe today 00:28:38.619 --> 00:28:39.720 is the 00:28:39.720 --> 00:28:40.160 time to 00:28:40.160 --> 00:28:40.920 think about 00:28:40.920 --> 00:28:42.480 the priorities 00:28:42.480 --> 00:28:43.420 that you 00:28:43.420 --> 00:28:43.940 are setting 00:28:43.940 --> 00:28:44.400 for your 00:28:44.400 --> 00:28:44.779 life 00:28:44.779 --> 00:28:46.519 and for 00:28:46.519 --> 00:28:47.220 your family 00:28:47.220 --> 00:28:48.840 do they 00:28:48.840 --> 00:28:49.519 match up 00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:49.900 with that 00:28:49.900 --> 00:28:50.400 of Jesus 00:28:50.400 --> 00:28:51.300 do they 00:28:51.300 --> 00:28:52.019 include 00:28:52.019 --> 00:28:53.160 Jesus 00:28:53.160 --> 00:28:55.539 are you 00:28:55.539 --> 00:28:56.340 trusting in 00:28:56.340 --> 00:28:56.900 Jesus who 00:28:56.900 --> 00:28:57.360 came with 00:28:57.360 --> 00:28:57.800 God's 00:28:57.800 --> 00:28:58.360 authority 00:28:58.360 --> 00:28:59.940 on God's 00:28:59.940 --> 00:29:00.300 mission 00:29:00.300 --> 00:29:01.720 to forgive 00:29:01.720 --> 00:29:02.200 sin 00:29:02.200 --> 00:29:03.440 by his 00:29:03.440 --> 00:29:03.860 death 00:29:03.860 --> 00:29:04.740 on the 00:29:04.740 --> 00:29:05.259 cross 00:29:05.259 --> 00:29:06.500 we're 00:29:06.500 --> 00:29:07.120 invited to 00:29:07.120 --> 00:29:07.960 have faith 00:29:07.960 --> 00:29:09.420 in the 00:29:09.420 --> 00:29:10.259 sin forgiving 00:29:10.259 --> 00:29:11.019 power 00:29:11.019 --> 00:29:12.519 of Jesus 00:29:12.519 --> 00:29:19.900 an 00:29:19.900 --> 00:29:21.559 time if 00:29:21.559 --> 00:29:22.599 for 00:29:22.599 --> 00:29:23.400 to 00:29:23.400 --> 00:29:23.660 him 00:29:23.660 --> 00:29:26.019 to 00:29:26.019 --> 00:29:26.680 sit 00:29:26.680 --> 00:29:30.000 in