WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.839 Have you ever been asked that question? 00:00:04.299 --> 00:00:08.720 How do you know that Jesus is the one, the only? 00:00:10.560 --> 00:00:13.500 How do you know that Jesus is the Son of God? 00:00:15.120 --> 00:00:16.320 How can you be sure? 00:00:18.339 --> 00:00:20.699 Well, this morning as we take up the words of Jesus, 00:00:20.859 --> 00:00:24.240 my hope and my prayer is that we'll come to something of an answer to that question. 00:00:24.740 --> 00:00:26.140 We're in the Gospel of John. 00:00:26.140 --> 00:00:29.859 If you have your Bible with you, please open it up to John chapter 10. 00:00:30.780 --> 00:00:32.240 Verse 14. 00:00:37.700 --> 00:00:40.679 John chapter 10, verse 14 and 15. 00:00:43.439 --> 00:00:44.679 Jesus says this. 00:00:44.780 --> 00:00:46.519 He says, I am the good shepherd. 00:00:47.600 --> 00:00:51.980 The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 00:00:53.560 --> 00:00:55.039 Sorry, that's verse 11. 00:00:55.219 --> 00:00:55.799 Verse 14. 00:00:55.920 --> 00:00:56.859 I am the good shepherd. 00:00:56.859 --> 00:01:04.379 I know my sheep and my sheep know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. 00:01:04.379 --> 00:01:11.239 You know, I've read these words of Jesus, I'm not sure how many times in the past year. 00:01:11.899 --> 00:01:16.459 And week after week as I've read them, there's just been a little something that's kept nagging me. 00:01:16.459 --> 00:01:24.299 What does Jesus mean when he says, I know my sheep and my sheep know me? 00:01:24.299 --> 00:01:34.759 And beyond that, what does Jesus mean when he adds, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. 00:01:34.760 --> 00:01:44.060 You know, what we tend to do when we come to these words of Jesus, we maybe scratch our heads a few times and say, hmm. 00:01:44.060 --> 00:01:49.879 And then just keep on reading until we get back to something that's clear and makes more sense. 00:01:51.200 --> 00:02:01.500 If verses 14 down to verse 18 are like a swimming pool, I've been swimming in them for a good little while here and yet I still feel like I can't quite touch the bottom here. 00:02:02.240 --> 00:02:03.359 These are deep waters. 00:02:03.359 --> 00:02:08.439 We could just skip over them and look for something that's more easy to understand. 00:02:09.259 --> 00:02:14.400 But I can't help but think that Jesus chose these words carefully for a reason. 00:02:14.939 --> 00:02:22.020 That God has something that he wants to say to us through these very words, as difficult to understand as they may be. 00:02:22.020 --> 00:02:34.640 I'm not saying that every time we struggle to understand something that we should necessarily have to do a full in-depth study. 00:02:35.080 --> 00:02:46.840 But sometimes, after some prayer and meditation, we should dig in and study further to press in and understand what Jesus is saying, what God wants to say. 00:02:47.640 --> 00:02:51.140 These are the words of Jesus, the Son of God. 00:02:52.020 --> 00:02:56.140 And I want to understand everything I can of what he said. 00:02:57.200 --> 00:03:03.939 So I'm not sure how much more clarity and certainty we will come to through this morning's message. 00:03:04.160 --> 00:03:12.540 But perhaps we just need to go on the journey together of asking some questions and thinking about it and chewing on these words of Jesus a little bit. 00:03:13.040 --> 00:03:16.460 And my hope and prayer is that the Lord will lead us to a deeper understanding. 00:03:17.900 --> 00:03:19.820 So let's go after this a little bit. 00:03:19.819 --> 00:03:27.280 What does Jesus mean when he says, I know my sheep and my sheep know me? 00:03:28.719 --> 00:03:33.259 Let's start by remembering how all this stuff that Jesus has been saying came up. 00:03:33.959 --> 00:03:36.439 Jesus healed a man who had been born blind. 00:03:36.439 --> 00:03:43.639 And after that man had been grilled by the Pharisees and then kicked out, Jesus went and found the man. 00:03:44.659 --> 00:03:49.079 He told this man that he was the Son of Man, the Messiah. 00:03:49.699 --> 00:03:52.219 And then the man who had been blind said, I believe. 00:03:52.340 --> 00:03:54.039 And he began worshiping Jesus. 00:03:55.340 --> 00:03:58.379 Some Pharisees who were there were watching this. 00:03:58.379 --> 00:04:00.699 And Jesus has a little exchange with them. 00:04:00.759 --> 00:04:06.039 And then he goes into a sort of parable or illustration about sheep and sheepfold. 00:04:06.740 --> 00:04:09.039 Shepherd and robbers and thieves. 00:04:09.759 --> 00:04:11.439 Wolves and hired hands. 00:04:12.479 --> 00:04:19.040 And as we worked through that in the past weeks in our sermon series, we started to catch a little more of Jesus' meaning. 00:04:19.199 --> 00:04:23.819 He's been exposing the evil of the Pharisees with the robbers and thieves. 00:04:24.240 --> 00:04:25.600 Perhaps even with the wolves. 00:04:25.600 --> 00:04:29.460 He's been declaring to them that he is the true shepherd. 00:04:30.260 --> 00:04:32.100 And that the sheep belong to him. 00:04:33.740 --> 00:04:39.720 And one of the things that Jesus has been making much of is this whole relationship between shepherd and sheep. 00:04:40.960 --> 00:04:44.840 This relationship that Jesus has with his followers. 00:04:45.700 --> 00:04:48.620 That's what these verses that we're looking at today are all about. 00:04:49.700 --> 00:04:51.640 I know my sheep. 00:04:52.560 --> 00:04:54.460 And my sheep know me. 00:04:55.600 --> 00:05:04.840 There's something significant and special going on here between Jesus and the man who is right now bowing down on the ground and worshiping him. 00:05:04.839 --> 00:05:16.079 There's something very significant and special going on here between Jesus and these men and women who have been following him all over Israel for the past couple years. 00:05:16.639 --> 00:05:17.759 Men like Peter. 00:05:18.339 --> 00:05:18.939 James. 00:05:19.479 --> 00:05:19.919 John. 00:05:20.979 --> 00:05:21.359 Mary. 00:05:22.079 --> 00:05:22.699 And Martha. 00:05:23.500 --> 00:05:24.099 Women too. 00:05:24.100 --> 00:05:26.939 I know my sheep. 00:05:26.939 --> 00:05:26.960 I know my sheep. 00:05:27.640 --> 00:05:29.879 And my sheep know me. 00:05:30.860 --> 00:05:36.780 Let's just rewind to the beginning of this little analogy and trace this theme through a little bit. 00:05:37.020 --> 00:05:39.120 Back to verse 3. 00:05:39.220 --> 00:05:40.560 I'm going to read 3 to 5. 00:05:40.900 --> 00:05:42.100 And then verse 8. 00:05:42.100 --> 00:05:48.080 The gatekeeper opens the gate for the shepherd, said Jesus. 00:05:48.600 --> 00:05:51.780 And the sheep listen to the shepherd's voice. 00:05:52.540 --> 00:05:56.760 He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 00:05:57.560 --> 00:06:05.060 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 00:06:05.060 --> 00:06:08.680 But they will never follow a stranger. 00:06:09.600 --> 00:06:14.879 In fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice. 00:06:17.399 --> 00:06:18.220 Verse 8. 00:06:18.740 --> 00:06:24.600 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 00:06:26.579 --> 00:06:28.720 And then we finally come to verse 14. 00:06:29.920 --> 00:06:34.519 I know my sheep and my sheep know me. 00:06:35.060 --> 00:06:37.780 So Jesus has already said a lot about this. 00:06:38.480 --> 00:06:49.040 The way to know who the true shepherd is, the one to whom the sheep belong, is by whether or not the sheep know and recognize the shepherd. 00:06:49.959 --> 00:06:54.699 It's by whether or not they listen to his voice and follow him. 00:06:56.180 --> 00:06:58.959 Jesus is the true shepherd, the good shepherd. 00:06:58.959 --> 00:07:08.419 And those who are his know him, recognize him, listen to his voice, and follow him. 00:07:09.120 --> 00:07:12.779 What Jesus says, his sheep listen to. 00:07:13.419 --> 00:07:17.459 What Jesus tells his followers about, they believe. 00:07:17.459 --> 00:07:22.299 What Jesus commands, his sheep obey. 00:07:23.180 --> 00:07:26.779 And where Jesus leads, his sheep follow. 00:07:27.799 --> 00:07:28.259 Why? 00:07:30.539 --> 00:07:31.839 Because they know him. 00:07:33.299 --> 00:07:39.319 They have a special bond or relationship with him as their shepherd. 00:07:39.319 --> 00:07:45.139 They recognize his voice in a way that they don't recognize the voice of anyone else. 00:07:46.680 --> 00:07:51.300 I know my sheep and my sheep know me. 00:07:52.300 --> 00:07:55.899 My sheep know me, says Jesus. 00:07:55.899 --> 00:08:00.099 Let's come back to that question I asked at the beginning. 00:08:01.099 --> 00:08:03.719 How do you know that Jesus is the one? 00:08:04.899 --> 00:08:05.759 The only? 00:08:07.560 --> 00:08:11.079 How do you know that he really is the son of God? 00:08:12.639 --> 00:08:13.679 The Christ? 00:08:14.899 --> 00:08:15.819 The way? 00:08:16.060 --> 00:08:16.560 The truth? 00:08:16.679 --> 00:08:17.199 The life? 00:08:18.679 --> 00:08:22.699 How do you know that Jesus is the one that the Bible says he is? 00:08:23.359 --> 00:08:24.539 How can you be sure? 00:08:24.540 --> 00:08:30.220 Or maybe you've been asked that question by some people. 00:08:31.040 --> 00:08:33.200 Or had that conversation with someone. 00:08:33.920 --> 00:08:35.519 How do you answer that question? 00:08:36.659 --> 00:08:39.159 What would you say to someone who asked you those questions? 00:08:42.139 --> 00:08:46.080 Some of us might reach for that apologetics book on the bookshelf at home. 00:08:46.180 --> 00:08:47.500 Or that evangelism book. 00:08:48.720 --> 00:08:51.480 That talks about how to make a good case for Christ. 00:08:51.600 --> 00:08:53.639 Or how to explain our faith. 00:08:54.539 --> 00:08:55.079 In Jesus. 00:08:57.079 --> 00:08:59.019 Others of us might have a more. 00:08:59.360 --> 00:09:00.959 Let's look at the evidence. 00:09:01.500 --> 00:09:05.059 And start talking about the miracles that Jesus did. 00:09:06.759 --> 00:09:08.500 But what's interesting is that. 00:09:09.279 --> 00:09:12.819 Many people witnessed the miracles that Jesus did. 00:09:13.039 --> 00:09:13.579 And yet. 00:09:14.379 --> 00:09:15.379 Walked away. 00:09:15.919 --> 00:09:16.799 Not believing. 00:09:16.799 --> 00:09:18.159 In him. 00:09:18.259 --> 00:09:19.620 Not following him. 00:09:20.559 --> 00:09:24.039 Some of them ate the very bread that Jesus made in the wilderness. 00:09:25.079 --> 00:09:25.799 And yet. 00:09:26.019 --> 00:09:27.099 They did not believe. 00:09:27.839 --> 00:09:31.339 There came that time where they didn't want to listen to what he had to say anymore. 00:09:31.339 --> 00:09:32.639 And they left him. 00:09:32.639 --> 00:09:36.879 How is it that some people accept. 00:09:37.120 --> 00:09:38.120 And believe. 00:09:38.120 --> 00:09:41.500 And follow Jesus with the highest of loyalties. 00:09:42.319 --> 00:09:45.299 While others who see and look at the same things. 00:09:45.519 --> 00:09:47.679 Have the opposite conclusion about Jesus. 00:09:47.679 --> 00:09:51.659 How do you know. 00:09:52.159 --> 00:09:52.639 Know. 00:09:53.159 --> 00:09:55.000 That Jesus really is. 00:09:55.000 --> 00:09:56.399 Who the Bible says he is. 00:09:58.000 --> 00:09:59.299 How can you be sure. 00:10:01.759 --> 00:10:03.079 Some of us might say. 00:10:03.979 --> 00:10:05.319 I just don't know. 00:10:05.500 --> 00:10:06.099 How I know. 00:10:06.500 --> 00:10:07.179 But I know. 00:10:07.179 --> 00:10:10.639 I can't explain it. 00:10:10.979 --> 00:10:12.799 I just know in my heart of hearts. 00:10:13.120 --> 00:10:14.439 That he is. 00:10:14.979 --> 00:10:15.500 The one. 00:10:17.259 --> 00:10:18.559 I can't explain it. 00:10:19.799 --> 00:10:21.559 It's not that we haven't thought about it. 00:10:21.579 --> 00:10:23.539 Or that we don't know some things about Jesus. 00:10:23.699 --> 00:10:24.120 But maybe. 00:10:24.419 --> 00:10:25.219 What we mean is. 00:10:25.299 --> 00:10:28.299 I just can't explain it in a way that I'm sure will convince you. 00:10:29.339 --> 00:10:30.599 To change your mind. 00:10:32.959 --> 00:10:34.819 Especially if that person you're talking to. 00:10:34.959 --> 00:10:36.779 Is just continuously questioning. 00:10:36.779 --> 00:10:37.360 And questioning. 00:10:37.480 --> 00:10:38.240 Well how do you know this. 00:10:38.279 --> 00:10:39.120 And how do you know that. 00:10:39.639 --> 00:10:41.019 At the very bottom of it all. 00:10:41.100 --> 00:10:42.620 Maybe we all kind of come to that place. 00:10:42.659 --> 00:10:43.079 Where we say. 00:10:43.159 --> 00:10:44.379 Well I just know. 00:10:45.500 --> 00:10:47.419 I just know that Jesus is. 00:10:47.480 --> 00:10:48.740 Who the Bible says he is. 00:10:48.819 --> 00:10:49.879 That he is the one. 00:10:49.959 --> 00:10:51.299 That he is the son of God. 00:10:52.919 --> 00:10:53.860 There's a faith. 00:10:54.339 --> 00:10:55.120 There's a trust. 00:10:55.120 --> 00:10:55.959 At the bottom. 00:10:57.559 --> 00:10:59.620 That some people just don't seem to have. 00:11:01.019 --> 00:11:01.879 More than that. 00:11:02.779 --> 00:11:03.740 There's a knowing. 00:11:04.059 --> 00:11:04.939 There's a knowledge. 00:11:05.480 --> 00:11:06.439 There's a certainty. 00:11:06.779 --> 00:11:08.240 There's an assurance. 00:11:09.699 --> 00:11:10.779 That I have. 00:11:11.860 --> 00:11:13.199 That some don't have. 00:11:14.779 --> 00:11:15.860 However it works. 00:11:16.339 --> 00:11:17.860 Those of us who know Jesus. 00:11:18.120 --> 00:11:18.939 We just know. 00:11:19.480 --> 00:11:20.459 That he is. 00:11:20.699 --> 00:11:21.439 Our good shepherd. 00:11:22.539 --> 00:11:23.500 The Christ. 00:11:24.559 --> 00:11:25.759 The son of God. 00:11:26.419 --> 00:11:28.360 We know that he is the light of the world. 00:11:28.459 --> 00:11:29.819 We know that he is all the things. 00:11:30.039 --> 00:11:31.659 That the Bible says he is. 00:11:32.039 --> 00:11:33.039 That he is the one. 00:11:33.039 --> 00:11:35.599 I know my sheep. 00:11:36.319 --> 00:11:38.779 And my sheep know me. 00:11:39.039 --> 00:11:39.719 Said Jesus. 00:11:41.959 --> 00:11:42.439 Yes. 00:11:43.439 --> 00:11:44.839 We who belong to Christ. 00:11:45.000 --> 00:11:46.120 When we read these words. 00:11:46.240 --> 00:11:47.019 We say yes. 00:11:47.620 --> 00:11:48.439 That's true. 00:11:50.019 --> 00:11:50.860 Maybe if we. 00:11:50.959 --> 00:11:52.360 We can't even explain. 00:11:52.620 --> 00:11:53.339 How or why. 00:11:53.459 --> 00:11:54.259 We know it's true. 00:11:54.259 --> 00:11:57.620 Let's look at the second. 00:11:58.340 --> 00:12:00.019 Piece of this verse for a moment. 00:12:00.679 --> 00:12:02.000 I know my sheep. 00:12:02.480 --> 00:12:03.580 And my sheep. 00:12:04.080 --> 00:12:04.620 Know me. 00:12:05.299 --> 00:12:06.980 Just as the father knows me. 00:12:07.340 --> 00:12:08.939 And I know the father. 00:12:08.940 --> 00:12:12.020 What does that mean? 00:12:13.780 --> 00:12:14.620 This is what. 00:12:15.100 --> 00:12:16.680 Drew my attention to this verse. 00:12:16.920 --> 00:12:18.280 What is he saying? 00:12:19.260 --> 00:12:20.480 Maybe we could flip it around. 00:12:21.760 --> 00:12:23.540 Just as the father knows me. 00:12:23.600 --> 00:12:24.880 And I know the father. 00:12:25.800 --> 00:12:26.580 So too. 00:12:27.220 --> 00:12:28.520 I know my sheep. 00:12:29.080 --> 00:12:30.040 And my sheep. 00:12:30.040 --> 00:12:31.020 Know me. 00:12:33.200 --> 00:12:34.720 Does that make any more sense? 00:12:37.720 --> 00:12:38.840 What does this mean? 00:12:39.860 --> 00:12:41.640 Well we can rule out one possibility. 00:12:42.760 --> 00:12:44.280 I don't think Jesus is saying. 00:12:44.420 --> 00:12:45.760 That our relationship with him. 00:12:45.920 --> 00:12:47.940 Is identical to his relationship. 00:12:47.940 --> 00:12:48.780 With the father. 00:12:49.600 --> 00:12:50.680 How could it be? 00:12:51.620 --> 00:12:53.780 Jesus and the father are divine. 00:12:54.620 --> 00:12:55.660 We are not. 00:12:56.600 --> 00:12:58.020 Jesus and the father. 00:12:58.020 --> 00:12:59.280 Go way back. 00:12:59.900 --> 00:13:02.100 To before the world was even created. 00:13:02.740 --> 00:13:03.740 Eternity past. 00:13:05.140 --> 00:13:07.480 Our relationship with Jesus does not. 00:13:07.480 --> 00:13:10.019 Jesus and the father. 00:13:10.019 --> 00:13:11.480 Are one with each other. 00:13:12.860 --> 00:13:15.080 They have this special communion. 00:13:15.080 --> 00:13:16.500 And unity. 00:13:16.980 --> 00:13:17.899 With each other. 00:13:17.899 --> 00:13:19.480 In a deep and mysterious way. 00:13:19.600 --> 00:13:20.879 That we can barely comprehend. 00:13:20.879 --> 00:13:24.180 We don't have that same relationship with Jesus. 00:13:24.180 --> 00:13:26.340 As he has with the father. 00:13:26.340 --> 00:13:26.460 Father. 00:13:30.220 --> 00:13:31.620 Well what is it then? 00:13:32.920 --> 00:13:34.000 It's a tough one. 00:13:34.420 --> 00:13:38.420 But let's take a moment to think about Jesus' relationship with his father. 00:13:39.080 --> 00:13:42.480 It's something that's come up again and again in this gospel of John. 00:13:42.480 --> 00:13:49.220 There is something unique and special about Jesus' relationship with God the father. 00:13:50.440 --> 00:13:53.680 We heard it as early as the first chapter. 00:13:54.320 --> 00:13:56.539 John chapter 1 verse 18. 00:13:56.539 --> 00:14:16.419 John chapter 3 verse 35. 00:14:16.419 --> 00:14:28.139 John chapter 5 verse 17. 00:14:28.139 --> 00:14:32.579 As Jesus makes his case to the Pharisees while they're trying to go after him. 00:14:33.299 --> 00:14:35.319 In his defense Jesus said to them. 00:14:35.539 --> 00:14:39.439 My father is always at work to this very day. 00:14:39.579 --> 00:14:41.139 And I too am working. 00:14:42.559 --> 00:14:45.019 He went on in verse 19 to say this. 00:14:45.019 --> 00:14:47.460 Very truly I tell you. 00:14:48.220 --> 00:14:50.419 The son can do nothing by himself. 00:14:51.220 --> 00:14:54.059 He can only do what he sees his father doing. 00:14:54.799 --> 00:14:56.620 Because whatever the father does. 00:14:56.779 --> 00:14:57.899 The son also does. 00:14:58.559 --> 00:15:00.639 For the father loves the son. 00:15:00.740 --> 00:15:02.659 And shows him all he does. 00:15:03.799 --> 00:15:04.279 Yes. 00:15:04.720 --> 00:15:07.559 And he will show him even greater works than these. 00:15:08.000 --> 00:15:09.620 So that you will be amazed. 00:15:11.740 --> 00:15:13.879 Or we could look to John 6 45. 00:15:15.019 --> 00:15:16.259 Jesus said. 00:15:16.259 --> 00:15:18.360 Everyone who has heard the father. 00:15:18.659 --> 00:15:20.419 And learned from him. 00:15:20.620 --> 00:15:21.939 Comes to me. 00:15:22.860 --> 00:15:24.740 No one has seen the father. 00:15:24.860 --> 00:15:27.059 Except the one who is from God. 00:15:28.019 --> 00:15:31.039 Only he has seen the father. 00:15:32.960 --> 00:15:34.819 John chapter 8 verse 16. 00:15:34.919 --> 00:15:35.759 It comes up again. 00:15:35.759 --> 00:15:38.000 Jesus says. 00:15:38.000 --> 00:15:39.120 But if I do judge. 00:15:39.220 --> 00:15:40.480 My decisions are true. 00:15:40.779 --> 00:15:42.259 Because I am not alone. 00:15:42.919 --> 00:15:45.600 I stand with the father. 00:15:45.600 --> 00:15:46.879 Who sent me. 00:15:48.340 --> 00:15:49.399 Verse 19. 00:15:49.539 --> 00:15:50.360 Then they asked him. 00:15:50.919 --> 00:15:52.259 Where is your father? 00:15:53.720 --> 00:15:54.539 Jesus said. 00:15:55.080 --> 00:15:56.980 You do not know me. 00:15:57.279 --> 00:15:58.399 Or my father. 00:15:59.039 --> 00:16:00.500 If you knew me. 00:16:01.240 --> 00:16:03.200 You would know my father also. 00:16:03.200 --> 00:16:06.140 We touched on all these passages. 00:16:06.140 --> 00:16:06.879 Over the. 00:16:07.120 --> 00:16:08.220 Over the months. 00:16:08.340 --> 00:16:09.600 That we have been doing this series. 00:16:10.500 --> 00:16:11.660 And one thing that we have seen. 00:16:11.740 --> 00:16:12.280 In all this. 00:16:12.400 --> 00:16:13.800 Is that Jesus relationship. 00:16:13.800 --> 00:16:14.680 With the father. 00:16:14.960 --> 00:16:16.060 Is so unique. 00:16:16.759 --> 00:16:17.780 So different. 00:16:17.900 --> 00:16:19.300 From what we are familiar with. 00:16:19.940 --> 00:16:20.840 It is really an. 00:16:20.960 --> 00:16:21.879 Out of this world. 00:16:22.000 --> 00:16:22.900 Kind of relationship. 00:16:25.560 --> 00:16:26.740 And if we have been listening. 00:16:26.860 --> 00:16:28.259 To what John has been saying. 00:16:28.379 --> 00:16:29.000 We will notice that. 00:16:29.120 --> 00:16:29.900 Often the people. 00:16:29.899 --> 00:16:31.439 Who Jesus said these things to. 00:16:31.799 --> 00:16:32.620 They didn't get. 00:16:32.699 --> 00:16:33.919 What he was talking about either. 00:16:35.240 --> 00:16:36.539 They thought these things. 00:16:36.539 --> 00:16:37.620 Sounded strange. 00:16:39.179 --> 00:16:40.220 Some were pretty sure. 00:16:40.220 --> 00:16:41.120 That he was claiming. 00:16:41.120 --> 00:16:42.419 God is his own father. 00:16:42.620 --> 00:16:44.259 Like in John 5.18. 00:16:45.840 --> 00:16:46.799 Others were still. 00:16:47.059 --> 00:16:48.679 Thinking like we just heard here. 00:16:49.039 --> 00:16:50.259 That maybe somehow. 00:16:50.379 --> 00:16:51.980 Jesus is still talking. 00:16:51.980 --> 00:16:53.579 About his earthly dad. 00:16:54.759 --> 00:16:55.779 Who is your dad? 00:16:55.860 --> 00:16:56.439 Where is he? 00:16:56.440 --> 00:16:58.680 And they debated. 00:16:58.940 --> 00:16:59.360 Back and forth. 00:16:59.440 --> 00:17:00.480 About his parentage. 00:17:01.420 --> 00:17:02.540 But all along. 00:17:02.760 --> 00:17:03.540 We know. 00:17:03.700 --> 00:17:04.640 If we are following closely. 00:17:04.820 --> 00:17:06.019 That Jesus has not been talking. 00:17:06.019 --> 00:17:06.720 About Joseph. 00:17:07.019 --> 00:17:07.900 He has been talking. 00:17:07.900 --> 00:17:08.960 About God. 00:17:10.080 --> 00:17:11.140 When he says. 00:17:11.420 --> 00:17:12.019 My father. 00:17:12.799 --> 00:17:13.920 His heavenly father. 00:17:14.380 --> 00:17:15.200 A relationship. 00:17:15.519 --> 00:17:15.860 That he. 00:17:16.039 --> 00:17:17.920 Has had with the father. 00:17:18.200 --> 00:17:19.559 Before he came down. 00:17:19.820 --> 00:17:20.440 To earth. 00:17:21.340 --> 00:17:22.600 This kind of an. 00:17:22.920 --> 00:17:23.360 Invisible. 00:17:23.980 --> 00:17:24.580 Unseen. 00:17:24.880 --> 00:17:25.559 Relationship. 00:17:25.559 --> 00:17:26.859 In which the father. 00:17:26.859 --> 00:17:27.399 And son. 00:17:27.399 --> 00:17:28.059 Commune. 00:17:28.059 --> 00:17:29.220 With each other. 00:17:29.220 --> 00:17:30.299 In ways. 00:17:30.599 --> 00:17:31.139 And in moments. 00:17:31.139 --> 00:17:32.740 That we don't even understand. 00:17:34.000 --> 00:17:35.000 And we just get. 00:17:35.179 --> 00:17:35.960 These little glimpses. 00:17:36.079 --> 00:17:36.779 Of this communion. 00:17:37.019 --> 00:17:38.299 Like at Jesus baptism. 00:17:38.639 --> 00:17:39.379 When the father. 00:17:39.379 --> 00:17:40.399 Speaks from heaven. 00:17:40.940 --> 00:17:42.359 About how he is pleased. 00:17:42.359 --> 00:17:43.019 With his son. 00:17:43.119 --> 00:17:44.019 And loves his son. 00:17:44.440 --> 00:17:44.960 Or. 00:17:45.179 --> 00:17:46.299 When we hear Jesus. 00:17:46.480 --> 00:17:46.819 Praying. 00:17:47.099 --> 00:17:47.859 To his father. 00:17:47.980 --> 00:17:49.259 In John chapter 17. 00:17:49.440 --> 00:17:50.419 Pouring out his heart. 00:17:50.420 --> 00:17:54.380 So the way. 00:17:54.380 --> 00:17:55.140 That the father. 00:17:55.539 --> 00:17:55.900 Knows. 00:17:55.900 --> 00:17:56.700 The son. 00:17:56.880 --> 00:17:57.340 And the son. 00:17:57.420 --> 00:17:58.060 Knows the father. 00:17:58.259 --> 00:17:59.860 It's beyond our understanding. 00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:01.480 It's a spiritual. 00:18:02.019 --> 00:18:02.620 Relationship. 00:18:04.220 --> 00:18:05.440 Maybe not so much. 00:18:05.519 --> 00:18:06.480 A physical. 00:18:06.759 --> 00:18:07.440 Flesh and blood. 00:18:07.440 --> 00:18:08.440 Kind of relationship. 00:18:08.440 --> 00:18:09.700 Like we're used to having. 00:18:09.700 --> 00:18:10.440 With one another. 00:18:12.779 --> 00:18:14.220 Maybe this is the point. 00:18:14.340 --> 00:18:15.759 That Jesus is making here. 00:18:16.060 --> 00:18:17.039 To the Pharisees. 00:18:17.080 --> 00:18:17.860 And even to us. 00:18:17.859 --> 00:18:20.079 The way I know. 00:18:20.279 --> 00:18:21.079 My sheep. 00:18:21.819 --> 00:18:22.740 And my sheep. 00:18:23.059 --> 00:18:23.639 Know me. 00:18:24.639 --> 00:18:26.179 Is like my relationship. 00:18:26.179 --> 00:18:27.119 With the father. 00:18:28.119 --> 00:18:29.119 It's a deeper. 00:18:29.619 --> 00:18:30.219 Spiritual. 00:18:30.599 --> 00:18:31.439 Relationship. 00:18:31.759 --> 00:18:32.899 A kind of invisible. 00:18:33.159 --> 00:18:33.679 Unseen. 00:18:33.899 --> 00:18:34.500 Relationship. 00:18:34.579 --> 00:18:35.059 A kind of. 00:18:35.359 --> 00:18:35.959 Beyond our. 00:18:36.459 --> 00:18:36.939 Understanding. 00:18:37.139 --> 00:18:38.119 Kind of relationship. 00:18:38.859 --> 00:18:40.059 But this relationship. 00:18:40.339 --> 00:18:40.939 This connection. 00:18:41.059 --> 00:18:41.759 Between me. 00:18:41.879 --> 00:18:42.740 And my sheep. 00:18:43.079 --> 00:18:44.059 It's as true. 00:18:44.179 --> 00:18:44.719 And real. 00:18:44.799 --> 00:18:45.959 As my relationship. 00:18:45.959 --> 00:18:46.919 With my father. 00:18:46.919 --> 00:18:47.419 In heaven. 00:18:47.859 --> 00:18:49.159 Is true. 00:18:49.240 --> 00:18:49.639 And real. 00:18:54.099 --> 00:18:54.679 Let's see. 00:18:54.759 --> 00:18:55.439 If we can pick up. 00:18:55.539 --> 00:18:56.019 An example. 00:18:56.019 --> 00:18:56.579 Of this. 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:57.899 Back in. 00:18:57.959 --> 00:18:59.039 John chapter 6. 00:19:02.559 --> 00:19:03.919 John chapter 6. 00:19:04.639 --> 00:19:05.079 Jesus. 00:19:05.500 --> 00:19:06.279 Has said. 00:19:06.359 --> 00:19:06.959 Some words. 00:19:07.139 --> 00:19:08.319 That some of his followers. 00:19:08.479 --> 00:19:09.199 Found offensive. 00:19:10.639 --> 00:19:11.519 And some of them. 00:19:11.639 --> 00:19:12.339 Stopped following. 00:19:12.459 --> 00:19:12.740 Jesus. 00:19:12.859 --> 00:19:13.459 At that time. 00:19:13.539 --> 00:19:14.000 And left him. 00:19:14.000 --> 00:19:14.479 For good. 00:19:15.479 --> 00:19:16.259 John 6. 00:19:16.459 --> 00:19:16.919 66. 00:19:16.920 --> 00:19:20.560 From this time. 00:19:20.640 --> 00:19:21.660 Many of his disciples. 00:19:21.660 --> 00:19:22.440 Turned back. 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:23.039 And no longer. 00:19:23.039 --> 00:19:23.640 Followed him. 00:19:25.320 --> 00:19:27.000 You do not want to leave too. 00:19:27.180 --> 00:19:27.660 Do you? 00:19:28.500 --> 00:19:29.660 Jesus asked the 12. 00:19:31.259 --> 00:19:32.620 Simon Peter answered him. 00:19:33.620 --> 00:19:34.039 Lord. 00:19:34.800 --> 00:19:36.080 To whom shall we go? 00:19:37.080 --> 00:19:38.279 You have the words. 00:19:38.279 --> 00:19:39.300 Of eternal life. 00:19:39.299 --> 00:19:41.039 We have come to believe. 00:19:41.039 --> 00:19:41.399 We have come to believe. 00:19:41.879 --> 00:19:42.399 And. 00:19:43.680 --> 00:19:44.599 To know. 00:19:45.119 --> 00:19:47.079 That you are the Holy One of God. 00:19:48.000 --> 00:19:48.779 You hear that? 00:19:49.419 --> 00:19:51.000 We have come to believe. 00:19:51.399 --> 00:19:51.819 And. 00:19:52.379 --> 00:19:53.440 To know. 00:19:54.559 --> 00:19:56.359 That you are the Holy One. 00:19:56.680 --> 00:19:57.259 Of God. 00:19:57.819 --> 00:19:58.740 It's not just a. 00:19:58.740 --> 00:19:59.680 I believe. 00:19:59.680 --> 00:20:00.819 I hope so. 00:20:01.620 --> 00:20:02.519 Between Jesus. 00:20:02.660 --> 00:20:03.200 And his sheep. 00:20:03.339 --> 00:20:03.620 It's. 00:20:03.920 --> 00:20:04.819 And I know. 00:20:06.920 --> 00:20:08.380 There's assurance there. 00:20:08.519 --> 00:20:09.720 There's confidence there. 00:20:09.819 --> 00:20:11.039 There's certainty there. 00:20:12.740 --> 00:20:13.720 I know. 00:20:13.880 --> 00:20:14.519 My sheep. 00:20:14.759 --> 00:20:15.740 And my sheep. 00:20:16.099 --> 00:20:16.339 Know. 00:20:16.680 --> 00:20:16.880 Me. 00:20:17.880 --> 00:20:19.559 I'm not going to walk away from you. 00:20:19.620 --> 00:20:19.940 Jesus. 00:20:20.599 --> 00:20:21.680 How could I? 00:20:22.259 --> 00:20:23.779 I've come to know the truth. 00:20:23.779 --> 00:20:24.299 About you. 00:20:24.380 --> 00:20:25.700 That you are the Holy One. 00:20:25.740 --> 00:20:26.299 Of God. 00:20:26.299 --> 00:20:26.339 God. 00:20:26.659 --> 00:20:27.379 Said Peter. 00:20:29.200 --> 00:20:30.339 Let me ask you something. 00:20:30.440 --> 00:20:31.379 By way of illustration. 00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:33.779 How do you know. 00:20:33.919 --> 00:20:34.879 That the lights are on. 00:20:34.940 --> 00:20:35.519 In this room. 00:20:38.180 --> 00:20:39.579 You probably look at them. 00:20:39.639 --> 00:20:39.919 And think. 00:20:40.000 --> 00:20:40.159 Well. 00:20:40.279 --> 00:20:40.980 Look at it. 00:20:41.440 --> 00:20:42.480 I can see. 00:20:42.759 --> 00:20:43.480 That they're on. 00:20:44.119 --> 00:20:45.779 The light is coming from them. 00:20:48.419 --> 00:20:49.619 But what if we had someone. 00:20:49.619 --> 00:20:50.480 In our building. 00:20:50.799 --> 00:20:51.039 Here. 00:20:51.599 --> 00:20:52.500 Who was blind. 00:20:54.000 --> 00:20:54.940 What if he or she. 00:20:55.079 --> 00:20:55.680 Was to say to you. 00:20:55.740 --> 00:20:55.879 Well. 00:20:56.299 --> 00:20:56.899 How do you know. 00:20:57.019 --> 00:20:57.779 That the lights are on. 00:20:57.839 --> 00:20:58.180 In here. 00:21:00.079 --> 00:21:00.879 What would you say. 00:21:00.940 --> 00:21:01.240 To them. 00:21:03.099 --> 00:21:03.460 Well. 00:21:03.519 --> 00:21:04.720 How can you be so sure. 00:21:05.940 --> 00:21:07.019 I can't see it. 00:21:09.379 --> 00:21:10.119 Is that not. 00:21:10.220 --> 00:21:10.980 What's happening here. 00:21:11.039 --> 00:21:11.740 Between Jesus. 00:21:11.919 --> 00:21:12.460 And the people. 00:21:13.940 --> 00:21:14.859 How do you know. 00:21:14.859 --> 00:21:15.879 That he is the one. 00:21:17.839 --> 00:21:18.220 Well. 00:21:18.279 --> 00:21:18.839 Look at him. 00:21:19.519 --> 00:21:20.319 There's light. 00:21:20.440 --> 00:21:21.299 Coming from him. 00:21:22.299 --> 00:21:23.240 As John said. 00:21:23.299 --> 00:21:24.079 At the very beginning. 00:21:24.079 --> 00:21:25.079 We have seen. 00:21:25.079 --> 00:21:26.299 We have seen his glory. 00:21:27.179 --> 00:21:27.659 Glory. 00:21:27.659 --> 00:21:28.539 As of the only. 00:21:29.000 --> 00:21:29.480 Son. 00:21:29.859 --> 00:21:30.939 Who came from the father. 00:21:31.139 --> 00:21:32.039 Full of grace. 00:21:32.099 --> 00:21:32.679 And truth. 00:21:33.439 --> 00:21:34.399 Can't you see it. 00:21:38.099 --> 00:21:39.460 And yet people are saying. 00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:40.839 I don't see it. 00:21:42.619 --> 00:21:43.679 Like in verse 10. 00:21:43.759 --> 00:21:44.359 Of John 1. 00:21:46.000 --> 00:21:47.339 Jesus was in the world. 00:21:47.419 --> 00:21:48.159 And though the world. 00:21:48.159 --> 00:21:49.460 Was made through him. 00:21:49.460 --> 00:21:51.120 The world did not. 00:21:51.460 --> 00:21:52.420 Recognize him. 00:21:56.519 --> 00:21:58.100 Some recognized him. 00:21:59.319 --> 00:22:00.519 As we just saw. 00:22:00.680 --> 00:22:01.039 Peter. 00:22:01.480 --> 00:22:02.539 Recognized him. 00:22:03.319 --> 00:22:04.100 He knew him. 00:22:05.600 --> 00:22:06.740 Maybe you remember. 00:22:06.840 --> 00:22:07.860 Peter's declaration. 00:22:08.220 --> 00:22:08.980 Matthew 16. 00:22:09.100 --> 00:22:09.480 16. 00:22:10.200 --> 00:22:11.640 He said to Jesus. 00:22:11.920 --> 00:22:13.200 You are the Messiah. 00:22:13.880 --> 00:22:14.900 The son. 00:22:15.000 --> 00:22:16.000 Of the living God. 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:19.640 And what did Jesus say. 00:22:19.640 --> 00:22:20.640 To him in response. 00:22:21.960 --> 00:22:22.680 He said. 00:22:22.880 --> 00:22:23.740 Blessed are you. 00:22:24.039 --> 00:22:24.359 Simon. 00:22:24.720 --> 00:22:25.480 Son of Jonah. 00:22:25.599 --> 00:22:27.099 For this was not revealed. 00:22:27.099 --> 00:22:27.700 To you. 00:22:28.220 --> 00:22:29.579 By flesh and blood. 00:22:30.740 --> 00:22:31.980 But by my father. 00:22:32.359 --> 00:22:32.920 In heaven. 00:22:36.960 --> 00:22:37.859 It's God. 00:22:38.000 --> 00:22:38.640 The father. 00:22:38.640 --> 00:22:40.299 Who opens the eyes. 00:22:40.380 --> 00:22:41.059 Of our hearts. 00:22:42.019 --> 00:22:43.579 To see that Jesus. 00:22:43.920 --> 00:22:44.279 Is. 00:22:44.839 --> 00:22:45.380 His son. 00:22:46.000 --> 00:22:47.859 This knowledge. 00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:48.859 This confidence. 00:22:49.140 --> 00:22:49.960 This assurance. 00:22:50.559 --> 00:22:51.359 This certainty. 00:22:51.759 --> 00:22:53.039 That we have about Jesus. 00:22:53.160 --> 00:22:53.880 It doesn't rest. 00:22:53.960 --> 00:22:54.779 On our own wisdom. 00:22:55.559 --> 00:22:56.240 It doesn't come. 00:22:56.339 --> 00:22:56.799 Because we're. 00:22:57.000 --> 00:22:57.920 We have really good. 00:22:57.980 --> 00:22:59.180 Investigative abilities. 00:22:59.660 --> 00:23:00.980 And we've done the research. 00:23:02.160 --> 00:23:03.099 It rests. 00:23:03.319 --> 00:23:04.059 On spiritual. 00:23:04.859 --> 00:23:05.420 Invisible. 00:23:06.180 --> 00:23:07.599 And incomprehensible. 00:23:07.599 --> 00:23:08.400 Realities. 00:23:10.279 --> 00:23:11.400 On the reality. 00:23:11.400 --> 00:23:11.720 That. 00:23:12.720 --> 00:23:13.859 It is God. 00:23:14.140 --> 00:23:15.759 Who has revealed this. 00:23:15.759 --> 00:23:16.400 To you. 00:23:18.799 --> 00:23:19.500 That's something. 00:23:19.500 --> 00:23:20.720 That people can't see. 00:23:22.000 --> 00:23:22.579 And yet. 00:23:22.619 --> 00:23:23.019 It's something. 00:23:23.019 --> 00:23:23.920 That we feel. 00:23:25.440 --> 00:23:26.379 And we know. 00:23:27.839 --> 00:23:29.039 At the end of the day. 00:23:29.440 --> 00:23:30.339 Because God. 00:23:30.420 --> 00:23:30.879 Is the one. 00:23:31.000 --> 00:23:31.759 Who does this. 00:23:31.920 --> 00:23:32.839 Spiritual work. 00:23:33.180 --> 00:23:33.759 In us. 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:34.799 We know. 00:23:34.799 --> 00:23:35.440 Our shepherd. 00:23:35.579 --> 00:23:36.299 And he knows. 00:23:36.299 --> 00:23:36.700 Us. 00:23:36.700 --> 00:23:38.299 Just as truly. 00:23:38.500 --> 00:23:39.000 As the father. 00:23:39.099 --> 00:23:39.839 Knows his son. 00:23:40.720 --> 00:23:41.539 And the son. 00:23:41.619 --> 00:23:42.119 His father. 00:23:42.119 --> 00:23:42.199 Father. 00:23:44.839 --> 00:23:45.859 So these words. 00:23:45.859 --> 00:23:46.359 Of Jesus. 00:23:46.359 --> 00:23:47.439 I know my sheep. 00:23:48.079 --> 00:23:49.039 And my sheep. 00:23:49.139 --> 00:23:49.439 Know me. 00:23:49.539 --> 00:23:50.799 They raise some big questions. 00:23:52.039 --> 00:23:53.000 But they speak. 00:23:53.039 --> 00:23:53.979 Of some very precious. 00:23:54.199 --> 00:23:54.719 Realities. 00:23:55.479 --> 00:23:56.479 Between us. 00:23:56.859 --> 00:23:57.819 And our savior. 00:23:58.659 --> 00:23:59.839 We may not always. 00:23:59.899 --> 00:24:00.779 Be able to explain. 00:24:00.939 --> 00:24:01.659 How we know. 00:24:01.859 --> 00:24:03.079 That Jesus is the one. 00:24:03.079 --> 00:24:03.119 One. 00:24:04.879 --> 00:24:05.539 But maybe. 00:24:05.740 --> 00:24:06.659 Part of that trouble. 00:24:06.859 --> 00:24:07.179 Is that. 00:24:07.819 --> 00:24:08.819 It's not easy. 00:24:08.819 --> 00:24:09.839 To explain. 00:24:09.839 --> 00:24:11.439 This kind of a relationship. 00:24:11.659 --> 00:24:12.500 A spiritual. 00:24:13.460 --> 00:24:14.319 An invisible. 00:24:14.519 --> 00:24:15.519 Kind of relationship. 00:24:15.939 --> 00:24:17.079 An incomprehensible. 00:24:17.079 --> 00:24:18.019 Kind of relationship. 00:24:18.019 --> 00:24:18.799 To someone. 00:24:18.980 --> 00:24:20.279 Who is spiritually blind. 00:24:22.259 --> 00:24:23.579 But this relationship. 00:24:23.579 --> 00:24:24.179 That we. 00:24:24.519 --> 00:24:25.779 Who are the sheep of Jesus. 00:24:26.339 --> 00:24:27.759 Have with our shepherd. 00:24:28.539 --> 00:24:29.720 Is as true. 00:24:29.960 --> 00:24:30.619 And real. 00:24:30.740 --> 00:24:31.839 As Jesus relationship. 00:24:31.839 --> 00:24:32.960 Is with his father. 00:24:33.079 --> 00:24:36.980 Even though it's hard. 00:24:36.980 --> 00:24:37.539 To describe. 00:24:37.539 --> 00:24:38.599 Or explain. 00:24:38.759 --> 00:24:39.740 I want to encourage us. 00:24:39.879 --> 00:24:40.220 This morning. 00:24:40.220 --> 00:24:41.799 Not to grow discouraged. 00:24:42.299 --> 00:24:43.199 Or give up. 00:24:43.279 --> 00:24:44.299 Trying to explain. 00:24:44.559 --> 00:24:45.259 And invite. 00:24:45.500 --> 00:24:46.399 And call people. 00:24:46.919 --> 00:24:48.439 To this kind of relationship. 00:24:48.439 --> 00:24:49.259 With Christ. 00:24:49.500 --> 00:24:50.059 A sheep. 00:24:50.319 --> 00:24:51.159 And good shepherd. 00:24:51.480 --> 00:24:52.039 Relationship. 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:01.119 God is the one. 00:25:01.119 --> 00:25:04.239 Who opens. 00:25:04.239 --> 00:25:05.279 The blind. 00:25:05.279 --> 00:25:07.099 The eyes of the blind. 00:25:07.299 --> 00:25:08.139 He is the one. 00:25:08.239 --> 00:25:09.099 Who does the revealing. 00:25:09.459 --> 00:25:10.199 He is the one. 00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:11.159 Who does the drawing. 00:25:11.279 --> 00:25:11.919 And the enabling. 00:25:12.419 --> 00:25:13.439 The convicting. 00:25:13.759 --> 00:25:15.059 And we are simply tasked. 00:25:15.059 --> 00:25:16.219 With sharing the truth. 00:25:16.859 --> 00:25:18.179 About our shepherd. 00:25:18.979 --> 00:25:19.899 About Jesus. 00:25:21.299 --> 00:25:22.019 Think with me. 00:25:22.079 --> 00:25:22.519 For a moment. 00:25:22.519 --> 00:25:23.139 About someone. 00:25:23.259 --> 00:25:23.859 Who is blind. 00:25:24.899 --> 00:25:25.959 And can't see. 00:25:26.099 --> 00:25:27.259 Someone who has been blind. 00:25:27.259 --> 00:25:28.099 Since birth. 00:25:28.099 --> 00:25:30.500 How many times. 00:25:30.500 --> 00:25:31.599 Did they have to be told. 00:25:31.719 --> 00:25:32.159 What something. 00:25:32.599 --> 00:25:33.179 Looked like. 00:25:34.379 --> 00:25:35.379 Before they finally. 00:25:35.579 --> 00:25:36.299 Just accepted. 00:25:36.459 --> 00:25:36.619 Well. 00:25:36.819 --> 00:25:38.299 That must be the way it is. 00:25:38.319 --> 00:25:39.399 Even though I have no way. 00:25:39.439 --> 00:25:40.359 Of verifying it. 00:25:41.819 --> 00:25:42.819 This is what red. 00:25:42.899 --> 00:25:43.419 Looks like. 00:25:44.359 --> 00:25:45.399 This is what the roof. 00:25:45.419 --> 00:25:45.879 Of a house. 00:25:45.959 --> 00:25:46.500 Looks like. 00:25:47.039 --> 00:25:48.240 This is what the stars. 00:25:48.359 --> 00:25:48.959 In the sky. 00:25:49.519 --> 00:25:50.279 Look like. 00:25:51.119 --> 00:25:52.079 To that person. 00:25:52.159 --> 00:25:52.919 It's like you're speaking. 00:25:52.919 --> 00:25:53.919 A different language. 00:25:54.919 --> 00:25:56.000 One that they simply. 00:25:56.000 --> 00:25:57.180 Don't have the capability. 00:25:57.180 --> 00:25:58.640 Of fully understanding. 00:25:59.200 --> 00:26:00.259 The way that you do. 00:26:00.420 --> 00:26:01.779 This is what it feels like. 00:26:01.839 --> 00:26:02.200 Often. 00:26:02.359 --> 00:26:03.319 To have a conversation. 00:26:03.319 --> 00:26:04.160 With people. 00:26:04.279 --> 00:26:05.299 Who don't know Jesus. 00:26:05.740 --> 00:26:07.180 They don't have that same. 00:26:07.180 --> 00:26:08.500 Knowledge that we do. 00:26:09.259 --> 00:26:10.380 But the good news is. 00:26:10.500 --> 00:26:10.960 That God. 00:26:11.240 --> 00:26:12.339 And his son Jesus. 00:26:13.660 --> 00:26:15.039 Can open the eyes. 00:26:15.059 --> 00:26:15.700 Of the blind. 00:26:16.440 --> 00:26:17.700 So that they can see. 00:26:19.019 --> 00:26:19.940 He did this. 00:26:19.940 --> 00:26:21.039 For each one of us. 00:26:23.059 --> 00:26:24.259 Do you remember that day? 00:26:26.000 --> 00:26:29.740 And if he can do it for us. 00:26:29.779 --> 00:26:31.680 If he can do it for this blind man. 00:26:31.819 --> 00:26:32.960 The man who was blind. 00:26:33.220 --> 00:26:34.460 Now at Jesus feet. 00:26:35.319 --> 00:26:36.579 He can do it for anyone. 00:26:37.240 --> 00:26:38.759 And so we have to keep on patiently. 00:26:39.099 --> 00:26:39.700 And kindly. 00:26:40.279 --> 00:26:41.680 Offering the name of Christ. 00:26:41.900 --> 00:26:43.400 And the message of Christ. 00:26:43.680 --> 00:26:45.240 To those who don't yet know him. 00:26:46.420 --> 00:26:47.720 And do it without being. 00:26:47.980 --> 00:26:49.099 Worried or ashamed. 00:26:50.200 --> 00:26:52.039 If they don't seem to appreciate it. 00:26:52.039 --> 00:26:54.420 Maybe God knows. 00:26:54.559 --> 00:26:55.399 In his wisdom. 00:26:56.700 --> 00:26:58.720 That it will take 13 times. 00:26:58.819 --> 00:27:00.039 Of hearing about Jesus. 00:27:00.859 --> 00:27:02.019 Before they finally. 00:27:02.700 --> 00:27:03.359 Accept him. 00:27:03.619 --> 00:27:04.819 And put their trust in him. 00:27:06.019 --> 00:27:06.500 Maybe. 00:27:07.119 --> 00:27:07.680 The person. 00:27:07.899 --> 00:27:08.519 That you know. 00:27:08.579 --> 00:27:09.460 In your life right now. 00:27:09.539 --> 00:27:10.579 Who doesn't know Jesus. 00:27:11.139 --> 00:27:12.859 Has heard it 12 times already. 00:27:14.740 --> 00:27:16.259 And every one of those times. 00:27:16.359 --> 00:27:17.359 God has been at work. 00:27:17.359 --> 00:27:18.619 And convicting them. 00:27:19.139 --> 00:27:20.079 In their heart. 00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:23.859 And maybe your next conversation. 00:27:23.859 --> 00:27:25.059 With them about Jesus. 00:27:25.279 --> 00:27:26.399 Is the 13th time. 00:27:29.699 --> 00:27:31.439 We like these words of Jesus. 00:27:31.439 --> 00:27:33.039 About how he is our good shepherd. 00:27:34.119 --> 00:27:36.159 How he lays down his life for us. 00:27:36.220 --> 00:27:37.419 How he came to give us. 00:27:37.839 --> 00:27:39.399 A full life. 00:27:40.619 --> 00:27:42.019 These words are precious. 00:27:42.619 --> 00:27:43.599 They're special. 00:27:45.279 --> 00:27:47.220 All about us and Jesus. 00:27:47.619 --> 00:27:48.659 Sheep and shepherd. 00:27:48.660 --> 00:27:51.480 But if we stop to think about. 00:27:51.600 --> 00:27:52.740 Who Jesus is saying. 00:27:52.940 --> 00:27:54.100 All of this to. 00:27:56.480 --> 00:27:57.600 Jesus is talking. 00:27:58.180 --> 00:27:59.160 To the Pharisees. 00:28:01.519 --> 00:28:02.960 These words are not just so that. 00:28:03.060 --> 00:28:04.560 We can know about our relationship. 00:28:04.560 --> 00:28:05.160 With Jesus. 00:28:05.279 --> 00:28:06.400 And how wonderful it is. 00:28:06.440 --> 00:28:07.279 They are about that. 00:28:07.340 --> 00:28:08.180 It is for that. 00:28:08.519 --> 00:28:09.759 But these words are also. 00:28:09.940 --> 00:28:10.660 So that they. 00:28:10.800 --> 00:28:11.779 The Pharisees. 00:28:12.500 --> 00:28:13.980 Might know about how good. 00:28:14.279 --> 00:28:15.040 And precious. 00:28:15.040 --> 00:28:15.980 A relationship. 00:28:16.320 --> 00:28:17.360 They could have. 00:28:17.359 --> 00:28:18.199 With him. 00:28:19.219 --> 00:28:19.639 Is. 00:28:22.519 --> 00:28:24.119 Such amazing compassion. 00:28:24.659 --> 00:28:25.279 And mercy. 00:28:25.979 --> 00:28:27.179 Even to his opponents. 00:28:28.179 --> 00:28:29.179 Even to the people. 00:28:29.299 --> 00:28:30.659 Who are trying to get him killed. 00:28:31.659 --> 00:28:33.399 And whether some or all. 00:28:33.479 --> 00:28:34.099 Or none of them. 00:28:34.199 --> 00:28:34.659 Will listen. 00:28:35.119 --> 00:28:35.719 And believe. 00:28:35.839 --> 00:28:36.339 And accept. 00:28:37.179 --> 00:28:38.259 Jesus is there. 00:28:38.740 --> 00:28:39.759 Taking the time. 00:28:39.919 --> 00:28:40.579 To patiently. 00:28:40.799 --> 00:28:41.500 And carefully. 00:28:42.219 --> 00:28:43.619 Explain how it is. 00:28:43.619 --> 00:28:45.299 Between God. 00:28:45.479 --> 00:28:46.119 And his people. 00:28:46.639 --> 00:28:47.739 Between him. 00:28:47.939 --> 00:28:49.059 And his followers. 00:28:49.779 --> 00:28:51.139 He's giving them the words. 00:28:51.719 --> 00:28:53.359 That will lead them to life. 00:28:55.359 --> 00:28:56.619 We need to do the same. 00:28:57.899 --> 00:28:59.219 Can you think of a few people. 00:28:59.339 --> 00:29:00.099 In your life today. 00:29:00.599 --> 00:29:01.899 Who you would love to see. 00:29:02.039 --> 00:29:03.619 Have this kind of relationship. 00:29:03.619 --> 00:29:04.439 With Jesus. 00:29:05.899 --> 00:29:06.319 Sheep. 00:29:06.439 --> 00:29:07.079 To good shepherd. 00:29:07.079 --> 00:29:13.980 Will you ask them. 00:29:14.039 --> 00:29:14.980 Where they're at. 00:29:15.059 --> 00:29:15.519 With God. 00:29:17.059 --> 00:29:17.859 With Jesus. 00:29:20.000 --> 00:29:20.839 Will you bring up. 00:29:20.899 --> 00:29:22.000 The conversation again. 00:29:24.059 --> 00:29:25.279 And look for an opportunity. 00:29:25.279 --> 00:29:26.240 To tell them about. 00:29:27.240 --> 00:29:28.199 Your good shepherd. 00:29:28.200 --> 00:29:32.319 Finally. 00:29:33.059 --> 00:29:34.120 As we celebrate. 00:29:34.220 --> 00:29:35.160 Thanksgiving today. 00:29:36.340 --> 00:29:37.220 And tomorrow. 00:29:37.580 --> 00:29:38.680 I want to encourage you. 00:29:39.100 --> 00:29:39.779 To reflect. 00:29:40.380 --> 00:29:41.600 On just how good. 00:29:41.759 --> 00:29:42.580 It has been. 00:29:43.500 --> 00:29:44.620 To belong to Jesus. 00:29:45.039 --> 00:29:45.799 And to have him. 00:29:45.880 --> 00:29:46.460 As your shepherd. 00:29:47.380 --> 00:29:47.960 Think back. 00:29:47.980 --> 00:29:48.720 Over your life. 00:29:50.500 --> 00:29:51.279 Think back. 00:29:51.380 --> 00:29:52.019 Over how it was. 00:29:52.100 --> 00:29:52.960 Before you came. 00:29:53.039 --> 00:29:53.580 To Christ. 00:29:56.120 --> 00:29:57.580 Think of what it's been like. 00:29:57.579 --> 00:29:58.599 All these years. 00:29:58.919 --> 00:29:59.699 For some of you. 00:30:02.559 --> 00:30:03.240 It's something. 00:30:03.379 --> 00:30:04.059 We can so easily. 00:30:04.059 --> 00:30:04.839 Take for granted. 00:30:05.299 --> 00:30:05.960 And yet. 00:30:06.019 --> 00:30:07.240 As Charles was saying earlier. 00:30:07.240 --> 00:30:07.899 It's the difference. 00:30:07.919 --> 00:30:09.019 Between life and death. 00:30:10.379 --> 00:30:11.419 Heaven and hell. 00:30:13.599 --> 00:30:14.339 Those of us. 00:30:14.359 --> 00:30:15.319 Who belong to Jesus. 00:30:15.319 --> 00:30:16.359 We have a good. 00:30:16.639 --> 00:30:17.720 And glorious. 00:30:18.139 --> 00:30:18.500 Shepherd. 00:30:19.519 --> 00:30:21.059 And we belong to him. 00:30:21.559 --> 00:30:22.000 Forever. 00:30:22.000 --> 00:30:22.119 Forever. 00:30:27.119 --> 00:30:28.240 We can't even begin. 00:30:28.240 --> 00:30:29.380 To count the blessings. 00:30:29.920 --> 00:30:30.700 That come. 00:30:31.140 --> 00:30:32.339 With that relationship. 00:30:32.539 --> 00:30:33.339 With knowing him. 00:30:34.460 --> 00:30:35.299 But my hope. 00:30:35.339 --> 00:30:35.799 And my prayer. 00:30:35.940 --> 00:30:36.160 Is that. 00:30:36.339 --> 00:30:37.240 Today and tomorrow. 00:30:37.400 --> 00:30:37.980 We would at least. 00:30:38.420 --> 00:30:39.779 Get started a little bit. 00:30:40.440 --> 00:30:41.299 And think about. 00:30:41.480 --> 00:30:42.200 Some of those things. 00:30:42.859 --> 00:30:44.519 And express those things. 00:30:45.160 --> 00:30:46.480 In thankfulness to God. 00:30:47.980 --> 00:30:48.619 Let's pray. 00:30:48.619 --> 00:30:57.459 Father in heaven. 00:31:00.079 --> 00:31:00.939 It's amazing. 00:31:00.939 --> 00:31:02.219 What you have done for us. 00:31:03.699 --> 00:31:05.219 We can barely understand. 00:31:05.219 --> 00:31:06.500 What you have done. 00:31:07.119 --> 00:31:08.199 How your spirit. 00:31:08.459 --> 00:31:09.519 Lives in us. 00:31:09.559 --> 00:31:10.139 Who believe. 00:31:12.239 --> 00:31:13.679 How you give us life. 00:31:13.799 --> 00:31:14.839 How we can have fellowship. 00:31:15.019 --> 00:31:16.059 And communion with you. 00:31:16.159 --> 00:31:16.659 How we are. 00:31:16.899 --> 00:31:18.099 United to Christ. 00:31:18.099 --> 00:31:18.219 Christ. 00:31:19.500 --> 00:31:20.599 And through that. 00:31:20.719 --> 00:31:21.659 How we are saved. 00:31:21.779 --> 00:31:23.159 How we are empowered. 00:31:23.159 --> 00:31:24.199 To live in this world. 00:31:24.379 --> 00:31:25.539 It's so much. 00:31:25.719 --> 00:31:26.919 Beyond our understanding. 00:31:27.659 --> 00:31:28.679 And we just want to say. 00:31:28.779 --> 00:31:29.259 Thank you. 00:31:30.039 --> 00:31:31.279 For the gift of Jesus. 00:31:31.740 --> 00:31:33.199 The gift of your Holy Spirit. 00:31:33.199 --> 00:31:33.659 In us. 00:31:35.740 --> 00:31:36.980 I pray that you would. 00:31:38.519 --> 00:31:39.759 Deepen our understanding. 00:31:39.939 --> 00:31:41.139 And deepen our love for you. 00:31:42.419 --> 00:31:43.679 And I pray that you would. 00:31:43.740 --> 00:31:44.859 Give us those opportunities. 00:31:46.279 --> 00:31:47.959 To make much of you. 00:31:48.099 --> 00:31:51.459 Even as we have conversations. 00:31:51.459 --> 00:31:52.319 In the week ahead. 00:31:53.339 --> 00:31:54.859 We ask this in Jesus name. 00:31:55.679 --> 00:31:55.959 Amen.