WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.679 There's two things that you need if you're going to understand what this passage is really about. 00:00:05.740 --> 00:00:14.160 ! The first thing you need to know is the distinction between this gospel and the other three gospels. 00:00:15.439 --> 00:00:25.179 ! This gospel was written for an individual. This gospel was written for Theophilus. It was written for a man, for one person. 00:00:25.179 --> 00:00:32.840 Doubtless, no doubt, Luke anticipates that this gospel will be read much more widely. 00:00:33.399 --> 00:00:37.799 But the focus of Luke is this one person. 00:00:38.600 --> 00:00:43.960 The other gospel writers wrote for communities. Luke actually tells us, right at the beginning of the gospel, 00:00:44.079 --> 00:00:50.480 that he's writing for a single individual whose name is Theophilus, which means friendly towards God. 00:00:50.479 --> 00:00:57.479 Theophilus. Now, lots of you in this room, some of you are teachers, or you write or maybe you give talks. 00:00:58.039 --> 00:01:05.640 And every time you do that, you give a talk or you write something, and there's always a principle which governs how you do it. 00:01:06.200 --> 00:01:14.159 And it's this, that you are always speaking or writing or thinking about the specific audience that you're addressing. 00:01:14.159 --> 00:01:19.739 So if you're doing a talk on holiday Bible time, you're thinking, how do I get these children to understand? 00:01:19.819 --> 00:01:25.879 If you're writing a letter to a friend, you're writing it, aren't you, with that friend in mind. 00:01:26.179 --> 00:01:28.239 The individual to whom you're writing to. 00:01:29.219 --> 00:01:37.719 And this passage is best understood if we remember that it's written to one particular man whose name meant God-friendly. 00:01:37.719 --> 00:01:46.260 The second thing you need to know, if you're going to understand this passage, is that the word gospel, Luke's gospel, does not mean biography. 00:01:47.180 --> 00:01:49.019 It does not mean biography. 00:01:50.319 --> 00:01:51.120 It is a gospel. 00:01:52.500 --> 00:02:01.099 Of course, all the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, they maintain, don't they, lots of, they have lots of material in it that you would put into a biography. 00:02:01.099 --> 00:02:06.299 But Luke is not trying to write a biography about Jesus. 00:02:07.500 --> 00:02:10.539 People write a biography to give you information about the person. 00:02:11.560 --> 00:02:13.079 But Luke is writing a gospel. 00:02:14.259 --> 00:02:16.180 Luke is writing a good news book. 00:02:16.599 --> 00:02:19.240 And the purpose of the gospels is to change you. 00:02:20.259 --> 00:02:23.039 The purpose of the gospels are to transform you. 00:02:23.039 --> 00:02:37.500 And so Luke's purpose in these 24 chapters is because he has a deep inner longing that that individual, Theophilus, do you remember the God-friendly man, that he would have his name changed. 00:02:38.359 --> 00:02:43.620 That he would have his name changed from the God-friendly man to the Christ-following man. 00:02:44.099 --> 00:02:48.579 Not Theophilus, but Christophilus or something like that. 00:02:48.580 --> 00:02:52.380 And he's in the final stages of this little book. 00:02:53.680 --> 00:02:57.780 And even as Luke writes, you can see that the scroll that he's writing on is coming to an end. 00:02:58.980 --> 00:03:00.200 He's got room for another chapter. 00:03:01.700 --> 00:03:05.860 And so as it were, now probably more than any other time, every word counts. 00:03:07.520 --> 00:03:11.360 What he wants to communicate to Theophilus in this last chapter. 00:03:11.780 --> 00:03:13.720 And you may think, well, that's just incidental. 00:03:13.780 --> 00:03:15.080 Surely he could just press delete. 00:03:15.540 --> 00:03:17.840 Or he could get another ream of paper if he wants. 00:03:17.840 --> 00:03:18.920 But that isn't the case. 00:03:20.360 --> 00:03:24.080 So, Luke's gospel, I was looking at this this week. 00:03:24.560 --> 00:03:26.000 Luke's gospel is written on a scroll. 00:03:26.879 --> 00:03:32.480 And the materials that Luke is writing on are very, very expensive writing materials. 00:03:33.259 --> 00:03:35.780 When I was a little boy, I had a writing pad by Basil and Bond. 00:03:36.099 --> 00:03:37.740 Does Basil and Bond still do writing materials? 00:03:37.960 --> 00:03:39.680 I thought it was very, very expensive. 00:03:40.819 --> 00:03:42.560 But it's more expensive than Basil and Bond. 00:03:43.379 --> 00:03:45.000 These scrolls are very expensive. 00:03:45.000 --> 00:03:48.639 They are the equivalent of a season ticket at Chelsea or Arsenal. 00:03:49.560 --> 00:03:52.740 They are the equivalent of a membership at a plush London club. 00:03:53.759 --> 00:03:56.900 So this chapter matters enormously to Luke. 00:03:56.960 --> 00:03:57.620 He's near the end. 00:03:58.460 --> 00:03:59.740 The gospel writer. 00:03:59.740 --> 00:04:02.780 And he's speaking about Christ. 00:04:03.200 --> 00:04:09.480 And he's speaking to this man, the God-friendly man, in order that he would become the Christ-following man. 00:04:09.800 --> 00:04:13.939 And as you read this section that Penny wrote to us, I think there are four big words. 00:04:14.500 --> 00:04:20.780 Four big words that encapsulate, that summarize to you and I, what is Luke trying to do in this chapter. 00:04:20.779 --> 00:04:26.439 That he longs to see come to fruition in the heart of Theophilus. 00:04:26.899 --> 00:04:33.579 And the first thing that we come across, these women who've gone to the tomb of Jesus to anoint his body, 00:04:33.919 --> 00:04:36.979 the first thing that happens to them is that they are thrown into confusion. 00:04:37.479 --> 00:04:38.359 That's the first word. 00:04:39.879 --> 00:04:40.319 Confusion. 00:04:41.099 --> 00:04:42.059 That's the first thing. 00:04:42.060 --> 00:04:48.420 And I think that's one indication for you and I that Luke is telling the truth, isn't it? 00:04:49.660 --> 00:04:57.959 If you and I wanted to make up a story of the resurrection, we wouldn't describe it in the first instance that it was women who were the first witnesses. 00:04:58.160 --> 00:05:00.519 Certainly if you were living in the first century, you wouldn't. 00:05:00.939 --> 00:05:02.680 You would never dream of doing that. 00:05:02.680 --> 00:05:06.720 And yet Luke has got such a high view of women, they crop up all over the place. 00:05:08.060 --> 00:05:11.860 You would never say that it was the women that found the tomb empty. 00:05:12.060 --> 00:05:15.100 And that they were thrown into confusion. 00:05:16.780 --> 00:05:19.540 And that confusion arose for a very simple reason. 00:05:19.660 --> 00:05:21.259 It's such a touching scene, isn't it? 00:05:22.600 --> 00:05:24.980 Jesus, who they've been following for many months, 00:05:26.420 --> 00:05:30.800 in the passage before Jesus has been condemned and he's been cruelly executed. 00:05:30.800 --> 00:05:33.779 And they have stood by as this man. 00:05:34.759 --> 00:05:40.019 This man, Joseph Arimathea, comes out of the darkness, so to speak. 00:05:40.019 --> 00:05:42.779 He's not been one of their company. 00:05:42.879 --> 00:05:44.680 He's not been one of the travelling band. 00:05:44.979 --> 00:05:46.379 But something has happened to him. 00:05:46.399 --> 00:05:48.740 And he comes out into the public profession. 00:05:49.740 --> 00:05:51.879 And he asks for the body of Jesus. 00:05:52.319 --> 00:05:55.079 And then he has lovingly and carefully buried it. 00:05:55.139 --> 00:05:56.259 Perhaps in his own tomb. 00:05:57.539 --> 00:05:58.519 And they've followed it. 00:05:58.519 --> 00:06:01.060 And these women have watched it. 00:06:01.919 --> 00:06:03.579 And they've marked the spot. 00:06:03.659 --> 00:06:05.279 And they've seen the body go into the tomb. 00:06:05.319 --> 00:06:06.979 Because they're going to come back in a couple of days. 00:06:07.240 --> 00:06:09.979 It's such a sorry, sorrowful scene, isn't it? 00:06:10.680 --> 00:06:11.459 So sympathy. 00:06:12.859 --> 00:06:15.620 Their friend Jesus, how utterly tragic. 00:06:16.120 --> 00:06:17.099 What has happened to him. 00:06:17.099 --> 00:06:19.099 And now the body that was so vital. 00:06:20.479 --> 00:06:22.339 Is limp and lifeless. 00:06:22.339 --> 00:06:24.879 And the whole thing is so true to life, I think. 00:06:26.819 --> 00:06:27.739 Where are the men? 00:06:29.500 --> 00:06:30.399 Where are the men? 00:06:31.560 --> 00:06:32.379 They're not there, are they? 00:06:33.879 --> 00:06:34.699 They're at home. 00:06:36.879 --> 00:06:38.579 Right experience is anything to go by. 00:06:39.639 --> 00:06:40.919 I think that's true to life. 00:06:42.500 --> 00:06:44.239 Strong men find it very hard. 00:06:44.739 --> 00:06:45.939 To go to the deathbed. 00:06:47.259 --> 00:06:49.399 Strong men very often find it very hard. 00:06:49.399 --> 00:06:51.719 To go to the graveside. 00:06:52.919 --> 00:06:55.439 There's something very real about the way this story is being told. 00:06:55.560 --> 00:06:56.639 And they come to the empty tomb. 00:06:56.719 --> 00:06:57.519 Look at verse 4. 00:06:58.959 --> 00:07:00.179 They are perplexed. 00:07:01.539 --> 00:07:02.379 They are perplexed. 00:07:02.419 --> 00:07:03.419 They are thrown into confusion. 00:07:03.579 --> 00:07:05.459 And again, if I was writing this story. 00:07:05.519 --> 00:07:07.779 I would have these women immediately recognizing Jesus. 00:07:07.899 --> 00:07:09.699 Jesus is risen from the dead. 00:07:10.179 --> 00:07:12.099 And they remember everything that he told them. 00:07:12.899 --> 00:07:15.060 And they run back to his disciples. 00:07:15.379 --> 00:07:16.979 And they show them as it were. 00:07:17.120 --> 00:07:18.659 Where it was in Luke's gospel. 00:07:18.660 --> 00:07:20.760 That he promised that all this would happen. 00:07:21.180 --> 00:07:23.320 And enthusiasm would break out. 00:07:23.400 --> 00:07:25.620 All over this little community of faith in Jesus. 00:07:27.500 --> 00:07:30.080 But Luke chapter 24 is a chapter about confusion. 00:07:31.520 --> 00:07:33.120 And it's a chapter about perplexity. 00:07:33.240 --> 00:07:34.560 Time and time again. 00:07:35.560 --> 00:07:37.960 So why, apart from the fact that it is true. 00:07:38.980 --> 00:07:40.260 Would Luke include this? 00:07:40.300 --> 00:07:41.780 He didn't need to include it in his gospel. 00:07:41.779 --> 00:07:46.399 Why would he include this as he is writing to Theophilus? 00:07:46.519 --> 00:07:48.259 For a very simple reason. 00:07:49.339 --> 00:07:53.939 But he understands that this man who has been brought up amongst the Roman gods. 00:07:54.939 --> 00:07:57.239 Not really sure of any real religion. 00:07:58.239 --> 00:08:01.359 Perhaps been drawn by the Jewish religion. 00:08:01.360 --> 00:08:06.480 A man whose very name expressed what he seems to be. 00:08:06.480 --> 00:08:09.240 A man who thinks of himself as God friendly. 00:08:10.379 --> 00:08:13.500 Actually if he is ever going to become a follower of Jesus Christ. 00:08:13.620 --> 00:08:15.139 He needs to be thrown into confusion. 00:08:16.680 --> 00:08:21.699 He needs to understand that his way of thinking about Jesus. 00:08:21.699 --> 00:08:26.800 He needs to understand that his own way of thinking about religion. 00:08:27.939 --> 00:08:30.019 The way that he thinks about God. 00:08:30.339 --> 00:08:32.379 All of that needs to be thrown into confusion. 00:08:33.779 --> 00:08:36.620 Because the only way that he can come to clarity. 00:08:37.460 --> 00:08:38.659 About the Lord Jesus. 00:08:38.819 --> 00:08:42.360 Is if all his old ideas about religion and about God. 00:08:42.899 --> 00:08:45.759 And even whatever ideas he might have about Jesus of Nazareth. 00:08:45.919 --> 00:08:47.480 Are suddenly thrown into confusion. 00:08:47.480 --> 00:08:53.820 And he begins to realise there is something unique about Jesus of Nazareth. 00:08:56.220 --> 00:08:57.480 When up to this point. 00:08:58.720 --> 00:09:00.300 Along with other multitudes. 00:09:00.399 --> 00:09:01.740 He might have said something like this. 00:09:02.680 --> 00:09:04.960 Well the way I like to think about Jesus is. 00:09:05.560 --> 00:09:06.580 Dot dot dot. 00:09:09.519 --> 00:09:10.879 What I like to think about Jesus is. 00:09:10.879 --> 00:09:11.899 He is a wonderful teacher. 00:09:13.259 --> 00:09:15.019 The way I like to think about Jesus is. 00:09:15.139 --> 00:09:16.899 That he is a little bit better than I am. 00:09:17.480 --> 00:09:18.840 A little bit better than me. 00:09:19.440 --> 00:09:20.259 But he is like me. 00:09:21.720 --> 00:09:24.159 And all of that needs to be thrown into utter confusion. 00:09:25.740 --> 00:09:28.100 And that is exactly where these women are. 00:09:29.320 --> 00:09:32.720 And it is exactly brought home as we move on. 00:09:33.159 --> 00:09:34.560 From their immediate confusion. 00:09:34.980 --> 00:09:35.920 But now you will notice. 00:09:36.019 --> 00:09:38.180 These angels appear in verse 4. 00:09:39.560 --> 00:09:42.440 That the women in their confusion are asked a question. 00:09:43.139 --> 00:09:44.279 That is a second word. 00:09:45.440 --> 00:09:47.019 The women are asked a question. 00:09:47.480 --> 00:09:48.680 In verse 4. 00:09:48.840 --> 00:09:50.320 And it is a very important question. 00:09:50.440 --> 00:09:52.300 For them and for you and for me. 00:09:53.800 --> 00:09:55.759 Why are you looking for the living? 00:09:57.159 --> 00:09:58.120 Amongst the dead. 00:09:59.659 --> 00:10:01.220 And that is what they were doing wasn't it? 00:10:01.220 --> 00:10:04.300 The way they thought about Jesus. 00:10:04.300 --> 00:10:06.460 Is that he was as dead as dead could be. 00:10:07.500 --> 00:10:08.500 It was tragic. 00:10:09.399 --> 00:10:11.139 It was filled with sadness. 00:10:11.540 --> 00:10:12.399 It was pitiful. 00:10:13.000 --> 00:10:15.639 They were there to anoint his body out of affection. 00:10:16.160 --> 00:10:18.320 But the angels are saying to them aren't they? 00:10:19.440 --> 00:10:20.620 You are in the wrong place. 00:10:21.980 --> 00:10:25.120 You are looking for the living among the dead. 00:10:25.120 --> 00:10:28.460 And the dead are not to be found here. 00:10:30.500 --> 00:10:32.639 Now of course this was a word for Theophilus isn't it? 00:10:32.679 --> 00:10:34.019 But it's also a word for you and I. 00:10:35.600 --> 00:10:37.820 Those times when you feel sorry for Jesus. 00:10:37.960 --> 00:10:38.539 Poor Jesus. 00:10:39.980 --> 00:10:41.879 The terrible things that must have happened to him. 00:10:42.860 --> 00:10:44.600 And we need to remember poor Jesus. 00:10:44.600 --> 00:10:48.960 And Jesus could be as dead as dead can be. 00:10:50.180 --> 00:10:52.259 And it made no difference to your life whatsoever. 00:10:54.340 --> 00:10:56.500 We think of those services in the city. 00:10:57.340 --> 00:10:59.680 Where they remember great benefactors. 00:11:00.460 --> 00:11:02.180 And they have memorial services. 00:11:03.139 --> 00:11:05.000 And you go and you celebrate the light. 00:11:05.120 --> 00:11:06.840 Or Founders Day at school. 00:11:07.860 --> 00:11:11.720 Where you go and remember those people who donated masses of money. 00:11:12.360 --> 00:11:13.080 To the school. 00:11:13.080 --> 00:11:15.879 And you remember their moral example. 00:11:16.639 --> 00:11:18.379 And you remember their generosity. 00:11:19.840 --> 00:11:23.060 Or you remember their influence that has come down to us through the ages. 00:11:24.180 --> 00:11:26.080 But this is not Memorial Day. 00:11:27.139 --> 00:11:29.220 This is not the Founders Day. 00:11:30.340 --> 00:11:31.920 This is the Lord's Day. 00:11:32.860 --> 00:11:33.940 Because he is risen. 00:11:35.700 --> 00:11:39.560 And we see how much these women have been thrown so much into confusion. 00:11:39.559 --> 00:11:41.539 Because they realise now. 00:11:41.739 --> 00:11:43.839 That the way they thought about Jesus. 00:11:44.519 --> 00:11:46.779 Wasn't really the way that Jesus was. 00:11:48.579 --> 00:11:51.000 And actually I think it's a great question to ask myself. 00:11:51.079 --> 00:11:51.939 And to ask you. 00:11:52.199 --> 00:11:55.699 Would it actually make any difference whatsoever to your life. 00:11:55.700 --> 00:11:57.720 If Jesus was still dead. 00:11:59.720 --> 00:12:01.420 You could still think of him as a great teacher. 00:12:01.500 --> 00:12:01.740 Can you? 00:12:03.040 --> 00:12:06.220 You could still follow his great example. 00:12:07.740 --> 00:12:10.440 You could still come to church and come to communion and feel sorry for him. 00:12:10.440 --> 00:12:14.260 You could still feel an obligation to remember Jesus. 00:12:14.260 --> 00:12:16.660 Because he's made such a difference in our world. 00:12:17.000 --> 00:12:19.360 But actually he would be as dead as that can be. 00:12:20.660 --> 00:12:22.060 You can read the Bible. 00:12:22.980 --> 00:12:24.500 You can say your prayers. 00:12:24.500 --> 00:12:27.899 You can try to follow Jesus as an example. 00:12:28.580 --> 00:12:29.519 Day by day. 00:12:29.919 --> 00:12:31.659 And you can still be looking. 00:12:32.820 --> 00:12:33.740 For the living. 00:12:34.360 --> 00:12:35.220 Among the dead. 00:12:36.960 --> 00:12:38.840 If he had stayed dead. 00:12:41.860 --> 00:12:42.639 Your life. 00:12:42.700 --> 00:12:43.840 Would it have been exactly the same? 00:12:44.399 --> 00:12:45.460 Would it be exactly the same? 00:12:46.600 --> 00:12:48.700 Would it have made no difference to your life whatsoever? 00:12:50.700 --> 00:12:52.840 But he is a living saviour. 00:12:52.840 --> 00:12:55.600 He is alive. 00:12:57.060 --> 00:12:58.519 And then confusion comes. 00:12:58.860 --> 00:12:59.259 Doesn't it? 00:13:01.759 --> 00:13:02.620 You may think. 00:13:02.740 --> 00:13:04.399 You might wonder. 00:13:05.300 --> 00:13:08.000 How can people who haven't read their Bible as much as me. 00:13:09.320 --> 00:13:12.160 And they don't say their prayers as much as me. 00:13:13.519 --> 00:13:15.980 And they're not as committed as I am. 00:13:16.280 --> 00:13:18.639 How can they speak of Jesus. 00:13:19.440 --> 00:13:20.759 As a living saviour. 00:13:20.759 --> 00:13:23.319 Who they know. 00:13:23.980 --> 00:13:25.019 And they trust. 00:13:25.679 --> 00:13:26.500 And they love. 00:13:26.620 --> 00:13:28.360 And they have this living relationship. 00:13:28.679 --> 00:13:30.539 And in whom they find joy. 00:13:30.679 --> 00:13:31.779 Instead of burden. 00:13:32.319 --> 00:13:33.080 And delight. 00:13:33.179 --> 00:13:35.200 Not simply just a sense of duty. 00:13:35.200 --> 00:13:38.420 And you can read the Bible. 00:13:40.120 --> 00:13:41.840 And you can think that in your prayers. 00:13:41.920 --> 00:13:42.879 And in your actions. 00:13:43.040 --> 00:13:44.840 And in all that you try to do. 00:13:45.220 --> 00:13:46.920 To follow Jesus' example. 00:13:47.200 --> 00:13:48.720 That is what it means to be a Christian. 00:13:49.540 --> 00:13:51.040 But you're not a Christian at all. 00:13:51.039 --> 00:13:54.500 And you don't know him. 00:13:55.659 --> 00:13:56.959 And you don't trust him. 00:13:58.120 --> 00:13:59.459 And you don't love him. 00:14:00.519 --> 00:14:02.079 And you don't delight in him. 00:14:02.080 --> 00:14:05.220 And what you need to do this morning. 00:14:05.360 --> 00:14:06.780 Is you need to come to the risen Christ. 00:14:08.520 --> 00:14:09.580 And find life. 00:14:11.440 --> 00:14:13.139 Now has it made any difference to your life. 00:14:13.220 --> 00:14:14.639 That Jesus is alive. 00:14:16.540 --> 00:14:18.840 Or would it be exactly the same in your life. 00:14:18.840 --> 00:14:21.259 If Jesus was as dead as dead could be. 00:14:22.740 --> 00:14:23.860 What's the difference isn't it. 00:14:23.879 --> 00:14:24.940 Between moralism. 00:14:25.860 --> 00:14:28.519 And real Christian faith. 00:14:28.800 --> 00:14:29.100 Isn't it. 00:14:30.740 --> 00:14:32.840 So we see first of all their confusion. 00:14:34.600 --> 00:14:35.620 And then this question. 00:14:36.600 --> 00:14:38.580 This question that turns them round. 00:14:38.700 --> 00:14:39.920 You see it's a shaft of light. 00:14:40.240 --> 00:14:40.780 It's a question. 00:14:40.899 --> 00:14:41.620 What are you doing. 00:14:41.680 --> 00:14:42.980 Looking for the living. 00:14:43.320 --> 00:14:44.340 Though you are still dead. 00:14:44.440 --> 00:14:46.720 And thirdly there comes a moment of illumination. 00:14:48.340 --> 00:14:48.740 Illumination. 00:14:49.139 --> 00:14:50.220 The lights are switched on. 00:14:52.120 --> 00:14:53.100 Remember verse 6. 00:14:54.920 --> 00:14:56.040 Remember verse 6. 00:14:56.080 --> 00:14:56.759 How he told you. 00:14:57.060 --> 00:14:57.879 Remember what he said. 00:14:59.160 --> 00:15:00.320 We know what he said don't we. 00:15:00.580 --> 00:15:01.600 He said I'm going to Jerusalem. 00:15:02.139 --> 00:15:03.000 I'm going to be crucified. 00:15:03.240 --> 00:15:04.519 But on the third day I'm going to rise. 00:15:05.100 --> 00:15:05.460 Again. 00:15:05.800 --> 00:15:07.019 And they heard him say it. 00:15:08.960 --> 00:15:10.060 And according to Luke's gospel. 00:15:10.060 --> 00:15:11.200 They heard him say it again. 00:15:11.320 --> 00:15:11.720 And again. 00:15:11.860 --> 00:15:12.259 And again. 00:15:12.379 --> 00:15:12.800 And again. 00:15:13.040 --> 00:15:14.440 And they've never taken it in. 00:15:15.860 --> 00:15:17.139 But now amazingly. 00:15:17.440 --> 00:15:18.220 Illumination happens. 00:15:18.220 --> 00:15:19.340 The light comes on. 00:15:20.700 --> 00:15:21.980 And that is what happens. 00:15:21.980 --> 00:15:23.340 When somebody comes to faith. 00:15:25.440 --> 00:15:25.920 Amazingly. 00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:27.620 It brings this illumination. 00:15:29.320 --> 00:15:30.200 Of course. 00:15:30.379 --> 00:15:31.040 He said. 00:15:31.519 --> 00:15:32.460 This is what would happen. 00:15:33.600 --> 00:15:34.440 Of course. 00:15:34.560 --> 00:15:35.200 He is. 00:15:35.639 --> 00:15:36.920 Who he said he is. 00:15:36.919 --> 00:15:39.479 And all kinds of things. 00:15:39.479 --> 00:15:39.939 He had said. 00:15:40.059 --> 00:15:42.139 Must have come flooding back to their minds. 00:15:42.879 --> 00:15:44.199 As they begin to realise. 00:15:44.319 --> 00:15:46.000 That he was not a dead figure. 00:15:46.539 --> 00:15:47.479 But a living. 00:15:48.019 --> 00:15:49.019 Glorious saviour. 00:15:49.240 --> 00:15:50.579 And they've been looking at him. 00:15:50.679 --> 00:15:52.559 Through the wrong lens of the telescope. 00:15:53.299 --> 00:15:54.120 You know that moment. 00:15:55.259 --> 00:15:56.579 They suddenly realised. 00:15:58.459 --> 00:15:59.719 It's actually interesting isn't it. 00:15:59.740 --> 00:16:00.539 That one of the questions. 00:16:00.659 --> 00:16:01.599 That has just surfaced. 00:16:01.599 --> 00:16:02.459 In Luke's gospel. 00:16:02.460 --> 00:16:05.320 In Jesus' trial. 00:16:05.440 --> 00:16:05.820 Is Jesus. 00:16:05.920 --> 00:16:06.620 Who are you? 00:16:07.259 --> 00:16:08.259 It comes later I think. 00:16:08.320 --> 00:16:08.879 In Luke's gospel. 00:16:09.000 --> 00:16:09.580 Than the others. 00:16:11.080 --> 00:16:12.620 And they're discovering the answer to that. 00:16:12.700 --> 00:16:13.200 Here aren't they? 00:16:14.680 --> 00:16:15.280 And it's interesting. 00:16:15.379 --> 00:16:15.940 It's scarcely. 00:16:16.160 --> 00:16:17.519 You might scarcely have noticed it. 00:16:17.580 --> 00:16:18.500 When Penny was reading it. 00:16:18.540 --> 00:16:20.200 But it's a mark of Luke's genius. 00:16:21.100 --> 00:16:23.120 As well as the work of the spirit in him. 00:16:24.120 --> 00:16:25.080 That he's slipped. 00:16:25.080 --> 00:16:26.920 Two very important titles. 00:16:26.920 --> 00:16:27.680 Of the Lord Jesus. 00:16:27.800 --> 00:16:28.700 To tell you who he is. 00:16:28.960 --> 00:16:30.220 In Luke's verse 7. 00:16:32.040 --> 00:16:33.220 He speaks of Jesus. 00:16:33.320 --> 00:16:34.379 As the son of man. 00:16:36.500 --> 00:16:37.379 The son of man. 00:16:37.440 --> 00:16:38.500 Is this great. 00:16:39.139 --> 00:16:40.600 Old testament figure. 00:16:40.980 --> 00:16:42.259 Prophesied in Daniel 7. 00:16:43.360 --> 00:16:44.420 About the way. 00:16:44.780 --> 00:16:46.540 In which when the Messiah came. 00:16:46.980 --> 00:16:49.080 He would bring in God's kingdom. 00:16:49.440 --> 00:16:51.200 And what God's kingdom would do. 00:16:51.200 --> 00:16:52.820 Would be restore life. 00:16:53.420 --> 00:16:54.940 For those who trusted in him. 00:16:54.940 --> 00:16:55.680 Into something like. 00:16:55.780 --> 00:16:56.720 The way life should be. 00:16:58.420 --> 00:16:59.340 And isn't that what Jesus. 00:16:59.480 --> 00:17:00.620 Done all the way through his ministry. 00:17:02.400 --> 00:17:03.400 Restored life. 00:17:04.340 --> 00:17:04.960 To what. 00:17:05.120 --> 00:17:06.080 To life as it should be. 00:17:07.299 --> 00:17:08.660 And Luke has recorded it. 00:17:08.740 --> 00:17:10.100 He's got a special interest in it. 00:17:10.120 --> 00:17:10.779 He's a doctor. 00:17:11.140 --> 00:17:13.000 He's seen Jesus restore the sick. 00:17:13.420 --> 00:17:15.680 He's seen Jesus transform life. 00:17:17.740 --> 00:17:18.940 He's the son of man. 00:17:20.340 --> 00:17:21.360 Brings in the kingdom. 00:17:23.000 --> 00:17:23.720 And then do you notice. 00:17:23.820 --> 00:17:24.799 This other little title. 00:17:24.799 --> 00:17:26.440 But Luke slides into the story. 00:17:26.799 --> 00:17:27.440 In verse 3. 00:17:27.519 --> 00:17:28.700 When he speaks of Jesus. 00:17:29.319 --> 00:17:31.500 He speaks of Jesus as Lord. 00:17:33.819 --> 00:17:34.819 Lord Jesus. 00:17:35.700 --> 00:17:36.379 Verse 3. 00:17:38.919 --> 00:17:40.559 When Noah is beginning to read. 00:17:40.680 --> 00:17:41.839 Children of that age. 00:17:41.919 --> 00:17:42.599 Beginning to read. 00:17:42.740 --> 00:17:44.079 They don't read in their heads. 00:17:44.180 --> 00:17:44.399 Do they? 00:17:45.200 --> 00:17:46.299 And they read out loud. 00:17:47.059 --> 00:17:47.779 Speak out loud. 00:17:47.779 --> 00:17:49.740 And your mother would have said to you. 00:17:49.779 --> 00:17:50.960 Like my mother used to say to me. 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:51.500 At times. 00:17:51.740 --> 00:17:52.859 Read in your head. 00:17:53.299 --> 00:17:54.200 Read in your head. 00:17:54.740 --> 00:17:55.579 As he read out loud. 00:17:55.799 --> 00:17:57.579 Well in the first century. 00:17:57.700 --> 00:17:58.440 And in Jesus' time. 00:17:58.500 --> 00:18:00.019 They didn't read in their heads. 00:18:00.019 --> 00:18:01.660 They didn't read. 00:18:01.660 --> 00:18:02.059 They didn't read quietly. 00:18:02.779 --> 00:18:04.400 They read out loud. 00:18:05.400 --> 00:18:06.519 The gospels. 00:18:06.839 --> 00:18:07.740 Were meant. 00:18:07.920 --> 00:18:09.400 To be read out loud. 00:18:10.240 --> 00:18:12.859 The bible is meant to be read out loud. 00:18:13.240 --> 00:18:14.440 You're meant to hear it. 00:18:14.440 --> 00:18:18.820 And so Luke. 00:18:19.039 --> 00:18:19.940 Is doing something here. 00:18:19.980 --> 00:18:20.279 Isn't he? 00:18:22.580 --> 00:18:23.820 Imagine Theophilus. 00:18:25.500 --> 00:18:25.980 Theophilus. 00:18:26.059 --> 00:18:27.740 As he comes to verse 3. 00:18:28.620 --> 00:18:30.640 As he reads those words. 00:18:30.779 --> 00:18:31.460 Out loud. 00:18:32.900 --> 00:18:34.840 When they went into the tomb. 00:18:34.840 --> 00:18:36.299 They did not find. 00:18:36.920 --> 00:18:37.840 The body of. 00:18:39.140 --> 00:18:39.640 Kyrios. 00:18:40.059 --> 00:18:40.580 Lord. 00:18:41.340 --> 00:18:41.720 Jesus. 00:18:44.440 --> 00:18:45.320 What do you think he did at that point? 00:18:45.340 --> 00:18:46.600 Did he stumble over those words? 00:18:48.720 --> 00:18:49.600 This is a man. 00:18:49.640 --> 00:18:50.860 Who is probably part of that. 00:18:51.000 --> 00:18:52.720 Whole governmental system. 00:18:52.960 --> 00:18:53.380 In Rome. 00:18:55.920 --> 00:18:56.600 In which. 00:18:56.779 --> 00:18:57.460 The one that you. 00:18:57.680 --> 00:18:58.620 Did call Lord. 00:18:58.720 --> 00:18:59.519 Was not Jesus. 00:19:00.840 --> 00:19:01.799 But you called. 00:19:01.940 --> 00:19:02.680 Emperor Caesar. 00:19:02.860 --> 00:19:03.180 Lord. 00:19:05.059 --> 00:19:05.720 And here. 00:19:05.799 --> 00:19:06.440 Out of his lips. 00:19:06.440 --> 00:19:07.460 Can you imagine Luke. 00:19:07.580 --> 00:19:08.000 Writing this. 00:19:08.080 --> 00:19:09.140 As he loved this man. 00:19:09.299 --> 00:19:10.160 He slips it in. 00:19:10.580 --> 00:19:11.440 And he imagines Theophilus. 00:19:12.059 --> 00:19:13.180 Reading it out loud. 00:19:14.440 --> 00:19:16.380 They did not find the body. 00:19:16.600 --> 00:19:17.920 Of the Lord. 00:19:18.580 --> 00:19:18.900 Jesus. 00:19:21.279 --> 00:19:21.840 Luke. 00:19:21.960 --> 00:19:23.000 Praying as he did so. 00:19:23.460 --> 00:19:23.799 Lord. 00:19:23.880 --> 00:19:24.620 May Theophilus. 00:19:24.680 --> 00:19:25.980 As he reads these words. 00:19:26.120 --> 00:19:26.779 I pray. 00:19:27.200 --> 00:19:27.980 That Theophilus. 00:19:28.059 --> 00:19:28.700 Would ask himself. 00:19:28.860 --> 00:19:30.180 Dare I read these words. 00:19:30.500 --> 00:19:31.940 Dare I call Jesus. 00:19:32.080 --> 00:19:32.519 Lord. 00:19:34.600 --> 00:19:35.360 So do you see. 00:19:35.440 --> 00:19:35.840 What is happening? 00:19:37.059 --> 00:19:38.259 This is a true account. 00:19:38.360 --> 00:19:38.820 Of that first. 00:19:38.900 --> 00:19:39.140 Eastern. 00:19:39.340 --> 00:19:40.140 Eastern morning. 00:19:41.360 --> 00:19:42.480 But it's been told. 00:19:42.559 --> 00:19:43.440 In such a way. 00:19:43.440 --> 00:19:44.400 But Luke. 00:19:44.559 --> 00:19:45.799 Is saying to Theophilus. 00:19:45.900 --> 00:19:46.820 Where are you man? 00:19:48.720 --> 00:19:50.259 Where are you at spiritually? 00:19:51.960 --> 00:19:53.420 What are you going to do with Jesus? 00:19:55.360 --> 00:19:56.580 Thrown into confusion. 00:19:56.720 --> 00:19:58.360 By just trying to take in. 00:19:58.500 --> 00:19:59.960 Who Jesus really is. 00:20:00.299 --> 00:20:01.880 Faced with this question. 00:20:02.279 --> 00:20:03.620 Would it make any difference. 00:20:03.720 --> 00:20:04.259 To your life. 00:20:04.400 --> 00:20:06.000 If Jesus were not risen from the dead. 00:20:06.340 --> 00:20:07.640 Given this illumination. 00:20:07.640 --> 00:20:09.000 Of the whole story. 00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:10.140 Of Jesus in the gospel. 00:20:10.620 --> 00:20:12.480 And then we see this last word. 00:20:12.480 --> 00:20:14.920 That describes these women. 00:20:15.000 --> 00:20:16.279 As they move from confusion. 00:20:16.519 --> 00:20:17.539 To question. 00:20:17.960 --> 00:20:18.819 To illumination. 00:20:19.640 --> 00:20:20.640 To proclamation. 00:20:21.299 --> 00:20:22.460 That's the last word. 00:20:23.700 --> 00:20:24.779 Proclamation of Jesus. 00:20:26.079 --> 00:20:27.460 They run back to the men. 00:20:27.519 --> 00:20:28.680 The men are still at their breakfast. 00:20:30.599 --> 00:20:31.980 They look up from the table. 00:20:32.700 --> 00:20:33.000 They say. 00:20:33.039 --> 00:20:33.519 What is happening? 00:20:33.620 --> 00:20:34.519 Why are you so excited? 00:20:35.480 --> 00:20:36.160 Speak women. 00:20:36.160 --> 00:20:37.779 And they say. 00:20:37.840 --> 00:20:39.540 The Lord Jesus has risen from the grave. 00:20:40.540 --> 00:20:41.460 He is alive. 00:20:41.560 --> 00:20:43.420 And he's done exactly what he promised to do. 00:20:44.279 --> 00:20:45.960 And they look down into their plates again. 00:20:46.019 --> 00:20:46.340 And they say. 00:20:46.400 --> 00:20:46.740 Nonsense. 00:20:48.200 --> 00:20:49.620 It's never never land you're living in. 00:20:50.320 --> 00:20:51.320 It's once upon a time. 00:20:51.400 --> 00:20:52.320 It's old wives tales. 00:20:52.519 --> 00:20:53.259 That's what they say. 00:20:53.540 --> 00:20:55.060 If you made this story up. 00:20:55.140 --> 00:20:56.700 You would have omitted that. 00:20:56.820 --> 00:20:57.100 Wouldn't you? 00:20:57.099 --> 00:20:59.879 But you see. 00:20:59.939 --> 00:21:00.719 Since it's true. 00:21:01.779 --> 00:21:03.500 You can afford to put it down there. 00:21:03.539 --> 00:21:03.799 Can't you? 00:21:03.839 --> 00:21:04.599 In black and white. 00:21:06.199 --> 00:21:09.099 The resurrection was not some hoped for event. 00:21:09.219 --> 00:21:11.219 That brought some kind of hallucination. 00:21:11.379 --> 00:21:11.919 To these people. 00:21:12.359 --> 00:21:14.079 It is the very last thing. 00:21:14.159 --> 00:21:15.659 That they expect in their lives. 00:21:17.000 --> 00:21:18.639 And an amazing thing happens. 00:21:20.039 --> 00:21:21.759 I wonder if you notice that in the reading. 00:21:22.099 --> 00:21:23.279 As the women go back. 00:21:23.339 --> 00:21:24.899 With this proclamation of the gospel. 00:21:24.900 --> 00:21:26.320 There's at least one of the men. 00:21:26.400 --> 00:21:27.200 Sitting in the corner. 00:21:27.560 --> 00:21:28.800 And he thinks I'm going to check it out. 00:21:30.040 --> 00:21:31.280 And he runs to the tomb. 00:21:31.320 --> 00:21:33.440 And he sees the grave clothes lying there. 00:21:33.500 --> 00:21:34.360 Why is that significant? 00:21:35.940 --> 00:21:37.120 Well I hope nobody in this room. 00:21:37.580 --> 00:21:38.580 Believes the nonsense. 00:21:38.720 --> 00:21:40.460 About people stealing the body of Jesus. 00:21:41.620 --> 00:21:43.580 If you want to be a grave robber. 00:21:43.580 --> 00:21:44.980 You don't unwrap the body. 00:21:45.140 --> 00:21:47.480 And tidily put the shroud to the side. 00:21:47.580 --> 00:21:48.259 Do you want to ledge? 00:21:48.620 --> 00:21:50.759 But do you notice what Luke tells us about Peter? 00:21:51.019 --> 00:21:53.000 He says that when Peter went into the tomb. 00:21:53.420 --> 00:21:53.840 He went. 00:21:53.839 --> 00:21:55.039 Marvelling. 00:21:55.679 --> 00:21:56.279 Stunt. 00:21:57.319 --> 00:21:59.379 You can translate that as disconcerted. 00:22:00.519 --> 00:22:01.000 Puzzled. 00:22:02.059 --> 00:22:02.500 Confused. 00:22:04.480 --> 00:22:06.079 And when you go to the end of the chapter. 00:22:06.240 --> 00:22:06.859 Again and again. 00:22:06.980 --> 00:22:08.119 Jesus Christ appears. 00:22:08.299 --> 00:22:10.019 And you meet people who are confused. 00:22:12.339 --> 00:22:13.859 So everyone in this chapter. 00:22:13.980 --> 00:22:16.000 As they discover the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. 00:22:16.199 --> 00:22:17.139 They are confused. 00:22:17.659 --> 00:22:19.419 And I wonder whether you see the message. 00:22:19.420 --> 00:22:22.140 The message is this. 00:22:22.340 --> 00:22:23.600 It is the confused. 00:22:23.820 --> 00:22:25.060 Who are illumined. 00:22:25.259 --> 00:22:26.600 And they want to tell others. 00:22:26.840 --> 00:22:28.080 Who become confused. 00:22:28.560 --> 00:22:29.580 And are illumined. 00:22:29.840 --> 00:22:30.840 And want to tell others. 00:22:31.140 --> 00:22:32.380 Who become confused. 00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:33.600 And illumined. 00:22:33.860 --> 00:22:34.980 And want to tell others. 00:22:34.980 --> 00:22:39.079 And that is how the gospel came here this morning. 00:22:42.259 --> 00:22:42.940 Because it is. 00:22:43.059 --> 00:22:45.279 As people hear of the reality of the risen Lord Jesus. 00:22:45.420 --> 00:22:46.299 They are confused. 00:22:46.680 --> 00:22:47.960 And then they are illumined. 00:22:48.519 --> 00:22:49.680 And then they want to tell others. 00:22:49.680 --> 00:22:53.480 And that is what happens. 00:22:53.539 --> 00:22:54.420 When people see the truth. 00:22:54.500 --> 00:22:55.920 And the power of the message of the gospel. 00:22:56.240 --> 00:22:56.740 People say. 00:22:56.799 --> 00:22:57.799 Well this doesn't seem to fit. 00:22:57.860 --> 00:22:59.120 With the way that I think about Jesus. 00:23:00.180 --> 00:23:01.640 I have always thought about Jesus really. 00:23:01.720 --> 00:23:03.400 Being kind of smaller version of me. 00:23:03.720 --> 00:23:05.299 And him fitting into my life. 00:23:06.420 --> 00:23:07.740 And I have thought about him as dead. 00:23:07.779 --> 00:23:08.500 And to be pitied. 00:23:08.720 --> 00:23:10.240 But now the gospel is saying to me. 00:23:10.299 --> 00:23:11.640 He has risen from the grave. 00:23:13.560 --> 00:23:15.380 And that he has broken the neck. 00:23:15.380 --> 00:23:16.160 Of death. 00:23:19.680 --> 00:23:21.519 And for all those who belong to him. 00:23:22.560 --> 00:23:23.920 And are brought. 00:23:25.080 --> 00:23:26.080 Into this world. 00:23:26.160 --> 00:23:27.840 A shaft of glorious light. 00:23:28.759 --> 00:23:29.900 That brings hope. 00:23:30.240 --> 00:23:31.400 And the prospect of a future. 00:23:31.759 --> 00:23:33.060 And the challenge of a life. 00:23:33.279 --> 00:23:33.840 Live for him. 00:23:34.940 --> 00:23:35.600 Which yes. 00:23:35.740 --> 00:23:37.360 May involve carrying a cross. 00:23:37.500 --> 00:23:38.600 May involve difficulty. 00:23:38.960 --> 00:23:40.640 But it will be a life of joy. 00:23:40.840 --> 00:23:42.560 And resurrection power. 00:23:44.200 --> 00:23:46.259 And so as he begins to close his gospel. 00:23:46.420 --> 00:23:47.799 You can see Luke at his little table. 00:23:47.920 --> 00:23:48.220 Can't you? 00:23:48.259 --> 00:23:49.620 With the oil lamp burning low. 00:23:49.680 --> 00:23:50.820 With a candle burning low. 00:23:51.039 --> 00:23:52.900 And he hurries to finish the gospel. 00:23:53.279 --> 00:23:54.220 And he's praying. 00:23:55.140 --> 00:23:55.660 Father. 00:23:57.220 --> 00:23:58.200 Holy Spirit. 00:23:59.440 --> 00:24:00.279 Lord Jesus. 00:24:01.860 --> 00:24:03.100 Please look upon this. 00:24:03.100 --> 00:24:04.860 God friendly man. 00:24:05.100 --> 00:24:05.660 Theophilus. 00:24:05.740 --> 00:24:06.500 To whom I'm writing. 00:24:07.980 --> 00:24:09.480 And even if it means. 00:24:09.600 --> 00:24:09.720 Lord. 00:24:09.860 --> 00:24:11.240 Throwing him into confusion. 00:24:11.580 --> 00:24:13.180 Bring him illumination. 00:24:14.240 --> 00:24:15.600 About who my saviour is. 00:24:17.039 --> 00:24:18.120 Bring Theophilus. 00:24:18.119 --> 00:24:20.000 To come and trust in him. 00:24:20.379 --> 00:24:21.139 And be willing. 00:24:21.219 --> 00:24:22.379 Whatever it costs him. 00:24:22.379 --> 00:24:23.359 As a Roman citizen. 00:24:24.500 --> 00:24:26.359 That Christ is risen from the grave. 00:24:27.419 --> 00:24:30.039 And he restores us to the true humanity. 00:24:30.039 --> 00:24:31.279 As a son of man. 00:24:32.439 --> 00:24:34.299 And he masters our lives. 00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:36.099 As Lord and saviour. 00:24:36.099 --> 00:24:39.719 And that is the message for Theophilus. 00:24:41.000 --> 00:24:42.519 And that is the message for me. 00:24:44.139 --> 00:24:45.579 And that is the message for you. 00:24:47.019 --> 00:24:47.639 Let's pray. 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.080