WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.000 It's my joy to bring God's word to you today. 00:00:03.839 --> 00:00:06.400 A special welcome if you're new or visiting. 00:00:06.640 --> 00:00:07.660 We're glad that you're here. 00:00:08.060 --> 00:00:11.720 And we're glad that you're here not because we're trying to fill seats, 00:00:11.759 --> 00:00:15.380 but because we're following Jesus together as one community. 00:00:15.640 --> 00:00:20.080 And as we follow Jesus together, we become convinced there's no one so good. 00:00:20.640 --> 00:00:21.859 They don't need God's grace. 00:00:22.039 --> 00:00:24.859 And no one so bad that they can't have it, 00:00:24.859 --> 00:00:29.280 which is why we come back week after week to hear what God has to say to us. 00:00:29.280 --> 00:00:30.500 In his word. 00:00:31.280 --> 00:00:34.000 We're continuing our series in the Gospel of Mark. 00:00:34.460 --> 00:00:40.200 You remember that the Gospels tell the story of Jesus and his life and his death and his resurrection. 00:00:40.600 --> 00:00:43.500 And we're continuing to ask our two questions. 00:00:44.120 --> 00:00:45.780 Question one, who is Jesus? 00:00:46.439 --> 00:00:48.799 Question two, how do we respond to him? 00:00:48.920 --> 00:00:53.540 And you'll remember these are questions, not that we've imposed from the outside on the text, 00:00:53.540 --> 00:00:57.299 but these are actually questions that we bring from the inside out of the text. 00:00:57.299 --> 00:01:02.159 These are questions that appear multiple times throughout the Gospel. 00:01:03.519 --> 00:01:09.519 This morning, as we come to Mark chapter 6, I want you to think about this. 00:01:10.799 --> 00:01:18.400 What do we miss out on if we don't get who Jesus is? 00:01:18.819 --> 00:01:23.079 What do we lose if we can't answer these questions correctly? 00:01:23.079 --> 00:01:26.939 And I ask that because in this story that we're going to read, 00:01:27.060 --> 00:01:33.259 the disciples miss who Jesus is and we get to see the fallout from it. 00:01:34.340 --> 00:01:37.700 If you don't believe, if you don't consider yourself a Christian, 00:01:37.859 --> 00:01:41.259 if you have questions or doubts or objections to Christianity, 00:01:41.519 --> 00:01:45.379 why should you want the Gospel to be true? 00:01:45.379 --> 00:01:50.560 Why should you want the story of Mark to be an actual historical account, 00:01:50.659 --> 00:01:52.140 what we claim that it is? 00:01:52.839 --> 00:01:56.299 Why is it so important to know who Jesus is? 00:01:56.359 --> 00:01:58.899 What do we miss out on if we miss him? 00:01:59.759 --> 00:02:03.299 Here in this story, Jesus is going to rebuke the disciples 00:02:03.299 --> 00:02:06.780 for failing to understand who he is. 00:02:07.719 --> 00:02:09.400 God doesn't want us to miss out, 00:02:09.479 --> 00:02:11.479 which is why we're going to turn now to his word. 00:02:11.479 --> 00:02:17.079 And so I invite you to turn with me to Mark 6, starting at verse 45. 00:02:17.840 --> 00:02:19.299 You can turn in your Bibles. 00:02:19.539 --> 00:02:21.439 You can turn in your worship guide. 00:02:21.519 --> 00:02:22.579 You can turn on your phone. 00:02:23.099 --> 00:02:25.719 No matter where you turn, remember that this is God's word. 00:02:25.839 --> 00:02:28.459 And God has told us that his word is a lamp to our feet 00:02:28.459 --> 00:02:29.979 and a light to our path, 00:02:30.039 --> 00:02:34.019 which means that God has not left us to stumble alone in the dark, 00:02:34.239 --> 00:02:38.199 but instead he's given us his word to show us the way to go. 00:02:38.199 --> 00:02:43.099 And so that's why we read now Mark 6, starting at verse 45. 00:02:44.359 --> 00:02:46.879 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat 00:02:46.879 --> 00:02:49.979 and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, 00:02:50.379 --> 00:02:51.759 while he dismissed the crowd. 00:02:52.339 --> 00:02:54.259 And after he had taken leave of them, 00:02:54.339 --> 00:02:55.939 he went up on the mountain to pray. 00:02:56.759 --> 00:02:59.500 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, 00:02:59.539 --> 00:03:01.479 and he was alone on the land. 00:03:01.959 --> 00:03:04.659 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, 00:03:04.939 --> 00:03:06.519 for the wind was against them. 00:03:06.520 --> 00:03:08.980 And about the fourth watch of the night, 00:03:09.060 --> 00:03:10.939 he came to them walking on the sea. 00:03:11.600 --> 00:03:13.120 He meant to pass them by. 00:03:13.780 --> 00:03:15.700 But when they saw him walking on the sea, 00:03:15.760 --> 00:03:17.680 they thought it was a ghost and cried out, 00:03:17.939 --> 00:03:20.180 for they all saw him and were terrified. 00:03:20.920 --> 00:03:22.980 But immediately he spoke to them and said, 00:03:23.080 --> 00:03:24.760 Take heart, it is I. 00:03:25.580 --> 00:03:26.500 Do not be afraid. 00:03:27.280 --> 00:03:28.760 And he got into the boat with them, 00:03:28.780 --> 00:03:29.680 and the wind ceased. 00:03:30.260 --> 00:03:31.879 And they were utterly astounded, 00:03:31.879 --> 00:03:34.180 for they did not understand about the loaves, 00:03:34.639 --> 00:03:36.539 but their hearts were hardened. 00:03:37.759 --> 00:03:38.719 Verse 53. 00:03:39.599 --> 00:03:41.120 When they had crossed over, 00:03:41.219 --> 00:03:43.000 they came to the land at Gennesaret 00:03:43.000 --> 00:03:44.079 and moored to the shore. 00:03:44.960 --> 00:03:46.240 And when they got out of the boat, 00:03:46.319 --> 00:03:48.359 the people immediately recognized him 00:03:48.359 --> 00:03:49.919 and ran about the whole region 00:03:49.919 --> 00:03:53.000 and began to bring the sick people on their beds 00:03:53.000 --> 00:03:54.939 to wherever they heard he was. 00:03:54.939 --> 00:03:56.780 And wherever he came, 00:03:56.960 --> 00:03:59.719 in villages, cities, or countryside, 00:04:00.280 --> 00:04:02.400 they laid the sick in the marketplaces 00:04:02.400 --> 00:04:04.699 and implored him that they might touch 00:04:04.699 --> 00:04:06.560 even the fringe of his garment. 00:04:07.280 --> 00:04:09.620 And as many as touched it were made well. 00:04:10.859 --> 00:04:12.079 I invite you to pray with me 00:04:12.079 --> 00:04:14.579 as we come to this portion of God's word. 00:04:15.659 --> 00:04:16.860 Our Father in heaven, 00:04:17.519 --> 00:04:21.399 we thank you that you are our good shepherd 00:04:21.399 --> 00:04:23.079 and that like a good shepherd, 00:04:23.240 --> 00:04:23.879 you feed us. 00:04:23.879 --> 00:04:26.439 and guide us and protect us. 00:04:26.959 --> 00:04:29.040 We ask simply that you would do that 00:04:29.040 --> 00:04:30.439 this morning by your word. 00:04:30.740 --> 00:04:33.959 That you would show us our need for you, 00:04:34.219 --> 00:04:35.259 that you'd challenge us, 00:04:35.540 --> 00:04:38.279 and you would show us how you meet us 00:04:38.279 --> 00:04:40.000 and you supply for us in that need, 00:04:40.199 --> 00:04:41.319 that you would encourage us. 00:04:41.839 --> 00:04:44.139 Most of all, we ask that you would show us Jesus, 00:04:44.959 --> 00:04:47.180 that you would grow our love and our affection, 00:04:48.000 --> 00:04:50.100 our reverence and our awe for him. 00:04:51.040 --> 00:04:52.480 And we ask all these things 00:04:52.480 --> 00:04:54.620 in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 00:04:55.300 --> 00:04:55.600 Amen. 00:04:59.439 --> 00:05:00.759 When I came in this morning, 00:05:00.879 --> 00:05:01.860 thanks to the snow, 00:05:02.100 --> 00:05:03.860 one of you wished me a Merry Christmas, 00:05:04.360 --> 00:05:06.400 which is timely 00:05:06.400 --> 00:05:08.300 because I want you to think back 00:05:08.300 --> 00:05:11.379 to one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time. 00:05:11.379 --> 00:05:13.399 came out in 1990, 00:05:13.399 --> 00:05:18.040 and Home Alone tells the story of Kevin McAllister, 00:05:18.339 --> 00:05:19.639 who's eight years old. 00:05:19.740 --> 00:05:21.639 He's living with his parents in Chicago, 00:05:21.639 --> 00:05:24.980 and the family accidentally leaves him behind 00:05:24.980 --> 00:05:27.740 on their Christmas trip to Paris. 00:05:27.740 --> 00:05:30.040 Now, we have two problems. 00:05:30.199 --> 00:05:32.980 It's not just the fact that this eight-year-old 00:05:32.980 --> 00:05:34.840 has been left alone by himself 00:05:34.840 --> 00:05:36.800 to fend during the holidays, 00:05:36.800 --> 00:05:38.019 to feed himself, 00:05:38.480 --> 00:05:40.740 to make sure everything goes well in the house, 00:05:40.740 --> 00:05:42.180 but there's a second problem. 00:05:42.660 --> 00:05:45.120 There is also a threat to the neighborhood. 00:05:45.840 --> 00:05:46.900 If you're familiar with the movie, 00:05:47.000 --> 00:05:48.800 you know that there's two burglars 00:05:48.800 --> 00:05:51.379 who are casing that entire block, 00:05:51.840 --> 00:05:52.680 all of the houses. 00:05:52.680 --> 00:05:54.420 I think it's five houses in a row, 00:05:54.660 --> 00:05:57.000 but they consider Kevin's house 00:05:57.000 --> 00:05:58.740 to be the most important of all. 00:05:58.959 --> 00:06:00.939 His house is the prize jewel 00:06:00.939 --> 00:06:04.160 of all the houses that they want to rob. 00:06:05.019 --> 00:06:06.220 Now, Kevin's very clever. 00:06:06.660 --> 00:06:08.420 We know that he sets up many traps 00:06:08.420 --> 00:06:09.399 for these burglars, 00:06:09.540 --> 00:06:10.759 but at the end of the day, 00:06:10.899 --> 00:06:13.899 Kevin is actually not clever enough. 00:06:14.800 --> 00:06:16.620 No matter the traps he sets up, 00:06:16.680 --> 00:06:19.379 no matter the ways he damages and hurts 00:06:19.379 --> 00:06:22.660 these burglars with irons and nails, 00:06:22.680 --> 00:06:23.560 and tar, 00:06:24.620 --> 00:06:29.040 old man Marley has to come to the rescue at the end. 00:06:30.280 --> 00:06:32.600 I bring this up because I believe 00:06:32.600 --> 00:06:35.240 faith in this world, in this life, 00:06:35.360 --> 00:06:39.500 often feels and seems a lot like home alone. 00:06:40.740 --> 00:06:42.519 We know God exists. 00:06:43.740 --> 00:06:45.180 We believe in him, 00:06:45.540 --> 00:06:49.620 but at times, maybe it feels like he's forgotten us. 00:06:50.620 --> 00:06:53.920 At times, maybe it feels like God has left for Paris 00:06:53.920 --> 00:06:55.139 for right now, 00:06:55.439 --> 00:06:58.899 and it's up to us to figure out things while he's gone. 00:06:58.939 --> 00:07:00.120 If we're lucky enough, 00:07:00.519 --> 00:07:02.220 maybe he'll come back at some point. 00:07:02.860 --> 00:07:03.860 Jesus is busy. 00:07:03.959 --> 00:07:06.180 He's busy with exciting and important things. 00:07:06.840 --> 00:07:08.879 Maybe at some point, he'll remember us, 00:07:08.879 --> 00:07:10.899 but until then, 00:07:11.639 --> 00:07:13.719 we're all alone in this world, 00:07:13.779 --> 00:07:15.959 and we have to fend for ourselves. 00:07:16.759 --> 00:07:18.519 There's wild threats out there. 00:07:18.600 --> 00:07:20.319 There's people who are trying to harm us. 00:07:20.379 --> 00:07:21.379 There's evil forces, 00:07:21.759 --> 00:07:24.139 and there's no one to protect us. 00:07:24.819 --> 00:07:26.519 So Jesus exists. 00:07:27.480 --> 00:07:29.120 He's just not with us. 00:07:29.980 --> 00:07:30.939 Wouldn't it be great 00:07:30.939 --> 00:07:32.420 if we could be like the disciples 00:07:32.420 --> 00:07:36.500 who actually got to touch and see and talk to Jesus? 00:07:37.780 --> 00:07:40.060 There's a lot going on in this story, 00:07:40.220 --> 00:07:42.660 but that is the essential problem 00:07:42.660 --> 00:07:43.740 that we come up against. 00:07:43.819 --> 00:07:45.860 I want you to look with me in verse 47, 00:07:46.140 --> 00:07:49.160 which summarizes the issue of this passage. 00:07:49.420 --> 00:07:50.800 When evening came, 00:07:50.920 --> 00:07:52.620 the boat was out on the sea, 00:07:53.259 --> 00:07:56.080 and he was alone on the land. 00:07:56.879 --> 00:07:59.639 The disciples have the same problem that Kevin has. 00:07:59.639 --> 00:08:02.079 One, they are separated from Jesus. 00:08:02.719 --> 00:08:05.519 Two, they are in trouble. 00:08:05.659 --> 00:08:07.300 Verse 48 tells us, 00:08:07.759 --> 00:08:10.360 he saw that they were making headway painfully. 00:08:11.060 --> 00:08:12.719 The Greek actually literally says 00:08:12.719 --> 00:08:15.099 they were rowing in a way that was torturing them. 00:08:16.360 --> 00:08:19.560 They were probably losing their ability to keep rowing 00:08:19.560 --> 00:08:21.319 because their muscles were wearing out. 00:08:21.399 --> 00:08:23.519 The rowing was a torture to them 00:08:23.519 --> 00:08:25.719 because they were fighting against the wind, 00:08:25.860 --> 00:08:27.379 making no progress. 00:08:27.379 --> 00:08:30.199 The last time we saw Jesus and his disciples 00:08:30.199 --> 00:08:31.800 dealing with a problem on a boat, 00:08:31.899 --> 00:08:33.200 it was Mark chapter four, 00:08:33.340 --> 00:08:35.679 and you'll remember that Jesus had fallen asleep. 00:08:36.600 --> 00:08:39.620 That seems like a high-class problem now. 00:08:40.100 --> 00:08:42.860 If only Jesus were in the boat asleep, 00:08:42.860 --> 00:08:45.460 that would make things so much simpler. 00:08:46.139 --> 00:08:48.340 Of course, the disciples are in this problem, 00:08:48.480 --> 00:08:50.100 verses 45 and 46, 00:08:50.320 --> 00:08:52.539 because we've just finished the story 00:08:52.539 --> 00:08:54.100 of the feeding of the 5,000, 00:08:54.100 --> 00:08:55.340 and Jesus says, 00:08:55.420 --> 00:08:57.639 look, I want you to go on ahead of me 00:08:57.639 --> 00:09:00.080 while I finish up what I'm doing here. 00:09:00.440 --> 00:09:02.300 And then Jesus goes off to pray. 00:09:02.720 --> 00:09:04.080 Now, there's many theories 00:09:04.080 --> 00:09:07.000 about why Jesus chooses to send them off first, 00:09:07.180 --> 00:09:09.200 what he's doing by going and praying. 00:09:09.300 --> 00:09:11.159 Does he feel some sort of political threat 00:09:11.159 --> 00:09:12.159 that's surrounding him? 00:09:12.399 --> 00:09:15.100 Does he do this because he just needs some alone time? 00:09:17.379 --> 00:09:18.259 We don't know. 00:09:19.120 --> 00:09:20.840 Passage does not tell us explicitly. 00:09:20.840 --> 00:09:22.700 What we do know is this. 00:09:22.860 --> 00:09:23.899 Jesus stayed behind. 00:09:24.379 --> 00:09:26.639 He sent the disciples ahead. 00:09:27.080 --> 00:09:29.420 And so regardless of Jesus' reasoning here, 00:09:29.460 --> 00:09:30.840 which is not shared with us, 00:09:30.879 --> 00:09:32.180 I don't want us to get distracted 00:09:32.180 --> 00:09:34.180 from the main point of this problem, 00:09:34.240 --> 00:09:35.780 which is that there's a separation 00:09:35.780 --> 00:09:37.379 and there's a threat. 00:09:38.519 --> 00:09:39.899 Jesus is praying 00:09:39.899 --> 00:09:43.920 while the disciples are rowing and failing. 00:09:45.280 --> 00:09:46.480 There's a problem. 00:09:46.900 --> 00:09:49.480 Jesus is not there to help. 00:09:50.840 --> 00:09:53.360 Or at least so it seems. 00:09:54.660 --> 00:09:56.379 And yet Jesus, verse 48, 00:09:56.639 --> 00:09:59.700 sees that they were making headway painfully. 00:10:00.220 --> 00:10:03.220 Some people think that Jesus had supernatural sight here 00:10:03.220 --> 00:10:06.060 to be able to look out onto the middle of the sea 00:10:06.060 --> 00:10:08.660 in the dark of night and notice the disciples. 00:10:09.000 --> 00:10:11.180 Other folks think that there was a full moon 00:10:11.180 --> 00:10:12.280 and so it was illuminated 00:10:12.280 --> 00:10:14.700 and it would have been easy for Jesus to spot them. 00:10:14.700 --> 00:10:21.000 Regardless, Jesus' eyes are on his disciples. 00:10:22.759 --> 00:10:26.040 Jesus has not forgotten them. 00:10:27.379 --> 00:10:28.759 Even more than that, 00:10:28.879 --> 00:10:30.140 same verse 48, 00:10:30.660 --> 00:10:33.100 between 3 and 6 a.m. in the morning, 00:10:33.220 --> 00:10:34.320 that's the fourth watch, 00:10:34.700 --> 00:10:37.400 Jesus starts walking on the sea. 00:10:37.399 --> 00:10:40.720 In home alone, 00:10:42.279 --> 00:10:45.179 Kevin's parents forget about him completely 00:10:45.179 --> 00:10:47.019 because they sleep through their alarm. 00:10:48.480 --> 00:10:49.620 On the plane, 00:10:49.959 --> 00:10:51.860 his mother and his father discuss the fact 00:10:51.860 --> 00:10:54.000 that they feel like they've forgotten something, 00:10:54.120 --> 00:10:55.720 they just can't remember what it is 00:10:55.720 --> 00:10:57.139 until the father remembers 00:10:57.139 --> 00:10:59.840 that the problem is that they left the garage door open. 00:10:59.840 --> 00:11:03.420 That was their great misstep. 00:11:03.580 --> 00:11:05.860 Everything else is okay. 00:11:08.600 --> 00:11:11.379 Kevin's at home because his parents forgot him. 00:11:11.540 --> 00:11:13.399 Jesus' disciples are on the sea 00:11:13.399 --> 00:11:16.019 because Jesus sent them there. 00:11:17.280 --> 00:11:18.980 Jesus doesn't get distracted. 00:11:20.800 --> 00:11:22.320 Jesus doesn't clock out. 00:11:23.620 --> 00:11:26.139 Jesus has not forgotten them. 00:11:26.139 --> 00:11:34.159 Jesus' eyes are on his disciples. 00:11:37.159 --> 00:11:38.439 Brothers and sisters, 00:11:38.580 --> 00:11:42.600 no matter what is going on in this world or in your life, 00:11:43.159 --> 00:11:46.620 Jesus' eyes are on you. 00:11:49.620 --> 00:11:52.700 No matter how distant he may feel, 00:11:53.080 --> 00:11:56.120 no matter how chaotic things may seem, 00:11:56.139 --> 00:12:00.559 Jesus does not forget his people. 00:12:02.159 --> 00:12:05.639 No matter the geographic separation, 00:12:06.519 --> 00:12:08.679 Jesus is still there. 00:12:09.240 --> 00:12:11.899 Kevin is at home because of a mistake. 00:12:13.080 --> 00:12:17.319 The disciples are at sea because of Jesus' plan. 00:12:18.899 --> 00:12:22.139 We might even go so far as to say his providence. 00:12:23.139 --> 00:12:27.439 Jesus is the one who told them to go out on the sea. 00:12:29.720 --> 00:12:32.100 Proverbs 16 verse 9 tells us this, 00:12:32.159 --> 00:12:34.259 the heart of a man plans his way, 00:12:34.600 --> 00:12:37.819 but the Lord establishes his steps. 00:12:37.820 --> 00:12:41.700 And that reminds us, 00:12:42.180 --> 00:12:43.740 more than just Jesus' character, 00:12:43.740 --> 00:12:47.520 more than just his heart and his compassion for his people, 00:12:47.680 --> 00:12:51.800 more than the fact that his memory is better than that of a mother, 00:12:52.500 --> 00:12:55.400 he also has the power to back it up. 00:12:55.399 --> 00:12:57.199 Remember Mark chapter 4, 00:12:57.299 --> 00:13:00.360 we saw that it is God who calms the sea. 00:13:00.480 --> 00:13:01.879 And so when Jesus does that, 00:13:02.079 --> 00:13:04.819 it's meant to show us his divine nature. 00:13:05.139 --> 00:13:07.980 Now it's not as explicit or dramatic in this passage 00:13:07.980 --> 00:13:10.199 because the storm doesn't seem to be as bad. 00:13:10.419 --> 00:13:13.419 And yet we see the same words repeated in verse 51 00:13:13.419 --> 00:13:15.439 that we saw in chapter 4, 00:13:15.500 --> 00:13:17.340 which is that the wind ceased. 00:13:18.340 --> 00:13:21.379 And we see here indications of Jesus' divinity, 00:13:21.519 --> 00:13:22.879 the fact that he is God, 00:13:22.960 --> 00:13:25.160 that did not appear in Mark chapter 4. 00:13:25.560 --> 00:13:26.360 Verse 48, 00:13:26.500 --> 00:13:30.300 Jesus is doing this casual, easy thing of walking on water. 00:13:31.460 --> 00:13:33.759 Well, if you're familiar with the Old Testament, 00:13:34.220 --> 00:13:36.040 this idea of walking on water 00:13:36.040 --> 00:13:37.860 is something that's attributed to God. 00:13:37.960 --> 00:13:39.200 In Job chapter 9, 00:13:39.259 --> 00:13:42.200 we're told he tramples on the waves of the sea. 00:13:42.840 --> 00:13:43.879 Throughout the Old Testament, 00:13:43.879 --> 00:13:46.180 we're told about God's control over nature 00:13:46.179 --> 00:13:48.939 in books like Isaiah and Exodus and Joshua. 00:13:49.919 --> 00:13:51.699 So again, like in chapter 4, 00:13:51.779 --> 00:13:54.099 he calms the storm like God would. 00:13:54.419 --> 00:13:57.179 He walks on the seas as only God can. 00:13:57.539 --> 00:13:59.279 Then, in case it's not obvious enough, 00:13:59.399 --> 00:14:02.039 in verse 50, what does he say to his disciples? 00:14:03.000 --> 00:14:04.819 It is I. 00:14:06.120 --> 00:14:08.500 This might seem like a small comment 00:14:08.500 --> 00:14:09.579 just to explain to them, 00:14:09.659 --> 00:14:11.339 hey, it's Jesus, not someone else. 00:14:11.339 --> 00:14:14.579 And yet in the Greek, there's a redundancy 00:14:14.580 --> 00:14:17.879 because the verb would be enough just to say I am, 00:14:18.080 --> 00:14:20.960 but actually, literally here, it's I, I am. 00:14:21.200 --> 00:14:25.080 It's the same phrase that Jesus used in John chapter 8 00:14:25.080 --> 00:14:27.440 when he was talking to the Pharisees. 00:14:27.700 --> 00:14:29.440 And as soon as he said it, 00:14:29.680 --> 00:14:31.620 the Pharisees tried to stone him. 00:14:32.020 --> 00:14:32.580 Why? 00:14:32.580 --> 00:14:38.960 Because they knew that Jesus was quoting Exodus chapter 3, 00:14:39.080 --> 00:14:39.920 verse 14, 00:14:40.120 --> 00:14:43.940 where God reveals his name to Moses and says, 00:14:44.360 --> 00:14:45.460 tell the people of Israel, 00:14:45.680 --> 00:14:48.520 my name is I am. 00:14:49.720 --> 00:14:51.320 And this same title for God 00:14:51.320 --> 00:14:53.500 appears throughout the book of Isaiah. 00:14:53.620 --> 00:14:54.220 In other words, 00:14:54.340 --> 00:14:56.420 Jesus is telling these disciples 00:14:56.420 --> 00:14:59.000 in the midst of their fear and confusion 00:14:59.000 --> 00:15:00.139 and separation, 00:15:00.700 --> 00:15:03.460 I am what I appear to be in this moment. 00:15:03.580 --> 00:15:05.820 Not only do I have control over nature, 00:15:06.179 --> 00:15:08.620 not only am I able to walk on water, 00:15:08.919 --> 00:15:11.860 I am the God of the Old Testament. 00:15:13.299 --> 00:15:15.440 I am divine. 00:15:17.500 --> 00:15:19.679 To hammer it home even more, 00:15:20.059 --> 00:15:21.940 verse 48, I told you about this 00:15:21.940 --> 00:15:23.519 when we read our Old Testament reading 00:15:23.519 --> 00:15:25.139 from Exodus 33, 00:15:26.299 --> 00:15:31.679 we're told that he was going to pass by them. 00:15:32.899 --> 00:15:34.259 Just like I am, 00:15:34.319 --> 00:15:36.120 this is a code word from the Old Testament 00:15:36.120 --> 00:15:37.379 that's assigned with God 00:15:37.379 --> 00:15:40.220 revealing his presence to his people. 00:15:40.539 --> 00:15:41.220 In other words, 00:15:41.319 --> 00:15:42.779 Jesus here in the New Testament 00:15:42.779 --> 00:15:45.899 is showing and revealing God's characteristics 00:15:45.899 --> 00:15:49.100 and actions and name from the Old Testament. 00:15:50.120 --> 00:15:53.500 Jesus is making it as clear as possible 00:15:53.500 --> 00:15:56.200 you are not just dealing with a man, 00:15:56.320 --> 00:15:58.779 you are dealing with God. 00:16:01.500 --> 00:16:03.100 Who is Jesus? 00:16:04.720 --> 00:16:08.759 Jesus is the one whose eyes are always on his people. 00:16:09.240 --> 00:16:10.539 Jesus is the one who, 00:16:11.059 --> 00:16:13.159 when his disciples are afraid, 00:16:13.620 --> 00:16:15.659 does not lose sight of them, 00:16:16.000 --> 00:16:17.379 does not lose track of them. 00:16:17.840 --> 00:16:20.779 Jesus is the one who sees you. 00:16:20.779 --> 00:16:23.620 He is the one who does not lose sight of you 00:16:23.620 --> 00:16:24.839 or lose track of you. 00:16:25.879 --> 00:16:29.980 Jesus is also God himself. 00:16:31.879 --> 00:16:33.699 And so we see in this passage 00:16:33.699 --> 00:16:36.039 another repetition of what we've been told 00:16:36.039 --> 00:16:37.799 over and over in this gospel. 00:16:38.240 --> 00:16:41.980 Another data point of Jesus' divinity. 00:16:42.179 --> 00:16:45.199 Another reminder that Jesus is not just man, 00:16:45.299 --> 00:16:46.199 but also God. 00:16:46.200 --> 00:16:48.220 And if it feels like we're just saying 00:16:48.220 --> 00:16:49.980 the same thing over and over, 00:16:50.879 --> 00:16:53.700 yes, that's the point. 00:16:54.600 --> 00:16:56.759 There's an ancient phrase that says, 00:16:57.280 --> 00:16:59.820 repetition is the mother of memory. 00:17:01.720 --> 00:17:04.759 Mark is repeating these things over and over for us. 00:17:04.860 --> 00:17:06.740 Jesus is showing them over and over 00:17:06.740 --> 00:17:10.059 so that it would be driven deep into our hearts 00:17:10.059 --> 00:17:12.220 that Jesus is the one who cares 00:17:12.220 --> 00:17:15.759 and Jesus is the one with great power. 00:17:18.100 --> 00:17:19.900 And those two things are important, by the way, 00:17:19.960 --> 00:17:22.579 because we can find other people who care. 00:17:23.480 --> 00:17:25.400 Maybe not care as much as Jesus does, 00:17:25.600 --> 00:17:27.460 but there are caring people in this world, right? 00:17:28.319 --> 00:17:30.839 There is no one who comes close to Jesus' care. 00:17:30.940 --> 00:17:34.360 There's also no one who comes close to his power. 00:17:35.600 --> 00:17:36.740 If you remember from Home Alone, 00:17:36.839 --> 00:17:39.559 once Kevin's mom figures out that he's missing, 00:17:39.559 --> 00:17:42.460 she confronts the airlines and she tells them, 00:17:42.659 --> 00:17:44.399 I'm at a point where I will do anything 00:17:44.399 --> 00:17:46.099 to get back to my son, 00:17:46.500 --> 00:17:49.019 including selling my soul to Satan. 00:17:50.839 --> 00:17:55.000 And then she has to catch a ride with a polka band 00:17:55.000 --> 00:17:59.960 because she's not very powerful. 00:18:01.579 --> 00:18:04.659 Jesus walks on water. 00:18:04.660 --> 00:18:09.420 Jesus is the one who sees. 00:18:10.779 --> 00:18:15.460 Jesus is the one who has the power to act. 00:18:18.740 --> 00:18:20.440 And so how do we respond to him? 00:18:21.800 --> 00:18:25.680 Well, the disciples here give us a negative example, 00:18:25.779 --> 00:18:26.840 as they often do. 00:18:27.400 --> 00:18:29.440 We find out in verse 50, 00:18:30.019 --> 00:18:31.980 they are terrified and afraid 00:18:31.980 --> 00:18:33.799 because Jesus has to tell them, 00:18:34.240 --> 00:18:37.079 take heart, it is I, do not be afraid. 00:18:37.799 --> 00:18:40.140 And then we're told later on, verse 52, 00:18:40.779 --> 00:18:43.759 why it is that they're terrified and filled with fear. 00:18:45.660 --> 00:18:48.079 They did not understand about the loaves, 00:18:48.279 --> 00:18:50.440 but their hearts were hardened. 00:18:52.240 --> 00:18:54.900 Now, their problem here is not amnesia. 00:18:55.779 --> 00:18:58.180 It's not that they forgot about the fact 00:18:58.180 --> 00:18:59.779 that Jesus fed the 5,000. 00:18:59.779 --> 00:19:01.059 No, they were there for that. 00:19:01.139 --> 00:19:02.859 They were present for that historical event. 00:19:03.220 --> 00:19:05.660 The disciples saw it happen with their own eyes. 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:09.119 The problem is that they did not understand it. 00:19:09.180 --> 00:19:13.039 It did not cause them to see Jesus for who he truly was. 00:19:13.279 --> 00:19:14.920 The problem of the disciples 00:19:14.920 --> 00:19:17.019 is that they still seem to believe 00:19:17.019 --> 00:19:19.019 they're humans with another human. 00:19:20.639 --> 00:19:24.700 And if they are sensing Jesus' divinity at some point, 00:19:24.859 --> 00:19:26.759 they are missing what it was 00:19:26.759 --> 00:19:28.619 that he went out of his way to teach 00:19:28.619 --> 00:19:29.699 in the previous story, 00:19:29.959 --> 00:19:32.719 which is that he is the good shepherd. 00:19:34.199 --> 00:19:36.059 The loaves, in other words, 00:19:36.179 --> 00:19:37.919 should have made them realize 00:19:37.919 --> 00:19:40.059 with clarity and conviction 00:19:40.059 --> 00:19:43.439 that Jesus was the God who cares. 00:19:43.579 --> 00:19:44.659 He was the good shepherd 00:19:44.659 --> 00:19:47.839 who feeds his sheep even more than they need. 00:19:48.059 --> 00:19:50.579 He's the good shepherd who teaches his sheep 00:19:50.579 --> 00:19:52.199 everything they need to know 00:19:52.199 --> 00:19:54.179 to make it in this world. 00:19:54.180 --> 00:19:59.360 Instead, though, the disciples fail to grasp Jesus 00:19:59.360 --> 00:20:01.700 and his care and his power and his nature, 00:20:02.180 --> 00:20:05.259 and so they cannot draw confidence from his character. 00:20:05.680 --> 00:20:07.759 They cannot draw confidence from the ways 00:20:07.759 --> 00:20:10.820 that Jesus has cared for them in the past. 00:20:13.100 --> 00:20:16.660 For us, then, the hope is that we would do the opposite, 00:20:16.840 --> 00:20:18.180 that we would not give in 00:20:18.180 --> 00:20:20.340 and be taken by the hardness of heart 00:20:20.340 --> 00:20:21.640 that consumes the disciples, 00:20:21.640 --> 00:20:24.640 that we would be able to see and know 00:20:24.640 --> 00:20:28.480 and recognize Jesus for who he is in this world, 00:20:28.600 --> 00:20:31.360 that we would be able to connect the dots in our lives 00:20:31.360 --> 00:20:33.940 and see the ways that God has cared for us 00:20:33.940 --> 00:20:35.800 and protected us in the past, 00:20:35.920 --> 00:20:38.280 that that would cause us to see and realize 00:20:38.280 --> 00:20:41.480 that Jesus is the good shepherd who cares for his sheep, 00:20:41.620 --> 00:20:43.900 that we are not helpless, 00:20:45.520 --> 00:20:46.820 battled around by fate, 00:20:46.820 --> 00:20:49.520 but instead, God is the one who cares for us 00:20:49.519 --> 00:20:50.980 and provides for us. 00:20:51.180 --> 00:20:53.339 The goal is that we would be able to live out 00:20:53.339 --> 00:20:56.220 1 Peter 5, verse 7, which tells us, 00:20:56.639 --> 00:20:58.519 cast all your anxieties on him 00:20:58.519 --> 00:21:00.539 because he cares for you. 00:21:03.039 --> 00:21:04.980 How do we respond to Jesus? 00:21:05.539 --> 00:21:09.000 We avoid the hardness of heart of the disciples 00:21:09.000 --> 00:21:11.160 and we run to him and see him 00:21:11.160 --> 00:21:14.099 and trust him as our good shepherd. 00:21:14.099 --> 00:21:24.299 Now there's an unlearning process for all of this. 00:21:25.759 --> 00:21:29.500 It's easy for me to say here to you this morning, 00:21:29.759 --> 00:21:32.859 you need to let Jesus be the one 00:21:32.859 --> 00:21:34.159 who's in control and in charge. 00:21:34.259 --> 00:21:36.079 You need to have the rest and trust 00:21:36.079 --> 00:21:39.299 that comes from realizing that he cares for you 00:21:39.299 --> 00:21:42.259 and he's more powerful than anyone or anything else. 00:21:42.259 --> 00:21:47.819 And yet the path of discipleship is long and hard. 00:21:49.099 --> 00:21:53.039 There is an unlearning process that happens 00:21:53.039 --> 00:21:56.039 as we follow Jesus together. 00:21:58.500 --> 00:22:03.079 Some of us grew up in households 00:22:03.079 --> 00:22:06.119 where we were expected to function as adults 00:22:06.119 --> 00:22:08.079 when we were still children. 00:22:08.079 --> 00:22:15.659 Others of us learn that success and power 00:22:15.659 --> 00:22:19.119 come along with being in control. 00:22:21.819 --> 00:22:25.019 And still others of us know that we're not in control, 00:22:25.799 --> 00:22:29.139 but we assume that we need to be. 00:22:29.140 --> 00:22:34.720 And so we're filled with this chronic anxiety and fear. 00:22:35.980 --> 00:22:39.060 Our experience is much like the disciples separated, 00:22:39.220 --> 00:22:40.780 unable to see Jesus. 00:22:41.320 --> 00:22:44.160 We believe it's up to us to figure everything out. 00:22:45.400 --> 00:22:47.200 And so it only makes sense 00:22:47.200 --> 00:22:50.240 that we would be terrified and afraid. 00:22:50.240 --> 00:22:56.359 By the way, fear is an appropriate response 00:22:56.359 --> 00:23:01.180 if you're home alone and God is not on your side. 00:23:02.539 --> 00:23:04.359 Fear is an appropriate response 00:23:04.359 --> 00:23:07.500 if you're home alone and God is not on your side. 00:23:08.519 --> 00:23:10.279 It's easy to think of home alone. 00:23:10.400 --> 00:23:12.339 It's Kevin doing all these things to the robbers 00:23:12.339 --> 00:23:16.000 and forget the fear that he expresses multiple times. 00:23:16.420 --> 00:23:18.599 At the very beginning, when he first encounters them, 00:23:18.599 --> 00:23:21.659 he goes under the bed and is literally shaking. 00:23:23.000 --> 00:23:24.319 Later, when he encounters them, 00:23:24.359 --> 00:23:26.779 he runs back to the bed and hides under the covers. 00:23:27.599 --> 00:23:29.240 When he looks out his window 00:23:29.240 --> 00:23:31.980 and he overhears the burglars talking about the fact 00:23:31.980 --> 00:23:34.719 that they're going to hit his house once and for all 00:23:34.719 --> 00:23:37.159 at 9 p.m. that night, what does Kevin say? 00:23:38.679 --> 00:23:40.859 Mom, when are you coming home? 00:23:42.659 --> 00:23:45.819 Of course he's filled with fear. 00:23:48.599 --> 00:23:52.119 Money, fame, power, and health 00:23:52.119 --> 00:23:54.399 are not as powerful as you want 00:23:54.399 --> 00:23:57.740 and they will not accomplish as much as you hope. 00:23:58.480 --> 00:24:01.639 It is great and wonderful to do everything 00:24:01.639 --> 00:24:03.379 and be in control of everything 00:24:03.379 --> 00:24:06.339 until you have to do everything 00:24:06.339 --> 00:24:08.039 and be in control of everything. 00:24:10.339 --> 00:24:13.359 And you're not powerful enough. 00:24:13.359 --> 00:24:19.159 Autonomy is slavery. 00:24:20.519 --> 00:24:22.899 It is not the way of the cross. 00:24:23.719 --> 00:24:26.199 The way of the cross is relying on, 00:24:26.279 --> 00:24:28.779 looking to, and trusting the good shepherd 00:24:28.779 --> 00:24:30.619 no matter what comes in this life, 00:24:30.719 --> 00:24:34.240 knowing that he is the one who will protect and provide. 00:24:35.979 --> 00:24:37.439 No matter who you are, 00:24:38.379 --> 00:24:40.179 no matter how powerful you are, 00:24:40.240 --> 00:24:41.299 how much money you have, 00:24:41.299 --> 00:24:42.819 how many friends you've accumulated, 00:24:42.980 --> 00:24:45.059 how large your network is, 00:24:45.919 --> 00:24:52.200 you are small and powerless in this world. 00:24:55.339 --> 00:24:59.539 You are alone in a boat in a storm 00:24:59.539 --> 00:25:04.619 unless Jesus is there to help, 00:25:06.220 --> 00:25:10.339 unless the good shepherd is with you. 00:25:10.339 --> 00:25:17.099 You need a good shepherd. 00:25:19.099 --> 00:25:23.399 You have a good shepherd in Jesus. 00:25:24.699 --> 00:25:28.759 And that is what the disciples fail to see and understand. 00:25:29.240 --> 00:25:31.639 That is the disciples' hardness of heart, 00:25:31.899 --> 00:25:35.839 that they saw Jesus caring and feeding for these people. 00:25:35.839 --> 00:25:38.699 And yet in the next moment, 00:25:39.299 --> 00:25:40.639 having seen that, 00:25:40.720 --> 00:25:43.000 they're still filled with fear. 00:25:47.459 --> 00:25:48.639 Brothers and sisters, 00:25:48.859 --> 00:25:50.959 you are not home alone 00:25:50.959 --> 00:25:54.339 because you have a good shepherd. 00:25:54.339 --> 00:25:58.919 As you navigate this life, 00:25:59.339 --> 00:26:03.159 as you determine who to marry and what to do, 00:26:03.199 --> 00:26:05.220 as you try to figure out how much to save 00:26:05.220 --> 00:26:07.939 and how to navigate the problems of your health that they present, 00:26:08.199 --> 00:26:11.119 as you make choices about this job or that job, 00:26:11.459 --> 00:26:15.459 God has not left you to stumble alone in the dark. 00:26:15.460 --> 00:26:18.960 He is, through his word, 00:26:19.120 --> 00:26:21.299 a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. 00:26:22.120 --> 00:26:24.360 He has not left you alone 00:26:24.360 --> 00:26:28.200 to be thrown around in the sea by the waves. 00:26:29.500 --> 00:26:32.200 Instead, he is the good shepherd 00:26:32.200 --> 00:26:34.079 who comes to his disciples 00:26:34.079 --> 00:26:36.340 and tells them not to be afraid. 00:26:36.339 --> 00:26:39.639 He is the good shepherd who comes to you 00:26:39.639 --> 00:26:44.519 and tells you not to be afraid. 00:26:48.859 --> 00:26:51.859 Kevin, throughout most of the movie, 00:26:52.000 --> 00:26:53.179 appears to be alone. 00:26:55.139 --> 00:26:57.859 And yet we find out at the end that he isn't. 00:26:59.099 --> 00:27:01.619 Because while most of the families on the block 00:27:01.619 --> 00:27:02.980 are gone for Christmas, 00:27:03.599 --> 00:27:05.199 there is one person who is left. 00:27:06.939 --> 00:27:10.279 Old man Marley has been keeping watch over him 00:27:10.279 --> 00:27:11.859 this whole time. 00:27:13.799 --> 00:27:15.879 Kevin's attempts to rescue and save 00:27:15.879 --> 00:27:18.839 and protect himself ultimately fail. 00:27:20.059 --> 00:27:23.740 And so the burglars hang him up by a coat hook 00:27:23.740 --> 00:27:26.399 and talk to him about the ways 00:27:26.399 --> 00:27:28.139 in which they're going to torture him 00:27:28.139 --> 00:27:29.819 just like he's tortured them. 00:27:31.439 --> 00:27:33.220 And what happens in that moment? 00:27:33.220 --> 00:27:37.500 Kevin's good shepherd shows up. 00:27:37.839 --> 00:27:39.960 Old man Marley shows up, 00:27:40.059 --> 00:27:41.259 as the legends tell, 00:27:41.759 --> 00:27:43.620 with his snow shovel. 00:27:44.759 --> 00:27:47.799 Because he's the one who's going to rescue Kevin 00:27:47.799 --> 00:27:49.100 once and for all. 00:27:50.100 --> 00:27:51.380 And he does, right? 00:27:51.420 --> 00:27:52.839 He knocks the criminals out 00:27:52.839 --> 00:27:56.559 and brings Kevin back to safety. 00:27:56.559 --> 00:28:02.839 How do we respond to Jesus? 00:28:03.899 --> 00:28:07.419 Know that you have a good shepherd. 00:28:09.960 --> 00:28:12.779 Know that he's the one who cares for you 00:28:12.779 --> 00:28:14.139 and protects you. 00:28:15.379 --> 00:28:18.379 Avoid the hardness of heart of the disciples. 00:28:18.559 --> 00:28:20.159 Instead, look to him, 00:28:20.659 --> 00:28:21.359 embrace him, 00:28:21.359 --> 00:28:22.779 and trust him. 00:28:25.079 --> 00:28:27.199 We see this beautiful, sweet picture 00:28:27.199 --> 00:28:28.279 in the following verses 00:28:28.279 --> 00:28:30.939 once they make land. 00:28:31.259 --> 00:28:32.219 And we have a reminder 00:28:32.219 --> 00:28:33.979 of who Jesus is. 00:28:35.079 --> 00:28:37.019 The good shepherd gets right back to work 00:28:37.019 --> 00:28:38.699 doing what he's been doing 00:28:38.699 --> 00:28:40.119 throughout the whole Gospel of Mark. 00:28:40.479 --> 00:28:41.459 He continues 00:28:41.459 --> 00:28:42.819 healing 00:28:42.819 --> 00:28:44.099 the sick. 00:28:44.099 --> 00:28:46.099 and all these people 00:28:46.099 --> 00:28:46.859 are running to him. 00:28:47.759 --> 00:28:48.939 They understand, 00:28:49.119 --> 00:28:50.039 at least in part, 00:28:50.879 --> 00:28:52.439 who Jesus is. 00:28:54.859 --> 00:28:56.379 He's at work with his disciples. 00:28:57.019 --> 00:28:58.299 He's at work with the crowds. 00:29:00.139 --> 00:29:01.939 Jesus is at work with you. 00:29:05.199 --> 00:29:07.419 I started by asking you a question. 00:29:07.559 --> 00:29:08.459 Why is it so important 00:29:08.459 --> 00:29:09.779 for us to know who Jesus is? 00:29:09.859 --> 00:29:11.319 What is it that we miss out 00:29:11.319 --> 00:29:13.039 on if we don't? 00:29:14.099 --> 00:29:15.619 It is important for us 00:29:15.619 --> 00:29:16.919 to know who Jesus is 00:29:16.919 --> 00:29:17.459 so that, 00:29:17.639 --> 00:29:18.059 verse 50, 00:29:18.159 --> 00:29:19.179 we can take heart 00:29:19.179 --> 00:29:20.859 and not be afraid. 00:29:22.519 --> 00:29:24.000 If we fail 00:29:24.000 --> 00:29:24.959 to recognize 00:29:24.959 --> 00:29:26.539 who Jesus is, 00:29:26.679 --> 00:29:27.939 what we miss out on 00:29:27.939 --> 00:29:28.980 is the comfort 00:29:28.980 --> 00:29:30.159 and confidence 00:29:30.159 --> 00:29:31.399 and providence 00:29:31.399 --> 00:29:32.299 and care 00:29:32.299 --> 00:29:33.459 that Jesus provides. 00:29:33.740 --> 00:29:35.000 We miss out 00:29:35.000 --> 00:29:35.819 on knowing 00:29:35.819 --> 00:29:38.119 that he is our good shepherd. 00:29:38.339 --> 00:29:39.199 We miss out 00:29:39.199 --> 00:29:40.199 on the peace 00:29:40.199 --> 00:29:41.399 and security 00:29:41.399 --> 00:29:42.159 that comes 00:29:42.159 --> 00:29:42.699 from knowing 00:29:42.700 --> 00:29:44.160 he sees us 00:29:44.160 --> 00:29:45.200 no matter 00:29:45.200 --> 00:29:46.259 what happens 00:29:46.259 --> 00:29:47.420 in this world. 00:29:50.819 --> 00:29:52.000 Jesus knows 00:29:52.000 --> 00:29:55.319 that you will be tempted 00:29:55.319 --> 00:29:56.840 to feel 00:29:56.840 --> 00:29:57.720 home alone 00:29:57.720 --> 00:29:59.080 in this world. 00:30:00.759 --> 00:30:01.640 And so, 00:30:01.759 --> 00:30:02.920 in John chapter 14, 00:30:03.200 --> 00:30:03.700 he spoke 00:30:03.700 --> 00:30:04.600 directly 00:30:04.600 --> 00:30:05.580 to his disciples 00:30:05.580 --> 00:30:06.720 about this reality. 00:30:07.180 --> 00:30:08.100 Knowing that 00:30:08.100 --> 00:30:08.680 he was going 00:30:08.680 --> 00:30:09.460 to leave them, 00:30:10.200 --> 00:30:10.759 knowing that he was 00:30:10.759 --> 00:30:11.599 going to be separated 00:30:11.599 --> 00:30:12.299 from them, 00:30:12.440 --> 00:30:13.160 much like he was 00:30:13.160 --> 00:30:14.299 separated from the disciples 00:30:14.299 --> 00:30:15.180 in this passage, 00:30:15.480 --> 00:30:16.420 much like physically 00:30:16.420 --> 00:30:17.200 we're separated 00:30:17.200 --> 00:30:18.460 from him now, 00:30:18.559 --> 00:30:19.700 he tells them this, 00:30:20.180 --> 00:30:21.500 for them to remember 00:30:21.500 --> 00:30:22.339 when he's gone. 00:30:22.599 --> 00:30:24.000 This is John chapter 14. 00:30:25.000 --> 00:30:26.619 I will not leave you 00:30:26.619 --> 00:30:27.299 as orphans, 00:30:27.579 --> 00:30:28.859 I will come to you. 00:30:29.680 --> 00:30:30.879 Yet a little while 00:30:30.879 --> 00:30:31.599 and the world 00:30:31.599 --> 00:30:32.859 will see me no more, 00:30:33.339 --> 00:30:34.379 but you will see me. 00:30:35.140 --> 00:30:36.339 Because I live, 00:30:36.420 --> 00:30:37.740 you also will live. 00:30:38.500 --> 00:30:39.500 In that day, 00:30:39.579 --> 00:30:40.279 you will know 00:30:40.279 --> 00:30:41.579 that I am in my Father 00:30:41.579 --> 00:30:43.299 and you in me 00:30:43.299 --> 00:30:45.599 and I in you. 00:30:46.480 --> 00:30:47.099 Let's pray. 00:30:48.960 --> 00:30:50.019 Our Father in heaven, 00:30:50.160 --> 00:30:51.339 we praise you 00:30:51.339 --> 00:30:52.160 and we thank you 00:30:52.160 --> 00:30:53.539 that you're the good shepherd. 00:30:54.200 --> 00:30:55.059 In our lives, 00:30:55.099 --> 00:30:56.019 we ask that you would 00:30:56.019 --> 00:30:56.940 drive that truth 00:30:56.940 --> 00:30:58.279 deep into our hearts, 00:30:58.299 --> 00:30:59.220 that we would live 00:30:59.220 --> 00:31:00.720 not fearful 00:31:00.720 --> 00:31:01.640 and scared, 00:31:02.220 --> 00:31:02.779 but we'd live 00:31:02.779 --> 00:31:03.960 trusting and confident. 00:31:04.380 --> 00:31:05.299 Not because we're 00:31:05.299 --> 00:31:05.859 in control, 00:31:06.160 --> 00:31:06.779 but because you're 00:31:06.779 --> 00:31:07.279 in control. 00:31:07.740 --> 00:31:08.940 And we ask these things 00:31:08.940 --> 00:31:09.660 in the mighty name 00:31:09.660 --> 00:31:10.500 of Jesus Christ. 00:31:10.960 --> 00:31:11.200 Amen. 00:31:13.279 --> 00:31:14.160 Let's stand for our 00:31:14.160 --> 00:31:14.200 prayer.