Mission – Timothy Keller [Sermon]

When he had finished speaking, he said When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, to Simon, to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down "Put out into deep water, and let down "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, the nets for a catch." Simon answered, the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and "Master, we've worked hard all night and "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. haven't caught anything. haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down But because you say so, I will let down But because you say so, I will let down the nets." the nets." the nets." When they had done so, they caught such When they had done so, they caught such When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets a large number of fish that their nets a large number of fish that their nets began to break. began to break. began to break. So, they signaled their partners in the So, they signaled their partners in the So, they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, other boat to come and help them, other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so and they came and filled both boats so and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. full that they began to sink. full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, Jesus' knees and said, Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful "Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful "Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man." man." man." For he and all his companions were For he and all his companions were For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had astonished at the catch of fish they had astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, taken, taken, and so were James and John, the sons of and so were James and John, the sons of and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Zebedee, Simon's partners. Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, Then Jesus said to Simon, Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid. From now on, you will "Don't be afraid. From now on, you will "Don't be afraid. From now on, you will fish for people." fish for people." fish for people." So, they pulled their boats up to on So, they pulled their boats up to on So, they pulled their boats up to on shore, left everything, and followed shore, left everything, and followed shore, left everything, and followed him. him. him. While Jesus was in one of the towns, a While Jesus was in one of the towns, a While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with man came along who was covered with man came along who was covered with leprosy.

leprosy. leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, to the ground and begged him, to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make "Lord, if you are willing, you can make "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." me clean." me clean." Jesus reached out his hand and touched Jesus reached out his hand and touched Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean." clean." clean." And immediately the leprosy left him. And immediately the leprosy left him. And immediately the leprosy left him. Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the anyone, but go, show yourself to the anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the sacrifices that priest, and offer the sacrifices that priest, and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing as a Moses commanded for your cleansing as a Moses commanded for your cleansing as a testimony to them." testimony to them." testimony to them." Yet the news about him spread all the Yet the news about him spread all the Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to more, so that crowds of people came to more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their hear him and to be healed of their hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. sicknesses. sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely But Jesus often withdrew to lonely But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. places and prayed. places and prayed. One day, Jesus was teaching, One day, Jesus was teaching, One day, Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law and Pharisees and teachers of the law and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. were sitting there. were sitting there. They had come from every village of They had come from every village of They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, and the power of the Lord was with Jesus and the power of the Lord was with Jesus and the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. to heal the sick. to heal the sick. Some men came Some men came Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay tried to take him into the house to lay tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus.

him before Jesus. him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do When they could not find a way to do When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up this because of the crowd, they went up this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat on the roof and lowered him on his mat on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the through the tiles into the middle of the through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. crowd, right in front of Jesus. crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, When Jesus saw their faith, he said, When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." "Friend, your sins are forgiven." "Friend, your sins are forgiven." The Pharisees and teachers of the law The Pharisees and teachers of the law The Pharisees and teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is began thinking to themselves, "Who is began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" can forgive sins but God alone?" can forgive sins but God alone?" Jesus knew what they were thinking and Jesus knew what they were thinking and Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, asked, asked, "Why are you thinking these things in "Why are you thinking these things in "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? your hearts? your hearts? Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? forgiven' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? forgiven' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? But I want you to know that the Son of But I want you to know that the Son of But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive Man has authority on earth to forgive Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." sins." sins." So he said to the paralyzed man, "I tell So he said to the paralyzed man, "I tell So he said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat, and go you, get up, take your mat, and go you, get up, take your mat, and go home." home." home." Immediately, he stood up in front of Immediately, he stood up in front of Immediately, he stood up in front of them, them, them, took what he had been lying on, and went took what he had been lying on, and went took what he had been lying on, and went home praising God. home praising God. home praising God. This is the word of the Lord.

>> And this is a very famous passage in >> And this is a very famous passage in which Jesus calls his disciples which Jesus calls his disciples which Jesus calls his disciples and uh takes them into ministry with and uh takes them into ministry with and uh takes them into ministry with him. him. him. But the reason why we're looking at uh But the reason why we're looking at uh But the reason why we're looking at uh this sort of lengthier section out of this sort of lengthier section out of this sort of lengthier section out of Luke chapter 5, we're looking at three Luke chapter 5, we're looking at three Luke chapter 5, we're looking at three incidents, the calling of the disciples incidents, the calling of the disciples incidents, the calling of the disciples after the miraculous catch of fish, then after the miraculous catch of fish, then after the miraculous catch of fish, then the healing of the leper, uh then the the healing of the leper, uh then the the healing of the leper, uh then the healing of the paralytic, healing of the paralytic, healing of the paralytic, is because the entire uh passage shows is because the entire uh passage shows is because the entire uh passage shows us what it really means to be in mission us what it really means to be in mission us what it really means to be in mission with Jesus. The word mission is from the with Jesus. The word mission is from the with Jesus. The word mission is from the Latin word to be sent. Latin word to be sent. Latin word to be sent. And Jesus sends us anyone who comes to And Jesus sends us anyone who comes to And Jesus sends us anyone who comes to know Jesus Christ is sent into the world know Jesus Christ is sent into the world know Jesus Christ is sent into the world to serve others. to serve others. to serve others. Most of us think of being sent mission Most of us think of being sent mission Most of us think of being sent mission as a as a as a as something something very draining, as something something very draining, as something something very draining, but it's ironic. It's almost paradoxical but it's ironic. It's almost paradoxical but it's ironic. It's almost paradoxical that when you that when you that when you come to see that you should come to see that you should come to see that you should not live [snorts] for your own not live [snorts] for your own not live [snorts] for your own fulfillment but you should be living for fulfillment but you should be living for fulfillment but you should be living for the fulfillment of your brother, your the fulfillment of your brother, your the fulfillment of your brother, your sister or your neighbor. Ironically, sister or your neighbor. Ironically, sister or your neighbor. Ironically, that's actually a very fulfilling life.

that's actually a very fulfilling life. that's actually a very fulfilling life. And so what we want to look at here And so what we want to look at here And so what we want to look at here tonight is what it means to be in tonight is what it means to be in tonight is what it means to be in mission. What it means to be sent by mission. What it means to be sent by mission. What it means to be sent by Jesus into the world to serve others. Jesus into the world to serve others. Jesus into the world to serve others. There's three aspects There's three aspects There's three aspects to what it means to be in mission with to what it means to be in mission with to what it means to be in mission with Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And those three aspects are Jesus sends And those three aspects are Jesus sends And those three aspects are Jesus sends us out us out us out he sends he tells us to take our faith he sends he tells us to take our faith he sends he tells us to take our faith out into our work to take our faith out out into our work to take our faith out out into our work to take our faith out to the margins to the marginalized of to the margins to the marginalized of to the margins to the marginalized of society society society and to help people change their hearts and to help people change their hearts and to help people change their hearts toward God. toward God. toward God. To take your faith into your work, to To take your faith into your work, to To take your faith into your work, to take your faith to the marginalized and take your faith to the marginalized and take your faith to the marginalized and to help people change their hearts to help people change their hearts to help people change their hearts toward God. toward God. toward God. And each of the three incidents tells us And each of the three incidents tells us And each of the three incidents tells us some aspect of what it means to be in some aspect of what it means to be in some aspect of what it means to be in mission with Jesus. So let's take a look mission with Jesus. So let's take a look mission with Jesus. So let's take a look at the first one. Verses 4 to 7 is about at the first one. Verses 4 to 7 is about at the first one. Verses 4 to 7 is about the miraculous catch of fish. the miraculous catch of fish. the miraculous catch of fish. And um And um And um it goes like this. it goes like this. it goes like this. Uh Simon Peter uh Uh Simon Peter uh Uh Simon Peter uh Jesus says to him who's a professional Jesus says to him who's a professional Jesus says to him who's a professional fisherman, go on out fisherman, go on out fisherman, go on out and throw your nets in. Now Simon is and throw your nets in. Now Simon is and throw your nets in. Now Simon is skeptical. One of the reasons is because skeptical. One of the reasons is because skeptical. One of the reasons is because it's not the best time of it's not the best time of it's not the best time of day. If any of you who actually do day. If any of you who actually do day. If any of you who actually do fishing realize dawn or dusk, that's the fishing realize dawn or dusk, that's the fishing realize dawn or dusk, that's the best time. For some reason fish don't best time. For some reason fish don't best time. For some reason fish don't like to wear sunglasses, so they like to like to wear sunglasses, so they like to like to wear sunglasses, so they like to uh they're they're most out there when uh they're they're most out there when uh they're they're most out there when the sun is come just coming up or just the sun is come just coming up or just the sun is come just coming up or just going down.

going down. going down. And as a result, also it was a bad day. And as a result, also it was a bad day. And as a result, also it was a bad day. They'd already fished and it was a bad They'd already fished and it was a bad They'd already fished and it was a bad day. But Peter goes out and does it and day. But Peter goes out and does it and day. But Peter goes out and does it and of course the response is of course the response is of course the response is not only do they catch some fish, not only do they catch some fish, not only do they catch some fish, but they get a miraculous catch. That but they get a miraculous catch. That but they get a miraculous catch. That not only is their ship sinking not only is their ship sinking not only is their ship sinking underneath all the fish, but then underneath all the fish, but then underneath all the fish, but then another ship comes by and it begins to another ship comes by and it begins to another ship comes by and it begins to sink and clearly, most commentators say, sink and clearly, most commentators say, sink and clearly, most commentators say, this was obviously a miracle. Uh Peter this was obviously a miracle. Uh Peter this was obviously a miracle. Uh Peter knows it's a miracle, that's why he knows it's a miracle, that's why he knows it's a miracle, that's why he responds the way he does. And it's responds the way he does. And it's responds the way he does. And it's likely that these professional fishermen likely that these professional fishermen likely that these professional fishermen have never seen a catch like this in have never seen a catch like this in have never seen a catch like this in their lives. their lives. their lives. And Peter's response is And Peter's response is And Peter's response is when he sees the miraculous power of when he sees the miraculous power of when he sees the miraculous power of Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, "Go away from me." You know, the old "Go away from me." You know, the old "Go away from me." You know, the old King James says, "Depart from me, oh King James says, "Depart from me, oh King James says, "Depart from me, oh Lord, for I am a sinful man." Lord, for I am a sinful man." Lord, for I am a sinful man." That's what he says. He says, "Go away That's what he says. He says, "Go away That's what he says. He says, "Go away from me. I'm a sinful man." from me. I'm a sinful man." from me. I'm a sinful man." But Jesus But Jesus But Jesus says, "No, follow me and I will make you says, "No, follow me and I will make you says, "No, follow me and I will make you to be a fisher of people." And they to be a fisher of people." And they to be a fisher of people." And they follow him. Now, what are we supposed to follow him. Now, what are we supposed to follow him. Now, what are we supposed to learn from this? learn from this? learn from this? Two things. The first is that when you Two things. The first is that when you Two things. The first is that when you come into contact with Jesus, there is a come into contact with Jesus, there is a come into contact with Jesus, there is a self-quake.

self-quake. self-quake. It's like an earthquake, only with a It's like an earthquake, only with a It's like an earthquake, only with a self. self. self. Uh Uh Uh there's a radical change in your there's a radical change in your there's a radical change in your identity. identity. identity. So, for example, if you think you're So, for example, if you think you're So, for example, if you think you're smart smart smart and then you meet somebody who's just and then you meet somebody who's just and then you meet somebody who's just far smarter, far smarter, far smarter, that's painful. that's painful. that's painful. But, But, But, if you like to think of yourself as if you like to think of yourself as if you like to think of yourself as smart, in fact, if being smart is a big smart, in fact, if being smart is a big smart, in fact, if being smart is a big part of your self-image, what makes you part of your self-image, what makes you part of your self-image, what makes you feel good about yourself, and you come feel good about yourself, and you come feel good about yourself, and you come into contact with somebody who's way into contact with somebody who's way into contact with somebody who's way smarter than you, smarter than you, smarter than you, that's not just painful, that's that's not just painful, that's that's not just painful, that's psychologically disorienting. psychologically disorienting. psychologically disorienting. That's dislocating. It's by the way, one That's dislocating. It's by the way, one That's dislocating. It's by the way, one of the reasons why of the reasons why of the reasons why so many students when they are kids when so many students when they are kids when so many students when they are kids when they go off to college, why college is they go off to college, why college is they go off to college, why college is very often a a very very often a a very very often a a very why your identity really is very fluid why your identity really is very fluid why your identity really is very fluid during college because maybe you were during college because maybe you were during college because maybe you were the smartest kid in your high school, the smartest kid in your high school, the smartest kid in your high school, then you go off to a school which you're then you go off to a school which you're then you go off to a school which you're below average, and who am I? See, if the below average, and who am I? See, if the below average, and who am I? See, if the basis of your identity is suddenly basis of your identity is suddenly basis of your identity is suddenly thrown up, called into question, you thrown up, called into question, you thrown up, called into question, you experience a self-quake. It's very experience a self-quake. It's very experience a self-quake. It's very difficult.

Uh and that's just with people. So, Uh and that's just with people. So, think about God for a second. I've had think about God for a second. I've had think about God for a second. I've had people over the years say to me, "Oh, people over the years say to me, "Oh, people over the years say to me, "Oh, you're a pastor. That's great. But, I you're a pastor. That's great. But, I you're a pastor. That's great. But, I don't go to church. I feel much more don't go to church. I feel much more don't go to church. I feel much more close to God out in nature. On the lake, close to God out in nature. On the lake, close to God out in nature. On the lake, looking at the mountains, I feel close looking at the mountains, I feel close looking at the mountains, I feel close to God." I said, to God." I said, to God." I said, "Great. How do you feel when you feel "Great. How do you feel when you feel "Great. How do you feel when you feel close to God? I mean, how does that close to God? I mean, how does that close to God? I mean, how does that feel?" feel?" feel?" "Oh, very peaceful "Oh, very peaceful "Oh, very peaceful and spiritual." and spiritual." and spiritual." And sometimes, if I'm in a bad mood, I And sometimes, if I'm in a bad mood, I And sometimes, if I'm in a bad mood, I say, "Well, let's think about that. If there "Well, let's think about that. If there is a God, he would be infinitely is a God, he would be infinitely is a God, he would be infinitely beautiful. beautiful. beautiful. And that should make you feel ugly. He's infinitely wise, and that should He's infinitely wise, and that should make you feel stupid. And he's make you feel stupid. And he's make you feel stupid. And he's infinitely good, and that should make infinitely good, and that should make infinitely good, and that should make you feel small and sinful and flawed." you feel small and sinful and flawed." you feel small and sinful and flawed." And see, that's what happens here. And see, that's what happens here. And see, that's what happens here. When When When When When When It happens everywhere in the Bible. When It happens everywhere in the Bible. When It happens everywhere in the Bible. When Isaiah comes into contact with God in Isaiah comes into contact with God in Isaiah comes into contact with God in Isaiah 6, what does he say? Isaiah 6, what does he say? Isaiah 6, what does he say? "Woe is me, I'm undone. I'm an un- a man "Woe is me, I'm undone. I'm an un- a man "Woe is me, I'm undone. I'm an un- a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the of unclean lips, and I dwell in the of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips."

midst of a people of unclean lips." midst of a people of unclean lips." And when Job gets near the real God, And when Job gets near the real God, And when Job gets near the real God, what does he say? He says, what does he say? He says, what does he say? He says, "I heard of you with my ear, but now I "I heard of you with my ear, but now I "I heard of you with my ear, but now I see you with my eye. see you with my eye. see you with my eye. And I despise myself and repent in dust And I despise myself and repent in dust And I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes." And when And when When Peter and ashes." And when And when When Peter and ashes." And when And when When Peter gets near uh gets near uh gets near uh the the divi- the divinity of Jesus, he the the divi- the divinity of Jesus, he the the divi- the divinity of Jesus, he sees Jesus for who he is. sees Jesus for who he is. sees Jesus for who he is. He says, "Depart from me, O Lord, I'm a He says, "Depart from me, O Lord, I'm a He says, "Depart from me, O Lord, I'm a sinful man." See, that's sinful man." See, that's sinful man." See, that's reality. reality. reality. When you get near something When you get near something When you get near something or someone or someone or someone that calls into question your very that calls into question your very that calls into question your very identity, it you it creates a identity, it you it creates a identity, it you it creates a self-quake. But, when you come into self-quake. But, when you come into self-quake. But, when you come into contact with Jesus, there's two moves. contact with Jesus, there's two moves. contact with Jesus, there's two moves. The first move is, yes, The first move is, yes, The first move is, yes, when you get near Jesus, when you get near Jesus, when you get near Jesus, it's radically Uh Martin Luther says that uh sin all Uh Martin Luther says that uh sin all human beings are sinful and that means human beings are sinful and that means human beings are sinful and that means we're curved in on ourselves. we're curved in on ourselves. we're curved in on ourselves. We're self-centered. We're self-centered. We're self-centered. And when you get near Jesus, one of the And when you get near Jesus, one of the And when you get near Jesus, one of the ways you know you're getting near Jesus ways you know you're getting near Jesus ways you know you're getting near Jesus and the gospel starting to come home to and the gospel starting to come home to and the gospel starting to come home to you and and you really are drawing near you and and you really are drawing near you and and you really are drawing near to him is you begin to see how radically to him is you begin to see how radically to him is you begin to see how radically self-centered every part of your life self-centered every part of your life self-centered every part of your life is. You begin to see it.

is. You begin to see it. is. You begin to see it. No, no, no, you don't just look at the No, no, no, you don't just look at the No, no, no, you don't just look at the things you've done wrong and say that things you've done wrong and say that things you've done wrong and say that was self-centered, but you begin to was self-centered, but you begin to was self-centered, but you begin to realize that everything good that you do realize that everything good that you do realize that everything good that you do is basically self-centered, too. It's is basically self-centered, too. It's is basically self-centered, too. It's always self-interested. It's always a always self-interested. It's always a always self-interested. It's always a way of of of getting people in your debt way of of of getting people in your debt way of of of getting people in your debt or getting God in your debt or trying to or getting God in your debt or trying to or getting God in your debt or trying to feel better about yourself. feel better about yourself. feel better about yourself. When you get near when you're really When you get near when you're really When you get near when you're really getting near Jesus, you start to see getting near Jesus, you start to see getting near Jesus, you start to see how radically self-centered you are. You how radically self-centered you are. You how radically self-centered you are. You start to feel like Peter. start to feel like Peter. start to feel like Peter. But that's only the first move. The But that's only the first move. The But that's only the first move. The second move is that Jesus speaks a word second move is that Jesus speaks a word second move is that Jesus speaks a word of grace in. Peter says, "Depart from me. Get away Peter says, "Depart from me. Get away from me. I'm sinful." Does Jesus say, from me. I'm sinful." Does Jesus say, from me. I'm sinful." Does Jesus say, "Yeah, you're right. You had better get "Yeah, you're right. You had better get "Yeah, you're right. You had better get stay away. You are sinful." stay away. You are sinful." stay away. You are sinful." No, he says, No, he says, No, he says, "Don't be afraid." And then he says, "Come with me. And then he says, "Come with me. I've got work to do and I want you to be I've got work to do and I want you to be I've got work to do and I want you to be a full partner in that work." See, this a full partner in that work." See, this a full partner in that work." See, this isn't just charity. It's undeserved. isn't just charity. It's undeserved. isn't just charity. It's undeserved. It's grace. It's astounding. It's grace. It's astounding. It's grace. It's astounding. And yet, it's not just charity. He says, And yet, it's not just charity. He says, And yet, it's not just charity. He says, "I want you to be a a loved partner. I "I want you to be a a loved partner. I "I want you to be a a loved partner. I want you to be a full partner in what want you to be a full partner in what want you to be a full partner in what I'm doing in the world." So, because of I'm doing in the world." So, because of I'm doing in the world." So, because of that move, because of first of all being that move, because of first of all being that move, because of first of all being radically humbled, but then also built radically humbled, but then also built radically humbled, but then also built up and affirmed, up and affirmed, up and affirmed, suddenly the old things that were the suddenly the old things that were the suddenly the old things that were the basis for your identity aren't there basis for your identity aren't there basis for your identity aren't there anymore. And now you have a a anymore. And now you have a a anymore. And now you have a a a a solid, unconditional, not based on a a solid, unconditional, not based on a a solid, unconditional, not based on your performance, not something that can your performance, not something that can your performance, not something that can be up and down depending on be up and down depending on be up and down depending on circumstances, a new solid identity, circumstances, a new solid identity, circumstances, a new solid identity, secure in who you are in Jesus Christ.

secure in who you are in Jesus Christ. secure in who you are in Jesus Christ. Now, the minute that begins to happen, Now, the minute that begins to happen, Now, the minute that begins to happen, there's lots of things that happen, but there's lots of things that happen, but there's lots of things that happen, but in this text we're told that it affects in this text we're told that it affects in this text we're told that it affects your work. your work. your work. It immediately affected their work. It immediately affected their work. It immediately affected their work. In fact, this In fact, this In fact, this is often um is often um is often um thought about like that. First of all, thought about like that. First of all, thought about like that. First of all, Jesus gets involved even in the Jesus gets involved even in the Jesus gets involved even in the beginning by telling these professional beginning by telling these professional beginning by telling these professional fishermen how to fish. fishermen how to fish. fishermen how to fish. It's interesting that he doesn't say, It's interesting that he doesn't say, It's interesting that he doesn't say, "Well, you know, I'm a spiritual guru. I "Well, you know, I'm a spiritual guru. I "Well, you know, I'm a spiritual guru. I don't know anything about fishing. I'm don't know anything about fishing. I'm don't know anything about fishing. I'm just here to help you with your just here to help you with your just here to help you with your spiritual life. You know, you guys can spiritual life. You know, you guys can spiritual life. You know, you guys can go out and fish all you want, but that's go out and fish all you want, but that's go out and fish all you want, but that's your secular life and I have nothing to your secular life and I have nothing to your secular life and I have nothing to do with that." No, he doesn't say that. do with that." No, he doesn't say that. do with that." No, he doesn't say that. He speaks into every part of your life. He speaks into every part of your life. He speaks into every part of your life. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> But, what's most interesting is that >> But, what's most interesting is that >> But, what's most interesting is that when they change their identity, they when they change their identity, they when they change their identity, they walk away from what? walk away from what? walk away from what? It says they pulled up their boats on It says they pulled up their boats on It says they pulled up their boats on shore, left everything, and followed shore, left everything, and followed shore, left everything, and followed him. him. him. Now, what is that teaching us? Is that Now, what is that teaching us? Is that Now, what is that teaching us? Is that teaching us that when you become a teaching us that when you become a teaching us that when you become a Christian, you stop all your other work, Christian, you stop all your other work, Christian, you stop all your other work, you leave your job and your career you leave your job and your career you leave your job and your career behind, you go into full-time ministry? behind, you go into full-time ministry? behind, you go into full-time ministry? Is that what it means? No, because the Is that what it means? No, because the Is that what it means? No, because the Bible, many places, says no. Bible, many places, says no. Bible, many places, says no. Many, many of the of the people, the Many, many of the of the people, the Many, many of the of the people, the great heroes of the faith, the people great heroes of the faith, the people great heroes of the faith, the people that God uses, are not people who are that God uses, are not people who are that God uses, are not people who are prophets or who are ministers or who are prophets or who are ministers or who are prophets or who are ministers or who are preachers in any way. So, you have preachers in any way. So, you have preachers in any way. So, you have Daniel.

Daniel. Daniel. You've got Joseph. You've got Joseph. You've got Joseph. You've got Esther. You've got a whole You've got Esther. You've got a whole You've got Esther. You've got a whole slew of people that are in government or slew of people that are in government or slew of people that are in government or in business or administration, and God in business or administration, and God in business or administration, and God uses them. And there's never been uses them. And there's never been uses them. And there's never been anything in the Bible that says anything anything in the Bible that says anything anything in the Bible that says anything like, "Well, you know, when you finally like, "Well, you know, when you finally like, "Well, you know, when you finally meet God, you stop whatever else you're meet God, you stop whatever else you're meet God, you stop whatever else you're doing and you go into full-time doing and you go into full-time doing and you go into full-time ministry." No, it's not true. ministry." No, it's not true. ministry." No, it's not true. But, But, But, what are they leaving? what are they leaving? what are they leaving? Because of their new identity in Jesus Because of their new identity in Jesus Because of their new identity in Jesus Christ, they're walking away. What are Christ, they're walking away. What are Christ, they're walking away. What are they walking away from? they walking away from? they walking away from? Well, you say their nets. Yeah, but not Well, you say their nets. Yeah, but not Well, you say their nets. Yeah, but not only that, they're walking away from only that, they're walking away from only that, they're walking away from their catch. their catch. their catch. Keep this in mind. Keep this in mind. Keep this in mind. Commentators say, almost certainly, that Commentators say, almost certainly, that Commentators say, almost certainly, that was the biggest catch of fish they'd was the biggest catch of fish they'd was the biggest catch of fish they'd ever seen in their lives. ever seen in their lives. ever seen in their lives. I mean, you you you know, I mean, I mean, you you you know, I mean, I mean, you you you know, I mean, obviously, you maybe you have seen obviously, you maybe you have seen obviously, you maybe you have seen fishing vessels. You never have so much fishing vessels. You never have so much fishing vessels. You never have so much fish so many fish that the that one ship fish so many fish that the that one ship fish so many fish that the that one ship is is is is actually sinking under it or two is actually sinking under it or two is actually sinking under it or two ships It was the most they'd ever ships It was the most they'd ever ships It was the most they'd ever caught. You know what that means? That's caught. You know what that means? That's caught. You know what that means? That's a profit. a profit. a profit. There was an enormous amount of There was an enormous amount of There was an enormous amount of It was a huge asset.

It was a huge asset. It was a huge asset. And Jesus says, "Follow me. And Jesus says, "Follow me. And Jesus says, "Follow me. Leave everything and follow me." Leave everything and follow me." Leave everything and follow me." I Why didn't Simon say, I Why didn't Simon say, I Why didn't Simon say, "Next week, maybe this time, we'll be "Next week, maybe this time, we'll be "Next week, maybe this time, we'll be happy to. We just got to get this stuff happy to. We just got to get this stuff happy to. We just got to get this stuff to market it. And you know, we'll be to market it. And you know, we'll be to market it. And you know, we'll be rich, and then we'll be so much more rich, and then we'll be so much more rich, and then we'll be so much more serviceable to you, Jesus, as as you serviceable to you, Jesus, as as you serviceable to you, Jesus, as as you know, we have all these assets and know, we have all these assets and know, we have all these assets and investments, you know." That was an investments, you know." That was an investments, you know." That was an enormous amount of money they were enormous amount of money they were enormous amount of money they were leaving on the beach. And leaving on the beach. And leaving on the beach. And um and actually, what What's interesting um and actually, what What's interesting um and actually, what What's interesting is Jesus says, "You got a new identity is Jesus says, "You got a new identity is Jesus says, "You got a new identity in me. in me. in me. You walk." And they walked away from all You walk." And they walked away from all You walk." And they walked away from all that profit. that profit. that profit. And actually, let Listen, this really And actually, let Listen, this really And actually, let Listen, this really happened. This isn't just a legend. So, happened. This isn't just a legend. So, happened. This isn't just a legend. So, it's almost comical if you think about it's almost comical if you think about it's almost comical if you think about it. In other words, as they walked away, it. In other words, as they walked away, it. In other words, as they walked away, all the other fishermen were looking all the other fishermen were looking all the other fishermen were looking around. They saw this enormous amount of around. They saw this enormous amount of around. They saw this enormous amount of fish. They're really walking away. Go fish. They're really walking away. Go fish. They're really walking away. Go get it, guys. And they would have all get it, guys. And they would have all get it, guys. And they would have all been been been very happy that day cuz they would have very happy that day cuz they would have very happy that day cuz they would have made quite a bit of money. Now, here's made quite a bit of money. Now, here's made quite a bit of money. Now, here's what it's telling you, several things. what it's telling you, several things. what it's telling you, several things. No, no, no, you don't have to become a No, no, no, you don't have to become a No, no, no, you don't have to become a go into ministry, but here's one thing. go into ministry, but here's one thing. go into ministry, but here's one thing. If you get a new identity in Jesus If you get a new identity in Jesus If you get a new identity in Jesus Christ, first of all, it means that Christ, first of all, it means that Christ, first of all, it means that success and profit is no no longer success and profit is no no longer success and profit is no no longer anything like is important as it was anything like is important as it was anything like is important as it was before.

before. before. Being successful, making money was a Being successful, making money was a Being successful, making money was a baseline, maybe, for you. baseline, maybe, for you. baseline, maybe, for you. You see, what he You don't just want to You see, what he You don't just want to You see, what he You don't just want to do your job. You don't want to just do your job. You don't want to just do your job. You don't want to just work. You want to be successful at your work. You want to be successful at your work. You want to be successful at your work. Of course, everybody wants to be work. Of course, everybody wants to be work. Of course, everybody wants to be successful, but how important is it? What if, in order to make that profit, What if, in order to make that profit, what if, in order to make that deal, you what if, in order to make that deal, you what if, in order to make that deal, you have to do something illegal, or you have to do something illegal, or you have to do something illegal, or you have to do something unethical? have to do something unethical? have to do something unethical? Or even ruthless. Or even ruthless. Or even ruthless. Not illegal, not unethical, but just Not illegal, not unethical, but just Not illegal, not unethical, but just ruthless. Just Oh, just hurt people. ruthless. Just Oh, just hurt people. ruthless. Just Oh, just hurt people. Just be unkind. You just trample on Just be unkind. You just trample on Just be unkind. You just trample on somebody. somebody. somebody. But it's a big deal. But it's a big deal. But it's a big deal. If you're in Christ and you have the If you're in Christ and you have the If you're in Christ and you have the identity in Christ, you will walk away identity in Christ, you will walk away identity in Christ, you will walk away from that profit. If you have to be from that profit. If you have to be from that profit. If you have to be illegal, if you have to do be unethical, illegal, if you have to do be unethical, illegal, if you have to do be unethical, if you have to just be unkind or if you have to just be unkind or if you have to just be unkind or ruthless, you'll just walk away. Why? ruthless, you'll just walk away. Why? ruthless, you'll just walk away. Why? Cuz it's not It's not your identity. Cuz it's not It's not your identity. Cuz it's not It's not your identity. It's not that important to you. It's not that important to you. It's not that important to you. Huh? Do you have that identity? Huh? Do you have that identity? Huh? Do you have that identity? Do you see? Do you see? Do you see? But not only that, it's not just that But not only that, it's not just that But not only that, it's not just that this new identity in Christ this new identity in Christ this new identity in Christ affects your work because what it means affects your work because what it means affects your work because what it means it makes you more honest. Well, of it makes you more honest. Well, of it makes you more honest. Well, of course it would make you more honest.

course it would make you more honest. course it would make you more honest. But it would affect everything you do in But it would affect everything you do in But it would affect everything you do in your job. Um your job. Um your job. Um Have you ever noticed how many English Have you ever noticed how many English Have you ever noticed how many English names are actually vocations or actually names are actually vocations or actually names are actually vocations or actually jobs? Fisher, jobs? Fisher, jobs? Fisher, Baker, Smith. Baker, Smith. Baker, Smith. Those were jobs. Those were jobs. Those were jobs. But they became identities. But they became identities. But they became identities. David Martyn Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn Lloyd-Jones, great [clears throat] preacher in the great [clears throat] preacher in the great [clears throat] preacher in the mid-20th century who had been a mid-20th century who had been a mid-20th century who had been a physician before that, physician before that, physician before that, uh in Britain, in London, one day he uh uh in Britain, in London, one day he uh uh in Britain, in London, one day he uh was I mean I I I read uh some lectures. was I mean I I I read uh some lectures. was I mean I I I read uh some lectures. He He He did lectures to the Christian He He He did lectures to the Christian He He He did lectures to the Christian Medical Society all over the years. You Medical Society all over the years. You Medical Society all over the years. You know, he was a pastor who had been a know, he was a pastor who had been a know, he was a pastor who had been a physician, so it was a he was a natural. physician, so it was a he was a natural. physician, so it was a he was a natural. And on one of his lectures, he said, And on one of his lectures, he said, And on one of his lectures, he said, "Without being unkind," he says, "I have "Without being unkind," he says, "I have "Without being unkind," he says, "I have a lot of colleagues that I went to med a lot of colleagues that I went to med a lot of colleagues that I went to med school with and I I practice with, and school with and I I practice with, and school with and I I practice with, and I'm afraid that when they die, that you I'm afraid that when they die, that you I'm afraid that when they die, that you need This is what you need to be putting need This is what you need to be putting need This is what you need to be putting on their gravestone. Born a man, on their gravestone. Born a man, on their gravestone. Born a man, died a doctor." died a doctor." died a doctor." And what he's saying is, especially in And what he's saying is, especially in And what he's saying is, especially in Western world, Western world, Western world, we don't just do our jobs. Our jobs we don't just do our jobs. Our jobs we don't just do our jobs. Our jobs become our identity. They become who we become our identity. They become who we become our identity. They become who we are.

are. are. Because we're successful, because we Because we're successful, because we Because we're successful, because we have this status, have this status, have this status, that's what makes us feel good about that's what makes us feel good about that's what makes us feel good about ourselves. That's our identity. ourselves. That's our identity. ourselves. That's our identity. But if your job isn't just a job, it But if your job isn't just a job, it But if your job isn't just a job, it isn't just something you do, it's not isn't just something you do, it's not isn't just something you do, it's not just part of your identity, it's mainly just part of your identity, it's mainly just part of your identity, it's mainly your identity. your identity. your identity. Being successful and the fact that Being successful and the fact that Being successful and the fact that you've made it into this profession and you've made it into this profession and you've made it into this profession and you do this and you're the Yeah, if you do this and you're the Yeah, if you do this and you're the Yeah, if that's your identity, you're enslaved. that's your identity, you're enslaved. that's your identity, you're enslaved. Because if you're successful, Because if you're successful, Because if you're successful, it'll destroy you by going to your head. it'll destroy you by going to your head. it'll destroy you by going to your head. And if you're unsuccessful, it'll And if you're unsuccessful, it'll And if you're unsuccessful, it'll destroy you by going to your heart. destroy you by going to your heart. destroy you by going to your heart. It goes to your head It goes to your head It goes to your head because since this is your very self and because since this is your very self and because since this is your very self and you're being successful, it'll make you you're being successful, it'll make you you're being successful, it'll make you overconfident, it'll make you arrogant. overconfident, it'll make you arrogant. overconfident, it'll make you arrogant. Oh my goodness, but if you're Oh my goodness, but if you're Oh my goodness, but if you're unsuccessful, unsuccessful, unsuccessful, you'll feel like you've not got a self. you'll feel like you've not got a self. you'll feel like you've not got a self. It won't just be bad. You won't just be It won't just be bad. You won't just be It won't just be bad. You won't just be able to say, "Okay, well, I didn't do able to say, "Okay, well, I didn't do able to say, "Okay, well, I didn't do very well." Or even make another job. very well." Or even make another job. very well." Or even make another job. It's like, "I don't have a self." When I It's like, "I don't have a self." When I It's like, "I don't have a self." When I was doing the was doing the was doing the an open forum for the downtown an open forum for the downtown an open forum for the downtown congregation earlier this year, congregation earlier this year, congregation earlier this year, um we it was a um um we it was a um um we it was a um there was a a troop of improv actors led there was a a troop of improv actors led there was a a troop of improv actors led by a Christian.

by a Christian. by a Christian. And after the uh improv was over, they And after the uh improv was over, they And after the uh improv was over, they did a question and answer, and the did a question and answer, and the did a question and answer, and the leader and the founder of the troop, leader and the founder of the troop, leader and the founder of the troop, who's a Christian, was asked, "How does who's a Christian, was asked, "How does who's a Christian, was asked, "How does your your your uh faith shape your work?" And he says, uh faith shape your work?" And he says, uh faith shape your work?" And he says, "Oh my goodness, it really shapes my "Oh my goodness, it really shapes my "Oh my goodness, it really shapes my work." And he pointed out something work." And he pointed out something work." And he pointed out something which I guess most of us would which I guess most of us would which I guess most of us would understand to start with. He's an improv understand to start with. He's an improv understand to start with. He's an improv actor. He goes out there for a a whole actor. He goes out there for a a whole actor. He goes out there for a a whole hour or more, and and he's part of a hour or more, and and he's part of a hour or more, and and he's part of a troop that has to make up troop that has to make up troop that has to make up the story as they go along. The the you the story as they go along. The the you the story as they go along. The the you know, the somebody in the know, the somebody in the know, the somebody in the in the audience gives them a in the audience gives them a in the audience gives them a a name or a title, and then they make it a name or a title, and then they make it a name or a title, and then they make it up. And it's scary enough if you're an up. And it's scary enough if you're an up. And it's scary enough if you're an actor. I mean, I can imagine it's be actor. I mean, I can imagine it's be actor. I mean, I can imagine it's be scary enough to go out there as an actor scary enough to go out there as an actor scary enough to go out there as an actor and just having memorized your lines, and just having memorized your lines, and just having memorized your lines, you're be afraid you'll forget your you're be afraid you'll forget your you're be afraid you'll forget your lines. But to have to improvise, lines. But to have to improvise, lines. But to have to improvise, extraordinarily frightening. And have to extraordinarily frightening. And have to extraordinarily frightening. And have to be funny, extraordinarily frightening. be funny, extraordinarily frightening. be funny, extraordinarily frightening. Here's what he said. Here's what he said. Here's what he said. He says, "Here's how it helps me. When I He says, "Here's how it helps me. When I He says, "Here's how it helps me. When I remember that Jesus Christ has died for remember that Jesus Christ has died for remember that Jesus Christ has died for my sins, that means he's done everything my sins, that means he's done everything my sins, that means he's done everything important, and now I can go just out and important, and now I can go just out and important, and now I can go just out and have fun." have fun." have fun." What he's saying is, What he's saying is, What he's saying is, "I'm not out there proving myself.

"I'm not out there proving myself. "I'm not out there proving myself. I'm not I'm not I'm not out there trying I'm not I'm not I'm not out there trying I'm not I'm not I'm not out there trying to make sure that people know that I'm to make sure that people know that I'm to make sure that people know that I'm really something. Or I I'm not out there really something. Or I I'm not out there really something. Or I I'm not out there saying I've got to be good because I've saying I've got to be good because I've saying I've got to be good because I've just got to be good because just got to be good because just got to be good because no, no, no. no, no, no. no, no, no. He says, "I'm out there to have fun." He says, "I'm out there to have fun." He says, "I'm out there to have fun." He's not trying to get out of his work. He's not trying to get out of his work. He's not trying to get out of his work. Something you can only get from Jesus. Something you can only get from Jesus. Something you can only get from Jesus. And as a result, there's a freedom And as a result, there's a freedom And as a result, there's a freedom there. there. there. Let me show you what this thing is Let me show you what this thing is Let me show you what this thing is saying. What is this saying that's true saying. What is this saying that's true saying. What is this saying that's true for everybody? Here's what it's saying. for everybody? Here's what it's saying. for everybody? Here's what it's saying. Jesus is saying, you've got to have a Jesus is saying, you've got to have a Jesus is saying, you've got to have a fishing beyond your fishing. You've got fishing beyond your fishing. You've got fishing beyond your fishing. You've got to have a wealth beyond your wealth. to have a wealth beyond your wealth. to have a wealth beyond your wealth. You've got to have an art beyond your You've got to have an art beyond your You've got to have an art beyond your art. You've got to have some meaning art. You've got to have some meaning art. You've got to have some meaning beyond the art or beyond the wealth or beyond the art or beyond the wealth or beyond the art or beyond the wealth or beyond the work. beyond the work. beyond the work. Something that makes the work just work. Something that makes the work just work. Something that makes the work just work. Just a way of serving people. Just a way Just a way of serving people. Just a way Just a way of serving people. Just a way of using your talents. Not a way of of using your talents. Not a way of of using your talents. Not a way of getting yourself. You've got to have a getting yourself. You've got to have a getting yourself. You've got to have a fishing beyond the fishing, an art fishing beyond the fishing, an art fishing beyond the fishing, an art beyond the art, a wealth beyond the beyond the art, a wealth beyond the beyond the art, a wealth beyond the wealth. Otherwise, your work will wealth. Otherwise, your work will wealth. Otherwise, your work will strangle you. And therefore, if you have strangle you. And therefore, if you have strangle you. And therefore, if you have a Christian identity, a Christian identity, a Christian identity, it has an enormous impact it has an enormous impact it has an enormous impact on how you do your work out in the on how you do your work out in the on how you do your work out in the public sectors of life.

public sectors of life. public sectors of life. Jesus is not just for the private world. Jesus is not just for the private world. Jesus is not just for the private world. So, that's the first thing. First part So, that's the first thing. First part So, that's the first thing. First part of mission is you don't keep your faith of mission is you don't keep your faith of mission is you don't keep your faith private. Take it out into your work. private. Take it out into your work. private. Take it out into your work. Number one. Number two. Number one. Number two. Number one. Number two. Secondly, to be in mission with Jesus Secondly, to be in mission with Jesus Secondly, to be in mission with Jesus means you go out to the marginalized of means you go out to the marginalized of means you go out to the marginalized of society. So, the second story is about society. So, the second story is about society. So, the second story is about the healing of the leper. And I love the healing of the leper. And I love the healing of the leper. And I love this story. It's a remarkable story. this story. It's a remarkable story. this story. It's a remarkable story. Especially if you do a little bit of Especially if you do a little bit of Especially if you do a little bit of uh little if you go into the historical uh little if you go into the historical uh little if you go into the historical and social context. First of all, keep and social context. First of all, keep and social context. First of all, keep in mind what lepers were. in mind what lepers were. in mind what lepers were. Leprosy was of actually uh Leprosy was of actually uh Leprosy was of actually uh uh most historians believe that the word uh most historians believe that the word uh most historians believe that the word leprosy as used by ancient people in the leprosy as used by ancient people in the leprosy as used by ancient people in the Bible, too. It It uh referred to Bible, too. It It uh referred to Bible, too. It It uh referred to actually a kind of family of various actually a kind of family of various actually a kind of family of various uh very very serious skin diseases and uh very very serious skin diseases and uh very very serious skin diseases and physical disorders, most of which were physical disorders, most of which were physical disorders, most of which were very debilitating and were very un uh very debilitating and were very un uh very debilitating and were very un uh uh very were fatal. uh very were fatal. uh very were fatal. But, when you got leprosy, because of But, when you got leprosy, because of But, when you got leprosy, because of the fear of contagion, the fear of contagion, the fear of contagion, you were thrust out of community you were thrust out of community you were thrust out of community completely.

completely. completely. You weren't just sick. You weren't just You weren't just sick. You weren't just You weren't just sick. You weren't just like the cripples or the paralytic. like the cripples or the paralytic. like the cripples or the paralytic. Don't Do not think of the lepers that Don't Do not think of the lepers that Don't Do not think of the lepers that way when you see way when you see way when you see them written up in the Bible. them written up in the Bible. them written up in the Bible. Because they were not just physically Because they were not just physically Because they were not just physically sick. sick. sick. They were They didn't have jobs. They They were They didn't have jobs. They They were They didn't have jobs. They weren't allowed in the city. They weren't allowed in the city. They weren't allowed in the city. They weren't allowed in the towns. They weren't allowed in the towns. They weren't allowed in the towns. They weren't allowed in human community. They weren't allowed in human community. They weren't allowed in human community. They weren't allowed to be part of the weren't allowed to be part of the weren't allowed to be part of the economy. And so they were absolutely poor. They And so they were absolutely poor. They were absolutely emotionally isolated. were absolutely emotionally isolated. were absolutely emotionally isolated. No one would come near them. No one would come near them. No one would come near them. They couldn't go to worship. They were They couldn't go to worship. They were They couldn't go to worship. They were spiritual pariahs. They were considered spiritual pariahs. They were considered spiritual pariahs. They were considered cursed. Now, when you keep that in mind, Now, when you keep that in mind, look at what this is saying. look at what this is saying. look at what this is saying. First of all, it says while This is First of all, it says while This is First of all, it says while This is verse 12. While Jesus was in one of the verse 12. While Jesus was in one of the verse 12. While Jesus was in one of the towns, towns, towns, a man came along who was covered with a man came along who was covered with a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground. Now, here's what his face to the ground. Now, here's what his face to the ground. Now, here's what commentators say. What in the world was commentators say. What in the world was commentators say. What in the world was a leper doing in the town? If Jesus was a leper doing in the town? If Jesus was a leper doing in the town? If Jesus was in the town, what was the leper doing in the town, what was the leper doing in the town, what was the leper doing there? He couldn't have been there. You there? He couldn't have been there. You there? He couldn't have been there. You know, lepers couldn't walk through town. know, lepers couldn't walk through town. know, lepers couldn't walk through town. They couldn't be there. And therefore, They couldn't be there. And therefore, They couldn't be there. And therefore, almost certainly, this leper must have almost certainly, this leper must have almost certainly, this leper must have made a mad dash into town knowing that made a mad dash into town knowing that made a mad dash into town knowing that Jesus was there, trying to find him, Jesus was there, trying to find him, Jesus was there, trying to find him, falling on the ground. See how dramatic falling on the ground. See how dramatic falling on the ground. See how dramatic this is? A mad dash for life.

And you know he would have rightly And you know he would have rightly known he was really taking his life in known he was really taking his life in known he was really taking his life in his hands because if someone saw a leper his hands because if someone saw a leper his hands because if someone saw a leper enter, they wouldn't have arrested him. enter, they wouldn't have arrested him. enter, they wouldn't have arrested him. They wouldn't have touched him. They They wouldn't have touched him. They They wouldn't have touched him. They would have stoned him. would have stoned him. would have stoned him. And so this is what is why it's so And so this is what is why it's so And so this is what is why it's so moving. Not only is it dramatic that moving. Not only is it dramatic that moving. Not only is it dramatic that he's running to town trying a mad dash he's running to town trying a mad dash he's running to town trying a mad dash to find Jesus, putting all of his hopes to find Jesus, putting all of his hopes to find Jesus, putting all of his hopes on Jesus, but then when he gets to on Jesus, but then when he gets to on Jesus, but then when he gets to Jesus, he says, "Lord, Jesus, he says, "Lord, Jesus, he says, "Lord, if you're willing." You know, I You would have thought what You know, I You would have thought what he would have said is, "You've got to he would have said is, "You've got to he would have said is, "You've got to heal me or they're going to kill me. heal me or they're going to kill me. heal me or they're going to kill me. I've I've pinned everything on you. I've I've pinned everything on you. I've I've pinned everything on you. You've got to help me. You've got to." You've got to help me. You've got to." You've got to help me. You've got to." Instead, "Lord, Instead, "Lord, Instead, "Lord, if you're willing." if you're willing." if you're willing." See what respect. See what respect. See what respect. See what trust. See what trust. See what trust. See what humility. See what humility. See what humility. And Jesus responds, and he responds in And Jesus responds, and he responds in And Jesus responds, and he responds in amazing way. What it says is, amazing way. What it says is, amazing way. What it says is, verse 13, Jesus reached out his hand and verse 13, Jesus reached out his hand and verse 13, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing, he said, touched the man. "I am willing, he said, touched the man. "I am willing, he said, be clean and immediately the leprosy be clean and immediately the leprosy be clean and immediately the leprosy left him. left him. left him. Now, the fact Now, the fact Now, the fact that Jesus Christ that Jesus Christ that Jesus Christ healed the man of his physical disease healed the man of his physical disease healed the man of his physical disease should not be a shock, right? It's not should not be a shock, right? It's not should not be a shock, right? It's not all that surprising. He know We've seen all that surprising. He know We've seen all that surprising. He know We've seen him do it. In fact, if you've been here him do it. In fact, if you've been here him do it. In fact, if you've been here over the last few weeks, we've been over the last few weeks, we've been over the last few weeks, we've been going through the book of John looking going through the book of John looking going through the book of John looking at his miraculous at his miraculous at his miraculous uh uh uh signs and so this isn't a big shock to signs and so this isn't a big shock to signs and so this isn't a big shock to us, right? But let me tell you there is us, right? But let me tell you there is us, right? But let me tell you there is something that's kind of shocking in something that's kind of shocking in something that's kind of shocking in there.

there. there. He's not just healing him of his He's not just healing him of his He's not just healing him of his disease. disease. disease. First of all, he touches him. Now, we know that Jesus does not have to Now, we know that Jesus does not have to touch him in order to heal him. Jesus touch him in order to heal him. Jesus touch him in order to heal him. Jesus doesn't need hocus pocus. doesn't need hocus pocus. doesn't need hocus pocus. Jesus can heal from a distance. Jesus Jesus can heal from a distance. Jesus Jesus can heal from a distance. Jesus can heal without a word. can heal without a word. can heal without a word. So, when he's touching him, he's not So, when he's touching him, he's not So, when he's touching him, he's not healing him physically. healing him physically. healing him physically. That's not What is he doing? That's not What is he doing? That's not What is he doing? He's touching the man, a man who He's touching the man, a man who He's touching the man, a man who probably hadn't actually been in human probably hadn't actually been in human probably hadn't actually been in human contact for a long time. contact for a long time. contact for a long time. And he's not just saying, And he's not just saying, And he's not just saying, you know, be whole. He says, be clean. you know, be whole. He says, be clean. you know, be whole. He says, be clean. He says, I'm taking away He says, I'm taking away He says, I'm taking away the social opprobrium. I'm taking away the social opprobrium. I'm taking away the social opprobrium. I'm taking away uh your your being an outcast. I'm uh your your being an outcast. I'm uh your your being an outcast. I'm bringing you back into community. I want bringing you back into community. I want bringing you back into community. I want you in the community. you in the community. you in the community. He's healing him emotionally. He's He's healing him emotionally. He's He's healing him emotionally. He's bringing him into community. He says, bringing him into community. He says, bringing him into community. He says, come on back. come on back. come on back. Now, this is one of the best This is one Now, this is one of the best This is one Now, this is one of the best This is one of the themes of the book of Luke. What of the themes of the book of Luke. What of the themes of the book of Luke. What People often ask me, you know, why why People often ask me, you know, why why People often ask me, you know, why why in the world do we have four biographies in the world do we have four biographies in the world do we have four biographies of Jesus? Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, why of Jesus? Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, why of Jesus? Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, why What's wrong with just one comprehensive What's wrong with just one comprehensive What's wrong with just one comprehensive one? Why do I have to have four on my one? Why do I have to have four on my one? Why do I have to have four on my Kindle?

Kindle? Kindle? Why can't I just have one? Okay. And uh Why can't I just have one? Okay. And uh Why can't I just have one? Okay. And uh the answer is that Jesus is just too the answer is that Jesus is just too the answer is that Jesus is just too wonderful for one biography. There's too wonderful for one biography. There's too wonderful for one biography. There's too many great things to see in him. Yeah, many great things to see in him. Yeah, many great things to see in him. Yeah, you need different people. In fact, you need different people. In fact, you need different people. In fact, frankly, it's one of the reason why you frankly, it's one of the reason why you frankly, it's one of the reason why you need to be in community. There's no one need to be in community. There's no one need to be in community. There's no one person who can just see all the wonders person who can just see all the wonders person who can just see all the wonders and all the facets and all the glories and all the facets and all the glories and all the facets and all the glories of Jesus. You need a community. You need of Jesus. You need a community. You need of Jesus. You need a community. You need every Everybody sees a little part of it every Everybody sees a little part of it every Everybody sees a little part of it and then you have to and then you have to and then you have to part of who he is and then you have to part of who he is and then you have to part of who he is and then you have to share it. And one of the things that share it. And one of the things that share it. And one of the things that Luke loves to do is show how Jesus Luke loves to do is show how Jesus Luke loves to do is show how Jesus Christ reaches out to people that the Christ reaches out to people that the Christ reaches out to people that the world considers failures. People who are world considers failures. People who are world considers failures. People who are excluded from the centers of power. So excluded from the centers of power. So excluded from the centers of power. So he looks at lepers. he looks at lepers. he looks at lepers. There's a lot of a lots of Luke will There's a lot of a lots of Luke will There's a lot of a lots of Luke will talk more about Jesus dealing with talk more about Jesus dealing with talk more about Jesus dealing with lepers than anybody else. lepers than anybody else. lepers than anybody else. He deals with tax collectors and a lot He deals with tax collectors and a lot He deals with tax collectors and a lot of you think tax collector yeah, I don't of you think tax collector yeah, I don't of you think tax collector yeah, I don't like IRS either, but that's not what a like IRS either, but that's not what a like IRS either, but that's not what a tax collectors meant back then. Tax tax collectors meant back then. Tax tax collectors meant back then. Tax collectors were collaborators with the collectors were collaborators with the collectors were collaborators with the enemy. They were Jews who were enemy. They were Jews who were enemy. They were Jews who were collaborating with the Roman occupiers. collaborating with the Roman occupiers. collaborating with the Roman occupiers. This is more like the French and the This is more like the French and the This is more like the French and the Norwegians that collaborated with the Norwegians that collaborated with the Norwegians that collaborated with the Nazis during the occupation in World War Nazis during the occupation in World War Nazis during the occupation in World War II. That's what we're talking about. II. That's what we're talking about. II. That's what we're talking about. These people were pariahs. Lepers were These people were pariahs. Lepers were These people were pariahs. Lepers were pariahs.

pariahs. pariahs. Jesus is always reaching out to women Jesus is always reaching out to women Jesus is always reaching out to women who are considered women of ill repute. who are considered women of ill repute. who are considered women of ill repute. There's all these places in the book of There's all these places in the book of There's all these places in the book of Luke where Jesus reaches out to people Luke where Jesus reaches out to people Luke where Jesus reaches out to people that the world can't stand, the world that the world can't stand, the world that the world can't stand, the world sees as losers, the world has excluded. sees as losers, the world has excluded. sees as losers, the world has excluded. People on the margins, the economic People on the margins, the economic People on the margins, the economic margins, the social margins and he margins, the social margins and he margins, the social margins and he brings them in into the Christian brings them in into the Christian brings them in into the Christian community and often makes them prominent community and often makes them prominent community and often makes them prominent and leaders. and leaders. and leaders. Matthew, one of the 12 disciples was a Matthew, one of the 12 disciples was a Matthew, one of the 12 disciples was a tax collector, a collaborator. tax collector, a collaborator. tax collector, a collaborator. You know, Peter denied Jesus three times You know, Peter denied Jesus three times You know, Peter denied Jesus three times very, very, very publicly. Mary very, very, very publicly. Mary very, very, very publicly. Mary Magdalene was a Magdalene was a Magdalene was a >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> was a >> was a >> was a We're told that they had to cast demons We're told that they had to cast demons We're told that they had to cast demons out of her. She was a former mental out of her. She was a former mental out of her. She was a former mental patient. And they're prominent. And they're prominent. They're leading lights. They're leading lights. They're leading lights. And that's what Jesus loves to do. All And that's what Jesus loves to do. All And that's what Jesus loves to do. All right, well what does that mean? Means right, well what does that mean? Means right, well what does that mean? Means one implication one implication one implication and one big question. and one big question. and one big question. The implication. If you want to follow Jesus, then you If you want to follow Jesus, then you need to follow him out to the margins. need to follow him out to the margins. need to follow him out to the margins. That's where he loves to go. That's where he loves to go. That's where he loves to go. He loves to be with the poor, he loves He loves to be with the poor, he loves He loves to be with the poor, he loves to be with the oppressed, he loves to be to be with the oppressed, he loves to be to be with the oppressed, he loves to be with the needy. He cares about them.

with the needy. He cares about them. with the needy. He cares about them. And to be And to be And to be you know, when Jesus says to you you know, when Jesus says to you you know, when Jesus says to you he says, "Come up. I want to show you I he says, "Come up. I want to show you I he says, "Come up. I want to show you I want to give you a fishing beyond your want to give you a fishing beyond your want to give you a fishing beyond your fishing. fishing. fishing. I want to give you a service beyond your I want to give you a service beyond your I want to give you a service beyond your service. I mean I want you to be in service. I mean I want you to be in service. I mean I want you to be in mission with me. One of the things that mission with me. One of the things that mission with me. One of the things that means is caring about those folks, means is caring about those folks, means is caring about those folks, caring about the people at the margins, caring about the people at the margins, caring about the people at the margins, caring about the people who are poor and caring about the people who are poor and caring about the people who are poor and oppressed. oppressed. oppressed. But, But, But, we shouldn't just think about this we shouldn't just think about this we shouldn't just think about this The leper is not just poor. He's not The leper is not just poor. He's not The leper is not just poor. He's not just sick and he's not just poor. just sick and he's not just poor. just sick and he's not just poor. He's also emotionally He's not He's not He's also emotionally He's not He's not He's also emotionally He's not He's not loved. And one of the problems with even loved. And one of the problems with even loved. And one of the problems with even talking about this in New York where I talking about this in New York where I talking about this in New York where I say we have to care about the poor and say we have to care about the poor and say we have to care about the poor and the oppressed. Young New Yorkers, the oppressed. Young New Yorkers, the oppressed. Young New Yorkers, whether they're Christians or not, say, whether they're Christians or not, say, whether they're Christians or not, say, "Yeah, social justice, big deal. Okay, "Yeah, social justice, big deal. Okay, "Yeah, social justice, big deal. Okay, I'm all for that." I'm glad. I'm I'm I'm all for that." I'm glad. I'm I'm I'm all for that." I'm glad. I'm I'm glad you're doing that. Thank you. glad you're doing that. Thank you. glad you're doing that. Thank you. So, okay, but you know what? New So, okay, but you know what? New So, okay, but you know what? New Yorkers, young New Yorkers in Yorkers, young New Yorkers in Yorkers, young New Yorkers in particular, they want to be all about particular, they want to be all about particular, they want to be all about social justice, but they also want to social justice, but they also want to social justice, but they also want to only be with the cool kids. only be with the cool kids. only be with the cool kids. They only want to be at the hot spots. They only want to be at the hot spots. They only want to be at the hot spots. They don't want to live in this part of They don't want to live in this part of They don't want to live in this part of the city or that part of the city. They the city or that part of the city. They the city or that part of the city. They want to live in that part of the city.

want to live in that part of the city. want to live in that part of the city. That's where everybody wants to be. They That's where everybody wants to be. They That's where everybody wants to be. They want to network. want to network. want to network. They want to be with people I should say They want to be with people I should say They want to be with people I should say you want to network. You want to be with you want to network. You want to be with you want to network. You want to be with people who are going to open doors for people who are going to open doors for people who are going to open doors for you, but you, but you, but if you're following Jesus, then you just if you're following Jesus, then you just if you're following Jesus, then you just love the person next to you and it love the person next to you and it love the person next to you and it doesn't matter how many social media doesn't matter how many social media doesn't matter how many social media followers he or she has. followers he or she has. followers he or she has. It doesn't matter a bit. It doesn't matter a bit. It doesn't matter a bit. Christianity The Christian gospel should Christianity The Christian gospel should Christianity The Christian gospel should make you so anti-glitz. make you so anti-glitz. make you so anti-glitz. Jesus was born in a manger. Jesus was born in a manger. Jesus was born in a manger. You know, he's born in a feed trough. You know, he's born in a feed trough. You know, he's born in a feed trough. You know, he You know, he You know, he Anyway, implication, we have to follow Jesus out implication, we have to follow Jesus out to the margins and we have to love the to the margins and we have to love the to the margins and we have to love the people that other people don't really people that other people don't really people that other people don't really love. love. love. You know, it's really funny. The average You know, it's really funny. The average You know, it's really funny. The average elite New Yorker person does love, in a elite New Yorker person does love, in a elite New Yorker person does love, in a way, dealing working with the poor, but way, dealing working with the poor, but way, dealing working with the poor, but they really don't love people that they they really don't love people that they they really don't love people that they consider ordinary. consider ordinary. consider ordinary. People without the credentials, people People without the credentials, people People without the credentials, people without money, people without smarts, without money, people without smarts, without money, people without smarts, It's without It's without It's without And we should be willing to love who's And we should be willing to love who's And we should be willing to love who's next to us.

next to us. next to us. The person next to us, whoever that The person next to us, whoever that The person next to us, whoever that person is. person is. person is. So, secondly, So, secondly, So, secondly, we should be we should be we should be going to the margins. But I told you going to the margins. But I told you going to the margins. But I told you that what Jesus does here also raise a that what Jesus does here also raise a that what Jesus does here also raise a big question. You know why? There's an big question. You know why? There's an big question. You know why? There's an astounding thing that Jesus does that astounding thing that Jesus does that astounding thing that Jesus does that when he reaches out and says be clean, when he reaches out and says be clean, when he reaches out and says be clean, do you realize that he's reversing do you realize that he's reversing do you realize that he's reversing everything that anyone knows in either everything that anyone knows in either everything that anyone knows in either the physical or the spiritual realm the physical or the spiritual realm the physical or the spiritual realm about how things work. about how things work. about how things work. In the physical realm, if you're healthy In the physical realm, if you're healthy In the physical realm, if you're healthy and you touch something infected, and you touch something infected, and you touch something infected, if you're healthy and you touch somebody if you're healthy and you touch somebody if you're healthy and you touch somebody who's terribly infected, what happens? who's terribly infected, what happens? who's terribly infected, what happens? You can get infected. You can get infected. You can get infected. Your health does not heal that person. Your health does not heal that person. Your health does not heal that person. That person's infection can make you That person's infection can make you That person's infection can make you sick. sick. sick. And in every religion, including the And in every religion, including the And in every religion, including the Mosaic, you know, law of the Old Mosaic, you know, law of the Old Mosaic, you know, law of the Old Testament, in every religion, when the Testament, in every religion, when the Testament, in every religion, when the clean touches the unclean, it becomes clean touches the unclean, it becomes clean touches the unclean, it becomes unclean. When you touch something that's defiled When you touch something that's defiled or or or soiled or tainted, then you or or or soiled or tainted, then you or or or soiled or tainted, then you have to do rites of purification. You have to do rites of purification. You have to do rites of purification. You have to do all that.

have to do all that. have to do all that. And most religions, that's that's how And most religions, that's that's how And most religions, that's that's how salvation works. You have to purge salvation works. You have to purge salvation works. You have to purge yourself and you have to do all sorts of yourself and you have to do all sorts of yourself and you have to do all sorts of ways of purifying yourself and making ways of purifying yourself and making ways of purifying yourself and making yourself ready for God and fit for God. yourself ready for God and fit for God. yourself ready for God and fit for God. But Jesus, astoundingly, touches an But Jesus, astoundingly, touches an But Jesus, astoundingly, touches an unclean person unclean person unclean person and says, "Now you are clean." and says, "Now you are clean." and says, "Now you are clean." There's no indication that Jesus went There's no indication that Jesus went There's no indication that Jesus went off and did ritual purification or off and did ritual purification or off and did ritual purification or something like that because he touched a something like that because he touched a something like that because he touched a leper. Oh, no. leper. Oh, no. leper. Oh, no. He's the first person, the only person He's the first person, the only person He's the first person, the only person in history who says, in history who says, in history who says, "When I touch an unclean person, I don't "When I touch an unclean person, I don't "When I touch an unclean person, I don't become unclean. The person becomes become unclean. The person becomes become unclean. The person becomes clean." I don't care who you are. I don't care I don't care who you are. I don't care what you've done. what you've done. what you've done. I don't care your record. I don't care your record. I don't care your record. I don't care how soiled you are. I don't I don't care how soiled you are. I don't I don't care how soiled you are. I don't care how tainted you are, says Jesus. I care how tainted you are, says Jesus. I care how tainted you are, says Jesus. I don't care how defiled you are. Though your sins be like scarlet, they Though your sins be like scarlet, they shall be whiter than snow. shall be whiter than snow. shall be whiter than snow. Just a touch, just contact with me. How can that be? He's really saying, I How can that be? He's really saying, I am not one more prophet telling you how am not one more prophet telling you how am not one more prophet telling you how to purify yourself and make yourself fit to purify yourself and make yourself fit to purify yourself and make yourself fit for God. I am cleanliness itself.

for God. I am cleanliness itself. for God. I am cleanliness itself. I make you fit for the presence of God. I make you fit for the presence of God. I make you fit for the presence of God. How could his salvation be that strong? How could his salvation be that strong? How could his salvation be that strong? Point three, last the last section. Point three, last the last section. Point three, last the last section. Now, this whole story about Jesus Now, this whole story about Jesus Now, this whole story about Jesus healing of the paralytic all by itself healing of the paralytic all by itself healing of the paralytic all by itself would be a wonderful would be a wonderful would be a wonderful you know, you could have a whole sermon you know, you could have a whole sermon you know, you could have a whole sermon on this, and if you've been around over on this, and if you've been around over on this, and if you've been around over the years, you know we have. We the years, you know we have. We the years, you know we have. We Uh but what I just needed to do is give Uh but what I just needed to do is give Uh but what I just needed to do is give you the top-level meaning of this last you the top-level meaning of this last you the top-level meaning of this last story. story. story. A man who's paralyzed, terrible disease, A man who's paralyzed, terrible disease, A man who's paralyzed, terrible disease, is brought to Jesus, and Jesus looks at is brought to Jesus, and Jesus looks at is brought to Jesus, and Jesus looks at him, and even though he's not asked him, and even though he's not asked him, and even though he's not asked to do this, he says what? Friend, your to do this, he says what? Friend, your to do this, he says what? Friend, your sins are forgiven. And that says volumes. And that says volumes. Jesus can heal you psychologically. Jesus can heal you psychologically. Jesus can heal you psychologically. Change your identity. He can heal you Change your identity. He can heal you Change your identity. He can heal you sociologically, bring you into sociologically, bring you into sociologically, bring you into community. He can even heal you community. He can even heal you community. He can even heal you physically. He might do that. physically. He might do that. physically. He might do that. But unless you're made right with God, But unless you're made right with God, But unless you're made right with God, unless he restores you spiritually, unless he restores you spiritually, unless he restores you spiritually, unless the sins between you and God are unless the sins between you and God are unless the sins between you and God are taken away so you're reconciled with taken away so you're reconciled with taken away so you're reconciled with God, God, God, all those other things can't happen.

Look, if someone wrongs you, really Look, if someone wrongs you, really wrongs you terribly, really sins against wrongs you terribly, really sins against wrongs you terribly, really sins against you, you, you, that's a barrier between you and the that's a barrier between you and the that's a barrier between you and the other person. Something has to be done, other person. Something has to be done, other person. Something has to be done, you know, something has to be done. You you know, something has to be done. You you know, something has to be done. You can't just ignore it. can't just ignore it. can't just ignore it. And because of the way in which we live And because of the way in which we live And because of the way in which we live our lives, there's a barrier between us our lives, there's a barrier between us our lives, there's a barrier between us and God, and Jesus is saying, the most and God, and Jesus is saying, the most and God, and Jesus is saying, the most radical thing I can do for you radical thing I can do for you radical thing I can do for you is not to heal your body, as terrible as is not to heal your body, as terrible as is not to heal your body, as terrible as that disease is. You've got two that disease is. You've got two that disease is. You've got two diseases. You got one in your body, but diseases. You got one in your body, but diseases. You got one in your body, but you also have the disease of sin, and you also have the disease of sin, and you also have the disease of sin, and it's the only disease that can kill you it's the only disease that can kill you it's the only disease that can kill you forever. forever. forever. So, what I'm going to do is I am going So, what I'm going to do is I am going So, what I'm going to do is I am going to deal with that. to deal with that. to deal with that. I'm going to put you right with God. The I'm going to put you right with God. The I'm going to put you right with God. The most radical kind of ministry I can do. most radical kind of ministry I can do. most radical kind of ministry I can do. I can go to the margins. I can help the I can go to the margins. I can help the I can go to the margins. I can help the poor. I can help you with your work. I poor. I can help you with your work. I poor. I can help you with your work. I can change your your identity. But, the can change your your identity. But, the can change your your identity. But, the most radical thing that anybody can do most radical thing that anybody can do most radical thing that anybody can do for anyone else is to reconcile them to for anyone else is to reconcile them to for anyone else is to reconcile them to God and to forgive their sins. God and to forgive their sins. God and to forgive their sins. But, what's interesting is Jesus But, what's interesting is Jesus But, what's interesting is Jesus actually says, and I have to look at it actually says, and I have to look at it actually says, and I have to look at it carefully, carefully, carefully, that as easy as this seems to be, that as easy as this seems to be, that as easy as this seems to be, this salvation, it's not.

this salvation, it's not. this salvation, it's not. See, what's so intriguing, he See, what's so intriguing, he See, what's so intriguing, he he touches the leper and he says, he touches the leper and he says, he touches the leper and he says, "You're clean." "You're clean." "You're clean." You know, in all the other religions of You know, in all the other religions of You know, in all the other religions of the world, if you're ceremonially the world, if you're ceremonially the world, if you're ceremonially unclean or defiled, you have to do all unclean or defiled, you have to do all unclean or defiled, you have to do all kinds of stuff. There's all kinds of kinds of stuff. There's all kinds of kinds of stuff. There's all kinds of rituals and washings and ablutions and rituals and washings and ablutions and rituals and washings and ablutions and oh my gosh, all things you have to say oh my gosh, all things you have to say oh my gosh, all things you have to say to get yourself right, to purge to get yourself right, to purge to get yourself right, to purge yourself. Jesus just yourself. Jesus just yourself. Jesus just You're clean. Your sins are forgiven. Just Your sins are forgiven. Just The Pharisees think, "What?" And yet Jesus says, "Even though it's And yet Jesus says, "Even though it's easy for you, it's not easy for me." easy for you, it's not easy for me." easy for you, it's not easy for me." Notice how interesting. He does a little Notice how interesting. He does a little Notice how interesting. He does a little riddle here. riddle here. riddle here. He says, "Which is easier to say, 'Your He says, "Which is easier to say, 'Your He says, "Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk.' But, I want you to know the and walk.' But, I want you to know the and walk.' But, I want you to know the Son of Man has authority on earth to Son of Man has authority on earth to Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So, he said to the forgive sins." So, he said to the forgive sins." So, he said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." Immediately, he your mat and go home." Immediately, he your mat and go home." Immediately, he stood up in front of him, stood up in front of him, stood up in front of him, took what he had been lying on and went took what he had been lying on and went took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. home praising God. home praising God. Now, commentators have been obsessing Now, commentators have been obsessing Now, commentators have been obsessing over this for years because there's over this for years because there's over this for years because there's layers here. layers here. layers here. Uh it is a bit of a riddle because on Uh it is a bit of a riddle because on Uh it is a bit of a riddle because on the one hand, when he says, "Which is the one hand, when he says, "Which is the one hand, when he says, "Which is easier to say, easier to say, easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Take up your mat and walk.'" Now, for 'Take up your mat and walk.'" Now, for 'Take up your mat and walk.'" Now, for me, me, me, frankly, it's easier to say, "Your sins frankly, it's easier to say, "Your sins frankly, it's easier to say, "Your sins are forgiven."

are forgiven." are forgiven." I mean, I could walk up to I mean, I could walk up to I mean, I could walk up to you and say, "Your sins are forgiven." you and say, "Your sins are forgiven." you and say, "Your sins are forgiven." And that's easy, you know. Nobody has And that's easy, you know. Nobody has And that's easy, you know. Nobody has any idea whether your sins are forgiven any idea whether your sins are forgiven any idea whether your sins are forgiven or not, but I can say it. or not, but I can say it. or not, but I can say it. But if I say But if I say But if I say to a crippled man, to a crippled man, to a crippled man, you know, get out of your wheelchair and you know, get out of your wheelchair and you know, get out of your wheelchair and walk, walk, walk, and he doesn't, then I'm, you know, and he doesn't, then I'm, you know, and he doesn't, then I'm, you know, revealed. There's a certain sense in revealed. There's a certain sense in revealed. There's a certain sense in which it's easier for me to say, "Your which it's easier for me to say, "Your which it's easier for me to say, "Your sins are forgiven." than to say, "Be sins are forgiven." than to say, "Be sins are forgiven." than to say, "Be healed." healed." healed." But for Jesus, what he's actually saying is, what he's actually saying is, "I'm going to heal this man as a sign "I'm going to heal this man as a sign "I'm going to heal this man as a sign that I can do the far harder thing, that I can do the far harder thing, that I can do the far harder thing, which is secure forgiveness of sins." which is secure forgiveness of sins." which is secure forgiveness of sins." See, any old supernatural See, any old supernatural See, any old supernatural >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> magician, any magician, anybody can do >> magician, any magician, anybody can do >> magician, any magician, anybody can do healing. There's all sorts of healers. healing. There's all sorts of healers. healing. There's all sorts of healers. But as the Pharisees said, But as the Pharisees said, But as the Pharisees said, to actually forgive sins is really hard. to actually forgive sins is really hard. to actually forgive sins is really hard. And of course, you know, why is it hard? And of course, you know, why is it hard? And of course, you know, why is it hard? I'll tell you why it's hard. I'll tell you why it's hard. I'll tell you why it's hard. It says in first Cor- second Corinthians It says in first Cor- second Corinthians It says in first Cor- second Corinthians 5:21, my favorite verse on this, I 5:21, my favorite verse on this, I 5:21, my favorite verse on this, I guess. guess. guess. "God made him sin who knew no sin, that "God made him sin who knew no sin, that "God made him sin who knew no sin, that we might become the righteousness of God we might become the righteousness of God we might become the righteousness of God in him."

in him." in him." God made him sin. God made him sin. God made him sin. God made him all that we were, God made him all that we were, God made him all that we were, and he took our punishment, so we could and he took our punishment, so we could and he took our punishment, so we could become all that he is and get his become all that he is and get his become all that he is and get his reward, the reward he deserved. reward, the reward he deserved. reward, the reward he deserved. And when it says, "God made him all that And when it says, "God made him all that And when it says, "God made him all that we were," let's walk Take that principle we were," let's walk Take that principle we were," let's walk Take that principle and walk back through the passage. and walk back through the passage. and walk back through the passage. Why can he heal this paralyzed man, Why can he heal this paralyzed man, Why can he heal this paralyzed man, this immobile man? Because Jesus Christ this immobile man? Because Jesus Christ this immobile man? Because Jesus Christ became immobile on the cross. He was became immobile on the cross. He was became immobile on the cross. He was nailed to the cross. Why can he bring nailed to the cross. Why can he bring nailed to the cross. Why can he bring the leper in? Because Jesus was the leper in? Because Jesus was the leper in? Because Jesus was crucified outside the gate. crucified outside the gate. crucified outside the gate. Jesus was cast out. He was crucified Jesus was cast out. He was crucified Jesus was cast out. He was crucified outside the the walls of the city. He outside the the walls of the city. He outside the the walls of the city. He became a pariah. He became a leper. And became a pariah. He became a leper. And became a pariah. He became a leper. And why was it possible for the disciples to why was it possible for the disciples to why was it possible for the disciples to leave everything and follow him? Because leave everything and follow him? Because leave everything and follow him? Because Jesus Christ left everything, Jesus Christ left everything, Jesus Christ left everything, his father's throne, his glory, his his father's throne, his glory, his his father's throne, his glory, his divine prerogatives, and came to earth divine prerogatives, and came to earth divine prerogatives, and came to earth and died for us. And because he became and died for us. And because he became and died for us. And because he became all that we are, we can become all he all that we are, we can become all he all that we are, we can become all he is, and that's why is, and that's why is, and that's why his salvation is so powerful.

Be clean. Be clean. He is cleanliness. He is cleanliness. He is cleanliness. It's salvation by grace. Let me end just It's salvation by grace. Let me end just It's salvation by grace. Let me end just by by by three three three applications. Three practical applications. Three practical applications. Three practical applications. Number one, would you applications. Number one, would you applications. Number one, would you please trust this man, Jesus? please trust this man, Jesus? please trust this man, Jesus? I mean it. I mean it. I mean it. Let me Let me show you how much you can Let me Let me show you how much you can Let me Let me show you how much you can trust him. trust him. trust him. When he says, When he says, When he says, "My friend, your sins are forgiven." Put that up against the fact that Put that up against the fact that everywhere else in the Bible it says everywhere else in the Bible it says everywhere else in the Bible it says that God never forgives sins unless you that God never forgives sins unless you that God never forgives sins unless you repent. repent. repent. Right? Right? Right? Everywhere in the Bible, Everywhere in the Bible, Everywhere in the Bible, God never forgives sins unless you God never forgives sins unless you God never forgives sins unless you repent. So, how in the world could he repent. So, how in the world could he repent. So, how in the world could he say, "My son, your sins are forgiven?" say, "My son, your sins are forgiven?" say, "My son, your sins are forgiven?" And the only possible answer is And the only possible answer is And the only possible answer is that he perceived that he perceived that he perceived an unspoken, unexpressed, imperfect longing longing for forgiveness. for forgiveness. for forgiveness. He perceived an imperfect, unexpressed, He perceived an imperfect, unexpressed, He perceived an imperfect, unexpressed, fragmentary kind of fragmentary kind of fragmentary kind of heart longing for forgiveness from this heart longing for forgiveness from this heart longing for forgiveness from this man, man, man, and Jesus forgave him.

and Jesus forgave him. and Jesus forgave him. So eager is he So eager is he So eager is he to give us his grace. to give us his grace. to give us his grace. Don't think you have to I have to get Don't think you have to I have to get Don't think you have to I have to get myself together and pull it together and myself together and pull it together and myself together and pull it together and say it just right. I'm like, "You can say it just right. I'm like, "You can say it just right. I'm like, "You can trust Jesus trust Jesus trust Jesus desire to bless you, his desire to give desire to bless you, his desire to give desire to bless you, his desire to give you grace." Here's a man who get who you grace." Here's a man who get who you grace." Here's a man who get who hadn't even gotten it out, and yet Jesus hadn't even gotten it out, and yet Jesus hadn't even gotten it out, and yet Jesus saw it in his heart, and he gave him saw it in his heart, and he gave him saw it in his heart, and he gave him grace. grace. grace. You can trust it You can trust You can You can trust it You can trust You can You can trust it You can trust You can trust him. Secondly, Secondly, this great identity I've been talking this great identity I've been talking this great identity I've been talking about and if you have about and if you have about and if you have you know, if you know who you are in you know, if you know who you are in you know, if you know who you are in Jesus Christ, you can walk away from Jesus Christ, you can walk away from Jesus Christ, you can walk away from profit, you can not be afraid of how you profit, you can not be afraid of how you profit, you can not be afraid of how you look, and look, and look, and yeah, well, that's yeah, well, that's yeah, well, that's takes a long time, I want you to know, takes a long time, I want you to know, takes a long time, I want you to know, to work that in. I I don't want to give to work that in. I I don't want to give to work that in. I I don't want to give you the impression the minute you become you the impression the minute you become you the impression the minute you become a Christian you get this new identity. a Christian you get this new identity. a Christian you get this new identity. Well, in a way you do, but it's Well, in a way you do, but it's Well, in a way you do, but it's generally in principle. generally in principle. generally in principle. Because what will very often happen, Because what will very often happen, Because what will very often happen, especially in the early years of being a especially in the early years of being a especially in the early years of being a Christian, is you'll say, "Oh, I know Christian, is you'll say, "Oh, I know Christian, is you'll say, "Oh, I know who I am in Jesus Christ." And somebody who I am in Jesus Christ." And somebody who I am in Jesus Christ." And somebody will criticize you or cut you off or will criticize you or cut you off or will criticize you or cut you off or hurt your reputation. And you turn on hurt your reputation. And you turn on hurt your reputation. And you turn on them and you're just like the old, you them and you're just like the old, you them and you're just like the old, you know, you're operating out of the old know, you're operating out of the old know, you're operating out of the old identity. It takes a long time. And one identity. It takes a long time. And one identity. It takes a long time. And one of the ways I of the ways I of the ways I uh uh uh that reminds me of that is the fact that that reminds me of that is the fact that that reminds me of that is the fact that in this passage when Peter sees Jesus in this passage when Peter sees Jesus in this passage when Peter sees Jesus Christ through his miraculous power Christ through his miraculous power Christ through his miraculous power fill a boat fill a boat fill a boat with a miraculous catch of fish with a miraculous catch of fish with a miraculous catch of fish what does Peter say?

what does Peter say? what does Peter say? "Get away from me." "Get away from me." "Get away from me." But in John chapter 21 But in John chapter 21 But in John chapter 21 sometime later after the resurrection and Peter's in a boat and Jesus says, and Peter's in a boat and Jesus says, "Throw the nets in on the other side." "Throw the nets in on the other side." "Throw the nets in on the other side." And there's another miraculous catch of And there's another miraculous catch of And there's another miraculous catch of fish. And Peter realizes it's Jesus and fish. And Peter realizes it's Jesus and fish. And Peter realizes it's Jesus and his miraculous power. What does he do? his miraculous power. What does he do? his miraculous power. What does he do? He runs his he tucks his garment in his He runs his he tucks his garment in his He runs his he tucks his garment in his belt and he runs as fast as he possibly belt and he runs as fast as he possibly belt and he runs as fast as he possibly can to get near Jesus. can to get near Jesus. can to get near Jesus. "Depart from me." "Depart from me." "Depart from me." "Get away from me." Now he's trying to "Get away from me." Now he's trying to "Get away from me." Now he's trying to get near. Why? Because it takes time for get near. Why? Because it takes time for get near. Why? Because it takes time for the identity to sink in. the identity to sink in. the identity to sink in. It takes years for the identity to sink It takes years for the identity to sink It takes years for the identity to sink in. So, give it years. in. So, give it years. in. So, give it years. And lastly And lastly And lastly Jesus says, "Follow me and I'll make you Jesus says, "Follow me and I'll make you Jesus says, "Follow me and I'll make you fishers of people." fishers of people." fishers of people." What does that mean? Literally, by the What does that mean? Literally, by the What does that mean? Literally, by the way, that actually means way, that actually means way, that actually means to liberate. It's a word that means just to liberate. It's a word that means just to liberate. It's a word that means just like taking the fish out of the darkness like taking the fish out of the darkness like taking the fish out of the darkness up. When it says, "I will make you up. When it says, "I will make you up. When it says, "I will make you fishers." The word fisher actually means fishers." The word fisher actually means fishers." The word fisher actually means to liberate. I know that's to liberate. I know that's to liberate. I know that's the metaphor seems a little bit mixed to the metaphor seems a little bit mixed to the metaphor seems a little bit mixed to you, but that's what he's saying. And you, but that's what he's saying. And you, but that's what he's saying. And what it means is what it means is what it means is in a year of public faith, you need to in a year of public faith, you need to in a year of public faith, you need to be willing to let people know what you be willing to let people know what you be willing to let people know what you believe believe believe so that they can even begin to at least so that they can even begin to at least so that they can even begin to at least have a chance to imagine the same kind have a chance to imagine the same kind have a chance to imagine the same kind of identity shift which is like life of identity shift which is like life of identity shift which is like life itself that comes to Christians who know itself that comes to Christians who know itself that comes to Christians who know God's word of grace.

God's word of grace. God's word of grace. Let's go to the margins for the poor. Let's go to the margins for the poor. Let's go to the margins for the poor. Let's call people to repentance and Let's call people to repentance and Let's call people to repentance and faith. We'll be a weird church if we do faith. We'll be a weird church if we do faith. We'll be a weird church if we do that. Some people say, "That's too that. Some people say, "That's too that. Some people say, "That's too liberal for me. That's too conservative liberal for me. That's too conservative liberal for me. That's too conservative for me." That's actually just the church for me." That's actually just the church for me." That's actually just the church that Jesus wants us to be. Let us pray. that Jesus wants us to be. Let us pray. that Jesus wants us to be. Let us pray. Our Father, we thank you for this Our Father, we thank you for this Our Father, we thank you for this panoramic view of panoramic view of panoramic view of all it means to be in mission. all it means to be in mission. all it means to be in mission. In mission with you. In mission with you. In mission with you. How How How uh wow. uh wow. uh wow. What a church we would be if we were What a church we would be if we were What a church we would be if we were that. And And Lord, you you're leading that. And And Lord, you you're leading that. And And Lord, you you're leading us there. us there. us there. And what And what And what poise and ballast we would have if we poise and ballast we would have if we poise and ballast we would have if we really grew into the new identity we really grew into the new identity we really grew into the new identity we have in Jesus. have in Jesus. have in Jesus. Let this all be true, Lord, because we Let this all be true, Lord, because we Let this all be true, Lord, because we believe not only would it be wonderful believe not only would it be wonderful believe not only would it be wonderful for us, but it will glorify you. for us, but it will glorify you. for us, but it will glorify you. Please make it so. Please make it so. Please make it so. For Jesus' sake. It's in his name that For Jesus' sake. It's in his name that For Jesus' sake. It's in his name that we pray. we pray. we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Thank you for listening today. >> Thank you for listening today. >> Thank you for listening today. Gospel in Life's ministry is supported Gospel in Life's ministry is supported Gospel in Life's ministry is supported by our generous partners all over the by our generous partners all over the by our generous partners all over the world. world. world. Your gifts allow us to share the gospel Your gifts allow us to share the gospel Your gifts allow us to share the gospel message with millions of people through message with millions of people through message with millions of people through our podcast, radio, and other channels, our podcast, radio, and other channels, our podcast, radio, and other channels, including here on YouTube. We're seeing including here on YouTube. We're seeing including here on YouTube. We're seeing God change lives through the increasing God change lives through the increasing God change lives through the increasing reach of this ministry. So, thank you reach of this ministry. So, thank you reach of this ministry. So, thank you for your part in it. If you'd like to for your part in it. If you'd like to for your part in it. If you'd like to make [music] a gift today, go to make [music] a gift today, go to make [music] a gift today, go to gospelinlife.com/youtube and we'll send you one [music] of my and we'll send you one [music] of my books as thanks for your gift.

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