Encountering the Risen Jesus – Timothy Keller [Sermon]

You will all fall away, Jesus told them. You will all fall away, Jesus told them. For it is written, I will strike the For it is written, I will strike the For it is written, I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be shepherd and the sheep will be shepherd and the sheep will be scattered. But after I have risen, I scattered. But after I have risen, I scattered. But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee. Peter will go ahead of you into Galilee. Peter will go ahead of you into Galilee. Peter declared, even if all fall away, I will declared, even if all fall away, I will declared, even if all fall away, I will not. Truly I tell you, Jesus answered, not. Truly I tell you, Jesus answered, not. Truly I tell you, Jesus answered, today yes, tonight before the rooster today yes, tonight before the rooster today yes, tonight before the rooster crows twice, you yourself will disown me crows twice, you yourself will disown me crows twice, you yourself will disown me three times. But Peter insisted three times. But Peter insisted three times. But Peter insisted emphatically. emphatically. emphatically. Even if I have to die with you, I will Even if I have to die with you, I will Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you. And all the others never disown you. And all the others never disown you. And all the others said the same. said the same. said the same. When they had finished eating, Jesus When they had finished eating, Jesus When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" John, do you love me more than these?" John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said,"Simon, son of John, do Again Jesus said,"Simon, son of John, do Again Jesus said,"Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, you know that I love you." Jesus said, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time "Take care of my sheep." The third time "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Sim, Simon, son of he said to him, "Sim, Simon, son of he said to him, "Sim, Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, because Jesus asked him the third time, because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things. You know that I love know all things. You know that I love know all things. You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. Very you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. Very you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you are younger, truly I tell you, when you are younger, truly I tell you, when you are younger, you dressed yourself and went where you you dressed yourself and went where you you dressed yourself and went where you wanted. But when you are old, you are wanted. But when you are old, you are wanted. But when you are old, you are you will stretch out your hands and you will stretch out your hands and you will stretch out your hands and someone else will dress you and lead you someone else will dress you and lead you someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go. Jesus said where you do not want to go. Jesus said where you do not want to go. Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by this to indicate the kind of death by this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he which Peter would glorify God. Then he which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me." The word of said to him, "Follow me." The word of said to him, "Follow me." The word of the Lord.

At Easter, uh, Christians, At Easter, uh, Christians, uh, celebrate the resurrection of Jesus uh, celebrate the resurrection of Jesus uh, celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which changed history. But the Christ, which changed history. But the Christ, which changed history. But the resurrection isn't supposed to just resurrection isn't supposed to just resurrection isn't supposed to just change history. It's supposed to change change history. It's supposed to change change history. It's supposed to change us, us, us, supposed to change you and me. supposed to change you and me. supposed to change you and me. Uh, Paul, years after the resurrection Uh, Paul, years after the resurrection Uh, Paul, years after the resurrection of Jesus, Paul met the risen Christ on of Jesus, Paul met the risen Christ on of Jesus, Paul met the risen Christ on the road to Damascus and his life was the road to Damascus and his life was the road to Damascus and his life was revolutionized. And it's one of the main revolutionized. And it's one of the main revolutionized. And it's one of the main themes of the New Testament that even themes of the New Testament that even themes of the New Testament that even though we should not expect um visual though we should not expect um visual though we should not expect um visual audio audio, we shouldn't expect uh to audio audio, we shouldn't expect uh to audio audio, we shouldn't expect uh to actually see with our eyes and audibly actually see with our eyes and audibly actually see with our eyes and audibly hear with our ears the risen Christ. But hear with our ears the risen Christ. But hear with our ears the risen Christ. But in our hearts by faith, we should all be in our hearts by faith, we should all be in our hearts by faith, we should all be encountering the risen Christ. It's not encountering the risen Christ. It's not encountering the risen Christ. It's not enough just to believe in some general enough just to believe in some general enough just to believe in some general uh doctrine. We have to encounter him. uh doctrine. We have to encounter him. uh doctrine. We have to encounter him. Now, how does that happen? Now, how does that happen? Now, how does that happen? I mean, how does that work? What does it I mean, how does that work? What does it I mean, how does that work? What does it mean? mean? mean? Peter serves as a paradigm, a kind of Peter serves as a paradigm, a kind of Peter serves as a paradigm, a kind of case study case study case study uh of what it means to encounter the uh of what it means to encounter the uh of what it means to encounter the risen Christ because this very famous risen Christ because this very famous risen Christ because this very famous story of what he did right before Jesus story of what he did right before Jesus story of what he did right before Jesus died and right after how the risen died and right after how the risen died and right after how the risen Christ met him on that uh beach at the Christ met him on that uh beach at the Christ met him on that uh beach at the Sea of Galilee and put his life back Sea of Galilee and put his life back Sea of Galilee and put his life back together after it had fallen apart. This together after it had fallen apart. This together after it had fallen apart. This is our case study for how it means to is our case study for how it means to is our case study for how it means to what it means to encounter the risen what it means to encounter the risen what it means to encounter the risen Christ tonight. Um the first part you Christ tonight. Um the first part you Christ tonight. Um the first part you just heard read first part of this story just heard read first part of this story just heard read first part of this story is Jesus says to his disciples you're is Jesus says to his disciples you're is Jesus says to his disciples you're all you're all going to fall away.

all you're all going to fall away. all you're all going to fall away. Peter says well you know they might Peter says well you know they might Peter says well you know they might not me. not me. not me. Jesus says basically Peter you don't Jesus says basically Peter you don't Jesus says basically Peter you don't really want to say that really want to say that really want to say that you you are all going to fall away and you you are all going to fall away and you you are all going to fall away and then Peter doubly swears he says no even then Peter doubly swears he says no even then Peter doubly swears he says no even if I have to die with you I will if I have to die with you I will if I have to die with you I will identify with you even if it means death identify with you even if it means death identify with you even if it means death and he publicly swears and he publicly swears and he publicly swears uh that he will never fail or forsake uh that he will never fail or forsake uh that he will never fail or forsake Jesus Jesus Jesus of course within hours of course within hours of course within hours um something else happened uh the part um something else happened uh the part um something else happened uh the part that you didn't hear read the middle that you didn't hear read the middle that you didn't hear read the middle part of the story. Uh this is at the end part of the story. Uh this is at the end part of the story. Uh this is at the end of chapter 14 of Mark. This is the last of chapter 14 of Mark. This is the last of chapter 14 of Mark. This is the last few verses. Uh Jesus is being tried for few verses. Uh Jesus is being tried for few verses. Uh Jesus is being tried for his life. Peter has uh you know followed his life. Peter has uh you know followed his life. Peter has uh you know followed along kind of covertly. And then it says along kind of covertly. And then it says along kind of covertly. And then it says while Peter was below in the courtyard while Peter was below in the courtyard while Peter was below in the courtyard warming himself by the fire, one warming himself by the fire, one warming himself by the fire, one servant, one of the servant girls of the servant, one of the servant girls of the servant, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. You also were with high priest came by. You also were with high priest came by. You also were with that Nazarene Jesus, she said. He denied that Nazarene Jesus, she said. He denied that Nazarene Jesus, she said. He denied it and went out into the entryway. She it and went out into the entryway. She it and went out into the entryway. She said again to those standing around, said again to those standing around, said again to those standing around, "This fellow was one of them." Again, he "This fellow was one of them." Again, he "This fellow was one of them." Again, he denied it.

denied it. denied it. And after a little while, those standing And after a little while, those standing And after a little while, those standing near said to Peter, near said to Peter, near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them because "Surely you are one of them because "Surely you are one of them because you're a Galilean." you're a Galilean." you're a Galilean." And Peter began to call down curses and And Peter began to call down curses and And Peter began to call down curses and swore to them, "I don't know this man swore to them, "I don't know this man swore to them, "I don't know this man that you're talking about." Immediately that you're talking about." Immediately that you're talking about." Immediately the rooster crowed the rooster crowed the rooster crowed and he broke down and wept. and he broke down and wept. and he broke down and wept. And then of course the end of the story And then of course the end of the story And then of course the end of the story we just heard read and we'll get to that we just heard read and we'll get to that we just heard read and we'll get to that in a minute. in a minute. in a minute. Now um what do we learn? I'm going to Now um what do we learn? I'm going to Now um what do we learn? I'm going to say if you want to encounter the risen say if you want to encounter the risen say if you want to encounter the risen Christ there's at least four things that Christ there's at least four things that Christ there's at least four things that you must know and they're all here. One you must know and they're all here. One you must know and they're all here. One is you have to believe the resurrection is you have to believe the resurrection is you have to believe the resurrection re in the res resurrection's reality re in the res resurrection's reality re in the res resurrection's reality that it really happened. You also have that it really happened. You also have that it really happened. You also have to understand the resurrection's to understand the resurrection's to understand the resurrection's accomplishment. accomplishment. accomplishment. Then you must submit to the Then you must submit to the Then you must submit to the resurrection's pattern resurrection's pattern resurrection's pattern so that you can live the resurrection so that you can live the resurrection so that you can live the resurrection life. life. life. So you have to uh in other words recap, So you have to uh in other words recap, So you have to uh in other words recap, you have to believe in the resurre in you have to believe in the resurre in you have to believe in the resurre in its reality. You have to uh understand its reality. You have to uh understand its reality. You have to uh understand its accomplishment. You have to submit its accomplishment. You have to submit its accomplishment. You have to submit to its pattern so you can live its life.

to its pattern so you can live its life. to its pattern so you can live its life. Let's see what that means. First you Let's see what that means. First you Let's see what that means. First you have to believe in the resurrection's have to believe in the resurrection's have to believe in the resurrection's reality. Now, um it's typical to say, reality. Now, um it's typical to say, reality. Now, um it's typical to say, "Hey, these stories about the "Hey, these stories about the "Hey, these stories about the resurrection are wonderful symbols, but resurrection are wonderful symbols, but resurrection are wonderful symbols, but you can't take them literally. They're you can't take them literally. They're you can't take them literally. They're symbols of the fact that there's always symbols of the fact that there's always symbols of the fact that there's always hope and that after the dark there's hope and that after the dark there's hope and that after the dark there's always the dawn, it's a symbol. You always the dawn, it's a symbol. You always the dawn, it's a symbol. You can't take it literally." can't take it literally." can't take it literally." But, uh I But, uh I But, uh I you know, here's the question. If you you know, here's the question. If you you know, here's the question. If you want want want the resurrection stories of Jesus Christ the resurrection stories of Jesus Christ the resurrection stories of Jesus Christ just to be a feel-good factor, that's just to be a feel-good factor, that's just to be a feel-good factor, that's one thing. If you want them to really one thing. If you want them to really one thing. If you want them to really change your life, if you want the change your life, if you want the change your life, if you want the resurrection to be a life- transforming resurrection to be a life- transforming resurrection to be a life- transforming power, that's another feel-good factor. power, that's another feel-good factor. power, that's another feel-good factor. And there's lots of stories that are And there's lots of stories that are And there's lots of stories that are feel-good factors. For example, for me, feel-good factors. For example, for me, feel-good factors. For example, for me, Princess Bride, Princess Bride, Princess Bride, watch Princess Bride. I can guarantee watch Princess Bride. I can guarantee watch Princess Bride. I can guarantee you, you will feel better. You know, you, you will feel better. You know, you, you will feel better. You know, never get involved with a landm. And so, if you think of the the And so, if you think of the the resurrection stories as just a kind of u resurrection stories as just a kind of u resurrection stories as just a kind of u uh inspiring story, it's a feel-good uh inspiring story, it's a feel-good uh inspiring story, it's a feel-good factor. But if you want it to be a life- factor. But if you want it to be a life- factor. But if you want it to be a life- transforming power, you've got to transforming power, you've got to transforming power, you've got to believe it really happened. And it's not believe it really happened. And it's not believe it really happened. And it's not that hard to understand the difference.

that hard to understand the difference. that hard to understand the difference. Here's two people. They're both dying of Here's two people. They're both dying of Here's two people. They're both dying of cancer. One believes the resurrection cancer. One believes the resurrection cancer. One believes the resurrection stories are a wonderful symbol. The stories are a wonderful symbol. The stories are a wonderful symbol. The other believes that Jesus actually rose other believes that Jesus actually rose other believes that Jesus actually rose from the dead and that through belief in from the dead and that through belief in from the dead and that through belief in him, we will rise from the dead. Who has him, we will rise from the dead. Who has him, we will rise from the dead. Who has got got got far greater resources to face death with far greater resources to face death with far greater resources to face death with poise? You know, Johnny Ericson, who's a You know, Johnny Ericson, who's a quadripollegic and who's a very quadripollegic and who's a very quadripollegic and who's a very well-known Christian author, she says well-known Christian author, she says well-known Christian author, she says this. She says,"I, with shriveled, bent this. She says,"I, with shriveled, bent this. She says,"I, with shriveled, bent fingers, fingers, fingers, atrophied muscles, atrophied muscles, atrophied muscles, gnarled knees, and no feeling from the gnarled knees, and no feeling from the gnarled knees, and no feeling from the shoulders down, shoulders down, shoulders down, will one day have a new body, light, will one day have a new body, light, will one day have a new body, light, bright, encloded in righteousness, bright, encloded in righteousness, bright, encloded in righteousness, powerful and dazzling." powerful and dazzling." powerful and dazzling." Can you imagine the hope this gives Can you imagine the hope this gives Can you imagine the hope this gives someone spinal cord injured like me or someone spinal cord injured like me or someone spinal cord injured like me or someone who is cereal paused or brain someone who is cereal paused or brain someone who is cereal paused or brain injured or who has multiple sclerosis? injured or who has multiple sclerosis? injured or who has multiple sclerosis? Imagine the hope this gives someone Imagine the hope this gives someone Imagine the hope this gives someone who's manic depressive. No other who's manic depressive. No other who's manic depressive. No other religion, no other philosophy promises religion, no other philosophy promises religion, no other philosophy promises new bodies, hearts, minds. Now when she new bodies, hearts, minds. Now when she new bodies, hearts, minds. Now when she says that, you say, "What do you mean?

says that, you say, "What do you mean? says that, you say, "What do you mean? Don't other religions promise Don't other religions promise Don't other religions promise salvation?" Yes, but not this kind of salvation?" Yes, but not this kind of salvation?" Yes, but not this kind of religion. I there are religions that religion. I there are religions that religion. I there are religions that promise that you'll live spiritually promise that you'll live spiritually promise that you'll live spiritually somehow forever, but none of them somehow forever, but none of them somehow forever, but none of them promise spinal cords. promise spinal cords. promise spinal cords. Not a single one. If you are a social Not a single one. If you are a social Not a single one. If you are a social activist, here's two people that are activist, here's two people that are activist, here's two people that are social activists. One's believes that social activists. One's believes that social activists. One's believes that the B, you know, the resurrection the B, you know, the resurrection the B, you know, the resurrection narratives are just nice symbols. narratives are just nice symbols. narratives are just nice symbols. One believes that basically when we die, One believes that basically when we die, One believes that basically when we die, we rot and when the sun dies, everything we rot and when the sun dies, everything we rot and when the sun dies, everything will go away and there won't be anybody will go away and there won't be anybody will go away and there won't be anybody around. remember anything that anyone around. remember anything that anyone around. remember anything that anyone ever did. And the other person believes ever did. And the other person believes ever did. And the other person believes the resurrection really happened the resurrection really happened the resurrection really happened and that there will be a new heavens and and that there will be a new heavens and and that there will be a new heavens and new earth and that everything we do new earth and that everything we do new earth and that everything we do against suffering and evil and injustice against suffering and evil and injustice against suffering and evil and injustice and poverty and death eventually will be and poverty and death eventually will be and poverty and death eventually will be fulfilled. Every effort will be fulfilled. Every effort will be fulfilled. Every effort will be fulfilled. fulfilled. fulfilled. Which one has greater resources far Which one has greater resources far Which one has greater resources far greater resources for facing greater resources for facing greater resources for facing the difficulties of this world with the difficulties of this world with the difficulties of this world with poise?

poise? poise? You got to believe it happened. Now you You got to believe it happened. Now you You got to believe it happened. Now you say, "How does that how do you get say, "How does that how do you get say, "How does that how do you get there?" And the answer is to have an there?" And the answer is to have an there?" And the answer is to have an assured settled belief in the answers to assured settled belief in the answers to assured settled belief in the answers to any of the big life questions like who any of the big life questions like who any of the big life questions like who are we or where we've come from? You are we or where we've come from? You are we or where we've come from? You know, uh takes time. It's a process. know, uh takes time. It's a process. know, uh takes time. It's a process. Nobody comes to assured belief in any Nobody comes to assured belief in any Nobody comes to assured belief in any major thing, frankly, any any major major thing, frankly, any any major major thing, frankly, any any major answer to one of those questions without answer to one of those questions without answer to one of those questions without spending quite a bit of time thinking spending quite a bit of time thinking spending quite a bit of time thinking about it. Certainly. And I I would say about it. Certainly. And I I would say about it. Certainly. And I I would say because we live in the western world because we live in the western world because we live in the western world where the I the resurrection of Jesus where the I the resurrection of Jesus where the I the resurrection of Jesus Christ is doubted broadly and widely and Christ is doubted broadly and widely and Christ is doubted broadly and widely and questioned. questioned. questioned. It's not going to be enough for you just It's not going to be enough for you just It's not going to be enough for you just to grow up in the church to grow up in the church to grow up in the church and still have the kind of deep and still have the kind of deep and still have the kind of deep assurance that the resurrection really assurance that the resurrection really assurance that the resurrection really really happened such that it's life really happened such that it's life really happened such that it's life transforming. It's empowering. It helps transforming. It's empowering. It helps transforming. It's empowering. It helps you face anything. You're not going to you face anything. You're not going to you face anything. You're not going to have that certainty unless you unless have that certainty unless you unless have that certainty unless you unless you do the work. What's the work? It's you do the work. What's the work? It's you do the work. What's the work? It's looking at the internal and external looking at the internal and external looking at the internal and external evidence. It's looking at the objective evidence. It's looking at the objective evidence. It's looking at the objective and subjective material. It's a long and subjective material. It's a long and subjective material. It's a long it's a lot and we can't go into it all it's a lot and we can't go into it all it's a lot and we can't go into it all here. But here. But here. But this text actually gives you a starting this text actually gives you a starting this text actually gives you a starting point. You know why? You can't believe point. You know why? You can't believe point. You know why? You can't believe that the resurrection of Jesus Christ that the resurrection of Jesus Christ that the resurrection of Jesus Christ really happened if you believe that the really happened if you believe that the really happened if you believe that the gospel accounts of Jesus' life and death gospel accounts of Jesus' life and death gospel accounts of Jesus' life and death and resurrection are just legends.

and resurrection are just legends. and resurrection are just legends. You got to believe that these are real You got to believe that these are real You got to believe that these are real eyewitness oral histories, real eyewitness oral histories, real eyewitness oral histories, real historical documents. And this historical documents. And this historical documents. And this particular story gives you a really particular story gives you a really particular story gives you a really wonderful starting place. It's a it's a wonderful starting place. It's a it's a wonderful starting place. It's a it's a huge little it's a huge though in just huge little it's a huge though in just huge little it's a huge though in just single bit of evidence that this stuff single bit of evidence that this stuff single bit of evidence that this stuff really happened. How so? Well, let's really happened. How so? Well, let's really happened. How so? Well, let's look at the story. look at the story. look at the story. This story of Jes of of Peter is I think This story of Jes of of Peter is I think This story of Jes of of Peter is I think one of the most spec I don't know of any one of the most spec I don't know of any one of the most spec I don't know of any story in print story in print story in print of a more spectacular failure. of a more spectacular failure. of a more spectacular failure. Th this this is I mean this is classic. Th this this is I mean this is classic. Th this this is I mean this is classic. There's nothing like this. Look, first There's nothing like this. Look, first There's nothing like this. Look, first of all, Peter says, "I'm never going to of all, Peter says, "I'm never going to of all, Peter says, "I'm never going to fall away. I'm never going to forsake fall away. I'm never going to forsake fall away. I'm never going to forsake you." Jesus actually tries to say, you." Jesus actually tries to say, you." Jesus actually tries to say, "Okay, Peter, you know, calm down. Don't "Okay, Peter, you know, calm down. Don't "Okay, Peter, you know, calm down. Don't make yourself look stupid because you make yourself look stupid because you make yourself look stupid because you know, Peter says, "No, no, no, no." And know, Peter says, "No, no, no, no." And know, Peter says, "No, no, no, no." And then he he says, "Look, I know the rest then he he says, "Look, I know the rest then he he says, "Look, I know the rest of these people. They're not nearly as of these people. They're not nearly as of these people. They're not nearly as committed to you as me. Even if they all committed to you as me. Even if they all committed to you as me. Even if they all fall away, I will never fall away. If I fall away, I will never fall away. If I fall away, I will never fall away. If I have to die with you, I will." So that's have to die with you, I will." So that's have to die with you, I will." So that's he makes that promise publicly.

he makes that promise publicly. he makes that promise publicly. Within hours, he does exactly what he Within hours, he does exactly what he Within hours, he does exactly what he swears he would never do. swears he would never do. swears he would never do. He also does it, if you listen He also does it, if you listen He also does it, if you listen carefully, three times. Three times he carefully, three times. Three times he carefully, three times. Three times he publicly disavows that he even knows publicly disavows that he even knows publicly disavows that he even knows Jesus Christ. Three times. See, now if Jesus Christ. Three times. See, now if Jesus Christ. Three times. See, now if you do something stupid or bad once, you you do something stupid or bad once, you you do something stupid or bad once, you can always say that wasn't really me. can always say that wasn't really me. can always say that wasn't really me. You know, I was upset. You know, I was You know, I was upset. You know, I was You know, I was upset. You know, I was surp I was taken by surprise. I just surp I was taken by surprise. I just surp I was taken by surprise. I just woke up. You know, I don't know. I mean, woke up. You know, I don't know. I mean, woke up. You know, I don't know. I mean, I was it was, you know, I wasn't myself. I was it was, you know, I wasn't myself. I was it was, you know, I wasn't myself. But when you do it three times, that's But when you do it three times, that's But when you do it three times, that's you. you. you. That is you. It It's you. All right. That is you. It It's you. All right. That is you. It It's you. All right. He does it three times, but the the most He does it three times, but the the most He does it three times, but the the most egregious and most awful part is not egregious and most awful part is not egregious and most awful part is not something you may notice right off the something you may notice right off the something you may notice right off the bat. Commentators have have debated this bat. Commentators have have debated this bat. Commentators have have debated this a little bit. You notice that the last a little bit. You notice that the last a little bit. You notice that the last thing he does is they say he's he they thing he does is they say he's he they thing he does is they say he's he they they come after him. They say, "Hey, they come after him. They say, "Hey, they come after him. They say, "Hey, this guy on trial for his life, weren't this guy on trial for his life, weren't this guy on trial for his life, weren't you one of them? Weren't you with him?" you one of them? Weren't you with him?" you one of them? Weren't you with him?" No. Weren't you one of them? No. and the No. Weren't you one of them? No. and the No. Weren't you one of them? No. and the third time because he's been around the third time because he's been around the third time because he's been around the fire. See, he's standing around the fire fire. See, he's standing around the fire fire. See, he's standing around the fire with a bunch of people and they hear his with a bunch of people and they hear his with a bunch of people and they hear his Galilean accent and they say, "You're a Galilean accent and they say, "You're a Galilean accent and they say, "You're a Galilean.

Galilean. Galilean. Aren't you one of these? Weren't you Aren't you one of these? Weren't you Aren't you one of these? Weren't you with this guy?" And this is what he he with this guy?" And this is what he he with this guy?" And this is what he he says he began to call down curses and says he began to call down curses and says he began to call down curses and swore to them, I don't know this man swore to them, I don't know this man swore to them, I don't know this man you're talking about. Now, what's you're talking about. Now, what's you're talking about. Now, what's interesting about this, he began it says interesting about this, he began it says interesting about this, he began it says he began to curse. But number one, it's he began to curse. But number one, it's he began to curse. But number one, it's a transitive verb. And a transitive verb a transitive verb. And a transitive verb a transitive verb. And a transitive verb means it has an object. That means it's means it has an object. That means it's means it has an object. That means it's he's not just cursing. He's cursing he's not just cursing. He's cursing he's not just cursing. He's cursing someone or something. He's calling down someone or something. He's calling down someone or something. He's calling down curses on someone or something. Number curses on someone or something. Number curses on someone or something. Number two, then you say, "Who is it?" Number two, then you say, "Who is it?" Number two, then you say, "Who is it?" Number two, it's not a reflexive verb. two, it's not a reflexive verb. two, it's not a reflexive verb. If it he was calling it down on himself, If it he was calling it down on himself, If it he was calling it down on himself, it would be reflexive verb, but it's not it would be reflexive verb, but it's not it would be reflexive verb, but it's not a reflexive verb. So, who is he calling a reflexive verb. So, who is he calling a reflexive verb. So, who is he calling curses down on? So, he's trying to curses down on? So, he's trying to curses down on? So, he's trying to deflect suspicion. He's trying to prove deflect suspicion. He's trying to prove deflect suspicion. He's trying to prove that he has nothing to do with this man. that he has nothing to do with this man. that he has nothing to do with this man. Who do you think he's calling curses Who do you think he's calling curses Who do you think he's calling curses down on? It looks like he's calling down on? It looks like he's calling down on? It looks like he's calling curses down on Jesus himself. He's curses down on Jesus himself. He's curses down on Jesus himself. He's saying he's cursing him and then saying saying he's cursing him and then saying saying he's cursing him and then saying no disciple would curse his master to no disciple would curse his master to no disciple would curse his master to try to prove.

It's the most egregious, most horrendous It's the most egregious, most horrendous betrayal, public betrayal possible betrayal, public betrayal possible betrayal, public betrayal possible within hours of having promised he never within hours of having promised he never within hours of having promised he never would do such a thing. And when the would do such a thing. And when the would do such a thing. And when the rooster crows and Jesus had said, you rooster crows and Jesus had said, you rooster crows and Jesus had said, you know, before before dawn the next day, know, before before dawn the next day, know, before before dawn the next day, you're going to do this and Peter you're going to do this and Peter you're going to do this and Peter remembers it and he completely breaks remembers it and he completely breaks remembers it and he completely breaks down, right? He just he's just down, right? He just he's just down, right? He just he's just devastated. He realizes what he's done. devastated. He realizes what he's done. devastated. He realizes what he's done. The magnitude of it, the immensity of it The magnitude of it, the immensity of it The magnitude of it, the immensity of it comes down on him and crushes him. Now, comes down on him and crushes him. Now, comes down on him and crushes him. Now, that's a really compelling story. But that's a really compelling story. But that's a really compelling story. But for a moment before going on with it, I for a moment before going on with it, I for a moment before going on with it, I want you to see what many scholars say want you to see what many scholars say want you to see what many scholars say this does. It virtually proves that this this does. It virtually proves that this this does. It virtually proves that this is an eyewitness account that this is is an eyewitness account that this is is an eyewitness account that this is not a legend. Richard Balkam, St. not a legend. Richard Balkam, St. not a legend. Richard Balkam, St. Andrews, Scotland in uh university, a Andrews, Scotland in uh university, a Andrews, Scotland in uh university, a major uh uh you know major very major uh uh you know major very major uh uh you know major very prominent scholar uh has written about prominent scholar uh has written about prominent scholar uh has written about this and says first of all this couldn't this and says first of all this couldn't this and says first of all this couldn't be made up. See many people say well you be made up. See many people say well you be made up. See many people say well you know the gospels there they're there know the gospels there they're there know the gospels there they're there they there were compilations of oral they there were compilations of oral they there were compilations of oral traditions that were you know they were traditions that were you know they were traditions that were you know they were kind of worked and morphed and all that kind of worked and morphed and all that kind of worked and morphed and all that by the leaders the Christian leaders by the leaders the Christian leaders by the leaders the Christian leaders you've heard the idea that history is you've heard the idea that history is you've heard the idea that history is written by the winners and see Christian written by the winners and see Christian written by the winners and see Christian the Christian leaders of the church they the Christian leaders of the church they the Christian leaders of the church they were trying to promote their movement were trying to promote their movement were trying to promote their movement they were trying to uh they were trying they were trying to uh they were trying they were trying to uh they were trying to um uh get power they were trying to to um uh get power they were trying to to um uh get power they were trying to consolidate their power so they created consolidate their power so they created consolidate their power so they created these stories that made them look good these stories that made them look good these stories that made them look good okay Peter the CEO of the Christian okay Peter the CEO of the Christian okay Peter the CEO of the Christian movement, one of the main leaders, movement, one of the main leaders, movement, one of the main leaders, Richard Balkam, says, "You would never

Richard Balkam, says, "You would never Richard Balkam, says, "You would never in a million years put this story in if in a million years put this story in if in a million years put this story in if you're making this up." And here's the you're making this up." And here's the you're making this up." And here's the reason why. You and I, I mean, I could reason why. You and I, I mean, I could reason why. You and I, I mean, I could hear everybody getting, you know, as I hear everybody getting, you know, as I hear everybody getting, you know, as I was telling the story, everybody's was telling the story, everybody's was telling the story, everybody's getting quiet because we feel bad for getting quiet because we feel bad for getting quiet because we feel bad for Peter. You don't feel bad enough for Peter. You don't feel bad enough for Peter. You don't feel bad enough for Peter. And here's the reason why. We Peter. And here's the reason why. We Peter. And here's the reason why. We live in an individualistic relativistic live in an individualistic relativistic live in an individualistic relativistic culture culture culture where public confessions, you know, you where public confessions, you know, you where public confessions, you know, you go on Ofra and you say, "I really blew go on Ofra and you say, "I really blew go on Ofra and you say, "I really blew it." and everybody weeps, but then you it." and everybody weeps, but then you it." and everybody weeps, but then you go on. I mean, we we live in a culture go on. I mean, we we live in a culture go on. I mean, we we live in a culture that's individualistic and relativistic. that's individualistic and relativistic. that's individualistic and relativistic. And some of you though know what it's And some of you though know what it's And some of you though know what it's like to live in a shame and honor like to live in a shame and honor like to live in a shame and honor culture. culture. culture. Some of you are from shame and honor Some of you are from shame and honor Some of you are from shame and honor cultures or your parents were from a cultures or your parents were from a cultures or your parents were from a shame and honor cultures. This is not a shame and honor cultures. This is not a shame and honor cultures. This is not a place where forgiveness happens. place where forgiveness happens. place where forgiveness happens. You betray your people. You betray your people. You betray your people. You act dishonorably. You act dishonorably. You act dishonorably. You do something like that to your You do something like that to your You do something like that to your master. master. master. you go down to your grave in shame. you go down to your grave in shame. you go down to your grave in shame. There is no there is there is no remedy There is no there is there is no remedy There is no there is there is no remedy for it. for it. for it. And Richard Balkam says there is And Richard Balkam says there is And Richard Balkam says there is absolutely no way that the Christians absolutely no way that the Christians absolutely no way that the Christians who were putting together the New who were putting together the New who were putting together the New Testament and the Gospels would have Testament and the Gospels would have Testament and the Gospels would have offered this to the world offered this to the world offered this to the world if this didn't happen. Because everyone if this didn't happen. Because everyone if this didn't happen. Because everyone knows in ancient times, anyone reading knows in ancient times, anyone reading knows in ancient times, anyone reading this, it would immediately discredit the this, it would immediately discredit the this, it would immediately discredit the whole movement. it would immediately whole movement. it would immediately whole movement. it would immediately discredit the Christian leadership. How discredit the Christian leadership. How discredit the Christian leadership. How in the world could somebody like that be in the world could somebody like that be in the world could somebody like that be your leader? There is no way, Balkam your leader? There is no way, Balkam your leader? There is no way, Balkam said, anyone could have ever made this said, anyone could have ever made this said, anyone could have ever made this up. The only possible explanation for

up. The only possible explanation for up. The only possible explanation for being in the Bible is that it happened. being in the Bible is that it happened. being in the Bible is that it happened. It's an eyewitness account. Ah, but It's an eyewitness account. Ah, but It's an eyewitness account. Ah, but whose eyewitness account? whose eyewitness account? whose eyewitness account? And Balkam goes on to say this. Listen. And Balkam goes on to say this. Listen. And Balkam goes on to say this. Listen. He says, 'N no one in the early church He says, 'N no one in the early church He says, 'N no one in the early church other than Peter himself would have other than Peter himself would have other than Peter himself would have dared dared dared to highlight the weakness and the to highlight the weakness and the to highlight the weakness and the failure of the most revered and failure of the most revered and failure of the most revered and significant leader in the Christian significant leader in the Christian significant leader in the Christian movement with the cander Mark nar movement with the cander Mark nar movement with the cander Mark nar narrative Mark's narrative does hear narrative Mark's narrative does hear narrative Mark's narrative does hear that no one in the early church I blew that no one in the early church I blew that no one in the early church I blew that quote didn't I no one in the early that quote didn't I no one in the early that quote didn't I no one in the early church other than Peter himself would church other than Peter himself would church other than Peter himself would have dared to highlight the weakness and have dared to highlight the weakness and have dared to highlight the weakness and failure of the most revered and failure of the most revered and failure of the most revered and significant leader in the Christian significant leader in the Christian significant leader in the Christian movement with the cander Mark's movement with the cander Mark's movement with the cander Mark's narrative does this must have come from narrative does this must have come from narrative does this must have come from Peter. No one else would have dared put Peter. No one else would have dared put Peter. No one else would have dared put it in there. And Balkam says, "Go read it in there. And Balkam says, "Go read it in there. And Balkam says, "Go read the rest of the book of Mark. You'll see the rest of the book of Mark. You'll see the rest of the book of Mark. You'll see that there's never anything that there's never anything that there's never anything never anything recounted except Peter's never anything recounted except Peter's never anything recounted except Peter's there." Why? Because Peter there." Why? Because Peter there." Why? Because Peter is the basically the narrator. Peter is is the basically the narrator. Peter is is the basically the narrator. Peter is it's his eyewitness account. He was it's his eyewitness account. He was it's his eyewitness account. He was there. He saw it. And this stuff was not there. He saw it. And this stuff was not there. He saw it. And this stuff was not made up. It happened. You want to made up. It happened. You want to made up. It happened. You want to encounter the risen Christ, you've got encounter the risen Christ, you've got encounter the risen Christ, you've got to believe it actually happened. But to believe it actually happened. But to believe it actually happened. But secondly, if you want to encounter the secondly, if you want to encounter the secondly, if you want to encounter the risen Christ, you've got to understand risen Christ, you've got to understand risen Christ, you've got to understand what the resurrection actually what the resurrection actually what the resurrection actually accomplished.

accomplished. accomplished. Just to believe it happened, like some Just to believe it happened, like some Just to believe it happened, like some kind of magic trick isn't going to kind of magic trick isn't going to kind of magic trick isn't going to change your life. change your life. change your life. What do you have to understand? You have What do you have to understand? You have What do you have to understand? You have to understand how the resurrection saved to understand how the resurrection saved to understand how the resurrection saved you in a sense or at least it's its role you in a sense or at least it's its role you in a sense or at least it's its role in salvation or certainly its uh in salvation or certainly its uh in salvation or certainly its uh relationship to what Jesus did on the relationship to what Jesus did on the relationship to what Jesus did on the cross. And here's how you understand cross. And here's how you understand cross. And here's how you understand that. You actually, this is one one of that. You actually, this is one one of that. You actually, this is one one of the problems with just reading a snatch the problems with just reading a snatch the problems with just reading a snatch out of a of a chapter of the gospel and out of a of a chapter of the gospel and out of a of a chapter of the gospel and trying to preach on it. If you stand trying to preach on it. If you stand trying to preach on it. If you stand back and read all of Mark 14, you see a back and read all of Mark 14, you see a back and read all of Mark 14, you see a literary artist at work. And most literary artist at work. And most literary artist at work. And most readers and commenters on the book of readers and commenters on the book of readers and commenters on the book of Mark have always said the artistry of Mark have always said the artistry of Mark have always said the artistry of chapter 14 is remarkable because Mark is chapter 14 is remarkable because Mark is chapter 14 is remarkable because Mark is showing us that Peter and Jesus in some showing us that Peter and Jesus in some showing us that Peter and Jesus in some ways are on a kind of on a parallel ways are on a kind of on a parallel ways are on a kind of on a parallel course. course. course. They're both being questioned at the They're both being questioned at the They're both being questioned at the same time. same time. same time. They're both being questioned. They're They're both being questioned. They're They're both being questioned. They're both being interrogated. And both of both being interrogated. And both of both being interrogated. And both of them have their lives at stake at the them have their lives at stake at the them have their lives at stake at the same time.

same time. same time. interesting. interesting. interesting. But that's where the similarities end But that's where the similarities end But that's where the similarities end because Peter, pardon me, Jesus because Peter, pardon me, Jesus because Peter, pardon me, Jesus is being tried very publicly by all the is being tried very publicly by all the is being tried very publicly by all the powers of the society. powers of the society. powers of the society. Peter is just being tried at a fire, Peter is just being tried at a fire, Peter is just being tried at a fire, very privately by a female domestic. very privately by a female domestic. very privately by a female domestic. He's being interrogated by a girl. He's being interrogated by a girl. He's being interrogated by a girl. Jesus responds courageously witnessing Jesus responds courageously witnessing Jesus responds courageously witnessing to the truth and losing his life for it. to the truth and losing his life for it. to the truth and losing his life for it. And Peter responds by lying through his And Peter responds by lying through his And Peter responds by lying through his teeth, lying again and again and again teeth, lying again and again and again teeth, lying again and again and again just to save his skin. just to save his skin. just to save his skin. That contrast is stark. But here's what That contrast is stark. But here's what That contrast is stark. But here's what it proves. Jesus Christ did not come the it proves. Jesus Christ did not come the it proves. Jesus Christ did not come the way the founders of other religions came way the founders of other religions came way the founders of other religions came to be a wonderful moral example. to be a wonderful moral example. to be a wonderful moral example. Jesus Christ did not come to show us how Jesus Christ did not come to show us how Jesus Christ did not come to show us how to live. Not primarily. He did not come to live. Not primarily. He did not come to live. Not primarily. He did not come to say, "I'm going to show you how to be to say, "I'm going to show you how to be to say, "I'm going to show you how to be courageous. I'm going to show you how to courageous. I'm going to show you how to courageous. I'm going to show you how to be a person of integrity. I'm going to be a person of integrity. I'm going to be a person of integrity. I'm going to show you uh how you should be willing to show you uh how you should be willing to show you uh how you should be willing to sacrifice everything for love and for sacrifice everything for love and for sacrifice everything for love and for and for integrity. I'm going to show you and for integrity. I'm going to show you and for integrity. I'm going to show you that as a moral example. He was a that as a moral example. He was a that as a moral example. He was a failure." You know why? Because it failure." You know why? Because it failure." You know why? Because it didn't help Peter. Peter tried to sum didn't help Peter. Peter tried to sum didn't help Peter. Peter tried to sum sum up all of his willpower. Think about sum up all of his willpower. Think about sum up all of his willpower. Think about it, would you? I mean, Peter vowed to be it, would you? I mean, Peter vowed to be it, would you? I mean, Peter vowed to be true to Jesus Christ in front of all of true to Jesus Christ in front of all of true to Jesus Christ in front of all of his friends. I mean, that's called his friends. I mean, that's called his friends. I mean, that's called accountability.

accountability. accountability. That's one of the reasons why we have That's one of the reasons why we have That's one of the reasons why we have accountability groups. If you're trying accountability groups. If you're trying accountability groups. If you're trying to beef up your willpower, you you uh to beef up your willpower, you you uh to beef up your willpower, you you uh instead of just making kind of private instead of just making kind of private instead of just making kind of private uh you know resolutions, you get in uh you know resolutions, you get in uh you know resolutions, you get in public, you talk to people, you ask them public, you talk to people, you ask them public, you talk to people, you ask them all, you hold you accountable. This is all, you hold you accountable. This is all, you hold you accountable. This is how you summons up your willpower. But how you summons up your willpower. But how you summons up your willpower. But it failed. it failed. it failed. It utterly failed. If Jesus Christ came It utterly failed. If Jesus Christ came It utterly failed. If Jesus Christ came just as a moral example, it failed just as a moral example, it failed just as a moral example, it failed Peter. It fails us because, you know, Peter. It fails us because, you know, Peter. It fails us because, you know, his his moral example is just so high his his moral example is just so high his his moral example is just so high and so unattainable, it just crushes and so unattainable, it just crushes and so unattainable, it just crushes you. you. you. But Jesus did not actually come as a But Jesus did not actually come as a But Jesus did not actually come as a moral example. He didn't come to die for moral example. He didn't come to die for moral example. He didn't come to die for us as an example. He came to die for us us as an example. He came to die for us us as an example. He came to die for us as a substitute. as a substitute. as a substitute. He came to die for us as a substitute. He came to die for us as a substitute. He came to die for us as a substitute. He came to live the life we should have He came to live the life we should have He came to live the life we should have lived, die the death we should have lived, die the death we should have lived, die the death we should have died. He came to go to the cross and be died. He came to go to the cross and be died. He came to go to the cross and be forsaken. See, that's the reason why forsaken. See, that's the reason why forsaken. See, that's the reason why he's saying you will all fall away. The he's saying you will all fall away. The he's saying you will all fall away. The shepherd is going to be struck and you shepherd is going to be struck and you shepherd is going to be struck and you will all fall away. Everyone will will all fall away. Everyone will will all fall away. Everyone will forsake you. No, no, no, says Peter. I forsake you. No, no, no, says Peter. I forsake you. No, no, no, says Peter. I will never forsake you. And Jesus really will never forsake you. And Jesus really will never forsake you. And Jesus really could have said, Peter, even my father's could have said, Peter, even my father's could have said, Peter, even my father's going to forsake me.

going to forsake me. going to forsake me. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? On the cross, me? On the cross, me? On the cross, Jesus Christ dies. When he's on trial, Jesus Christ dies. When he's on trial, Jesus Christ dies. When he's on trial, Jesus Christ is perfect. He's truthful. Jesus Christ is perfect. He's truthful. Jesus Christ is perfect. He's truthful. He's courageous. He's gracious. He's He's courageous. He's gracious. He's He's courageous. He's gracious. He's perfect. And when he goes to the he perfect. And when he goes to the he perfect. And when he goes to the he lives the life we should have lived and lives the life we should have lived and lives the life we should have lived and dies the death we deserved. He takes our dies the death we deserved. He takes our dies the death we deserved. He takes our punishment so that God can forgive us. punishment so that God can forgive us. punishment so that God can forgive us. In other words, there's a place, by the In other words, there's a place, by the In other words, there's a place, by the way, in Luke 22. Luke 22 is the only way, in Luke 22. Luke 22 is the only way, in Luke 22. Luke 22 is the only account of this period where Peter is account of this period where Peter is account of this period where Peter is being interrogated and denying Jesus. being interrogated and denying Jesus. being interrogated and denying Jesus. Jesus is upstairs in the room and he's Jesus is upstairs in the room and he's Jesus is upstairs in the room and he's being tried and Peter's down the being tried and Peter's down the being tried and Peter's down the courtyard denying. And only Luke 22 courtyard denying. And only Luke 22 courtyard denying. And only Luke 22 tells us at one point Jesus looked out tells us at one point Jesus looked out tells us at one point Jesus looked out the window and looked right at Peter and the window and looked right at Peter and the window and looked right at Peter and Peter saw him looking at him. and their Peter saw him looking at him. and their Peter saw him looking at him. and their eyes met and he was cut to the quick and eyes met and he was cut to the quick and eyes met and he was cut to the quick and he went out and wept. It's almost as if he went out and wept. It's almost as if he went out and wept. It's almost as if Jesus, if he was able to, could have Jesus, if he was able to, could have Jesus, if he was able to, could have said at this point, "Peter, do you see said at this point, "Peter, do you see said at this point, "Peter, do you see the difference between us? Do you see the difference between us? Do you see the difference between us? Do you see how you're handling your interrogation? how you're handling your interrogation? how you're handling your interrogation? You see how I'm handling mine? I who You see how I'm handling mine? I who You see how I'm handling mine? I who deserve freedom and being condemned by deserve freedom and being condemned by deserve freedom and being condemned by justice so you who deserve to be justice so you who deserve to be justice so you who deserve to be condemned by justice can be free. I'm condemned by justice can be free. I'm condemned by justice can be free. I'm being tried in this kangaroo earthly being tried in this kangaroo earthly being tried in this kangaroo earthly court so that you can be exonerated in court so that you can be exonerated in court so that you can be exonerated in the heavenly court so that you can be the heavenly court so that you can be the heavenly court so that you can be accepted by the only judge that matters.

accepted by the only judge that matters. accepted by the only judge that matters. So that you can have your sins forgiven. So that you can have your sins forgiven. So that you can have your sins forgiven. So that you can be free. And the resurrection, of course, is the And the resurrection, of course, is the receipt of that. We talked about this receipt of that. We talked about this receipt of that. We talked about this last week, but I I'll never get tired of last week, but I I'll never get tired of last week, but I I'll never get tired of talking about it. If if if law if if if talking about it. If if if law if if if talking about it. If if if law if if if the penalty for breaking law X is to go the penalty for breaking law X is to go the penalty for breaking law X is to go to jail for two years, at the end of the to jail for two years, at the end of the to jail for two years, at the end of the two years, you're sprung. Why? Because two years, you're sprung. Why? Because two years, you're sprung. Why? Because you've paid it. You've paid the penalty. you've paid it. You've paid the penalty. you've paid it. You've paid the penalty. It has no more claim on you. And if the It has no more claim on you. And if the It has no more claim on you. And if the penalty for our sin, for sinning against penalty for our sin, for sinning against penalty for our sin, for sinning against God and neighbor, if the wages of sin is God and neighbor, if the wages of sin is God and neighbor, if the wages of sin is death and Jesus Christ dies and then death and Jesus Christ dies and then death and Jesus Christ dies and then he's raised, what does that mean? It he's raised, what does that mean? It he's raised, what does that mean? It means he paid it. It means it's all means he paid it. It means it's all means he paid it. It means it's all paid. It's fulfilled. It means those who paid. It's fulfilled. It means those who paid. It's fulfilled. It means those who believe in him, the law has no more believe in him, the law has no more believe in him, the law has no more claim on you. The resurrection is a receipt which The resurrection is a receipt which proves it. The resurrection Jesus Paul proves it. The resurrection Jesus Paul proves it. The resurrection Jesus Paul says Jesus Christ was raised for our says Jesus Christ was raised for our says Jesus Christ was raised for our justification. Romans 4:25. How so? justification. Romans 4:25. How so? justification. Romans 4:25. How so? Because it proves Because it proves Because it proves that we're free. And right here in the that we're free. And right here in the that we're free. And right here in the founding documents of the Christian founding documents of the Christian founding documents of the Christian church where its greatest leader is this church where its greatest leader is this church where its greatest leader is this enormous failure enormous failure enormous failure and yet Jesus Christ dies for him. It and yet Jesus Christ dies for him. It and yet Jesus Christ dies for him. It proves that Christian salvation operates proves that Christian salvation operates proves that Christian salvation operates differently than every other kind of differently than every other kind of differently than every other kind of religion. Sal Christian salvation is for religion. Sal Christian salvation is for religion. Sal Christian salvation is for the weak. It's for the moral failure.

the weak. It's for the moral failure. the weak. It's for the moral failure. It's for the one who admits that there's It's for the one who admits that there's It's for the one who admits that there's that they're sinners. And that is the that they're sinners. And that is the that they're sinners. And that is the reason why the resurrection and the reason why the resurrection and the reason why the resurrection and the cross accomplishes your salvation for cross accomplishes your salvation for cross accomplishes your salvation for you. And you have to see that if you're you. And you have to see that if you're you. And you have to see that if you're going to encounter the risen Christ. going to encounter the risen Christ. going to encounter the risen Christ. Thirdly, Thirdly, Thirdly, thirdly, I said you have to submit to a thirdly, I said you have to submit to a thirdly, I said you have to submit to a pattern. Now, what do I mean by a pattern. Now, what do I mean by a pattern. Now, what do I mean by a pattern? Paul in his letters talks about pattern? Paul in his letters talks about pattern? Paul in his letters talks about a spiritual resurrection. Now, a spiritual resurrection. Now, a spiritual resurrection. Now, of course, our physical resurrection is of course, our physical resurrection is of course, our physical resurrection is in the future. But Paul says in in uh um in the future. But Paul says in in uh um in the future. But Paul says in in uh um where is it? Yeah. Paul says in, for where is it? Yeah. Paul says in, for where is it? Yeah. Paul says in, for example, Philippians 3, he says, "I want example, Philippians 3, he says, "I want example, Philippians 3, he says, "I want to know the power of Christ's to know the power of Christ's to know the power of Christ's resurrection." Now, resurrection." Now, resurrection." Now, uh he says in in Ephesians 2, he talks uh he says in in Ephesians 2, he talks uh he says in in Ephesians 2, he talks about we're raised with him. So, there's about we're raised with him. So, there's about we're raised with him. So, there's a sense in which we experience the a sense in which we experience the a sense in which we experience the spiritual resurrection. Now, how does spiritual resurrection. Now, how does spiritual resurrection. Now, how does that work? My understanding, and you can that work? My understanding, and you can that work? My understanding, and you can see it in Colossians 3, you can see it see it in Colossians 3, you can see it see it in Colossians 3, you can see it in Romans 8, you can see it all the way in Romans 8, you can see it all the way in Romans 8, you can see it all the way along, is that there's now a pattern of along, is that there's now a pattern of along, is that there's now a pattern of death and resurrection that the Holy death and resurrection that the Holy death and resurrection that the Holy Spirit comes into your life and takes Spirit comes into your life and takes Spirit comes into your life and takes you through. We're supposed to die more you through. We're supposed to die more you through. We're supposed to die more and more under sin and live more and and more under sin and live more and and more under sin and live more and more under righteousness. And what and more under righteousness. And what and more under righteousness. And what and you're going to see in here in one you're going to see in here in one you're going to see in here in one second Jesus taking Peter through this.

second Jesus taking Peter through this. second Jesus taking Peter through this. And what this means is the way you And what this means is the way you And what this means is the way you become the way you more and more love become the way you more and more love become the way you more and more love God supremely. God supremely. God supremely. Remember how St. Augustine talks about Remember how St. Augustine talks about Remember how St. Augustine talks about what's wrong with our hearts. Disordered what's wrong with our hearts. Disordered what's wrong with our hearts. Disordered loves. We love our reputation or we love loves. We love our reputation or we love loves. We love our reputation or we love our career more than God. If you love our career more than God. If you love our career more than God. If you love your career more than God and you have a your career more than God and you have a your career more than God and you have a career reversal, it destroys you. If you career reversal, it destroys you. If you career reversal, it destroys you. If you love God more than your career and you love God more than your career and you love God more than your career and you have a career reversal, you can handle have a career reversal, you can handle have a career reversal, you can handle it. All of our problems come. All of our it. All of our problems come. All of our it. All of our problems come. All of our inordinate desires, our fears, our inordinate desires, our fears, our inordinate desires, our fears, our anger, our bitterness, our anxieties, anger, our bitterness, our anxieties, anger, our bitterness, our anxieties, they all come because the loves of our they all come because the loves of our they all come because the loves of our heart are disordered. How does we get heart are disordered. How does we get heart are disordered. How does we get our loves back in the right order so we our loves back in the right order so we our loves back in the right order so we become people who really live with become people who really live with become people who really live with greatness? And the answer is you go greatness? And the answer is you go greatness? And the answer is you go through this pattern. You feel like through this pattern. You feel like through this pattern. You feel like you're dying when you sin and you you're dying when you sin and you you're dying when you sin and you repent. You repent. You You just admit repent. You repent. You You just admit repent. You repent. You You just admit there's no You You admit your moral there's no You You admit your moral there's no You You admit your moral bankruptcy. You admit that there's no bankruptcy. You admit that there's no bankruptcy. You admit that there's no You don't blame shift. You just It feels You don't blame shift. You just It feels You don't blame shift. You just It feels like a death to repent. feels like a like a death to repent. feels like a like a death to repent. feels like a death, but you go through that death to death, but you go through that death to death, but you go through that death to the experience of greater forgiveness, the experience of greater forgiveness, the experience of greater forgiveness, greater sense of God's grace, greater greater sense of God's grace, greater greater sense of God's grace, greater gratitude, and as time goes on, the love gratitude, and as time goes on, the love gratitude, and as time goes on, the love of God and God's love gets higher and of God and God's love gets higher and of God and God's love gets higher and higher and higher priority in your higher and higher priority in your higher and higher priority in your heart. And you become more and more a heart. And you become more and more a heart. And you become more and more a person of greatness like Jesus himself.

person of greatness like Jesus himself. person of greatness like Jesus himself. Now, let's just take a look and see how Now, let's just take a look and see how Now, let's just take a look and see how Jesus takes Peter through this pattern. It's from John 21. Here's where it It's from John 21. Here's where it starts. When they had finished eating, starts. When they had finished eating, starts. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "All right, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "All right, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "All right, now let's now let's now let's why are they eating?" Because when Peter why are they eating?" Because when Peter why are they eating?" Because when Peter comes to see Jesus, and just imagine him comes to see Jesus, and just imagine him comes to see Jesus, and just imagine him coming to see Jesus, coming to see Jesus, coming to see Jesus, knowing what he's done, having to face knowing what he's done, having to face knowing what he's done, having to face Jesus one-on-one. He comes up to Jesus, Jesus one-on-one. He comes up to Jesus, Jesus one-on-one. He comes up to Jesus, and Jesus actually has built a fire and and Jesus actually has built a fire and and Jesus actually has built a fire and he's cooking fish and so they eat. he's cooking fish and so they eat. he's cooking fish and so they eat. Let's see what Jesus does to Peter. Let's see what Jesus does to Peter. Let's see what Jesus does to Peter. Let's see how Jesus rebuilds his life Let's see how Jesus rebuilds his life Let's see how Jesus rebuilds his life having it fall apart. First of all, he having it fall apart. First of all, he having it fall apart. First of all, he brings Peter to a fire. A fire. That's brings Peter to a fire. A fire. That's brings Peter to a fire. A fire. That's where he bet that's where he denied where he bet that's where he denied where he bet that's where he denied Jesus. Just imagine Peter walking. Jesus Jesus. Just imagine Peter walking. Jesus Jesus. Just imagine Peter walking. Jesus says, "Hey, let's sit down by the fire." says, "Hey, let's sit down by the fire." says, "Hey, let's sit down by the fire." Peter says, "A fire. A fire. A fire. Are you trying to remind me of Are you trying to remind me of Are you trying to remind me of something?" Yes. something?" Yes. something?" Yes. Okay. The next thing he says is, Okay. The next thing he says is, Okay. The next thing he says is, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more "Simon, son of John, do you love me more "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He's talking about the than these?" He's talking about the than these?" He's talking about the other disciples. See, he's reminding other disciples. See, he's reminding other disciples. See, he's reminding Peter. Oh my goodness. First, he reminds Peter. Oh my goodness. First, he reminds Peter. Oh my goodness. First, he reminds Peter of what he did with the fire. Now, Peter of what he did with the fire. Now, Peter of what he did with the fire. Now, he's reminding that he said, "Even if he's reminding that he said, "Even if he's reminding that he said, "Even if all the rest of them, Lord, if they fall all the rest of them, Lord, if they fall all the rest of them, Lord, if they fall away, away, away, I will not." Which means Peter was I will not." Which means Peter was I will not." Which means Peter was saying, saying, saying, you know, these other people, they don't you know, these other people, they don't you know, these other people, they don't love you as like I do. I love you, Lord, love you as like I do. I love you, Lord, love you as like I do. I love you, Lord, more than any of them. And Jesus is more than any of them. And Jesus is more than any of them. And Jesus is reminding him

reminding him reminding him and saying, "Do you love me more than and saying, "Do you love me more than and saying, "Do you love me more than all these?" And see, Peter, all these?" And see, Peter, all these?" And see, Peter, interestingly enough, he just he he interestingly enough, he just he he interestingly enough, he just he he ignores that. He certainly wouldn't say, ignores that. He certainly wouldn't say, ignores that. He certainly wouldn't say, "Yes, I do." Of course, how can he say "Yes, I do." Of course, how can he say "Yes, I do." Of course, how can he say that now after all this? All he says is, that now after all this? All he says is, that now after all this? All he says is, "Lord, you know, I love you." "Lord, you know, I love you." "Lord, you know, I love you." First, he reminds him through the fire. First, he reminds him through the fire. First, he reminds him through the fire. Second, he reminds the form of of his uh Second, he reminds the form of of his uh Second, he reminds the form of of his uh you know, his broken promise. But then you know, his broken promise. But then you know, his broken promise. But then three times he asks him, "Do you love three times he asks him, "Do you love three times he asks him, "Do you love me?" "Yes, I love you." me?" "Yes, I love you." me?" "Yes, I love you." Second time, "Do you love me?" "Uh, yes, Second time, "Do you love me?" "Uh, yes, Second time, "Do you love me?" "Uh, yes, I love you." Third time, "Do you love I love you." Third time, "Do you love I love you." Third time, "Do you love me?" And it says Peter was hurt. I mean, me?" And it says Peter was hurt. I mean, me?" And it says Peter was hurt. I mean, it was agonizing. Jesus is just trying it was agonizing. Jesus is just trying it was agonizing. Jesus is just trying to make him go back through everything to make him go back through everything to make him go back through everything he did. he did. he did. And essentially, every time Jesus asks And essentially, every time Jesus asks And essentially, every time Jesus asks him, "Do you love me?" him, "Do you love me?" him, "Do you love me?" Peter's answer is basically, "Yes, Lord, Peter's answer is basically, "Yes, Lord, Peter's answer is basically, "Yes, Lord, I am a moral failure. I am a moral failure. I am a moral failure. but I love you. but I love you. but I love you. Now, why is he doing that? He's putting Now, why is he doing that? He's putting Now, why is he doing that? He's putting Peter through death. It's the death that Peter through death. It's the death that Peter through death. It's the death that repentance feels like. It feels like a repentance feels like. It feels like a repentance feels like. It feels like a death. All the self-esteem is going. You death. All the self-esteem is going. You death. All the self-esteem is going. You know, all your excuses are going away.

know, all your excuses are going away. know, all your excuses are going away. It feels like a death. But look what It feels like a death. But look what It feels like a death. But look what he's doing every single time. he's doing every single time. he's doing every single time. Peter says, "I have failed." No excuses. Peter says, "I have failed." No excuses. Peter says, "I have failed." No excuses. Jesus says, "Okay, feed my lambs. Feed Jesus says, "Okay, feed my lambs. Feed Jesus says, "Okay, feed my lambs. Feed my she take care of my sheep. Feed my my she take care of my sheep. Feed my my she take care of my sheep. Feed my sheep." Now, the word feed is the word sheep." Now, the word feed is the word sheep." Now, the word feed is the word poous. And we're going to end by poous. And we're going to end by poous. And we're going to end by explaining what that means. It's a word explaining what that means. It's a word explaining what that means. It's a word that means to shepherd or pastor that means to shepherd or pastor that means to shepherd or pastor someone. someone. someone. And what he's actually saying is, And what he's actually saying is, And what he's actually saying is, "Be the leader of my church. "Be the leader of my church. "Be the leader of my church. I'm a failure." Right? Take charge. I'm I'm a failure." Right? Take charge. I'm I'm a failure." Right? Take charge. I'm a failure. That's right. That's why I a failure. That's right. That's why I a failure. That's right. That's why I want you to be the leader. I'm a want you to be the leader. I'm a want you to be the leader. I'm a failure. I want you to be the supreme failure. I want you to be the supreme failure. I want you to be the supreme leader of the Christian church. leader of the Christian church. leader of the Christian church. What is Jesus saying? What is Jesus saying? What is Jesus saying? He is saying nothing prepares you for He is saying nothing prepares you for He is saying nothing prepares you for effectiveness in the life of others for effectiveness in the life of others for effectiveness in the life of others for leadership and greatness like failure leadership and greatness like failure leadership and greatness like failure plunged into the sea of my grace. plunged into the sea of my grace. plunged into the sea of my grace. Because the word feed, the word Because the word feed, the word Because the word feed, the word shepherd, the word poinos actually means shepherd, the word poinos actually means shepherd, the word poinos actually means as you know what a shepherd does. It as you know what a shepherd does. It as you know what a shepherd does. It means being both strong and at the same means being both strong and at the same means being both strong and at the same time being tender. Tender but bold.

time being tender. Tender but bold. time being tender. Tender but bold. Tender but bold. Tender but bold. Tender but bold. And Jesus is trying to say because And Jesus is trying to say because And Jesus is trying to say because you're going through the death and you're going through the death and you're going through the death and resurrection of repentance and the resurrection of repentance and the resurrection of repentance and the experience of grace that's going to make experience of grace that's going to make experience of grace that's going to make you such a good leader because you're you such a good leader because you're you such a good leader because you're not going to worry about what anybody not going to worry about what anybody not going to worry about what anybody thinks anymore because your reputation thinks anymore because your reputation thinks anymore because your reputation won't matter because you know you've got won't matter because you know you've got won't matter because you know you've got my love. But at the same time it means my love. But at the same time it means my love. But at the same time it means humility. It means tenderness. It means humility. It means tenderness. It means humility. It means tenderness. It means you don't put on airs anymore. your you don't put on airs anymore. your you don't put on airs anymore. your self-esteem doesn't matter anymore. You self-esteem doesn't matter anymore. You self-esteem doesn't matter anymore. You don't hold your self-image as if you're don't hold your self-image as if you're don't hold your self-image as if you're afraid of breaking it. Dick Lucas, who was a pastor, he was the Dick Lucas, who was a pastor, he was the the recctor of St. Helen's Bishop's Gate the recctor of St. Helen's Bishop's Gate the recctor of St. Helen's Bishop's Gate Church in the center of London from 1960 Church in the center of London from 1960 Church in the center of London from 1960 to 1990. I heard him I heard a recording to 1990. I heard him I heard a recording to 1990. I heard him I heard a recording of him preaching on John 21, this very of him preaching on John 21, this very of him preaching on John 21, this very text, feed my lambs, feed my sheep. And text, feed my lambs, feed my sheep. And text, feed my lambs, feed my sheep. And he told a story. He said years ago, and he told a story. He said years ago, and he told a story. He said years ago, and it must be at least 40 or 50 years ago it must be at least 40 or 50 years ago it must be at least 40 or 50 years ago now because Dick is I think in his 90s, now because Dick is I think in his 90s, now because Dick is I think in his 90s, he was invited to Stony Brook School, he was invited to Stony Brook School, he was invited to Stony Brook School, Christian boarding school out here on Christian boarding school out here on Christian boarding school out here on Long Island to speak at chapel all week.

Long Island to speak at chapel all week. Long Island to speak at chapel all week. So he came and he was speaking at So he came and he was speaking at So he came and he was speaking at chapel. But after the first chapel talk, chapel. But after the first chapel talk, chapel. But after the first chapel talk, to his horror, the headmaster got up and to his horror, the headmaster got up and to his horror, the headmaster got up and said, "Well, now Reverend Lucas is going said, "Well, now Reverend Lucas is going said, "Well, now Reverend Lucas is going to be with us all weekend. So there's to be with us all weekend. So there's to be with us all weekend. So there's anyone here who would like spiritual anyone here who would like spiritual anyone here who would like spiritual counsel or pastoral counsel from him, counsel or pastoral counsel from him, counsel or pastoral counsel from him, you can get out of class and go see him. you can get out of class and go see him. you can get out of class and go see him. Now, this horrified Dick because if you Now, this horrified Dick because if you Now, this horrified Dick because if you know anything about him, first of all, know anything about him, first of all, know anything about him, first of all, this is a long time ago now. Um, Dick this is a long time ago now. Um, Dick this is a long time ago now. Um, Dick was a lifetime bachelor was a lifetime bachelor was a lifetime bachelor and he was also a an Oxbridge English and he was also a an Oxbridge English and he was also a an Oxbridge English gentleman. gentleman. gentleman. And to put it nicely, children were a And to put it nicely, children were a And to put it nicely, children were a trial for him. And when he heard it, he trial for him. And when he heard it, he trial for him. And when he heard it, he couldn't believe it. But unfortunately, couldn't believe it. But unfortunately, couldn't believe it. But unfortunately, that little carrot, you know, you can that little carrot, you know, you can that little carrot, you know, you can get out of class, you want to go see get out of class, you want to go see get out of class, you want to go see Reverend Lucas, next thing you know, Reverend Lucas, next thing you know, Reverend Lucas, next thing you know, they were all beating a path through his they were all beating a path through his they were all beating a path through his door. And he said, "I heard one door. And he said, "I heard one door. And he said, "I heard one 14-year-old girl after another coming in 14-year-old girl after another coming in 14-year-old girl after another coming in and unburdening her heart like this, and unburdening her heart like this, and unburdening her heart like this, and he doesn't even know I exist, you know." And this and this, you know, you know." And this and this, you know, you know, this this old Oxbridge you know, this this old Oxbridge you know, this this old Oxbridge Eduardian, you know, Englishman bachelor Eduardian, you know, Englishman bachelor Eduardian, you know, Englishman bachelor wanted, he said, "I just wanted to say, wanted, he said, "I just wanted to say, wanted, he said, "I just wanted to say, in six months, you won't even remember in six months, you won't even remember in six months, you won't even remember the little twit's name. Stop blubbering.

the little twit's name. Stop blubbering. the little twit's name. Stop blubbering. You know, you woman, stop blubbering. He You know, you woman, stop blubbering. He You know, you woman, stop blubbering. He He says, "Oh my gosh, somebody take me He says, "Oh my gosh, somebody take me He says, "Oh my gosh, somebody take me to a pub. Somebody, what am I doing to a pub. Somebody, what am I doing to a pub. Somebody, what am I doing here?" And then one morning, he um was here?" And then one morning, he um was here?" And then one morning, he um was reading his daily Bible reading and he reading his daily Bible reading and he reading his daily Bible reading and he came to John chapter 21 and he saw Jesus came to John chapter 21 and he saw Jesus came to John chapter 21 and he saw Jesus say to Peter, "Feed my lambs." say to Peter, "Feed my lambs." say to Peter, "Feed my lambs." And he he said, "It knocked me flat." And he he said, "It knocked me flat." And he he said, "It knocked me flat." Because it doesn't say, "Feed my dogs or Because it doesn't say, "Feed my dogs or Because it doesn't say, "Feed my dogs or my cats." Because you get something from my cats." Because you get something from my cats." Because you get something from dogs and cats. They nuzzle you. They get dogs and cats. They nuzzle you. They get dogs and cats. They nuzzle you. They get your slippers. Stuff like that. But he your slippers. Stuff like that. But he your slippers. Stuff like that. But he says, he says, "You have to know that says, he says, "You have to know that says, he says, "You have to know that you are a complete failure. And yet you you are a complete failure. And yet you you are a complete failure. And yet you have been absolutely loved by the grace have been absolutely loved by the grace have been absolutely loved by the grace of God to be kind enough to be humble of God to be kind enough to be humble of God to be kind enough to be humble enough to be loving enough to be and to enough to be loving enough to be and to enough to be loving enough to be and to be eager to feed lambs, people that you be eager to feed lambs, people that you be eager to feed lambs, people that you get no there's no payoff. There's no get no there's no payoff. There's no get no there's no payoff. There's no emotional or social or cultural payoff. emotional or social or cultural payoff. emotional or social or cultural payoff. and just to listen to him and just to and just to listen to him and just to and just to listen to him and just to care for them because you see it's if care for them because you see it's if care for them because you see it's if you know your moral failure been plunged you know your moral failure been plunged you know your moral failure been plunged into the grace of Jesus Christ then you into the grace of Jesus Christ then you into the grace of Jesus Christ then you are going to be you're I don't care I are going to be you're I don't care I are going to be you're I don't care I don't care if you are a plumby you know don't care if you are a plumby you know don't care if you are a plumby you know Cambridge graduate from the 1930s at Cambridge graduate from the 1930s at Cambridge graduate from the 1930s at Oxford you know a you know he said he Oxford you know a you know he said he Oxford you know a you know he said he said I'm the last person to want to sit said I'm the last person to want to sit said I'm the last person to want to sit and listen to you know prepubescent and listen to you know prepubescent and listen to you know prepubescent girls talk about their love life but he girls talk about their love life but he girls talk about their love life but he said I had to I could I ood. Who did I said I had to I could I ood. Who did I said I had to I could I ood. Who did I think I was?

think I was? think I was? Do you see that an encounter with the Do you see that an encounter with the Do you see that an encounter with the risen Jesus Christ makes you tender but risen Jesus Christ makes you tender but risen Jesus Christ makes you tender but also strong? Also very strong, also strong? Also very strong, also strong? Also very strong, courageous, too. See why? At the very courageous, too. See why? At the very courageous, too. See why? At the very end, it says, "Very truly I tell you, end, it says, "Very truly I tell you, end, it says, "Very truly I tell you, when you were younger and you dressed when you were younger and you dressed when you were younger and you dressed yourself and went where you wanted." yourself and went where you wanted." yourself and went where you wanted." Okay? In other words, Jesus says, Peter, Okay? In other words, Jesus says, Peter, Okay? In other words, Jesus says, Peter, when you were younger, your life was when you were younger, your life was when you were younger, your life was your own. But when you're old, you will your own. But when you're old, you will your own. But when you're old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else stretch out your hands and someone else stretch out your hands and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do will dress you and lead you where you do will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go. Do you know what that not want to go. Do you know what that not want to go. Do you know what that means? means? means? You know, it's ironic because the word You know, it's ironic because the word You know, it's ironic because the word to the Greek idiom for crucifixion was to the Greek idiom for crucifixion was to the Greek idiom for crucifixion was to have your arm stretched out. to have your arm stretched out. to have your arm stretched out. It's ironic because to have your arm It's ironic because to have your arm It's ironic because to have your arm stretched out is a posture of love and stretched out is a posture of love and stretched out is a posture of love and vulnerability and and openness, right, vulnerability and and openness, right, vulnerability and and openness, right, and embrace. And yet, it's also how you and embrace. And yet, it's also how you and embrace. And yet, it's also how you got crucified. And Jesus is saying, you got crucified. And Jesus is saying, you got crucified. And Jesus is saying, you are going to are going to are going to be such a great pastor. be such a great pastor. be such a great pastor. You're going to be such a great You're going to be such a great You're going to be such a great shepherd. You're going to be so tender shepherd. You're going to be so tender shepherd. You're going to be so tender and so courageous. That mixture that and so courageous. That mixture that and so courageous. That mixture that comes with having gone through the comes with having gone through the comes with having gone through the pattern of death and resurrection, pattern of death and resurrection, pattern of death and resurrection, dying, dying to your self-esteem, dying dying, dying to your self-esteem, dying dying, dying to your self-esteem, dying to your pride, and yet being just built to your pride, and yet being just built to your pride, and yet being just built up with my love, you're going to be so up with my love, you're going to be so up with my love, you're going to be so tender and so courageous that in the end tender and so courageous that in the end tender and so courageous that in the end you're going to die for your sheep you're going to die for your sheep you're going to die for your sheep willingly.

willingly. willingly. And we know Tertalian tells us and And we know Tertalian tells us and And we know Tertalian tells us and historians tell us that into the historians tell us that into the historians tell us that into the Neuronian persecution in the 60s I guess Neuronian persecution in the 60s I guess Neuronian persecution in the 60s I guess of that 65 or something like that of of that 65 or something like that of of that 65 or something like that of that century Peter was led to his death that century Peter was led to his death that century Peter was led to his death and they were going to crucify him and and they were going to crucify him and and they were going to crucify him and he said hey I've got no problem being he said hey I've got no problem being he said hey I've got no problem being crucified but crucify me upside down. crucified but crucify me upside down. crucified but crucify me upside down. Have you ever heard that? The tradition Have you ever heard that? The tradition Have you ever heard that? The tradition is he wouldn't let himself be crucified is he wouldn't let himself be crucified is he wouldn't let himself be crucified unless they did it upside down. You know unless they did it upside down. You know unless they did it upside down. You know why? He says I'm not worthy to be why? He says I'm not worthy to be why? He says I'm not worthy to be crucified like my master was crucified crucified like my master was crucified crucified like my master was crucified for me. And there's the secret of for me. And there's the secret of for me. And there's the secret of courage. What's the secret? Nothing you courage. What's the secret? Nothing you courage. What's the secret? Nothing you can put me through is anything like what can put me through is anything like what can put me through is anything like what my master went through for me. I can my master went through for me. I can my master went through for me. I can handle anything. handle anything. handle anything. Don't you want this kind of tenderness? Don't you want this kind of tenderness? Don't you want this kind of tenderness? Don't you want this kind of compassion Don't you want this kind of compassion Don't you want this kind of compassion for other people? Don't you want this for other people? Don't you want this for other people? Don't you want this kind of boldness? Don't you want this kind of boldness? Don't you want this kind of boldness? Don't you want this kind of fearlessness? kind of fearlessness? kind of fearlessness? Well, then let Jesus Christ take you to Well, then let Jesus Christ take you to Well, then let Jesus Christ take you to your fires. You know, you know what I'm your fires. You know, you know what I'm your fires. You know, you know what I'm talking about. You got fires, don't you? talking about. You got fires, don't you? talking about. You got fires, don't you? things that you did at fires. Well, you things that you did at fires. Well, you things that you did at fires. Well, you know what I mean by fires. Let him take know what I mean by fires. Let him take know what I mean by fires. Let him take you to your fires you to your fires you to your fires and heal you there. Let's pray.

and heal you there. Let's pray. and heal you there. Let's pray. Father, thank you for this moment in Father, thank you for this moment in Father, thank you for this moment in which we can think about what it means which we can think about what it means which we can think about what it means to encounter the risen Christ. And I to encounter the risen Christ. And I to encounter the risen Christ. And I pray that you would help us do that. pray that you would help us do that. pray that you would help us do that. Help us do that. Help us do that. Help us do that. Help us see him. Help us know him. Help Help us see him. Help us know him. Help Help us see him. Help us know him. Help us go through the death and the us go through the death and the us go through the death and the resurrection resurrection resurrection of repentance and forgiveness in his of repentance and forgiveness in his of repentance and forgiveness in his name. We thank you that this is name. We thank you that this is name. We thank you that this is available to us. Help us to avail us available to us. Help us to avail us available to us. Help us to avail us ourselves of it uh for not only our joy ourselves of it uh for not only our joy ourselves of it uh for not only our joy but for the glory of your name. We pray but for the glory of your name. We pray but for the glory of your name. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen. this in Jesus name. Amen. this in Jesus name. Amen. Thank you for listening today. Gospel Thank you for listening today. Gospel Thank you for listening today. Gospel and Life's Ministry is supported by and Life's Ministry is supported by and Life's Ministry is supported by generous partners all over the world. generous partners all over the world. generous partners all over the 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 a gift today, go to make a gift today, go to make a gift today, go to gospelinife.com/youtube gospelinife.com/youtube gospelinife.com/youtube and we'll send you one of my books as and we'll send you one of my books as and we'll send you one of my books as thanks for your gift. Thank you again thanks for your gift. Thank you again thanks for your gift. Thank you again for your generous support because the for your generous support because the for your generous support because the gospel really does change everything.