The Vineyard Isn’t Yours | Sunday Message (Pastor Jonathan Laurie)

For America's 250th birthday, Greg Lorie For America's 250th birthday, Greg Lorie recommends a great film about the man recommends a great film about the man recommends a great film about the man behind the spiritual [music] awakening behind the spiritual [music] awakening behind the spiritual [music] awakening of our nation. Just as surely as George of our nation. Just as surely as George of our nation. Just as surely as George Washington is our founding father, Washington is our founding father, Washington is our founding father, George Whitfield is our spiritual George Whitfield is our spiritual George Whitfield is our spiritual founding [music] father. Two Georgees founding [music] father. Two Georgees founding [music] father. Two Georgees played a role in founding the United played a role in founding the United played a role in founding the United States. So find out more about George States. So find out more about George States. So find out more about George Whitfield [music] Whitfield [music] Whitfield [music] in this film that's called A Great in this film that's called A Great in this film that's called A Great Awakening and we'll send it to you for Awakening and we'll send it to you for Awakening and we'll send it to you for [music] your gift of any size. available [music] your gift of any size. available [music] your gift of any size. available on DVD at harvest.org. >> Hey there, thanks for listening to the >> Hey there, thanks for listening to the Greg Lori Podcast, a ministry supported Greg Lori Podcast, a ministry supported Greg Lori Podcast, a ministry supported by Harvest Partners. I'm Greg Lori, by Harvest Partners. I'm Greg Lori, by Harvest Partners. I'm Greg Lori, encouraging you. If you want to find out encouraging you. If you want to find out encouraging you. If you want to find out more about Harvest Ministries and learn more about Harvest Ministries and learn more about Harvest Ministries and learn more about how to become a Harvest more about how to become a Harvest more about how to become a Harvest Partner, just go to harvest.org. Partner, just go to harvest.org. Partner, just go to harvest.org. Amen. Let's all pray together. Amen. Let's all pray together. Amen. Let's all pray together. Father, you are the same God. You are Father, you are the same God. You are Father, you are the same God. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. the same yesterday, today, and forever. the same yesterday, today, and forever. And God, was we just saying, "Oh God, my And God, was we just saying, "Oh God, my And God, was we just saying, "Oh God, my God, I need you. How I need you now, God, I need you. How I need you now, God, I need you. How I need you now, Lord, it's true. We need you. We declare Lord, it's true. We need you. We declare Lord, it's true. We need you. We declare our dependence on you for every area of our dependence on you for every area of our dependence on you for every area of our lives, God. We need your wisdom. We our lives, God. We need your wisdom. We our lives, God. We need your wisdom. We need your insight. You are a good father need your insight. You are a good father need your insight. You are a good father who provides for us. You provided for who provides for us. You provided for who provides for us. You provided for us, Lord. not just financially and us, Lord. not just financially and us, Lord. not just financially and giving us, you know, trinkets, but Lord, giving us, you know, trinkets, but Lord, giving us, you know, trinkets, but Lord, you provide for us spiritually, you provide for us spiritually, you provide for us spiritually, eternally, in every way. Lord, you are a eternally, in every way. Lord, you are a eternally, in every way. Lord, you are a good father. And we thank you, Lord. We good father. And we thank you, Lord. We good father. And we thank you, Lord. We thank you. We ask now that you would thank you. We ask now that you would thank you. We ask now that you would speak to us through your word, that you

speak to us through your word, that you speak to us through your word, that you would encourage us, that you would would encourage us, that you would would encourage us, that you would challenge us, that you would correct us challenge us, that you would correct us challenge us, that you would correct us like a good father would. Speak to us like a good father would. Speak to us like a good father would. Speak to us through your word. We thank you for it. through your word. We thank you for it. through your word. We thank you for it. these timeless truths, these things that these timeless truths, these things that these timeless truths, these things that have been written thousands of years have been written thousands of years have been written thousands of years ago. Hard to even really wrap our heads ago. Hard to even really wrap our heads ago. Hard to even really wrap our heads around. Thousands of years ago, Lord, around. Thousands of years ago, Lord, around. Thousands of years ago, Lord, but they're so true. They are eternal. but they're so true. They are eternal. but they're so true. They are eternal. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my Heaven and earth will pass away, but my Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Jesus said words will never pass away. Jesus said words will never pass away. Jesus said that. And so, Lord, we thank you that we that. And so, Lord, we thank you that we that. And so, Lord, we thank you that we can apply them in our lives, that they can apply them in our lives, that they can apply them in our lives, that they can benefit us. And so, we commit can benefit us. And so, we commit can benefit us. And so, we commit ourselves now to you. Anoint our ears, ourselves now to you. Anoint our ears, ourselves now to you. Anoint our ears, Lord. Speak through me as uh I prepared Lord. Speak through me as uh I prepared Lord. Speak through me as uh I prepared for this sermon. third time teaching it for this sermon. third time teaching it for this sermon. third time teaching it today. Asking, Father, that you would uh today. Asking, Father, that you would uh today. Asking, Father, that you would uh use use this sermon, use these words and use use this sermon, use these words and use use this sermon, use these words and and the scripture of course to speak to and the scripture of course to speak to and the scripture of course to speak to your people. In Jesus name we pray. your people. In Jesus name we pray. your people. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen. You guys can have a seat. Amen. Amen. You guys can have a seat. Amen. Amen. You guys can have a seat. Awesome. Welcome to church everybody. Awesome. Welcome to church everybody. Awesome. Welcome to church everybody. Good to see you all. I'm Pastor Jonathan Good to see you all. I'm Pastor Jonathan Good to see you all. I'm Pastor Jonathan Lori and uh want to welcome all of our Lori and uh want to welcome all of our Lori and uh want to welcome all of our campuses joining us right now. Harvest campuses joining us right now. Harvest campuses joining us right now. Harvest Riverside. Good to have you guys. Riverside. Good to have you guys. Riverside. Good to have you guys. Harvest on the island of Maui. Good to Harvest on the island of Maui. Good to Harvest on the island of Maui. Good to be with you. Aloha. And of course, be with you. Aloha. And of course, be with you. Aloha. And of course, Harvest Orange County. Good to be with Harvest Orange County. Good to be with Harvest Orange County. Good to be with everyone. Can we welcome all of our everyone. Can we welcome all of our everyone. Can we welcome all of our campuses joining us right now?

campuses joining us right now? campuses joining us right now? [applause] Well, my message title today is the Well, my message title today is the vineyard isn't yours. The vineyard isn't vineyard isn't yours. The vineyard isn't vineyard isn't yours. The vineyard isn't yours. And we're going to be in Luke yours. And we're going to be in Luke yours. And we're going to be in Luke chapter 20. If you want to turn in your chapter 20. If you want to turn in your chapter 20. If you want to turn in your Bibles there, Luke chapter 20. Bibles there, Luke chapter 20. Bibles there, Luke chapter 20. Well, this Friday was July 24th. And it Well, this Friday was July 24th. And it Well, this Friday was July 24th. And it marks a very important day for my family marks a very important day for my family marks a very important day for my family and I. It marks this year 2026. and I. It marks this year 2026. and I. It marks this year 2026. It's the 18th year that my older brother It's the 18th year that my older brother It's the 18th year that my older brother Christopher has been with the Lord. And Christopher has been with the Lord. And Christopher has been with the Lord. And um many of you know that uh my brother um many of you know that uh my brother um many of you know that uh my brother was killed in an automobile accident was killed in an automobile accident was killed in an automobile accident while on his way to work at Harvest, our while on his way to work at Harvest, our while on his way to work at Harvest, our church in Riverside. And um it's a hard church in Riverside. And um it's a hard church in Riverside. And um it's a hard day. It's a hard day. And just day. It's a hard day. And just day. It's a hard day. And just reflecting back, it is for sure the most reflecting back, it is for sure the most reflecting back, it is for sure the most uh transformational day in my life uh transformational day in my life uh transformational day in my life because that was the day I decided to because that was the day I decided to because that was the day I decided to take my brother's advice and give my take my brother's advice and give my take my brother's advice and give my life to the Lord and surrender. And it's life to the Lord and surrender. And it's life to the Lord and surrender. And it's been 18 years now that the Lord has been been 18 years now that the Lord has been been 18 years now that the Lord has been walking with me and I've been walking walking with me and I've been walking walking with me and I've been walking with him. [applause] with him. [applause] with him. [applause] So, I'm very thankful for that.

So, I'm very thankful for that. So, I'm very thankful for that. I believe the words in Romans 8:28 8 I believe the words in Romans 8:28 8 I believe the words in Romans 8:28 8 Romans 8:28 when it says God works Romans 8:28 when it says God works Romans 8:28 when it says God works together all things for good to those together all things for good to those together all things for good to those who love him and are called according to who love him and are called according to who love him and are called according to his purpose. And I've seen God bring his purpose. And I've seen God bring his purpose. And I've seen God bring good out of bad. Have you seen that in good out of bad. Have you seen that in good out of bad. Have you seen that in your life? You had something bad. You've your life? You had something bad. You've your life? You had something bad. You've seen God bring something good as a seen God bring something good as a seen God bring something good as a result of it. I have too. And that result of it. I have too. And that result of it. I have too. And that doesn't mean that we'll ever call the doesn't mean that we'll ever call the doesn't mean that we'll ever call the bad thing a good thing. No. Never. It bad thing a good thing. No. Never. It bad thing a good thing. No. Never. It was a bad thing. My brother not being on was a bad thing. My brother not being on was a bad thing. My brother not being on this earth. Bad thing. Worst thing. this earth. Bad thing. Worst thing. this earth. Bad thing. Worst thing. Worst thing. that's happened in my life Worst thing. that's happened in my life Worst thing. that's happened in my life for sure. And um but I've seen God bring for sure. And um but I've seen God bring for sure. And um but I've seen God bring good through it. He's brought good good through it. He's brought good good through it. He's brought good things as a result of it. And I am things as a result of it. And I am things as a result of it. And I am thankful for the promise that we have in thankful for the promise that we have in thankful for the promise that we have in First Thessalonians 4, which says uh the First Thessalonians 4, which says uh the First Thessalonians 4, which says uh the Apostle Paul reminds us, I do not want Apostle Paul reminds us, I do not want Apostle Paul reminds us, I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you those who have fallen asleep, lest you those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For sorrow as others who have no hope. For sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose if we believe that Jesus died and rose if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, God will bring with him again, even so, God will bring with him again, even so, God will bring with him those who sleep in Jesus. I love the way those who sleep in Jesus. I love the way those who sleep in Jesus. I love the way the message translation renders that the message translation renders that the message translation renders that last one. And it says in verse 14, since last one. And it says in verse 14, since last one. And it says in verse 14, since Jesus died and broke broke loose from Jesus died and broke broke loose from Jesus died and broke broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring the grave, God will most certainly bring the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus.

back to life those who died in Jesus. back to life those who died in Jesus. This is the hope for the believer. Amen. This is the hope for the believer. Amen. This is the hope for the believer. Amen. This is the hope for the believer. And This is the hope for the believer. And This is the hope for the believer. And we are thankful for that. and we put our we are thankful for that. and we put our we are thankful for that. and we put our hope in that. But if you've ever lost hope in that. But if you've ever lost hope in that. But if you've ever lost somebody you love, you know that you somebody you love, you know that you somebody you love, you know that you never really get over it, but you do get never really get over it, but you do get never really get over it, but you do get through it. Holidays are hard. Of through it. Holidays are hard. Of through it. Holidays are hard. Of course, birthdays, Christmas, Easter, course, birthdays, Christmas, Easter, course, birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, um, of course, the anniversary of their um, of course, the anniversary of their um, of course, the anniversary of their departure to heaven, they're hard. departure to heaven, they're hard. departure to heaven, they're hard. They're hard. Uh, and then they get less They're hard. Uh, and then they get less They're hard. Uh, and then they get less hard as time marches on. they get less hard as time marches on. they get less hard as time marches on. they get less hard because you get further away from hard because you get further away from hard because you get further away from it and the emotion isn't as raw, but it and the emotion isn't as raw, but it and the emotion isn't as raw, but then it becomes harder in a different then it becomes harder in a different then it becomes harder in a different way and you're almost like, I wish it way and you're almost like, I wish it way and you're almost like, I wish it was actually harder emotionally. I wish was actually harder emotionally. I wish was actually harder emotionally. I wish that it was still painful like it once that it was still painful like it once that it was still painful like it once was cuz you were closer to them then, was cuz you were closer to them then, was cuz you were closer to them then, right? You were closer to their their right? You were closer to their their right? You were closer to their their life on this earth then. So, it's hard life on this earth then. So, it's hard life on this earth then. So, it's hard in a different way. And so, time marches in a different way. And so, time marches in a different way. And so, time marches on and what we do is we we talk about on and what we do is we we talk about on and what we do is we we talk about our loved ones. We tell stories about our loved ones. We tell stories about our loved ones. We tell stories about them. We post pictures of them on those them. We post pictures of them on those them. We post pictures of them on those days. Um, I named my son after my days. Um, I named my son after my days. Um, I named my son after my brother, but it's always hard. And I brother, but it's always hard. And I brother, but it's always hard. And I just want to thank you though, uh, for just want to thank you though, uh, for just want to thank you though, uh, for your prayers for my family. We do not your prayers for my family. We do not your prayers for my family. We do not grieve as those who have no hope. We do grieve as those who have no hope. We do grieve as those who have no hope. We do not grieve like the world does because not grieve like the world does because not grieve like the world does because Jesus conquered the grave. That doesn't Jesus conquered the grave. That doesn't Jesus conquered the grave. That doesn't mean we won't suffer in this life. It mean we won't suffer in this life. It mean we won't suffer in this life. It doesn't even mean we won't face death in doesn't even mean we won't face death in doesn't even mean we won't face death in this life. Though there is a generation this life. Though there is a generation this life. Though there is a generation that is coming that will not face death.

that is coming that will not face death. that is coming that will not face death. I hope I'm part of that generation. Um, I hope I'm part of that generation. Um, I hope I'm part of that generation. Um, but we do not have to fear death because but we do not have to fear death because but we do not have to fear death because we put our faith and trust in the one we put our faith and trust in the one we put our faith and trust in the one who conquered the grave, who conquered who conquered the grave, who conquered who conquered the grave, who conquered death. And so we do not have to fear death. And so we do not have to fear death. And so we do not have to fear death because like Adam, all died and death because like Adam, all died and death because like Adam, all died and all in Christ will follow in Christ's all in Christ will follow in Christ's all in Christ will follow in Christ's example and will rise from the dead. We example and will rise from the dead. We example and will rise from the dead. We can be thankful for that. Amen, church. can be thankful for that. Amen, church. can be thankful for that. Amen, church. Amen. [applause] And as I was preparing this message, And as I was preparing this message, writing it a little bit on Friday, uh writing it a little bit on Friday, uh writing it a little bit on Friday, uh Luke chapter 20, I was just reminded of Luke chapter 20, I was just reminded of Luke chapter 20, I was just reminded of some of my antics uh that I engaged in some of my antics uh that I engaged in some of my antics uh that I engaged in before I was a Christian. Yeah, I didn't before I was a Christian. Yeah, I didn't before I was a Christian. Yeah, I didn't always live my life for Christ, that's always live my life for Christ, that's always live my life for Christ, that's for sure. I made some foolish decisions, for sure. I made some foolish decisions, for sure. I made some foolish decisions, a lot of them. Uh I remember when I was a lot of them. Uh I remember when I was a lot of them. Uh I remember when I was in high school, I would come home after in high school, I would come home after in high school, I would come home after being up to no good. And uh I would pull being up to no good. And uh I would pull being up to no good. And uh I would pull up in front of the house and I'd see up in front of the house and I'd see up in front of the house and I'd see sometimes, not every time, but sometimes sometimes, not every time, but sometimes sometimes, not every time, but sometimes the light would be on in the living room the light would be on in the living room the light would be on in the living room and I knew exactly what that meant. Dad and I knew exactly what that meant. Dad and I knew exactly what that meant. Dad was up waiting for me and he'd give me was up waiting for me and he'd give me was up waiting for me and he'd give me the interrogation. You know, who are you the interrogation. You know, who are you the interrogation. You know, who are you with? What were you doing? Where were with? What were you doing? Where were with? What were you doing? Where were you? Empty your pockets. I hated that you? Empty your pockets. I hated that you? Empty your pockets. I hated that one. Uh why do you have a lighter? Uh one. Uh why do you have a lighter? Uh one. Uh why do you have a lighter? Uh what are you hiding? or my mom, she what are you hiding? or my mom, she what are you hiding? or my mom, she would come and, you know, she was always would come and, you know, she was always would come and, you know, she was always so sweet and she would always give me a so sweet and she would always give me a so sweet and she would always give me a hug, but she had a really good sense of hug, but she had a really good sense of hug, but she had a really good sense of smell, too. And so, she would, you know, smell, too. And so, she would, you know, smell, too. And so, she would, you know, yep, Greg, he smells like smoke. You yep, Greg, he smells like smoke. You yep, Greg, he smells like smoke. You know, thanks a lot, Mom. You know, but I know, thanks a lot, Mom. You know, but I know, thanks a lot, Mom. You know, but I knew they were right. You know, knew they were right. You know, knew they were right. You know, sometimes they would catch me. Other

sometimes they would catch me. Other sometimes they would catch me. Other times I would elude them. But I always times I would elude them. But I always times I would elude them. But I always knew that they were right. They were knew that they were right. They were knew that they were right. They were trying to help me make the right trying to help me make the right trying to help me make the right decisions, even if it meant making the decisions, even if it meant making the decisions, even if it meant making the decisions for me. Because that's what a decisions for me. Because that's what a decisions for me. Because that's what a good parent does. A good parent gets good parent does. A good parent gets good parent does. A good parent gets involved. They intervene. They don't involved. They intervene. They don't involved. They intervene. They don't allow their kids to go off the rails. allow their kids to go off the rails. allow their kids to go off the rails. They step in and they make a difference. They step in and they make a difference. They step in and they make a difference. That's what a good parent does. They ask That's what a good parent does. They ask That's what a good parent does. They ask the questions. They verify information. the questions. They verify information. the questions. They verify information. Oh, you say you're at Bill's house. Oh, you say you're at Bill's house. Oh, you say you're at Bill's house. Okay. I'm calling Bill's parents to make Okay. I'm calling Bill's parents to make Okay. I'm calling Bill's parents to make sure that you were there. Oh, Bill's sure that you were there. Oh, Bill's sure that you were there. Oh, Bill's parents say that you, you know, you guys parents say that you, you know, you guys parents say that you, you know, you guys were at our house. So, where were you were at our house. So, where were you were at our house. So, where were you really? Right. It's good. Ronald Reagan really? Right. It's good. Ronald Reagan really? Right. It's good. Ronald Reagan said, "Trust but verify." Right? That's said, "Trust but verify." Right? That's said, "Trust but verify." Right? That's a good one to remember. Parents, they a good one to remember. Parents, they a good one to remember. Parents, they verify information. Why? Because they verify information. Why? Because they verify information. Why? Because they want to get their kids in trouble and want to get their kids in trouble and want to get their kids in trouble and and catch them in a lie. No. No. Because and catch them in a lie. No. No. Because and catch them in a lie. No. No. Because they want to protect. They want to they want to protect. They want to they want to protect. They want to preserve and they want their kids to preserve and they want their kids to preserve and they want their kids to prosper. And there's a day that we live prosper. And there's a day that we live prosper. And there's a day that we live in currently where people believe that in currently where people believe that in currently where people believe that they just have complete autonomy. The they just have complete autonomy. The they just have complete autonomy. The kids have autonomy, right? We hear that kids have autonomy, right? We hear that kids have autonomy, right? We hear that a lot from our kids. Oh, I'm almost an a lot from our kids. Oh, I'm almost an a lot from our kids. Oh, I'm almost an adult. When I'm 18, I'm moving out.

adult. When I'm 18, I'm moving out. adult. When I'm 18, I'm moving out. Okay. Well, you're 25 now. Is that going Okay. Well, you're 25 now. Is that going Okay. Well, you're 25 now. Is that going to be happening anytime soon? to be happening anytime soon? to be happening anytime soon? Everybody wants autonomy. And you know Everybody wants autonomy. And you know Everybody wants autonomy. And you know what? We're not that much different as what? We're not that much different as what? We're not that much different as we get to be adults. We believe that we we get to be adults. We believe that we we get to be adults. We believe that we are in charge of everything. But there are in charge of everything. But there are in charge of everything. But there actually is one who is over everything. actually is one who is over everything. actually is one who is over everything. His name is God and we are created in His name is God and we are created in His name is God and we are created in his image and we need to submit to his his image and we need to submit to his his image and we need to submit to his authority. authority. authority. This question of authority is an This question of authority is an This question of authority is an important one. When you're a kid, when important one. When you're a kid, when important one. When you're a kid, when you're a teenager, when you're an adult, you're a teenager, when you're an adult, you're a teenager, when you're an adult, when you're a senior citizen, when when you're a senior citizen, when when you're a senior citizen, when you're retired, when you're facing you're retired, when you're facing you're retired, when you're facing death, authority is an important thing death, authority is an important thing death, authority is an important thing to understand. God created systems of to understand. God created systems of to understand. God created systems of authority. He created systems of authority. He created systems of authority. He created systems of authority starting with the family. We authority starting with the family. We authority starting with the family. We are born into a family structure, right? are born into a family structure, right? are born into a family structure, right? Exodus 20 tells us in the Ten Exodus 20 tells us in the Ten Exodus 20 tells us in the Ten Commandments, "Honor your father and Commandments, "Honor your father and Commandments, "Honor your father and mother that your days may be long upon mother that your days may be long upon mother that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is the land which the Lord your God is the land which the Lord your God is giving you." The Apostle Paul points out giving you." The Apostle Paul points out giving you." The Apostle Paul points out in his commentary on this commandment in his commentary on this commandment in his commentary on this commandment that this is the first commandment that that this is the first commandment that that this is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it. Honor your has a promise attached to it. Honor your has a promise attached to it. Honor your father and mother that your days may be father and mother that your days may be father and mother that your days may be long. Right? That your days may be long.

long. Right? That your days may be long. long. Right? That your days may be long. Honor your father and mother that things Honor your father and mother that things Honor your father and mother that things may go well for you. If you learn to may go well for you. If you learn to may go well for you. If you learn to submit to authority, things will go well submit to authority, things will go well submit to authority, things will go well for you. Parents, let me give you just a for you. Parents, let me give you just a for you. Parents, let me give you just a quick word here. Your job is to be the quick word here. Your job is to be the quick word here. Your job is to be the authority in your kids' life. It's not authority in your kids' life. It's not authority in your kids' life. It's not to be their best friend. It's not to be to be their best friend. It's not to be to be their best friend. It's not to be uh an enabler. It's not to be their uh an enabler. It's not to be their uh an enabler. It's not to be their peer. You are something much much peer. You are something much much peer. You are something much much greater than a peer or a friend. And greater than a peer or a friend. And greater than a peer or a friend. And that is their parent. That is their that is their parent. That is their that is their parent. That is their parent. You see, a parent we love at all parent. You see, a parent we love at all parent. You see, a parent we love at all times. Unlike a friend who gets upset times. Unlike a friend who gets upset times. Unlike a friend who gets upset with their friend, you don't have to be with their friend, you don't have to be with their friend, you don't have to be friends with that person anymore. You friends with that person anymore. You friends with that person anymore. You can move on. As parents, we are to love can move on. As parents, we are to love can move on. As parents, we are to love our children at all times. And sometimes our children at all times. And sometimes our children at all times. And sometimes that means having to make difficult that means having to make difficult that means having to make difficult decisions. A lot of times that means decisions. A lot of times that means decisions. A lot of times that means some, you know, having to make difficult some, you know, having to make difficult some, you know, having to make difficult decisions and sometimes painful ones. decisions and sometimes painful ones. decisions and sometimes painful ones. Why? Because we're doing it for the Why? Because we're doing it for the Why? Because we're doing it for the greater good. Those difficult decisions greater good. Those difficult decisions greater good. Those difficult decisions include discipline. They include include discipline. They include include discipline. They include punishment, holding back rewards, not punishment, holding back rewards, not punishment, holding back rewards, not letting them do what their friends are letting them do what their friends are letting them do what their friends are doing just because their friends are doing just because their friends are doing just because their friends are doing it, challenging them, and in all doing it, challenging them, and in all doing it, challenging them, and in all of this, it must be rooted in love. Of of this, it must be rooted in love. Of of this, it must be rooted in love. Of course, we bless our kids. That's the course, we bless our kids. That's the course, we bless our kids. That's the fun part. That's the easy part is giving fun part. That's the easy part is giving fun part. That's the easy part is giving our kids things that they didn't earn.

our kids things that they didn't earn. our kids things that they didn't earn. Blessing them, letting them have that Blessing them, letting them have that Blessing them, letting them have that extra scoop of ice cream, letting them extra scoop of ice cream, letting them extra scoop of ice cream, letting them have that treat, letting them go to have that treat, letting them go to have that treat, letting them go to their friend's house when they still got their friend's house when they still got their friend's house when they still got bad grace. Yes, we bless our kids cuz bad grace. Yes, we bless our kids cuz bad grace. Yes, we bless our kids cuz that's what God does with us, right? God that's what God does with us, right? God that's what God does with us, right? God loves to bless us. He loves to give us loves to bless us. He loves to give us loves to bless us. He loves to give us things that we didn't earn because he is things that we didn't earn because he is things that we didn't earn because he is generous and we should reflect that. But generous and we should reflect that. But generous and we should reflect that. But because we love our children, we because we love our children, we because we love our children, we discipline them. I saw a great quote discipline them. I saw a great quote discipline them. I saw a great quote that said, "If you raise your children, that said, "If you raise your children, that said, "If you raise your children, you'll get to spoil your grandchildren. you'll get to spoil your grandchildren. you'll get to spoil your grandchildren. If you spoil your ch your children, If you spoil your ch your children, If you spoil your ch your children, you'll get to raise your grandchildren." you'll get to raise your grandchildren." you'll get to raise your grandchildren." Uh, you know, that one makes us a little Uh, you know, that one makes us a little Uh, you know, that one makes us a little uncomfortable, but you know, you've seen uncomfortable, but you know, you've seen uncomfortable, but you know, you've seen it. You know that it's true, right? it. You know that it's true, right? it. You know that it's true, right? Listen, godless society, the godless Listen, godless society, the godless Listen, godless society, the godless society we currently live in has made it society we currently live in has made it society we currently live in has made it seem like the best thing you can do, the seem like the best thing you can do, the seem like the best thing you can do, the coolest thing you can do for your kid is coolest thing you can do for your kid is coolest thing you can do for your kid is affirm them in everything they do and be affirm them in everything they do and be affirm them in everything they do and be their best friend. Oh yeah, Billy, their best friend. Oh yeah, Billy, their best friend. Oh yeah, Billy, you're so great at this. Yeah, you know you're so great at this. Yeah, you know you're so great at this. Yeah, you know what? Yeah, you should go on. I think what? Yeah, you should go on. I think what? Yeah, you should go on. I think you could make the the Los Angeles you could make the the Los Angeles you could make the the Los Angeles Lakers. I think you can make that sports Lakers. I think you can make that sports Lakers. I think you can make that sports team even though you're 5 foot8 and we team even though you're 5 foot8 and we team even though you're 5 foot8 and we have no history of basketball in our have no history of basketball in our have no history of basketball in our family and you're 18 years old. You you family and you're 18 years old. You you family and you're 18 years old. You you just live out your dreams. No. Hey just live out your dreams. No. Hey just live out your dreams. No. Hey buddy, you love basketball. Maybe we buddy, you love basketball. Maybe we buddy, you love basketball. Maybe we could work with something, right? Let's could work with something, right? Let's could work with something, right? Let's pursue our passion. But let's be pursue our passion. But let's be pursue our passion. But let's be realistic here, right? That's what a realistic here, right? That's what a realistic here, right? That's what a parent does. They tell their kids the parent does. They tell their kids the parent does. They tell their kids the truth, right? We don't lie to our kids.

truth, right? We don't lie to our kids. truth, right? We don't lie to our kids. We intervene. We step in. We get We intervene. We step in. We get We intervene. We step in. We get involved. 1 Timothy 5'8 tells us this involved. 1 Timothy 5'8 tells us this involved. 1 Timothy 5'8 tells us this also. Paul says, "If anyone does not also. Paul says, "If anyone does not also. Paul says, "If anyone does not provide for his own and especially for provide for his own and especially for provide for his own and especially for those of his household, he has denied those of his household, he has denied those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an the faith and is worse than an the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." Oof. If he does not provide unbeliever." Oof. If he does not provide unbeliever." Oof. If he does not provide for his family. Now, of course, we uh for his family. Now, of course, we uh for his family. Now, of course, we uh often interpret this as providing often interpret this as providing often interpret this as providing meaning financially providing, making meaning financially providing, making meaning financially providing, making sure that we have food to eat and a sure that we have food to eat and a sure that we have food to eat and a place to sleep. Yeah, that's part of it place to sleep. Yeah, that's part of it place to sleep. Yeah, that's part of it and that's an important part. Men, we and that's an important part. Men, we and that's an important part. Men, we should work. We should work hard so that should work. We should work hard so that should work. We should work hard so that we can provide for our family and give we can provide for our family and give we can provide for our family and give them the advantages that maybe we didn't them the advantages that maybe we didn't them the advantages that maybe we didn't have as kids. That that's the idea, have as kids. That that's the idea, have as kids. That that's the idea, right? We want to set our kids up for right? We want to set our kids up for right? We want to set our kids up for success more, you know, to be more success more, you know, to be more success more, you know, to be more successful than even we were a great successful than even we were a great successful than even we were a great goal to pursue. But to provide for the goal to pursue. But to provide for the goal to pursue. But to provide for the original language, it isn't just original language, it isn't just original language, it isn't just financial. It's other areas as well. financial. It's other areas as well. financial. It's other areas as well. It's the Greek word uh pronouno. It's the Greek word uh pronouno. It's the Greek word uh pronouno. Prono. Say that five times for uh five Prono. Say that five times for uh five Prono. Say that five times for uh five times fast. Basically, the way that you times fast. Basically, the way that you times fast. Basically, the way that you interpret that word, the original Greek, interpret that word, the original Greek, interpret that word, the original Greek, it could mean a couple of things. First, it could mean a couple of things. First, it could mean a couple of things. First, it means, and this is from the Strong's it means, and this is from the Strong's it means, and this is from the Strong's Greek dictionary, it means to give Greek dictionary, it means to give Greek dictionary, it means to give careful thought for, to take thought careful thought for, to take thought careful thought for, to take thought for, to take into consideration and have for, to take into consideration and have for, to take into consideration and have regard for. Okay? So, it's more than regard for. Okay? So, it's more than regard for. Okay? So, it's more than just working hard. It's to take careful just working hard. It's to take careful just working hard. It's to take careful thought for to think of them to weigh thought for to think of them to weigh thought for to think of them to weigh their strengths and their weaknesses and their strengths and their weaknesses and their strengths and their weaknesses and to try and set them up again for to try and set them up again for to try and set them up again for success. And also another definition for

success. And also another definition for success. And also another definition for pronouno is to think about beforehand in pronouno is to think about beforehand in pronouno is to think about beforehand in a solicitous manner to care for and to a solicitous manner to care for and to a solicitous manner to care for and to provide for someone. Now to care for provide for someone. Now to care for provide for someone. Now to care for someone in a solicitous manner doesn't someone in a solicitous manner doesn't someone in a solicitous manner doesn't mean you try and sell them solar at mean you try and sell them solar at mean you try and sell them solar at their front door, right? It means that their front door, right? It means that their front door, right? It means that you solicitus means that you are you solicitus means that you are you solicitus means that you are attentive, you are concerned and you are attentive, you are concerned and you are attentive, you are concerned and you are eager. That is how you should be with eager. That is how you should be with eager. That is how you should be with your kids. You are attentive, you are your kids. You are attentive, you are your kids. You are attentive, you are concerned and you are eager. That is concerned and you are eager. That is concerned and you are eager. That is what it means to be prono to provide what it means to be prono to provide what it means to be prono to provide for. Now, as parents, we are commanded for. Now, as parents, we are commanded for. Now, as parents, we are commanded to train up a child in the way they to train up a child in the way they to train up a child in the way they should go. And when they are older, they should go. And when they are older, they should go. And when they are older, they will not depart from it. I've I love will not depart from it. I've I love will not depart from it. I've I love that scripture. It's a great reminder. that scripture. It's a great reminder. that scripture. It's a great reminder. Um, and you may be saying, "Well, Um, and you may be saying, "Well, Um, and you may be saying, "Well, Jonathan, I was raised in a really Jonathan, I was raised in a really Jonathan, I was raised in a really dysfunctional home, and that makes it dysfunctional home, and that makes it dysfunctional home, and that makes it challenging for me to know what to do challenging for me to know what to do challenging for me to know what to do and what not to do and whatever else." and what not to do and whatever else." and what not to do and whatever else." Hey, I get it. Yeah. If you're raised in Hey, I get it. Yeah. If you're raised in Hey, I get it. Yeah. If you're raised in a dysfunctional home, that's hard. How a dysfunctional home, that's hard. How a dysfunctional home, that's hard. How many of you were raised in a many of you were raised in a many of you were raised in a dysfunctional home? Raise your hand. dysfunctional home? Raise your hand. dysfunctional home? Raise your hand. Yeah. Yeah. Uh, I was raised in a Yeah. Yeah. Uh, I was raised in a Yeah. Yeah. Uh, I was raised in a dysfunctional home and I'm the head of a dysfunctional home and I'm the head of a dysfunctional home and I'm the head of a dysfunctional home today. That's still dysfunctional home today. That's still dysfunctional home today. That's still no excuse. That's not an excuse to not no excuse. That's not an excuse to not no excuse. That's not an excuse to not prono for your children and even for prono for your children and even for prono for your children and even for your household, right? All of us have your household, right? All of us have your household, right? All of us have imperfect families. All of us were imperfect families. All of us were imperfect families. All of us were raised with, you know, moms and dads raised with, you know, moms and dads raised with, you know, moms and dads that that did the best they could. But that that did the best they could. But that that did the best they could. But ultimately, we are still to prono ultimately, we are still to prono ultimately, we are still to prono provide for the ones we love, the ones provide for the ones we love, the ones provide for the ones we love, the ones in our household. And that means getting in our household. And that means getting in our household. And that means getting involved. Even if you didn't have the involved. Even if you didn't have the involved. Even if you didn't have the perfect family, because the fact is we perfect family, because the fact is we perfect family, because the fact is we do have a perfect father. It's God in

do have a perfect father. It's God in do have a perfect father. It's God in heaven. And he has shown us what it heaven. And he has shown us what it heaven. And he has shown us what it means to be a good father. We should means to be a good father. We should means to be a good father. We should model our character after him. Amen. model our character after him. Amen. model our character after him. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Okay. So, teaching your >> Amen. Amen. Okay. So, teaching your >> Amen. Amen. Okay. So, teaching your children to honor authority is important children to honor authority is important children to honor authority is important because it naturally segways to honor because it naturally segways to honor because it naturally segways to honor the authority of God. If you teach them the authority of God. If you teach them the authority of God. If you teach them to honor your authority and to listen to to honor your authority and to listen to to honor your authority and to listen to what you say and to obey, it will what you say and to obey, it will what you say and to obey, it will naturally segue into the honoring the naturally segue into the honoring the naturally segue into the honoring the highest authority, which is God himself. highest authority, which is God himself. highest authority, which is God himself. If our kids don't learn to respect us, If our kids don't learn to respect us, If our kids don't learn to respect us, will they learn to respect the police will they learn to respect the police will they learn to respect the police officer that pulls them over and tells officer that pulls them over and tells officer that pulls them over and tells them to get out of the car? Or are they them to get out of the car? Or are they them to get out of the car? Or are they going to throw a fit and you know, we've going to throw a fit and you know, we've going to throw a fit and you know, we've all seen the YouTube clips, right? all seen the YouTube clips, right? all seen the YouTube clips, right? Will they learn how to take correction Will they learn how to take correction Will they learn how to take correction from their boss when their job from their boss when their job from their boss when their job performance needs improvement? Will they performance needs improvement? Will they performance needs improvement? Will they learn delayed gratification in order to learn delayed gratification in order to learn delayed gratification in order to achieve a higher goal? You know, yeah, achieve a higher goal? You know, yeah, achieve a higher goal? You know, yeah, son, yes, I know I you got the $20 for son, yes, I know I you got the $20 for son, yes, I know I you got the $20 for your birthday. doesn't mean you have to your birthday. doesn't mean you have to your birthday. doesn't mean you have to spend it right away, right? You could spend it right away, right? You could spend it right away, right? You could save it and you could buy something much save it and you could buy something much save it and you could buy something much better, right? Delayed gratification.

better, right? Delayed gratification. better, right? Delayed gratification. That's an important principle because we That's an important principle because we That's an important principle because we don't want our kids to become dopamine don't want our kids to become dopamine don't want our kids to become dopamine addicts, constantly chasing the next addicts, constantly chasing the next addicts, constantly chasing the next high from the iPad, the new app, the high from the iPad, the new app, the high from the iPad, the new app, the toy, the video game, the candy. Because toy, the video game, the candy. Because toy, the video game, the candy. Because what that later turns into could be the what that later turns into could be the what that later turns into could be the drug, the sex, the relationship, still drug, the sex, the relationship, still drug, the sex, the relationship, still the video game, right? the video game, right? the video game, right? A good father doesn't ignore uh bad A good father doesn't ignore uh bad A good father doesn't ignore uh bad behavior. He doesn't accept just the behavior. He doesn't accept just the behavior. He doesn't accept just the statement. Oh, I was at Shane's house. statement. Oh, I was at Shane's house. statement. Oh, I was at Shane's house. Uh, okay. Well, what were you doing at Uh, okay. Well, what were you doing at Uh, okay. Well, what were you doing at Shane's house? Nothing. Okay. Well, Shane's house? Nothing. Okay. Well, Shane's house? Nothing. Okay. Well, let's dig into that a little bit. What let's dig into that a little bit. What let's dig into that a little bit. What do you mean nothing? You were there for do you mean nothing? You were there for do you mean nothing? You were there for 24 hours. You guys did nothing the whole 24 hours. You guys did nothing the whole 24 hours. You guys did nothing the whole time, right? No, you get involved. He time, right? No, you get involved. He time, right? No, you get involved. He asks the hard questions because he knows asks the hard questions because he knows asks the hard questions because he knows you well enough to see through the you well enough to see through the you well enough to see through the performance. And he loves you enough. performance. And he loves you enough. performance. And he loves you enough. and he loves you more than pretending and he loves you more than pretending and he loves you more than pretending like everything is okay, right? How like everything is okay, right? How like everything is okay, right? How easily my parents could have just easily my parents could have just easily my parents could have just pretended everything was fine. Oh yeah, pretended everything was fine. Oh yeah, pretended everything was fine. Oh yeah, Son is wild oats. He's he'll come around Son is wild oats. He's he'll come around Son is wild oats. He's he'll come around eventually. My parents saved my life if eventually. My parents saved my life if eventually. My parents saved my life if they had not intervened. If they had not they had not intervened. If they had not they had not intervened. If they had not called me into account if I knew that called me into account if I knew that called me into account if I knew that there wasn't a potential checkup when I there wasn't a potential checkup when I there wasn't a potential checkup when I came home, I would have made worse came home, I would have made worse came home, I would have made worse decisions. I could have seriously hurt decisions. I could have seriously hurt decisions. I could have seriously hurt myself, somebody else. And I am thankful myself, somebody else. And I am thankful myself, somebody else. And I am thankful that my parents got involved and they that my parents got involved and they that my parents got involved and they had the hard conversations because now had the hard conversations because now had the hard conversations because now we enjoy each other's company. My mom we enjoy each other's company. My mom we enjoy each other's company. My mom still smells me from time to time.

still smells me from time to time. still smells me from time to time. Thankfully, I'm not, you know, smelling Thankfully, I'm not, you know, smelling Thankfully, I'm not, you know, smelling of smoke, but more like, "Hey, you need of smoke, but more like, "Hey, you need of smoke, but more like, "Hey, you need to take a shower, bud." You know? No. to take a shower, bud." You know? No. to take a shower, bud." You know? No. And so, what are we talking about here? And so, what are we talking about here? And so, what are we talking about here? Are we talking about parenting? Well, Are we talking about parenting? Well, Are we talking about parenting? Well, yeah, we're talking a little bit about yeah, we're talking a little bit about yeah, we're talking a little bit about parenting, but the theme of our text and parenting, but the theme of our text and parenting, but the theme of our text and the message today is about authority. the message today is about authority. the message today is about authority. It's about authority and it's about It's about authority and it's about It's about authority and it's about stewardship. It's about stewardship. stewardship. It's about stewardship. stewardship. It's about stewardship. What we're going to see in our text now What we're going to see in our text now What we're going to see in our text now is that Jesus is speaking to a group of is that Jesus is speaking to a group of is that Jesus is speaking to a group of people who try and use some verbal people who try and use some verbal people who try and use some verbal jiu-jitsu to perform their way past God. jiu-jitsu to perform their way past God. jiu-jitsu to perform their way past God. Jesus basically has the religious Jesus basically has the religious Jesus basically has the religious leaders in a rare naked choke and they leaders in a rare naked choke and they leaders in a rare naked choke and they need to submit and tap out and recognize need to submit and tap out and recognize need to submit and tap out and recognize that he is the authority. But they just that he is the authority. But they just that he is the authority. But they just sliggle sliggle sliggle their way out of it and they're their way out of it and they're their way out of it and they're constantly putting it off. But Jesus, he constantly putting it off. But Jesus, he constantly putting it off. But Jesus, he sees through it and he calls it like it sees through it and he calls it like it sees through it and he calls it like it is. Let's read together in Luke chapter is. Let's read together in Luke chapter is. Let's read together in Luke chapter 20, starting in verse one. Again, my 20, starting in verse one. Again, my 20, starting in verse one. Again, my message title, the vineyard isn't yours. Verse one. Now it happened on one of Verse one. Now it happened on one of those days as he taught the people in those days as he taught the people in those days as he taught the people in the temple and preached the gospel that the temple and preached the gospel that the temple and preached the gospel that the chief priests and the scribes the chief priests and the scribes the chief priests and the scribes together with the elders confronted him together with the elders confronted him together with the elders confronted him and they spoke to Jesus saying, "Tell and they spoke to Jesus saying, "Tell and they spoke to Jesus saying, "Tell us, by what authority are you doing us, by what authority are you doing us, by what authority are you doing these things? or who is he who gave you these things? or who is he who gave you these things? or who is he who gave you this authority? But Jesus answered and this authority? But Jesus answered and this authority? But Jesus answered and said to them, I will also ask you one said to them, I will also ask you one said to them, I will also ask you one thing and answer me. The baptism of John thing and answer me. The baptism of John thing and answer me. The baptism of John the Baptist, was it from heaven or from the Baptist, was it from heaven or from the Baptist, was it from heaven or from men? And they reasoned among themselves, men? And they reasoned among themselves, men? And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we say from heaven, he's saying, If we say from heaven, he's saying, If we say from heaven, he's going to say, "Well, then why did you

going to say, "Well, then why did you going to say, "Well, then why did you not believe him? But if we say from men, not believe him? But if we say from men, not believe him? But if we say from men, all the people will stone us, for they all the people will stone us, for they all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet." are persuaded that John was a prophet." are persuaded that John was a prophet." So they answered that they did not know So they answered that they did not know So they answered that they did not know where it was from. And Jesus said to where it was from. And Jesus said to where it was from. And Jesus said to them, "Well, neither will I tell you by them, "Well, neither will I tell you by them, "Well, neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things." Let's what authority I do these things." Let's what authority I do these things." Let's pause there. That brings us to our first pause there. That brings us to our first pause there. That brings us to our first point. The scene of the crime. The scene point. The scene of the crime. The scene point. The scene of the crime. The scene of the crime. Now, just before this of the crime. Now, just before this of the crime. Now, just before this moment, uh we actually read a few weeks moment, uh we actually read a few weeks moment, uh we actually read a few weeks ago in Luke chapter 19, right? We're in ago in Luke chapter 19, right? We're in ago in Luke chapter 19, right? We're in Luke 20. Luke 19 comes right before. You Luke 20. Luke 19 comes right before. You Luke 20. Luke 19 comes right before. You should write that down. That's great to should write that down. That's great to should write that down. That's great to know. Uh but the events of Luke chapter know. Uh but the events of Luke chapter know. Uh but the events of Luke chapter 19 contain what is called the triumphal 19 contain what is called the triumphal 19 contain what is called the triumphal entry. Right? This is the moment that is entry. Right? This is the moment that is entry. Right? This is the moment that is just it's amazing. It's beautiful. Uh just it's amazing. It's beautiful. Uh just it's amazing. It's beautiful. Uh it's bittersweet because we see that it's bittersweet because we see that it's bittersweet because we see that Jesus rides into Jerusalem and he's Jesus rides into Jerusalem and he's Jesus rides into Jerusalem and he's given the hero's welcome. He is given the hero's welcome. He is given the hero's welcome. He is recognized for being the Messiah that he recognized for being the Messiah that he recognized for being the Messiah that he is and they they worship him and they is and they they worship him and they is and they they worship him and they they sing songs about him and all of they sing songs about him and all of they sing songs about him and all of Jerusalem comes out to meet him. You Jerusalem comes out to meet him. You Jerusalem comes out to meet him. You remember this is when the Pharisees call remember this is when the Pharisees call remember this is when the Pharisees call out and and condemn Jesus and say, out and and condemn Jesus and say, out and and condemn Jesus and say, "Jesus, you know, tell your disciples to "Jesus, you know, tell your disciples to "Jesus, you know, tell your disciples to be quiet. They're saying things that are be quiet. They're saying things that are be quiet. They're saying things that are blasphemous." And Jesus responds to them blasphemous." And Jesus responds to them blasphemous." And Jesus responds to them if they should keep quiet. Even the if they should keep quiet. Even the if they should keep quiet. Even the stones would cry out, right? Just a a a stones would cry out, right? Just a a a stones would cry out, right? Just a a a great moment. Great passage of great moment. Great passage of great moment. Great passage of scripture. But as Jesus gets into scripture. But as Jesus gets into scripture. But as Jesus gets into Jerusalem, the first thing that he does, Jerusalem, the first thing that he does, Jerusalem, the first thing that he does, he rides to the temple, his father's he rides to the temple, his father's he rides to the temple, his father's house, the place of worship. And as he house, the place of worship. And as he house, the place of worship. And as he gets there, what does he do? He goes and gets there, what does he do? He goes and gets there, what does he do? He goes and he flips the tables. He flips the money he flips the tables. He flips the money he flips the tables. He flips the money changers tables. He kicks them out.

changers tables. He kicks them out. changers tables. He kicks them out. Coins rolling everywhere. Birds flying Coins rolling everywhere. Birds flying Coins rolling everywhere. Birds flying around probably, right? A crazy scene. around probably, right? A crazy scene. around probably, right? A crazy scene. And so that's what he does. He did that And so that's what he does. He did that And so that's what he does. He did that one time at the very beginning of his one time at the very beginning of his one time at the very beginning of his ministry. He goes and he cleans the ministry. He goes and he cleans the ministry. He goes and he cleans the temple, cleanses it, and then he comes temple, cleanses it, and then he comes temple, cleanses it, and then he comes again at the end now of his ministry, again at the end now of his ministry, again at the end now of his ministry, days before he would be crucified, and days before he would be crucified, and days before he would be crucified, and he cleanses the temple. And so they're he cleanses the temple. And so they're he cleanses the temple. And so they're asking him this question of authority. asking him this question of authority. asking him this question of authority. Who gives you the right to go and flip Who gives you the right to go and flip Who gives you the right to go and flip these tables over to say how worship these tables over to say how worship these tables over to say how worship should be conducted in this place? We should be conducted in this place? We should be conducted in this place? We are the Pharisees. We are the Sadducees. are the Pharisees. We are the Sadducees. are the Pharisees. We are the Sadducees. We're the Sanhedrin. We're the religious We're the Sanhedrin. We're the religious We're the Sanhedrin. We're the religious elite. We're the ones that interpret elite. We're the ones that interpret elite. We're the ones that interpret God's law and the scriptures for you to God's law and the scriptures for you to God's law and the scriptures for you to understand who are you? What gives you understand who are you? What gives you understand who are you? What gives you the right? Who gave you this authority? the right? Who gave you this authority? the right? Who gave you this authority? And so Jesus after flipping the tables, And so Jesus after flipping the tables, And so Jesus after flipping the tables, a couple days go by and I can guarantee a couple days go by and I can guarantee a couple days go by and I can guarantee you that his disciples probably told you that his disciples probably told you that his disciples probably told Jesus, "Hey, after that scene today, you Jesus, "Hey, after that scene today, you Jesus, "Hey, after that scene today, you know, probably thinking maybe don't go know, probably thinking maybe don't go know, probably thinking maybe don't go back to the temple for a couple of days, back to the temple for a couple of days, back to the temple for a couple of days, like maybe try and lay low for a little like maybe try and lay low for a little like maybe try and lay low for a little bit. You kind of tick some people off, bit. You kind of tick some people off, bit. You kind of tick some people off, Jesus." And Jesus is like, "Okay, Jesus." And Jesus is like, "Okay, Jesus." And Jesus is like, "Okay, interesting. We're going right back and interesting. We're going right back and interesting. We're going right back and I'm going to go stand in the temple and I'm going to go stand in the temple and I'm going to go stand in the temple and I'm going to preach the gospel, right? I I'm going to preach the gospel, right? I I'm going to preach the gospel, right? I do not care because Jesus was the do not care because Jesus was the do not care because Jesus was the authority." And here we see he's authority." And here we see he's authority." And here we see he's confronted by the religious leaders confronted by the religious leaders confronted by the religious leaders again. They ask him, "What is your again. They ask him, "What is your again. They ask him, "What is your authority?" Now, the chief priests and authority?" Now, the chief priests and authority?" Now, the chief priests and the scribes, they could not deny that the scribes, they could not deny that the scribes, they could not deny that Jesus was any ordinary man. They they Jesus was any ordinary man. They they Jesus was any ordinary man. They they couldn't deny he was a something couldn't deny he was a something couldn't deny he was a something special, a prophet, maybe the Messiah.

special, a prophet, maybe the Messiah. special, a prophet, maybe the Messiah. They couldn't deny that because Jesus They couldn't deny that because Jesus They couldn't deny that because Jesus had the miracles, raising people from had the miracles, raising people from had the miracles, raising people from the dead, walking on water, uh the the the dead, walking on water, uh the the the dead, walking on water, uh the the feeding of the 5000, multiplying the feeding of the 5000, multiplying the feeding of the 5000, multiplying the loaves and the fishes. They couldn't loaves and the fishes. They couldn't loaves and the fishes. They couldn't deny that. And yet their only goal was deny that. And yet their only goal was deny that. And yet their only goal was to not figure out who Jesus was, but to not figure out who Jesus was, but to not figure out who Jesus was, but they just wanted him to stop. They just they just wanted him to stop. They just they just wanted him to stop. They just wanted Jesus to go away. And they were wanted Jesus to go away. And they were wanted Jesus to go away. And they were constantly trying to entrap him with constantly trying to entrap him with constantly trying to entrap him with these questions, right? They weren't these questions, right? They weren't these questions, right? They weren't interested in actually figuring out who interested in actually figuring out who interested in actually figuring out who he was. They were interested in getting he was. They were interested in getting he was. They were interested in getting back to how things were. They liked the back to how things were. They liked the back to how things were. They liked the status quo. They liked being in charge status quo. They liked being in charge status quo. They liked being in charge of the people. And Jesus was a threat to of the people. And Jesus was a threat to of the people. And Jesus was a threat to that. So their line of questioning was that. So their line of questioning was that. So their line of questioning was not a s a sincere who is Jesus seeking, not a s a sincere who is Jesus seeking, not a s a sincere who is Jesus seeking, researching, and investigating. Again, researching, and investigating. Again, researching, and investigating. Again, it was entrament. All they wanted was to it was entrament. All they wanted was to it was entrament. All they wanted was to get Jesus to stop. Whether it was get Jesus to stop. Whether it was get Jesus to stop. Whether it was turning public opinion against him, turning public opinion against him, turning public opinion against him, whether it was arrest by the Romans or whether it was arrest by the Romans or whether it was arrest by the Romans or ultimately, and they were fine with it, ultimately, and they were fine with it, ultimately, and they were fine with it, execution, execution, execution, all they wanted was for Jesus to stop.

all they wanted was for Jesus to stop. all they wanted was for Jesus to stop. And so this line of questioning, by what And so this line of questioning, by what And so this line of questioning, by what authority are you doing these things? Or authority are you doing these things? Or authority are you doing these things? Or who is he who gave you this authority? who is he who gave you this authority? who is he who gave you this authority? Shows they were moving the chest pieces Shows they were moving the chest pieces Shows they were moving the chest pieces to try and put Jesus in a difficult to try and put Jesus in a difficult to try and put Jesus in a difficult position. They were surrounding him. position. They were surrounding him. position. They were surrounding him. They wanted to trap Jesus. G. Campbell They wanted to trap Jesus. G. Campbell They wanted to trap Jesus. G. Campbell Morgan, a Bible commentator and pastor Morgan, a Bible commentator and pastor Morgan, a Bible commentator and pastor who's now with the Lord, offers this who's now with the Lord, offers this who's now with the Lord, offers this insight into their mindset of the insight into their mindset of the insight into their mindset of the religious leaders. He says they knew religious leaders. He says they knew religious leaders. He says they knew perfectly well. And they knew perfectly perfectly well. And they knew perfectly perfectly well. And they knew perfectly well when they had rejected John's well when they had rejected John's well when they had rejected John's ministry. That was the trouble with ministry. That was the trouble with ministry. That was the trouble with them. God never condemns men for them. God never condemns men for them. God never condemns men for ignorance. God's judgment are upon men ignorance. God's judgment are upon men ignorance. God's judgment are upon men who having the light disobey it. These who having the light disobey it. These who having the light disobey it. These religious leaders knew the prophecies religious leaders knew the prophecies religious leaders knew the prophecies better than anybody else. They knew what better than anybody else. They knew what better than anybody else. They knew what to look for in the Messiah. And it is to look for in the Messiah. And it is to look for in the Messiah. And it is likely they recognized that Jesus meant likely they recognized that Jesus meant likely they recognized that Jesus meant all of those things. And yet they all of those things. And yet they all of those things. And yet they rejected him because they loved their rejected him because they loved their rejected him because they loved their power. They loved their power more than power. They loved their power more than power. They loved their power more than they cared about the actual son of God. they cared about the actual son of God. they cared about the actual son of God. They knew that if they affirmed Jesus' They knew that if they affirmed Jesus' They knew that if they affirmed Jesus' question and said, "Yes, John was a question and said, "Yes, John was a question and said, "Yes, John was a prophet that they would also have to prophet that they would also have to prophet that they would also have to affirm John's saying in found in in the affirm John's saying in found in in the affirm John's saying in found in in the Gospel of John where he said, "Behold Gospel of John where he said, "Behold Gospel of John where he said, "Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin the lamb of God who takes away the sin the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." And so they answered, "We of the world." And so they answered, "We of the world." And so they answered, "We don't know. We don't know." That don't know. We don't know." That don't know. We don't know." That statement wasn't because of a lack of statement wasn't because of a lack of statement wasn't because of a lack of information or understanding. It was information or understanding. It was information or understanding. It was cover. It was an excuse because they cover. It was an excuse because they cover. It was an excuse because they knew the true answer would have cost knew the true answer would have cost knew the true answer would have cost them their fragile authority that they

them their fragile authority that they them their fragile authority that they were not willing to give up. What fools? were not willing to give up. What fools? were not willing to give up. What fools? What fools, right? You think about that. What fools, right? You think about that. What fools, right? You think about that. The living son of God standing before The living son of God standing before The living son of God standing before them engaging in conversation and them engaging in conversation and them engaging in conversation and they're challenging him. They're trying they're challenging him. They're trying they're challenging him. They're trying to get him arrested. What fools. You to get him arrested. What fools. You to get him arrested. What fools. You know, the fact is though, people are know, the fact is though, people are know, the fact is though, people are still doing this today. They're still still doing this today. They're still still doing this today. They're still doing this today. When they're doing this today. When they're doing this today. When they're confronted by Jesus, they come up with confronted by Jesus, they come up with confronted by Jesus, they come up with an excuse. Well, I've got questions an excuse. Well, I've got questions an excuse. Well, I've got questions about the Bible. I've got doubts about about the Bible. I've got doubts about about the Bible. I've got doubts about the the claims that scripture has, the the claims that scripture has, the the claims that scripture has, right? I'm still figuring out what I right? I'm still figuring out what I right? I'm still figuring out what I believe. You know, Jesus, I like some of believe. You know, Jesus, I like some of believe. You know, Jesus, I like some of the stuff that you said, but also like the stuff that you said, but also like the stuff that you said, but also like there's some other religious books out there's some other religious books out there's some other religious books out there that I think have some some good there that I think have some some good there that I think have some some good insight, too, and I'm still figuring insight, too, and I'm still figuring insight, too, and I'm still figuring this all out. You know what that is? this all out. You know what that is? this all out. You know what that is? That sounds like honest research, but That sounds like honest research, but That sounds like honest research, but notice the research always stays notice the research always stays notice the research always stays unfinished. Maybe you know one of these unfinished. Maybe you know one of these unfinished. Maybe you know one of these people and they're constantly offering people and they're constantly offering people and they're constantly offering up excuses why they won't go to church up excuses why they won't go to church up excuses why they won't go to church or why they won't give their lives to or why they won't give their lives to or why they won't give their lives to Christ and it's because they've got one Christ and it's because they've got one Christ and it's because they've got one of these things that's just a smoke of these things that's just a smoke of these things that's just a smoke screen. That's just a veil. You know, it screen. That's just a veil. You know, it screen. That's just a veil. You know, it never resolves into an answer. It just never resolves into an answer. It just never resolves into an answer. It just relocates to the next question. I've relocates to the next question. I've relocates to the next question. I've seen these debates people go and have on seen these debates people go and have on seen these debates people go and have on the street. You know, Charlie Kirk was the street. You know, Charlie Kirk was the street. You know, Charlie Kirk was great at that and I've seen others that great at that and I've seen others that great at that and I've seen others that engage with people in conversation and engage with people in conversation and engage with people in conversation and challenge their way of thinking and challenge their way of thinking and challenge their way of thinking and they're constantly moving the goalpost, they're constantly moving the goalpost, they're constantly moving the goalpost, right? They get crushed in one area, you right? They get crushed in one area, you right? They get crushed in one area, you know, on one claim that they make and it know, on one claim that they make and it know, on one claim that they make and it gets dismantled. And so, without even gets dismantled. And so, without even gets dismantled. And so, without even recognizing, oh, that's interesting. You recognizing, oh, that's interesting. You recognizing, oh, that's interesting. You given me something to think about, they given me something to think about, they given me something to think about, they move on to the next thing and another move on to the next thing and another move on to the next thing and another and another and another. Hey, listen. I

and another and another. Hey, listen. I and another and another. Hey, listen. I I had questions about the Bible. I did. I had questions about the Bible. I did. I had questions about the Bible. I did. I still do. I've had concerns. I've had I still do. I've had concerns. I've had I still do. I've had concerns. I've had doubts. And listen, I have thoroughly doubts. And listen, I have thoroughly doubts. And listen, I have thoroughly investigated these things. And investigated these things. And investigated these things. And personally, I have been completely personally, I have been completely personally, I have been completely satisfied by the answers that I have satisfied by the answers that I have satisfied by the answers that I have found. I did the research. I actually found. I did the research. I actually found. I did the research. I actually did it and I came to the conclusion did it and I came to the conclusion did it and I came to the conclusion Jesus is who he said he was. The claims Jesus is who he said he was. The claims Jesus is who he said he was. The claims of the Bible are true. But for quote of the Bible are true. But for quote of the Bible are true. But for quote unquote skeptics, [applause] for skeptics, it's never about the for skeptics, it's never about the evidence. It's never about the evidence. evidence. It's never about the evidence. evidence. It's never about the evidence. It's always about an excuse. It's always It's always about an excuse. It's always It's always about an excuse. It's always really what it comes down to is that really what it comes down to is that really what it comes down to is that they want to be in charge, right? They they want to be in charge, right? They they want to be in charge, right? They want to be in charge. Like the the want to be in charge. Like the the want to be in charge. Like the the little kids that we have, they want to little kids that we have, they want to little kids that we have, they want to be the boss. They want to choose what be the boss. They want to choose what be the boss. They want to choose what they eat. They want to choose where they they eat. They want to choose where they they eat. They want to choose where they go. They want to choose how they cross go. They want to choose how they cross go. They want to choose how they cross the street. I don't want to look both the street. I don't want to look both the street. I don't want to look both ways, Mom and Dad. I want to do it my ways, Mom and Dad. I want to do it my ways, Mom and Dad. I want to do it my way. Okay, you're going to die, right? way. Okay, you're going to die, right? way. Okay, you're going to die, right? No, No, No, it's all about who's in charge. Because it's all about who's in charge. Because it's all about who's in charge. Because if evolution is settled and it's not if evolution is settled and it's not if evolution is settled and it's not just a debunked theory and if we are the just a debunked theory and if we are the just a debunked theory and if we are the result of trillions of years of random result of trillions of years of random result of trillions of years of random events and a giant explosion and events and a giant explosion and events and a giant explosion and evolution and the Bible is just evolution and the Bible is just evolution and the Bible is just mythology and truth is relative and mythology and truth is relative and mythology and truth is relative and morality is personal what you feel then morality is personal what you feel then morality is personal what you feel then nobody including God get a vote and how nobody including God get a vote and how nobody including God get a vote and how you live your life right you're only you live your life right you're only you live your life right you're only accountable to yourself you are the accountable to yourself you are the accountable to yourself you are the highest authority in your life but the highest authority in your life but the highest authority in your life but the truth is there is a creator and you were truth is there is a creator and you were truth is there is a creator and you were created by him and you were created for

created by him and you were created for created by him and you were created for a purpose and you were created on a purpose and you were created on a purpose and you were created on purpose. He is the designer. Just like purpose. He is the designer. Just like purpose. He is the designer. Just like just like that phone you have in your just like that phone you have in your just like that phone you have in your pocket has a designer. Just like that pocket has a designer. Just like that pocket has a designer. Just like that propane barbecue you have in your propane barbecue you have in your propane barbecue you have in your backyard has a designer and has a backyard has a designer and has a backyard has a designer and has a purpose. Just like that MRI machine at purpose. Just like that MRI machine at purpose. Just like that MRI machine at the hospital has a designer and a the hospital has a designer and a the hospital has a designer and a purpose. You were created by a designer purpose. You were created by a designer purpose. You were created by a designer and you were created on purpose and for and you were created on purpose and for and you were created on purpose and for a purpose. And the designer's name is God. And he And the designer's name is God. And he loves you. And whether you like it or loves you. And whether you like it or loves you. And whether you like it or not, he is the ultimate authority above not, he is the ultimate authority above not, he is the ultimate authority above every parent, every teacher, every every parent, every teacher, every every parent, every teacher, every politician, every king, and every politician, every king, and every politician, every king, and every spiritual entity. And there will come a spiritual entity. And there will come a spiritual entity. And there will come a day when he authoritatively asks you the day when he authoritatively asks you the day when he authoritatively asks you the question, "What did you do with my son, question, "What did you do with my son, question, "What did you do with my son, Jesus?" Jesus?" Jesus?" Did you reject him? Did you say, "My Did you reject him? Did you say, "My Did you reject him? Did you say, "My body, my choice. I'm in charge. I'm the body, my choice. I'm in charge. I'm the body, my choice. I'm in charge. I'm the one that gets to make all the decisions one that gets to make all the decisions one that gets to make all the decisions for my life." Right? Only I get to for my life." Right? Only I get to for my life." Right? Only I get to choose what I'm going to do. Right? I'm choose what I'm going to do. Right? I'm choose what I'm going to do. Right? I'm in charge. Nobody's going to tell me in charge. Nobody's going to tell me in charge. Nobody's going to tell me what to do. Are you going to say that?

what to do. Are you going to say that? what to do. Are you going to say that? Or are you going to say, "I received Or are you going to say, "I received Or are you going to say, "I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I submitted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I submitted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I submitted to his authority. He is the Lord of my to his authority. He is the Lord of my to his authority. He is the Lord of my life." life." life." You know, a lot of the so-called doubt You know, a lot of the so-called doubt You know, a lot of the so-called doubt out there that walks around isn't honest out there that walks around isn't honest out there that walks around isn't honest uncertainty. It's something to hide uncertainty. It's something to hide uncertainty. It's something to hide behind. And Jesus senses this. He behind. And Jesus senses this. He behind. And Jesus senses this. He recognizes uh their denial, their recognizes uh their denial, their recognizes uh their denial, their unwillingness to answer his question unwillingness to answer his question unwillingness to answer his question about John the Baptist. And he goes for about John the Baptist. And he goes for about John the Baptist. And he goes for the jugular here. And we continue in the jugular here. And we continue in the jugular here. And we continue in verse 9. Jesus tells a parable about the verse 9. Jesus tells a parable about the verse 9. Jesus tells a parable about the men that are asking this question to men that are asking this question to men that are asking this question to their face, which is pretty great. their face, which is pretty great. their face, which is pretty great. We continue in verse 9. And then Jesus We continue in verse 9. And then Jesus We continue in verse 9. And then Jesus began to tell the people this parable. A began to tell the people this parable. A began to tell the people this parable. A certain man planted a vineyard and he certain man planted a vineyard and he certain man planted a vineyard and he leased it to vine dressers. And the leased it to vine dressers. And the leased it to vine dressers. And the owner went into a far country for a long owner went into a far country for a long owner went into a far country for a long time. Now at vintage time he sent a time. Now at vintage time he sent a time. Now at vintage time he sent a servant to the vine dressers that they servant to the vine dressers that they servant to the vine dressers that they might give him some of the fruit of the might give him some of the fruit of the might give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the vine dressers beat him vineyard. But the vine dressers beat him vineyard. But the vine dressers beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Again he and sent him away empty-handed. Again he and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent another servant and they beat him sent another servant and they beat him sent another servant and they beat him also, treated him shamefully and sent also, treated him shamefully and sent also, treated him shamefully and sent him away. And then again a third time him away. And then again a third time him away. And then again a third time and they wounded him and they also cast and they wounded him and they also cast and they wounded him and they also cast him out. And so the owner of the him out. And so the owner of the him out. And so the owner of the vineyard said, "What should I do here?"

vineyard said, "What should I do here?" vineyard said, "What should I do here?" I know. I will send my beloved son. I know. I will send my beloved son. I know. I will send my beloved son. Probably they will respect him when they Probably they will respect him when they Probably they will respect him when they see him. But when the vine dressers saw see him. But when the vine dressers saw see him. But when the vine dressers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, him, they reasoned among themselves, him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, "This is the heir. Come, let us saying, "This is the heir. Come, let us saying, "This is the heir. Come, let us kill him that the inheritance may be kill him that the inheritance may be kill him that the inheritance may be ours." So they cast him out of the ours." So they cast him out of the ours." So they cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore, what vineyard and killed him. Therefore, what vineyard and killed him. Therefore, what will the owner of that vineyard do to will the owner of that vineyard do to will the owner of that vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy those them? He will come and destroy those them? He will come and destroy those vine dressers and give the vineyard to vine dressers and give the vineyard to vine dressers and give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they others. And when they heard it, they others. And when they heard it, they said, "Certainly not." said, "Certainly not." said, "Certainly not." Verse 17. And then he looked at them and Verse 17. And then he looked at them and Verse 17. And then he looked at them and he said, "What then is this that is he said, "What then is this that is he said, "What then is this that is written? The stone which the builders written? The stone which the builders written? The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief rejected has become the chief rejected has become the chief cornerstone. Whoever falls on that stone cornerstone. Whoever falls on that stone cornerstone. Whoever falls on that stone will be broken, but on whomever it will be broken, but on whomever it will be broken, but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder. And falls, it will grind him to powder. And falls, it will grind him to powder. And the chief priests and the scribes that the chief priests and the scribes that the chief priests and the scribes that very hour sought to lay hands on Jesus, very hour sought to lay hands on Jesus, very hour sought to lay hands on Jesus, but they feared the people, for they but they feared the people, for they but they feared the people, for they knew he had spoken this parable against knew he had spoken this parable against knew he had spoken this parable against them. Let's pause there. That brings us them. Let's pause there. That brings us them. Let's pause there. That brings us to point number two, stewards, not to point number two, stewards, not to point number two, stewards, not owners. Point number two, stewards, not owners. Point number two, stewards, not owners. Point number two, stewards, not owners. Guys, this this moment is owners. Guys, this this moment is owners. Guys, this this moment is incredible. Uh there's a reason these incredible. Uh there's a reason these incredible. Uh there's a reason these guys got so upset with Jesus that they guys got so upset with Jesus that they guys got so upset with Jesus that they wanted to lay hands on him without even wanted to lay hands on him without even wanted to lay hands on him without even a legitimate legal charge. They were a legitimate legal charge. They were a legitimate legal charge. They were just so personally offended and annoyed just so personally offended and annoyed just so personally offended and annoyed that Jesus just said this about them uh that Jesus just said this about them uh that Jesus just said this about them uh that they wanted to lay hands on him on that they wanted to lay hands on him on that they wanted to lay hands on him on the very spot without the sufficient the very spot without the sufficient the very spot without the sufficient evidence. And so we see Jesus tells a evidence. And so we see Jesus tells a evidence. And so we see Jesus tells a story about a vineyard. Now, this story about a vineyard. Now, this story about a vineyard. Now, this symbolism would have been familiar to

symbolism would have been familiar to symbolism would have been familiar to every Jew, everybody living in Israel at every Jew, everybody living in Israel at every Jew, everybody living in Israel at the time because throughout scripture, the time because throughout scripture, the time because throughout scripture, we see Israel referred to as a vine. In we see Israel referred to as a vine. In we see Israel referred to as a vine. In Psalm 80, Asaf writes about how uh Psalm 80, Asaf writes about how uh Psalm 80, Asaf writes about how uh Israel is a vine that was plucked out of Israel is a vine that was plucked out of Israel is a vine that was plucked out of Egypt and planted in fertile soil and Egypt and planted in fertile soil and Egypt and planted in fertile soil and how it bears fruit. And so, they would how it bears fruit. And so, they would how it bears fruit. And so, they would have understood the concept of Israel have understood the concept of Israel have understood the concept of Israel being the vineyard and how these being the vineyard and how these being the vineyard and how these religious leaders, they were the religious leaders, they were the religious leaders, they were the tenants. They were put in charge of the tenants. They were put in charge of the tenants. They were put in charge of the prosperity of the vineyard. They were prosperity of the vineyard. They were prosperity of the vineyard. They were supposed to see it succeed spiritually. supposed to see it succeed spiritually. supposed to see it succeed spiritually. They were supposed to lead the people to They were supposed to lead the people to They were supposed to lead the people to God. But instead, what did they do? They God. But instead, what did they do? They God. But instead, what did they do? They were pimps. They were they were using were pimps. They were they were using were pimps. They were they were using the people of God to enhance themselves the people of God to enhance themselves the people of God to enhance themselves for their own personal gain. And so God for their own personal gain. And so God for their own personal gain. And so God sent various servants through the ages sent various servants through the ages sent various servants through the ages to go and collect on this debt to go and to go and collect on this debt to go and to go and collect on this debt to go and and intervene basically. And what did and intervene basically. And what did and intervene basically. And what did they do? They attacked them. They they do? They attacked them. They they do? They attacked them. They persecuted them. And ultimately we read persecuted them. And ultimately we read persecuted them. And ultimately we read uh in scripture that the people killed uh in scripture that the people killed uh in scripture that the people killed the prophets of God. They killed the prophets of God. They killed the prophets of God. They killed Zechariah. They killed Uriah. They Zechariah. They killed Uriah. They Zechariah. They killed Uriah. They killed Isaiah. And they killed John the killed Isaiah. And they killed John the killed Isaiah. And they killed John the Baptist. And ultimately the son comes.

Baptist. And ultimately the son comes. Baptist. And ultimately the son comes. The master's son comes and that is The master's son comes and that is The master's son comes and that is Jesus. And what do they do to the son? Jesus. And what do they do to the son? Jesus. And what do they do to the son? They killed him. And that is exactly They killed him. And that is exactly They killed him. And that is exactly what happens. An interesting response what happens. An interesting response what happens. An interesting response from them in verse 16. I don't know if from them in verse 16. I don't know if from them in verse 16. I don't know if you noticed. when Jesus made known the you noticed. when Jesus made known the you noticed. when Jesus made known the wicked tenants of the vineyard would be wicked tenants of the vineyard would be wicked tenants of the vineyard would be destroyed and the chief cornerstone that destroyed and the chief cornerstone that destroyed and the chief cornerstone that was rejected will fall on them and turn was rejected will fall on them and turn was rejected will fall on them and turn them into powder and they said certainly them into powder and they said certainly them into powder and they said certainly not like oh no that's not going to not like oh no that's not going to not like oh no that's not going to happen there the master is probably happen there the master is probably happen there the master is probably going to give them a hug and like say going to give them a hug and like say going to give them a hug and like say good job like that was really good thank good job like that was really good thank good job like that was really good thank you no that's not what happened they you no that's not what happened they you no that's not what happened they obviously god is going to judge them but obviously god is going to judge them but obviously god is going to judge them but they said certainly not I just thought they said certainly not I just thought they said certainly not I just thought that was funny that's like that line that was funny that's like that line that was funny that's like that line from Hamlet the lady doth protest too from Hamlet the lady doth protest too from Hamlet the lady doth protest too much me thinks like obvious Obviously, much me thinks like obvious Obviously, much me thinks like obvious Obviously, this this struck a chord with them. this this struck a chord with them. this this struck a chord with them. Jesus is making it really clear. He's Jesus is making it really clear. He's Jesus is making it really clear. He's making it really clear. The killing of making it really clear. The killing of making it really clear. The killing of the son won't end the story on their the son won't end the story on their the son won't end the story on their terms. Because the killing of the son of terms. Because the killing of the son of terms. Because the killing of the son of God didn't end the story on their terms. God didn't end the story on their terms. God didn't end the story on their terms. It ends on God's terms. Because the son It ends on God's terms. Because the son It ends on God's terms. Because the son they wanted to get rid of was the same they wanted to get rid of was the same they wanted to get rid of was the same son who would rise again from the dead.

son who would rise again from the dead. son who would rise again from the dead. The religious leaders felt like they had The religious leaders felt like they had The religious leaders felt like they had ownership of their roles, of their ownership of their roles, of their ownership of their roles, of their responsibility, that it was not actually responsibility, that it was not actually responsibility, that it was not actually entrusted to them. They were stewards. entrusted to them. They were stewards. entrusted to them. They were stewards. They were supposed to be cultivating the They were supposed to be cultivating the They were supposed to be cultivating the people of Israel, leading them closer to people of Israel, leading them closer to people of Israel, leading them closer to God. But they had not been doing that. God. But they had not been doing that. God. But they had not been doing that. Just like the wicked vine dressers, they Just like the wicked vine dressers, they Just like the wicked vine dressers, they were using it for their own benefit, not were using it for their own benefit, not were using it for their own benefit, not giving to God what belonged to him, giving to God what belonged to him, giving to God what belonged to him, rather to the master what belonged to rather to the master what belonged to rather to the master what belonged to him. The authority that they were him. The authority that they were him. The authority that they were clinging to so tightly was slipping clinging to so tightly was slipping clinging to so tightly was slipping through their fingers. The vineyard, through their fingers. The vineyard, through their fingers. The vineyard, which is the people of God that had been which is the people of God that had been which is the people of God that had been entrusted to them, was never their entrusted to them, was never their entrusted to them, was never their possession. It was always God's. And possession. It was always God's. And possession. It was always God's. And there was a reckoning coming. And they there was a reckoning coming. And they there was a reckoning coming. And they knew it. They knew it. I heard the story knew it. They knew it. I heard the story knew it. They knew it. I heard the story about a lady uh and a guy who were uh about a lady uh and a guy who were uh about a lady uh and a guy who were uh setting out on a a nice long trip. They setting out on a a nice long trip. They setting out on a a nice long trip. They were getting on a plane together and uh were getting on a plane together and uh were getting on a plane together and uh they didn't know each other, but she they didn't know each other, but she they didn't know each other, but she ended up sitting in one seat and he sat ended up sitting in one seat and he sat ended up sitting in one seat and he sat in the seat next to her. And as the guy in the seat next to her. And as the guy in the seat next to her. And as the guy was getting ready for his trip before he was getting ready for his trip before he was getting ready for his trip before he boarded the plane, he went to the gift boarded the plane, he went to the gift boarded the plane, he went to the gift shop and you know he bought a a $45 shop and you know he bought a a $45 shop and you know he bought a a $45 bottle of water and he bought a $72 bottle of water and he bought a $72 bottle of water and he bought a $72 magazine, right? I love how they gouge magazine, right? I love how they gouge magazine, right? I love how they gouge you. And he also saw a bag of cookies you. And he also saw a bag of cookies you. And he also saw a bag of cookies and he bought the bag of cookies. Oh, and he bought the bag of cookies. Oh, and he bought the bag of cookies. Oh, that sounds good. Maybe, you know, on that sounds good. Maybe, you know, on that sounds good. Maybe, you know, on the flight I'll enjoy some of these. And the flight I'll enjoy some of these. And the flight I'll enjoy some of these. And so he sits down, he put, you know, puts so he sits down, he put, you know, puts so he sits down, he put, you know, puts the cookies down and, uh, the flight the cookies down and, uh, the flight the cookies down and, uh, the flight goes on. He says hello to his, you know, goes on. He says hello to his, you know, goes on. He says hello to his, you know, person sitting next to him, that lady.

person sitting next to him, that lady. person sitting next to him, that lady. And halfway through the flight, he And halfway through the flight, he And halfway through the flight, he decides, I'm going to break open that decides, I'm going to break open that decides, I'm going to break open that bag of cookies. That sounds pretty good. bag of cookies. That sounds pretty good. bag of cookies. That sounds pretty good. And he opens up and he reaches his hand And he opens up and he reaches his hand And he opens up and he reaches his hand in and he eats one of the cookies and in and he eats one of the cookies and in and he eats one of the cookies and he's enjoying it. Puts the bag back he's enjoying it. Puts the bag back he's enjoying it. Puts the bag back down. And then the lady next to him down. And then the lady next to him down. And then the lady next to him reaches her hand into the bag as well. reaches her hand into the bag as well. reaches her hand into the bag as well. And she takes a cookie out and she eats And she takes a cookie out and she eats And she takes a cookie out and she eats one of the cookies. I should mention one of the cookies. I should mention one of the cookies. I should mention this was on Spirit Airlines, right? And this was on Spirit Airlines, right? And this was on Spirit Airlines, right? And so so so he's like, I knew things got bad, but he's like, I knew things got bad, but he's like, I knew things got bad, but not this bad. It's crazy. No respect for not this bad. It's crazy. No respect for not this bad. It's crazy. No respect for personal property. And so he's just personal property. And so he's just personal property. And so he's just outraged. How could are you kidding me outraged. How could are you kidding me outraged. How could are you kidding me right now? Somebody actually is just right now? Somebody actually is just right now? Somebody actually is just eating my stuff. So he reaches his hand eating my stuff. So he reaches his hand eating my stuff. So he reaches his hand in, you know, rips out another cookie, in, you know, rips out another cookie, in, you know, rips out another cookie, eats it, you know, and she reaches her eats it, you know, and she reaches her eats it, you know, and she reaches her hand in and eats another cookie. He just hand in and eats another cookie. He just hand in and eats another cookie. He just cannot believe this is actually cannot believe this is actually cannot believe this is actually happening. This goes back and forth happening. This goes back and forth happening. This goes back and forth until there's one cookie left in the until there's one cookie left in the until there's one cookie left in the bag. And before he can reach his hand in bag. And before he can reach his hand in bag. And before he can reach his hand in and take that last cookie, she gets her and take that last cookie, she gets her and take that last cookie, she gets her hand in the back and she pulls it out hand in the back and she pulls it out hand in the back and she pulls it out and she takes the cookie and she breaks and she takes the cookie and she breaks and she takes the cookie and she breaks it in half and she gives him one half it in half and she gives him one half it in half and she gives him one half and she eats the other half. He is just and she eats the other half. He is just and she eats the other half. He is just I mean his blood is boiling. He He does I mean his blood is boiling. He He does I mean his blood is boiling. He He does not understand how someone could be this not understand how someone could be this not understand how someone could be this rude, right? And so the flight goes on, rude, right? And so the flight goes on, rude, right? And so the flight goes on, it wraps up. They touch ground and he it wraps up. They touch ground and he it wraps up. They touch ground and he doesn't say one word. He's just putting doesn't say one word. He's just putting doesn't say one word. He's just putting everything in his bag, putting all his everything in his bag, putting all his everything in his bag, putting all his gear away, his computer and whatever gear away, his computer and whatever gear away, his computer and whatever else. And as he's opening up his bag, else. And as he's opening up his bag, else. And as he's opening up his bag, putting his stuff away, he looks in and putting his stuff away, he looks in and putting his stuff away, he looks in and there's his bag of cookies.

there's his bag of cookies. there's his bag of cookies. He was eating her bag the entire time. He was eating her bag the entire time. He was eating her bag the entire time. He was eating her bag the entire time. He was eating her bag the entire time. He was eating her bag the entire time. She was sharing with him. She shared the She was sharing with him. She shared the She was sharing with him. She shared the last cookie with him. Now, you might last cookie with him. Now, you might last cookie with him. Now, you might think that because you had something a think that because you had something a think that because you had something a long time, you have a gift, you have an long time, you have a gift, you have an long time, you have a gift, you have an amount of money, you have your life, you amount of money, you have your life, you amount of money, you have your life, you might think you have something, it might think you have something, it might think you have something, it belongs to you. that job, that marriage, belongs to you. that job, that marriage, belongs to you. that job, that marriage, that kid, that gift you were born with. that kid, that gift you were born with. that kid, that gift you were born with. And when God reminds us that it was him And when God reminds us that it was him And when God reminds us that it was him that gave it to us, to be stewards over, that gave it to us, to be stewards over, that gave it to us, to be stewards over, to be tenants over, a lot of times our to be tenants over, a lot of times our to be tenants over, a lot of times our first instinct isn't to hand it back, first instinct isn't to hand it back, first instinct isn't to hand it back, but to stop the reminder, to get rid of but to stop the reminder, to get rid of but to stop the reminder, to get rid of the obstacle, to stop listening to that the obstacle, to stop listening to that the obstacle, to stop listening to that friend or to that preacher or to come up friend or to that preacher or to come up friend or to that preacher or to come up with some convenient excuse. The with some convenient excuse. The with some convenient excuse. The psalmist said in Psalm 24, "The earth is psalmist said in Psalm 24, "The earth is psalmist said in Psalm 24, "The earth is the Lord's in all its fullness. The the Lord's in all its fullness. The the Lord's in all its fullness. The world and those who dwell therein." world and those who dwell therein." world and those who dwell therein." Everything belongs to God, including us. Everything belongs to God, including us. Everything belongs to God, including us. We are stewards. We are not owners.

We are stewards. We are not owners. We are stewards. We are not owners. Everything belongs to God. Job said in Everything belongs to God. Job said in Everything belongs to God. Job said in Job 1:21, "Naked came I into this world. Job 1:21, "Naked came I into this world. Job 1:21, "Naked came I into this world. Naked shall I return. The Lord gives and Naked shall I return. The Lord gives and Naked shall I return. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." of the Lord." of the Lord." Now Job could say something like that. Now Job could say something like that. Now Job could say something like that. If you know the story of Job, this was If you know the story of Job, this was If you know the story of Job, this was after he lost his children, his after he lost his children, his after he lost his children, his servants, his livestock, his homes. All servants, his livestock, his homes. All servants, his livestock, his homes. All of these things came crashing down and of these things came crashing down and of these things came crashing down and he lost all of them in a matter of he lost all of them in a matter of he lost all of them in a matter of moments. Job could say something like moments. Job could say something like moments. Job could say something like this, "Blessed be the name of the Lord." this, "Blessed be the name of the Lord." this, "Blessed be the name of the Lord." Because he had already settled the Because he had already settled the Because he had already settled the question of authority before the crisis question of authority before the crisis question of authority before the crisis came. Everything was God's. He knew he came. Everything was God's. He knew he came. Everything was God's. He knew he was a servant. He was a tenant. And so was a servant. He was a tenant. And so was a servant. He was a tenant. And so losing it wasn't theft. It was just the losing it wasn't theft. It was just the losing it wasn't theft. It was just the owner deciding to reclaim what was owner deciding to reclaim what was owner deciding to reclaim what was always his. Now, it's easy to nod along always his. Now, it's easy to nod along always his. Now, it's easy to nod along with that. Wow, that is that's really with that. Wow, that is that's really with that. Wow, that is that's really good. That's amazing, Job. But it's a good. That's amazing, Job. But it's a good. That's amazing, Job. But it's a lot harder when it's not just livestock lot harder when it's not just livestock lot harder when it's not just livestock and it's actually children on the and it's actually children on the and it's actually children on the ledger. And so the leaders now, they ledger. And so the leaders now, they ledger. And so the leaders now, they bring one more challenge to Jesus. They bring one more challenge to Jesus. They bring one more challenge to Jesus. They bring one more challenge to Jesus and it bring one more challenge to Jesus and it bring one more challenge to Jesus and it gets a lot more personal than any of gets a lot more personal than any of gets a lot more personal than any of them had bargained. Let's finish now them had bargained. Let's finish now them had bargained. Let's finish now reading verse 20. And so they watched reading verse 20. And so they watched reading verse 20. And so they watched him and they sent spies who pretended to him and they sent spies who pretended to him and they sent spies who pretended to be righteous that they might seize him be righteous that they might seize him be righteous that they might seize him on his words in order to deliver him to on his words in order to deliver him to on his words in order to deliver him to the power and the authority of the the power and the authority of the the power and the authority of the governor. And so they asked him, saying, governor. And so they asked him, saying, governor. And so they asked him, saying, "Teacher, we know that you say and teach "Teacher, we know that you say and teach "Teacher, we know that you say and teach rightly, and you do not show personal

rightly, and you do not show personal rightly, and you do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in favoritism, but teach the way of God in favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful for us to pay taxes truth. Is it lawful for us to pay taxes truth. Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" to Caesar or not?" to Caesar or not?" But Jesus perceived their craftiness, But Jesus perceived their craftiness, But Jesus perceived their craftiness, and he said to them, "Why do you test and he said to them, "Why do you test and he said to them, "Why do you test me? Show me a dinarius. And whose image me? Show me a dinarius. And whose image me? Show me a dinarius. And whose image and inscription does it have?" And they and inscription does it have?" And they and inscription does it have?" And they answered and said to him, "Caesars's." answered and said to him, "Caesars's." answered and said to him, "Caesars's." And he said to them, "Render therefore And he said to them, "Render therefore And he said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesars's, to Caesar the things that are Caesars's, to Caesar the things that are Caesars's, and to God the things that are God's." and to God the things that are God's." and to God the things that are God's." But they could not catch him in his But they could not catch him in his But they could not catch him in his words in the presence of the people. And words in the presence of the people. And words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at his answer, and kept they marveled at his answer, and kept they marveled at his answer, and kept silent. That brings us to point number silent. That brings us to point number silent. That brings us to point number three. Finally, image bearers. Image three. Finally, image bearers. Image three. Finally, image bearers. Image bearers. This is the crescendo. I mean, bearers. This is the crescendo. I mean, bearers. This is the crescendo. I mean, this is the part where Jesus just drives this is the part where Jesus just drives this is the part where Jesus just drives the point home so hard with all of them. the point home so hard with all of them. the point home so hard with all of them. Notice how they upgrade in strategy the Notice how they upgrade in strategy the Notice how they upgrade in strategy the the religious leaders employ here. the religious leaders employ here. the religious leaders employ here. First, they come and they confront him First, they come and they confront him First, they come and they confront him personally, right? And then Jesus personally, right? And then Jesus personally, right? And then Jesus confronts them and humiliates them. And confronts them and humiliates them. And confronts them and humiliates them. And so now they decide that they're not so now they decide that they're not so now they decide that they're not going to confront Jesus personally.

going to confront Jesus personally. going to confront Jesus personally. They're going to send spies in religious They're going to send spies in religious They're going to send spies in religious costumes pretending to be, you know, costumes pretending to be, you know, costumes pretending to be, you know, devout followers of Jesus. And so they devout followers of Jesus. And so they devout followers of Jesus. And so they send them instead to go and try and send them instead to go and try and send them instead to go and try and catch him in a trap. But Jesus knew he catch him in a trap. But Jesus knew he catch him in a trap. But Jesus knew he perceived their craftiness. They're perceived their craftiness. They're perceived their craftiness. They're secret Pharisees. I can tell by the way secret Pharisees. I can tell by the way secret Pharisees. I can tell by the way they want to stone me in the face, they want to stone me in the face, they want to stone me in the face, right? They wanted to kill him. A little right? They wanted to kill him. A little right? They wanted to kill him. A little Ella Langley for you. Uh Ella Langley for you. Uh >> [applause] >> [applause] >> That's a weird thing to clap for. It's >> That's a weird thing to clap for. It's >> That's a weird thing to clap for. It's all right, though. I definitely went out all right, though. I definitely went out all right, though. I definitely went out on a limb doing that just now. So, on a limb doing that just now. So, on a limb doing that just now. So, but he knew he knew that they were but he knew he knew that they were but he knew he knew that they were secret followers and he perceived they secret followers and he perceived they secret followers and he perceived they were trying to trap him. The question were trying to trap him. The question were trying to trap him. The question they asked him, uh, taxes, should are they asked him, uh, taxes, should are they asked him, uh, taxes, should are these lawful? Should we do this? This these lawful? Should we do this? This these lawful? Should we do this? This was a trap question. It was a no-win was a trap question. It was a no-win was a trap question. It was a no-win situation. Jesus knew if he said, "Yes, situation. Jesus knew if he said, "Yes, situation. Jesus knew if he said, "Yes, pay the tax to Caesar. Everybody, pay pay the tax to Caesar. Everybody, pay pay the tax to Caesar. Everybody, pay your taxes. Pay the Romans even more." your taxes. Pay the Romans even more." your taxes. Pay the Romans even more." Right? He knew every Jew within a 100 Right? He knew every Jew within a 100 Right? He knew every Jew within a 100 miles would have been upset with him.

miles would have been upset with him. miles would have been upset with him. But he also knew that if he said, "No, But he also knew that if he said, "No, But he also knew that if he said, "No, don't pay the tax that he would have don't pay the tax that he would have don't pay the tax that he would have likely been arrested for inciting likely been arrested for inciting likely been arrested for inciting rebellion against the Roman Empire." rebellion against the Roman Empire." rebellion against the Roman Empire." They thought they had Jesus in They thought they had Jesus in They thought they had Jesus in checkmate, right? A no-win situation. checkmate, right? A no-win situation. checkmate, right? A no-win situation. I've been playing chess with my family I've been playing chess with my family I've been playing chess with my family lately. We bought a chess board. It's lately. We bought a chess board. It's lately. We bought a chess board. It's fun little game to play. And my fun little game to play. And my fun little game to play. And my 13-year-old son, 14-year-old now, 14 13-year-old son, 14-year-old now, 14 13-year-old son, 14-year-old now, 14 years old, he checkmated me two times in years old, he checkmated me two times in years old, he checkmated me two times in our games now. He hasn't even been our games now. He hasn't even been our games now. He hasn't even been playing that long. I don't know if that playing that long. I don't know if that playing that long. I don't know if that means he's really good or I'm really means he's really good or I'm really means he's really good or I'm really bad, but I was I was proud of him. I was bad, but I was I was proud of him. I was bad, but I was I was proud of him. I was so so like you checkmated me like again so so like you checkmated me like again so so like you checkmated me like again crazy. So they thought they had Jesus in crazy. So they thought they had Jesus in crazy. So they thought they had Jesus in checkmate here. But then Jesus turns the checkmate here. But then Jesus turns the checkmate here. But then Jesus turns the tables on them. This is so great. Uh he tables on them. This is so great. Uh he tables on them. This is so great. Uh he asks for a coin and he says whose image asks for a coin and he says whose image asks for a coin and he says whose image is on the coin? Caesars's. And whose is on the coin? Caesars's. And whose is on the coin? Caesars's. And whose inscription is on the coin? Caesars's. inscription is on the coin? Caesars's. inscription is on the coin? Caesars's. Right? And so he says, "Render therefore Right? And so he says, "Render therefore Right? And so he says, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesars's to Caesar the things that are Caesars's to Caesar the things that are Caesars's and to God the things that are God's." and to God the things that are God's." and to God the things that are God's." Game set match. Now maybe we we miss Game set match. Now maybe we we miss Game set match. Now maybe we we miss some of the nuance of what Jesus is some of the nuance of what Jesus is some of the nuance of what Jesus is saying here just in this verse. Jesus saying here just in this verse. Jesus saying here just in this verse. Jesus was saying whose image is on this coin?

was saying whose image is on this coin? was saying whose image is on this coin? Caesar's. And whose image is on you? Caesar's. And whose image is on you? Caesar's. And whose image is on you? Well, God's image is on us. Genesis 1:27 Well, God's image is on us. Genesis 1:27 Well, God's image is on us. Genesis 1:27 says, "So God created man in his own says, "So God created man in his own says, "So God created man in his own image. In the image of God, he created image. In the image of God, he created image. In the image of God, he created him. Male and female he created them. him. Male and female he created them. him. Male and female he created them. Jesus is saying, "Render the things to Jesus is saying, "Render the things to Jesus is saying, "Render the things to Caesar, the things that belong to Caesar, the things that belong to Caesar, the things that belong to Caesar, and render unto God the things Caesar, and render unto God the things Caesar, and render unto God the things that belong to God." Whose image is on that belong to God." Whose image is on that belong to God." Whose image is on that coin, whose image is on you. Right? that coin, whose image is on you. Right? that coin, whose image is on you. Right? Now, Jesus saying that to us, render to Now, Jesus saying that to us, render to Now, Jesus saying that to us, render to God the things that are God's, isn't God the things that are God's, isn't God the things that are God's, isn't just a nice little tidy balance that we just a nice little tidy balance that we just a nice little tidy balance that we do with our taxes next to our taxes, do with our taxes next to our taxes, do with our taxes next to our taxes, right? It's not give your tithe to God, right? It's not give your tithe to God, right? It's not give your tithe to God, pay your taxes to Caesar, and give the pay your taxes to Caesar, and give the pay your taxes to Caesar, and give the rest of your money to Jeff Bezos on rest of your money to Jeff Bezos on rest of your money to Jeff Bezos on Amazon, right? No, he's saying, "Yeah, Amazon, right? No, he's saying, "Yeah, Amazon, right? No, he's saying, "Yeah, yeah, Caesar gets the medal. Caesar gets yeah, Caesar gets the medal. Caesar gets yeah, Caesar gets the medal. Caesar gets the tax, but God gets you. Not a the tax, but God gets you. Not a the tax, but God gets you. Not a portion. The whole thing. The whole portion. The whole thing. The whole portion. The whole thing. The whole thing. Everything you have belongs to thing. Everything you have belongs to thing. Everything you have belongs to God. Everything you are belongs to God.

God. Everything you are belongs to God. God. Everything you are belongs to God. your gift, your your gift that he's your gift, your your gift that he's your gift, your your gift that he's given to you, your career, your beauty, given to you, your career, your beauty, given to you, your career, your beauty, your handsomeness, your intelligence, uh your handsomeness, your intelligence, uh your handsomeness, your intelligence, uh your time, your talent, your treasure, your time, your talent, your treasure, your time, your talent, your treasure, it belongs to God. Because what did you it belongs to God. Because what did you it belongs to God. Because what did you enter into this world with? Nothing. And enter into this world with? Nothing. And enter into this world with? Nothing. And what will you leave this world with? what will you leave this world with? what will you leave this world with? Nothing. Nothing. Again, Job said, Nothing. Nothing. Again, Job said, Nothing. Nothing. Again, Job said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord naked shall I return there. The Lord naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. gave, and the Lord has taken away. gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Everything you were tempted to call mine Everything you were tempted to call mine Everything you were tempted to call mine has only ever been on loan to you from has only ever been on loan to you from has only ever been on loan to you from the one whose image is on it. Your life, the one whose image is on it. Your life, the one whose image is on it. Your life, your kids, your spouse, your future, your kids, your spouse, your future, your kids, your spouse, your future, your health, it belongs to God. We are your health, it belongs to God. We are your health, it belongs to God. We are just stewards. He has entrusted these just stewards. He has entrusted these just stewards. He has entrusted these things to us to bring him glory further things to us to bring him glory further things to us to bring him glory further with them. You know the parable of the with them. You know the parable of the with them. You know the parable of the talents, how Jesus gave different talents, how Jesus gave different talents, how Jesus gave different talents to different servants and all talents to different servants and all talents to different servants and all the servants did well and invested it the servants did well and invested it the servants did well and invested it and gave the earnings to the master. and gave the earnings to the master. and gave the earnings to the master. They they did well with them. One They they did well with them. One They they did well with them. One servant dug the talents, dug the servant dug the talents, dug the servant dug the talents, dug the treasure into the ground, put it into treasure into the ground, put it into treasure into the ground, put it into the ground and buried it, right? Okay.

the ground and buried it, right? Okay. the ground and buried it, right? Okay. Well, that that servant was condemned Well, that that servant was condemned Well, that that servant was condemned for his actions. We don't want to be for his actions. We don't want to be for his actions. We don't want to be like that last servant. We want to be like that last servant. We want to be like that last servant. We want to be good stewards with what God has given to good stewards with what God has given to good stewards with what God has given to us. We want to bring him glory with our us. We want to bring him glory with our us. We want to bring him glory with our lives. We want to lead our children to lives. We want to lead our children to lives. We want to lead our children to Jesus. We want to use our careers to Jesus. We want to use our careers to Jesus. We want to use our careers to work hard and influence our co-workers work hard and influence our co-workers work hard and influence our co-workers and to make money and to just have more and to make money and to just have more and to make money and to just have more opportunity. Those who have been opportunity. Those who have been opportunity. Those who have been faithful with little will be faithful faithful with little will be faithful faithful with little will be faithful with much. Right? Those who are faithful with much. Right? Those who are faithful with much. Right? Those who are faithful with little will be given much. You with little will be given much. You with little will be given much. You didn't arrive with anything. You won't didn't arrive with anything. You won't didn't arrive with anything. You won't leave with anything. leave with anything. leave with anything. My brother, he didn't get to keep his My brother, he didn't get to keep his My brother, he didn't get to keep his life one day on earth longer than God life one day on earth longer than God life one day on earth longer than God had appointed. He was a steward over the had appointed. He was a steward over the had appointed. He was a steward over the time that God gave to him. And he time that God gave to him. And he time that God gave to him. And he stewarded it well. He loved the Lord. stewarded it well. He loved the Lord. stewarded it well. He loved the Lord. And 18 years later, I can tell you the And 18 years later, I can tell you the And 18 years later, I can tell you the only thing that has made that survivable only thing that has made that survivable only thing that has made that survivable wasn't acting like my brother belonged wasn't acting like my brother belonged wasn't acting like my brother belonged to me, that he was my parents' property, to me, that he was my parents' property, to me, that he was my parents' property, and that we had been robbed somehow. No, and that we had been robbed somehow. No, and that we had been robbed somehow. No, it was knowing who he always belonged to it was knowing who he always belonged to it was knowing who he always belonged to and who holds him now in perfect peace and who holds him now in perfect peace and who holds him now in perfect peace and in fullness of joy that day.

and in fullness of joy that day. and in fullness of joy that day. [applause] My dad's talked about the events of that My dad's talked about the events of that day and he shared in a blog a while back day and he shared in a blog a while back day and he shared in a blog a while back that uh after some of the people that that uh after some of the people that that uh after some of the people that had come over that day had had left and had come over that day had had left and had come over that day had had left and he just needed a break to process. He he just needed a break to process. He he just needed a break to process. He went up to his office and uh he prayed went up to his office and uh he prayed went up to his office and uh he prayed and he he said this. I didn't thank God and he he said this. I didn't thank God and he he said this. I didn't thank God that it happened. In fact, I would have that it happened. In fact, I would have that it happened. In fact, I would have given anything to have Christopher back. given anything to have Christopher back. given anything to have Christopher back. I would have gladly taken his place, but I would have gladly taken his place, but I would have gladly taken his place, but I wasn't given that choice. So, I simply I wasn't given that choice. So, I simply I wasn't given that choice. So, I simply said, Lord, he is yours. I dedicate him. said, Lord, he is yours. I dedicate him. said, Lord, he is yours. I dedicate him. I dedicated him to you when he was a I dedicated him to you when he was a I dedicated him to you when he was a little boy and I dedicate him back to little boy and I dedicate him back to little boy and I dedicate him back to you. I will tell you, we are able to you. I will tell you, we are able to you. I will tell you, we are able to grieve with hope because of that. We are grieve with hope because of that. We are grieve with hope because of that. We are able to grieve with hope of seeing him able to grieve with hope of seeing him able to grieve with hope of seeing him again because we know who holds my again because we know who holds my again because we know who holds my brother currently. I will tell you that brother currently. I will tell you that brother currently. I will tell you that I trust God. I love God. I wear his I trust God. I love God. I wear his I trust God. I love God. I wear his image. But more than anything, I want image. But more than anything, I want image. But more than anything, I want his heart. I want his will for my life.

his heart. I want his will for my life. his heart. I want his will for my life. I want his will for my children. I want I want his will for my children. I want I want his will for my children. I want his will for this church. I want his his will for this church. I want his his will for this church. I want his will in every area. And the only thing will in every area. And the only thing will in every area. And the only thing that gets in the way of that is me. The that gets in the way of that is me. The that gets in the way of that is me. The only thing that gets in the way of that only thing that gets in the way of that only thing that gets in the way of that is me. I assert what I want. I'm like is me. I assert what I want. I'm like is me. I assert what I want. I'm like that kid, that toddler that throws a that kid, that toddler that throws a that kid, that toddler that throws a tantrum when his parents won't let him tantrum when his parents won't let him tantrum when his parents won't let him jump in the deep end of the pool at 6 jump in the deep end of the pool at 6 jump in the deep end of the pool at 6 months old to only to sink to the bottom months old to only to sink to the bottom months old to only to sink to the bottom and die, right? I don't think and die, right? I don't think and die, right? I don't think six-year-olds throw six-month-olds, you six-year-olds throw six-month-olds, you six-year-olds throw six-month-olds, you know, throw tantrums. Whatever. You get know, throw tantrums. Whatever. You get know, throw tantrums. Whatever. You get the idea. Um, the idea. Um, the idea. Um, that's me. That's me. I want my way. I that's me. That's me. I want my way. I that's me. That's me. I want my way. I had these plans and it didn't work out. had these plans and it didn't work out. had these plans and it didn't work out. That's not fair. You know, you can throw That's not fair. You know, you can throw That's not fair. You know, you can throw a tantrum. Or you can recognize God is a tantrum. Or you can recognize God is a tantrum. Or you can recognize God is sovereign. And maybe he allowed that sovereign. And maybe he allowed that sovereign. And maybe he allowed that thing. Maybe he allowed that job loss. thing. Maybe he allowed that job loss. thing. Maybe he allowed that job loss. Maybe he allowed that breakup. Maybe he Maybe he allowed that breakup. Maybe he Maybe he allowed that breakup. Maybe he allowed that thing in your life that you allowed that thing in your life that you allowed that thing in your life that you call bad for a reason, for a greater call bad for a reason, for a greater call bad for a reason, for a greater purpose. How many of us would pray to purpose. How many of us would pray to purpose. How many of us would pray to win the lottery if we knew God would win the lottery if we knew God would win the lottery if we knew God would answer, right? Oh, I want to be a answer, right? Oh, I want to be a answer, right? Oh, I want to be a billionaire. That would be the worst billionaire. That would be the worst billionaire. That would be the worst thing that could ever happen to us. That thing that could ever happen to us. That thing that could ever happen to us. That could be the worst thing that could ever could be the worst thing that could ever could be the worst thing that could ever happen to pretty much all of us here. happen to pretty much all of us here. happen to pretty much all of us here. here. I don't know if there's any here. I don't know if there's any here. I don't know if there's any billionaires in the crowd, but it could billionaires in the crowd, but it could billionaires in the crowd, but it could be the worst thing because it would be the worst thing because it would be the worst thing because it would distract you and take you away from the distract you and take you away from the distract you and take you away from the Lord. And what profit is it if a man Lord. And what profit is it if a man Lord. And what profit is it if a man should gain the whole world, Jesus said, should gain the whole world, Jesus said, should gain the whole world, Jesus said, and lose his own soul? You can have the and lose his own soul? You can have the and lose his own soul? You can have the whole world, but not have God and when whole world, but not have God and when whole world, but not have God and when you leave, you leave with nothing. Or you leave, you leave with nothing. Or you leave, you leave with nothing. Or you can leave this life and you can you can leave this life and you can you can leave this life and you can leave with eternal life. You can leave leave with eternal life. You can leave leave with eternal life. You can leave with Jesus Christ. You can leave with with Jesus Christ. You can leave with with Jesus Christ. You can leave with the hope of heaven. You can leave with the hope of heaven. You can leave with the hope of heaven. You can leave with the promises of God. Jesus said, "I came

the promises of God. Jesus said, "I came the promises of God. Jesus said, "I came to give life and life more abundantly." to give life and life more abundantly." to give life and life more abundantly." Those who are good stewards over the Those who are good stewards over the Those who are good stewards over the things that God has given to us enjoy things that God has given to us enjoy things that God has given to us enjoy them the most. Because we see, hey God, them the most. Because we see, hey God, them the most. Because we see, hey God, I did what I could and the stock market, I did what I could and the stock market, I did what I could and the stock market, you know, it didn't perform the way that you know, it didn't perform the way that you know, it didn't perform the way that I was hoping to. He says, "Well done, I was hoping to. He says, "Well done, I was hoping to. He says, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into good and faithful servant. Enter into good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord." Notice he doesn't the joy of your Lord." Notice he doesn't the joy of your Lord." Notice he doesn't say, "Well done. Well, well done, good say, "Well done. Well, well done, good say, "Well done. Well, well done, good and 6x servant. You 6xed what I gave to and 6x servant. You 6xed what I gave to and 6x servant. You 6xed what I gave to you. You 100xed it. Good job." No, he you. You 100xed it. Good job." No, he you. You 100xed it. Good job." No, he says, "Well done, good and faithful says, "Well done, good and faithful says, "Well done, good and faithful servant." He wants you to be faithful servant." He wants you to be faithful servant." He wants you to be faithful with the things he has given to you. Be with the things he has given to you. Be with the things he has given to you. Be a good steward. And the first thing that a good steward. And the first thing that a good steward. And the first thing that you need to be a good steward of is the you need to be a good steward of is the you need to be a good steward of is the gift that God has extended to you gift that God has extended to you gift that God has extended to you through his son, Jesus Christ. He loves through his son, Jesus Christ. He loves through his son, Jesus Christ. He loves you. He has a plan for your life. And he you. He has a plan for your life. And he you. He has a plan for your life. And he extends to you the gift of eternal life. extends to you the gift of eternal life. extends to you the gift of eternal life. And if you have not today received that And if you have not today received that And if you have not today received that gift of eternal life, if you have not gift of eternal life, if you have not gift of eternal life, if you have not had your sin forgiven, that's the most had your sin forgiven, that's the most had your sin forgiven, that's the most important thing that you can do. That's important thing that you can do. That's important thing that you can do. That's the best thing that you can do because the best thing that you can do because the best thing that you can do because not only do you get the hope of heaven, not only do you get the hope of heaven, not only do you get the hope of heaven, you get earth thrown in as well. You you get earth thrown in as well. You you get earth thrown in as well. You know, followers of God, Christians, we know, followers of God, Christians, we know, followers of God, Christians, we enjoy this life more than anybody else enjoy this life more than anybody else enjoy this life more than anybody else because we hold it loosely. It doesn't because we hold it loosely. It doesn't because we hold it loosely. It doesn't belong to us. We don't have the death belong to us. We don't have the death belong to us. We don't have the death grip on it. We shouldn't have the death grip on it. We shouldn't have the death grip on it. We shouldn't have the death grip on it. Sometimes we get the death grip on it. Sometimes we get the death grip on it. Sometimes we get the death grip on it. And we need to relax our grip on it. And we need to relax our grip on it. And we need to relax our hand a little bit and recognize we're hand a little bit and recognize we're hand a little bit and recognize we're stewards. It all belongs to God. He's in stewards. It all belongs to God. He's in stewards. It all belongs to God. He's in control. And ultimately, he's the one control. And ultimately, he's the one control. And ultimately, he's the one that made it all work out in the end.

that made it all work out in the end. that made it all work out in the end. Amen. Amen. So listen, if you're here Amen. Amen. So listen, if you're here Amen. Amen. So listen, if you're here today and you haven't made that today and you haven't made that today and you haven't made that decision, respond to this invitation decision, respond to this invitation decision, respond to this invitation now. Let's all pray. Lord, we thank you now. Let's all pray. Lord, we thank you now. Let's all pray. Lord, we thank you for your word. We thank you for these for your word. We thank you for these for your word. We thank you for these principles we find in scripture of principles we find in scripture of principles we find in scripture of seeing God, we don't really own seeing God, we don't really own seeing God, we don't really own anything. The gifts you give to us, our anything. The gifts you give to us, our anything. The gifts you give to us, our natural abilities, our beauty, our natural abilities, our beauty, our natural abilities, our beauty, our intelligence, the family we were born intelligence, the family we were born intelligence, the family we were born into, the amount of money that we into, the amount of money that we into, the amount of money that we inherited. Lord, these are gifts from inherited. Lord, these are gifts from inherited. Lord, these are gifts from you. And Lord, we want to honor you with you. And Lord, we want to honor you with you. And Lord, we want to honor you with those things that you have entrusted to those things that you have entrusted to those things that you have entrusted to us because we know then that's when us because we know then that's when us because we know then that's when we'll enjoy them the most, but we'll enjoy them the most, but we'll enjoy them the most, but ultimately that's when we fulfill our ultimately that's when we fulfill our ultimately that's when we fulfill our purpose in life, which is to bring you purpose in life, which is to bring you purpose in life, which is to bring you glory. Help us to do that, Lord, each glory. Help us to do that, Lord, each glory. Help us to do that, Lord, each and every one of us. Help us, Father, and every one of us. Help us, Father, and every one of us. Help us, Father, more to entrust these things to you. We more to entrust these things to you. We more to entrust these things to you. We thank you. and our heads are bowed and thank you. and our heads are bowed and thank you. and our heads are bowed and our eyes are closed and we're praying our eyes are closed and we're praying our eyes are closed and we're praying together. If there's anybody here who together. If there's anybody here who together. If there's anybody here who has not yet made that decision to make has not yet made that decision to make has not yet made that decision to make Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior, if Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior, if Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior, if you have not yet surrendered and you have not yet surrendered and you have not yet surrendered and submitted to his authority, I would just submitted to his authority, I would just submitted to his authority, I would just ask you, what are you waiting for? What ask you, what are you waiting for? What ask you, what are you waiting for? What are you waiting for? What are you living are you waiting for? What are you living are you waiting for? What are you living your life for? Is there any sin, any your life for? Is there any sin, any your life for? Is there any sin, any possession, any pride in your life possession, any pride in your life possession, any pride in your life that's worth going to hell over? Because that's worth going to hell over? Because that's worth going to hell over? Because that's what it's going to do. It's going that's what it's going to do. It's going that's what it's going to do. It's going to take you away from God. You don't to take you away from God. You don't to take you away from God. You don't have to though. You don't have to. You have to though. You don't have to. You have to though. You don't have to. You could receive the gift that Jesus Christ could receive the gift that Jesus Christ could receive the gift that Jesus Christ offers you. The gift of eternal life, offers you. The gift of eternal life, offers you. The gift of eternal life, the forgiveness of your sin, and make the forgiveness of your sin, and make the forgiveness of your sin, and make him the Lord of your life, and submit.

him the Lord of your life, and submit. him the Lord of your life, and submit. It's the best thing that you can do. It's the best thing that you can do. It's the best thing that you can do. It's the decision that I made over 18 It's the decision that I made over 18 It's the decision that I made over 18 years ago, and it's the best thing years ago, and it's the best thing years ago, and it's the best thing that's ever happened to me. It changed that's ever happened to me. It changed that's ever happened to me. It changed my life from the inside out. He's made my life from the inside out. He's made my life from the inside out. He's made me a new creation. Yeah, I'm a work in me a new creation. Yeah, I'm a work in me a new creation. Yeah, I'm a work in progress, but you know what? He who progress, but you know what? He who progress, but you know what? He who began a good work in you will be began a good work in you will be began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. he'll do the faithful to complete it. he'll do the faithful to complete it. he'll do the same thing for you. So, if you'd like to same thing for you. So, if you'd like to same thing for you. So, if you'd like to do that today, wherever you are watching do that today, wherever you are watching do that today, wherever you are watching here at Harvest Orange County or online here at Harvest Orange County or online here at Harvest Orange County or online or one of our other campuses, I want you or one of our other campuses, I want you or one of our other campuses, I want you to raise your hand up and I want to lead to raise your hand up and I want to lead to raise your hand up and I want to lead you in a prayer. Yeah, you heard me you in a prayer. Yeah, you heard me you in a prayer. Yeah, you heard me right. Raise your hand up if you want to right. Raise your hand up if you want to right. Raise your hand up if you want to receive Jesus Christ today. You're receive Jesus Christ today. You're receive Jesus Christ today. You're saying yes to God. Raise your hand up. saying yes to God. Raise your hand up. saying yes to God. Raise your hand up. God bless you. God bless you. Hold it up God bless you. God bless you. Hold it up God bless you. God bless you. Hold it up high where I can see it. God bless you. high where I can see it. God bless you. high where I can see it. God bless you. Anybody else? Raise it up. God bless Anybody else? Raise it up. God bless Anybody else? Raise it up. God bless you. And you. Yeah. Awesome. Awesome. you. And you. Yeah. Awesome. Awesome. you. And you. Yeah. Awesome. Awesome. God bless you, buddy. Again, if you're God bless you, buddy. Again, if you're God bless you, buddy. Again, if you're watching at one of our other campuses, I watching at one of our other campuses, I watching at one of our other campuses, I can't see you, but the Lord sees you. can't see you, but the Lord sees you. can't see you, but the Lord sees you. You raise your hand as well. God bless You raise your hand as well. God bless You raise your hand as well. God bless you. Okay, for those of you that raised you. Okay, for those of you that raised you. Okay, for those of you that raised your hand, I'm going to ask now that you your hand, I'm going to ask now that you your hand, I'm going to ask now that you would pray this prayer out loud after would pray this prayer out loud after would pray this prayer out loud after me. You would mean it in your heart.

me. You would mean it in your heart. me. You would mean it in your heart. This is you talking to God, your father This is you talking to God, your father This is you talking to God, your father in heaven, who loves you, who's done in heaven, who loves you, who's done in heaven, who loves you, who's done everything he can to bring you home. everything he can to bring you home. everything he can to bring you home. Pray this prayer after me. Dear God, Pray this prayer after me. Dear God, Pray this prayer after me. Dear God, I know that I'm a sinner. I've fallen I know that I'm a sinner. I've fallen I know that I'm a sinner. I've fallen short of your standard, short of your standard, short of your standard, but I thank you that Jesus is the Savior but I thank you that Jesus is the Savior but I thank you that Jesus is the Savior and that he's my savior. And from this and that he's my savior. And from this and that he's my savior. And from this moment forward, moment forward, moment forward, I make him the Lord of my life. And I I make him the Lord of my life. And I I make him the Lord of my life. And I turn from my old way of living and I turn from my old way of living and I turn from my old way of living and I follow you. Help me to follow you. Fill follow you. Help me to follow you. Fill follow you. Help me to follow you. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. I submit me with your Holy Spirit. I submit me with your Holy Spirit. I submit everything I have, everything I have, everything I have, everything I am to you. In Jesus name I everything I am to you. In Jesus name I everything I am to you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Amen. God bless you that pray. Amen. Amen. God bless you that pray. Amen. Amen. God bless you that prayed that prayer just. prayed that prayer just. prayed that prayer just. Congratulations. God bless you. Congratulations. God bless you. Congratulations. God bless you. [applause] [applause] [applause] Hey everybody, thanks for listening to Hey everybody, thanks for listening to Hey everybody, thanks for listening to this podcast. To learn more about this podcast. To learn more about this podcast. To learn more about Harvest Ministries, follow this show and Harvest Ministries, follow this show and Harvest Ministries, follow this show and consider supporting it. Just go to consider supporting it. Just go to consider supporting it. Just go to harvest.org. And to find out how to know harvest.org. And to find out how to know harvest.org. And to find out how to know God personally, go to harvest.org or and God personally, go to harvest.org or and God personally, go to harvest.org or and click on know God.