Close Encounters | Sunday Message (Pastor Jonathan Laurie)

Feeling [music] a bit disconnected in Feeling [music] a bit disconnected in your walk with Christ? Well, Pastor Greg your walk with Christ? Well, Pastor Greg your walk with Christ? Well, Pastor Greg Lori has a [music] great new book called Lori has a [music] great new book called Lori has a [music] great new book called What Every Growing Christian Needs to What Every Growing Christian Needs to What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know that'll help. Let's say you're Know that'll help. Let's say you're Know that'll help. Let's say you're feeling lethargic and tired. You know, feeling lethargic and tired. You know, feeling lethargic and tired. You know, if you have [music] a diet of social if you have [music] a diet of social if you have [music] a diet of social media and you don't take time for the media and you don't take time for the media and you don't take time for the word of God, [music] this is going to word of God, [music] this is going to word of God, [music] this is going to have a damaging effect. So, this is just have a damaging effect. So, this is just have a damaging effect. So, this is just one of the things we talk about in this one of the things we talk about in this one of the things we talk about in this new book called What Every Growing new book called What Every Growing new book called What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know, available at Christian Needs to Know, available at Christian Needs to Know, available at harvest.org. org. harvest.org. org. harvest.org. org. >> Hey there, thanks for listening to the >> 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. You can open in your Bibles to Luke You can open in your Bibles to Luke You can open in your Bibles to Luke chapter 23. Uh so Luke chapter 23. All chapter 23. Uh so Luke chapter 23. All chapter 23. Uh so Luke chapter 23. All right. So, this last week, Thursday, my right. So, this last week, Thursday, my right. So, this last week, Thursday, my wife has been waking up really early wife has been waking up really early wife has been waking up really early lately, like 4:00, 5:00 in the morning. lately, like 4:00, 5:00 in the morning. lately, like 4:00, 5:00 in the morning. I'm not that guy. I'm not that guy. I I'm not that guy. I'm not that guy. I I'm not that guy. I'm not that guy. I like to sleep in a little bit, you know, like to sleep in a little bit, you know, like to sleep in a little bit, you know, 6:30, 7, somewhere around there. And 6:30, 7, somewhere around there. And 6:30, 7, somewhere around there. And unless I have to get up earlier, but I I unless I have to get up earlier, but I I unless I have to get up earlier, but I I was laying in bed and I heard her get up was laying in bed and I heard her get up was laying in bed and I heard her get up and she walks out into the kitchen and and she walks out into the kitchen and and she walks out into the kitchen and the dog was also scratching at the door the dog was also scratching at the door the dog was also scratching at the door trying to get out to go to the bathroom.

trying to get out to go to the bathroom. trying to get out to go to the bathroom. I've told you about Biscuit before, I've told you about Biscuit before, I've told you about Biscuit before, right? She was the dog we trained. right? She was the dog we trained. right? She was the dog we trained. Here's a photo of Biscuit. She's very Here's a photo of Biscuit. She's very Here's a photo of Biscuit. She's very cute. She's very cute. She's a good cute. She's very cute. She's a good cute. She's very cute. She's a good little dog. There she is sitting in the little dog. There she is sitting in the little dog. There she is sitting in the wild flowers. And uh so she was wild flowers. And uh so she was wild flowers. And uh so she was scratching at the door. She had to go scratching at the door. She had to go scratching at the door. She had to go out and go potty, right? We've all been out and go potty, right? We've all been out and go potty, right? We've all been there if you have a dog. So my wife there if you have a dog. So my wife there if you have a dog. So my wife goes, like she's done many other times, goes, like she's done many other times, goes, like she's done many other times, opens the back door to our house, lets opens the back door to our house, lets opens the back door to our house, lets the dog out, except we found out Biscuit the dog out, except we found out Biscuit the dog out, except we found out Biscuit was scratching at the door for a was scratching at the door for a was scratching at the door for a different reason. She heard something in different reason. She heard something in different reason. She heard something in the yard. And I am awoken after I hear the yard. And I am awoken after I hear the yard. And I am awoken after I hear my wife open the door and the dog goes my wife open the door and the dog goes my wife open the door and the dog goes out. I hear my wife screaming in terror, out. I hear my wife screaming in terror, out. I hear my wife screaming in terror, "No, Biscuit! No! No! No! No Biscuit! "No, Biscuit! No! No! No! No Biscuit! "No, Biscuit! No! No! No! No Biscuit! No! No!" Now, I'm laying in bed thinking No! No!" Now, I'm laying in bed thinking No! No!" Now, I'm laying in bed thinking that there's a coyote in our backyard. that there's a coyote in our backyard. that there's a coyote in our backyard. And so, I spring out of bed uh and run And so, I spring out of bed uh and run And so, I spring out of bed uh and run to the door getting ready to put a a to the door getting ready to put a a to the door getting ready to put a a coyote in a rear naked chokeold here. coyote in a rear naked chokeold here. coyote in a rear naked chokeold here. And uh And uh And uh I get I get to the door and my wife I get I get to the door and my wife I get I get to the door and my wife says, "No, don't go out there. There's a says, "No, don't go out there. There's a says, "No, don't go out there. There's a skunk." Oh, skunk." Oh, skunk." Oh, that's way worse than a coyote. way that's way worse than a coyote. way that's way worse than a coyote. way worse.

worse. worse. And sure enough, And sure enough, And sure enough, biscuit tussled with the skunk. biscuit tussled with the skunk. biscuit tussled with the skunk. There's a joke in there somewhere. What There's a joke in there somewhere. What There's a joke in there somewhere. What is it? What is it? Never never get in a is it? What is it? Never never get in a is it? What is it? Never never get in a fight with a skunk. You know, there fight with a skunk. You know, there fight with a skunk. You know, there there are no winners. I don't know. I'll there are no winners. I don't know. I'll there are no winners. I don't know. I'll figure it out for the second service. figure it out for the second service. figure it out for the second service. But she gets in a fight. She doesn't get But she gets in a fight. She doesn't get But she gets in a fight. She doesn't get a direct hit. She doesn't get a direct a direct hit. She doesn't get a direct a direct hit. She doesn't get a direct hit, fortunately. But the skunk sprays hit, fortunately. But the skunk sprays hit, fortunately. But the skunk sprays in the yard and Biscuit does get hit by in the yard and Biscuit does get hit by in the yard and Biscuit does get hit by it somewhat. And it's just so bad. So my it somewhat. And it's just so bad. So my it somewhat. And it's just so bad. So my wife actually goes back, grabs the dog wife actually goes back, grabs the dog wife actually goes back, grabs the dog from the backyard, brings the dog from the backyard, brings the dog from the backyard, brings the dog through the house, and of course, if you through the house, and of course, if you through the house, and of course, if you know anything about a skunk, I mean, it know anything about a skunk, I mean, it know anything about a skunk, I mean, it just has a way of permeating just has a way of permeating just has a way of permeating everything. I mean, that smell is everything. I mean, that smell is everything. I mean, that smell is forever ingrained in the back of my forever ingrained in the back of my forever ingrained in the back of my brain. It's just there. I could You can brain. It's just there. I could You can brain. It's just there. I could You can taste it. It is horrible. It's It's just taste it. It is horrible. It's It's just taste it. It is horrible. It's It's just the worst. And so, she takes the dog to the worst. And so, she takes the dog to the worst. And so, she takes the dog to the front yard and starts washing the the front yard and starts washing the the front yard and starts washing the dog. And I said, you know, just put her dog. And I said, you know, just put her dog. And I said, you know, just put her in the backyard. Put her in the yard. in the backyard. Put her in the yard. in the backyard. Put her in the yard. it's fine. And she said, "No, the skunk it's fine. And she said, "No, the skunk it's fine. And she said, "No, the skunk is still back there." And sure enough, is still back there." And sure enough, is still back there." And sure enough, look at this. I'm I'm standing at the look at this. I'm I'm standing at the look at this. I'm I'm standing at the back of the door and here I am looking back of the door and here I am looking back of the door and here I am looking and here's the skunk. What What do you and here's the skunk. What What do you and here's the skunk. What What do you do with that? What do you do with that?

do with that? What do you do with that? do with that? What do you do with that? What in the world am I supposed to do What in the world am I supposed to do What in the world am I supposed to do here? It's like I you know, I I should here? It's like I you know, I I should here? It's like I you know, I I should have shot it with like my airsoft gun or have shot it with like my airsoft gun or have shot it with like my airsoft gun or something. I have no idea. I was yelling something. I have no idea. I was yelling something. I have no idea. I was yelling at it, telling it, "Get out of here. Get at it, telling it, "Get out of here. Get at it, telling it, "Get out of here. Get out of here." And every time it would out of here." And every time it would out of here." And every time it would just sit there and square up with me. just sit there and square up with me. just sit there and square up with me. It'd square up and just sit there and It'd square up and just sit there and It'd square up and just sit there and stare right at me. It was not stare right at me. It was not stare right at me. It was not intimidated, but it was ready to spray intimidated, but it was ready to spray intimidated, but it was ready to spray if necessary. The dogs or sorry, the the if necessary. The dogs or sorry, the the if necessary. The dogs or sorry, the the skunk stayed in the backyard for like an skunk stayed in the backyard for like an skunk stayed in the backyard for like an hour. For like an hour, it wouldn't hour. For like an hour, it wouldn't hour. For like an hour, it wouldn't leave. Finally, uh I was just throwing leave. Finally, uh I was just throwing leave. Finally, uh I was just throwing things at it and finally just made its things at it and finally just made its things at it and finally just made its way out and and climbed. I don't know if way out and and climbed. I don't know if way out and and climbed. I don't know if it climbed up a tree or what. It went it climbed up a tree or what. It went it climbed up a tree or what. It went into the back corner of my house. I into the back corner of my house. I into the back corner of my house. I couldn't figure out how it got out, but couldn't figure out how it got out, but couldn't figure out how it got out, but it finally did get out. But it was the it finally did get out. But it was the it finally did get out. But it was the worst. Oh, the smell permeates worst. Oh, the smell permeates worst. Oh, the smell permeates everything. The dog smells, you We put everything. The dog smells, you We put everything. The dog smells, you We put all these different concoctions on her, all these different concoctions on her, all these different concoctions on her, you know, asking chat GPT what can we do you know, asking chat GPT what can we do you know, asking chat GPT what can we do and it's given us multiple remedies and and it's given us multiple remedies and and it's given us multiple remedies and so the dog still smells a little bit. so the dog still smells a little bit. so the dog still smells a little bit. The thing that alarms me is everybody The thing that alarms me is everybody The thing that alarms me is everybody says the smell is gone in my family. says the smell is gone in my family. says the smell is gone in my family. They all say the smell is gone and I can They all say the smell is gone and I can They all say the smell is gone and I can still smell it. What does that say about still smell it. What does that say about still smell it. What does that say about me or what does that say about them? I me or what does that say about them? I me or what does that say about them? I don't know.

don't know. don't know. But my dog got really close to that But my dog got really close to that But my dog got really close to that skunk, right? Too close. Too close to skunk, right? Too close. Too close to skunk, right? Too close. Too close to the skunk. Close enough to be marked by the skunk. Close enough to be marked by the skunk. Close enough to be marked by it. Close enough to smell like it. Close it. Close enough to smell like it. Close it. Close enough to smell like it. Close enough for me to treat the dog as if it enough for me to treat the dog as if it enough for me to treat the dog as if it were the skunk itself. Right? You are were the skunk itself. Right? You are were the skunk itself. Right? You are not welcome in my home. I don't want to not welcome in my home. I don't want to not welcome in my home. I don't want to touch you. I don't want to pet you. I touch you. I don't want to pet you. I touch you. I don't want to pet you. I don't want to be around you. Uh it's don't want to be around you. Uh it's don't want to be around you. Uh it's enough for me to treat it like the skunk enough for me to treat it like the skunk enough for me to treat it like the skunk itself. Now, getting close to a skunk is itself. Now, getting close to a skunk is itself. Now, getting close to a skunk is never a good idea. Never a good idea. Oh never a good idea. Never a good idea. Oh never a good idea. Never a good idea. Oh man, the smell it. You just you can't man, the smell it. You just you can't man, the smell it. You just you can't get rid of it. And it sticks to get rid of it. And it sticks to get rid of it. And it sticks to everything. Every article of clothing, everything. Every article of clothing, everything. Every article of clothing, even the the pajamas my wife was wearing even the the pajamas my wife was wearing even the the pajamas my wife was wearing as she's washing the dog. I'm like, as she's washing the dog. I'm like, as she's washing the dog. I'm like, "Throw them in the fire." Like, we burn "Throw them in the fire." Like, we burn "Throw them in the fire." Like, we burn them. Don't you dare put those in the them. Don't you dare put those in the them. Don't you dare put those in the washing machine. washing machine. washing machine. So, proximity proximity is not always a So, proximity proximity is not always a So, proximity proximity is not always a good thing, is it? It depends on what good thing, is it? It depends on what good thing, is it? It depends on what you're getting close to. Now, if you're you're getting close to. Now, if you're you're getting close to. Now, if you're if you're cold and you get close to a if you're cold and you get close to a if you're cold and you get close to a fire, oh, that's a great thing, right? fire, oh, that's a great thing, right? fire, oh, that's a great thing, right? Oh, man. You warm yourself getting close Oh, man. You warm yourself getting close Oh, man. You warm yourself getting close in proximity to the fire. Too close in in proximity to the fire. Too close in in proximity to the fire. Too close in proximity, not a good thing. You can proximity, not a good thing. You can proximity, not a good thing. You can actually burn yourself, right? If you've actually burn yourself, right? If you've actually burn yourself, right? If you've ever had, you know, early stages of ever had, you know, early stages of ever had, you know, early stages of hypothermia, your fingertips are are, hypothermia, your fingertips are are, hypothermia, your fingertips are are, you know, completely numb, the tip of you know, completely numb, the tip of you know, completely numb, the tip of your nose is numb and you get too close your nose is numb and you get too close your nose is numb and you get too close to the fire, you know, you can actually to the fire, you know, you can actually to the fire, you know, you can actually burn yourself. That's not good. Um, if burn yourself. That's not good. Um, if burn yourself. That's not good. Um, if you get close to the wrong group of you get close to the wrong group of you get close to the wrong group of friends, that could be a bad thing.

friends, that could be a bad thing. friends, that could be a bad thing. Proximity to the wrong group of friends, Proximity to the wrong group of friends, Proximity to the wrong group of friends, that's a bad thing. Proximity to the that's a bad thing. Proximity to the that's a bad thing. Proximity to the right group of friends can be the right right group of friends can be the right right group of friends can be the right thing. Another reason for you to join a thing. Another reason for you to join a thing. Another reason for you to join a small group, getting in proximity to the small group, getting in proximity to the small group, getting in proximity to the right kind of people. They're going to right kind of people. They're going to right kind of people. They're going to challenge you, exhort you, encourage you challenge you, exhort you, encourage you challenge you, exhort you, encourage you in growing. I've been going to the gym in growing. I've been going to the gym in growing. I've been going to the gym with a group of guys and it's great with a group of guys and it's great with a group of guys and it's great because they all have the same goal. We because they all have the same goal. We because they all have the same goal. We want to be healthy. We want to be want to be healthy. We want to be want to be healthy. We want to be strong. We want to have good flexibility strong. We want to have good flexibility strong. We want to have good flexibility and all of that. And so being around and all of that. And so being around and all of that. And so being around them, it's it's a positive, right? them, it's it's a positive, right? them, it's it's a positive, right? They're encouraging me to do better. And They're encouraging me to do better. And They're encouraging me to do better. And so, uh, we all need to be in proximity so, uh, we all need to be in proximity so, uh, we all need to be in proximity to the right things and to stay away to the right things and to stay away to the right things and to stay away from the wrong things. And so I think from the wrong things. And so I think from the wrong things. And so I think all of us here would agree proximity to all of us here would agree proximity to all of us here would agree proximity to Jesus is a good thing. Being close to Jesus is a good thing. Being close to Jesus is a good thing. Being close to Jesus is the best thing. It's the most Jesus is the best thing. It's the most Jesus is the best thing. It's the most important thing. Amen. It is. But it also is really important It is. But it also is really important what our heart is behind that. Why are what our heart is behind that. Why are what our heart is behind that. Why are you close to Jesus? Why are you in you close to Jesus? Why are you in you close to Jesus? Why are you in proximity to him? You have to ask proximity to him? You have to ask proximity to him? You have to ask yourself that question. This message yourself that question. This message yourself that question. This message today that I'm going to be sharing today that I'm going to be sharing today that I'm going to be sharing really is an exhortation to you to be in really is an exhortation to you to be in really is an exhortation to you to be in deep harmony in communion with Jesus.

deep harmony in communion with Jesus. deep harmony in communion with Jesus. Not just on the fringes, not just in Not just on the fringes, not just in Not just on the fringes, not just in proximity, proximity, proximity, but to have him be the master of your but to have him be the master of your but to have him be the master of your life. Being close in proximity to Jesus life. Being close in proximity to Jesus life. Being close in proximity to Jesus does not necessarily mean does not necessarily mean does not necessarily mean transformation. transformation. transformation. It does not necessarily mean you are a It does not necessarily mean you are a It does not necessarily mean you are a Christian just because you attend church Christian just because you attend church Christian just because you attend church on Sunday. Just because you have a on Sunday. Just because you have a on Sunday. Just because you have a Christian bumper sticker on your car, Christian bumper sticker on your car, Christian bumper sticker on your car, just because you have Bibles in your just because you have Bibles in your just because you have Bibles in your house, even just because you are reading house, even just because you are reading house, even just because you are reading a Bible plan, it doesn't mean you are a a Bible plan, it doesn't mean you are a a Bible plan, it doesn't mean you are a Christian. Yes, it is possible to be in Christian. Yes, it is possible to be in Christian. Yes, it is possible to be in proximity to Jesus and to remain proximity to Jesus and to remain proximity to Jesus and to remain unchanged. Is there any better example unchanged. Is there any better example unchanged. Is there any better example of this than Judas Escariat? of this than Judas Escariat? of this than Judas Escariat? Judas was close to Jesus. Really close. Judas was close to Jesus. Really close. Judas was close to Jesus. Really close. He touched him. He slept next to him. He He touched him. He slept next to him. He He touched him. He slept next to him. He traveled with him. He saw the miracles. traveled with him. He saw the miracles. traveled with him. He saw the miracles. He saw and heard the teachings. He saw He saw and heard the teachings. He saw He saw and heard the teachings. He saw the amazing things that Jesus did. He the amazing things that Jesus did. He the amazing things that Jesus did. He saw the proof. And yet, what did he do? saw the proof. And yet, what did he do? saw the proof. And yet, what did he do? He betrayed Jesus. He betrayed him for He betrayed Jesus. He betrayed him for He betrayed Jesus. He betrayed him for 30 pieces of silver. No. Proximity to 30 pieces of silver. No. Proximity to 30 pieces of silver. No. Proximity to Jesus does not mean transformation. In Jesus does not mean transformation. In Jesus does not mean transformation. In fact, if you're not careful, proximity fact, if you're not careful, proximity fact, if you're not careful, proximity to Jesus, again with the wrong heart, to Jesus, again with the wrong heart, to Jesus, again with the wrong heart, could actually mean inoculation could actually mean inoculation could actually mean inoculation could actually mean that you develop a could actually mean that you develop a could actually mean that you develop a resistance to Jesus.

resistance to Jesus. resistance to Jesus. One of the ways our bodies develop One of the ways our bodies develop One of the ways our bodies develop immunity uh resistance to a disease is immunity uh resistance to a disease is immunity uh resistance to a disease is through inoculation, is through being through inoculation, is through being through inoculation, is through being exposed to a virus, right? You develop exposed to a virus, right? You develop exposed to a virus, right? You develop an immunity to it. That's why vaccines, an immunity to it. That's why vaccines, an immunity to it. That's why vaccines, I mean, especially in the 18th century I mean, especially in the 18th century I mean, especially in the 18th century and 19th century when they really and 19th century when they really and 19th century when they really started to come out were so important. started to come out were so important. started to come out were so important. Things like smallpox, dtheria, chalera, Things like smallpox, dtheria, chalera, Things like smallpox, dtheria, chalera, malaria were killers. If you got it, malaria were killers. If you got it, malaria were killers. If you got it, there was a really good chance you were there was a really good chance you were there was a really good chance you were going to die. And actually, in the last going to die. And actually, in the last going to die. And actually, in the last 250 years, just in America, over a 250 years, just in America, over a 250 years, just in America, over a million people were killed by these million people were killed by these million people were killed by these diseases. And many more would have died diseases. And many more would have died diseases. And many more would have died had there not been a vaccination for it. had there not been a vaccination for it. had there not been a vaccination for it. Right? A vaccination for it. Now Right? A vaccination for it. Now Right? A vaccination for it. Now everybody's thinking, what's he going to everybody's thinking, what's he going to everybody's thinking, what's he going to say about vaccinations? I'm not going say about vaccinations? I'm not going say about vaccinations? I'm not going there today. Okay, that's another topic there today. Okay, that's another topic there today. Okay, that's another topic for another time. But for these for another time. But for these for another time. But for these diseases, the way that they created the diseases, the way that they created the diseases, the way that they created the vaccination was they actually took the vaccination was they actually took the vaccination was they actually took the disease, were able to take a weak strain disease, were able to take a weak strain disease, were able to take a weak strain of it and inject it into a person. Now, of it and inject it into a person. Now, of it and inject it into a person. Now, you might come down with a slight fever you might come down with a slight fever you might come down with a slight fever or a slight cold, but your body figures or a slight cold, but your body figures or a slight cold, but your body figures out how to create a defense against it out how to create a defense against it out how to create a defense against it and you created a resistance and and you created a resistance and and you created a resistance and millions of people's lives have been millions of people's lives have been millions of people's lives have been saved as a result. Again, the vaccine saved as a result. Again, the vaccine saved as a result. Again, the vaccine doses your body with that small amount doses your body with that small amount doses your body with that small amount that you want to be protected against that you want to be protected against that you want to be protected against and your body creates that immunity to and your body creates that immunity to and your body creates that immunity to it. Spiritually, that was Judas. That it. Spiritually, that was Judas. That it. Spiritually, that was Judas. That was Judas. Again, he saw the miracles, was Judas. Again, he saw the miracles, was Judas. Again, he saw the miracles, heard the teachings, he knew the heard the teachings, he knew the heard the teachings, he knew the prophecies, and yet he was not prophecies, and yet he was not prophecies, and yet he was not transformed, transformed, transformed, but instead developed a spiritual but instead developed a spiritual but instead developed a spiritual resistance to the son of God. That's a

resistance to the son of God. That's a resistance to the son of God. That's a scary thought. That's a scary thought. scary thought. That's a scary thought. scary thought. That's a scary thought. Sitting in the pew at church, silently Sitting in the pew at church, silently Sitting in the pew at church, silently excusing yourself from everything that excusing yourself from everything that excusing yourself from everything that we talk about on Sunday morning. You we talk about on Sunday morning. You we talk about on Sunday morning. You shouldn't live with your boyfriend or shouldn't live with your boyfriend or shouldn't live with your boyfriend or girlfriend. Flee sexual immorality. You girlfriend. Flee sexual immorality. You girlfriend. Flee sexual immorality. You know, you need to stop sinning. You know, you need to stop sinning. You know, you need to stop sinning. You shouldn't you shouldn't steal. you shouldn't you shouldn't steal. you shouldn't you shouldn't steal. you shouldn't do this. And if you are shouldn't do this. And if you are shouldn't do this. And if you are silently creating a defense against silently creating a defense against silently creating a defense against those things, well, that's, you know, those things, well, that's, you know, those things, well, that's, you know, that's not me. God knows my heart. I'm that's not me. God knows my heart. I'm that's not me. God knows my heart. I'm able to do that. That doesn't apply to able to do that. That doesn't apply to able to do that. That doesn't apply to me. Oh, that was just for the first me. Oh, that was just for the first me. Oh, that was just for the first century. If you're constantly doing century. If you're constantly doing century. If you're constantly doing that, you are excusing yourself from the that, you are excusing yourself from the that, you are excusing yourself from the word of God and from ultimately the word of God and from ultimately the word of God and from ultimately the conviction of the Holy Spirit. And that conviction of the Holy Spirit. And that conviction of the Holy Spirit. And that is a dangerous thing to do. It's a is a dangerous thing to do. It's a is a dangerous thing to do. It's a guaranteed way to have a heart like guaranteed way to have a heart like guaranteed way to have a heart like Judas. I would know. I would know. I sat Judas. I would know. I would know. I sat Judas. I would know. I would know. I sat in the front row for many years in the front row for many years in the front row for many years listening to amazing preaching, seeing listening to amazing preaching, seeing listening to amazing preaching, seeing altar calls happen, hearing about altar calls happen, hearing about altar calls happen, hearing about miracles take place in people's life, miracles take place in people's life, miracles take place in people's life, seeing spiritual transformation, but I seeing spiritual transformation, but I seeing spiritual transformation, but I hardened my heart. I hardened my heart hardened my heart. I hardened my heart hardened my heart. I hardened my heart and I knew I knew I was going to and I knew I knew I was going to and I knew I knew I was going to contradict the things that I was hearing contradict the things that I was hearing contradict the things that I was hearing on Sunday morning. Ultimately, God sent on Sunday morning. Ultimately, God sent on Sunday morning. Ultimately, God sent a wake-up call in my way and got my a wake-up call in my way and got my a wake-up call in my way and got my attention. But proximity does not mean attention. But proximity does not mean attention. But proximity does not mean transformation.

transformation. transformation. G. Campbell Morgan, an amazing Bible G. Campbell Morgan, an amazing Bible G. Campbell Morgan, an amazing Bible commentator who's now with the Lord, commentator who's now with the Lord, commentator who's now with the Lord, said this. Listen, there is more hope said this. Listen, there is more hope said this. Listen, there is more hope for the man outside the church and all for the man outside the church and all for the man outside the church and all of its coldness than for the man within of its coldness than for the man within of its coldness than for the man within the church, who is near enough its the church, who is near enough its the church, who is near enough its warmth, to appreciate it, and far enough warmth, to appreciate it, and far enough warmth, to appreciate it, and far enough from its burning heat to be both useless from its burning heat to be both useless from its burning heat to be both useless to God and man. Listen to this. There is to God and man. Listen to this. There is to God and man. Listen to this. There is a greater chance for the non-believer a greater chance for the non-believer a greater chance for the non-believer who has not heard the gospel than for who has not heard the gospel than for who has not heard the gospel than for the man who has become an evangelized the man who has become an evangelized the man who has become an evangelized non-believer. non-believer. non-believer. Man, that's heavy. I think you could say Man, that's heavy. I think you could say Man, that's heavy. I think you could say that there's potentially more hope for that there's potentially more hope for that there's potentially more hope for the guy sitting at the bar right now the guy sitting at the bar right now the guy sitting at the bar right now who's maybe nearing rock bottom and who's maybe nearing rock bottom and who's maybe nearing rock bottom and recognizing all of his decisions have recognizing all of his decisions have recognizing all of his decisions have led him to this horrible place in life led him to this horrible place in life led him to this horrible place in life than there would be for the person who than there would be for the person who than there would be for the person who sits in church every Sunday silently sits in church every Sunday silently sits in church every Sunday silently excusing themselves from having to make excusing themselves from having to make excusing themselves from having to make a stand a real commitment to Jesus. I a stand a real commitment to Jesus. I a stand a real commitment to Jesus. I want you to think about that. I want you want you to think about that. I want you want you to think about that. I want you to pray about that even. So today in our to pray about that even. So today in our to pray about that even. So today in our text, we are going to look at three men text, we are going to look at three men text, we are going to look at three men and their interactions with Jesus. Now and their interactions with Jesus. Now and their interactions with Jesus. Now these three men, they were all very these three men, they were all very these three men, they were all very close in proximity to Jesus. Close close in proximity to Jesus. Close close in proximity to Jesus. Close enough to hear him, close enough to see enough to hear him, close enough to see enough to hear him, close enough to see him, close enough to reach out and touch him, close enough to reach out and touch him, close enough to reach out and touch him if they wish. They stood face to him if they wish. They stood face to him if they wish. They stood face to face with him. And ultimately, all three face with him. And ultimately, all three face with him. And ultimately, all three of these men, their entire lives are of these men, their entire lives are of these men, their entire lives are defined by this brief encounter with the defined by this brief encounter with the defined by this brief encounter with the son of God. We're going to be looking at son of God. We're going to be looking at son of God. We're going to be looking at Luke chapter 23 together. And I've Luke chapter 23 together. And I've Luke chapter 23 together. And I've titled this message Close Encounters.

titled this message Close Encounters. titled this message Close Encounters. Close Encounters. Let's read now in Luke Close Encounters. Let's read now in Luke Close Encounters. Let's read now in Luke chapter 23 starting in verse one. These, of course, are the events These, of course, are the events immediately following what we heard last immediately following what we heard last immediately following what we heard last week where Judas betrayed Jesus in the week where Judas betrayed Jesus in the week where Judas betrayed Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and delivered him Garden of Gethsemane and delivered him Garden of Gethsemane and delivered him into the hands of the religious leaders into the hands of the religious leaders into the hands of the religious leaders to be killed. to be killed. to be killed. And so we read in verse one, "Then the And so we read in verse one, "Then the And so we read in verse one, "Then the whole multitude of them arose and led whole multitude of them arose and led whole multitude of them arose and led him to Pilate, and they began to accuse him to Pilate, and they began to accuse him to Pilate, and they began to accuse him, saying,"We found this fellow him, saying,"We found this fellow him, saying,"We found this fellow perverting the nation and forbidding to perverting the nation and forbidding to perverting the nation and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar." We know that's not pay taxes to Caesar." We know that's not pay taxes to Caesar." We know that's not true. true. true. Saying that he himself is Christ, a Saying that he himself is Christ, a Saying that he himself is Christ, a king. Verse three. And so Pilate asked king. Verse three. And so Pilate asked king. Verse three. And so Pilate asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Jesus answered him and said, "It is as Jesus answered him and said, "It is as Jesus answered him and said, "It is as you say." So Pilate said to the chief you say." So Pilate said to the chief you say." So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, I find no fault priests and the crowd, I find no fault priests and the crowd, I find no fault in this man. But they were the morier, in this man. But they were the morier, in this man. But they were the morier, saying, "He stirs up the people, saying, "He stirs up the people, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning teaching throughout all Judea, beginning teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place." Now when from Galilee to this place." Now when from Galilee to this place." Now when Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked if the Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked if the Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked if the man were a Galilean. And as soon as he man were a Galilean. And as soon as he man were a Galilean. And as soon as he knew that he belonged to Herod's knew that he belonged to Herod's knew that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

was also in Jerusalem at that time. was also in Jerusalem at that time. Let's pause there. That brings us to our Let's pause there. That brings us to our Let's pause there. That brings us to our first character, the first man that we first character, the first man that we first character, the first man that we are looking at number one, it's Pilate. are looking at number one, it's Pilate. are looking at number one, it's Pilate. And the point is the prefect meets the And the point is the prefect meets the And the point is the prefect meets the perfect. Pilate was a prefect, a perfect. Pilate was a prefect, a perfect. Pilate was a prefect, a governor, and Jesus of course is the governor, and Jesus of course is the governor, and Jesus of course is the perfect. The prefect meets the perfect. perfect. The prefect meets the perfect. perfect. The prefect meets the perfect. So Pontius Pilate, he's a very So Pontius Pilate, he's a very So Pontius Pilate, he's a very interesting character for sure. Uh we interesting character for sure. Uh we interesting character for sure. Uh we don't know a ton about Pontius Pilot, don't know a ton about Pontius Pilot, don't know a ton about Pontius Pilot, but as you read this at face value, you but as you read this at face value, you but as you read this at face value, you know, you may find yourself kind of know, you may find yourself kind of know, you may find yourself kind of sympathizing, empathizing with Pontious sympathizing, empathizing with Pontious sympathizing, empathizing with Pontious Pilot. He was in a sticky situation. Pilot. He was in a sticky situation. Pilot. He was in a sticky situation. This is a guy that was in a tough spot. This is a guy that was in a tough spot. This is a guy that was in a tough spot. He had to make a very difficult He had to make a very difficult He had to make a very difficult decision. On one hand, he has Jesus, a decision. On one hand, he has Jesus, a decision. On one hand, he has Jesus, a man that he believes to be innocent of man that he believes to be innocent of man that he believes to be innocent of these crimes. A man that he believes to these crimes. A man that he believes to these crimes. A man that he believes to to not be worthy of being sentenced to to not be worthy of being sentenced to to not be worthy of being sentenced to death. And he's being accused by what he death. And he's being accused by what he death. And he's being accused by what he knows are the religious leaders. And knows are the religious leaders. And knows are the religious leaders. And Pilate knows better than anybody. The Pilate knows better than anybody. The Pilate knows better than anybody. The religious leaders were hypocrites. They religious leaders were hypocrites. They religious leaders were hypocrites. They were corrupt. The Pharisees and others. were corrupt. The Pharisees and others. were corrupt. The Pharisees and others. And then on the other hand, so he's got And then on the other hand, so he's got And then on the other hand, so he's got Jesus. Then on the other hand, he has Jesus. Then on the other hand, he has Jesus. Then on the other hand, he has his primary job. His primary job as the his primary job. His primary job as the his primary job. His primary job as the Romanappointed prefect of all Judea was Romanappointed prefect of all Judea was Romanappointed prefect of all Judea was to keep the peace, was to keep things, to keep the peace, was to keep things, to keep the peace, was to keep things, you know, status quo, to make sure you know, status quo, to make sure you know, status quo, to make sure everything was running smoothly. No everything was running smoothly. No everything was running smoothly. No rebellions, no uprisings, no, you know, rebellions, no uprisings, no, you know, rebellions, no uprisings, no, you know, drama. And that meant negotiating with drama. And that meant negotiating with drama. And that meant negotiating with that same group of corrupt leaders who that same group of corrupt leaders who that same group of corrupt leaders who were wrongfully charging Jesus. He knew were wrongfully charging Jesus. He knew were wrongfully charging Jesus. He knew that if he did not give the Pharisees that if he did not give the Pharisees that if he did not give the Pharisees what they wanted, they would ultimately what they wanted, they would ultimately what they wanted, they would ultimately stir up a riot and that would be bad for

stir up a riot and that would be bad for stir up a riot and that would be bad for him with Rome. That put him in hot him with Rome. That put him in hot him with Rome. That put him in hot water. And so he declares Jesus water. And so he declares Jesus water. And so he declares Jesus innocent. But the moment that he says to innocent. But the moment that he says to innocent. But the moment that he says to them, I find no fault in this man. Uh them, I find no fault in this man. Uh them, I find no fault in this man. Uh the religious leaders respond back. He the religious leaders respond back. He the religious leaders respond back. He stirs up the people teaching throughout stirs up the people teaching throughout stirs up the people teaching throughout all Judea beginning from Galilee to this all Judea beginning from Galilee to this all Judea beginning from Galilee to this place. Now when Pilate heard the word place. Now when Pilate heard the word place. Now when Pilate heard the word Galilee, his ears perked up. He thought Galilee, his ears perked up. He thought Galilee, his ears perked up. He thought this was his ticket out of the this was his ticket out of the this was his ticket out of the situation. He says, "Ah, he's a situation. He says, "Ah, he's a situation. He says, "Ah, he's a Galilean." Well, my friends, you know, Galilean." Well, my friends, you know, Galilean." Well, my friends, you know, uh, this unfortunately is outside of my uh, this unfortunately is outside of my uh, this unfortunately is outside of my jurisdiction and you need to go and jurisdiction and you need to go and jurisdiction and you need to go and present this case to Herod, my good present this case to Herod, my good present this case to Herod, my good friend, who is, you know, the tetrarch friend, who is, you know, the tetrarch friend, who is, you know, the tetrarch over Galilee and Perea. So, why don't over Galilee and Perea. So, why don't over Galilee and Perea. So, why don't you go and talk to him? Also, it just so you go and talk to him? Also, it just so you go and talk to him? Also, it just so happens he's in Jerusalem right now for happens he's in Jerusalem right now for happens he's in Jerusalem right now for the high holy day of Passover. So, why the high holy day of Passover. So, why the high holy day of Passover. So, why don't you go talk to him instead? And so don't you go talk to him instead? And so don't you go talk to him instead? And so they ultimately do. They go and meet they ultimately do. They go and meet they ultimately do. They go and meet with him. And like a hot potato, Pilate with him. And like a hot potato, Pilate with him. And like a hot potato, Pilate attempts to offload this responsibility. attempts to offload this responsibility. attempts to offload this responsibility. He doesn't solve the problem. He doesn't He doesn't solve the problem. He doesn't He doesn't solve the problem. He doesn't actually make a decision or a judgment actually make a decision or a judgment actually make a decision or a judgment about Jesus and declare him innocent and about Jesus and declare him innocent and about Jesus and declare him innocent and kick the court uh kick the case out of kick the court uh kick the case out of kick the court uh kick the case out of the court. No, he hands it off to the court. No, he hands it off to the court. No, he hands it off to someone else. He relocates it.

someone else. He relocates it. someone else. He relocates it. You know, people do the same thing with You know, people do the same thing with You know, people do the same thing with Jesus today. They still do the same Jesus today. They still do the same Jesus today. They still do the same thing. They're presented with the facts. thing. They're presented with the facts. thing. They're presented with the facts. They're presented with the evidence. They're presented with the evidence. They're presented with the evidence. They're confronted by it. They're They're confronted by it. They're They're confronted by it. They're demanded that they make a decision. The demanded that they make a decision. The demanded that they make a decision. The gospel demands it. It's black or white. gospel demands it. It's black or white. gospel demands it. It's black or white. And what do they do? Ah, I'll kick it And what do they do? Ah, I'll kick it And what do they do? Ah, I'll kick it down the road a little way, right? They down the road a little way, right? They down the road a little way, right? They put the decision off. They don't meet put the decision off. They don't meet put the decision off. They don't meet Jesus or the gospel with hostility. They Jesus or the gospel with hostility. They Jesus or the gospel with hostility. They just punt, right? They don't want to just punt, right? They don't want to just punt, right? They don't want to upset the status quo of their own lives. upset the status quo of their own lives. upset the status quo of their own lives. They just say, "Oh, I'll figure out what They just say, "Oh, I'll figure out what They just say, "Oh, I'll figure out what I believe later. You know, I'm not I believe later. You know, I'm not I believe later. You know, I'm not against Jesus. I just haven't really against Jesus. I just haven't really against Jesus. I just haven't really thought about it that much yet. I need thought about it that much yet. I need thought about it that much yet. I need to do some more investigation. That's a to do some more investigation. That's a to do some more investigation. That's a nice little smoke screen to buy you some nice little smoke screen to buy you some nice little smoke screen to buy you some time. Or maybe you say, you know, my my time. Or maybe you say, you know, my my time. Or maybe you say, you know, my my spouse is the religious one. My parents, spouse is the religious one. My parents, spouse is the religious one. My parents, my sibling, he's she's the religious my sibling, he's she's the religious my sibling, he's she's the religious one, not me. Now, this might feel like one, not me. Now, this might feel like one, not me. Now, this might feel like neutrality. It might feel like safety neutrality. It might feel like safety neutrality. It might feel like safety because it postpones the decision and it because it postpones the decision and it because it postpones the decision and it keeps the status quo. But Jesus said in keeps the status quo. But Jesus said in keeps the status quo. But Jesus said in John 10, excuse me, in Matthew 10:32, John 10, excuse me, in Matthew 10:32, John 10, excuse me, in Matthew 10:32, "Whoever confesses me before men, I will "Whoever confesses me before men, I will "Whoever confesses me before men, I will also confess him before the Father who also confess him before the Father who also confess him before the Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies me is in heaven. But whoever denies me is in heaven. But whoever denies me before men, I will also deny before my before men, I will also deny before my before men, I will also deny before my father who is in heaven. Do not think father who is in heaven. Do not think father who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth, I that I came to bring peace on earth, I that I came to bring peace on earth, I did not come to bring peace, but a did not come to bring peace, but a did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man sword. For I have come to set a man sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against against his father, a daughter against against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law her mother, and a daughter-in-law her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. and a man's against her mother-in-law. and a man's against her mother-in-law. and a man's enemies will be those of his own enemies will be those of his own enemies will be those of his own household. This is a hard saying of

household. This is a hard saying of household. This is a hard saying of Jesus, isn't it? You read that, what Jesus, isn't it? You read that, what Jesus, isn't it? You read that, what what is Jesus saying here? What he's what is Jesus saying here? What he's what is Jesus saying here? What he's getting at ultimately is that the getting at ultimately is that the getting at ultimately is that the decision you are making regarding him is decision you are making regarding him is decision you are making regarding him is binary. It is black and white. It is yes binary. It is black and white. It is yes binary. It is black and white. It is yes or no, on or off. You're either for or no, on or off. You're either for or no, on or off. You're either for Jesus or against him. Jesus or against him. Jesus or against him. Sometimes when I'm at home, I get back Sometimes when I'm at home, I get back Sometimes when I'm at home, I get back from work and we're sitting down at the from work and we're sitting down at the from work and we're sitting down at the table for a nice dinner together and table for a nice dinner together and table for a nice dinner together and we're eating and then there's a knock on we're eating and then there's a knock on we're eating and then there's a knock on the door. the door. the door. Oh, great. Who's that? At 5:30 p.m. I Oh, great. Who's that? At 5:30 p.m. I Oh, great. Who's that? At 5:30 p.m. I can only assume you open up the door and can only assume you open up the door and can only assume you open up the door and what is it? It's a solicitor, right? And what is it? It's a solicitor, right? And what is it? It's a solicitor, right? And they're like riding one of those they're like riding one of those they're like riding one of those scooters, too. It's like, first of all, scooters, too. It's like, first of all, scooters, too. It's like, first of all, I don't have that much respect for you I don't have that much respect for you I don't have that much respect for you in the first place. And the fact you're in the first place. And the fact you're in the first place. And the fact you're riding like one of these electric riding like one of these electric riding like one of these electric scooters, your core score just went down scooters, your core score just went down scooters, your core score just went down that much more. And so it's hard for me that much more. And so it's hard for me that much more. And so it's hard for me to take you seriously. You know, I used to take you seriously. You know, I used to take you seriously. You know, I used to when a solicitor would come to my to when a solicitor would come to my to when a solicitor would come to my door, you know, I'd be polite. Hey, how door, you know, I'd be polite. Hey, how door, you know, I'd be polite. Hey, how you doing? Oh, yeah. So, what what are you doing? Oh, yeah. So, what what are you doing? Oh, yeah. So, what what are you guys do, you know, selling? Oh, you guys do, you know, selling? Oh, you guys do, you know, selling? Oh, okay. Interesting. Right. Yeah. I'll okay. Interesting. Right. Yeah. I'll okay. Interesting. Right. Yeah. I'll take your brochures and whatever else.

take your brochures and whatever else. take your brochures and whatever else. And I never had any intent to actually And I never had any intent to actually And I never had any intent to actually buy the product that they were trying to buy the product that they were trying to buy the product that they were trying to solicit me with, but I was just trying solicit me with, but I was just trying solicit me with, but I was just trying to be polite and not just slam the door to be polite and not just slam the door to be polite and not just slam the door in their face. Now, I just slam the door in their face. Now, I just slam the door in their face. Now, I just slam the door in their face. No, not really. I usually in their face. No, not really. I usually in their face. No, not really. I usually just open up the door. Hey guys, no, I'm just open up the door. Hey guys, no, I'm just open up the door. Hey guys, no, I'm all good. Thank you so much. Take care. all good. Thank you so much. Take care. all good. Thank you so much. Take care. and you know they are just trying to get and you know they are just trying to get and you know they are just trying to get a word in edgewise just get their foot a word in edgewise just get their foot a word in edgewise just get their foot literally in the door sometimes just to literally in the door sometimes just to literally in the door sometimes just to try and sell you on the thing. I I don't try and sell you on the thing. I I don't try and sell you on the thing. I I don't get it. I don't know how successful it get it. I don't know how successful it get it. I don't know how successful it is to be a solicitor. Apparently there's is to be a solicitor. Apparently there's is to be a solicitor. Apparently there's some success otherwise they wouldn't some success otherwise they wouldn't some success otherwise they wouldn't exist anymore. But now I when I hear a exist anymore. But now I when I hear a exist anymore. But now I when I hear a knock at the door, you know, I look at knock at the door, you know, I look at knock at the door, you know, I look at my camera. I look at my security camera. my camera. I look at my security camera. my camera. I look at my security camera. I'm like, "Okay, who is it? No, I'm not I'm like, "Okay, who is it? No, I'm not I'm like, "Okay, who is it? No, I'm not answering the door right now." Or I peek answering the door right now." Or I peek answering the door right now." Or I peek out my window and kind of try and see. out my window and kind of try and see. out my window and kind of try and see. It's like, "Oh yeah, solicitor. I'm It's like, "Oh yeah, solicitor. I'm It's like, "Oh yeah, solicitor. I'm okay." And so sometimes I don't answer okay." And so sometimes I don't answer okay." And so sometimes I don't answer the door. They knock for a long time the door. They knock for a long time the door. They knock for a long time over and over. They see the lights on in over and over. They see the lights on in over and over. They see the lights on in the house. They know the game. Uh other the house. They know the game. Uh other the house. They know the game. Uh other times they don't knock very long and times they don't knock very long and times they don't knock very long and they just go on their way. But Jesus they just go on their way. But Jesus they just go on their way. But Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door and said, "Behold, I stand at the door and said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and knock. If anyone hears my voice and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine opens the door, I will come in and dine opens the door, I will come in and dine with him and him with me." Listen, when with him and him with me." Listen, when with him and him with me." Listen, when it comes to Jesus, he is not a it comes to Jesus, he is not a it comes to Jesus, he is not a solicitor. You either answer the door solicitor. You either answer the door solicitor. You either answer the door and welcome him in or you leave him and welcome him in or you leave him and welcome him in or you leave him outside. There is no third option.

outside. There is no third option. outside. There is no third option. [applause] [applause] [applause] There is no neutrality when it comes to There is no neutrality when it comes to There is no neutrality when it comes to be when it comes to Jesus. To be be when it comes to Jesus. To be be when it comes to Jesus. To be undecided is to be decided. Each of us undecided is to be decided. Each of us undecided is to be decided. Each of us must choose what to do with him when he must choose what to do with him when he must choose what to do with him when he knocks. You either accept him as savior knocks. You either accept him as savior knocks. You either accept him as savior and make him lord and invite him into and make him lord and invite him into and make him lord and invite him into your proverbial home into your life or your proverbial home into your life or your proverbial home into your life or you reject him. And so Pilate decides to you reject him. And so Pilate decides to you reject him. And so Pilate decides to delegate this decision about Jesus and delegate this decision about Jesus and delegate this decision about Jesus and passes it off to Herod. Let's read about passes it off to Herod. Let's read about passes it off to Herod. Let's read about him now in verse 7. him now in verse 7. him now in verse 7. And as soon as Pilate knew that he And as soon as Pilate knew that he And as soon as Pilate knew that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod who was also in sent him to Herod who was also in sent him to Herod who was also in Jerusalem at that time. Now when Herod Jerusalem at that time. Now when Herod Jerusalem at that time. Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad for saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad for saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad for he had desired for a long time to see he had desired for a long time to see he had desired for a long time to see him because he had heard many things him because he had heard many things him because he had heard many things about him and he had hoped to see some about him and he had hoped to see some about him and he had hoped to see some miracle done by him. And so he miracle done by him. And so he miracle done by him. And so he questioned Jesus with many words, but questioned Jesus with many words, but questioned Jesus with many words, but Jesus answered him nothing. You might Jesus answered him nothing. You might Jesus answered him nothing. You might want to underline that. And the chief want to underline that. And the chief want to underline that. And the chief priests and scribes stood and veheimly priests and scribes stood and veheimly priests and scribes stood and veheimly accused him. And then Herod with his men accused him. And then Herod with his men accused him. And then Herod with his men of war treated him with contempt and of war treated him with contempt and of war treated him with contempt and mocked him and arrayed him in a gorgeous mocked him and arrayed him in a gorgeous mocked him and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe and sent him back to Pilate. That robe and sent him back to Pilate. That robe and sent him back to Pilate. That very day Pilate and Herod became friends very day Pilate and Herod became friends very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other. For previously they had with each other. For previously they had with each other. For previously they had been with been at enmity with each been with been at enmity with each been with been at enmity with each other. And so that brings us to number other. And so that brings us to number other. And so that brings us to number two, our second character, Herod. And two, our second character, Herod. And two, our second character, Herod. And this is the tetrarch that meets the this is the tetrarch that meets the this is the tetrarch that meets the king. the tetrarch that meets the king.

king. the tetrarch that meets the king. king. the tetrarch that meets the king. You know, the Herods, they were as You know, the Herods, they were as You know, the Herods, they were as creepy as they come. As creepy as they creepy as they come. As creepy as they creepy as they come. As creepy as they come. They engaged in behavior that even come. They engaged in behavior that even come. They engaged in behavior that even the Caesars would blush at, right? Even the Caesars would blush at, right? Even the Caesars would blush at, right? Even our politicians today would blush at. our politicians today would blush at. our politicians today would blush at. The first Herod, Antipeder I, the Idan, The first Herod, Antipeder I, the Idan, The first Herod, Antipeder I, the Idan, was an influential man in Julius was an influential man in Julius was an influential man in Julius Caesar's administration, who was the Caesar's administration, who was the Caesar's administration, who was the first emperor of Rome. The title Herod, first emperor of Rome. The title Herod, first emperor of Rome. The title Herod, the name Herod ultimately became like a the name Herod ultimately became like a the name Herod ultimately became like a title similar to Caesar, right? title similar to Caesar, right? title similar to Caesar, right? Ultimately, Herod, the first Herod, was Ultimately, Herod, the first Herod, was Ultimately, Herod, the first Herod, was entrusted with all of Judea to rule as a entrusted with all of Judea to rule as a entrusted with all of Judea to rule as a Roman-backed chief minister, sort of a Roman-backed chief minister, sort of a Roman-backed chief minister, sort of a governor over the area, right? A client governor over the area, right? A client governor over the area, right? A client king. Rome and and you know, they were king. Rome and and you know, they were king. Rome and and you know, they were constantly conquering all kinds of new constantly conquering all kinds of new constantly conquering all kinds of new civilizations and new kingdoms and they civilizations and new kingdoms and they civilizations and new kingdoms and they had to install their leadership that had to install their leadership that had to install their leadership that were loyal to Rome. And so that's what were loyal to Rome. And so that's what were loyal to Rome. And so that's what Herod was. He was in charge of all of Herod was. He was in charge of all of Herod was. He was in charge of all of Judea. And there he would collect taxes. Judea. And there he would collect taxes. Judea. And there he would collect taxes. He would keep things in order and do the He would keep things in order and do the He would keep things in order and do the bidding of Rome. Ultimately Herod I was bidding of Rome. Ultimately Herod I was bidding of Rome. Ultimately Herod I was poisoned by a rival politician and died.

poisoned by a rival politician and died. poisoned by a rival politician and died. So his son took his place and we know So his son took his place and we know So his son took his place and we know him as Herod the Great. We read about him as Herod the Great. We read about him as Herod the Great. We read about him in the Gospel of Luke in chapter 2. him in the Gospel of Luke in chapter 2. him in the Gospel of Luke in chapter 2. And it was him that really cemented the And it was him that really cemented the And it was him that really cemented the dynasty of the Herods. Herod the Great. dynasty of the Herods. Herod the Great. dynasty of the Herods. Herod the Great. He was known for making beautiful He was known for making beautiful He was known for making beautiful buildings. He was amazing uh uh building buildings. He was amazing uh uh building buildings. He was amazing uh uh building project guy, whatever you call that. Uh project guy, whatever you call that. Uh project guy, whatever you call that. Uh amazing with architecture. He built amazing with architecture. He built amazing with architecture. He built things like Msada. He built things like things like Msada. He built things like things like Msada. He built things like Cesaria Maritima, but most notably, he Cesaria Maritima, but most notably, he Cesaria Maritima, but most notably, he was known for beautifying and helping was known for beautifying and helping was known for beautifying and helping rebuild the second temple in Jerusalem, rebuild the second temple in Jerusalem, rebuild the second temple in Jerusalem, which was ultimately called Herod's which was ultimately called Herod's which was ultimately called Herod's temple. It is the same temple we read temple. It is the same temple we read temple. It is the same temple we read about in the pages of the New Testament. about in the pages of the New Testament. about in the pages of the New Testament. And so, he really had a legacy. He And so, he really had a legacy. He And so, he really had a legacy. He really built amazing things. Now, of really built amazing things. Now, of really built amazing things. Now, of course, we wonder what happened to the course, we wonder what happened to the course, we wonder what happened to the first temple, Solomon's temple that was first temple, Solomon's temple that was first temple, Solomon's temple that was built during uh King David's lifetime built during uh King David's lifetime built during uh King David's lifetime after King David died. He gave all the after King David died. He gave all the after King David died. He gave all the things that Solomon needed to build it things that Solomon needed to build it things that Solomon needed to build it and he built this beautiful temple. and he built this beautiful temple. and he built this beautiful temple. Incredible. It was ultimately destroyed Incredible. It was ultimately destroyed Incredible. It was ultimately destroyed during the siege of Nebuchadnezzar and during the siege of Nebuchadnezzar and during the siege of Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians 400 years earlier. And the Babylonians 400 years earlier. And the Babylonians 400 years earlier. And so Nehemiah, we know the story. He came so Nehemiah, we know the story. He came so Nehemiah, we know the story. He came back, rebuilt the walls, started to back, rebuilt the walls, started to back, rebuilt the walls, started to rebuild the temple, and ultimately Herod rebuild the temple, and ultimately Herod rebuild the temple, and ultimately Herod completed the project and beautified it.

completed the project and beautified it. completed the project and beautified it. But behind the architecture, behind But behind the architecture, behind But behind the architecture, behind these amazing, massive building projects these amazing, massive building projects these amazing, massive building projects was a deeply paranoid and brutal man. was a deeply paranoid and brutal man. was a deeply paranoid and brutal man. Herod the Great was responsible for Herod the Great was responsible for Herod the Great was responsible for having all of the newborn baby boys having all of the newborn baby boys having all of the newborn baby boys murdered, right? You remember the story. murdered, right? You remember the story. murdered, right? You remember the story. After hearing about the newborn king of After hearing about the newborn king of After hearing about the newborn king of the Jews, which was Jesus, from the wise the Jews, which was Jesus, from the wise the Jews, which was Jesus, from the wise men, we come to worship the newborn king men, we come to worship the newborn king men, we come to worship the newborn king of the Jews. That was Herod's title, of the Jews. That was Herod's title, of the Jews. That was Herod's title, right? He was an egoomaniac. There's right? He was an egoomaniac. There's right? He was an egoomaniac. There's another king of the Jews. Who is it? another king of the Jews. Who is it? another king of the Jews. Who is it? It's that little 2-year-old with a paper It's that little 2-year-old with a paper It's that little 2-year-old with a paper crown. Let's murder him. He was crazy, crown. Let's murder him. He was crazy, crown. Let's murder him. He was crazy, right? right? right? He was ultimately um known for Yes. He was ultimately um known for Yes. He was ultimately um known for Yes. these amazing building projects he did. these amazing building projects he did. these amazing building projects he did. But he was known for just being a deeply But he was known for just being a deeply But he was known for just being a deeply paranoid man. Herod the Great had 10 paranoid man. Herod the Great had 10 paranoid man. Herod the Great had 10 wives, okay? 10 wives. He murdered his wives, okay? 10 wives. He murdered his wives, okay? 10 wives. He murdered his first wife, Miriam, on suspicion of first wife, Miriam, on suspicion of first wife, Miriam, on suspicion of disloyalty. Okay? Then he had two of his disloyalty. Okay? Then he had two of his disloyalty. Okay? Then he had two of his own sons executed for the same thing, own sons executed for the same thing, own sons executed for the same thing, for the same suspicion. And in his final for the same suspicion. And in his final for the same suspicion. And in his final days when he was sick and dying, he days when he was sick and dying, he days when he was sick and dying, he order he ordered the execution of a order he ordered the execution of a order he ordered the execution of a third son just 5 days before his own third son just 5 days before his own third son just 5 days before his own death. So this was a guy that was not death. So this was a guy that was not death. So this was a guy that was not afraid to have people killed, was not afraid to have people killed, was not afraid to have people killed, was not afraid to secure his position. And afraid to secure his position. And afraid to secure his position. And ultimately Caesar Augustus, the emperor ultimately Caesar Augustus, the emperor ultimately Caesar Augustus, the emperor of Rome, made a joke about Herod and he of Rome, made a joke about Herod and he of Rome, made a joke about Herod and he was recorded as saying, "It is better to was recorded as saying, "It is better to was recorded as saying, "It is better to be Herod's pig than his son. You'd be be Herod's pig than his son. You'd be be Herod's pig than his son. You'd be better off being his livestock to be better off being his livestock to be better off being his livestock to be slaughtered than his own son." And so slaughtered than his own son." And so slaughtered than his own son." And so when Herod the Great died, they divided when Herod the Great died, they divided when Herod the Great died, they divided his kingdom of Judea, all of Judea, into his kingdom of Judea, all of Judea, into his kingdom of Judea, all of Judea, into three parts, one for each son. uh

three parts, one for each son. uh three parts, one for each son. uh Archalos received the largest share Archalos received the largest share Archalos received the largest share which was Judea itself and was given the which was Judea itself and was given the which was Judea itself and was given the title Ethnar and then the two other sons title Ethnar and then the two other sons title Ethnar and then the two other sons Antipus they received smaller little Antipus they received smaller little Antipus they received smaller little factions and they would rule under their factions and they would rule under their factions and they would rule under their older brother of Archalos. So Antipus uh older brother of Archalos. So Antipus uh older brother of Archalos. So Antipus uh received Galilee and Perea. Perea was received Galilee and Perea. Perea was received Galilee and Perea. Perea was basically the area of the Dead Sea and basically the area of the Dead Sea and basically the area of the Dead Sea and was given the title Tetrarch and Philip was given the title Tetrarch and Philip was given the title Tetrarch and Philip received a smaller region in the received a smaller region in the received a smaller region in the northeast and was also given the title northeast and was also given the title northeast and was also given the title of Tetrarch. Now, Archalos, who got all of Tetrarch. Now, Archalos, who got all of Tetrarch. Now, Archalos, who got all of Judea, who had the the larger area of of Judea, who had the the larger area of of Judea, who had the the larger area of land, was so brutal that he was removed land, was so brutal that he was removed land, was so brutal that he was removed by the Roman government after 10 years. by the Roman government after 10 years. by the Roman government after 10 years. Okay, you've got to be really bad for Okay, you've got to be really bad for Okay, you've got to be really bad for the Romans to come and say, "You're too the Romans to come and say, "You're too the Romans to come and say, "You're too brutal." Right? And so, ultimately, brutal." Right? And so, ultimately, brutal." Right? And so, ultimately, Judea was placed directly under Roman Judea was placed directly under Roman Judea was placed directly under Roman rule and they installed one of their rule and they installed one of their rule and they installed one of their own, a guy that was a Roman prefect from own, a guy that was a Roman prefect from own, a guy that was a Roman prefect from the equestrian class, a guy by the name the equestrian class, a guy by the name the equestrian class, a guy by the name of Pontius Pilate. And that is where we of Pontius Pilate. And that is where we of Pontius Pilate. And that is where we see Pontius Pilate step in. He was the see Pontius Pilate step in. He was the see Pontius Pilate step in. He was the prefect of Judea. He took over the area prefect of Judea. He took over the area prefect of Judea. He took over the area that uh Herod the Great or rather Herod that uh Herod the Great or rather Herod that uh Herod the Great or rather Herod the Great and then his son Archalos the Great and then his son Archalos the Great and then his son Archalos ultimately had and underneath him was uh ultimately had and underneath him was uh ultimately had and underneath him was uh Herod Antipus who we're reading about Herod Antipus who we're reading about Herod Antipus who we're reading about and also uh Herod's son Philillip. Okay, and also uh Herod's son Philillip. Okay, and also uh Herod's son Philillip. Okay, so little context for you, a little so little context for you, a little so little context for you, a little history there. So this Herod, Herod history there. So this Herod, Herod history there. So this Herod, Herod Antipus was cut from the same cloth. He Antipus was cut from the same cloth. He Antipus was cut from the same cloth. He was just as gross. He was just as was just as gross. He was just as was just as gross. He was just as disgusting. He did just as bad things.

disgusting. He did just as bad things. disgusting. He did just as bad things. You turn back in your Bible a few You turn back in your Bible a few You turn back in your Bible a few chapters and you see what kind of man he chapters and you see what kind of man he chapters and you see what kind of man he is. We see that he married a woman named is. We see that he married a woman named is. We see that he married a woman named Herodiius. Herodiius that was his Herodiius. Herodiius that was his Herodiius. Herodiius that was his brother's wife. His brother's wife while brother's wife. His brother's wife while brother's wife. His brother's wife while Philip was still alive, right? Steals Philip was still alive, right? Steals Philip was still alive, right? Steals his wife away from his brother. John the his wife away from his brother. John the his wife away from his brother. John the Baptist called him out for it and Baptist called him out for it and Baptist called him out for it and actually said, "It is not lawful for you actually said, "It is not lawful for you actually said, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." And to have your brother's wife." And to have your brother's wife." And Herodiius hated John the Baptist for it. Herodiius hated John the Baptist for it. Herodiius hated John the Baptist for it. Of course, right? She hated him. Now, Of course, right? She hated him. Now, Of course, right? She hated him. Now, Herod, it's interesting. He actually Herod, it's interesting. He actually Herod, it's interesting. He actually respected John the Baptist for him. You respected John the Baptist for him. You respected John the Baptist for him. You know, he was so just had so many people, know, he was so just had so many people, know, he was so just had so many people, you know, sucking up to him and and you know, sucking up to him and and you know, sucking up to him and and trying to make him happy and stay on his trying to make him happy and stay on his trying to make him happy and stay on his good side. He probably respected John good side. He probably respected John good side. He probably respected John the Baptist cuz he just told it like it the Baptist cuz he just told it like it the Baptist cuz he just told it like it was. He actually respected John the was. He actually respected John the was. He actually respected John the Baptist. We read in scripture, but his Baptist. We read in scripture, but his Baptist. We read in scripture, but his wife hated John for it. wife hated John for it. wife hated John for it. So one day, Herod Antipus, he has a big So one day, Herod Antipus, he has a big So one day, Herod Antipus, he has a big birthday party. Big birthday party. You birthday party. Big birthday party. You birthday party. Big birthday party. You know, they're going all out. Everybody's know, they're going all out. Everybody's know, they're going all out. Everybody's drunk and it's big party. It's crazy. drunk and it's big party. It's crazy. drunk and it's big party. It's crazy. and his wife's daughter, his and his wife's daughter, his and his wife's daughter, his stepdaughter slash his niece named Salom stepdaughter slash his niece named Salom stepdaughter slash his niece named Salom came out and did a dance for him and his came out and did a dance for him and his came out and did a dance for him and his guests. Right now, Herod, when he saw guests. Right now, Herod, when he saw guests. Right now, Herod, when he saw this dance, he was so pleased, I think this dance, he was so pleased, I think this dance, he was so pleased, I think you could say, aroused. He made her a you could say, aroused. He made her a you could say, aroused. He made her a promise that he would give her up to promise that he would give her up to promise that he would give her up to half of his kingdom and whatever she half of his kingdom and whatever she half of his kingdom and whatever she wanted. And so Salom went to her mother, wanted. And so Salom went to her mother, wanted. And so Salom went to her mother, Herodius, and said, "Mom, what should I Herodius, and said, "Mom, what should I Herodius, and said, "Mom, what should I ask for?" And she said the head of John ask for?" And she said the head of John ask for?" And she said the head of John the Baptist on a platter. And this Herod the Baptist on a platter. And this Herod the Baptist on a platter. And this Herod Antipus had to honor her wish. He made

Antipus had to honor her wish. He made Antipus had to honor her wish. He made this promise in front of all these this promise in front of all these this promise in front of all these people. And so this same Herod, Herod people. And so this same Herod, Herod people. And so this same Herod, Herod Antipus, [clears throat] Antipus, [clears throat] Antipus, [clears throat] this is who Jesus was now standing this is who Jesus was now standing this is who Jesus was now standing before. Jesus stood before this very before. Jesus stood before this very before. Jesus stood before this very man. Now, Jesus was probably wishing, man. Now, Jesus was probably wishing, man. Now, Jesus was probably wishing, you know, Peter, I really wish you you know, Peter, I really wish you you know, Peter, I really wish you didn't swing your sword at uh, you know, didn't swing your sword at uh, you know, didn't swing your sword at uh, you know, the chief minister's assistant right at the chief minister's assistant right at the chief minister's assistant right at Malchus and you sliced off his ear and I Malchus and you sliced off his ear and I Malchus and you sliced off his ear and I put it back on. I really wish you were put it back on. I really wish you were put it back on. I really wish you were here right now to slice the head off of here right now to slice the head off of here right now to slice the head off of Antipus, right? I wish you would have Antipus, right? I wish you would have Antipus, right? I wish you would have done that. John the Baptist, of course, done that. John the Baptist, of course, done that. John the Baptist, of course, was Jesus cousin. He loved his his was Jesus cousin. He loved his his was Jesus cousin. He loved his his cousin very much, and it was ultimately cousin very much, and it was ultimately cousin very much, and it was ultimately Antipus that executed him. And so, we Antipus that executed him. And so, we Antipus that executed him. And so, we read that he was exceedingly glad to see read that he was exceedingly glad to see read that he was exceedingly glad to see Jesus. He was excited to meet Jesus for Jesus. He was excited to meet Jesus for Jesus. He was excited to meet Jesus for the first time face to face. And so he the first time face to face. And so he the first time face to face. And so he asked Jesus many questions, proddding, asked Jesus many questions, proddding, asked Jesus many questions, proddding, poking like a kid with a new hamster, poking like a kid with a new hamster, poking like a kid with a new hamster, right? Oh, what do you do? What can you right? Oh, what do you do? What can you right? Oh, what do you do? What can you do? Show me a magic trick. But Jesus do? Show me a magic trick. But Jesus do? Show me a magic trick. But Jesus gives him nothing. He gives him nothing. gives him nothing. He gives him nothing. gives him nothing. He gives him nothing. He doesn't say a single word because He doesn't say a single word because He doesn't say a single word because Jesus knew that Herod wasn't interested Jesus knew that Herod wasn't interested Jesus knew that Herod wasn't interested in the truth. He wasn't interested in in the truth. He wasn't interested in in the truth. He wasn't interested in the truth. He wanted a magic trick. He the truth. He wanted a magic trick. He the truth. He wanted a magic trick. He wanted a party, a party favor. And so wanted a party, a party favor. And so wanted a party, a party favor. And so Jesus ultimately he doesn't hand over Jesus ultimately he doesn't hand over Jesus ultimately he doesn't hand over the sacred things of God to someone the sacred things of God to someone the sacred things of God to someone treating them as entertainment. Silence treating them as entertainment. Silence treating them as entertainment. Silence is the sermon. Silence is the sermon to is the sermon. Silence is the sermon to is the sermon. Silence is the sermon to Antipus. We read in the Bible Jesus Antipus. We read in the Bible Jesus Antipus. We read in the Bible Jesus talking about don't cast your pearls talking about don't cast your pearls talking about don't cast your pearls before swine. Don't offer the things before swine. Don't offer the things before swine. Don't offer the things that are sacred of God to someone that that are sacred of God to someone that that are sacred of God to someone that is ultimately going to reject it. So

is ultimately going to reject it. So is ultimately going to reject it. So Herod, he treats Jesus like a court Herod, he treats Jesus like a court Herod, he treats Jesus like a court jester, someone to perform and entertain jester, someone to perform and entertain jester, someone to perform and entertain him. And you know, for us, there's a him. And you know, for us, there's a him. And you know, for us, there's a lesson here. You can be close enough to lesson here. You can be close enough to lesson here. You can be close enough to Jesus to even believe in him that he's Jesus to even believe in him that he's Jesus to even believe in him that he's capable of doing miracles, comfortable capable of doing miracles, comfortable capable of doing miracles, comfortable enough to ask him for things, to sing enough to ask him for things, to sing enough to ask him for things, to sing about him, even feel something in a about him, even feel something in a about him, even feel something in a worship service and still not know him worship service and still not know him worship service and still not know him because you never wanted him. You wanted because you never wanted him. You wanted because you never wanted him. You wanted an experience. You wanted an experience. an experience. You wanted an experience. an experience. You wanted an experience. You wanted a feeling. You wanted a You wanted a feeling. You wanted a You wanted a feeling. You wanted a moment. You wanted a genie in a bottle. moment. You wanted a genie in a bottle. moment. You wanted a genie in a bottle. Ultimately, you wanted the gift, not the Ultimately, you wanted the gift, not the Ultimately, you wanted the gift, not the giver of the gift. You wanted the things giver of the gift. You wanted the things giver of the gift. You wanted the things that God offered to you, the blessings, that God offered to you, the blessings, that God offered to you, the blessings, but you were not interested in the heart but you were not interested in the heart but you were not interested in the heart of God. Pilate got close to Jesus and of God. Pilate got close to Jesus and of God. Pilate got close to Jesus and delegated his decision. Herod got close delegated his decision. Herod got close delegated his decision. Herod got close to Jesus and wanted entertainment. to Jesus and wanted entertainment. to Jesus and wanted entertainment. Both men had a real historical Both men had a real historical Both men had a real historical face-to-face encounter with the son of face-to-face encounter with the son of face-to-face encounter with the son of God. and both are remembered for what God. and both are remembered for what God. and both are remembered for what they refused to do with it. Imagine they refused to do with it. Imagine they refused to do with it. Imagine sitting with Jesus for a moment. Imagine sitting with Jesus for a moment. Imagine sitting with Jesus for a moment. Imagine you get 10 minutes of facetime with you get 10 minutes of facetime with you get 10 minutes of facetime with Jesus. What would you do? What would you Jesus. What would you do? What would you Jesus. What would you do? What would you do? What would you ask him? What would do? What would you ask him? What would do? What would you ask him? What would you, you know, ask him to do for you?

you, you know, ask him to do for you? you, you know, ask him to do for you? Think about that. And the fact is Herod Think about that. And the fact is Herod Think about that. And the fact is Herod had the authority to also to declare had the authority to also to declare had the authority to also to declare Jesus innocent and to kick this case out Jesus innocent and to kick this case out Jesus innocent and to kick this case out of court. The Herodian dynasty had more of court. The Herodian dynasty had more of court. The Herodian dynasty had more influence with the Pharisees and influence with the Pharisees and influence with the Pharisees and religious leaders than even the Romans religious leaders than even the Romans religious leaders than even the Romans did. Herod could have held court right did. Herod could have held court right did. Herod could have held court right there and turned it right back on the there and turned it right back on the there and turned it right back on the Pharisees. Herod knew that the Pharisees Pharisees. Herod knew that the Pharisees Pharisees. Herod knew that the Pharisees were insecure. They were power hungry were insecure. They were power hungry were insecure. They were power hungry and that Jesus was disrupting their and that Jesus was disrupting their and that Jesus was disrupting their status quo. And he could have just said, status quo. And he could have just said, status quo. And he could have just said, "Hey, you know what, guys? I don't care. "Hey, you know what, guys? I don't care. "Hey, you know what, guys? I don't care. I don't care. Deal with it. This man, I don't care. Deal with it. This man, I don't care. Deal with it. This man, he's innocent. I'm declaring him he's innocent. I'm declaring him he's innocent. I'm declaring him innocent. Case dismissed." He knew innocent. Case dismissed." He knew innocent. Case dismissed." He knew authenticity and he knew that the authenticity and he knew that the authenticity and he knew that the Pharisees were hypocrites. He had a Pharisees were hypocrites. He had a Pharisees were hypocrites. He had a front row seat to the King of Kings and front row seat to the King of Kings and front row seat to the King of Kings and he used it to look for a party favor. he used it to look for a party favor. he used it to look for a party favor. That's what he spent his time doing. And That's what he spent his time doing. And That's what he spent his time doing. And when Jesus remained silent, what did when Jesus remained silent, what did when Jesus remained silent, what did they do? They mocked him with his they do? They mocked him with his they do? They mocked him with his soldiers. They made fun of him. They soldiers. They made fun of him. They soldiers. They made fun of him. They cursed him. They did all of these cursed him. They did all of these cursed him. They did all of these things. And ultimately, they put a things. And ultimately, they put a things. And ultimately, they put a beautiful robe on him and sent him back beautiful robe on him and sent him back beautiful robe on him and sent him back to Pilate like a toy he had already to Pilate like a toy he had already to Pilate like a toy he had already gotten bored with. a Pilate and Herod.

gotten bored with. a Pilate and Herod. gotten bored with. a Pilate and Herod. Both of these men were cowards. They Both of these men were cowards. They Both of these men were cowards. They were cowards. They were appointed by were cowards. They were appointed by were cowards. They were appointed by Rome to rule and judge and pursue Rome to rule and judge and pursue Rome to rule and judge and pursue justice. Both men meant they just wanted justice. Both men meant they just wanted justice. Both men meant they just wanted to maintain the status quo. They didn't to maintain the status quo. They didn't to maintain the status quo. They didn't want to actually make a decision about want to actually make a decision about want to actually make a decision about Jesus. They just passed him back and Jesus. They just passed him back and Jesus. They just passed him back and forth. Neither man willing to stand for forth. Neither man willing to stand for forth. Neither man willing to stand for the innocent Jesus. Neither man willing the innocent Jesus. Neither man willing the innocent Jesus. Neither man willing to be changed by Jesus. But there's a to be changed by Jesus. But there's a to be changed by Jesus. But there's a third man in the story. Let's read about third man in the story. Let's read about third man in the story. Let's read about him now in verse 11. him now in verse 11. him now in verse 11. And so then Herod with his men of war And so then Herod with his men of war And so then Herod with his men of war treated Jesus with contempt and mocked treated Jesus with contempt and mocked treated Jesus with contempt and mocked him and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe him and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe him and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe and sent him back to Pilate. And that and sent him back to Pilate. And that and sent him back to Pilate. And that very day Pilate and Herod became friends very day Pilate and Herod became friends very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other for previously they had with each other for previously they had with each other for previously they had been at enmity with each other. And then been at enmity with each other. And then been at enmity with each other. And then Pilate when he had called together the Pilate when he had called together the Pilate when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the chief priests, the rulers, and the chief priests, the rulers, and the people said to them, "You have brought people said to them, "You have brought people said to them, "You have brought this man to me as one who misleads the this man to me as one who misleads the this man to me as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined him people. And indeed, having examined him people. And indeed, having examined him in your presence, I have found him I in your presence, I have found him I in your presence, I have found him I have found no fault in this man have found no fault in this man have found no fault in this man concerning those things of which you concerning those things of which you concerning those things of which you accuse him. No, neither did Herod, for I accuse him. No, neither did Herod, for I accuse him. No, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him, and indeed nothing sent you back to him, and indeed nothing sent you back to him, and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by him.

deserving of death has been done by him. deserving of death has been done by him. I will therefore chastise him and I will therefore chastise him and I will therefore chastise him and release him, for it was necessary for release him, for it was necessary for release him, for it was necessary for him to release one to them at the feast. him to release one to them at the feast. him to release one to them at the feast. And they all cried out at once, saying, And they all cried out at once, saying, And they all cried out at once, saying, "Away with this man, and release to us "Away with this man, and release to us "Away with this man, and release to us Barabus, Barabus, Barabus, who had been thrown into prison for a who had been thrown into prison for a who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and certain rebellion made in the city, and certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder." Pilate therefore, wishing for murder." Pilate therefore, wishing for murder." Pilate therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again, called out to to release Jesus, again, called out to to release Jesus, again, called out to them. But they shouted, crying, "Crucify them. But they shouted, crying, "Crucify them. But they shouted, crying, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" And then he said to him! Crucify him!" And then he said to him! Crucify him!" And then he said to them the third time, "Why? What evil has them the third time, "Why? What evil has them the third time, "Why? What evil has he done? I have found no reason for he done? I have found no reason for he done? I have found no reason for death in him. I will therefore chastise death in him. I will therefore chastise death in him. I will therefore chastise him and let him go. him and let him go. him and let him go. But they were insistent, demanding with But they were insistent, demanding with But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that he be crucified. And loud voices that he be crucified. And loud voices that he be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief the voices of these men and of the chief the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed. So Pilate gave the priests prevailed. So Pilate gave the priests prevailed. So Pilate gave the sentence that it should be as they sentence that it should be as they sentence that it should be as they requested. And he released them, the one requested. And he released them, the one requested. And he released them, the one they requested, who for rebellion and they requested, who for rebellion and they requested, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison. But murder had been thrown into prison. But murder had been thrown into prison. But he delivered Jesus to their will. And he delivered Jesus to their will. And he delivered Jesus to their will. And that brings us to point number three.

that brings us to point number three. that brings us to point number three. The guilty meets the innocent. The The guilty meets the innocent. The The guilty meets the innocent. The guilty meets the innocent. Now Pilate, guilty meets the innocent. Now Pilate, guilty meets the innocent. Now Pilate, he calls everyone together. We see here he calls everyone together. We see here he calls everyone together. We see here the chief priests, the rulers, the the chief priests, the rulers, the the chief priests, the rulers, the elders, everyone. Get away from me, elders, everyone. Get away from me, elders, everyone. Get away from me, Bezub. This fly, right? [laughter] And he delivers the verdict that he And he delivers the verdict that he neither Herod found Jesus guilty of any neither Herod found Jesus guilty of any neither Herod found Jesus guilty of any crime. He was innocent. He was innocent. crime. He was innocent. He was innocent. crime. He was innocent. He was innocent. Herod had every opportunity to to Herod had every opportunity to to Herod had every opportunity to to condemn Herod, but he didn't. Pilate had condemn Herod, but he didn't. Pilate had condemn Herod, but he didn't. Pilate had every opportunity to condemn Jesus, but every opportunity to condemn Jesus, but every opportunity to condemn Jesus, but he didn't. Even Herod, the man who he didn't. Even Herod, the man who he didn't. Even Herod, the man who beheaded John the Baptist on a whim, who beheaded John the Baptist on a whim, who beheaded John the Baptist on a whim, who mocked Jesus for sport, couldn't bring mocked Jesus for sport, couldn't bring mocked Jesus for sport, couldn't bring himself to actually charge Jesus with a himself to actually charge Jesus with a himself to actually charge Jesus with a crime. Two rulers, two independent crime. Two rulers, two independent crime. Two rulers, two independent investigations, and one unanimous investigations, and one unanimous investigations, and one unanimous verdict. Innocent. Jesus was innocent. verdict. Innocent. Jesus was innocent. verdict. Innocent. Jesus was innocent. And Pilate's response to that unanimous And Pilate's response to that unanimous And Pilate's response to that unanimous innocence, he says in verse 16, I will innocence, he says in verse 16, I will innocence, he says in verse 16, I will therefore chastise him and release him. therefore chastise him and release him. therefore chastise him and release him. He's going to punish an innocent man He's going to punish an innocent man He's going to punish an innocent man just enough to make the guilty verdict just enough to make the guilty verdict just enough to make the guilty verdict go away. That's that's not justice.

go away. That's that's not justice. go away. That's that's not justice. That's not justice. That is negotiation That's not justice. That is negotiation That's not justice. That is negotiation with a mob using somebody else's body as with a mob using somebody else's body as with a mob using somebody else's body as the bargaining chip. It's been said, you the bargaining chip. It's been said, you the bargaining chip. It's been said, you know, chastisement. What he's talking know, chastisement. What he's talking know, chastisement. What he's talking about there is scourging. The scourging about there is scourging. The scourging about there is scourging. The scourging of Jesus when he was whipped and beaten. of Jesus when he was whipped and beaten. of Jesus when he was whipped and beaten. Ultimately, Jesus, they they call the Ultimately, Jesus, they they call the Ultimately, Jesus, they they call the scourging the crucifixion before the scourging the crucifixion before the scourging the crucifixion before the crucifixion. It was so painful, so crucifixion. It was so painful, so crucifixion. It was so painful, so brutal. They whipped Jesus with a cat of brutal. They whipped Jesus with a cat of brutal. They whipped Jesus with a cat of nine tails. They ripped the beard from nine tails. They ripped the beard from nine tails. They ripped the beard from his face. Isaiah says that he hardly his face. Isaiah says that he hardly his face. Isaiah says that he hardly resembled a man. Let's see if I can get resembled a man. Let's see if I can get resembled a man. Let's see if I can get this fly. this fly. this fly. I don't think I got it. I left a nice I don't think I got it. I left a nice I don't think I got it. I left a nice scuff on the pulpit, though. He's scuff on the pulpit, though. He's scuff on the pulpit, though. He's bugging me. bugging me. bugging me. It was brutal. It was brutal what Jesus It was brutal. It was brutal what Jesus It was brutal. It was brutal what Jesus had to go through. And this is what had to go through. And this is what had to go through. And this is what Pilate tried to do to satisfy the mob's Pilate tried to do to satisfy the mob's Pilate tried to do to satisfy the mob's thirst for blood. And so he says that he thirst for blood. And so he says that he thirst for blood. And so he says that he would chastise him and he scourges him. would chastise him and he scourges him. would chastise him and he scourges him. You see, Pilate, he was a coward. He had You see, Pilate, he was a coward. He had You see, Pilate, he was a coward. He had the opportunity to do the right thing, the opportunity to do the right thing, the opportunity to do the right thing, but he caved under the pressure of the but he caved under the pressure of the but he caved under the pressure of the religious leaders. He cared more about religious leaders. He cared more about religious leaders. He cared more about catering to a group of influential catering to a group of influential catering to a group of influential politicians than he did about actual politicians than he did about actual politicians than he did about actual justice. And it says in verse 18, "And justice. And it says in verse 18, "And justice. And it says in verse 18, "And they all cried at once, saying, "Away they all cried at once, saying, "Away they all cried at once, saying, "Away with this man. Release to us Barabbus."

with this man. Release to us Barabbus." with this man. Release to us Barabbus." Now, this is a man that Luke tells us Now, this is a man that Luke tells us Now, this is a man that Luke tells us very clearly was imprisoned for very clearly was imprisoned for very clearly was imprisoned for insurrection and murder. And unlike insurrection and murder. And unlike insurrection and murder. And unlike Jesus, Barabbus was for sure guilty. He Jesus, Barabbus was for sure guilty. He Jesus, Barabbus was for sure guilty. He was not framed. He was not falsely was not framed. He was not falsely was not framed. He was not falsely accused. He was guilty of murder, of accused. He was guilty of murder, of accused. He was guilty of murder, of rebellion, of terror. He was likely part rebellion, of terror. He was likely part rebellion, of terror. He was likely part of a a little trio of those guys that of a a little trio of those guys that of a a little trio of those guys that were all crucified. Remember, there were were all crucified. Remember, there were were all crucified. Remember, there were three crosses. Jesus was placed in the three crosses. Jesus was placed in the three crosses. Jesus was placed in the middle. That was Barabus cross. And the middle. That was Barabus cross. And the middle. That was Barabus cross. And the men to the left and the right, they say men to the left and the right, they say men to the left and the right, they say that they were thieves, right? That is that they were thieves, right? That is that they were thieves, right? That is underselling how bad they were. But it underselling how bad they were. But it underselling how bad they were. But it does give us an idea that these were not does give us an idea that these were not does give us an idea that these were not just men that were creating rebellion just men that were creating rebellion just men that were creating rebellion against the Romans like the Zealots were against the Romans like the Zealots were against the Romans like the Zealots were uh in the first century. These were men uh in the first century. These were men uh in the first century. These were men that were likely doing it for personal that were likely doing it for personal that were likely doing it for personal gain, killing people, robbing them, gain, killing people, robbing them, gain, killing people, robbing them, stealing from them, inciting terror in stealing from them, inciting terror in stealing from them, inciting terror in the city, starting a a rebellion. And so the city, starting a a rebellion. And so the city, starting a a rebellion. And so ultimately Barabus, I think we could ultimately Barabus, I think we could ultimately Barabus, I think we could speculate he may have been the ring speculate he may have been the ring speculate he may have been the ring leader. That is who was going to be on leader. That is who was going to be on leader. That is who was going to be on that center cross. This was a bad dude. that center cross. This was a bad dude. that center cross. This was a bad dude. He was a bad guy. And yet, Barabus, he He was a bad guy. And yet, Barabus, he He was a bad guy. And yet, Barabus, he walked away a free man moments from walked away a free man moments from walked away a free man moments from being crucified because what? Jesus took being crucified because what? Jesus took being crucified because what? Jesus took his place. He took his place. Second his place. He took his place. Second his place. He took his place. Second Corinthians 5:21 tells us, "He made him Corinthians 5:21 tells us, "He made him Corinthians 5:21 tells us, "He made him who knew no sin to be sin for us that we who knew no sin to be sin for us that we who knew no sin to be sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in might become the righteousness of God in might become the righteousness of God in him."

him." him." Theologians for thousands of years have Theologians for thousands of years have Theologians for thousands of years have pointed to this brief story of Barabus pointed to this brief story of Barabus pointed to this brief story of Barabus being delivered from execution as a being delivered from execution as a being delivered from execution as a beautiful picture of the gospel. This is beautiful picture of the gospel. This is beautiful picture of the gospel. This is the gospel in a nutshell because we are the gospel in a nutshell because we are the gospel in a nutshell because we are Barabus. We are Barabus, guilty, Barabus. We are Barabus, guilty, Barabus. We are Barabus, guilty, sentenced to die, awaiting execution. sentenced to die, awaiting execution. sentenced to die, awaiting execution. But Jesus steps in and dies on the cross But Jesus steps in and dies on the cross But Jesus steps in and dies on the cross that has our name on it. And here's what that has our name on it. And here's what that has our name on it. And here's what is different between Barabus and Pilate is different between Barabus and Pilate is different between Barabus and Pilate and Herod. Barabbus didn't get a face and Herod. Barabbus didn't get a face and Herod. Barabbus didn't get a face tof face with Jesus. He didn't get to tof face with Jesus. He didn't get to tof face with Jesus. He didn't get to ask him questions. He didn't get to prod ask him questions. He didn't get to prod ask him questions. He didn't get to prod him. Uh he didn't get to ask him to uh him. Uh he didn't get to ask him to uh him. Uh he didn't get to ask him to uh negotiate or or delay or ask for a magic negotiate or or delay or ask for a magic negotiate or or delay or ask for a magic trick. Barabus, he knew that he was trick. Barabus, he knew that he was trick. Barabus, he knew that he was sentenced to die. He knew that he was sentenced to die. He knew that he was sentenced to die. He knew that he was hours moments away from being crucified. hours moments away from being crucified. hours moments away from being crucified. All he knew was that if he was going to All he knew was that if he was going to All he knew was that if he was going to be saved, if he was going to get out of be saved, if he was going to get out of be saved, if he was going to get out of the situation, he needed someone to the situation, he needed someone to the situation, he needed someone to intervene on his behalf or he was going intervene on his behalf or he was going intervene on his behalf or he was going to die. Now, it's interesting. The name to die. Now, it's interesting. The name to die. Now, it's interesting. The name Barabus, his name bar means son of Abbus Barabus, his name bar means son of Abbus Barabus, his name bar means son of Abbus means father. He was the son of the means father. He was the son of the means father. He was the son of the father. Think about it. This young boy, father. Think about it. This young boy, father. Think about it. This young boy, this young man at some time, he was a this young man at some time, he was a this young man at some time, he was a little boy and he did probably, I'm sure little boy and he did probably, I'm sure little boy and he did probably, I'm sure he had a father, but he ran from his he had a father, but he ran from his he had a father, but he ran from his father. He was the son of the father.

father. He was the son of the father. father. He was the son of the father. And so as we look at these stories, we And so as we look at these stories, we And so as we look at these stories, we see these three men. My question in see these three men. My question in see these three men. My question in closing is, which one are you? Which one closing is, which one are you? Which one closing is, which one are you? Which one are you? Are you like Pilate, a man so are you? Are you like Pilate, a man so are you? Are you like Pilate, a man so unwilling to compromise the status quo unwilling to compromise the status quo unwilling to compromise the status quo for what you know to be true? You may for what you know to be true? You may for what you know to be true? You may know Jesus. You may believe in Jesus. know Jesus. You may believe in Jesus. know Jesus. You may believe in Jesus. You may recognize him as being a good You may recognize him as being a good You may recognize him as being a good teacher, a good man, maybe even teacher, a good man, maybe even teacher, a good man, maybe even recognize him as being the son of God. recognize him as being the son of God. recognize him as being the son of God. But have you accepted him as your But have you accepted him as your But have you accepted him as your savior? And have you made him the Lord savior? And have you made him the Lord savior? And have you made him the Lord of your life? Have you allowed him to of your life? Have you allowed him to of your life? Have you allowed him to influence your decisions? We get a lot influence your decisions? We get a lot influence your decisions? We get a lot of emphasis, you know, at the end of our of emphasis, you know, at the end of our of emphasis, you know, at the end of our messages on giving your life to Jesus. messages on giving your life to Jesus. messages on giving your life to Jesus. We pivot at the end and make it We pivot at the end and make it We pivot at the end and make it evangelistic and invite anybody who has evangelistic and invite anybody who has evangelistic and invite anybody who has not yet put their faith in Jesus to make not yet put their faith in Jesus to make not yet put their faith in Jesus to make that decision today. And I'll do that in that decision today. And I'll do that in that decision today. And I'll do that in a moment. But there's a big distinction a moment. But there's a big distinction a moment. But there's a big distinction between making Jesus your savior and between making Jesus your savior and between making Jesus your savior and making him your lord. making him your making him your lord. making him your making him your lord. making him your savior, accepting him as savior, and savior, accepting him as savior, and savior, accepting him as savior, and making him the lord of your life. Making making him the lord of your life. Making making him the lord of your life. Making him the lord of your life is a lifelong him the lord of your life is a lifelong him the lord of your life is a lifelong process. The process of being forgiven, process. The process of being forgiven, process. The process of being forgiven, that's immediate. That's in the that's immediate. That's in the that's immediate. That's in the twinkling of an eye. That happens the twinkling of an eye. That happens the twinkling of an eye. That happens the moment you put your faith in Jesus as moment you put your faith in Jesus as moment you put your faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior. But making him the your Lord and Savior. But making him the your Lord and Savior. But making him the Lord of your life, that means you Lord of your life, that means you Lord of your life, that means you surrender to him. That means that he is surrender to him. That means that he is surrender to him. That means that he is your master, that he guides you, that he your master, that he guides you, that he your master, that he guides you, that he makes those decisions and and helps you makes those decisions and and helps you makes those decisions and and helps you understand what to do. Right? There's a understand what to do. Right? There's a understand what to do. Right? There's a big distinction between those two big distinction between those two big distinction between those two things. A savior is what Jesus did for things. A savior is what Jesus did for things. A savior is what Jesus did for Barabus. He saved him from execution.

Barabus. He saved him from execution. Barabus. He saved him from execution. Now, it could be, you know, a savior is Now, it could be, you know, a savior is Now, it could be, you know, a savior is someone that is a a firefighter, right? someone that is a a firefighter, right? someone that is a a firefighter, right? They run into a burning building and They run into a burning building and They run into a burning building and they pull you out. It could be a they pull you out. It could be a they pull you out. It could be a lifeguard. Speaking of lifeguards, did lifeguard. Speaking of lifeguards, did lifeguard. Speaking of lifeguards, did you hear about that young boy from Santa you hear about that young boy from Santa you hear about that young boy from Santa Cruz? Ryder Williams, 16 years old. Look Cruz? Ryder Williams, 16 years old. Look Cruz? Ryder Williams, 16 years old. Look at this photo. He saved a 10-year-old at this photo. He saved a 10-year-old at this photo. He saved a 10-year-old boy from huge waves in Santa Cruz. saved boy from huge waves in Santa Cruz. saved boy from huge waves in Santa Cruz. saved his life. Kid 16 years old and his life. Kid 16 years old and his life. Kid 16 years old and ultimately ultimately ultimately [applause] that's incredible. That's that's a hero. that's incredible. That's that's a hero. That's a savior. He stepped into danger That's a savior. He stepped into danger That's a savior. He stepped into danger and pulled this boy, put his life on the and pulled this boy, put his life on the and pulled this boy, put his life on the line and pulled him to safety. Ultimate line and pulled him to safety. Ultimate line and pulled him to safety. Ultimate rider uh was given the highest civilian rider uh was given the highest civilian rider uh was given the highest civilian honor by President Trump. Was able to go honor by President Trump. Was able to go honor by President Trump. Was able to go to the Oval Office along with the young to the Oval Office along with the young to the Oval Office along with the young boy he rescued. And that's just boy he rescued. And that's just boy he rescued. And that's just incredible. [applause] I know a lot of lifeguards and they're I know a lot of lifeguards and they're incredible. The work that they do, the incredible. The work that they do, the incredible. The work that they do, the stuff that they have to go and put stuff that they have to go and put stuff that they have to go and put themselves into, I mean, it's absolute themselves into, I mean, it's absolute themselves into, I mean, it's absolute danger and they deserve a lot of our danger and they deserve a lot of our danger and they deserve a lot of our respect and admiration. But that's a respect and admiration. But that's a respect and admiration. But that's a savior. That's a savior. That's what savior. That's a savior. That's what savior. That's a savior. That's what Jesus does. You are in need of a savior.

Jesus does. You are in need of a savior. Jesus does. You are in need of a savior. You were headed for hell. You were You were headed for hell. You were You were headed for hell. You were headed for death. And it's because of headed for death. And it's because of headed for death. And it's because of what you did. You put yourself in that what you did. You put yourself in that what you did. You put yourself in that situation. You have nobody to blame situation. You have nobody to blame situation. You have nobody to blame except yourself. All of us are guilty of except yourself. All of us are guilty of except yourself. All of us are guilty of sin. But that's what Jesus came to do sin. But that's what Jesus came to do sin. But that's what Jesus came to do was to be a savior for us. He died in was to be a savior for us. He died in was to be a savior for us. He died in our place. Right? But a lord, a lord is our place. Right? But a lord, a lord is our place. Right? But a lord, a lord is a master. Like a master would own a a master. Like a master would own a a master. Like a master would own a slave, that slave was obligated to serve slave, that slave was obligated to serve slave, that slave was obligated to serve the master. They had complete ownership the master. They had complete ownership the master. They had complete ownership even over the slave's life. Is Jesus even over the slave's life. Is Jesus even over the slave's life. Is Jesus your master? your master? your master? >> Is he your master? Do you submit to his >> Is he your master? Do you submit to his >> Is he your master? Do you submit to his lordship? Now maybe you're objecting to lordship? Now maybe you're objecting to lordship? Now maybe you're objecting to the idea of of you know internally the idea of of you know internally the idea of of you know internally because you hate the concept of slavery because you hate the concept of slavery because you hate the concept of slavery and the idea of Jesus being a slave and the idea of Jesus being a slave and the idea of Jesus being a slave master. Okay, right that's fine. But master. Okay, right that's fine. But master. Okay, right that's fine. But ultimately everyone is a slave to ultimately everyone is a slave to ultimately everyone is a slave to something. All of us today are a slave something. All of us today are a slave something. All of us today are a slave to something. You can be a a slave to to something. You can be a a slave to to something. You can be a a slave to success. You could be a slave to your success. You could be a slave to your success. You could be a slave to your pride, to your ego, to your image, to pride, to your ego, to your image, to pride, to your ego, to your image, to your fitness. You can be a slave to sex, your fitness. You can be a slave to sex, your fitness. You can be a slave to sex, to drugs, to your job. You can be a to drugs, to your job. You can be a to drugs, to your job. You can be a slave to all kinds of things. But only slave to all kinds of things. But only slave to all kinds of things. But only Jesus is a good master. Only Jesus is a Jesus is a good master. Only Jesus is a Jesus is a good master. Only Jesus is a master that lays down his life for you.

master that lays down his life for you. master that lays down his life for you. [applause] [applause] [applause] And Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:29, And Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:29, And Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:29, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from "Take my yoke upon you and learn from "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. and you will find rest for your souls. and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is For my yoke is easy and my burden is For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." This is in effect what Pilate light." This is in effect what Pilate light." This is in effect what Pilate was. He knew Jesus was innocent. He was. He knew Jesus was innocent. He was. He knew Jesus was innocent. He declared him innocent. He knew what the declared him innocent. He knew what the declared him innocent. He knew what the right choice was to make, but he only right choice was to make, but he only right choice was to make, but he only made the comfortable one by putting made the comfortable one by putting made the comfortable one by putting Jesus to death. Are you like Herod? Jesus to death. Are you like Herod? Jesus to death. Are you like Herod? Are you delegating this decision? Are Are you delegating this decision? Are Are you delegating this decision? Are you putting it off? Are you declining to you putting it off? Are you declining to you putting it off? Are you declining to have him be the master of your life and have him be the master of your life and have him be the master of your life and only wanting him to maybe be your only wanting him to maybe be your only wanting him to maybe be your savior? You want the benefits without savior? You want the benefits without savior? You want the benefits without the authority, a savior without a lord? the authority, a savior without a lord? the authority, a savior without a lord? Or maybe you're like Herod. You ask Or maybe you're like Herod. You ask Or maybe you're like Herod. You ask Jesus to meet all your needs. You ask Jesus to meet all your needs. You ask Jesus to meet all your needs. You ask him for all the things, your party him for all the things, your party him for all the things, your party tricks, your miracles. You respect the tricks, your miracles. You respect the tricks, your miracles. You respect the church like Herod respected John the church like Herod respected John the church like Herod respected John the Baptist. You recognize that you are a Baptist. You recognize that you are a Baptist. You recognize that you are a sinner and you appreciate good preaching sinner and you appreciate good preaching sinner and you appreciate good preaching and teaching. But in your heart, you and teaching. But in your heart, you and teaching. But in your heart, you reject his right to rule you. You reject reject his right to rule you. You reject reject his right to rule you. You reject him. Or lastly, you could be like him. Or lastly, you could be like him. Or lastly, you could be like Barabus. Now, we actually don't know Barabus. Now, we actually don't know Barabus. Now, we actually don't know what happened to Barabus after this what happened to Barabus after this what happened to Barabus after this story. I would sure hope that Jesus was story. I would sure hope that Jesus was story. I would sure hope that Jesus was not only his physical savior, but his not only his physical savior, but his not only his physical savior, but his spiritual savior as well. We don't know spiritual savior as well. We don't know spiritual savior as well. We don't know if he went off and became a Christian if he went off and became a Christian if he went off and became a Christian later on, but we do know that he was a later on, but we do know that he was a later on, but we do know that he was a guilty man who had nothing left to offer guilty man who had nothing left to offer guilty man who had nothing left to offer and someone else took his place on a and someone else took his place on a and someone else took his place on a cross. That is the difference between a cross. That is the difference between a cross. That is the difference between a close encounter and a rescue. Which one close encounter and a rescue. Which one close encounter and a rescue. Which one are you? Let's pray now. Father, we

are you? Let's pray now. Father, we are you? Let's pray now. Father, we thank you for your word. We thank you thank you for your word. We thank you thank you for your word. We thank you for these examples, Lord, we find in for these examples, Lord, we find in for these examples, Lord, we find in scripture. Lord, we we want to be scripture. Lord, we we want to be scripture. Lord, we we want to be disciples is what we want to be. We want disciples is what we want to be. We want disciples is what we want to be. We want to be disciples. We want you to be our to be disciples. We want you to be our to be disciples. We want you to be our savior and we want you to be our lord. savior and we want you to be our lord. savior and we want you to be our lord. But father, we confess that as we live But father, we confess that as we live But father, we confess that as we live in these imperfect bodies, we do the in these imperfect bodies, we do the in these imperfect bodies, we do the things we don't want to do and we don't things we don't want to do and we don't things we don't want to do and we don't do the things we want to do. Like the do the things we want to do. Like the do the things we want to do. Like the apostle Paul said, Lord, we we fall apostle Paul said, Lord, we we fall apostle Paul said, Lord, we we fall short. We sin. And so, Lord, we invite short. We sin. And so, Lord, we invite short. We sin. And so, Lord, we invite you into every area of our lives that you into every area of our lives that you into every area of our lives that you would occupy them as we willfully you would occupy them as we willfully you would occupy them as we willfully surrender every area to you. That is surrender every area to you. That is surrender every area to you. That is true success. That is true lordship. We true success. That is true lordship. We true success. That is true lordship. We want that, Lord. We want it. Convict us. want that, Lord. We want it. Convict us. want that, Lord. We want it. Convict us. Convince us, Lord. Help us to do it Convince us, Lord. Help us to do it Convince us, Lord. Help us to do it through the power of your Holy Spirit. through the power of your Holy Spirit. through the power of your Holy Spirit. And our heads are bowed and our eyes are And our heads are bowed and our eyes are And our heads are bowed and our eyes are closed. And we're praying. There may be closed. And we're praying. There may be closed. And we're praying. There may be some who have not yet put their faith in some who have not yet put their faith in some who have not yet put their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. He has not yet delivered you from your He has not yet delivered you from your He has not yet delivered you from your sin. Listen, today is the day of sin. Listen, today is the day of sin. Listen, today is the day of salvation. You can walk out of this salvation. You can walk out of this salvation. You can walk out of this building, out of this church today in building, out of this church today in building, out of this church today in the month of August, the month of August, the month of August, a transformed person, reborn, renewed a transformed person, reborn, renewed a transformed person, reborn, renewed from the inside out, an altogether new from the inside out, an altogether new from the inside out, an altogether new creation. That can be you. Jesus died creation. That can be you. Jesus died creation. That can be you. Jesus died for your sin, but he also died for your for your sin, but he also died for your for your sin, but he also died for your shame and guilt. Is it possible that shame and guilt. Is it possible that shame and guilt. Is it possible that you're carrying around a great burden of you're carrying around a great burden of you're carrying around a great burden of guilt and shame and sin for the things guilt and shame and sin for the things guilt and shame and sin for the things that you have done? Listen, Jesus died that you have done? Listen, Jesus died that you have done? Listen, Jesus died for that, too. He can even deliver that, for that, too. He can even deliver that, for that, too. He can even deliver that, deliver you from that as well. Would you

deliver you from that as well. Would you deliver you from that as well. Would you like to have that? Would you like to like to have that? Would you like to like to have that? Would you like to have that hope today? If so, pray this have that hope today? If so, pray this have that hope today? If so, pray this prayer out loud after me. Wherever you prayer out loud after me. Wherever you prayer out loud after me. Wherever you might be watching from at Harvest Maui, might be watching from at Harvest Maui, might be watching from at Harvest Maui, Harvest Orange County, Harvest Harvest Orange County, Harvest Harvest Orange County, Harvest Riverside, pray this now. Dear God, I Riverside, pray this now. Dear God, I Riverside, pray this now. Dear God, I know I'm a sinner, but I believe Jesus know I'm a sinner, but I believe Jesus know I'm a sinner, but I believe Jesus is the savior who died on the cross for is the savior who died on the cross for is the savior who died on the cross for my sin, and I turn from that sin today, my sin, and I turn from that sin today, my sin, and I turn from that sin today, from this moment forward. from this moment forward. from this moment forward. God, would you fill me with your Holy God, would you fill me with your Holy God, would you fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to follow you and Spirit and help me to follow you and Spirit and help me to follow you and make you my Lord and Master of my life. make you my Lord and Master of my life. make you my Lord and Master of my life. Thank you in Jesus name I pray. Amen. Thank you in Jesus name I pray. Amen. Thank you in Jesus name I pray. Amen. 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 org God personally, go to harvest.org org God personally, go to harvest.org org and click on know