Compassion – Sermon – Michael Morris – 8/30/26

Hey guys, Pastor Matt here. Um, one of Hey guys, Pastor Matt here. Um, one of our visions at the Village Church is we our visions at the Village Church is we our visions at the Village Church is we want to be a place that resources want to be a place that resources want to be a place that resources liberally the big C church of Jesus liberally the big C church of Jesus liberally the big C church of Jesus Christ. And if by his grace we might Christ. And if by his grace we might Christ. And if by his grace we might leave a kingdom legacy with those leave a kingdom legacy with those leave a kingdom legacy with those resources, we want to be all about that. resources, we want to be all about that. resources, we want to be all about that. And so, thanks for watching this sermon And so, thanks for watching this sermon And so, thanks for watching this sermon or preparing to watch this sermon. I I'm or preparing to watch this sermon. I I'm or preparing to watch this sermon. I I'm praying that you're watching this in praying that you're watching this in praying that you're watching this in community in conjunction with your community in conjunction with your community in conjunction with your ongoing disciplehip at a local church. A ongoing disciplehip at a local church. A ongoing disciplehip at a local church. A and if by the grace of God, this becomes and if by the grace of God, this becomes and if by the grace of God, this becomes one of those things that continues to one of those things that continues to one of those things that continues to build up your faith, encourage your build up your faith, encourage your build up your faith, encourage your walk, fuel your love for Jesus, would walk, fuel your love for Jesus, would walk, fuel your love for Jesus, would you consider giving to the ministries of you consider giving to the ministries of you consider giving to the ministries of the Village Church? It's actually really the Village Church? It's actually really the Village Church? It's actually really simple. You could either do it in the simple. You could either do it in the simple. You could either do it in the app or you can go to the villageurch.net app or you can go to the villageurch.net app or you can go to the villageurch.net net back/g net back/g net back/g and do it there. I hope that the next and do it there. I hope that the next and do it there. I hope that the next chunk of time as you watch this sermon, chunk of time as you watch this sermon, chunk of time as you watch this sermon, you find your affections for Jesus you find your affections for Jesus you find your affections for Jesus soaring. You find courage flood back soaring. You find courage flood back soaring. You find courage flood back into your bones and you fall more deeply into your bones and you fall more deeply into your bones and you fall more deeply in love with Jesus than you are at this in love with Jesus than you are at this in love with Jesus than you are at this moment. God bless you.

>> Praise the Lord, saints. >> Praise the Lord, saints. All right. All right. All right. Um well before we read the word I was Um well before we read the word I was Um well before we read the word I was asked to just give a little bit of my asked to just give a little bit of my asked to just give a little bit of my testimony. Um so as I stated last night testimony. Um so as I stated last night testimony. Um so as I stated last night I kind of grew up in a place where I was I kind of grew up in a place where I was I kind of grew up in a place where I was abandoned at 6 weeks old left at a house abandoned at 6 weeks old left at a house abandoned at 6 weeks old left at a house where they did a lot of gambling and um where they did a lot of gambling and um where they did a lot of gambling and um the family who took me in did the best the family who took me in did the best the family who took me in did the best they could. But um you know I grew up they could. But um you know I grew up they could. But um you know I grew up with a lot of physical abuse from the with a lot of physical abuse from the with a lot of physical abuse from the time I was a little girl all the way up time I was a little girl all the way up time I was a little girl all the way up to my senior in high school. So as you to my senior in high school. So as you to my senior in high school. So as you can imagine it left me broken. that left can imagine it left me broken. that left can imagine it left me broken. that left me angry, rebellious, hateful, me angry, rebellious, hateful, me angry, rebellious, hateful, um you know, slept around a lot, just um you know, slept around a lot, just um you know, slept around a lot, just did a lot of addiction to drugs, just a did a lot of addiction to drugs, just a did a lot of addiction to drugs, just a lot of things that I got involved in lot of things that I got involved in lot of things that I got involved in because of that. But as I stated last because of that. But as I stated last because of that. But as I stated last night, but the Lord, but God, um you night, but the Lord, but God, um you night, but the Lord, but God, um you know, like Hagar, Leia, the woman at the know, like Hagar, Leia, the woman at the know, like Hagar, Leia, the woman at the well, he intentionally and with great well, he intentionally and with great well, he intentionally and with great purpose found me and had compassion upon purpose found me and had compassion upon purpose found me and had compassion upon me. And so now now I am filled with the me. And so now now I am filled with the me. And so now now I am filled with the love of Christ and that's what I choose love of Christ and that's what I choose love of Christ and that's what I choose and want to give to others. Amen. All and want to give to others. Amen. All and want to give to others. Amen. All right. So right. So right. So we're going to read from Matthew um I we're going to read from Matthew um I we're going to read from Matthew um I can see up close not a far. So can see up close not a far. So can see up close not a far. So um we're going to read from Matthew 9 um um we're going to read from Matthew 9 um um we're going to read from Matthew 9 um verses 35 through 38. It says Jesus verses 35 through 38. It says Jesus verses 35 through 38. It says Jesus committed, I'm sorry, Jesus continued committed, I'm sorry, Jesus continued committed, I'm sorry, Jesus continued around to all the towns and villages, around to all the towns and villages, around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogue, preaching teaching in their synagogue, preaching teaching in their synagogue, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing

the good news of the kingdom and healing the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and every sickness. When every disease and every sickness. When every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion he saw the crowds, he felt compassion he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them because they were distressed for them because they were distressed for them because they were distressed and dejected like sheep without a and dejected like sheep without a and dejected like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is abundant, but the "The harvest is abundant, but the "The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers Lord of the harvest to send out workers Lord of the harvest to send out workers into the harvest." This is the word of into the harvest." This is the word of into the harvest." This is the word of the Lord. Well, Well, this is uh about my fifth time standing this is uh about my fifth time standing this is uh about my fifth time standing here. here. here. Let me tell you about the first Let me tell you about the first Let me tell you about the first four or so times I stood here. And some four or so times I stood here. And some four or so times I stood here. And some of you may remember it was April of of you may remember it was April of of you may remember it was April of 2021.

I got up here and it felt like the I got up here and it felt like the Sahara Desert, the winds of the Sahara Sahara Desert, the winds of the Sahara Sahara Desert, the winds of the Sahara Desert just blew through my mouth. Desert just blew through my mouth. Desert just blew through my mouth. I couldn't hardly say a word without my I couldn't hardly say a word without my I couldn't hardly say a word without my top of my mouth sticking to my tongue. top of my mouth sticking to my tongue. top of my mouth sticking to my tongue. Someone finally brought me a bottle of Someone finally brought me a bottle of Someone finally brought me a bottle of water. water. water. I brought my own this morning. I brought my own this morning. I brought my own this morning. Okay. Okay. Okay. Second time I was up here, I was doing Second time I was up here, I was doing Second time I was up here, I was doing communion after the sermon communion after the sermon communion after the sermon and I dropped my wafer. and I dropped my wafer. and I dropped my wafer. Someone had to walk up and hand me a Someone had to walk up and hand me a Someone had to walk up and hand me a wafer to continue that. Second or the wafer to continue that. Second or the wafer to continue that. Second or the third time or the next time I stood up third time or the next time I stood up third time or the next time I stood up here, here, here, one of my pages from my notes fell one of my pages from my notes fell one of my pages from my notes fell apart. apart. apart. I stapled them together this time. Okay, I stapled them together this time. Okay, I stapled them together this time. Okay, I won't mention the time that my iPad I I won't mention the time that my iPad I I won't mention the time that my iPad I was using the iPad and the iPad went was using the iPad and the iPad went was using the iPad and the iPad went black on me black on me black on me and I think it was the last time I was and I think it was the last time I was and I think it was the last time I was here or maybe the time before that. Uh, here or maybe the time before that. Uh, here or maybe the time before that. Uh, my microphone kept rubbing in my beard my microphone kept rubbing in my beard my microphone kept rubbing in my beard and it was just this constant crackling and it was just this constant crackling and it was just this constant crackling going. Were any of you here doing that?

going. Were any of you here doing that? going. Were any of you here doing that? I was hoping no one remembered that. I was hoping no one remembered that. I was hoping no one remembered that. But But But let's see what the Lord has in store for let's see what the Lord has in store for let's see what the Lord has in store for us today. us today. us today. Okay, let me say this before I I dive Okay, let me say this before I I dive Okay, let me say this before I I dive into the word. Serving you, our sisters into the word. Serving you, our sisters into the word. Serving you, our sisters and brothers here at the Village Church and brothers here at the Village Church and brothers here at the Village Church has been one of the greatest joys of our has been one of the greatest joys of our has been one of the greatest joys of our lives. lives. lives. Our Our Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude to hearts are overflowing with gratitude to hearts are overflowing with gratitude to the Lord for the privilege that he's the Lord for the privilege that he's the Lord for the privilege that he's given us to be here. When Deb, the bride given us to be here. When Deb, the bride given us to be here. When Deb, the bride of my youth and uh for the last 52 and of my youth and uh for the last 52 and of my youth and uh for the last 52 and almost 53 years, when Thank you. almost 53 years, when Thank you. almost 53 years, when Thank you. When we arrived here in 2014, When we arrived here in 2014, When we arrived here in 2014, we did so with the absolute confidence we did so with the absolute confidence we did so with the absolute confidence that this community of faith was his that this community of faith was his that this community of faith was his plan, his placement, and his purpose for plan, his placement, and his purpose for plan, his placement, and his purpose for us, especially after a 13-year respbit us, especially after a 13-year respbit us, especially after a 13-year respbit uh sitting on the bench at another uh sitting on the bench at another uh sitting on the bench at another church following a lifetime of ministry church following a lifetime of ministry church following a lifetime of ministry since our pre-teen days.

since our pre-teen days. since our pre-teen days. When one pursues the Lord's path, it is When one pursues the Lord's path, it is When one pursues the Lord's path, it is never, let me just say that again. It is never, let me just say that again. It is never, let me just say that again. It is never without troubles and obstacles. never without troubles and obstacles. never without troubles and obstacles. The profound love and acceptance that The profound love and acceptance that The profound love and acceptance that you showered upon us made us made every you showered upon us made us made every you showered upon us made us made every significant challenge that we face look significant challenge that we face look significant challenge that we face look like a mere pebble in Lake Lewisville. like a mere pebble in Lake Lewisville. like a mere pebble in Lake Lewisville. Reflecting on my time serving on this Reflecting on my time serving on this Reflecting on my time serving on this board, it truly was the best of time as board, it truly was the best of time as board, it truly was the best of time as Dickens said and the worst of times. But Dickens said and the worst of times. But Dickens said and the worst of times. But as Moses prayed in Psalms 90, "The Lord as Moses prayed in Psalms 90, "The Lord as Moses prayed in Psalms 90, "The Lord has made us glad for as many days as he has made us glad for as many days as he has made us glad for as many days as he has afflicted us, and we have ultimately has afflicted us, and we have ultimately has afflicted us, and we have ultimately had far more days of rejoicing than we had far more days of rejoicing than we had far more days of rejoicing than we have of weeping. have of weeping. have of weeping. Looking ahead, we have no plans other Looking ahead, we have no plans other Looking ahead, we have no plans other than to continue our process, the than to continue our process, the than to continue our process, the process of our sanctification process of our sanctification process of our sanctification right here at the Village Church right here at the Village Church right here at the Village Church alongside each of you, Village Church alongside each of you, Village Church alongside each of you, Village Church family. We love you deeply.

family. We love you deeply. family. We love you deeply. Would you bow your heads with me in a Would you bow your heads with me in a Would you bow your heads with me in a word of prayer? Heavenly Father, Almighty God, creator Heavenly Father, Almighty God, creator of all things, we gather before you of all things, we gather before you of all things, we gather before you today to honor your holy name and today to honor your holy name and today to honor your holy name and acknowledge the supreme power of your acknowledge the supreme power of your acknowledge the supreme power of your word. It's by your voice that the word. It's by your voice that the word. It's by your voice that the heavens were made and by your breath you heavens were made and by your breath you heavens were made and by your breath you sustain all life. Your word is living, sustain all life. Your word is living, sustain all life. Your word is living, active, and powerful in all of its active, and powerful in all of its active, and powerful in all of its workings. Lord, we confess that workings. Lord, we confess that workings. Lord, we confess that throughout this week, our ears have been throughout this week, our ears have been throughout this week, our ears have been the past week, our ears have been the past week, our ears have been the past week, our ears have been flooded with many voices and many words. flooded with many voices and many words. flooded with many voices and many words. We've listened to the noise of our We've listened to the noise of our We've listened to the noise of our culture, the demands of work, the culture, the demands of work, the culture, the demands of work, the opinions of others, and even the anxious opinions of others, and even the anxious opinions of others, and even the anxious thoughts sometimes of our own minds. But thoughts sometimes of our own minds. But thoughts sometimes of our own minds. But today, we pause and declare that your today, we pause and declare that your today, we pause and declare that your word matters most. Your truth is the word matters most. Your truth is the word matters most. Your truth is the anchor that we need as the winds of this anchor that we need as the winds of this anchor that we need as the winds of this world are tossing back and forth. We world are tossing back and forth. We world are tossing back and forth. We humbly ask that you grant us a deep humbly ask that you grant us a deep humbly ask that you grant us a deep reverence for your word, the Holy Bible.

reverence for your word, the Holy Bible. reverence for your word, the Holy Bible. Give us ears that hear your truth, free Give us ears that hear your truth, free Give us ears that hear your truth, free from distractions. Give us soft and from distractions. Give us soft and from distractions. Give us soft and fertile hearts, ready to receive your fertile hearts, ready to receive your fertile hearts, ready to receive your message, casting aside our pride, our message, casting aside our pride, our message, casting aside our pride, our prejudice, and our preconceptions. prejudice, and our preconceptions. prejudice, and our preconceptions. May the preaching of your word today May the preaching of your word today May the preaching of your word today radically impact each of us. Let us not radically impact each of us. Let us not radically impact each of us. Let us not leave this place the same as we enter. leave this place the same as we enter. leave this place the same as we enter. We pray that our lives would be We pray that our lives would be We pray that our lives would be irrevocably changed by what we hear, irrevocably changed by what we hear, irrevocably changed by what we hear, transforming us daily transforming us daily transforming us daily into the image and likeness of your son. into the image and likeness of your son. into the image and likeness of your son. Holy Spirit, would you empower us to Holy Spirit, would you empower us to Holy Spirit, would you empower us to walk out in this culture, in our day as walk out in this culture, in our day as walk out in this culture, in our day as shining lights reflecting the truth and shining lights reflecting the truth and shining lights reflecting the truth and the love of Jesus Christ, our savior. the love of Jesus Christ, our savior. the love of Jesus Christ, our savior. Father, we ask it all for the honor and Father, we ask it all for the honor and Father, we ask it all for the honor and the glory of your name. And it is in the the glory of your name. And it is in the the glory of your name. And it is in the powerful, majestic name of Jesus Christ powerful, majestic name of Jesus Christ powerful, majestic name of Jesus Christ our Lord we pray. Amen. Amen. I want you our Lord we pray. Amen. Amen. I want you our Lord we pray. Amen. Amen. I want you to imagine with me for a moment the sun to imagine with me for a moment the sun to imagine with me for a moment the sun well beating down. That shouldn't be well beating down. That shouldn't be well beating down. That shouldn't be hard to imagine.

hard to imagine. hard to imagine. But imagine the sun beating down But imagine the sun beating down But imagine the sun beating down ruthlessly on the chaotic, bustling uh ruthlessly on the chaotic, bustling uh ruthlessly on the chaotic, bustling uh streets of a seaside town of Capernium. streets of a seaside town of Capernium. streets of a seaside town of Capernium. Jesus has recently moved his Jesus has recently moved his Jesus has recently moved his headquarters or his ministry from his headquarters or his ministry from his headquarters or his ministry from his hometown of Nazareth, a town of some say hometown of Nazareth, a town of some say hometown of Nazareth, a town of some say maybe a 100 to 200 perhaps a 250 at the maybe a 100 to 200 perhaps a 250 at the maybe a 100 to 200 perhaps a 250 at the most very small town to the bustling most very small town to the bustling most very small town to the bustling seaside uh town of Capernium maybe with seaside uh town of Capernium maybe with seaside uh town of Capernium maybe with 12,000 folks there at that particular 12,000 folks there at that particular 12,000 folks there at that particular time. The air is humming with the tense time. The air is humming with the tense time. The air is humming with the tense energy of commerce. Faithfully at his energy of commerce. Faithfully at his energy of commerce. Faithfully at his post, Matthew the tax collector watches post, Matthew the tax collector watches post, Matthew the tax collector watches the coins roll in. They didn't have the coins roll in. They didn't have the coins roll in. They didn't have paper money then, but we would probably paper money then, but we would probably paper money then, but we would probably say he's stacking the paper. Okay. say he's stacking the paper. Okay. say he's stacking the paper. Okay. He realizes that every corn represents He realizes that every corn represents He realizes that every corn represents three things. Number one, his personal three things. Number one, his personal three things. Number one, his personal wealth accumulation. Number two, a wealth accumulation. Number two, a wealth accumulation. Number two, a disloyalty disloyalty disloyalty to his nation. And number three, support to his nation. And number three, support to his nation. And number three, support for the occupying Roman Empire.

for the occupying Roman Empire. for the occupying Roman Empire. Crowds of his own people walking past Crowds of his own people walking past Crowds of his own people walking past Matthew's v boo booth either sped on the Matthew's v boo booth either sped on the Matthew's v boo booth either sped on the ground or turned their faces away in ground or turned their faces away in ground or turned their faces away in deep disgust at his betrayal of the deep disgust at his betrayal of the deep disgust at his betrayal of the nation. Though his bag was filled with nation. Though his bag was filled with nation. Though his bag was filled with filthy lucer, his soul was empty. filthy lucer, his soul was empty. filthy lucer, his soul was empty. Generation Z would say it like this. Bro Generation Z would say it like this. Bro Generation Z would say it like this. Bro got the bag full of dirty racks, but the got the bag full of dirty racks, but the got the bag full of dirty racks, but the soul was completely hollow. No cap. He soul was completely hollow. No cap. He soul was completely hollow. No cap. He was down bad. was down bad. was down bad. Okay. Okay. Okay. Then one day, Jesus walks through the Then one day, Jesus walks through the Then one day, Jesus walks through the busy marketplace of the of Capernium busy marketplace of the of Capernium busy marketplace of the of Capernium with dust on his feet and a profound with dust on his feet and a profound with dust on his feet and a profound deep love in his innermost being. While deep love in his innermost being. While deep love in his innermost being. While others looked at the tax collector and others looked at the tax collector and others looked at the tax collector and saw a thief, a sinner, and a traitor, saw a thief, a sinner, and a traitor, saw a thief, a sinner, and a traitor, Jesus saw a lost son who desperately Jesus saw a lost son who desperately Jesus saw a lost son who desperately needed a way home. Breaking every social needed a way home. Breaking every social needed a way home. Breaking every social and religious rule of the day, Jesus and religious rule of the day, Jesus and religious rule of the day, Jesus stopped right in front of Matthew's stopped right in front of Matthew's stopped right in front of Matthew's booth, took a look directly at him and booth, took a look directly at him and booth, took a look directly at him and seeing beyond the facade on his face.

seeing beyond the facade on his face. seeing beyond the facade on his face. You know, some if you've watched the You know, some if you've watched the You know, some if you've watched the chosen, uh, they sort of theorize that chosen, uh, they sort of theorize that chosen, uh, they sort of theorize that Matthew may have been on the autism Matthew may have been on the autism Matthew may have been on the autism spectrum. Okay, if you watch the chosen, spectrum. Okay, if you watch the chosen, spectrum. Okay, if you watch the chosen, but Jesus didn't see any of that. but Jesus didn't see any of that. but Jesus didn't see any of that. What he saw was the weariness of his What he saw was the weariness of his What he saw was the weariness of his soul. soul. soul. Jesus speaks two simple words packed Jesus speaks two simple words packed Jesus speaks two simple words packed with lifealtering with lifealtering with lifealtering power to Matthew. power to Matthew. power to Matthew. Follow me. Follow me. Follow me. >> Without a moment of hesitation, Matthew >> Without a moment of hesitation, Matthew >> Without a moment of hesitation, Matthew did not pause to count his coins one did not pause to count his coins one did not pause to count his coins one last time. He stood up, left his last time. He stood up, left his last time. He stood up, left his financial security behind, and stepped financial security behind, and stepped financial security behind, and stepped into a brand new destiny. into a brand new destiny. into a brand new destiny. This same Jesus today looks beyond our This same Jesus today looks beyond our This same Jesus today looks beyond our faults, our failures, our facades, and faults, our failures, our facades, and faults, our failures, our facades, and he sees who we can become and offers us he sees who we can become and offers us he sees who we can become and offers us the same uh call, follow me.

the same uh call, follow me. the same uh call, follow me. That same Matthew who stood up from his That same Matthew who stood up from his That same Matthew who stood up from his tax table and left everything behind is tax table and left everything behind is tax table and left everything behind is the very man who recorded the words the very man who recorded the words the very man who recorded the words we've read here today. He didn't just we've read here today. He didn't just we've read here today. He didn't just write a biography of Jesus. He wrote write a biography of Jesus. He wrote write a biography of Jesus. He wrote from firthand experience about the heart from firthand experience about the heart from firthand experience about the heart of a savior who looks at the broken, the of a savior who looks at the broken, the of a savior who looks at the broken, the busted, the weary, the wounded, the beat busted, the weary, the wounded, the beat busted, the weary, the wounded, the beat down, confused and disheveled people of down, confused and disheveled people of down, confused and disheveled people of our day. our day. our day. He looks at us with gutwrenching He looks at us with gutwrenching He looks at us with gutwrenching compassion. compassion. compassion. As Matthew followed Jesus through the As Matthew followed Jesus through the As Matthew followed Jesus through the towns and villages, he watched the very towns and villages, he watched the very towns and villages, he watched the very mercy that saved him expand to the mercy that saved him expand to the mercy that saved him expand to the multitudes. multitudes. multitudes. Let's open our Bibles or your apps and Let's open our Bibles or your apps and Let's open our Bibles or your apps and to Matthew 9:35 through38 and look at to Matthew 9:35 through38 and look at to Matthew 9:35 through38 and look at what Matthew has to say about the what Matthew has to say about the what Matthew has to say about the compassion of Jesus. Matthew 35 Jesus continued going around Matthew 35 Jesus continued going around to all the towns and villages teaching to all the towns and villages teaching to all the towns and villages teaching in their synagogue preaching the good in their synagogue preaching the good in their synagogue preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every news of the kingdom and healing every news of the kingdom and healing every disease and every sickness. This passage disease and every sickness. This passage disease and every sickness. This passage of scripture tells us that Jesus was on of scripture tells us that Jesus was on of scripture tells us that Jesus was on a mission then and now. His mission then a mission then and now. His mission then a mission then and now. His mission then and now beckon him to engagement in and now beckon him to engagement in and now beckon him to engagement in every place where there are humans every place where there are humans every place where there are humans gathered.

gathered. gathered. Every one-horse poduck hick town, every Every one-horse poduck hick town, every Every one-horse poduck hick town, every burb, every lakeside or gated community, burb, every lakeside or gated community, burb, every lakeside or gated community, every hood, every ghetto, every slum, every hood, every ghetto, every slum, every hood, every ghetto, every slum, every asphalt jungle every asphalt jungle every asphalt jungle and every bustling metroplex, and every bustling metroplex, and every bustling metroplex, even DFW. even DFW. even DFW. Wherever there are earthlings, Jesus Wherever there are earthlings, Jesus Wherever there are earthlings, Jesus wants to engage wants to engage wants to engage all all the towns and villages. Jesus all all the towns and villages. Jesus all all the towns and villages. Jesus went everywhere there were people. went everywhere there were people. went everywhere there were people. All kinds of people. He avoided no one. All kinds of people. He avoided no one. All kinds of people. He avoided no one. >> He went to the poor. He went to the >> He went to the poor. He went to the >> He went to the poor. He went to the rich. He went to the sick. He went to rich. He went to the sick. He went to rich. He went to the sick. He went to the healthy, the sophisticated and the the healthy, the sophisticated and the the healthy, the sophisticated and the not sophisticated, the illiterate and not sophisticated, the illiterate and not sophisticated, the illiterate and the educated. the educated. the educated. the rank what we might call the rank the rank what we might call the rank the rank what we might call the rank sinners as well as the most religious of sinners as well as the most religious of sinners as well as the most religious of his day. We might say uh students he his day. We might say uh students he his day. We might say uh students he went to the jocks he went to the goths went to the jocks he went to the goths went to the jocks he went to the goths to the extreme left-wingers as well as to the extreme left-wingers as well as to the extreme left-wingers as well as to the extreme right wingers. Now that's to the extreme right wingers. Now that's to the extreme right wingers. Now that's not a reference to anyone here today.

not a reference to anyone here today. not a reference to anyone here today. Okay? cuz he had Simon the zealot was Okay? cuz he had Simon the zealot was Okay? cuz he had Simon the zealot was who was as far to the right and he had who was as far to the right and he had who was as far to the right and he had Matthew the tax collector who was far Matthew the tax collector who was far Matthew the tax collector who was far left. Jesus went wherever there were left. Jesus went wherever there were left. Jesus went wherever there were people. He went to the dominant majority people. He went to the dominant majority people. He went to the dominant majority as well as the despised minority of his as well as the despised minority of his as well as the despised minority of his day. He would have been found in the day. He would have been found in the day. He would have been found in the multi-million dollar mansion as well as multi-million dollar mansion as well as multi-million dollar mansion as well as the homeless tent city. Yes. the homeless tent city. Yes. the homeless tent city. Yes. >> Everywhere there that there were homo >> Everywhere there that there were homo >> Everywhere there that there were homo sapiens, the heart of Jesus longed to be sapiens, the heart of Jesus longed to be sapiens, the heart of Jesus longed to be in that mix. in that mix. in that mix. Jesus's relentless insistence on Jesus's relentless insistence on Jesus's relentless insistence on engaging all types of people speaks to engaging all types of people speaks to engaging all types of people speaks to his mission as recorded in John 10:10 his mission as recorded in John 10:10 his mission as recorded in John 10:10 where he said, "The thief comes to rob, where he said, "The thief comes to rob, where he said, "The thief comes to rob, to steal, and to destroy, but I have to steal, and to destroy, but I have to steal, and to destroy, but I have come that they might have life and life come that they might have life and life come that they might have life and life more abundantly." The King James says or more abundantly." The King James says or more abundantly." The King James says or other version says life to the fullest.

other version says life to the fullest. other version says life to the fullest. In the New Testament, there are two In the New Testament, there are two In the New Testament, there are two words for life. Two main words for life. words for life. Two main words for life. words for life. Two main words for life. One is bios from which we get the word One is bios from which we get the word One is bios from which we get the word biology. It speaks of our physical biology. It speaks of our physical biology. It speaks of our physical existence. The other is Zoe. It speaks existence. The other is Zoe. It speaks existence. The other is Zoe. It speaks of spiritual vitality, God's kind of of spiritual vitality, God's kind of of spiritual vitality, God's kind of life. Jesus is not just promising a life. Jesus is not just promising a life. Jesus is not just promising a beating heart, a bank account, or long beating heart, a bank account, or long beating heart, a bank account, or long calendar days. calendar days. calendar days. He's promising Zoey life. That's the He's promising Zoey life. That's the He's promising Zoey life. That's the unccreated unccreated unccreated eternal vibrant life of God himself. eternal vibrant life of God himself. eternal vibrant life of God himself. Peter puts it like this. We have been Peter puts it like this. We have been Peter puts it like this. We have been made to be partakers of his divine made to be partakers of his divine made to be partakers of his divine nature. It is God's life animating our nature. It is God's life animating our nature. It is God's life animating our souls. Then the next part of that verse says he Then the next part of that verse says he was teaching, preaching and healing. was teaching, preaching and healing. was teaching, preaching and healing. Just to refer reference back to John Just to refer reference back to John Just to refer reference back to John 10:10, the thief Jesus says came to 10:10, the thief Jesus says came to 10:10, the thief Jesus says came to destroy people through his lies, destroy people through his lies, destroy people through his lies, his hopelessness, his despair that he his hopelessness, his despair that he his hopelessness, his despair that he would put upon people as well as would put upon people as well as would put upon people as well as sickness. But Jesus came to crush all sickness. But Jesus came to crush all sickness. But Jesus came to crush all the di diabolical plans in every town the di diabolical plans in every town the di diabolical plans in every town and every village. Wherever there were and every village. Wherever there were and every village. Wherever there were hurting peoples, Jesus wanted to be hurting peoples, Jesus wanted to be hurting peoples, Jesus wanted to be there. Let's look at those three things there. Let's look at those three things there. Let's look at those three things he did in his ministry. He taught Jesus

he did in his ministry. He taught Jesus he did in his ministry. He taught Jesus countered the enemy's lies and confusion countered the enemy's lies and confusion countered the enemy's lies and confusion by grounding people in the absolute by grounding people in the absolute by grounding people in the absolute truth of God, giving them a firm mental truth of God, giving them a firm mental truth of God, giving them a firm mental as well as spiritual foundation upon as well as spiritual foundation upon as well as spiritual foundation upon which to build their lives. which to build their lives. which to build their lives. He preached. He preached. He preached. He announced the arrival of the kingdom He announced the arrival of the kingdom He announced the arrival of the kingdom of God. My wife told me, "Don't follow any My wife told me, "Don't follow any rabbit trails." rabbit trails." rabbit trails." I'm just going to look at this one for a I'm just going to look at this one for a I'm just going to look at this one for a moment, hun. Okay. All right. moment, hun. Okay. All right. moment, hun. Okay. All right. If you go back to the very beginning, there were mentions of the kingdom that there were mentions of the kingdom that was to come. The Lord said to to to Adam was to come. The Lord said to to to Adam was to come. The Lord said to to to Adam and Eve and speaking there, he says that and Eve and speaking there, he says that and Eve and speaking there, he says that your heels will be bitten by the your heels will be bitten by the your heels will be bitten by the serpent, but the heel of the woman would serpent, but the heel of the woman would serpent, but the heel of the woman would crush his head. That was the beginning crush his head. That was the beginning crush his head. That was the beginning opening of the teaching about the opening of the teaching about the opening of the teaching about the kingdom of God that was going to come kingdom of God that was going to come kingdom of God that was going to come one day to overturn what Satan had one day to overturn what Satan had one day to overturn what Satan had introduced into the world. And for 4,000 introduced into the world. And for 4,000 introduced into the world. And for 4,000 years, uh, the Lord just kept sprinkling years, uh, the Lord just kept sprinkling years, uh, the Lord just kept sprinkling these little thoughts about, hey, this these little thoughts about, hey, this these little thoughts about, hey, this is going to be changed one day. There's is going to be changed one day. There's is going to be changed one day. There's going to be a king who sits upon the going to be a king who sits upon the going to be a king who sits upon the throne of David, whose kingdom will have throne of David, whose kingdom will have throne of David, whose kingdom will have no end. There's going to come this day

no end. There's going to come this day no end. There's going to come this day when the lion's going to lie down with when the lion's going to lie down with when the lion's going to lie down with the lamb. the lamb. the lamb. There's going to be a day. You know, our There's going to be a day. You know, our There's going to be a day. You know, our world wants to see a utopia. It'll never world wants to see a utopia. It'll never world wants to see a utopia. It'll never happen until the king is sitting on the happen until the king is sitting on the happen until the king is sitting on the thrones of his people. thrones of his people. thrones of his people. Amen. So he preached the kingdom of God, Amen. So he preached the kingdom of God, Amen. So he preached the kingdom of God, replacing the enemy's message of despair replacing the enemy's message of despair replacing the enemy's message of despair and destruction with the ultimate hope and destruction with the ultimate hope and destruction with the ultimate hope of good news. He healed Jesus physically of good news. He healed Jesus physically of good news. He healed Jesus physically reversed the damage of the broken world reversed the damage of the broken world reversed the damage of the broken world directly pushing back against the directly pushing back against the directly pushing back against the sickness and disease and destruction sickness and disease and destruction sickness and disease and destruction that the thief brought into human lives. that the thief brought into human lives. that the thief brought into human lives. And he's still doing that today. Again, And he's still doing that today. Again, And he's still doing that today. Again, that's another don't have time for it, that's another don't have time for it, that's another don't have time for it, but Jesus is still the same yesterday, but Jesus is still the same yesterday, but Jesus is still the same yesterday, today, forever. He's still healing sick today, forever. He's still healing sick today, forever. He's still healing sick people. Then it says in the next verse 36, Then it says in the next verse 36, when he saw the crowds, when he saw the crowds, when he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them because they he felt compassion for them because they he felt compassion for them because they were, and I'm using the the uh ESV were, and I'm using the the uh ESV were, and I'm using the the uh ESV version words here because they're a version words here because they're a version words here because they're a little more visual. They were harassed little more visual. They were harassed little more visual. They were harassed and helpless like sheep without a and helpless like sheep without a and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. Because he taught that like no shepherd. Because he taught that like no shepherd. Because he taught that like no other, other, other, he preached good news in a world of he preached good news in a world of he preached good news in a world of darkness and despair and healed the

darkness and despair and healed the darkness and despair and healed the disease afflicted and demon-possessed. disease afflicted and demon-possessed. disease afflicted and demon-possessed. Everywhere Jesus went, crowds gathered Everywhere Jesus went, crowds gathered Everywhere Jesus went, crowds gathered and he saw the crowds. He did not ignore and he saw the crowds. He did not ignore and he saw the crowds. He did not ignore the crowds. He saw the crowds. The the crowds. He saw the crowds. The the crowds. He saw the crowds. The religious leaders of that day saw the religious leaders of that day saw the religious leaders of that day saw the crowd as a burden and as a paycheck. The crowd as a burden and as a paycheck. The crowd as a burden and as a paycheck. The Roman government saw the crowd as Roman government saw the crowd as Roman government saw the crowd as subjects to be controlled as well as subjects to be controlled as well as subjects to be controlled as well as revenue for building their vast roads revenue for building their vast roads revenue for building their vast roads and buildings. Today, many see the crowd and buildings. Today, many see the crowd and buildings. Today, many see the crowd as a means to an end. Necessary as a means to an end. Necessary as a means to an end. Necessary are the crowds to boost some people's are the crowds to boost some people's are the crowds to boost some people's ego. ego. ego. Some see the crowds as a means of Some see the crowds as a means of Some see the crowds as a means of increasing their status as an increasing their status as an increasing their status as an influencer. influencer. influencer. Others see the crowds as a means of Others see the crowds as a means of Others see the crowds as a means of building their brand. building their brand. building their brand. Jesus wasn't dependent nor dependent Jesus wasn't dependent nor dependent Jesus wasn't dependent nor dependent upon nor frustrated or irritated by the upon nor frustrated or irritated by the upon nor frustrated or irritated by the crowds.

crowds. crowds. I've got to confess here I've got to confess here I've got to confess here few months ago I was in HB. I love HB. few months ago I was in HB. I love HB. few months ago I was in HB. I love HB. I I mean I do and haven't I've been I I mean I do and haven't I've been I I mean I do and haven't I've been waiting a long time to see them come to waiting a long time to see them come to waiting a long time to see them come to our area and we see so many HB our area and we see so many HB our area and we see so many HB commercials now. I told Deb, I got to go commercials now. I told Deb, I got to go commercials now. I told Deb, I got to go to HB. I'm going to go shop at HB. to HB. I'm going to go shop at HB. to HB. I'm going to go shop at HB. I went to the one over in Frisco and I went to the one over in Frisco and I went to the one over in Frisco and there were so many people there. there were so many people there. there were so many people there. I said, I got to get out of here. Now you're laughing at me. I want to Now you're laughing at me. I want to hear your crowd story. hear your crowd story. hear your crowd story. Jesus saw the crowd as a family that had Jesus saw the crowd as a family that had Jesus saw the crowd as a family that had lost its way and needed direction home. lost its way and needed direction home. lost its way and needed direction home. He does not look at your life today with He does not look at your life today with He does not look at your life today with judgment or condemnation but with deep judgment or condemnation but with deep judgment or condemnation but with deep gut aching empathy. gut aching empathy. gut aching empathy. The next part of that verse says he felt The next part of that verse says he felt The next part of that verse says he felt compassion. compassion. compassion. Jesus was moved in the depths of his Jesus was moved in the depths of his Jesus was moved in the depths of his being with a profound visceral being with a profound visceral being with a profound visceral compassion. The New Testament word for compassion. The New Testament word for compassion. The New Testament word for compassion means to be moved deep within compassion means to be moved deep within compassion means to be moved deep within one's guts.

one's guts. one's guts. We would say it touched my heart. They We would say it touched my heart. They We would say it touched my heart. They would say it moved my guts. The word is would say it moved my guts. The word is would say it moved my guts. The word is not found in any classical Greek not found in any classical Greek not found in any classical Greek writings of the day, nor in the writings of the day, nor in the writings of the day, nor in the Septuagen. It is only found in the four Septuagen. It is only found in the four Septuagen. It is only found in the four gospels and many theologians believe gospels and many theologians believe gospels and many theologians believe that it was a word that was coined by that it was a word that was coined by that it was a word that was coined by the gospel writers who had firsthand or the gospel writers who had firsthand or the gospel writers who had firsthand or at least secondhand at least secondhand at least secondhand uh witness of what Jesus felt and what uh witness of what Jesus felt and what uh witness of what Jesus felt and what he went through when he saw the crowd. he went through when he saw the crowd. he went through when he saw the crowd. Spurgeon put it this way. Here's what he Spurgeon put it this way. Here's what he Spurgeon put it this way. Here's what he had to say about that word. He says it had to say about that word. He says it had to say about that word. He says it is expressive of the deepest emotion, a is expressive of the deepest emotion, a is expressive of the deepest emotion, a striving of the heart, a yearning of the striving of the heart, a yearning of the striving of the heart, a yearning of the innermost nature with pity. Those who innermost nature with pity. Those who innermost nature with pity. Those who watched him closely perceived that his watched him closely perceived that his watched him closely perceived that his internal agitation was very great. His internal agitation was very great. His internal agitation was very great. His emotions were very deep. And then they emotions were very deep. And then they emotions were very deep. And then they looked at his face and it it betrayed looked at his face and it it betrayed looked at his face and it it betrayed it. His eyes gushed like fountains with it. His eyes gushed like fountains with it. His eyes gushed like fountains with tears. And you saw that his big heart tears. And you saw that his big heart tears. And you saw that his big heart was ready to burst with pity for the was ready to burst with pity for the was ready to burst with pity for the sorrow upon which his eyes were gazing.

sorrow upon which his eyes were gazing. sorrow upon which his eyes were gazing. That is our savior when he saw the That is our savior when he saw the That is our savior when he saw the crowds and he saw the people. crowds and he saw the people. crowds and he saw the people. Someone said that it's said it like Someone said that it's said it like Someone said that it's said it like this. The compassion of Jesus was his this. The compassion of Jesus was his this. The compassion of Jesus was his was his hurt your hurt our hurt in his was his hurt your hurt our hurt in his was his hurt your hurt our hurt in his heart. The compassion of Jesus was our heart. The compassion of Jesus was our heart. The compassion of Jesus was our hurt in his heart. The writer of the hurt in his heart. The writer of the hurt in his heart. The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us that about the book of Hebrews tells us that about the book of Hebrews tells us that about the compassion of Jesus. It says we don't compassion of Jesus. It says we don't compassion of Jesus. It says we don't have a high priest or a representative have a high priest or a representative have a high priest or a representative in the presence of God who cannot feel in the presence of God who cannot feel in the presence of God who cannot feel or sympathize with our weakness. Church, or sympathize with our weakness. Church, or sympathize with our weakness. Church, he knows exactly what's going on in your he knows exactly what's going on in your he knows exactly what's going on in your heart. He knows exactly what's going on heart. He knows exactly what's going on heart. He knows exactly what's going on in my heart. We read the shortest verse in my heart. We read the shortest verse in my heart. We read the shortest verse in the Bible in the book of John. It in the Bible in the book of John. It in the Bible in the book of John. It says that Jesus wept. says that Jesus wept. says that Jesus wept. There's no doubt in his humanity. I There's no doubt in his humanity. I There's no doubt in his humanity. I believe Jesus totally identified with believe Jesus totally identified with believe Jesus totally identified with the sorrow and sadness and the aching in the sorrow and sadness and the aching in the sorrow and sadness and the aching in the souls of Mary and Martha at the the souls of Mary and Martha at the the souls of Mary and Martha at the death of their brother. But beyond that, death of their brother. But beyond that, death of their brother. But beyond that, I believe that Jesus uh knew that this I believe that Jesus uh knew that this I believe that Jesus uh knew that this was not the father's plan for us to was not the father's plan for us to was not the father's plan for us to experience death from the beginning. And experience death from the beginning. And experience death from the beginning. And in his gut he longed for the humanity, in his gut he longed for the humanity, in his gut he longed for the humanity, for all of humanity to be reconciled to for all of humanity to be reconciled to for all of humanity to be reconciled to the father and to enjoy the fullness of the father and to enjoy the fullness of the father and to enjoy the fullness of Zoey life that the father had provided.

Zoey life that the father had provided. Zoey life that the father had provided. We see another time Jesus weeping. In We see another time Jesus weeping. In We see another time Jesus weeping. In the book of Luke, it tells us as he was the book of Luke, it tells us as he was the book of Luke, it tells us as he was making his triumphant entry into making his triumphant entry into making his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, he stopped and he paused Jerusalem, he stopped and he paused Jerusalem, he stopped and he paused before he got there and looked out over before he got there and looked out over before he got there and looked out over this vast city. And it says he cried this vast city. And it says he cried this vast city. And it says he cried out, "Oh Jerusalem, oh Jerusalem, how out, "Oh Jerusalem, oh Jerusalem, how out, "Oh Jerusalem, oh Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered you as a hen often would I have gathered you as a hen often would I have gathered you as a hen gathers its chicks under its wing and gathers its chicks under its wing and gathers its chicks under its wing and protected you and given you all that the protected you and given you all that the protected you and given you all that the father has be provided for you." He father has be provided for you." He father has be provided for you." He says, "But you just didn't know the day says, "But you just didn't know the day says, "But you just didn't know the day of your visitation." Oh, my heart breaks for those who have Oh, my heart breaks for those who have not come under the shadow of his wing. not come under the shadow of his wing. not come under the shadow of his wing. Who do not know the love that God has Who do not know the love that God has Who do not know the love that God has for you, who do not know that he weeps for you, who do not know that he weeps for you, who do not know that he weeps with you. You've laid awake on your bed with you. You've laid awake on your bed with you. You've laid awake on your bed at night crying, weeping over your at night crying, weeping over your at night crying, weeping over your situation, over the hurts and the situation, over the hurts and the situation, over the hurts and the turmoils and the wounds and the bruises turmoils and the wounds and the bruises turmoils and the wounds and the bruises that you've experienced. And believe me, that you've experienced. And believe me, that you've experienced. And believe me, all of humanity has experienced it.

all of humanity has experienced it. all of humanity has experienced it. Whether it's a broken relationship, Whether it's a broken relationship, Whether it's a broken relationship, whether it's a parent relationship, whether it's a parent relationship, whether it's a parent relationship, whether it's a crime committed against whether it's a crime committed against whether it's a crime committed against you, whatever it was, you, whatever it was, you, whatever it was, those words that someone spoke to you those words that someone spoke to you those words that someone spoke to you that were unkind, that hit you in the that were unkind, that hit you in the that were unkind, that hit you in the deepest part of your soul and left that deepest part of your soul and left that deepest part of your soul and left that wound there. Jesus wept over those wound there. Jesus wept over those wound there. Jesus wept over those wounds. So why did he deep with why did he weep So why did he deep with why did he weep with such deep compassion? with such deep compassion? with such deep compassion? Here's what Jesus says. Because they Here's what Jesus says. Because they Here's what Jesus says. Because they were harassed and helpless like sheep were harassed and helpless like sheep were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus looks past the without a shepherd. Jesus looks past the without a shepherd. Jesus looks past the mass of our outward success or even our mass of our outward success or even our mass of our outward success or even our shame and our failures. He looks pl past shame and our failures. He looks pl past shame and our failures. He looks pl past past all other outward appearances and past all other outward appearances and past all other outward appearances and he accurately diagnosed their condition. he accurately diagnosed their condition. he accurately diagnosed their condition. They were harassed and they were They were harassed and they were They were harassed and they were helpless and he has accurately diagnosed helpless and he has accurately diagnosed helpless and he has accurately diagnosed your condition, my condition with apart your condition, my condition with apart your condition, my condition with apart for him. We are harassed and we are for him. We are harassed and we are for him. We are harassed and we are helpless. That word harassed means to be helpless. That word harassed means to be helpless. That word harassed means to be mangled or torn apart to be it literally mangled or torn apart to be it literally mangled or torn apart to be it literally means to be frayed or scandalized.

Oh, don't tell me you haven't had that Oh, don't tell me you haven't had that feeling in your heart. of how do I get rid of this pain? How do of how do I get rid of this pain? How do I get rid of this hurt? That word I get rid of this hurt? That word I get rid of this hurt? That word helpless means to be cast down in total helpless means to be cast down in total helpless means to be cast down in total exhaustion. It's the picture of a sheep exhaustion. It's the picture of a sheep exhaustion. It's the picture of a sheep who's who's got all of his wool on him who's who's got all of his wool on him who's who's got all of his wool on him and he falls down. and he falls down. and he falls down. Do you realize that he can't get up by Do you realize that he can't get up by Do you realize that he can't get up by himself? himself? himself? >> There is no way. the legs are too short >> There is no way. the legs are too short >> There is no way. the legs are too short and the burden's too heavy. Unless the and the burden's too heavy. Unless the and the burden's too heavy. Unless the shepherd comes along, picks the sheep up shepherd comes along, picks the sheep up shepherd comes along, picks the sheep up and steadies the sheep, often holding and steadies the sheep, often holding and steadies the sheep, often holding them between his legs, real close to them between his legs, real close to them between his legs, real close to him, allowing him to get his feet under him, allowing him to get his feet under him, allowing him to get his feet under him. We're helpless apart from Jesus. him. We're helpless apart from Jesus. him. We're helpless apart from Jesus. >> We are helpless apart from him. >> We are helpless apart from him. >> We are helpless apart from him. >> Yes. Jesus saw and looked at the crowds and Jesus saw and looked at the crowds and saw people physically and saw people physically and saw people physically and psychologically battered by the brutal psychologically battered by the brutal psychologically battered by the brutal realities of daily survival.

realities of daily survival. realities of daily survival. Man, was he talking to them or was he Man, was he talking to them or was he Man, was he talking to them or was he talking to us? talking to us? talking to us? He saw spiritually paralyzed people who He saw spiritually paralyzed people who He saw spiritually paralyzed people who were crushed by the legalistic burdens were crushed by the legalistic burdens were crushed by the legalistic burdens placed on them by their own religion and placed on them by their own religion and placed on them by their own religion and culture. In a specific contextual sense, culture. In a specific contextual sense, culture. In a specific contextual sense, Jesus is addressing the situation of all Jesus is addressing the situation of all Jesus is addressing the situation of all the Jews and people living in Galilee the Jews and people living in Galilee the Jews and people living in Galilee during his time. In a general sense, he during his time. In a general sense, he during his time. In a general sense, he is addressing all of us who became the is addressing all of us who became the is addressing all of us who became the disobed because of Adam and Eve's disobed because of Adam and Eve's disobed because of Adam and Eve's disobedient in the garden also known as disobedient in the garden also known as disobedient in the garden also known as the fall have become subject to the the fall have become subject to the the fall have become subject to the harassment and the thief Satan's help harassment and the thief Satan's help harassment and the thief Satan's help causing us to be helpless to change our causing us to be helpless to change our causing us to be helpless to change our own spiritual conditions on our own. own spiritual conditions on our own. own spiritual conditions on our own. Instead, we resort to trying to suppress Instead, we resort to trying to suppress Instead, we resort to trying to suppress and to hide our inner turmoil. and to hide our inner turmoil. and to hide our inner turmoil. By the way, Satan is not only at the By the way, Satan is not only at the By the way, Satan is not only at the root of our afflictions, bruises, and root of our afflictions, bruises, and root of our afflictions, bruises, and wounds. We although we often just see wounds. We although we often just see wounds. We although we often just see the people he used, he remains at the the people he used, he remains at the the people he used, he remains at the ready to exasperate them with his lies.

ready to exasperate them with his lies. ready to exasperate them with his lies. Lies like you're the only one fill in Lies like you're the only one fill in Lies like you're the only one fill in the blank. the blank. the blank. You will always have you fill in the You will always have you fill in the You will always have you fill in the blank. blank. blank. You will never be free from fill in the You will never be free from fill in the You will never be free from fill in the blank. What will they think of you if blank. What will they think of you if blank. What will they think of you if they knew fill in the blank? they knew fill in the blank? they knew fill in the blank? That those are the lies of the Satan of That those are the lies of the Satan of That those are the lies of the Satan of Satan. After the fall, Adam and Eve hid Satan. After the fall, Adam and Eve hid Satan. After the fall, Adam and Eve hid from God in their attempt to hide. It from God in their attempt to hide. It from God in their attempt to hide. It illustrates the human instinct to cover illustrates the human instinct to cover illustrates the human instinct to cover up our shame and internal brokenness up our shame and internal brokenness up our shame and internal brokenness rather than to expose and confess them rather than to expose and confess them rather than to expose and confess them before a merciful God. before a merciful God. before a merciful God. You know, in my day, I graduated 55 You know, in my day, I graduated 55 You know, in my day, I graduated 55 years ago this year, and we had a years ago this year, and we had a years ago this year, and we had a reunion a couple of weeks ago. Uh, one reunion a couple of weeks ago. Uh, one reunion a couple of weeks ago. Uh, one of the songs that was, it was a one- hit of the songs that was, it was a one- hit of the songs that was, it was a one- hit wonder the year I graduated, and maybe wonder the year I graduated, and maybe wonder the year I graduated, and maybe about five of you heard that song. about five of you heard that song. about five of you heard that song. By the undisputed truth, By the undisputed truth, By the undisputed truth, smiling faces sometimes. Anyone heard smiling faces sometimes. Anyone heard smiling faces sometimes. Anyone heard that song before? I see a few of you.

that song before? I see a few of you. that song before? I see a few of you. Some of y'all snuck over to that R&B Some of y'all snuck over to that R&B Some of y'all snuck over to that R&B station. I know. That's okay. station. I know. That's okay. station. I know. That's okay. Smiling faces, the song says, sometimes Smiling faces, the song says, sometimes Smiling faces, the song says, sometimes they don't tell the truth. Smiling they don't tell the truth. Smiling they don't tell the truth. Smiling faces. Smiling faces tell lies. faces. Smiling faces tell lies. faces. Smiling faces tell lies. Oh, most of humanity could give a master Oh, most of humanity could give a master Oh, most of humanity could give a master class and how to put that smile on our class and how to put that smile on our class and how to put that smile on our face to hide the pain in our hearts. face to hide the pain in our hearts. face to hide the pain in our hearts. >> Ah, Jesus wants to deal with it. The >> Ah, Jesus wants to deal with it. The >> Ah, Jesus wants to deal with it. The psalmist David tried it as well. Here's psalmist David tried it as well. Here's psalmist David tried it as well. Here's what he said in Psalms 32. He says in what he said in Psalms 32. He says in what he said in Psalms 32. He says in his attempt to conceal his transgression his attempt to conceal his transgression his attempt to conceal his transgression and the pain it brought, he says, "When and the pain it brought, he says, "When and the pain it brought, he says, "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away I kept silent, my bones wasted away I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long." Let through my groaning all day long." Let through my groaning all day long." Let me speak to the descendants of Adam in me speak to the descendants of Adam in me speak to the descendants of Adam in the room today. We live in that same the room today. We live in that same the room today. We live in that same broken world that David lived in. The broken world that David lived in. The broken world that David lived in. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. We apple doesn't fall far from the tree. We apple doesn't fall far from the tree. We too are in in our shame and brokenness.

too are in in our shame and brokenness. too are in in our shame and brokenness. Do the same two things that Adam and Eve Do the same two things that Adam and Eve Do the same two things that Adam and Eve do and that's try to avoid our creator do and that's try to avoid our creator do and that's try to avoid our creator and to hide our nakedness. and to hide our nakedness. and to hide our nakedness. We can do neither for he knows all and We can do neither for he knows all and We can do neither for he knows all and he sees all. He sees that you've been he sees all. He sees that you've been he sees all. He sees that you've been beaten down, busted, broken. He sees you beaten down, busted, broken. He sees you beaten down, busted, broken. He sees you dispirited, dejected, and distresses. dispirited, dejected, and distresses. dispirited, dejected, and distresses. He sees the weariness and the wounding He sees the weariness and the wounding He sees the weariness and the wounding of your soul. of your soul. of your soul. But David found a solution. Listen to But David found a solution. Listen to But David found a solution. Listen to what David says in that verse. Uh what David says in that verse. Uh what David says in that verse. Uh further for he says, "I acknowledge my further for he says, "I acknowledge my further for he says, "I acknowledge my sin to you and I did not cover my sin to you and I did not cover my sin to you and I did not cover my iniquity. I said I will confess my iniquity. I said I will confess my iniquity. I said I will confess my transgressions to the Lord and you transgressions to the Lord and you transgressions to the Lord and you forgave the iniquity of my sin." David forgave the iniquity of my sin." David forgave the iniquity of my sin." David found freedom by confessing before the found freedom by confessing before the found freedom by confessing before the Lord. Lord. Lord. Man, you say, "Can it be that easy?" Man, you say, "Can it be that easy?" Man, you say, "Can it be that easy?" >> It wasn't easy the price that was paid.

>> It wasn't easy the price that was paid. >> It wasn't easy the price that was paid. But the price has been paid so that we But the price has been paid so that we But the price has been paid so that we can be free. David went on to say later can be free. David went on to say later can be free. David went on to say later on, "The Lord is my shepherd now. on, "The Lord is my shepherd now. on, "The Lord is my shepherd now. >> I'm not a sheep without a shepherd. The >> I'm not a sheep without a shepherd. The >> I'm not a sheep without a shepherd. The Lord is my shepherd. I don't have to Lord is my shepherd. I don't have to Lord is my shepherd. I don't have to want for anything that would be want for anything that would be want for anything that would be satisfying to my soul. He lets me lie satisfying to my soul. He lets me lie satisfying to my soul. He lets me lie down in green pastures. He leads me down in green pastures. He leads me down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He renews my life, beside still waters. He renews my life, beside still waters. He renews my life, restores my soul. He leads me along the restores my soul. He leads me along the restores my soul. He leads me along the path of righteousness for his name's path of righteousness for his name's path of righteousness for his name's sake. Yay, though I walk through the sake. Yay, though I walk through the sake. Yay, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I don't valley of the shadow of death, I don't valley of the shadow of death, I don't have to fear evil. You know, one of the biggest unspoken You know, one of the biggest unspoken things today is the people who spend things today is the people who spend things today is the people who spend sleepless nights fearing what might sleepless nights fearing what might sleepless nights fearing what might happen. David says, "I don't fear any happen. David says, "I don't fear any happen. David says, "I don't fear any evil." evil." evil." He says, "He prepares a table before me He says, "He prepares a table before me He says, "He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemy. He anoints in the presence of my enemy. He anoints in the presence of my enemy. He anoints my head with oil. My cups runth over.

my head with oil. My cups runth over. my head with oil. My cups runth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow Surely goodness and mercy shall follow Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I'll me all the days of my life, and I'll me all the days of my life, and I'll dwell in the presence of the Lord dwell in the presence of the Lord dwell in the presence of the Lord forever." forever." forever." Let me tell you how Gen Z would say Let me tell you how Gen Z would say Let me tell you how Gen Z would say that. that. that. The Lord is my CEO and I am fully The Lord is my CEO and I am fully The Lord is my CEO and I am fully funded. funded. funded. He tells me to do go touch grass and He tells me to do go touch grass and He tells me to do go touch grass and stay hydrated by the main character stay hydrated by the main character stay hydrated by the main character streams. streams. streams. He completely resets my mental health. He completely resets my mental health. He completely resets my mental health. He keeps me on my grind for the plot and He keeps me on my grind for the plot and He keeps me on my grind for the plot and his brand image. Even when the vibe is his brand image. Even when the vibe is his brand image. Even when the vibe is completely ruined and I'm walking completely ruined and I'm walking completely ruined and I'm walking through a little literal horror movie, through a little literal horror movie, through a little literal horror movie, I'm not sweating it because you are my I'm not sweating it because you are my I'm not sweating it because you are my man with me. You sec your security man with me. You sec your security man with me. You sec your security detail keeps me safe and validated. You detail keeps me safe and validated. You detail keeps me safe and validated. You set up a whole five-star buffet right in set up a whole five-star buffet right in set up a whole five-star buffet right in front of the haters.

front of the haters. front of the haters. You give me the main character glow up. You give me the main character glow up. You give me the main character glow up. My cup is literally throwing up My cup is literally throwing up My cup is literally throwing up blessings. blessings. blessings. Honestly, pure good vibes and Honestly, pure good vibes and Honestly, pure good vibes and unconditional energy are chasing me down unconditional energy are chasing me down unconditional energy are chasing me down 24/7. 24/7. 24/7. And I'm staying booked and busy in the And I'm staying booked and busy in the And I'm staying booked and busy in the Lord's house for eternity. Lord's house for eternity. Lord's house for eternity. No cap. David shows us how to move toward David shows us how to move toward healing. David said in Psalms 34:18, healing. David said in Psalms 34:18, healing. David said in Psalms 34:18, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in and save those who are crushed in and save those who are crushed in spirit." God's does not demand that we spirit." God's does not demand that we spirit." God's does not demand that we look strong. We pro his promise to meet look strong. We pro his promise to meet look strong. We pro his promise to meet us exactly in our brokenness. And I like us exactly in our brokenness. And I like us exactly in our brokenness. And I like this one. David says, "I cried to the this one. David says, "I cried to the this one. David says, "I cried to the Lord with my voice. I make my Lord with my voice. I make my Lord with my voice. I make my supplication. I pour out my cla supplication. I pour out my cla supplication. I pour out my cla complaint before him. I declare before complaint before him. I declare before complaint before him. I declare before him my troubles. The psalm, this psalm him my troubles. The psalm, this psalm him my troubles. The psalm, this psalm serves as a biblical model for full serves as a biblical model for full serves as a biblical model for full transparency transparency transparency before the Lord. By the way, he already before the Lord. By the way, he already before the Lord. By the way, he already sees and knows what's going on in your sees and knows what's going on in your sees and knows what's going on in your heart. This psalm also encourages raw heart. This psalm also encourages raw heart. This psalm also encourages raw honesty before God. Yes.

honesty before God. Yes. honesty before God. Yes. >> You know, I told you Jesus hung out with >> You know, I told you Jesus hung out with >> You know, I told you Jesus hung out with all kinds of people. all kinds of people. all kinds of people. >> You realize he was hanging out with a >> You realize he was hanging out with a >> You realize he was hanging out with a foulmouth, cursing mariner. >> Peter, >> Peter, Peter went to cussing. Peter went to cussing. Peter went to cussing. He'd been hanging with the Lord for He'd been hanging with the Lord for He'd been hanging with the Lord for three and a half years. A young lady three and a half years. A young lady three and a half years. A young lady approaches him and say, "Hey, aren't you approaches him and say, "Hey, aren't you approaches him and say, "Hey, aren't you with him?" And Peter denied him and with him?" And Peter denied him and with him?" And Peter denied him and started cussing. started cussing. started cussing. Jes Jesus can take it. It's all right. Jes Jesus can take it. It's all right. Jes Jesus can take it. It's all right. Now, I'm not saying you just routinely, Now, I'm not saying you just routinely, Now, I'm not saying you just routinely, but tell him tell him what's going on in but tell him tell him what's going on in but tell him tell him what's going on in your heart. I I've had to say sometimes, your heart. I I've had to say sometimes, your heart. I I've had to say sometimes, "Lord, this sucks. "Lord, this sucks. "Lord, this sucks. He can handle it." I want to read the last verse, and I'm I want to read the last verse, and I'm going to pretty much let it speak for going to pretty much let it speak for going to pretty much let it speak for itself. Then he said to the disciples, itself. Then he said to the disciples, itself. Then he said to the disciples, "The harvest is abundant, but the "The harvest is abundant, but the "The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray workers are few. Therefore, pray workers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly the Lord of the harvest to earnestly the Lord of the harvest to earnestly the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest."

send out workers into his harvest." send out workers into his harvest." Jesus didn't want just that compassion Jesus didn't want just that compassion Jesus didn't want just that compassion to be in his heart. But he wanted in the to be in his heart. But he wanted in the to be in his heart. But he wanted in the heart of all of his children. Why? heart of all of his children. Why? heart of all of his children. Why? Because all humanity is suffering, Because all humanity is suffering, Because all humanity is suffering, harassed, and helpless. Unless they hear harassed, and helpless. Unless they hear harassed, and helpless. Unless they hear the good news, the good news, the good news, >> they're going to remain in that >> they're going to remain in that >> they're going to remain in that situation and experience a Christless situation and experience a Christless situation and experience a Christless eternity. So, what does he tell us to eternity. So, what does he tell us to eternity. So, what does he tell us to do? Pray earnest. He didn't say put do? Pray earnest. He didn't say put do? Pray earnest. He didn't say put together a master plan of evangelism. He together a master plan of evangelism. He together a master plan of evangelism. He didn't say strategize on how to do it didn't say strategize on how to do it didn't say strategize on how to do it that we may do all of that, but the that we may do all of that, but the that we may do all of that, but the first thing we need to do is fall on our first thing we need to do is fall on our first thing we need to do is fall on our knees. What happens when we pray? Oh, I knees. What happens when we pray? Oh, I knees. What happens when we pray? Oh, I am so grateful to be a part of a praying am so grateful to be a part of a praying am so grateful to be a part of a praying church. What happens when we pray is church. What happens when we pray is church. What happens when we pray is that we get the mind of the father. We that we get the mind of the father. We that we get the mind of the father. We get the heart of Jesus. We are aligned get the heart of Jesus. We are aligned get the heart of Jesus. We are aligned as we come into his presence with his as we come into his presence with his as we come into his presence with his plan and his purpose.

>> I don't have to convince you that the >> I don't have to convince you that the harvest is plentiful. harvest is plentiful. harvest is plentiful. Some of us can look in our own Some of us can look in our own Some of us can look in our own household, our own families, our household, our own families, our household, our own families, our neighborhoods. The harvest is plentiful. neighborhoods. The harvest is plentiful. neighborhoods. The harvest is plentiful. I want to just ask three quick I want to just ask three quick I want to just ask three quick questions. And I'm done. questions. And I'm done. questions. And I'm done. First one, First one, First one, where's your life right now? How do you where's your life right now? How do you where's your life right now? How do you most feel the weight of being harassed most feel the weight of being harassed most feel the weight of being harassed and helpless? and helpless? and helpless? If you're not a believer, I want to If you're not a believer, I want to If you're not a believer, I want to offer you the compassion of our savior offer you the compassion of our savior offer you the compassion of our savior and his people. and his people. and his people. Next, when you look at the hurting world Next, when you look at the hurting world Next, when you look at the hurting world around you, do you find yourself around you, do you find yourself around you, do you find yourself reacting with cynicism, reacting with cynicism, reacting with cynicism, skepticism, judgment, indifference, skepticism, judgment, indifference, skepticism, judgment, indifference, or active or the active compassion of or active or the active compassion of or active or the active compassion of Jesus? Jesus? Jesus? Believers, that's what we're called to. Believers, that's what we're called to. Believers, that's what we're called to. And finally, are you willing to step out And finally, are you willing to step out And finally, are you willing to step out of your comfort zone to to be a part of of your comfort zone to to be a part of of your comfort zone to to be a part of the solution to someone else's hurts and the solution to someone else's hurts and the solution to someone else's hurts and pain?

pain? pain? That's God's call upon the life of his That's God's call upon the life of his That's God's call upon the life of his people and his church. Will you pray people and his church. Will you pray people and his church. Will you pray with me? Father, you're good. Your with me? Father, you're good. Your with me? Father, you're good. Your steadfast love endures forever, steadfast love endures forever, steadfast love endures forever, and you're faithful to all generations. and you're faithful to all generations. and you're faithful to all generations. Father, you have called us and allowed Father, you have called us and allowed Father, you have called us and allowed us to be born in this day in this time us to be born in this day in this time us to be born in this day in this time for your plan and your purpose. Father, for your plan and your purpose. Father, for your plan and your purpose. Father, grant that uh we don't squander our time grant that uh we don't squander our time grant that uh we don't squander our time by turning away from you, trying to by turning away from you, trying to by turning away from you, trying to avoid you and trying to cover our own avoid you and trying to cover our own avoid you and trying to cover our own nakedness. And father, as your people, nakedness. And father, as your people, nakedness. And father, as your people, may we be faithful to your call to go may we be faithful to your call to go may we be faithful to your call to go into all the world to preach the gospel into all the world to preach the gospel into all the world to preach the gospel and to introduce men, women, boys, and and to introduce men, women, boys, and and to introduce men, women, boys, and girls to the savior of their souls. This girls to the savior of their souls. This girls to the savior of their souls. This we pray in Jesus' name. If you're here we pray in Jesus' name. If you're here we pray in Jesus' name. If you're here this morning, this morning, this morning, you any of those things touch your life, you any of those things touch your life, you any of those things touch your life, we're going to ask our our prayer team we're going to ask our our prayer team we're going to ask our our prayer team to come forward. They're coming forward. to come forward. They're coming forward. to come forward. They're coming forward. Don't hesitate. Don't allow shame, Don't hesitate. Don't allow shame, Don't hesitate. Don't allow shame, pride, or anything else to hold you pride, or anything else to hold you pride, or anything else to hold you back.

back. back. Allow one of these men and women to pray Allow one of these men and women to pray Allow one of these men and women to pray with you. God can lift that weariness of with you. God can lift that weariness of with you. God can lift that weariness of your soul. God bless you this morning.