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Allen Jackson Ministries

Allen Jackson - Easter, The Cast of Characters (Part 1)

April 19, 2025 | S25:E113

Allen Jackson - Easter, The Cast of Characters (Part 1)
Pastor Allen Jackson's mission is to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
#Faith #Religion #WordofGod #Miracles #inActive #Cross #Resurrection #AllenJacksonMinistries #AllenJackson #Worship #Death #Signs&Wonders #Deception #Deuteronomy26:8

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Allen Jackson Ministries | Allen Jackson - Easter, The Cast of Characters (Part 1) | April 19, 2025
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:00.325
  • Allen jackson: it's good to be with you again.
  • 00:00:05.564 --> 00:00:07.099
  • You know, we're walking through a season of some pretty
  • 00:00:07.099 --> 00:00:09.635
  • Unprecedented turmoil.
  • 00:00:09.635 --> 00:00:11.737
  • There are cars burning and car dealerships burning, and there
  • 00:00:11.737 --> 00:00:15.541
  • Are judges.
  • 00:00:15.541 --> 00:00:16.875
  • There's just a lot of stuff.
  • 00:00:16.875 --> 00:00:18.944
  • Well, i'm really excited about our offer this month.
  • 00:00:18.944 --> 00:00:20.746
  • In fact, we chose it because i think it will bring you a
  • 00:00:20.746 --> 00:00:23.382
  • Pathway of stability in the midst of all the turmoil.
  • 00:00:23.382 --> 00:00:26.985
  • It's written by a good friend of mine, rob morgan, "the lord is
  • 00:00:26.985 --> 00:00:29.488
  • My shepherd."
  • 00:00:29.488 --> 00:00:30.923
  • And it seems to me we need to know the tranquility that comes
  • 00:00:30.923 --> 00:00:34.159
  • From a shepherd who is marking a path for us and then standing
  • 00:00:34.159 --> 00:00:37.596
  • Watch over us when we know there's predators about.
  • 00:00:37.596 --> 00:00:41.633
  • We're living in a predatory season.
  • 00:00:41.633 --> 00:00:43.535
  • We need to know the lord is a shepherd, and i believe this
  • 00:00:43.535 --> 00:00:47.005
  • Offer can make a real difference in your life.
  • 00:00:47.005 --> 00:00:48.807
  • In fact, it's important enough that we'll make it available for
  • 00:00:48.807 --> 00:00:51.543
  • A gift of any amount.
  • 00:00:51.543 --> 00:00:53.378
  • I think it's far more important that you have it in your hand
  • 00:00:53.378 --> 00:00:55.848
  • Than the cost attached to it.
  • 00:00:55.848 --> 00:00:57.549
  • God is moving in the earth, and we wanna move with him.
  • 00:00:57.549 --> 00:01:00.018
  • Our shepherd will lead us through.
  • 00:01:00.018 --> 00:01:02.054
  • You'll enjoy the book.
  • 00:01:02.054 --> 00:01:11.230
  • Allen: you know, i always think easter weekend is a
  • 00:01:15.267 --> 00:01:16.969
  • Bit challenging.
  • 00:01:16.969 --> 00:01:18.303
  • You know the story before you get here.
  • 00:01:18.303 --> 00:01:20.472
  • It's not like we have resurrection part b, but i
  • 00:01:20.472 --> 00:01:25.010
  • Always find the lord ministers to me as i prepare these easter
  • 00:01:25.010 --> 00:01:29.815
  • Weekend messages, and i've asked him to minister to you today.
  • 00:01:29.815 --> 00:01:34.253
  • We're going to look at some of the characters in the easter
  • 00:01:34.253 --> 00:01:36.221
  • Narrative that we don't even have names for.
  • 00:01:36.221 --> 00:01:39.391
  • They're people that are easily overlooked.
  • 00:01:39.391 --> 00:01:41.026
  • In fact, they're people who could be easily hated, but many
  • 00:01:41.026 --> 00:01:44.463
  • Of them were people who received the message of easter.
  • 00:01:44.463 --> 00:01:47.533
  • I want to be one of those people.
  • 00:01:47.533 --> 00:01:50.169
  • You know, god--the bible tells us that every person has a
  • 00:01:50.169 --> 00:01:52.838
  • Revelation that there's a living god.
  • 00:01:52.838 --> 00:01:55.307
  • No human being that's ever lived has missed that revelation.
  • 00:01:55.307 --> 00:01:58.410
  • God tells us that he's made himself known to every person,
  • 00:01:58.410 --> 00:02:02.581
  • And each of us has a decision to make.
  • 00:02:02.581 --> 00:02:04.850
  • What will we do with that revelation?
  • 00:02:04.850 --> 00:02:07.753
  • And with god's help i am determined to acknowledge him in
  • 00:02:07.753 --> 00:02:11.423
  • My life, and that's my prayer for you.
  • 00:02:11.423 --> 00:02:14.193
  • Really, nothing more complicated than that.
  • 00:02:14.193 --> 00:02:16.428
  • To acknowledge there is a god, to be willing to yield your life
  • 00:02:16.428 --> 00:02:20.966
  • To him, to accept his authority into your life, it
  • 00:02:20.966 --> 00:02:24.603
  • Changes everything.
  • 00:02:24.603 --> 00:02:26.271
  • We're going to follow the easter narrative, but i want to start
  • 00:02:26.271 --> 00:02:28.273
  • With deuteronomy 26 and verse 8. it's not in your notes, if you
  • 00:02:28.273 --> 00:02:31.777
  • Happen to get a copy of the scriptures.
  • 00:02:31.777 --> 00:02:33.912
  • Says, "the lord brought us out of egypt with a mighty hand and
  • 00:02:33.912 --> 00:02:37.115
  • An outstretched arm, with great terror and with miraculous signs
  • 00:02:37.115 --> 00:02:41.186
  • And wonders."
  • 00:02:41.186 --> 00:02:42.521
  • It's a declaration from the former slaves of egypt having
  • 00:02:42.521 --> 00:02:46.425
  • Been delivered from egypt after hundreds of years of slavery.
  • 00:02:46.425 --> 00:02:50.128
  • It was impossible for them to find freedom.
  • 00:02:50.128 --> 00:02:52.231
  • There was simply no way it could be orchestrated except god.
  • 00:02:52.231 --> 00:02:56.735
  • And when that event was completed, their self-awareness,
  • 00:02:56.735 --> 00:03:00.672
  • Their analysis was the lord brought them out of egypt.
  • 00:03:00.672 --> 00:03:03.775
  • The lord did it.
  • 00:03:03.775 --> 00:03:05.143
  • Not the politicians, not the un, not some military conflict, not
  • 00:03:05.143 --> 00:03:10.682
  • Some global power, the lord brought them out of egypt.
  • 00:03:10.682 --> 00:03:14.386
  • The description of it is what i want to call to your attention.
  • 00:03:14.386 --> 00:03:16.989
  • "with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great
  • 00:03:16.989 --> 00:03:21.126
  • Terror and with miraculous signs and wonders."
  • 00:03:21.126 --> 00:03:24.529
  • I believe there is something there of a template in how we
  • 00:03:24.529 --> 00:03:27.799
  • See god's deliverance in our world.
  • 00:03:27.799 --> 00:03:30.669
  • We are dependent upon his great power, his mighty hand, his
  • 00:03:30.669 --> 00:03:34.906
  • Outstretched arm.
  • 00:03:34.906 --> 00:03:36.408
  • Those who stand in opposition to him will experience tremendous
  • 00:03:36.408 --> 00:03:39.645
  • Terror, and those who are willing to recognize the moving
  • 00:03:39.645 --> 00:03:43.348
  • Of god will recognize miraculous signs and wonders.
  • 00:03:43.348 --> 00:03:47.619
  • I want to be a part of those people who recognize the strong
  • 00:03:47.619 --> 00:03:51.089
  • Hand of god moving in the earth in supernatural miraculous ways.
  • 00:03:51.089 --> 00:03:56.561
  • Amen.
  • 00:03:56.561 --> 00:03:58.497
  • I'm an advocate for study and learning and all of those
  • 00:03:58.497 --> 00:04:01.433
  • Things, but, folks, i'm done with polite bible studies.
  • 00:04:01.433 --> 00:04:05.637
  • We're going to be the church; a living, vibrant, vital,
  • 00:04:05.637 --> 00:04:09.141
  • Transformational expression of the kingdom of god in the earth;
  • 00:04:09.141 --> 00:04:13.412
  • And that's more than convening worship services.
  • 00:04:13.412 --> 00:04:18.250
  • I want to add to that one more verse.
  • 00:04:18.250 --> 00:04:19.851
  • This one is from hebrews chapter 12.
  • 00:04:19.851 --> 00:04:21.853
  • But the author of hebrews is actually quoting the hebrew
  • 00:04:21.853 --> 00:04:24.423
  • Prophet, and he says this.
  • 00:04:24.423 --> 00:04:26.992
  • God said, "once more i will shake not only the earth but
  • 00:04:26.992 --> 00:04:30.729
  • Also the heavens."
  • 00:04:30.729 --> 00:04:32.464
  • I would submit to you that we are living through a time of
  • 00:04:32.464 --> 00:04:34.833
  • Great shaking, that god himself is moving his purposes forward
  • 00:04:34.833 --> 00:04:38.904
  • In the earth and that it's time for you and me to determine the
  • 00:04:38.904 --> 00:04:42.174
  • Alignment of our lives.
  • 00:04:42.174 --> 00:04:44.543
  • There's no more standing in the shadows.
  • 00:04:44.543 --> 00:04:46.812
  • There's more--no longer can we sit on the fence.
  • 00:04:46.812 --> 00:04:49.981
  • There's no neutral.
  • 00:04:49.981 --> 00:04:51.483
  • If you're declaring yourself neutral, you have taken a
  • 00:04:51.483 --> 00:04:53.819
  • Position in opposition to the purposes of god because you're
  • 00:04:53.819 --> 00:04:57.956
  • Either for him verbally and vocally and acknowledging him in
  • 00:04:57.956 --> 00:05:01.059
  • Every arena of your life or you have stepped away from him.
  • 00:05:01.059 --> 00:05:04.229
  • Please do not be confused.
  • 00:05:04.229 --> 00:05:06.331
  • You cannot segment, compartmentalize your life and
  • 00:05:06.331 --> 00:05:08.900
  • Be a christ follower at church and be--live another way with
  • 00:05:08.900 --> 00:05:12.838
  • Another world view and another set of values and other settings
  • 00:05:12.838 --> 00:05:15.640
  • In your life and imagine you belong to his kingdom.
  • 00:05:15.640 --> 00:05:18.510
  • That's deception.
  • 00:05:18.510 --> 00:05:20.912
  • Now, i want to spend our time in matthew's gospel.
  • 00:05:20.912 --> 00:05:23.348
  • The last two chapters he gives us a presentation of jesus's
  • 00:05:23.348 --> 00:05:26.084
  • Crucifixion and resurrection, and i'm going to call your
  • 00:05:26.084 --> 00:05:30.322
  • Attention to the guards.
  • 00:05:30.322 --> 00:05:32.023
  • We don't even know their names.
  • 00:05:32.023 --> 00:05:34.426
  • We have the rank of one or two of them listed as centurion; but
  • 00:05:34.426 --> 00:05:37.763
  • For the most part they're faceless, nameless, murderous
  • 00:05:37.763 --> 00:05:40.499
  • People but matthew gave them position of significance in his
  • 00:05:40.499 --> 00:05:45.504
  • Narrative of jesus's crucifixion and resurrection.
  • 00:05:45.504 --> 00:05:48.473
  • We'll start in matthew 27 and verse 27.
  • 00:05:48.473 --> 00:05:51.443
  • Jesus has been arrested and condemned to death.
  • 00:05:51.443 --> 00:05:53.645
  • Pilate's made his decision.
  • 00:05:53.645 --> 00:05:55.247
  • He lacked the courage to stand up against the demands of the
  • 00:05:55.247 --> 00:05:58.817
  • Religious leaders.
  • 00:05:58.817 --> 00:06:00.452
  • And it says, "the governor's soldiers took jesus into the
  • 00:06:00.452 --> 00:06:02.821
  • Praetorium, and they gathered the whole company of soldiers
  • 00:06:02.821 --> 00:06:05.891
  • Around him."
  • 00:06:05.891 --> 00:06:09.227
  • Have you got the scene?
  • 00:06:09.227 --> 00:06:11.229
  • Jesus is now at the mercy of his gentile captors, the romans.
  • 00:06:11.229 --> 00:06:16.501
  • They've surrounded him.
  • 00:06:16.501 --> 00:06:18.303
  • He's encircled by them.
  • 00:06:18.303 --> 00:06:19.671
  • There's no more voices to speak for him.
  • 00:06:19.671 --> 00:06:21.807
  • He has no advocates.
  • 00:06:21.807 --> 00:06:24.075
  • There's no intercessors on his behalf.
  • 00:06:24.075 --> 00:06:26.578
  • He's alone in the midst of a circle of hate.
  • 00:06:26.578 --> 00:06:29.581
  • "and they stripped him, and they put a scarlet robe on him, and
  • 00:06:29.581 --> 00:06:32.784
  • They twisted together a crown of thorns and they set it on
  • 00:06:32.784 --> 00:06:35.353
  • His head.
  • 00:06:35.353 --> 00:06:36.688
  • And they put a staff in his right hand and they knelt in
  • 00:06:36.688 --> 00:06:38.890
  • Front of him and they mocked him, 'hail, king of the jews.'
  • 00:06:38.890 --> 00:06:43.328
  • They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head
  • 00:06:43.328 --> 00:06:45.931
  • Again and again.
  • 00:06:45.931 --> 00:06:47.466
  • And after they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put
  • 00:06:47.466 --> 00:06:49.801
  • His own clothes on him and they led him away to crucify him."
  • 00:06:49.801 --> 00:06:54.439
  • The language is very simple.
  • 00:06:54.439 --> 00:06:55.807
  • It's not complicated.
  • 00:06:55.807 --> 00:06:57.642
  • Greek words are not necessary.
  • 00:06:57.642 --> 00:07:00.245
  • Jesus is being tortured by soldiers.
  • 00:07:00.245 --> 00:07:04.015
  • He's being tortured.
  • 00:07:04.015 --> 00:07:05.450
  • He's being humiliated.
  • 00:07:05.450 --> 00:07:06.785
  • He's being mocked.
  • 00:07:06.785 --> 00:07:08.186
  • It's noteworthy for you and me that a pathway of faith does not
  • 00:07:08.186 --> 00:07:12.190
  • Remove you from the struggles of life.
  • 00:07:12.190 --> 00:07:15.293
  • That's a false gospel.
  • 00:07:15.293 --> 00:07:17.963
  • We can be men and women of faith leading lives of obedience to
  • 00:07:17.963 --> 00:07:21.666
  • The purposes of god doing the very best we know to honor god
  • 00:07:21.666 --> 00:07:25.470
  • In our lives and we will still face challenges as we make our
  • 00:07:25.470 --> 00:07:28.673
  • Journey through time.
  • 00:07:28.673 --> 00:07:30.709
  • Now, god's a deliverer.
  • 00:07:30.709 --> 00:07:32.043
  • He delivers us through those challenges, but he doesn't
  • 00:07:32.043 --> 00:07:34.813
  • Always lift us above them.
  • 00:07:34.813 --> 00:07:36.882
  • Amen.
  • 00:07:36.882 --> 00:07:38.250
  • So if you're facing a challenge this easter weekend, god has not
  • 00:07:38.250 --> 00:07:42.454
  • Abandoned you.
  • 00:07:42.454 --> 00:07:43.822
  • He hasn't forgotten you.
  • 00:07:43.822 --> 00:07:45.156
  • He hasn't left you without resource.
  • 00:07:45.156 --> 00:07:46.825
  • Almighty god is watching over you.
  • 00:07:46.825 --> 00:07:49.561
  • In the middle of mocking, in the middle of circumstances that can
  • 00:07:49.561 --> 00:07:52.998
  • Feel humiliating, almighty god is moving.
  • 00:07:52.998 --> 00:07:57.502
  • Jesus is being treated like a common criminal.
  • 00:07:57.502 --> 00:08:00.639
  • Those who are actually torturing him have no awareness of his
  • 00:08:00.639 --> 00:08:04.309
  • True nature and they don't care.
  • 00:08:04.309 --> 00:08:06.912
  • It's why it intrigues me.
  • 00:08:06.912 --> 00:08:08.246
  • Matthew reads them into the story in a very prominent way,
  • 00:08:08.246 --> 00:08:11.683
  • And they're going to have a front-row seat for the
  • 00:08:11.683 --> 00:08:13.952
  • Supernatural activity around jesus's death, burial, and
  • 00:08:13.952 --> 00:08:17.122
  • Resurrection and some of them will believe.
  • 00:08:17.122 --> 00:08:22.093
  • Same chapter, matthew 27, and verse 50 jesus is on the cross
  • 00:08:22.093 --> 00:08:26.698
  • Now and he's just about at the end of his life.
  • 00:08:26.698 --> 00:08:29.568
  • In fact, verse 50 says, "when jesus cried out again in a loud
  • 00:08:29.568 --> 00:08:32.370
  • Voice, he gave up his spirit.
  • 00:08:32.370 --> 00:08:35.440
  • And at that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two
  • 00:08:35.440 --> 00:08:38.176
  • From top to bottom.
  • 00:08:38.176 --> 00:08:39.945
  • The earth shook and the rocks split."
  • 00:08:39.945 --> 00:08:43.715
  • I like that sentence.
  • 00:08:43.715 --> 00:08:45.083
  • The earth shook and the rocks split.
  • 00:08:45.083 --> 00:08:46.718
  • Remember what we read a moment ago from hebrews, that god is
  • 00:08:46.718 --> 00:08:50.488
  • Shaking the earth?
  • 00:08:50.488 --> 00:08:52.190
  • And he is.
  • 00:08:52.190 --> 00:08:54.259
  • In this particular scenario that we're walking through, we'll see
  • 00:08:54.259 --> 00:08:56.828
  • Multiple shakings, earthquakes, the topography of jerusalem
  • 00:08:56.828 --> 00:09:01.866
  • Being shaken by the power and the hand of god.
  • 00:09:01.866 --> 00:09:05.503
  • Do you believe that the power of god intervenes in the world in
  • 00:09:05.503 --> 00:09:08.073
  • Which we live or do you have a theoretical faith?
  • 00:09:08.073 --> 00:09:11.343
  • I want to invite you this easter beyond a theoretical faith.
  • 00:09:11.343 --> 00:09:14.212
  • We don't worship a theoretical god.
  • 00:09:14.212 --> 00:09:16.481
  • We don't serve a theoretical savior.
  • 00:09:16.481 --> 00:09:19.284
  • We're not pursuing some hypothetical set of values.
  • 00:09:19.284 --> 00:09:23.088
  • We worship the creator of heaven and earth.
  • 00:09:23.088 --> 00:09:25.991
  • He's real.
  • 00:09:25.991 --> 00:09:27.525
  • The word of god says he can be known and that he's made a plan
  • 00:09:27.525 --> 00:09:31.196
  • That we can have a relationship with him in time and for
  • 00:09:31.196 --> 00:09:34.232
  • All eternity.
  • 00:09:34.232 --> 00:09:36.434
  • In jerusalem on this particular day, the earth shook and the
  • 00:09:36.434 --> 00:09:39.004
  • Rocks split.
  • 00:09:39.004 --> 00:09:40.372
  • The next verses intrigued me.
  • 00:09:40.372 --> 00:09:41.740
  • "the tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who
  • 00:09:41.740 --> 00:09:45.110
  • Had died were raised to life.
  • 00:09:45.110 --> 00:09:47.312
  • They came out of the tombs, and after jesus's resurrection they
  • 00:09:47.312 --> 00:09:50.782
  • Went into the holy city and appeared to many people."
  • 00:09:50.782 --> 00:09:54.152
  • There are many things the bible doesn't tell us.
  • 00:09:54.152 --> 00:09:56.888
  • I have questions, but i'll have to wait.
  • 00:09:56.888 --> 00:09:59.324
  • Now, i know people have opinions.
  • 00:09:59.324 --> 00:10:00.759
  • Pastors have opinions.
  • 00:10:00.759 --> 00:10:02.127
  • Rabbis have opinions.
  • 00:10:02.127 --> 00:10:03.461
  • Lots of opinions from religious people, but there are some
  • 00:10:03.461 --> 00:10:06.097
  • Things we're not--just not told.
  • 00:10:06.097 --> 00:10:08.166
  • On that friday afternoon as jesus gave up his life, we're
  • 00:10:08.166 --> 00:10:12.103
  • Told that the tombs broke open and that there were righteous
  • 00:10:12.103 --> 00:10:15.240
  • People raised to life again and that on sunday when jesus was
  • 00:10:15.240 --> 00:10:19.477
  • Brought back to life they went into the city of jerusalem.
  • 00:10:19.477 --> 00:10:22.981
  • Where did they hang out between friday and sunday?
  • 00:10:22.981 --> 00:10:27.585
  • You suppose they played "rook" in the cemetery?
  • 00:10:27.585 --> 00:10:30.555
  • I don't know.
  • 00:10:30.555 --> 00:10:31.923
  • They didn't play with cards 'cause god's people don't
  • 00:10:31.923 --> 00:10:33.692
  • Have cards.
  • 00:10:33.692 --> 00:10:37.562
  • I'm kidding.
  • 00:10:37.562 --> 00:10:39.397
  • The next verse, "when the centurion and those with him who
  • 00:10:39.397 --> 00:10:42.534
  • Were guarding jesus saw the earthquake and when they saw all
  • 00:10:42.534 --> 00:10:46.371
  • That happened, they were terrified and they exclaimed,
  • 00:10:46.371 --> 00:10:49.808
  • 'surely he was the son of god."'
  • 00:10:49.808 --> 00:10:51.443
  • Remember what we read?
  • 00:10:51.443 --> 00:10:53.278
  • They said, "god brought us out in his power with his
  • 00:10:53.278 --> 00:10:57.482
  • Mighty hand."
  • 00:10:57.482 --> 00:10:58.950
  • And his opponents were terrified.
  • 00:10:58.950 --> 00:11:01.453
  • The people who had crucified jesus, who had physically
  • 00:11:01.453 --> 00:11:04.289
  • Tortured him to death at the expression of the power of god
  • 00:11:04.289 --> 00:11:08.193
  • They felt the terror of that.
  • 00:11:08.193 --> 00:11:09.594
  • The fear of god is an important thing.
  • 00:11:09.594 --> 00:11:13.364
  • The fear of god has to live in our hearts.
  • 00:11:13.364 --> 00:11:16.568
  • I think we have traded away a respect and a reverence for god
  • 00:11:16.568 --> 00:11:20.371
  • For an elevation of grace.
  • 00:11:20.371 --> 00:11:22.741
  • I believe in grace, i could be the poster child for grace, but
  • 00:11:22.741 --> 00:11:27.011
  • God's grace is not infinite.
  • 00:11:27.011 --> 00:11:29.314
  • There's an end to it or there would be no judgment, and
  • 00:11:29.314 --> 00:11:31.516
  • Judgment is as much a part of god's character as is his grace
  • 00:11:31.516 --> 00:11:34.819
  • And his love.
  • 00:11:34.819 --> 00:11:36.621
  • The centurion experienced terror when he was confronted with the
  • 00:11:36.621 --> 00:11:40.358
  • Power of a living god, but he also responded to it and he
  • 00:11:40.358 --> 00:11:44.696
  • Exclaimed, "surely this man was the son of god."
  • 00:11:44.696 --> 00:11:49.200
  • He's had a great shaking.
  • 00:11:49.200 --> 00:11:50.535
  • He's lived through it. he's a part of it.
  • 00:11:50.535 --> 00:11:53.238
  • He's seen the power of god demonstrated, and now the
  • 00:11:53.238 --> 00:11:55.740
  • Centurion acknowledges the truth that i would have expected quite
  • 00:11:55.740 --> 00:11:59.010
  • Candidly from almost anyone else that's in this cast
  • 00:11:59.010 --> 00:12:01.546
  • Of characters.
  • 00:12:01.546 --> 00:12:02.914
  • Perhaps the high priest when the temple curtain was torn from top
  • 00:12:02.914 --> 00:12:07.085
  • To bottom not initiated by a human being, by god himself, and
  • 00:12:07.085 --> 00:12:11.089
  • The way into the holy of holies was open, perhaps the high
  • 00:12:11.089 --> 00:12:14.325
  • Priest would acknowledge the folly of his pathway but
  • 00:12:14.325 --> 00:12:19.030
  • He didn't.
  • 00:12:19.030 --> 00:12:20.398
  • Perhaps the roman governor, he knows jesus is innocent.
  • 00:12:20.398 --> 00:12:22.834
  • It's apparent in the text.
  • 00:12:22.834 --> 00:12:24.769
  • But the political pressure is too much he bows to it.
  • 00:12:24.769 --> 00:12:27.772
  • Maybe when the earthquake takes place--i mean, even the
  • 00:12:27.772 --> 00:12:31.943
  • Murderous heart of the centurion in charge of crucifixions for a
  • 00:12:31.943 --> 00:12:35.647
  • Day job can face transformation when he's confronted with the
  • 00:12:35.647 --> 00:12:39.951
  • Power of god.
  • 00:12:39.951 --> 00:12:41.319
  • It's not beyond reason to think that pilate might.
  • 00:12:41.319 --> 00:12:43.888
  • But they didn't.
  • 00:12:43.888 --> 00:12:45.990
  • Matthew tells us the centurion--we don't know
  • 00:12:45.990 --> 00:12:49.561
  • His name.
  • 00:12:49.561 --> 00:12:50.929
  • We don't know his story.
  • 00:12:50.929 --> 00:12:53.164
  • He's this nameless, faceless person, but he makes a
  • 00:12:53.164 --> 00:12:57.602
  • Declaration: "this man was the son of god."
  • 00:12:57.602 --> 00:13:01.773
  • A man hardened by his life choices acknowledging the
  • 00:13:01.773 --> 00:13:05.243
  • Activity of god.
  • 00:13:05.243 --> 00:13:06.778
  • I have good news for you today.
  • 00:13:06.778 --> 00:13:08.847
  • No matter how errant your life journey may have been, no matter
  • 00:13:08.847 --> 00:13:13.318
  • How hardened you think your heart may have become, the power
  • 00:13:13.318 --> 00:13:17.455
  • Of god is present this day to present to you an opportunity to
  • 00:13:17.455 --> 00:13:21.659
  • Become a part of his kingdom.
  • 00:13:21.659 --> 00:13:23.995
  • That's good news.
  • 00:13:23.995 --> 00:13:29.334
  • Same chapter, verse 62, "the next day, the one after
  • 00:13:29.334 --> 00:13:33.471
  • Preparation day, the chief priests and the pharisees went
  • 00:13:33.471 --> 00:13:36.040
  • To pilate.
  • 00:13:36.040 --> 00:13:37.408
  • 'sir, we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver
  • 00:13:37.408 --> 00:13:41.279
  • Said, 'after three days i will rise again."''
  • 00:13:41.279 --> 00:13:45.149
  • It's a pretty important label they're attaching to jesus.
  • 00:13:45.149 --> 00:13:47.652
  • It's the chief priests and the pharisees, the people who are
  • 00:13:47.652 --> 00:13:50.822
  • Experts in scripture.
  • 00:13:50.822 --> 00:13:52.156
  • They've spent their life immersed in religious rules
  • 00:13:52.156 --> 00:13:54.359
  • And behavior.
  • 00:13:54.359 --> 00:13:55.927
  • You understand, i hope, that you can be fully engaged in
  • 00:13:55.927 --> 00:13:58.963
  • Religious activity and still be far from god.
  • 00:13:58.963 --> 00:14:02.834
  • You need to know that because we live in a time of
  • 00:14:02.834 --> 00:14:05.870
  • Great deception.
  • 00:14:05.870 --> 00:14:07.672
  • In this narrative, jesus is not the deceiver.
  • 00:14:07.672 --> 00:14:10.475
  • The ones making the accusations are.
  • 00:14:10.475 --> 00:14:12.944
  • We live in a parallel time in human history.
  • 00:14:12.944 --> 00:14:18.082
  • You need to be aware religious activity and religious language
  • 00:14:18.082 --> 00:14:22.220
  • Does not mean there is an authentic relationship with
  • 00:14:22.220 --> 00:14:25.223
  • Almighty god and his son jesus.
  • 00:14:25.223 --> 00:14:28.359
  • '"this deceiver said in three days he will rise again.
  • 00:14:28.359 --> 00:14:32.363
  • So give the order for the tomb to be made secure.
  • 00:14:32.363 --> 00:14:35.533
  • Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell
  • 00:14:35.533 --> 00:14:38.436
  • The people that he's been raised from the dead.
  • 00:14:38.436 --> 00:14:40.772
  • And this last deception will be worse than the first.'
  • 00:14:40.772 --> 00:14:44.342
  • 'take a guard,' pilate answered, 'and go make the tomb as secure
  • 00:14:44.342 --> 00:14:47.278
  • As you know how.'
  • 00:14:47.278 --> 00:14:48.613
  • So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the
  • 00:14:48.613 --> 00:14:51.983
  • Stone and posting the guard."
  • 00:14:51.983 --> 00:14:55.987
  • Now, whenever possible, i like to attribute the best to
  • 00:14:55.987 --> 00:14:59.691
  • Any person.
  • 00:14:59.691 --> 00:15:01.292
  • So in this particular ca--scenario, if we choose to
  • 00:15:01.292 --> 00:15:05.029
  • Give to the chief priests and the pharisees and to pilate
  • 00:15:05.029 --> 00:15:08.399
  • Every possible consideration, if we want to extend to them every
  • 00:15:08.399 --> 00:15:12.470
  • Possible benefit of the doubt, there's one way i suppose we
  • 00:15:12.470 --> 00:15:16.507
  • Could understand this, that they're still trying to maintain
  • 00:15:16.507 --> 00:15:19.644
  • The integrity of the narrative.
  • 00:15:19.644 --> 00:15:21.913
  • "we know he died on a cross. we witnessed it.
  • 00:15:21.913 --> 00:15:25.850
  • We know he was tortured to death.
  • 00:15:25.850 --> 00:15:27.385
  • We were there.
  • 00:15:27.385 --> 00:15:29.120
  • And there's some rumor floating around that death won't
  • 00:15:29.120 --> 00:15:31.723
  • Hold him.
  • 00:15:31.723 --> 00:15:33.057
  • It was--it hasn't captured him permanently.
  • 00:15:33.057 --> 00:15:35.793
  • So we want to maintain the integrity of what we've done.
  • 00:15:35.793 --> 00:15:38.796
  • Let's seal the tomb."
  • 00:15:38.796 --> 00:15:42.533
  • Now, i honestly don't believe that they were doing this with
  • 00:15:42.533 --> 00:15:46.771
  • Pure heart so they wouldn't have called him a deceiver, but you
  • 00:15:46.771 --> 00:15:49.907
  • Could give them the benefit of the doubt.
  • 00:15:49.907 --> 00:15:52.477
  • But i would put in contrast to that that at this point in the
  • 00:15:52.477 --> 00:15:55.213
  • Narrative there are eyewitness testimonies being offered,
  • 00:15:55.213 --> 00:15:58.483
  • Evidence being given by centurions, not by disciples,
  • 00:15:58.483 --> 00:16:02.520
  • That this jesus of nazareth was not just another criminal
  • 00:16:02.520 --> 00:16:05.289
  • Being crucified.
  • 00:16:05.289 --> 00:16:07.191
  • They've crucified dozens, more than likely hundreds of people.
  • 00:16:07.191 --> 00:16:10.595
  • They've watched people beg and cry and all sorts of
  • 00:16:10.595 --> 00:16:13.631
  • Horrific things.
  • 00:16:13.631 --> 00:16:14.999
  • When jesus gave up his life, the centurion declares for anyone
  • 00:16:14.999 --> 00:16:18.669
  • Who could hear it and that message would have rippled
  • 00:16:18.669 --> 00:16:21.139
  • Through the guards in a hurry because they're the team in
  • 00:16:21.139 --> 00:16:23.641
  • Charge of crucifixion.
  • 00:16:23.641 --> 00:16:26.044
  • "this man was the son of god."
  • 00:16:26.044 --> 00:16:29.547
  • But that message isn't penetrating the thinking or the
  • 00:16:29.547 --> 00:16:32.050
  • Plans or the purposes
  • 00:16:32.050 --> 00:16:34.752
  • Of those who orchestrated the crucifixion.
  • 00:16:34.752 --> 00:16:39.424
  • Allen: hey, the question i'm asked most often is, "how do i
  • 00:16:43.628 --> 00:16:45.863
  • Know what god wants me to do?
  • 00:16:45.863 --> 00:16:47.365
  • If i just knew what god wanted me to do, i would do it,
  • 00:16:47.365 --> 00:16:49.667
  • Whatever it is."
  • 00:16:49.667 --> 00:16:51.402
  • Well, our offer this month i think will help.
  • 00:16:51.402 --> 00:16:53.104
  • It's by a good friend of mine, rob morgan, "the lord is my
  • 00:16:53.104 --> 00:16:55.339
  • Shepherd."
  • 00:16:55.339 --> 00:16:56.674
  • He's gonna unpack the scripture that tells us how to follow the
  • 00:16:56.674 --> 00:16:59.510
  • Lord's guidance and understand his abiding presence and his
  • 00:16:59.510 --> 00:17:03.114
  • Comfort.
  • 00:17:03.114 --> 00:17:04.449
  • It'll help you chart a course and know the path that god has
  • 00:17:04.449 --> 00:17:07.552
  • For you.
  • 00:17:07.552 --> 00:17:08.886
  • Get a copy, it'll make a difference in your life.
  • 00:17:08.886 --> 00:17:11.055
  • Female announcer: life can be overwhelming, but true peace is
  • 00:17:11.055 --> 00:17:13.558
  • Possible.
  • 00:17:13.558 --> 00:17:14.959
  • Pastor robert morgan's book "the lord is my shepherd" reflects on
  • 00:17:14.959 --> 00:17:17.628
  • The specific ways psalm 23 speaks to our lives today.
  • 00:17:17.628 --> 00:17:20.965
  • It will help you find rest for your soul and discover the joy,
  • 00:17:20.965 --> 00:17:24.235
  • Inspiration, power, and peace found in psalm 23.
  • 00:17:24.235 --> 00:17:28.072
  • In today's culture it's essential to know god is leading
  • 00:17:28.072 --> 00:17:30.708
  • Us, charting our path, and watching over us.
  • 00:17:30.708 --> 00:17:33.911
  • Request your copy of "the lord is my shepherd" when you donate
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  • Any amount at allenjackson.com or by calling ...
  • 00:17:36.414 --> 00:17:43.321
  • Female announcer: it's going to be an amazing spring at world
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  • Outreach church, and you're invited to be part of it all.
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  • Join us in murfreesboro for easter weekend
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  • And our spring festival, kicking off
  • 00:17:51.162 --> 00:17:53.331
  • Saturday april 12 and running through sunday april 27.
  • 00:17:53.331 --> 00:17:57.168
  • Worship with musical guest artists crowder,
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  • Charity gayle, matthew west, franni cash, and the katinas.
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  • Hear special messages from pastor allen jackson.
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  • Enjoy fun activities for the whole family,
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  • Food trucks, and more.
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  • Services will take place both indoors and outdoors.
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  • Invite your friends and family to come celebrate
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  • Our risen king this spring.
  • 00:18:16.020 --> 00:18:17.855
  • Allen: hey, this is pastor allen.
  • 00:18:17.855 --> 00:18:19.190
  • I want to give you a personal invitation to join us on our
  • 00:18:19.190 --> 00:18:21.726
  • Campus here in murfreesboro for our spring festival
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  • And our easter celebration.
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  • It's a wonderful time to be with people of faith and celebrate
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  • This most remarkable time of the year.
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  • Announcer: find all the details at allenjackson.com/spring.
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  • We can't wait to see you there.
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  • Here with allen jackson ministries.
  • 00:19:08.539 --> 00:19:12.577
  • Allen: matthew 28 is resurrection day.
  • 00:19:14.278 --> 00:19:17.381
  • Says, "after the sabbath, at the dawn of the first day of the
  • 00:19:17.381 --> 00:19:20.351
  • Week, mary magdalene and the other mary went to the--look at
  • 00:19:20.351 --> 00:19:23.487
  • The tomb.
  • 00:19:23.487 --> 00:19:24.822
  • And there was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the
  • 00:19:24.822 --> 00:19:27.858
  • Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back
  • 00:19:27.858 --> 00:19:30.795
  • The stone and sat on it.
  • 00:19:30.795 --> 00:19:32.563
  • His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were
  • 00:19:32.563 --> 00:19:35.333
  • As white as snow."
  • 00:19:35.333 --> 00:19:37.468
  • I told you a few moments ago that when god begins to shake
  • 00:19:37.468 --> 00:19:40.738
  • The earth; typically it's not a single event or a single
  • 00:19:40.738 --> 00:19:45.009
  • Episode, that there's a series of things that begin to unfold.
  • 00:19:45.009 --> 00:19:49.714
  • On resurrection morning there's another violent earthquake,
  • 00:19:49.714 --> 00:19:52.283
  • Another shaking in jerusalem, a physical expression observable
  • 00:19:52.283 --> 00:19:56.420
  • By everybody: the religious, the aware, and those who
  • 00:19:56.420 --> 00:19:59.290
  • Aren't aware.
  • 00:19:59.290 --> 00:20:01.325
  • God's shaking our earth.
  • 00:20:01.325 --> 00:20:04.061
  • Jesus in matthew 24 when he talked about the end of the age,
  • 00:20:04.061 --> 00:20:07.465
  • He used an analogy.
  • 00:20:07.465 --> 00:20:08.799
  • He said several things would be characteristics of this season,
  • 00:20:08.799 --> 00:20:11.769
  • And then he said they're the beginning of birth pains.
  • 00:20:11.769 --> 00:20:15.006
  • Now, i've never given birth.
  • 00:20:15.006 --> 00:20:18.776
  • Well, i have to tell you that these days 'cause in this season
  • 00:20:18.776 --> 00:20:21.412
  • There's tremendous confusion about who has that capability.
  • 00:20:21.412 --> 00:20:27.485
  • I repent.
  • 00:20:27.485 --> 00:20:30.087
  • But my father was a veterinarian so i've seen many things born:
  • 00:20:30.087 --> 00:20:33.157
  • Puppies and kittens and calves and foals and the
  • 00:20:33.157 --> 00:20:36.894
  • Occasional gerbil.
  • 00:20:36.894 --> 00:20:39.964
  • And i can tell you something by observation that is consistent
  • 00:20:39.964 --> 00:20:43.200
  • Across all those species that is descriptive of birth pains; that
  • 00:20:43.200 --> 00:20:47.071
  • Once those birth pains begin they will continue to a
  • 00:20:47.071 --> 00:20:50.341
  • Delivery, but two things happen.
  • 00:20:50.341 --> 00:20:52.643
  • They will increase in frequency and in intensity until
  • 00:20:52.643 --> 00:20:57.214
  • The delivery.
  • 00:20:57.214 --> 00:20:58.716
  • So when jesus described the beginning of birth pains, he
  • 00:20:58.716 --> 00:21:01.886
  • Wasn't describing a singular event.
  • 00:21:01.886 --> 00:21:04.355
  • He's describing a series of things that are characterized
  • 00:21:04.355 --> 00:21:07.425
  • Scripturally as shaking.
  • 00:21:07.425 --> 00:21:09.760
  • It was true in the events surrounding jesus's
  • 00:21:09.760 --> 00:21:12.296
  • Redemptive work.
  • 00:21:12.296 --> 00:21:13.931
  • And on resurrection morning there's a violent earthquake.
  • 00:21:13.931 --> 00:21:17.268
  • The stone is rolled away from the tomb.
  • 00:21:17.268 --> 00:21:18.936
  • Look at verse 4, "the guards were so afraid of him that they
  • 00:21:18.936 --> 00:21:22.373
  • Shook and became like dead men."
  • 00:21:22.373 --> 00:21:24.475
  • Again, what did we read in deuteronomy?
  • 00:21:24.475 --> 00:21:26.677
  • That when the power of god is demonstrated, there's a terror
  • 00:21:26.677 --> 00:21:30.114
  • That comes upon those who have stood in opposition to the
  • 00:21:30.114 --> 00:21:32.283
  • Purposes of god.
  • 00:21:32.283 --> 00:21:34.385
  • These are the soldiers with the responsibility of overseeing
  • 00:21:34.385 --> 00:21:38.122
  • Torturing people to death in public and now they've been
  • 00:21:38.122 --> 00:21:42.026
  • Confronted with the power of god.
  • 00:21:42.026 --> 00:21:44.929
  • "the angel said to the women, 'don't be afraid.
  • 00:21:44.929 --> 00:21:46.964
  • I know that you're looking for jesus, who was crucified.
  • 00:21:46.964 --> 00:21:49.266
  • He's not here.
  • 00:21:49.266 --> 00:21:50.634
  • He's risen, just as he said.
  • 00:21:50.634 --> 00:21:52.002
  • Come and see the place where he lay.
  • 00:21:52.002 --> 00:21:54.705
  • Then go quickly and tell his disciples he's risen from the
  • 00:21:54.705 --> 00:21:57.208
  • Dead and going ahead of you into galilee."'
  • 00:21:57.208 --> 00:22:00.444
  • Another violent shaking, an earthquake this time,
  • 00:22:00.444 --> 00:22:03.013
  • Matthew says.
  • 00:22:03.013 --> 00:22:04.382
  • The women were present.
  • 00:22:04.382 --> 00:22:05.716
  • The men were not.
  • 00:22:05.716 --> 00:22:07.351
  • Just noting the fact.
  • 00:22:07.351 --> 00:22:09.887
  • The angels had a message for the women.
  • 00:22:09.887 --> 00:22:11.522
  • They didn't say anything to the guards.
  • 00:22:11.522 --> 00:22:13.791
  • They had a message for the women.
  • 00:22:13.791 --> 00:22:15.226
  • The guards, they're terrified.
  • 00:22:15.226 --> 00:22:18.028
  • Understandably, they're trying to pretend they're dead.
  • 00:22:18.028 --> 00:22:21.799
  • In tennessee we call that playing possum.
  • 00:22:21.799 --> 00:22:25.136
  • If you're visiting middle tennessee, if you're not--if
  • 00:22:25.136 --> 00:22:27.271
  • You're new to this area, we decorate our highways in
  • 00:22:27.271 --> 00:22:30.674
  • Tennessee with possums.
  • 00:22:30.674 --> 00:22:33.644
  • If you're from texas, it's an armadillo without the armor.
  • 00:22:33.644 --> 00:22:37.815
  • These soldiers are doing their best to pretend they're dead.
  • 00:22:37.815 --> 00:22:41.018
  • They don't want to draw any attention to themselves.
  • 00:22:41.018 --> 00:22:43.287
  • They don't want to remind anybody at this moment that
  • 00:22:43.287 --> 00:22:45.689
  • They've contributed to crucifixion.
  • 00:22:45.689 --> 00:22:48.392
  • They want to be as invisible as is possible for them.
  • 00:22:48.392 --> 00:22:51.395
  • The angel has a message for the women.
  • 00:22:51.395 --> 00:22:54.965
  • But the guards have been confronted with something
  • 00:22:54.965 --> 00:22:57.468
  • That's unimaginable.
  • 00:22:57.468 --> 00:22:58.803
  • The man they have tortured to death has been delivered from
  • 00:22:58.803 --> 00:23:01.772
  • Death in their presence.
  • 00:23:01.772 --> 00:23:04.141
  • A new power is presented to them, an entirely new reality.
  • 00:23:04.141 --> 00:23:08.045
  • Up until this moment in time, i think it's fair to assume that
  • 00:23:08.045 --> 00:23:11.282
  • They imagined the greatest power available to them was the power
  • 00:23:11.282 --> 00:23:14.852
  • Of rome.
  • 00:23:14.852 --> 00:23:16.487
  • Whether the power of the senate or the power of the roman
  • 00:23:16.487 --> 00:23:19.023
  • Legions, simply the flex of the might of rome; and they've been
  • 00:23:19.023 --> 00:23:22.726
  • Confronted with a power greater than rome.
  • 00:23:22.726 --> 00:23:27.431
  • I hope you live with an awareness that there's a power
  • 00:23:27.431 --> 00:23:29.500
  • Greater than nations, greater than governments, greater than
  • 00:23:29.500 --> 00:23:33.971
  • The will of people.
  • 00:23:33.971 --> 00:23:36.106
  • I'm not opposed to any of those things, but we serve a
  • 00:23:36.106 --> 00:23:38.476
  • Higher authority.
  • 00:23:38.476 --> 00:23:40.344
  • And on this day, these guards are faced with a choice.
  • 00:23:40.344 --> 00:23:43.280
  • They can believe what they've experienced and cooperate or
  • 00:23:43.280 --> 00:23:47.918
  • They can ignore their experience.
  • 00:23:47.918 --> 00:23:50.488
  • Now, i tell you that because every one of us knows there's a
  • 00:23:50.488 --> 00:23:52.957
  • God and we have a choice to make as we make our journey
  • 00:23:52.957 --> 00:23:56.560
  • Through time.
  • 00:23:56.560 --> 00:23:58.229
  • Will we believe and cooperate with that understanding?
  • 00:23:58.229 --> 00:24:01.232
  • It may not be complete and as full as we would like, we may
  • 00:24:01.232 --> 00:24:03.901
  • Hold questions, but we have the imagination there is a god.
  • 00:24:03.901 --> 00:24:08.806
  • Will we believe and cooperate with him or will we ignore our
  • 00:24:08.806 --> 00:24:12.877
  • Experience so that we can pursue our own selfish agendas?
  • 00:24:12.877 --> 00:24:17.081
  • It's the question of the ages.
  • 00:24:17.081 --> 00:24:19.884
  • It's the question by which we will all ultimately
  • 00:24:19.884 --> 00:24:21.986
  • Be evaluated.
  • 00:24:21.986 --> 00:24:24.355
  • In matthew 28 and verse 8 says, "while the women were on their
  • 00:24:24.355 --> 00:24:27.625
  • Way--" they're on their way to tell the disciples, peter and
  • 00:24:27.625 --> 00:24:30.728
  • James and john and the rest of the crew.
  • 00:24:30.728 --> 00:24:32.663
  • "some of the guards, they went into the city and reported to
  • 00:24:32.663 --> 00:24:35.432
  • The chief priests everything that had happened.
  • 00:24:35.432 --> 00:24:38.302
  • When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a
  • 00:24:38.302 --> 00:24:40.704
  • Plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling
  • 00:24:40.704 --> 00:24:45.676
  • Them, 'you are to say, 'his disciples came during the night
  • 00:24:45.676 --> 00:24:48.546
  • And stole him away while we were asleep.'
  • 00:24:48.546 --> 00:24:51.115
  • If the report gets to the governor, we'll satisfy him and
  • 00:24:51.115 --> 00:24:54.585
  • Keep you out of trouble.'
  • 00:24:54.585 --> 00:24:56.554
  • The soldiers took the money and they did as they
  • 00:24:56.554 --> 00:24:59.189
  • Were instructed.
  • 00:24:59.189 --> 00:25:00.824
  • And this story has been widely circulated among the jews to
  • 00:25:00.824 --> 00:25:04.428
  • This very day."
  • 00:25:04.428 --> 00:25:06.530
  • Wow.
  • 00:25:06.530 --> 00:25:07.898
  • Again, matthew puts the guards--they have a
  • 00:25:07.898 --> 00:25:10.134
  • Front-row seat.
  • 00:25:10.134 --> 00:25:11.468
  • They are primary actors in this narrative.
  • 00:25:11.468 --> 00:25:15.172
  • Now, the chief priest, as we read this, they have a choice.
  • 00:25:15.172 --> 00:25:19.076
  • They have yet another choice.
  • 00:25:19.076 --> 00:25:20.477
  • They've had a series of choices through these hours.
  • 00:25:20.477 --> 00:25:23.547
  • They had choices when they presented jesus to pilate.
  • 00:25:23.547 --> 00:25:26.584
  • They had choices when they sent the guards to the garden
  • 00:25:26.584 --> 00:25:28.886
  • Of gethsemane.
  • 00:25:28.886 --> 00:25:30.254
  • They had choices when jesus gave up his spirit on the cross.
  • 00:25:30.254 --> 00:25:34.558
  • They have choices, again, at this point.
  • 00:25:34.558 --> 00:25:36.493
  • They have eyewitness reports that he's alive.
  • 00:25:36.493 --> 00:25:39.163
  • The tomb is empty.
  • 00:25:39.163 --> 00:25:41.231
  • The chief priests have a choice.
  • 00:25:41.231 --> 00:25:42.933
  • They can believe the eyewitness accounts of the activity being
  • 00:25:42.933 --> 00:25:45.936
  • Reported, and it's not being delivered from
  • 00:25:45.936 --> 00:25:48.105
  • Jesus's disciples.
  • 00:25:48.105 --> 00:25:49.974
  • It's not his friends saying this has happened.
  • 00:25:49.974 --> 00:25:52.643
  • It's not his followers.
  • 00:25:52.643 --> 00:25:53.978
  • It's not people that were there when he fed the multitude or
  • 00:25:53.978 --> 00:25:56.914
  • Walked on the water or raised the dead.
  • 00:25:56.914 --> 00:25:58.916
  • It's the guards.
  • 00:25:58.916 --> 00:26:00.284
  • It's the roman guards saying to him, "this is what we saw."
  • 00:26:00.284 --> 00:26:06.490
  • Allen: you know, i really dislike the idea of a religious
  • 00:26:10.628 --> 00:26:12.429
  • Lecture.
  • 00:26:12.429 --> 00:26:13.764
  • I believe the point of ministry or opening the word of god is to
  • 00:26:13.764 --> 00:26:16.500
  • Be transformed by it.
  • 00:26:16.500 --> 00:26:18.168
  • So, before we go, i wanna give you two invitations.
  • 00:26:18.168 --> 00:26:20.104
  • One's a prayer i'm gonna pray with you, but the other is our
  • 00:26:20.104 --> 00:26:22.072
  • Offer this month.
  • 00:26:22.072 --> 00:26:23.440
  • The book is "the lord is my shepherd" by my friend rob
  • 00:26:23.440 --> 00:26:25.542
  • Morgan.
  • 00:26:25.542 --> 00:26:26.877
  • It's an important word in this season to understand god's
  • 00:26:26.877 --> 00:26:30.648
  • Direction, his abiding presence, his protection.
  • 00:26:30.648 --> 00:26:33.684
  • We all need that.
  • 00:26:33.684 --> 00:26:35.185
  • It'll be a blessing in your life, it's something i think
  • 00:26:35.185 --> 00:26:36.987
  • You'll wanna share with some friends.
  • 00:26:36.987 --> 00:26:38.756
  • But i wanna pray with you before you go that we'll know we're not
  • 00:26:38.756 --> 00:26:40.791
  • Alone.
  • 00:26:40.791 --> 00:26:42.126
  • Heavenly father, i thank you for the resources you give us, for
  • 00:26:42.126 --> 00:26:44.828
  • The voices that you provide in our lives, that in a world of
  • 00:26:44.828 --> 00:26:47.931
  • Turmoil and confusion and honestly great fear, that your
  • 00:26:47.931 --> 00:26:51.301
  • Calm, assuring voice guides us, and i thank you for it today.
  • 00:26:51.301 --> 00:26:55.739
  • Thank you for your faithfulness.
  • 00:26:55.739 --> 00:26:57.207
  • In jesus's name, amen.
  • 00:26:57.207 --> 00:26:59.710
  • Get a copy of "the lord is my shepherd," and you take your
  • 00:26:59.710 --> 00:27:02.680
  • Prayers into your family.
  • 00:27:02.680 --> 00:27:04.314
  • We're a light in this dark world.
  • 00:27:04.314 --> 00:27:06.083
  • God is moving, and we wanna move with him.
  • 00:27:06.083 --> 00:27:08.886
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:27:08.886 --> 00:27:28.939