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Allen Jackson Ministries

Allen Jackson - Opportunities Lost (Part 1)

May 13, 2025 | S25:E136

Allen Jackson - Opportunities Lost (Part 1)
Pastor Allen Jackson's mission is to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
#WalkwithGod #RelationshipwithGod #Persecution #Disciples #Religion #Jesus #Betrayal #inActive #Condemnation #AllenJacksonMinistries #AllenJackson #Death #Crucifixion #Discipleship

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Allen Jackson Ministries | Allen Jackson - Opportunities Lost (Part 1) | May 13, 2025
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:06.422
  • Allen jackson: it's good to be with you again.
  • 00:00:06.522 --> 00:00:07.956
  • You know, we're walking through a season of some pretty
  • 00:00:08.057 --> 00:00:10.492
  • Unprecedented turmoil.
  • 00:00:10.626 --> 00:00:12.594
  • There are cars burning and car dealerships burning, and there
  • 00:00:12.728 --> 00:00:13.796
  • Are judges.
  • 00:00:16.398 --> 00:00:17.733
  • There's just a lot of stuff.
  • 00:00:17.733 --> 00:00:19.802
  • Well, i'm really excited about our offer this month.
  • 00:00:19.802 --> 00:00:21.603
  • In fact, we chose it because i think it will bring you a
  • 00:00:21.603 --> 00:00:24.239
  • Pathway of stability in the midst of all the turmoil.
  • 00:00:24.239 --> 00:00:27.843
  • It's written by a good friend of mine, rob morgan, "the lord is
  • 00:00:27.843 --> 00:00:30.345
  • My shepherd."
  • 00:00:30.345 --> 00:00:31.780
  • And it seems to me we need to know the tranquility that comes
  • 00:00:31.780 --> 00:00:35.017
  • From a shepherd who is marking a path for us and then standing
  • 00:00:35.017 --> 00:00:38.454
  • Watch over us when we know there's predators about.
  • 00:00:38.454 --> 00:00:42.491
  • We're living in a predatory season.
  • 00:00:42.491 --> 00:00:44.393
  • We need to know the lord is a shepherd, and i believe this
  • 00:00:44.393 --> 00:00:47.863
  • Offer can make a real difference in your life.
  • 00:00:47.863 --> 00:00:49.665
  • In fact, it's important enough that we'll make it available for
  • 00:00:49.665 --> 00:00:52.401
  • A gift of any amount.
  • 00:00:52.401 --> 00:00:54.236
  • I think it's far more important that you have it in your hand
  • 00:00:54.236 --> 00:00:56.705
  • Than the cost attached to it.
  • 00:00:56.705 --> 00:00:58.407
  • God is moving in the earth, and we wanna move with him.
  • 00:00:58.407 --> 00:01:00.876
  • Our shepherd will lead us through.
  • 00:01:00.876 --> 00:01:02.911
  • You'll enjoy the book.
  • 00:01:02.911 --> 00:01:04.446
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:01:05.114 --> 00:01:11.753
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:01:15.090 --> 00:01:18.827
  • Allen: you know, grace is the undeserved, the unmerited, the
  • 00:01:18.827 --> 00:01:21.864
  • Unearned blessing of god.
  • 00:01:21.864 --> 00:01:23.765
  • When he shows us kindness that we don't deserve, it's
  • 00:01:23.765 --> 00:01:26.034
  • Not merit-based.
  • 00:01:26.034 --> 00:01:27.369
  • If it's merit-based, it's not grace.
  • 00:01:27.369 --> 00:01:29.872
  • It's--grace comes from the character of god, his great love
  • 00:01:29.872 --> 00:01:32.875
  • For humanity.
  • 00:01:32.875 --> 00:01:34.209
  • He loves us so much that he shows us blessings and favor
  • 00:01:34.209 --> 00:01:37.613
  • That have nothing to do with what we justly deserve.
  • 00:01:37.613 --> 00:01:41.283
  • Hallelujah.
  • 00:01:41.283 --> 00:01:42.985
  • The mercy of god are those places where we deserve judgment
  • 00:01:42.985 --> 00:01:46.488
  • And god withholds it.
  • 00:01:46.488 --> 00:01:48.690
  • The bible makes an interesting statement.
  • 00:01:48.690 --> 00:01:51.160
  • It says realizing that god's kindness leads us
  • 00:01:51.160 --> 00:01:54.296
  • Towards repentance.
  • 00:01:54.296 --> 00:01:56.064
  • We live in an age where grace and mercy are leading discussion
  • 00:01:56.064 --> 00:01:59.368
  • Points in contemporary american christendom.
  • 00:01:59.368 --> 00:02:01.603
  • I'm okay with that.
  • 00:02:01.603 --> 00:02:02.938
  • If you look them up in the bible--in the dictionary,
  • 00:02:02.938 --> 00:02:04.406
  • You'll probably find my picture.
  • 00:02:04.406 --> 00:02:05.741
  • I need them.
  • 00:02:05.741 --> 00:02:07.075
  • But the purpose of grace and mercy is to lead us
  • 00:02:07.075 --> 00:02:09.611
  • Towards repentance.
  • 00:02:09.611 --> 00:02:11.180
  • It is not intended to extend license to us.
  • 00:02:11.180 --> 00:02:15.250
  • We don't want to lead lives presumptuous of the grace and
  • 00:02:15.250 --> 00:02:18.620
  • Mercy of god, and i came with good news.
  • 00:02:18.620 --> 00:02:21.089
  • If you don't take anything else away from this one session,
  • 00:02:21.089 --> 00:02:23.825
  • Please know this.
  • 00:02:23.825 --> 00:02:25.160
  • You're of incredible significance to god and the
  • 00:02:25.160 --> 00:02:28.697
  • Reality as i understand it from scripture is that the grace of
  • 00:02:28.697 --> 00:02:31.366
  • God is beyond knowing.
  • 00:02:31.366 --> 00:02:32.734
  • It's beyond my comprehension.
  • 00:02:32.734 --> 00:02:35.170
  • No matter how much i study and how much i would work to be able
  • 00:02:35.170 --> 00:02:38.273
  • To communicate it, i truly believe the grace of god is
  • 00:02:38.273 --> 00:02:41.376
  • Beyond knowing.
  • 00:02:41.376 --> 00:02:42.744
  • Almighty god the creator of all things has shown his love
  • 00:02:42.744 --> 00:02:47.282
  • Towards us.
  • 00:02:47.282 --> 00:02:49.284
  • When we were rebellious and without god and without hope in
  • 00:02:49.284 --> 00:02:52.254
  • This earth, god demonstrated his love for us in sending his son
  • 00:02:52.254 --> 00:02:56.892
  • And yet in spite of that we persist in our
  • 00:02:56.892 --> 00:03:00.495
  • Self-centered pursuits.
  • 00:03:00.495 --> 00:03:02.931
  • We do, even those of us that file into churches and
  • 00:03:02.931 --> 00:03:06.335
  • Carry bibles.
  • 00:03:06.335 --> 00:03:08.670
  • God presents us--every one of us with opportunities to cooperate
  • 00:03:08.670 --> 00:03:12.107
  • With him.
  • 00:03:12.107 --> 00:03:13.442
  • He invites us into his purposes and his plans.
  • 00:03:13.442 --> 00:03:16.111
  • There's no real explanation for that in scripture, why almighty
  • 00:03:16.111 --> 00:03:19.581
  • God the creator of all things would say to weak, frail human
  • 00:03:19.581 --> 00:03:24.019
  • Beings, a part of his creation, "i would like to include you in
  • 00:03:24.019 --> 00:03:28.223
  • My purposes."
  • 00:03:28.223 --> 00:03:29.558
  • Can you imagine?
  • 00:03:29.558 --> 00:03:31.426
  • It's beyond my intellectual ability to grasp it.
  • 00:03:31.426 --> 00:03:34.863
  • I'm still amazed at that.
  • 00:03:34.863 --> 00:03:37.566
  • He provides direction to us on how to flourish in our journey
  • 00:03:37.566 --> 00:03:41.503
  • Through time so that we don't waste our days and spend our
  • 00:03:41.503 --> 00:03:46.074
  • Years in futility.
  • 00:03:46.074 --> 00:03:48.310
  • He's established guidelines informed by the wisdom of the
  • 00:03:48.310 --> 00:03:51.847
  • Creator so that we can understand where destruction
  • 00:03:51.847 --> 00:03:55.851
  • Would be and where life would be.
  • 00:03:55.851 --> 00:03:58.086
  • He even makes provision for our forgiveness and welcomes us back
  • 00:03:58.086 --> 00:04:01.990
  • After our self-chosen detours.
  • 00:04:01.990 --> 00:04:05.794
  • That's the story that we all share.
  • 00:04:05.794 --> 00:04:08.463
  • And in spite of all of this, in spite of all the expressions of
  • 00:04:08.463 --> 00:04:11.633
  • The goodness and the kindness and the love and the mercy of
  • 00:04:11.633 --> 00:04:14.303
  • God, our tendency is still to accuse him of injustice, of
  • 00:04:14.303 --> 00:04:20.909
  • Being calloused, of being indifferent towards us; many
  • 00:04:20.909 --> 00:04:26.915
  • Times even to his adversaries and to pay attention to the
  • 00:04:26.915 --> 00:04:31.253
  • Choices that they made to help us make choices that will bring
  • 00:04:31.253 --> 00:04:34.790
  • The best of god into our lives.
  • 00:04:34.790 --> 00:04:37.125
  • If you want god's best in your life, i can give you the key in
  • 00:04:37.125 --> 00:04:40.128
  • A single phrase.
  • 00:04:40.128 --> 00:04:41.863
  • You have to truly want god's best.
  • 00:04:41.863 --> 00:04:44.800
  • You can't be indifferent.
  • 00:04:44.800 --> 00:04:46.168
  • You can't be casual.
  • 00:04:46.168 --> 00:04:47.736
  • You can't be lukewarm.
  • 00:04:47.736 --> 00:04:49.104
  • If you want god's best, you have to truly want god's best.
  • 00:04:49.104 --> 00:04:52.074
  • I learned that as a young boy from a voice that was a mentor
  • 00:04:52.074 --> 00:04:55.711
  • In my life, and i've never lost it and it's true today.
  • 00:04:55.711 --> 00:05:00.182
  • So we're going to look at some of jesus's invitations.
  • 00:05:00.182 --> 00:05:03.885
  • It's a remarkable collection of people from different walks of
  • 00:05:03.885 --> 00:05:06.655
  • Life, different life stations; and each one is going to be
  • 00:05:06.655 --> 00:05:10.258
  • Presented with an opportunity to cooperate with jesus and yet as
  • 00:05:10.258 --> 00:05:14.496
  • We will see in these next few moments the majority of them are
  • 00:05:14.496 --> 00:05:17.432
  • Going to reject that invitation.
  • 00:05:17.432 --> 00:05:21.269
  • I say that because i don't want one of us to do that.
  • 00:05:21.269 --> 00:05:24.706
  • I don't want to do that.
  • 00:05:24.706 --> 00:05:26.475
  • I don't want to reject one of god's invitations for my life.
  • 00:05:26.475 --> 00:05:30.545
  • I don't want to turn it away.
  • 00:05:30.545 --> 00:05:31.880
  • I don't want to turn my head.
  • 00:05:31.880 --> 00:05:33.248
  • I don't want to act like i didn't notice.
  • 00:05:33.248 --> 00:05:35.217
  • I don't want to turn up the music so i don't have to listen.
  • 00:05:35.217 --> 00:05:38.720
  • I want to learn to cooperate more fully with god than i ever
  • 00:05:38.720 --> 00:05:41.923
  • Have before, and i believe you do as well.
  • 00:05:41.923 --> 00:05:46.061
  • I want to start with an individual that's at the center
  • 00:05:46.061 --> 00:05:48.263
  • Of much of the jesus narrative as he approached the end of
  • 00:05:48.263 --> 00:05:52.167
  • His life.
  • 00:05:52.167 --> 00:05:53.535
  • His name is caiaphas.
  • 00:05:53.535 --> 00:05:54.870
  • He's a high priest.
  • 00:05:54.870 --> 00:05:57.239
  • That language is a little blind to us.
  • 00:05:57.239 --> 00:05:59.374
  • We have to put it in the grid of the religious world in which
  • 00:05:59.374 --> 00:06:01.877
  • We live.
  • 00:06:01.877 --> 00:06:03.245
  • The equivalent of a high priest, he was the most powerful
  • 00:06:03.245 --> 00:06:05.347
  • Religious figure in the day, one of the most powerful political
  • 00:06:05.347 --> 00:06:09.117
  • Figures of his day.
  • 00:06:09.117 --> 00:06:11.019
  • He had access to tremendous power both in the religious
  • 00:06:11.019 --> 00:06:13.855
  • Sphere and the political sphere.
  • 00:06:13.855 --> 00:06:15.824
  • He commanded great resources.
  • 00:06:15.824 --> 00:06:18.326
  • I suppose in the contemporary christendom he would be the
  • 00:06:18.326 --> 00:06:20.729
  • Equivalent of the head of a denomination, if you come from
  • 00:06:20.729 --> 00:06:23.865
  • One of those arenas.
  • 00:06:23.865 --> 00:06:25.467
  • It wouldn't be vastly different from the pope, but i don't mean
  • 00:06:25.467 --> 00:06:28.103
  • That disrespectfully to anybody around that equation.
  • 00:06:28.103 --> 00:06:31.573
  • A very powerful religious leader that had tremendous influence in
  • 00:06:31.573 --> 00:06:35.544
  • Realms beyond a worship service.
  • 00:06:35.544 --> 00:06:38.580
  • His name is caiaphas.
  • 00:06:38.580 --> 00:06:40.482
  • And in matthew 26, verses 3 to 5 says, "the chief priests and the
  • 00:06:40.482 --> 00:06:44.953
  • Elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high
  • 00:06:44.953 --> 00:06:47.622
  • Priest, whose name was caiaphas, and they plotted to arrest jesus
  • 00:06:47.622 --> 00:06:53.495
  • In some sly way and to kill him.
  • 00:06:53.495 --> 00:06:56.898
  • But they said, 'not during the feast or there could be a riot
  • 00:06:56.898 --> 00:06:59.835
  • Among the people.'"
  • 00:06:59.835 --> 00:07:01.703
  • So in this introduction i'm giving you, caiaphas is not only
  • 00:07:01.703 --> 00:07:04.739
  • The high priest, the most powerful religious leader and
  • 00:07:04.739 --> 00:07:08.210
  • Certainly one of the most powerful political leaders.
  • 00:07:08.210 --> 00:07:10.946
  • We find out that he's plotting the arrest and the destruction
  • 00:07:10.946 --> 00:07:15.350
  • Of jesus.
  • 00:07:15.350 --> 00:07:17.219
  • Now, what's troubling about that is he's an expert in this--he's
  • 00:07:17.219 --> 00:07:20.989
  • Not marginally associated with scripture.
  • 00:07:20.989 --> 00:07:23.325
  • He's studied the word of god since childhood.
  • 00:07:23.325 --> 00:07:26.294
  • He knows all the prophecies about messiah.
  • 00:07:26.294 --> 00:07:29.531
  • The jewish people are awaiting the arrival of their messiah.
  • 00:07:29.531 --> 00:07:32.934
  • In greek it means christ, christos.
  • 00:07:32.934 --> 00:07:35.337
  • In hebrew, mashiach.
  • 00:07:35.337 --> 00:07:36.671
  • They're all interchangeable.
  • 00:07:36.671 --> 00:07:38.607
  • The anointed one, god's deliverer,
  • 00:07:38.607 --> 00:07:41.376
  • And he should be the one person in the midst of the people of
  • 00:07:41.376 --> 00:07:44.212
  • God--the covenant people of god, he oversees the sacrifices in
  • 00:07:44.212 --> 00:07:48.116
  • The temple.
  • 00:07:48.116 --> 00:07:49.451
  • He oversees the activity on the day of atonement, the holiest
  • 00:07:49.451 --> 00:07:52.721
  • Days in the calendar of the covenant people of god; and the
  • 00:07:52.721 --> 00:07:56.258
  • Son of god is in their midst, and he is plotting
  • 00:07:56.258 --> 00:08:00.095
  • His destruction.
  • 00:08:00.095 --> 00:08:01.496
  • That's a very awkward reality.
  • 00:08:04.466 --> 00:08:05.967
  • There are some things you can learn from that little passage.
  • 00:08:05.967 --> 00:08:08.336
  • Says the high priest resided in a palace.
  • 00:08:08.336 --> 00:08:11.973
  • This particular gathering, the gathering that i just described
  • 00:08:11.973 --> 00:08:14.609
  • To you took place in the palace of the high priest.
  • 00:08:14.609 --> 00:08:17.279
  • Life is good for caiaphas.
  • 00:08:17.279 --> 00:08:19.648
  • He's living the good life.
  • 00:08:19.648 --> 00:08:22.450
  • He lives in gold circle seating and he has no intention of
  • 00:08:22.450 --> 00:08:27.656
  • Relinquishing any aspect of that no matter what might be
  • 00:08:27.656 --> 00:08:30.892
  • Perceived that god is doing.
  • 00:08:30.892 --> 00:08:33.228
  • This is near the end of jesus's public ministry.
  • 00:08:33.228 --> 00:08:35.196
  • He's no longer a mystery.
  • 00:08:35.196 --> 00:08:36.698
  • He's raised the dead and opened blind eyes.
  • 00:08:36.698 --> 00:08:39.034
  • He's been doing it in jerusalem this week.
  • 00:08:39.034 --> 00:08:42.370
  • Lazarus just lives a few hundred yards from here.
  • 00:08:42.370 --> 00:08:45.173
  • Everybody in jerusalem knows the story.
  • 00:08:45.173 --> 00:08:47.075
  • Certainly, caiaphas knows the story.
  • 00:08:47.075 --> 00:08:49.244
  • Lazarus dead for several days, jesus brought him back to
  • 00:08:49.244 --> 00:08:52.380
  • Life again.
  • 00:08:52.380 --> 00:08:54.416
  • But he the high priest and those under his influence
  • 00:08:54.416 --> 00:08:57.485
  • Are scheming.
  • 00:08:57.485 --> 00:08:58.853
  • He's devious.
  • 00:08:58.853 --> 00:09:00.221
  • He's murderous.
  • 00:09:00.221 --> 00:09:02.524
  • It's uncomfortable just to say it.
  • 00:09:02.524 --> 00:09:05.493
  • You would expect him to at least be neutral, on the fence,
  • 00:09:05.493 --> 00:09:08.296
  • Curious, intrigued, a learner.
  • 00:09:08.296 --> 00:09:11.566
  • None of the above.
  • 00:09:11.566 --> 00:09:13.568
  • He's a murderous, devious, lying--it's
  • 00:09:13.568 --> 00:09:19.474
  • Uncomfortable language.
  • 00:09:19.474 --> 00:09:21.610
  • But, you know, the scripture warns us, jesus warned us that
  • 00:09:21.610 --> 00:09:25.013
  • As we approach the end of the age that pattern will flourish
  • 00:09:25.013 --> 00:09:27.949
  • Amongst us.
  • 00:09:27.949 --> 00:09:29.417
  • False prophets, he said, would abound.
  • 00:09:29.417 --> 00:09:32.454
  • The false gospels were already plaguing the church as you read
  • 00:09:32.454 --> 00:09:36.224
  • Through the letters of the new testament.
  • 00:09:36.224 --> 00:09:38.793
  • Churches that were founded on the truth, that were anchored on
  • 00:09:38.793 --> 00:09:41.262
  • The cornerstone of jesus losing their momentum, being redirected
  • 00:09:41.262 --> 00:09:45.333
  • By messages and messengers coming amongst them who
  • 00:09:45.333 --> 00:09:48.236
  • Were false.
  • 00:09:48.236 --> 00:09:49.804
  • We're going to have to be more sophisticated.
  • 00:09:49.804 --> 00:09:52.540
  • We've got to take time to read our bibles.
  • 00:09:52.540 --> 00:09:54.275
  • We have to be familiar with the spirit of god.
  • 00:09:54.275 --> 00:09:57.178
  • We have to know the true and the false, the authentic from the
  • 00:09:57.178 --> 00:09:59.614
  • Inauthentic and i'm--it's intriguing to me, honestly, how
  • 00:09:59.614 --> 00:10:05.854
  • The deception grows.
  • 00:10:05.854 --> 00:10:08.223
  • You know, in more than one circle i find people will try to
  • 00:10:08.223 --> 00:10:12.060
  • Establish credibility by borrowing your name.
  • 00:10:12.060 --> 00:10:15.664
  • "oh, i believe what allen believes," or, "i believe what
  • 00:10:15.664 --> 00:10:17.932
  • Whoever believes."
  • 00:10:17.932 --> 00:10:19.267
  • The people listening should know what you believe by who you are
  • 00:10:19.267 --> 00:10:22.003
  • And how you live.
  • 00:10:22.003 --> 00:10:24.773
  • We've got to be wiser.
  • 00:10:24.773 --> 00:10:26.107
  • We've got to be more prudent.
  • 00:10:26.107 --> 00:10:28.910
  • It's a very important season.
  • 00:10:28.910 --> 00:10:30.578
  • What we're presented in the new testament in the 1st century is
  • 00:10:30.578 --> 00:10:33.615
  • Flourishing in the 21st century.
  • 00:10:33.615 --> 00:10:36.284
  • Same chapter of matthew, matthew chapter 26 and verse 27--57.
  • 00:10:36.284 --> 00:10:40.622
  • I'm sorry.
  • 00:10:40.622 --> 00:10:41.990
  • They've arrested jesus in gethsemane.
  • 00:10:41.990 --> 00:10:44.292
  • "and those who had arrested him took him--took jesus to
  • 00:10:44.292 --> 00:10:47.228
  • Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the
  • 00:10:47.228 --> 00:10:50.265
  • Elders had assembled.
  • 00:10:50.265 --> 00:10:52.167
  • The chief priests and the whole sanhedrin--" the sanhedrin was
  • 00:10:52.167 --> 00:10:55.303
  • The religious ruling body.
  • 00:10:55.303 --> 00:10:57.072
  • They're the power brokers.
  • 00:10:57.072 --> 00:10:59.007
  • Caiaphas is the leader of that group.
  • 00:10:59.007 --> 00:11:02.977
  • "the entire sanhedrin were looking for false evidence
  • 00:11:02.977 --> 00:11:06.347
  • Against jesus so they could put him to death."
  • 00:11:06.347 --> 00:11:09.017
  • There is no integrity in the leadership in the community.
  • 00:11:09.017 --> 00:11:13.655
  • They'll plot, they'll scheme, they'll lie, and they will
  • 00:11:13.655 --> 00:11:16.858
  • Purposefully look for false evidence in order to
  • 00:11:16.858 --> 00:11:19.661
  • Indict jesus.
  • 00:11:19.661 --> 00:11:22.464
  • That's the leadership he faced in the city of jerusalem.
  • 00:11:22.464 --> 00:11:24.833
  • It's why he wept when he came down the mount of olives on that
  • 00:11:24.833 --> 00:11:28.937
  • Day of his triumphal entry.
  • 00:11:28.937 --> 00:11:30.305
  • It's why he said, "judgment is coming for you."
  • 00:11:30.305 --> 00:11:33.742
  • Leadership matters, folks.
  • 00:11:33.742 --> 00:11:37.579
  • "they didn't find any false evidence," matthew says, "though
  • 00:11:37.579 --> 00:11:40.615
  • Many false witnesses came forward.
  • 00:11:40.615 --> 00:11:42.584
  • Finally two came forward and declared, 'this fellow said,
  • 00:11:42.584 --> 00:11:44.919
  • 'i'm able to destroy the temple of god
  • 00:11:44.919 --> 00:11:46.921
  • And rebuild it in three days.''"
  • 00:11:46.921 --> 00:11:48.490
  • Herod's temple had taken 40 years to build.
  • 00:11:48.490 --> 00:11:51.926
  • "then the high priest stood up and said to jesus, 'are you not
  • 00:11:51.926 --> 00:11:54.796
  • Going to answer?
  • 00:11:54.796 --> 00:11:56.164
  • What is this testimony these men are bringing against you?'
  • 00:11:56.164 --> 00:11:58.333
  • And jesus remained silent.
  • 00:11:58.333 --> 00:11:59.768
  • And the high priest said to him," caiaphas said to him, "i
  • 00:11:59.768 --> 00:12:04.372
  • Charge you under oath by the living god: tell us if you're
  • 00:12:04.372 --> 00:12:08.543
  • The christ, the son of god."
  • 00:12:08.543 --> 00:12:09.944
  • There it is.
  • 00:12:09.944 --> 00:12:11.312
  • It's on the table.
  • 00:12:11.312 --> 00:12:13.214
  • There's no mystery any longer.
  • 00:12:13.214 --> 00:12:15.717
  • And, again, jesus is not some professorial character.
  • 00:12:15.717 --> 00:12:19.020
  • He hasn't labored in a library.
  • 00:12:19.020 --> 00:12:22.590
  • He's been living amongst the people demonstrating the power
  • 00:12:22.590 --> 00:12:26.394
  • And the authority of almighty god.
  • 00:12:26.394 --> 00:12:28.630
  • They haven't been able to out reason him.
  • 00:12:28.630 --> 00:12:30.598
  • They haven't been able to trap him with his language.
  • 00:12:30.598 --> 00:12:33.067
  • Now they're paying people to bear false testimony, and
  • 00:12:33.067 --> 00:12:36.171
  • Finally caiaphas says, "all right, are you the one?"
  • 00:12:36.171 --> 00:12:41.876
  • "and jesus replied, 'yes, it is as you say.
  • 00:12:41.876 --> 00:12:48.116
  • But i tell you: in the future you'll see the son of man
  • 00:12:48.116 --> 00:12:50.752
  • Sitting at the right hand of the mighty one and coming on the
  • 00:12:50.752 --> 00:12:53.688
  • Clouds of heaven.'
  • 00:12:53.688 --> 00:12:55.290
  • And the high priest tore his clothes and said, 'he has
  • 00:12:55.290 --> 00:12:57.926
  • Spoken blasphemy.'"
  • 00:12:57.926 --> 00:13:00.195
  • At that point, caiaphas faced a choice.
  • 00:13:00.195 --> 00:13:03.064
  • Forget all the choices that had brought him up to this point.
  • 00:13:03.064 --> 00:13:05.834
  • At that moment, he could have said, "i believe you're right.
  • 00:13:05.834 --> 00:13:10.471
  • I've exhaustively studied the scripture and you checked
  • 00:13:10.471 --> 00:13:13.341
  • Every box.
  • 00:13:13.341 --> 00:13:14.976
  • I've interviewed dozens of people that have benefited from
  • 00:13:14.976 --> 00:13:18.112
  • Your prayers and your miraculous intervention.
  • 00:13:18.112 --> 00:13:20.582
  • They're on--they can't be denied.
  • 00:13:20.582 --> 00:13:23.952
  • I've talked to lazarus.
  • 00:13:23.952 --> 00:13:25.320
  • I've been to his home.
  • 00:13:25.320 --> 00:13:26.654
  • I listened to him.
  • 00:13:26.654 --> 00:13:28.022
  • I questioned his sisters mary and martha.
  • 00:13:28.022 --> 00:13:29.357
  • I agree with you."
  • 00:13:29.357 --> 00:13:30.725
  • But that wasn't the path that caiaphas chose.
  • 00:13:30.725 --> 00:13:35.196
  • He chose something different.
  • 00:13:35.196 --> 00:13:36.531
  • I want to read it to you.
  • 00:13:36.531 --> 00:13:37.866
  • It's unsettling.
  • 00:13:37.866 --> 00:13:40.101
  • He said, "what do you think?"
  • 00:13:40.101 --> 00:13:41.469
  • "'he's worthy of death.'
  • 00:13:41.469 --> 00:13:43.838
  • Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists, and
  • 00:13:43.838 --> 00:13:48.176
  • Others slapped him.
  • 00:13:48.176 --> 00:13:50.445
  • And they said, 'prophesy to us, messiah.
  • 00:13:50.445 --> 00:13:54.082
  • Who hit you?"'
  • 00:13:54.082 --> 00:13:55.483
  • Choices made.
  • 00:13:58.519 --> 00:14:00.655
  • Opportunities lost.
  • 00:14:00.655 --> 00:14:03.791
  • There's no record in scripture that caiaphas ever changed
  • 00:14:03.791 --> 00:14:06.261
  • His mind.
  • 00:14:06.261 --> 00:14:08.529
  • Well, there were some amongst the priest who did, but
  • 00:14:08.529 --> 00:14:11.699
  • Not caiaphas.
  • 00:14:11.699 --> 00:14:13.401
  • If i had to look for a category that describes his attitude and
  • 00:14:13.401 --> 00:14:16.337
  • His incalcitrance, it's self-righteousness.
  • 00:14:16.337 --> 00:14:20.074
  • He thought he was good enough.
  • 00:14:20.074 --> 00:14:22.210
  • He had enough power.
  • 00:14:22.210 --> 00:14:24.112
  • He had enough prestige.
  • 00:14:24.112 --> 00:14:26.314
  • He had enough resources.
  • 00:14:26.314 --> 00:14:28.683
  • He had enough knowledge of scripture.
  • 00:14:28.683 --> 00:14:31.085
  • He wasn't about to have his routine disrupted even if it was
  • 00:14:31.085 --> 00:14:36.124
  • By jesus.
  • 00:14:36.124 --> 00:14:39.794
  • Allen: hey, the question i'm asked most often is, "how do i
  • 00:14:43.998 --> 00:14:46.234
  • Know what god wants me to do?
  • 00:14:46.234 --> 00:14:47.735
  • If i just knew what god wanted me to do, i would do it,
  • 00:14:47.735 --> 00:14:50.038
  • Whatever it is."
  • 00:14:50.038 --> 00:14:51.773
  • Well, our offer this month i think will help.
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  • It's by a good friend of mine, rob morgan,
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  • "the lord is my shepherd."
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  • He's gonna unpack the scripture that tells us how to follow the
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  • Lord's guidance and understand his abiding presence
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  • And his comfort.
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  • It'll help you chart a course and know the path that
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  • God has for you.
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  • Get a copy, it'll make a difference in your life.
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  • The specific ways psalm 23 speaks to our lives today.
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  • Inspiration, power, and peace found in psalm 23.
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  • Us, charting our path, and watching over us.
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  • Here with allen jackson ministries.
  • 00:16:09.050 --> 00:16:11.419
  • Allen: i want to go to the opposite end of the spectrum
  • 00:16:14.489 --> 00:16:16.124
  • With the next character.
  • 00:16:16.124 --> 00:16:17.492
  • You know his name if you know anything about the new testament
  • 00:16:17.492 --> 00:16:19.794
  • And easter weekend.
  • 00:16:19.794 --> 00:16:21.162
  • He's pilate.
  • 00:16:21.162 --> 00:16:22.497
  • He's the roman governor of judea.
  • 00:16:22.497 --> 00:16:23.865
  • He's not jewish.
  • 00:16:23.865 --> 00:16:25.266
  • He doesn't preside over the daily sacrifices.
  • 00:16:25.266 --> 00:16:28.002
  • He's not a student of scripture.
  • 00:16:28.002 --> 00:16:30.371
  • Very different character.
  • 00:16:30.371 --> 00:16:32.306
  • Very different life story.
  • 00:16:32.306 --> 00:16:33.775
  • Very different engagement with the community.
  • 00:16:33.775 --> 00:16:36.277
  • He's in jerusalem and in judea.
  • 00:16:36.277 --> 00:16:38.212
  • Because of his roman citizenship, he's been given an
  • 00:16:38.212 --> 00:16:41.315
  • Appointment; a position of power, of political authority.
  • 00:16:41.315 --> 00:16:45.620
  • But the romans are the ones who do crucifixions.
  • 00:16:45.620 --> 00:16:47.855
  • The jews don't crucify people.
  • 00:16:47.855 --> 00:16:49.991
  • For jesus to be crucified, the jewish authorities need the
  • 00:16:49.991 --> 00:16:52.827
  • Blessing of the roman governor.
  • 00:16:52.827 --> 00:16:55.063
  • And so after they've arrested jesus in gethsemane, they bring
  • 00:16:55.063 --> 00:16:57.932
  • Jesus to pilate's palace early in the morning.
  • 00:16:57.932 --> 00:17:03.404
  • They want to get this done before sunset.
  • 00:17:03.404 --> 00:17:05.273
  • It's a holiday and they need it to be done before the sun set.
  • 00:17:05.273 --> 00:17:09.477
  • And they begin this interaction with pilate, and in luke 23 and
  • 00:17:09.477 --> 00:17:12.914
  • Verse 13 says, "pilate called together the chief priests and
  • 00:17:12.914 --> 00:17:16.484
  • The rulers of the people, and he said to them, 'you brought me
  • 00:17:16.484 --> 00:17:20.588
  • This man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion.
  • 00:17:20.588 --> 00:17:23.858
  • I've examined him in your presence and i have found no
  • 00:17:23.858 --> 00:17:26.594
  • Basis for your charges against him.'"
  • 00:17:26.594 --> 00:17:30.231
  • That's the opposite perspective that caiaphas had.
  • 00:17:30.231 --> 00:17:34.135
  • Caiaphas in spite of the miracles, in spite of all the
  • 00:17:34.135 --> 00:17:36.270
  • Biblical fulfillment that jesus represented, he mocked him and
  • 00:17:36.270 --> 00:17:40.308
  • Wanted him condemned to death.
  • 00:17:40.308 --> 00:17:42.276
  • Pilate says, "i've interviewed him.
  • 00:17:42.276 --> 00:17:43.945
  • I've listened to your charges and i can find no basis for your
  • 00:17:43.945 --> 00:17:48.116
  • Charges against him."
  • 00:17:48.116 --> 00:17:50.985
  • In fact, he said, "i sent him to herod, who's the jewish governor
  • 00:17:50.985 --> 00:17:54.288
  • Of the galilee, and he sent him back to us.
  • 00:17:54.288 --> 00:17:56.357
  • As you can see, he's done nothing to deserve death.
  • 00:17:56.357 --> 00:17:59.727
  • Therefore, i'll punish him and release him."
  • 00:17:59.727 --> 00:18:02.897
  • "with one voice they cried out, 'away with this man.
  • 00:18:02.897 --> 00:18:06.267
  • Release barabbas to us.'"
  • 00:18:06.267 --> 00:18:08.936
  • You know what the liberal scholars will tell you when you
  • 00:18:08.936 --> 00:18:10.872
  • Read that?
  • 00:18:10.872 --> 00:18:12.406
  • I know 'cause i listened to them.
  • 00:18:12.406 --> 00:18:14.675
  • They said you can't trust the authority of scripture.
  • 00:18:14.675 --> 00:18:18.446
  • The romans crucified jesus, but the jewish people didn't have
  • 00:18:18.446 --> 00:18:22.183
  • The courage to say it so they blamed the romans for it in
  • 00:18:22.183 --> 00:18:25.052
  • The gospels.
  • 00:18:25.052 --> 00:18:27.355
  • I believe in the veracity of the report we have in the gospels.
  • 00:18:27.355 --> 00:18:32.360
  • Pilate said, "i find no reason to condemn this man."
  • 00:18:32.360 --> 00:18:36.063
  • And the people said, "we would rather have barabbas."
  • 00:18:36.063 --> 00:18:38.866
  • In the 20th verse of that same 23rd chapter of luke, "wanting
  • 00:18:38.866 --> 00:18:42.703
  • To release jesus," it said, "pilate appealed to them again.
  • 00:18:42.703 --> 00:18:47.175
  • But they kept shouting, 'crucify him.
  • 00:18:47.175 --> 00:18:49.377
  • Crucify him.'
  • 00:18:49.377 --> 00:18:50.811
  • For the third time pilate spoke to them, 'why?
  • 00:18:50.811 --> 00:18:54.615
  • What crime has this man committed?
  • 00:18:54.615 --> 00:18:56.450
  • I find in him no grounds for the death penalty.'"
  • 00:18:56.450 --> 00:19:00.488
  • "i'll have him punished, or we'll have him beaten.
  • 00:19:00.488 --> 00:19:03.758
  • We'll make him suffer, but there's no reason to kill him,"
  • 00:19:03.758 --> 00:19:06.694
  • Pilate said.
  • 00:19:06.694 --> 00:19:08.529
  • "but with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be
  • 00:19:08.529 --> 00:19:11.799
  • Crucified, and their shouts prevailed.
  • 00:19:11.799 --> 00:19:14.535
  • So pilate decided to grant their demand."
  • 00:19:14.535 --> 00:19:20.374
  • Pilate knows he's innocent.
  • 00:19:20.374 --> 00:19:22.577
  • He's interviewed him.
  • 00:19:22.577 --> 00:19:24.412
  • He's used to the judgment seat.
  • 00:19:24.412 --> 00:19:26.981
  • He passes judgment on the lives of men and women and allows
  • 00:19:26.981 --> 00:19:30.885
  • Them to live or die on a regular basis.
  • 00:19:30.885 --> 00:19:33.187
  • He knows murderers and liars and thieves and his conclusion is
  • 00:19:33.187 --> 00:19:37.658
  • That jesus of nazareth is as innocent.
  • 00:19:37.658 --> 00:19:40.661
  • But there's tremendous political on him because
  • 00:19:40.661 --> 00:19:43.030
  • His assignment is to keep the peace in jerusalem, to keep
  • 00:19:43.030 --> 00:19:46.033
  • The peace in judea.
  • 00:19:46.033 --> 00:19:47.702
  • And if he loses the support of the most powerful religious,
  • 00:19:47.702 --> 00:19:50.671
  • Political leaders in the jewish community, his posting is
  • 00:19:50.671 --> 00:19:54.075
  • In jeopardy.
  • 00:19:54.075 --> 00:19:57.178
  • He's tried three times.
  • 00:19:57.178 --> 00:19:59.714
  • But it doesn't really stop there.
  • 00:19:59.714 --> 00:20:01.082
  • In matthew 27 and verse 19, "while pilate is sitting on the
  • 00:20:01.082 --> 00:20:04.518
  • Judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: 'don't have
  • 00:20:04.518 --> 00:20:08.556
  • Anything to do with that innocent man.
  • 00:20:08.556 --> 00:20:10.291
  • I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because
  • 00:20:10.291 --> 00:20:13.694
  • Of him.'"
  • 00:20:13.694 --> 00:20:15.029
  • His wife had a dream.
  • 00:20:15.029 --> 00:20:16.364
  • The mercy of god.
  • 00:20:16.364 --> 00:20:17.765
  • Pilate is given multiple opportunities.
  • 00:20:20.868 --> 00:20:26.307
  • And then there's this fascinating scene in matthew 27.
  • 00:20:26.307 --> 00:20:30.311
  • Begins in verse 24, it says, "when pilate saw that he was
  • 00:20:30.311 --> 00:20:32.980
  • Getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was
  • 00:20:32.980 --> 00:20:36.250
  • Starting--" he couldn't have that.
  • 00:20:36.250 --> 00:20:38.486
  • He couldn't stand for there to be a riot.
  • 00:20:38.486 --> 00:20:41.722
  • "an uproar was starting, so he took water and he washed his
  • 00:20:41.722 --> 00:20:45.526
  • Hands in front of the crowd.
  • 00:20:45.526 --> 00:20:47.628
  • 'i'm innocent of this man's blood,' he said.
  • 00:20:47.628 --> 00:20:49.497
  • 'it's your responsibility.'
  • 00:20:49.497 --> 00:20:51.666
  • And all the people answered, 'let his blood be on us and
  • 00:20:51.666 --> 00:20:54.769
  • Our children.'
  • 00:20:54.769 --> 00:20:56.203
  • And he released barabbas to them.
  • 00:20:56.203 --> 00:20:58.539
  • But he had jesus flogged, and handed him over to
  • 00:20:58.539 --> 00:21:02.143
  • Be crucified."
  • 00:21:02.143 --> 00:21:04.812
  • It's a hard story.
  • 00:21:04.812 --> 00:21:06.147
  • It's hard just to read it.
  • 00:21:06.147 --> 00:21:07.882
  • It's more difficult to truly think about it.
  • 00:21:07.882 --> 00:21:09.784
  • I want to ask you a question.
  • 00:21:09.784 --> 00:21:11.986
  • I want to impanel you as expert witnesses.
  • 00:21:11.986 --> 00:21:16.223
  • You know something of the character of god.
  • 00:21:16.223 --> 00:21:19.093
  • You know something of the kingdom of god.
  • 00:21:19.093 --> 00:21:22.129
  • We're told in the narrative that pilate knows jesus is innocent.
  • 00:21:22.129 --> 00:21:25.933
  • He understands him to be an innocent man.
  • 00:21:25.933 --> 00:21:29.270
  • He's been warned by his wife.
  • 00:21:29.270 --> 00:21:30.938
  • She's had a dream, saying, "don't touch this man."
  • 00:21:30.938 --> 00:21:34.842
  • Pilate knowing all of that decides to condemn him to death,
  • 00:21:34.842 --> 00:21:41.382
  • But his solution is a bowl of water.
  • 00:21:41.382 --> 00:21:44.218
  • He has a bowl of water brought out, and he washes his hands in
  • 00:21:47.254 --> 00:21:50.925
  • The bowl and he makes a very feeble attempt.
  • 00:21:50.925 --> 00:21:56.163
  • He said, "now i'm innocent of this man's blood."
  • 00:21:56.163 --> 00:21:58.733
  • Here's my question.
  • 00:21:58.733 --> 00:22:00.067
  • How many of you think pouring a little water on pilate's hands
  • 00:22:00.067 --> 00:22:06.340
  • Made him innocent in the halls of heaven?
  • 00:22:06.340 --> 00:22:10.478
  • Think that'll do it?
  • 00:22:10.478 --> 00:22:12.947
  • If a little water would make you innocent, i'd have brought out
  • 00:22:12.947 --> 00:22:15.883
  • A tub.
  • 00:22:15.883 --> 00:22:18.652
  • I'd have gone to the sea of galilee or the ocean, the
  • 00:22:18.652 --> 00:22:21.322
  • Mediterranean or the--i'd have gone someplace for lots of water
  • 00:22:21.322 --> 00:22:24.525
  • 'cause imagine the attitude in heaven.
  • 00:22:24.525 --> 00:22:28.262
  • Can you hear the silence?
  • 00:22:28.262 --> 00:22:30.064
  • Jesus before the judgment seat of the roman governor, he can
  • 00:22:30.064 --> 00:22:33.134
  • Free him or he can condemn him to crucifixion.
  • 00:22:33.134 --> 00:22:37.037
  • Pilate knows he's innocent.
  • 00:22:37.037 --> 00:22:39.974
  • If caiaphas was guilty of self-righteousness, where did
  • 00:22:39.974 --> 00:22:46.647
  • Pilate miss the grace of god?
  • 00:22:46.647 --> 00:22:50.785
  • I would submit to you he made the choice that was expedient.
  • 00:22:50.785 --> 00:22:54.989
  • It was the easiest.
  • 00:22:54.989 --> 00:22:57.658
  • It was the one that satisfied his ambition for his career, for
  • 00:22:57.658 --> 00:23:01.896
  • His future, for his retirement so he could overlook the
  • 00:23:01.896 --> 00:23:07.835
  • Innocence of an individual.
  • 00:23:07.835 --> 00:23:10.905
  • After all, he was capitulating to the voices of the leaders in
  • 00:23:10.905 --> 00:23:14.475
  • The community and it'd be better to be applauded by the community
  • 00:23:14.475 --> 00:23:17.978
  • Than to take a stand for what you know to be right and he
  • 00:23:17.978 --> 00:23:23.150
  • Missed his invitation.
  • 00:23:23.150 --> 00:23:24.518
  • Think how dramatically different pontius pilate's life would have
  • 00:23:24.518 --> 00:23:27.288
  • Been if when jesus said, "you're right, i'm a king."
  • 00:23:27.288 --> 00:23:30.958
  • If he had knelt and said, "my lord and my king."
  • 00:23:30.958 --> 00:23:37.531
  • Well, he would have lost his job no duh, but he would have
  • 00:23:37.531 --> 00:23:43.471
  • Changed his eternity.
  • 00:23:43.471 --> 00:23:46.607
  • "well, that's not easy."
  • 00:23:46.607 --> 00:23:48.742
  • Who said following jesus was easy?
  • 00:23:48.742 --> 00:23:53.147
  • I don't intend to present a soft gospel and an easy path.
  • 00:23:53.147 --> 00:23:58.552
  • Jesus said unless we take up our cross daily we should not
  • 00:23:58.552 --> 00:24:03.057
  • Consider ourselves his disciples.
  • 00:24:03.057 --> 00:24:06.894
  • It's free the ground at the foot of the cross and the entrance
  • 00:24:06.894 --> 00:24:11.465
  • Through that narrow door, but it's not cheap.
  • 00:24:11.465 --> 00:24:15.769
  • Pilate declined his opportunity and there's no evidence
  • 00:24:15.769 --> 00:24:19.673
  • That he ever was given another.
  • 00:24:19.673 --> 00:24:22.209
  • There's a third character i would point you to.
  • 00:24:22.209 --> 00:24:24.445
  • You know this one.
  • 00:24:24.445 --> 00:24:25.779
  • He's a part of jesus's inner circle.
  • 00:24:25.779 --> 00:24:28.148
  • Jesus recruited him.
  • 00:24:28.148 --> 00:24:29.483
  • He spent 3 years with him.
  • 00:24:29.483 --> 00:24:31.085
  • He traveled with him.
  • 00:24:31.085 --> 00:24:32.419
  • They shared meals together.
  • 00:24:32.419 --> 00:24:33.754
  • He saw jesus walk on the water and speak to the wind and
  • 00:24:33.754 --> 00:24:36.223
  • The waves.
  • 00:24:36.223 --> 00:24:37.591
  • He saw him raise the dead and open blind eyes.
  • 00:24:37.591 --> 00:24:39.560
  • You know his name.
  • 00:24:39.560 --> 00:24:40.895
  • He's judas.
  • 00:24:40.895 --> 00:24:42.329
  • Now, we know he's a traitor, but that's an
  • 00:24:42.329 --> 00:24:45.032
  • Incomplete explanation.
  • 00:24:45.032 --> 00:24:46.967
  • I've heard so many attempts to rescue judas, that he betrayed
  • 00:24:46.967 --> 00:24:50.938
  • Jesus because he wanted to accelerate jesus's
  • 00:24:50.938 --> 00:24:53.274
  • Acknowledgement as messiah.
  • 00:24:53.274 --> 00:24:56.110
  • Oh, bother.
  • 00:24:56.110 --> 00:24:58.245
  • It doesn't work for me.
  • 00:24:58.245 --> 00:25:00.180
  • In matthew 26 and verse 14, jesus is speaking, said, "one of
  • 00:25:00.180 --> 00:25:04.952
  • The twelve, the one called judas iscariot, went to the chief
  • 00:25:04.952 --> 00:25:07.521
  • Priests and he asked, 'what are you willing to give me if i
  • 00:25:07.521 --> 00:25:10.457
  • Hand him over to you?'
  • 00:25:10.457 --> 00:25:12.359
  • So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.
  • 00:25:12.359 --> 00:25:15.396
  • And from then on jesus watched for an opportunity to hand
  • 00:25:15.396 --> 00:25:18.232
  • Jesus over."
  • 00:25:18.232 --> 00:25:20.734
  • Unbelievable.
  • 00:25:20.734 --> 00:25:22.369
  • For 30 pieces of silver, he betrayed the lord.
  • 00:25:22.369 --> 00:25:27.875
  • Judas was the keeper of the money bag.
  • 00:25:27.875 --> 00:25:29.510
  • He was the treasurer.
  • 00:25:29.510 --> 00:25:31.979
  • There seems to be some question about his trustworthiness long
  • 00:25:31.979 --> 00:25:34.815
  • Before we get to the point where he actually betrayed the lord.
  • 00:25:34.815 --> 00:25:38.385
  • Jesus knew he would betray him.
  • 00:25:38.385 --> 00:25:40.487
  • He told him he would betray him.
  • 00:25:40.487 --> 00:25:42.022
  • He told him in front of the other disciples.
  • 00:25:42.022 --> 00:25:45.893
  • I'm a bit amused at people who say that jesus was always about
  • 00:25:45.893 --> 00:25:48.729
  • Kindness and a group hug, that he was never confrontational.
  • 00:25:48.729 --> 00:25:51.832
  • Folks, he confronted the leaders in jerusalem in public and in
  • 00:25:51.832 --> 00:25:55.069
  • Private with his--within his own circle.
  • 00:25:55.069 --> 00:25:58.072
  • He would say to peter, "get behind me, satan.
  • 00:25:58.072 --> 00:26:00.374
  • What you have in mind is not the purposes of god."
  • 00:26:00.374 --> 00:26:04.011
  • Sharing the last supper with his closest friends, he said, "one
  • 00:26:04.011 --> 00:26:07.514
  • Of you is a traitor.
  • 00:26:07.514 --> 00:26:08.882
  • One of you is going to betray me."
  • 00:26:08.882 --> 00:26:10.317
  • And he called judas out in front of the others.
  • 00:26:10.317 --> 00:26:14.355
  • That's an awkward meal.
  • 00:26:14.355 --> 00:26:17.257
  • Allen: you know, i really dislike the idea of a
  • 00:26:17.257 --> 00:26:18.959
  • Religious lecture.
  • 00:26:18.959 --> 00:26:20.394
  • I believe the point of ministry or opening the word of god is to
  • 00:26:20.394 --> 00:26:23.163
  • Be transformed by it.
  • 00:26:23.163 --> 00:26:24.865
  • So before we go, i want to give you two invitations.
  • 00:26:24.865 --> 00:26:26.767
  • One's a prayer i'm going to pray with you, but the other is our
  • 00:26:26.767 --> 00:26:28.836
  • Offer this month.
  • 00:26:28.836 --> 00:26:30.204
  • The book is "the lord is my shepherd" by my friend
  • 00:26:30.204 --> 00:26:32.306
  • Rob morgan.
  • 00:26:32.306 --> 00:26:33.641
  • It's an important word in this season to understand god's
  • 00:26:33.641 --> 00:26:37.611
  • Direction, his abiding presence, his protection.
  • 00:26:37.611 --> 00:26:40.614
  • We all need that.
  • 00:26:40.614 --> 00:26:41.949
  • It'll be a blessing in your life and something i think you want
  • 00:26:41.949 --> 00:26:43.951
  • To share with some friends.
  • 00:26:43.951 --> 00:26:45.486
  • But i want to pray with you before we go, that we'll know
  • 00:26:45.486 --> 00:26:47.354
  • We're not alone.
  • 00:26:47.354 --> 00:26:48.756
  • Heavenly father, i thank you for the resources you give us, for
  • 00:26:48.756 --> 00:26:51.659
  • The voices that you provide in our lives; that in a world of
  • 00:26:51.659 --> 00:26:54.695
  • Turmoil and confusion and honestly great fear that your
  • 00:26:54.695 --> 00:26:58.298
  • Calm assuring voice guides us, and i thank you for it today.
  • 00:26:58.298 --> 00:27:02.503
  • Thank you for your faithfulness.
  • 00:27:02.503 --> 00:27:03.837
  • In jesus's name, amen.
  • 00:27:03.837 --> 00:27:06.540
  • Get a copy of "the lord is my shepherd," and you take your
  • 00:27:06.540 --> 00:27:09.677
  • Prayers into your family.
  • 00:27:09.677 --> 00:27:11.011
  • We're a light in this dark world.
  • 00:27:11.011 --> 00:27:12.913
  • God is moving and we want to move with him.
  • 00:27:12.913 --> 00:27:27.394