WEBVTT 00:00:03.120 --> 00:00:14.960 Last few days I've been battling through a sinus infection, so the Lord's strength, I'm gonna do my best to uh get through this sermon, and hopefully my voice holds up. 00:00:16.800 --> 00:00:22.640 Some stories are so hard to believe they could only happen in a movie. 00:00:23.039 --> 00:00:25.280 We see this all the time. 00:00:26.320 --> 00:00:32.079 As a kid, I remember watching movies like Rookie of the Year and Like Mike. 00:00:32.560 --> 00:00:42.000 Fun, feel-good sports stories where a young, ordinary kid magically gains the ability to play like the pros. 00:00:43.039 --> 00:00:49.119 A freak accident leads to a throwing arm powerful enough to pitch in the major leagues. 00:00:49.920 --> 00:00:54.719 A pair of sneakers gives the ability to play basketball like Michael Jordan. 00:00:55.679 --> 00:01:02.560 Like I said, stories that are so hard to believe, they could only happen in movies. 00:01:03.280 --> 00:01:11.359 But in each of these stories, there's a point where they suddenly lose their special ability in front of large crowds. 00:01:11.840 --> 00:01:13.680 And it's embarrassing. 00:01:14.000 --> 00:01:19.599 They've become ordinary again, and suddenly they look completely out of place. 00:01:20.400 --> 00:01:27.439 All the confidence, all the ability, all the success suddenly vanishes. 00:01:28.560 --> 00:01:34.000 And in that moment, they're forced to come to grips with something that they took for granted. 00:01:34.400 --> 00:01:38.239 The power they had wasn't far from themselves. 00:01:38.719 --> 00:01:40.239 It was borrowed. 00:01:40.560 --> 00:01:46.159 And when it's gone, they're left exposed, humbled, weak. 00:01:47.120 --> 00:01:49.519 It's not just a clever movie twist. 00:01:49.760 --> 00:01:52.560 It's a reflection of our human nature. 00:01:53.359 --> 00:02:03.840 We are so quick to trust in our own abilities that even when we are empowered by something else, we allow pride to get to our heads. 00:02:04.400 --> 00:02:11.680 We forget that we are truly ordinary, and that there's really nothing special about us. 00:02:12.879 --> 00:02:23.439 Even as Christians, we forget how utterly dependent we are until God, in his mercy, reminds us. 00:02:24.800 --> 00:02:36.479 Sometimes he reminds us by withholding power, sometimes by humbling our pride, sometimes by showing us the limits of what we can do on our own. 00:02:37.439 --> 00:02:46.000 And when that moment comes, and it always does, we're forced to ask ourselves, what kind of disciple am I? 00:02:46.479 --> 00:02:54.639 One who trusts in myself, or one who completely depends on the strength and power of God. 00:02:56.319 --> 00:03:00.240 Today's passage confronts that question head on. 00:03:00.960 --> 00:03:09.360 And if you have your Bibles with you, please turn with me to the Gospel of Mark, chapter 9, starting in verse 14. 00:03:10.400 --> 00:03:13.280 We will be closing out the rest of chapter 9 today. 00:03:13.599 --> 00:03:18.080 But before we get there, let's first go to the Lord in prayer. 00:03:19.520 --> 00:03:29.280 Father in heaven, as we open your word this morning, we pray that you would give us eyes to see and hearts that are ready to respond in faith. 00:03:29.439 --> 00:03:44.319 We pray that your Holy Spirit would equip us and empower us, and that we would be reminded that apart from His work, we cannot accomplish mighty things, good things for your kingdom. 00:03:44.479 --> 00:03:45.840 We need your help. 00:03:46.080 --> 00:03:47.680 We cannot do this on our own. 00:03:47.759 --> 00:03:58.719 And so as we turn to your word this morning, would you uh instruct our hearts and uh and be able to use it as we go forward? 00:03:58.879 --> 00:04:00.639 And it's in Jesus' name we pray. 00:04:00.960 --> 00:04:01.599 Amen. 00:04:03.439 --> 00:04:07.520 So again it's Mark chapter 9, starting with verse 14. 00:04:09.360 --> 00:04:16.160 And when they came back to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 00:04:16.399 --> 00:04:26.879 And immediately, when the entire crowd saw him, they were amazed, and as they ran up, they were greeting him, and he asked them, What are you arguing with them? 00:04:27.360 --> 00:04:43.279 And one of the crowd answered him, Teacher, I brought you my son, possessed with a spirit that makes him mute, and whenever it seizes him, it slams him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. 00:04:43.839 --> 00:04:47.839 I told your disciples to cast it out, and they could not do it. 00:04:50.000 --> 00:04:58.720 If you remember from last week, Jesus took three disciples up to the top of a high mountain, where they witnessed the transfiguration. 00:04:59.439 --> 00:05:05.120 Meanwhile, the other nine disciples found some ways to keep busy. 00:05:05.680 --> 00:05:16.399 In this scene, Jesus and the three arrive to see that the others were surrounded by a large crowd of people, along with some confrontational scribes. 00:05:17.199 --> 00:05:23.839 It soon becomes apparent that a father had brought his demon-possessed son to be healed. 00:05:24.160 --> 00:05:34.319 He came looking for Jesus, but had to settle for these disciples, hoping and expecting them to be able to cast the demon out. 00:05:35.199 --> 00:05:39.120 And to all of their disappointment, they have no success. 00:05:40.800 --> 00:05:43.680 And this is startling for the disciples. 00:05:43.920 --> 00:05:54.319 If you remember from previous chapters in Mark, they had already been commissioned and sent out to do things like cast out demons, and with quite a bit of success. 00:05:54.959 --> 00:05:59.360 Up to this point, there wasn't a demon that they couldn't cast out. 00:05:59.600 --> 00:06:08.240 So you can imagine the confusion and panic that must have come upon them when they were overpowered and unsuccessful. 00:06:08.720 --> 00:06:10.720 It was flat out embarrassing. 00:06:10.879 --> 00:06:16.959 And to make matters worse, these scribes were there to taunt them and to make them feel foolish. 00:06:17.439 --> 00:06:26.800 All of this taking place right in front of their teacher and their peers who arrived just in time to witness this utter failure. 00:06:27.920 --> 00:06:33.759 The way that this father describes what happens to his son sounds horrifying. 00:06:34.079 --> 00:06:42.720 For anyone who has witnessed a seizure firsthand, you know how frightening the experience can be. 00:06:43.360 --> 00:06:51.279 The sudden loss of control, the violent convulsing, the helplessness of the person afflicted. 00:06:51.759 --> 00:06:53.439 It rattles you. 00:06:54.079 --> 00:06:58.560 And when it's a child, it's even more heartbreaking. 00:06:59.120 --> 00:07:11.040 That sense of helplessness is exactly what this father brings to Jesus: a desperate plea for deliverance, because every other attempt had failed. 00:07:12.079 --> 00:07:14.879 Continuing with verses 19 through 29. 00:07:15.360 --> 00:07:20.639 And he answered them and said, O unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? 00:07:20.879 --> 00:07:22.800 How long shall I put up with you? 00:07:23.040 --> 00:07:24.480 Bring him to me. 00:07:24.720 --> 00:07:26.319 And they brought the boy to him. 00:07:26.480 --> 00:07:35.759 When he saw him, immediately the spirit threw him into a convulsion, and falling to the ground he began rolling around, foaming at the mouth. 00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:40.000 And he asked his father, How long has this been happening to him? 00:07:40.240 --> 00:07:42.879 And he said, From childhood. 00:07:43.360 --> 00:07:49.680 And it has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. 00:07:50.560 --> 00:07:55.519 But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us. 00:07:56.319 --> 00:08:03.839 And Jesus said to him, If you can, all things are possible to him who believes. 00:08:04.639 --> 00:08:11.279 Immediately the boy's father cried out and was saying, I do believe, help my unbelief. 00:08:12.319 --> 00:08:25.759 Now when Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again. 00:08:26.480 --> 00:08:36.399 And after crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions, it came out, and the boy became so much like a corpse that most of them said, He is dead. 00:08:37.039 --> 00:08:41.840 But Jesus took him by the hand and raised him, and he stood up. 00:08:42.080 --> 00:08:49.360 And when he came into the house, his disciples began questioning him privately, Why could we not cast it out? 00:08:49.759 --> 00:08:55.919 And he said to them, This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer. 00:08:58.720 --> 00:09:07.600 Jesus rebukes his own disciples for their lack of faith before he rebukes the unclean spirit. 00:09:08.639 --> 00:09:10.720 Let that sink in for a moment. 00:09:12.879 --> 00:09:23.759 We find out that the disciples failed, ironically, not for lack of power, but for lack of faith, which rendered them powerless. 00:09:24.480 --> 00:09:31.039 They had gotten so used to casting out demons that they forgot the power wasn't theirs. 00:09:31.600 --> 00:09:34.399 It had always come from Jesus. 00:09:35.200 --> 00:09:42.399 It was their self-reliance and unbelief that caused them to be unable to cast out this demon. 00:09:43.200 --> 00:09:48.159 Jesus says that this kind cannot come out by anything but prayer. 00:09:48.559 --> 00:09:58.000 In other words, only the dependency on God that comes through prayer can produce the power needed to cast this demon out. 00:09:58.960 --> 00:10:11.440 Self-reliance or self-confidence, when you break it down, is really a form of unbelief because it lacks prayerful dependence on God. 00:10:12.559 --> 00:10:23.679 It's a reminder that faith is required for the power of God to be effective in our lives and for the spiritual good of others. 00:10:24.320 --> 00:10:32.799 The great Puritan Thomas Watson once said, Till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet. 00:10:33.679 --> 00:10:39.279 The sin here is not gross immorality, it's prideful independence. 00:10:39.759 --> 00:10:44.159 The disciples were trusting in themselves, not in Christ. 00:10:44.720 --> 00:10:55.440 And Jesus uses this moment to lovingly wound their pride for their ultimate spiritual good and for his own glory. 00:10:56.480 --> 00:11:07.840 And just as Jesus exposes the pride hidden in the hearts of his disciples, he also exposes the power of the enemy at work in this child. 00:11:09.039 --> 00:11:14.639 Mark's gospel often uses the word immediately to convey urgency. 00:11:15.200 --> 00:11:22.320 And here it marks the demon's violent last ditch effort as Jesus draws near. 00:11:22.799 --> 00:11:27.519 This is what happens when true authority confronts evil. 00:11:28.159 --> 00:11:34.000 There's resistance, there's chaos, but eventually submission. 00:11:35.039 --> 00:11:42.879 The demons may rage, but they cannot prevail under the eternal reign of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 00:11:43.200 --> 00:11:43.840 Amen. 00:11:57.279 --> 00:12:08.399 As already mentioned, he first rebukes his own disciples for their lack of faith and prayer, but then turns his attention to the father of the boy. 00:12:08.960 --> 00:12:17.600 Like a physician asking diagnostic questions, Jesus asks the father how long this has been happening to his son. 00:12:18.639 --> 00:12:23.039 We find out that this has been going on since he was a young child. 00:12:23.919 --> 00:12:30.799 This demon would often throw this boy into fire or water to try and destroy him. 00:12:31.279 --> 00:12:38.639 In other words, this demon had every intention of bringing death upon this child. 00:12:39.600 --> 00:12:49.120 And we are yet again reminded that the powers of darkness have one goal in mind to kill and to destroy. 00:12:49.840 --> 00:12:53.039 That's what Satan has come to accomplish. 00:12:53.919 --> 00:12:55.759 He hates children. 00:12:56.159 --> 00:12:58.639 He hates what God loves. 00:12:59.360 --> 00:13:04.399 This horrifying experience was a natural occurrence for this young boy. 00:13:04.720 --> 00:13:11.279 You can imagine how desperate the father must have been to finally see his boy made well. 00:13:12.159 --> 00:13:15.440 And this father, he's struggling. 00:13:16.000 --> 00:13:23.600 We see that when he exclaims, But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us. 00:13:25.200 --> 00:13:35.120 Within that statement, Jesus engages with a kind of faith that persists even in doubt, if you can do anything. 00:13:35.600 --> 00:13:50.159 We see that this father had every reason to doubt that his son would ever be made well again, as time after time after time people have failed him, including Jesus' own disciples. 00:13:50.639 --> 00:14:04.720 And yet, even still, this father musters a kind of faith that still clings to hope, still persists to cry out to Jesus for help. 00:14:05.679 --> 00:14:14.960 Jesus responds by turning the if you can into a all things can be made possible to the one who believes. 00:14:15.919 --> 00:14:17.279 We just sang it. 00:14:18.960 --> 00:14:22.639 All things are possible, only believe. 00:14:23.600 --> 00:14:26.720 So of course Jesus Jesus can do this, right? 00:14:27.039 --> 00:14:28.480 Of course he can. 00:14:28.960 --> 00:14:37.200 The question really becomes, can you believe that all things are possible to the one who believes? 00:14:37.840 --> 00:14:40.799 The Father responds with an honest plea. 00:14:41.120 --> 00:14:42.480 I do believe. 00:14:42.799 --> 00:14:44.399 Help my unbelief. 00:14:45.519 --> 00:14:48.240 And this is so true of many of us. 00:14:48.559 --> 00:14:52.240 We believe, and yet we struggle with doubt. 00:14:52.559 --> 00:14:57.919 It's a bit of a paradox, or at the very least, it's an inner tension. 00:14:58.320 --> 00:15:04.240 We have this way of believing gospel truths in our minds, but not in our hearts. 00:15:04.559 --> 00:15:07.840 It's a kind of faith that's fragile. 00:15:08.559 --> 00:15:16.399 We know something to be true about God, but in a moment of weakness, we have a hard time trusting Him. 00:15:17.279 --> 00:15:25.360 Connecting that faith between mind and heart is an 18-inch journey that makes all the difference. 00:15:26.559 --> 00:15:31.759 And for this father, he was clinging to what little faith that he had. 00:15:32.399 --> 00:15:33.919 And it was enough. 00:15:34.480 --> 00:15:47.360 Sometimes we need that reminder to press on in hope, even in times of desperation, where our faith is weak and our strength is failing. 00:15:49.120 --> 00:15:54.799 Jesus is the one we can always turn to in our greatest times of need. 00:16:00.480 --> 00:16:05.279 And even when our faith is weak, he is still mighty to save. 00:16:06.559 --> 00:16:12.159 Jesus is able to do what no one else could do for this father and his son. 00:16:12.720 --> 00:16:19.919 That's because, as 1 John 3:8 states, Jesus came to undo the works of the devil. 00:16:20.480 --> 00:16:27.200 The powers of darkness came to steal this child's life and crush his family with despair. 00:16:28.159 --> 00:16:41.679 But Jesus came to rescue, to heal, and to save, because that's what he does for those who come to him in faith, even faith that's trembling and weak. 00:16:42.879 --> 00:16:51.759 Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit, saying to it, You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again. 00:16:52.799 --> 00:16:59.919 It's interesting that some demon possessions can cause things like being mute or being deaf. 00:17:01.279 --> 00:17:11.759 But Jesus has a way of bringing healing to those who are physically afflicted, loosing tongues to speak, giving ears to hear, and opening eyes to see. 00:17:12.720 --> 00:17:16.400 Jesus came to set captives free. 00:17:17.440 --> 00:17:27.759 Even as this demon resists and doesn't want to go down without a fight, it must inevitably submit to the power and authority of Jesus Christ. 00:17:28.880 --> 00:17:31.200 The boy is in critical condition. 00:17:31.440 --> 00:17:35.119 Many onlookers presume that he is dead. 00:17:35.759 --> 00:17:40.480 But with Jesus, it never truly ends with death. 00:17:41.119 --> 00:17:47.759 Jesus had a purpose to deliver this boy from death, and he will be glorified. 00:17:48.240 --> 00:17:53.839 He takes this little one by the hand and physically lifts him up to his feet. 00:17:54.480 --> 00:18:00.880 And what Jesus does for this child physically, he does the same for us spiritually. 00:18:01.920 --> 00:18:18.240 When our faith is weak, when we're down and nearly counted out, Jesus takes us by the hand, lifts us up, and restores us, not by our strength, but by his mercy. 00:18:19.759 --> 00:18:22.160 A final thought to verse 29. 00:18:22.640 --> 00:18:28.160 And he said to them, This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer. 00:18:29.359 --> 00:18:40.880 Some commentators note that Jesus may have been referring to the prayer of the petitioner, the father in this case, rather than the ones performing the exorcism. 00:18:42.000 --> 00:18:48.720 It's a sobering thought to consider the spiritual implications of a praying parent for their child. 00:18:49.680 --> 00:18:55.440 We must be reminded that the powers of darkness are after our children. 00:18:56.079 --> 00:18:59.839 Therefore, we must be diligent in prayer. 00:19:00.799 --> 00:19:02.640 It makes all the difference. 00:19:03.920 --> 00:19:11.519 Prayer is the expression of humble faith, a mighty weapon, even in weak hands. 00:19:12.640 --> 00:19:20.960 The disciples failed because they relied on themselves, but the father received help because he cried out in faith. 00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:25.200 One was confident but powerless. 00:19:25.440 --> 00:19:28.640 The other was desperate to be saved and delivered. 00:19:30.079 --> 00:19:32.319 So where are we in this story? 00:19:33.279 --> 00:19:37.119 Are we just coasting on the strength of yesterday? 00:19:38.400 --> 00:19:44.000 Or are we still clinging to Christ daily in dependent prayer? 00:19:45.039 --> 00:19:50.559 John Calvin once said, prayer is the chief exercise of faith. 00:19:52.400 --> 00:19:58.079 Some of you feel like perhaps your ministry days are behind you. 00:19:58.720 --> 00:20:01.680 You might not lead a group or teach a class. 00:20:02.240 --> 00:20:03.519 But guess what? 00:20:04.640 --> 00:20:08.960 You still have something powerful in your hands, and that's prayer. 00:20:09.759 --> 00:20:16.799 You still have access to the throne of grace, and that's where the real work happens. 00:20:17.759 --> 00:20:26.400 It doesn't matter how old you are or how physically weak you may be, you still have the power of prayer. 00:20:26.799 --> 00:20:36.640 If you'd only believe, true disciples depend on God for his help and for his power to work through them. 00:20:37.039 --> 00:20:39.119 Let's continue with verse 30. 00:20:41.599 --> 00:20:48.160 From there they went out and were going through Galilee, and he was not wanting anyone to know about it. 00:20:48.720 --> 00:21:01.200 For he was teaching his disciples and telling them, The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and when he has been killed, he will rise again three days later. 00:21:01.839 --> 00:21:06.559 But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask him. 00:21:07.359 --> 00:21:14.880 And they came to Capernam, and when he was in the house he began to question them, What were you discussing on the way? 00:21:15.759 --> 00:21:22.480 But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. 00:21:23.359 --> 00:21:32.880 And sitting down he called the twelve and said to them, If any one wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all. 00:21:33.920 --> 00:21:44.640 And taking a child, he set him before them, and taking him in his arms he said to them, Whoever receives one child like this in my name receives me. 00:21:44.960 --> 00:21:49.359 And whoever receives me does not receive me, but him who sent me. 00:21:50.240 --> 00:21:58.319 John said to him, Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to hinder him because he was not following us. 00:21:58.720 --> 00:22:08.160 But Jesus said, Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in my name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 00:22:08.720 --> 00:22:12.240 For he who is not against us is for us. 00:22:12.880 --> 00:22:21.359 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward. 00:22:23.759 --> 00:22:31.920 Like a celebrity trying to keep a low profile, Jesus is making a point to avoid the public as he passes through Galilee. 00:22:32.559 --> 00:22:42.960 He then goes on to deliver another prediction of his death and resurrection to his disciples, who still have no true understanding of what he's talking about. 00:22:43.680 --> 00:22:51.759 After seeing Peter get strongly rebuked for speaking up, they're now afraid to ask Jesus questions about this topic. 00:22:52.720 --> 00:23:02.559 It's possible that the discussion that they were having amongst themselves about who is the greatest had to do with the implications of Jesus dying. 00:23:02.960 --> 00:23:08.000 Who would be the one to take over in his place and lead the others? 00:23:08.480 --> 00:23:16.559 Or what would be the rank of each disciple in the political kingdom which they were expecting Jesus to establish? 00:23:17.200 --> 00:23:31.359 Once again, we see that they are still setting their minds on their own interests, not God's, and pride and selfish ambition clouds spiritual understanding. 00:23:32.480 --> 00:23:34.559 Jesus confronts them. 00:23:38.559 --> 00:23:47.680 Just as he knows their thoughts and hearts, but as he always does, Jesus uses it as yet another teaching moment. 00:23:48.400 --> 00:23:55.279 He says, If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all. 00:23:55.920 --> 00:24:02.160 It's a complete reversal of expectations for those seeking power and position. 00:24:03.039 --> 00:24:07.279 The first shall be last and servant of all. 00:24:08.799 --> 00:24:23.359 It would be like asking the CEO of a Fortune 500 company to informally resign from his position to work as an intern who cleansed the company's toilets and got everyone in the office coffee each day. 00:24:24.160 --> 00:24:38.160 Jesus confronts their quiet pride and illustrates humility by referencing a child, considering that children are least in status and have no ability to repay. 00:24:38.480 --> 00:24:42.960 This was the example of who he calls his disciples to serve. 00:24:43.440 --> 00:24:49.680 And let's be honest, children can be demanding and require a lot of patience. 00:24:50.240 --> 00:24:54.240 But isn't that also true of us in our walk with Christ? 00:24:54.799 --> 00:25:03.359 Yet Jesus himself came to serve, not to be served, and to give his life as a ransom for many. 00:25:03.920 --> 00:25:08.720 Jesus warns his disciples, and this warning applies to us as well. 00:25:09.119 --> 00:25:13.839 Pride seeks position, but humility seeks service. 00:25:14.960 --> 00:25:31.599 If we are to please God, we must be willing to cast away our pride and selfish ambition to serve those who may never repay us back, trusting that our obedience is storing up for us treasures in heaven. 00:25:32.319 --> 00:25:44.640 As we look at verse 37, where Jesus says, Whoever receives me does not receive me but him who sent me, notice how he hints at unity with God the Father. 00:25:44.960 --> 00:25:58.720 To receive Jesus Christ, or in other words, to accept his teachings and obey his commands, is also to receive God the Father, who we know is the one who sent Jesus. 00:25:59.599 --> 00:26:04.720 However, those who reject Jesus also reject God the Father. 00:26:04.960 --> 00:26:07.039 They are a package deal. 00:26:07.599 --> 00:26:22.960 This has profound implications for those in Judaism, Islam, Jehovah's Witnesses, or any religion that claims to worship God, yet rejects Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God. 00:26:23.920 --> 00:26:30.559 By rejecting Christ, they are incidentally rejecting the God they claim to worship. 00:26:31.759 --> 00:26:43.200 Also worth noting are verses 38 through 41, where John seems to try and change the subject and express what he believes to be zealousness. 00:26:43.759 --> 00:26:51.359 Apparently, there were people who were casting out demons in Jesus' name, but weren't part of the group. 00:26:51.759 --> 00:26:55.680 So John made sure to hinder such people whenever possible. 00:26:56.400 --> 00:27:13.119 Now, what that means exactly, we can take our guesses, but it would be the equivalent of one church denouncing the ministry of another church in a public forum so as to dissuade people from going to that church and following its teachings. 00:27:13.839 --> 00:27:24.799 John probably expected Jesus to commend him for his work, but was surprised to find Jesus say that he who is not against us is for us. 00:27:25.759 --> 00:27:35.680 Furthermore, it is the obligation of the disciples to not hinder the work of anyone who performs a miracle in Jesus' name. 00:27:36.079 --> 00:27:41.920 Clearly, there is more to the kingdom of God than their click of disciples. 00:27:42.240 --> 00:27:48.240 But they couldn't grasp that as they focused on their own glory and their own expectations. 00:27:48.799 --> 00:27:53.680 And so Jesus rebukes John and the disciples for their narrowness. 00:27:54.559 --> 00:28:01.839 God's kingdom advances through every sphere of life and extends beyond our theological tribes. 00:28:02.880 --> 00:28:17.519 Therefore, we need to be careful not to limit God's work by interfering with the faithful and fruitful ministries of others, regardless of the different theological flavors that they may express. 00:28:18.319 --> 00:28:38.799 Some denominations might make this more difficult than others, but the point that we should all take away from Jesus' words here is that God uses all kinds of people from all kinds of churches to accomplish his will and kingdom purposes, and we need to be careful not to get in the way because of our pride. 00:28:39.839 --> 00:28:43.839 Continuing with verse forty-two through the end of the passage. 00:28:44.400 --> 00:28:56.000 And whoever causes one of these little ones who believed to stumble, it would be better for him if with a heavy millstone hung around his neck he had been cast into the sea. 00:28:56.319 --> 00:28:59.680 And if your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. 00:28:59.920 --> 00:29:13.200 It is better for you to enter life crippled than having your two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire, and where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. 00:29:13.519 --> 00:29:16.720 And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. 00:29:17.119 --> 00:29:27.759 It is better for you to enter life lame than having your two feet to be cast into hell, and where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. 00:29:28.079 --> 00:29:31.599 And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out. 00:29:31.839 --> 00:29:47.039 It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than having two eyes to be cast into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched, for every one will be salted with fire. 00:29:47.279 --> 00:29:54.000 Salt is good, but if the salt becomes unsalty, what will you make it salty again? 00:29:54.480 --> 00:29:59.119 Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another. 00:30:00.559 --> 00:30:07.359 As we read and listen to these words, it is intentional that we feel the weight of them. 00:30:08.480 --> 00:30:12.480 Woe to those who cause the little ones to stumble. 00:30:13.599 --> 00:30:17.920 Little ones can certainly be referred to as children. 00:30:18.160 --> 00:30:24.640 You can imagine the wrath of God for those who physically or sexually abuse children. 00:30:25.279 --> 00:30:34.400 And how often do those children go on to struggle with trusting God after going through such a horrific experience? 00:30:35.759 --> 00:30:39.359 Jesus' words are graphic and clear. 00:30:39.680 --> 00:30:47.039 Such people would be better off tying a millstone around their necks and thrown into the sea to drown. 00:30:48.559 --> 00:30:58.240 Little ones who believe can also be translated as little ones of the faith, or those who are young or new to the faith. 00:30:58.640 --> 00:31:05.599 Such little ones are vulnerable in the faith, and can more easily be led astray. 00:31:06.240 --> 00:31:13.680 The wrath of God is upon any false teacher who leads such little ones in the faith to go astray. 00:31:14.079 --> 00:31:24.720 You can imagine those who encounter God then soon find themselves in a church that teaches things like the prosperity gospel or denies biblical authority. 00:31:25.680 --> 00:31:35.279 Lives are either formed by Christ through faithful discipleship or deformed by the destructiveness of sin. 00:31:36.960 --> 00:31:51.519 And as we read verses 43 through 47, it uses hyperbolic language such as cut it off or gouge it out as a way to express a radical pursuit of purity. 00:31:52.400 --> 00:31:57.119 God calls his people to be holy and utterly devoted to Him. 00:31:57.440 --> 00:32:05.200 That requires putting sin to death and making absolutely no provision for sin in our lives. 00:32:05.680 --> 00:32:20.000 While our own pursuit of purity does not save us, a disregard for personal purity reveals works of the flesh, which accompany those who are destined for eternal damnation and hell. 00:32:20.799 --> 00:32:24.880 As Christians, we must take sin seriously. 00:32:25.359 --> 00:32:28.480 We must repent immediately when we sin. 00:32:29.119 --> 00:32:40.559 And we must resolve ourselves, as Jonathan Edwards once did, never to do anything which we would be afraid to do if it were the last hour of our lives. 00:32:42.079 --> 00:32:49.359 Woe to those who are found to indulge in works of the flesh before an appointment with God. 00:32:51.119 --> 00:33:01.839 And to be clear, our seriousness about sin is not legalism, but the fruit of true sanctification by way of discipleship. 00:33:02.240 --> 00:33:09.279 The only power we have to put sin to death in our lives comes through the work of the Holy Spirit. 00:33:09.920 --> 00:33:15.519 Finally, our purity is to be reflected in salt and fire. 00:33:16.480 --> 00:33:24.240 For all this talk of hell, I actually believe that verses 49 and 50 have to do with purity for Christians. 00:33:24.720 --> 00:33:28.559 Fire purifies and salt preserves. 00:33:28.799 --> 00:33:32.720 Together they enable a person to be sanctified. 00:33:33.839 --> 00:33:43.599 Therefore, salted with fire likely refers to the refining work of God in believers through trials and sacrifice. 00:33:44.240 --> 00:33:55.119 We're not talking about eternal judgment in these verses, but rather the purification that every believer in Christ experiences on the path of true discipleship. 00:33:55.759 --> 00:34:04.240 The humble disciple welcomes the refining fire of self-denial and holds fast to the preserving flavor of grace. 00:34:04.640 --> 00:34:11.840 And from that place of humility flows true peace, the kind that unites us as the family of God. 00:34:13.039 --> 00:34:23.199 As we find in this passage and throughout Scripture, humility is the key to experiencing the power and blessings of God in our lives. 00:34:23.679 --> 00:34:28.320 Humility is not weakness, it's kingdom strength. 00:34:30.480 --> 00:34:34.159 So, what does all of this mean for us today? 00:34:35.039 --> 00:34:41.199 As disciples who still struggle with things like pride, weakness, and unbelief. 00:34:42.239 --> 00:34:48.639 Well, we're reminded that pride is not just a character flaw, it's a spiritual danger. 00:34:48.880 --> 00:34:55.039 It sets us on a path toward destruction and it affects the people around us. 00:34:55.440 --> 00:34:59.599 When we stumble, others often stumble with us. 00:35:00.239 --> 00:35:11.519 That's why Scripture calls us to be watchful, to clothe ourselves not in self-assurance, but in the humility and righteousness of Jesus Christ. 00:35:12.239 --> 00:35:15.679 But his way is the way of the cross. 00:35:16.559 --> 00:35:19.599 The way of the cross is the way of humility. 00:35:20.159 --> 00:35:25.920 And as we walk that path, the power that sustains us is not our own. 00:35:26.239 --> 00:35:31.039 It's Christ in us, the hope of glory. 00:35:32.079 --> 00:35:37.039 Though we suffer, we suffer because Christ also suffered. 00:35:37.360 --> 00:35:42.400 But like his suffering, our suffering will ultimately have its limits. 00:35:43.199 --> 00:35:55.280 Because of what Jesus did on the cross to suffer and die for sins, we are able to experience a day where we shall suffer no more for all eternity. 00:35:56.079 --> 00:36:11.440 Just as Christ was raised, we too, who are united to Christ in faith, will be raised to life again and experience the incomprehensible joy of being in the presence of God forevermore. 00:36:12.000 --> 00:36:15.679 Church, we cling to this hope. 00:36:16.000 --> 00:36:22.719 We remember what Christ has done for us, and we embrace the path of true discipleship. 00:36:22.960 --> 00:36:29.920 We take sin seriously, we pray earnestly, and we serve joyfully. 00:36:30.159 --> 00:36:48.800 We remember that our strength is not our own, but in the one who makes all things possible for those who believe, who gives us the bold confidence to boast in our weakness, yet able to proclaim, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 00:36:49.280 --> 00:36:50.559 Let's pray. 00:36:52.880 --> 00:36:59.760 Father in heaven, what a glorious hope we have in your Son Jesus. 00:37:02.000 --> 00:37:06.480 We thank you, Lord Jesus, that you are the perfect model of humility. 00:37:07.840 --> 00:37:10.800 We thank you, God, that you give us your Holy Spirit. 00:37:11.119 --> 00:37:20.000 You give us access to the throne of grace, that we can come to you at any time through your Son Jesus. 00:37:20.480 --> 00:37:30.320 And we can come to you in prayer, knowing that that we we go to a God who is all-powerful, and therefore our prayer is powerful. 00:37:31.440 --> 00:37:40.559 And God, we pray that that you would bring conviction through your Holy Spirit for the ways in our lives that we are currently being prideful. 00:37:41.760 --> 00:37:44.880 Help us to put that sin to death immediately. 00:37:46.400 --> 00:37:47.760 Make us humble. 00:37:48.480 --> 00:37:54.719 We know through your word that those who humble themselves will be exalted, and those who exalt themselves will be humbled. 00:37:55.039 --> 00:37:57.840 And God, we don't want to learn that lesson the hard way. 00:37:59.280 --> 00:38:02.639 And so we look to you in all things. 00:38:03.280 --> 00:38:05.119 It's in Jesus' name we pray. 00:38:05.440 --> 00:38:06.079 Amen.