1 00:00:00,310 --> 00:00:08,209 Speaker 1: For many are called, but few chosen. Matthew 22.14 Dear Lord, 2 00:00:09,130 --> 00:00:12,559 Speaker 1: we come before you with hearts full of gratitude for 3 00:00:12,600 --> 00:00:16,900 Speaker 1: your infinite love and mercy. We thank you for calling 4 00:00:17,079 --> 00:00:20,619 Speaker 1: us into your kingdom and for the gift of salvation. 5 00:00:21,460 --> 00:00:25,919 Speaker 1: We acknowledge our deep need for you. We recognize that 6 00:00:25,980 --> 00:00:28,420 Speaker 1: it is not by our own merit that we are called, 7 00:00:29,330 --> 00:00:34,530 Speaker 1: but by your grace and divine purpose. Help us to 8 00:00:34,590 --> 00:00:39,170 Speaker 1: understand the significance of being chosen by you and to 9 00:00:39,220 --> 00:00:42,440 Speaker 1: live our lives in a way that honors this calling. 10 00:00:44,620 --> 00:00:49,640 Speaker 1: Transform our hearts, Father, so that we may be worthy 11 00:00:49,680 --> 00:00:54,160 Speaker 1: of the calling we have received. Instill in us a 12 00:00:54,240 --> 00:00:58,050 Speaker 1: deep desire to follow your will, and seek your guidance 13 00:00:58,490 --> 00:01:03,410 Speaker 1: in all that we do. Grant us the wisdom and 14 00:01:03,490 --> 00:01:08,350 Speaker 1: courage to live out our faith boldly, even when the 15 00:01:08,390 --> 00:01:12,980 Speaker 1: path is challenging. Empower us, Lord, to be a force 16 00:01:13,020 --> 00:01:19,160 Speaker 1: for good in our families, communities, and workplaces. May we 17 00:01:19,260 --> 00:01:25,530 Speaker 1: reflect your love and truth in our actions, serving as 18 00:01:25,580 --> 00:01:30,930 Speaker 1: a light to those around us. Strengthen us to persevere 19 00:01:31,090 --> 00:01:36,369 Speaker 1: in our faith, knowing that many are called, but few 20 00:01:36,770 --> 00:01:44,980 Speaker 1: are chosen. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Thank you 21 00:01:45,180 --> 00:01:49,220 Speaker 1: for praying with me today. This is the Jesus Podcast. 22 00:01:49,960 --> 00:01:55,100 Speaker 1: Gospel stories crafted to build your faith and awaken your imaginations. 23 00:01:56,460 --> 00:02:00,270 Speaker 1: If this podcast has offered value to your faith, we'd 24 00:02:00,330 --> 00:02:03,450 Speaker 1: love it if you would follow, leave a review, and 25 00:02:03,550 --> 00:02:09,370 Speaker 1: share with a friend. Jesus took some of his followers 26 00:02:09,470 --> 00:02:13,290 Speaker 1: up to a mountain. The crowd followed them and remained 27 00:02:13,310 --> 00:02:16,860 Speaker 1: at the bottom. Jesus paused and looked out at the 28 00:02:16,940 --> 00:02:21,380 Speaker 1: sea of faces. He did not see what others saw. 29 00:02:22,360 --> 00:02:27,239 Speaker 1: He saw sheep that were without a shepherd. They needed guidance. 30 00:02:28,139 --> 00:02:31,620 Speaker 1: They needed to be empowered and enlivened by God's Spirit. 31 00:02:33,150 --> 00:02:36,010 Speaker 1: There were a few followers beside him. He looked at 32 00:02:36,070 --> 00:02:38,650 Speaker 1: them and pointed down at the crowd. 33 00:02:39,250 --> 00:02:43,089 Speaker 2: Look out at them. The harvest is plentiful. There's no 34 00:02:43,190 --> 00:02:46,970 Speaker 2: shortage of people longing for hope. Do not pray for 35 00:02:46,990 --> 00:02:50,709 Speaker 2: the people to come, for they are already among you. No, 36 00:02:50,910 --> 00:02:55,459 Speaker 2: pray for the laborers. Pray for men and women to 37 00:02:55,560 --> 00:03:00,500 Speaker 2: rise up and work in the field. The harvest is plentiful, 38 00:03:01,180 --> 00:03:02,600 Speaker 2: but the laborers are few. 39 00:03:03,080 --> 00:03:07,250 Speaker 1: With those words, Jesus appointed twelve men to be his apostles, 40 00:03:08,290 --> 00:03:13,570 Speaker 1: chosen men who would follow Jesus everywhere. These men were 41 00:03:13,610 --> 00:03:17,970 Speaker 1: not chosen for their wisdom, influence, or skill. Each of 42 00:03:18,030 --> 00:03:22,940 Speaker 1: them had gifts, and each of them had flaws. They 43 00:03:23,000 --> 00:03:28,380 Speaker 1: were imperfect vessels, chosen by God to do mighty works. 44 00:03:30,260 --> 00:03:36,150 Speaker 1: God chose them for their hearts, but also their weaknesses, 45 00:03:37,390 --> 00:03:41,770 Speaker 1: for in their weakness God is shown to be strong. 46 00:03:43,810 --> 00:03:47,900 Speaker 1: He chose Simon, who he would now call Peter, which 47 00:03:47,940 --> 00:03:54,520 Speaker 1: means rock. Peter was loudmouthed and made rash decisions, Yet 48 00:03:54,600 --> 00:04:00,090 Speaker 1: within him was the heart of a leader. He chose 49 00:04:00,160 --> 00:04:04,710 Speaker 1: James and John, the sons of Zebedee. He nicknamed them 50 00:04:05,150 --> 00:04:10,710 Speaker 1: Sons of Thunder for their fire and enthusiasm. However, it 51 00:04:11,030 --> 00:04:15,790 Speaker 1: often got the better of them. He chose Andrew, Philip, 52 00:04:16,150 --> 00:04:22,240 Speaker 1: and Bartholomew, the silent and humble servants. He chose Matthew, 53 00:04:22,279 --> 00:04:28,150 Speaker 1: the tax collector, and Thomas, the skeptic. He chose James, 54 00:04:28,589 --> 00:04:32,450 Speaker 1: the son of Alphaeus. One of the most unique men 55 00:04:32,490 --> 00:04:37,120 Speaker 1: he chose was Simon the Zealot. He was one of 56 00:04:37,160 --> 00:04:41,960 Speaker 1: the notorious dagger men, a league of assassins trying to 57 00:04:42,080 --> 00:04:48,060 Speaker 1: overthrow Roman rule. However, Simon renounced his old ways for 58 00:04:48,120 --> 00:04:54,580 Speaker 1: the sake of following Christ. Finally, He chose Judas Iscariot, 59 00:04:55,640 --> 00:05:00,540 Speaker 1: the man who would betray him. He chose him and 60 00:05:00,680 --> 00:05:06,640 Speaker 1: loved him, despite knowing who he would become. This was 61 00:05:06,680 --> 00:05:11,640 Speaker 1: the heart of Christ. Jesus' first call to the twelve 62 00:05:12,200 --> 00:05:16,350 Speaker 1: was for them to be with him. Their closeness to 63 00:05:16,410 --> 00:05:18,969 Speaker 1: Jesus would prove to be the source of their strength. 64 00:05:20,380 --> 00:05:25,700 Speaker 1: Moments sitting by the campfire, sharing stories, laughing, would prove 65 00:05:25,839 --> 00:05:30,160 Speaker 1: to be useful. They would learn to be with God 66 00:05:30,900 --> 00:05:36,060 Speaker 1: before doing anything for God. So they too would not 67 00:05:36,120 --> 00:05:43,160 Speaker 1: grow prideful like the Pharisees. Out of that relationship, Jesus 68 00:05:43,240 --> 00:05:47,260 Speaker 1: would send them out to preach, heal, and cast out 69 00:05:47,380 --> 00:05:52,640 Speaker 1: demons in his name. The disciples were empowered by Jesus, 70 00:05:53,700 --> 00:05:56,640 Speaker 1: and their strength grew day by day. 71 00:05:57,170 --> 00:06:00,450 Speaker 2: Whoever desires to come after me must first pick up 72 00:06:00,490 --> 00:06:04,310 Speaker 2: his cross and follow me. Whoever holds his life too 73 00:06:04,370 --> 00:06:07,790 Speaker 2: dear to lay it down will lose his life. However, 74 00:06:08,589 --> 00:06:12,610 Speaker 2: whoever loses his life for my sake will truly find it. 75 00:06:13,570 --> 00:06:15,489 Speaker 2: For what does it profit a man if he gains 76 00:06:15,550 --> 00:06:18,900 Speaker 2: the whole world but loses his own soul? 77 00:06:19,690 --> 00:06:23,240 Speaker 1: Jesus called his disciples to a higher standard than the 78 00:06:23,279 --> 00:06:29,400 Speaker 1: Pharisees or scribes. He called them to deny themselves instead 79 00:06:29,440 --> 00:06:34,070 Speaker 1: of elevate themselves. He did not call them to religious 80 00:06:34,150 --> 00:06:39,429 Speaker 1: repetition or vain practices. He called them to lay down 81 00:06:39,550 --> 00:06:45,000 Speaker 1: their lives, money, and convenience so that others may thrive. 82 00:06:46,060 --> 00:06:51,610 Speaker 1: Jesus would model this himself. He would sacrifice everything so 83 00:06:51,650 --> 00:06:53,330 Speaker 1: that people could be renewed. 84 00:06:55,670 --> 00:06:58,960 Speaker 3: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing? 85 00:06:59,440 --> 00:07:03,000 Speaker 3: It's not your feet. It's your shoes. This summer, switch 86 00:07:03,040 --> 00:07:07,880 Speaker 3: to G-Defy shoes with patented VersoShock technology, which aligns your body, 87 00:07:08,060 --> 00:07:14,510 Speaker 3: provides superior shock absorption, and trampoline-like energy return. G-Defy offers 88 00:07:14,630 --> 00:07:18,890 Speaker 3: soles and styles for any activity. plus two free orthotics. 89 00:07:19,490 --> 00:07:22,390 Speaker 3: Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or always on 90 00:07:22,420 --> 00:07:26,600 Speaker 3: the go, G-Defy shoes deliver the comfort and versatility your 91 00:07:26,640 --> 00:07:31,180 Speaker 3: feet crave. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to unparalleled 92 00:07:31,220 --> 00:07:36,620 Speaker 3: support this summer. Enjoy a special summer offer. Visit G-Defy.com 93 00:07:36,960 --> 00:07:39,800 Speaker 3: and get $ 20 off your order of $ 100 or more 94 00:07:40,200 --> 00:07:44,910 Speaker 3: with code PRAY. Experience the miracle of ultimate comfort with 95 00:07:44,970 --> 00:07:51,920 Speaker 3: G-Defy shoes. Visit G-D-E-F-Y dot com today. 96 00:07:55,020 --> 00:07:58,450 Speaker 4: We can do nothing for Jesus unless we first learn 97 00:07:58,470 --> 00:08:03,770 Speaker 4: to be with Jesus. Ministry flows from intimacy. This is 98 00:08:03,790 --> 00:08:08,590 Speaker 4: the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com. Today is day 99 00:08:08,690 --> 00:08:12,640 Speaker 4: two of our mini-series on Jesus disrupting the status quo 100 00:08:13,020 --> 00:08:13,840 Speaker 4: and showing us. 101 00:08:13,840 --> 00:08:14,840 Speaker 5: A new way to live. 102 00:08:15,540 --> 00:08:19,820 Speaker 4: This series showcases Jesus' teachings and passion, and we will 103 00:08:19,840 --> 00:08:23,880 Speaker 4: learn about God's heart for people and for His kingdom. Today, 104 00:08:24,080 --> 00:08:26,140 Speaker 4: we're going to take a journey up a mountain with 105 00:08:26,200 --> 00:08:29,380 Speaker 4: Jesus as He makes one of the most important decisions 106 00:08:29,440 --> 00:08:33,880 Speaker 4: of His ministry, choosing His twelve disciples. This moment in 107 00:08:33,940 --> 00:08:39,040 Speaker 4: Mark 3, verses 13-15 may seem like a simple selection process, 108 00:08:39,660 --> 00:08:42,380 Speaker 4: but it's filled with lessons that are just as relevant 109 00:08:42,420 --> 00:08:44,280 Speaker 4: to us today as they were 2,000 years ago. 110 00:08:47,890 --> 00:08:51,069 Speaker 1: John the Baptist and two of his disciples strode down 111 00:08:51,130 --> 00:08:55,730 Speaker 1: the dirt path. With no destination in mind, they allowed 112 00:08:55,770 --> 00:09:01,429 Speaker 1: their minds to focus on the conversations at hand. After Jesus' baptism, 113 00:09:01,970 --> 00:09:06,010 Speaker 1: John's disciples took any moment with him they could to 114 00:09:06,190 --> 00:09:09,850 Speaker 1: ask the questions that were bubbling up in their minds. 115 00:09:10,610 --> 00:09:13,949 Speaker 6: Is it true? Is the Messiah really here? What does 116 00:09:13,970 --> 00:09:16,650 Speaker 6: he look like? How will we know who he is? 117 00:09:17,540 --> 00:09:20,599 Speaker 1: Looking down the road, John raised his arms with a 118 00:09:20,640 --> 00:09:22,800 Speaker 1: wide smile spread across his face. 119 00:09:23,600 --> 00:09:26,380 Speaker 4: It seems as though the Lord has heard your endless questions. 120 00:09:27,179 --> 00:09:27,620 Speaker 5: Look there. 121 00:09:28,300 --> 00:09:29,199 Speaker 4: Do you see that man? 122 00:09:29,840 --> 00:09:32,900 Speaker 1: Way up ahead, a young man was casually making his 123 00:09:32,980 --> 00:09:37,569 Speaker 1: way in the same direction. The stranger had no distinct 124 00:09:37,620 --> 00:09:41,810 Speaker 1: features and was most unassuming to anyone who might pass 125 00:09:41,870 --> 00:09:46,250 Speaker 1: by him. Thinking John would use this man to tell 126 00:09:46,290 --> 00:09:49,429 Speaker 1: a parable, Yes. 127 00:09:51,710 --> 00:09:55,570 Speaker 6: We see him, but how does that answer our questions? 128 00:09:57,870 --> 00:10:02,220 Speaker 4: You see him, but did you look? That man there, 129 00:10:03,240 --> 00:10:05,200 Speaker 4: he is the Lamb of God. 130 00:10:06,580 --> 00:10:09,079 Speaker 7: He is the one I was talking about when I said, 131 00:10:09,580 --> 00:10:12,100 Speaker 7: there is one who comes after me because he was 132 00:10:12,179 --> 00:10:12,800 Speaker 7: before me. 133 00:10:13,429 --> 00:10:16,830 Speaker 1: The two disciples stopped in their tracks and turned to 134 00:10:16,890 --> 00:10:21,240 Speaker 1: face one another. They could hardly believe what they were hearing. 135 00:10:21,800 --> 00:10:24,420 Speaker 6: The Lamb of God? What do you mean? 136 00:10:24,880 --> 00:10:28,599 Speaker 7: When that man, Jesus of Nazareth, came to me to 137 00:10:28,640 --> 00:10:32,490 Speaker 7: be baptized, I saw the Spirit come down from heaven 138 00:10:33,160 --> 00:10:36,910 Speaker 7: as a dove and remain on him. If you have 139 00:10:36,950 --> 00:10:39,170 Speaker 7: heard any of my words, hear this. 140 00:10:40,570 --> 00:10:42,710 Speaker 6: This is God's chosen one. 141 00:10:45,030 --> 00:10:48,250 Speaker 4: My friends, I think your days of following me are 142 00:10:48,700 --> 00:10:49,580 Speaker 4: coming to an end. 143 00:10:50,300 --> 00:10:53,000 Speaker 1: At this, the two men made their way to Jesus. 144 00:10:54,640 --> 00:10:59,880 Speaker 1: On hearing their shuffled steps, the Lord turned around. His 145 00:10:59,960 --> 00:11:05,309 Speaker 1: face was gentle, but he stood with confidence. The two 146 00:11:05,370 --> 00:11:10,070 Speaker 1: disciples of John stood dumbfounded, unable to utter any words. 147 00:11:11,410 --> 00:11:16,040 Speaker 1: Their thoughts bounced around in their heads. With a wry smile, 148 00:11:16,990 --> 00:11:18,880 Speaker 1: Jesus was the first to break the silence. 149 00:11:19,500 --> 00:11:23,609 Speaker 2: Shalom, shalom. At the risk of sounding rude, what do 150 00:11:23,650 --> 00:11:26,730 Speaker 2: you want? If you're here to rob me, you'll be 151 00:11:26,809 --> 00:11:28,630 Speaker 2: hard-pressed to find anything of value. 152 00:11:29,270 --> 00:11:32,470 Speaker 6: We don't want to rob you. It's just... You see, 153 00:11:32,850 --> 00:11:37,470 Speaker 6: we're disciples of John the Baptizer, and, well, he said you're. 154 00:11:38,110 --> 00:11:41,910 Speaker 1: Andrew stumbled over his words, looking to his companion to 155 00:11:41,950 --> 00:11:42,400 Speaker 1: carry on. 156 00:11:42,880 --> 00:11:47,400 Speaker 4: You're the teacher from Nazareth, are you not? Rabbi, if 157 00:11:47,480 --> 00:11:50,480 Speaker 4: it's not an intrusion, might we ask where you're staying? 158 00:11:51,080 --> 00:11:55,450 Speaker 1: Jesus was encouraged by the directness. But now was the 159 00:11:55,510 --> 00:11:58,189 Speaker 1: time to give them a chance to show their faith. 160 00:11:58,650 --> 00:12:00,370 Speaker 2: Come with me and you will see. 161 00:12:00,809 --> 00:12:04,590 Speaker 1: The two disciples gazed back to John, not wanting to 162 00:12:04,650 --> 00:12:10,090 Speaker 1: leave him. The baptizer simply smiled and gestured his hands forward. 163 00:12:10,910 --> 00:12:14,050 Speaker 1: as though he had already known their time together was 164 00:12:14,110 --> 00:12:17,689 Speaker 1: coming to an abrupt end. Jesus spent the rest of 165 00:12:17,730 --> 00:12:21,300 Speaker 1: the day with the two men, giving them every ounce 166 00:12:21,340 --> 00:12:26,860 Speaker 1: of attention they craved. He answered questions, asked about their lives, 167 00:12:27,580 --> 00:12:31,780 Speaker 1: and told stories of his own. If one didn't know 168 00:12:31,820 --> 00:12:36,240 Speaker 1: any better, they would have assumed Jesus was an ordinary man. 169 00:12:37,710 --> 00:12:41,060 Speaker 1: But the disciples knew that They were in the presence 170 00:12:41,500 --> 00:12:47,040 Speaker 1: of someone truly great. With every second spent with Jesus, 171 00:12:48,090 --> 00:12:53,970 Speaker 1: their belief in him grew. Jesus inhaled the frigid morning air, 172 00:12:55,050 --> 00:13:00,090 Speaker 1: allowing the cold to waken from his sleep. He savored 173 00:13:00,170 --> 00:13:05,310 Speaker 1: these quiet moments of solitude. He had quite enjoyed the 174 00:13:05,350 --> 00:13:09,610 Speaker 1: previous day with John's disciples. but was glad to rise 175 00:13:09,710 --> 00:13:13,590 Speaker 1: early to spend time with his father in preparation for 176 00:13:13,610 --> 00:13:18,920 Speaker 1: the day ahead. After his baptism, Jesus had begun to 177 00:13:19,000 --> 00:13:24,760 Speaker 1: preach in Galilee. Now that John was in prison, Jesus 178 00:13:24,880 --> 00:13:29,540 Speaker 1: pressed on in his wake, teaching on repentance and the 179 00:13:29,610 --> 00:13:34,290 Speaker 1: coming of the kingdom of God. And today, Jesus would 180 00:13:34,350 --> 00:13:40,300 Speaker 1: continue on his way to Galilee. After he prayed, ate, 181 00:13:40,400 --> 00:13:43,479 Speaker 1: and packed what little belongings he kept with himself on 182 00:13:43,520 --> 00:13:48,520 Speaker 1: these journeys, he set off. It wasn't uncommon for Jesus 183 00:13:48,580 --> 00:13:52,420 Speaker 1: to encounter another traveler to share the road with, and 184 00:13:52,570 --> 00:13:57,830 Speaker 1: today was no different. Up ahead, a young man was 185 00:13:57,870 --> 00:14:01,630 Speaker 1: strolling down the road, singing to himself as he went along. 186 00:14:03,030 --> 00:14:05,720 Speaker 1: Jesus quickened his pace slightly to catch up. 187 00:14:06,400 --> 00:14:06,800 Speaker 8: Shalom! 188 00:14:07,530 --> 00:14:10,120 Speaker 2: I couldn't help but notice you're walking alone, and, well, 189 00:14:10,179 --> 00:14:12,140 Speaker 2: I cannot say I'm not a fan of your music, 190 00:14:12,240 --> 00:14:14,800 Speaker 2: so perhaps we could keep each other company. 191 00:14:15,200 --> 00:14:18,579 Speaker 4: Shalom, brother. Some company would be very welcome. 192 00:14:19,220 --> 00:14:22,660 Speaker 7: However, you're the first person I've met who has ever 193 00:14:22,780 --> 00:14:26,510 Speaker 7: complimented me on my voice. In fact, you're the first 194 00:14:26,570 --> 00:14:29,010 Speaker 7: person who hasn't told me to stop upon hearing it. 195 00:14:30,590 --> 00:14:31,950 Speaker 5: Jesus gave a little laugh. 196 00:14:32,930 --> 00:14:35,630 Speaker 1: It was always nice to meet someone who didn't take 197 00:14:35,670 --> 00:14:36,850 Speaker 1: themselves so seriously. 198 00:14:37,330 --> 00:14:39,050 Speaker 2: And does our young composer have a name? 199 00:14:39,550 --> 00:14:40,120 Speaker 9: Oh, yes. 200 00:14:40,140 --> 00:14:41,540 Speaker 4: How rude of me. 201 00:14:42,360 --> 00:14:42,860 Speaker 9: I'm Philip. 202 00:14:43,240 --> 00:14:45,480 Speaker 2: Pleasure to meet you, Philip. I'm Jesus. 203 00:14:46,160 --> 00:14:50,660 Speaker 7: What coincidence. I'm a follower of John the Baptist. I'm 204 00:14:50,800 --> 00:14:54,380 Speaker 7: sure you've heard of him. Well, anyways, he was just 205 00:14:54,420 --> 00:14:58,950 Speaker 7: telling us about a man named Jesus from Nazareth. Supposedly, 206 00:14:59,630 --> 00:15:00,570 Speaker 7: he's the Messiah. 207 00:15:01,210 --> 00:15:05,310 Speaker 1: Philip continued to hum quietly to himself between his replies. 208 00:15:05,930 --> 00:15:06,090 Speaker 9: Well. 209 00:15:06,850 --> 00:15:10,730 Speaker 2: That certainly is a big claim. How can this John 210 00:15:10,810 --> 00:15:13,110 Speaker 2: be so certain he is who he says he is? 211 00:15:13,650 --> 00:15:17,810 Speaker 7: Well, according to him, when this Jesus was baptized by John, 212 00:15:18,170 --> 00:15:21,530 Speaker 7: the heavens opened up and the Spirit of God rested 213 00:15:21,590 --> 00:15:21,970 Speaker 7: upon him. 214 00:15:22,510 --> 00:15:24,310 Speaker 2: May I ask what you make of these claims? 215 00:15:24,770 --> 00:15:29,450 Speaker 1: Jesus was careful to ask each question casually, drawing out 216 00:15:29,530 --> 00:15:31,610 Speaker 1: Philip's most sincere thoughts on the matter. 217 00:15:34,460 --> 00:15:37,580 Speaker 7: In all my time with John, I have never met 218 00:15:37,640 --> 00:15:41,160 Speaker 7: a man with more faith than him. I have no 219 00:15:41,240 --> 00:15:44,280 Speaker 7: reason to believe anything contradictory to John's teachings. 220 00:15:44,840 --> 00:15:51,040 Speaker 1: Jesus stopped walking. It took Philip a moment before he realized. Stopping, 221 00:15:51,280 --> 00:15:55,910 Speaker 1: he turned back to his new acquaintance. Jesus stood still, 222 00:15:56,790 --> 00:16:00,890 Speaker 1: staring into Philip's eyes, though he felt like he was 223 00:16:00,930 --> 00:16:02,630 Speaker 1: looking straight into his soul. 224 00:16:03,150 --> 00:16:03,690 Speaker 2: Follow me. 225 00:16:04,210 --> 00:16:07,830 Speaker 1: Philip simply stared back as his mind began to connect 226 00:16:07,910 --> 00:16:13,550 Speaker 1: the dots of their conversation. With a beaming smile, Philip 227 00:16:13,650 --> 00:16:15,390 Speaker 1: finally found his voice again. 228 00:16:17,250 --> 00:16:17,850 Speaker 9: You're him! 229 00:16:18,450 --> 00:16:22,080 Speaker 4: You're actually him! How could I miss it? 230 00:16:23,120 --> 00:16:27,000 Speaker 2: Well, your song was very captivating. Even I was distracted 231 00:16:27,020 --> 00:16:27,560 Speaker 2: by the tune. 232 00:16:28,100 --> 00:16:31,000 Speaker 1: Philip would have been a little embarrassed if it weren't 233 00:16:31,020 --> 00:16:33,930 Speaker 1: for the joy welling up inside of him. from this 234 00:16:34,030 --> 00:16:40,410 Speaker 1: stranger's newly revealed identity. The evening was beginning to set in, 235 00:16:40,970 --> 00:16:44,690 Speaker 1: as the marketplace carried the sleepy sounds of merchants closing 236 00:16:44,770 --> 00:16:48,480 Speaker 1: up their shops for the day. The streets were filled 237 00:16:48,510 --> 00:16:52,600 Speaker 1: with a creaking of crates being packed away, as donkeys 238 00:16:52,680 --> 00:16:57,940 Speaker 1: brayed in anticipation to leave. Nathaniel trudged through the market, 239 00:16:58,560 --> 00:17:03,390 Speaker 1: avoiding eye contact with anyone he recognized. Each day was 240 00:17:03,470 --> 00:17:08,149 Speaker 1: spent behind a mask of forced smiles while he danced 241 00:17:08,190 --> 00:17:14,260 Speaker 1: through the expectations of social interactions. It took Nathaniel every 242 00:17:14,500 --> 00:17:18,200 Speaker 1: ounce of energy to be who he thought the world 243 00:17:18,540 --> 00:17:22,980 Speaker 1: wanted him to be. Lately, he would spend the end 244 00:17:23,020 --> 00:17:26,620 Speaker 1: of most days away from the city in a quiet 245 00:17:26,660 --> 00:17:31,100 Speaker 1: spot under a fig tree. This was one of the 246 00:17:31,160 --> 00:17:34,960 Speaker 1: few times he would allow himself to show his brokenness 247 00:17:35,280 --> 00:17:40,270 Speaker 1: before the Lord. Working his way back through the city streets, 248 00:17:41,290 --> 00:17:45,129 Speaker 1: all he wanted was to retreat into his blankets and 249 00:17:45,210 --> 00:17:46,790 Speaker 1: hide away from the world. 250 00:17:48,350 --> 00:17:53,220 Speaker 5: He rounded the corner and bumped into a close friend, Philip. Shalom, Philip. 251 00:17:53,680 --> 00:17:54,260 Speaker 5: How are you? 252 00:17:54,760 --> 00:17:58,980 Speaker 1: Philip smiled like he had a surprise for Nathaniel. his 253 00:17:59,160 --> 00:18:01,240 Speaker 1: eyes shining with concealed delight. 254 00:18:02,580 --> 00:18:06,020 Speaker 4: Nathaniel, what are you doing tonight? I have someone I 255 00:18:06,060 --> 00:18:06,770 Speaker 4: want you to meet. 256 00:18:07,660 --> 00:18:12,090 Speaker 8: Well, you know how much I just loved sitting listening 257 00:18:12,109 --> 00:18:15,889 Speaker 8: to the baptizer for three hours the last time I 258 00:18:15,930 --> 00:18:18,629 Speaker 8: went to see one of your preachers, but it is 259 00:18:18,710 --> 00:18:21,760 Speaker 8: getting quite late. Perhaps you can have him come visit 260 00:18:21,800 --> 00:18:25,129 Speaker 8: my shop tomorrow. I'd love to introduce him to a 261 00:18:25,170 --> 00:18:28,600 Speaker 8: few of my clients. They could help his movement. Or 262 00:18:28,660 --> 00:18:29,460 Speaker 8: maybe I could. 263 00:18:29,880 --> 00:18:34,820 Speaker 1: Philip interrupted his friend. He couldn't contain himself any longer. 264 00:18:36,300 --> 00:18:39,600 Speaker 1: Philip zealously shared about his experience on the way back 265 00:18:39,660 --> 00:18:44,129 Speaker 1: to Bethesda, explaining that the Jesus of Nazareth he had 266 00:18:44,170 --> 00:18:47,930 Speaker 1: met on the road was the very Messiah of whom 267 00:18:47,970 --> 00:18:52,310 Speaker 1: the prophets foretold. Nathanael didn't have the same sort of 268 00:18:52,369 --> 00:18:56,250 Speaker 1: childlike faith as his friend. It would have been hard 269 00:18:56,330 --> 00:18:59,410 Speaker 1: enough to believe Philip just happened to find the Messiah 270 00:18:59,510 --> 00:19:02,620 Speaker 1: on the road to Galilee. But to hear that this 271 00:19:02,690 --> 00:19:09,000 Speaker 1: man came from Nazareth gave Nathanael a good laugh. But 272 00:19:09,119 --> 00:19:14,820 Speaker 1: Philip wouldn't relent. So Nathanael begrudgingly agreed to meet with 273 00:19:14,859 --> 00:19:27,900 Speaker 1: the rabbi. Simon rustled in his sleep. A faint flicker 274 00:19:27,960 --> 00:19:31,790 Speaker 1: of a lantern's light peered through his window, resting upon 275 00:19:31,830 --> 00:19:36,429 Speaker 1: his heavy eyes. Outside, he could hear a hushed shout 276 00:19:36,609 --> 00:19:38,070 Speaker 1: from a voice that was. 277 00:19:38,230 --> 00:19:39,629 Speaker 5: All too familiar to him. 278 00:19:40,210 --> 00:19:42,399 Speaker 6: Simon! Simon! 279 00:19:43,280 --> 00:19:46,940 Speaker 1: It was his brother, Andrew. If Andrew was out front, 280 00:19:47,680 --> 00:19:53,000 Speaker 1: it meant that yet again, Simon... was late. Taxes had 281 00:19:53,140 --> 00:19:56,240 Speaker 1: only continued to increase over the past few months, as 282 00:19:56,280 --> 00:20:00,500 Speaker 1: the fish seemed to all but dwindle away. A good 283 00:20:00,580 --> 00:20:04,460 Speaker 1: fisherman knew the best bet of catching anything worthwhile would 284 00:20:04,480 --> 00:20:07,280 Speaker 1: be at night, when the fish had a harder time 285 00:20:07,380 --> 00:20:12,419 Speaker 1: navigating around the net. But sleep had become difficult for Simon, 286 00:20:13,200 --> 00:20:17,430 Speaker 1: as he constantly worried about providing for his wife. Waking 287 00:20:17,490 --> 00:20:20,270 Speaker 1: up in the late evening hours was becoming a pain. 288 00:20:21,650 --> 00:20:25,290 Speaker 1: As Simon laid there, he wondered if the problem was 289 00:20:25,390 --> 00:20:30,010 Speaker 1: with the sea or with himself. His mind began to 290 00:20:30,090 --> 00:20:34,070 Speaker 1: drift off in his half-sleep state, dreaming of the days 291 00:20:34,130 --> 00:20:37,500 Speaker 1: when he and Andrew were just boys, and their biggest 292 00:20:37,540 --> 00:20:43,780 Speaker 1: concern was memorizing Torah. but his thoughts were interrupted by 293 00:20:43,880 --> 00:20:45,440 Speaker 1: soft knocks on the door. 294 00:20:45,800 --> 00:20:49,160 Speaker 9: I'm coming, I'm coming. Can you keep it down? Miriam's 295 00:20:49,220 --> 00:20:50,100 Speaker 9: already asleep. 296 00:20:50,960 --> 00:20:53,120 Speaker 6: Could you maybe wake up on time for once? 297 00:20:53,760 --> 00:20:55,720 Speaker 9: Maybe I would if I thought I could pay off 298 00:20:55,740 --> 00:20:59,210 Speaker 9: for once. We keep trying to catch these fish, but 299 00:20:59,330 --> 00:21:01,790 Speaker 9: somehow they're always one step ahead of us. 300 00:21:02,450 --> 00:21:04,469 Speaker 6: How can they be a step ahead of us if 301 00:21:04,510 --> 00:21:06,050 Speaker 6: they don't even have feet? 302 00:21:06,590 --> 00:21:10,650 Speaker 1: Simon struggled to find any humor in their predicament. Though 303 00:21:10,790 --> 00:21:14,070 Speaker 1: Andrew didn't have a wife to provide for, he knew 304 00:21:14,130 --> 00:21:16,760 Speaker 1: that his older brother was struggling just as much as 305 00:21:16,820 --> 00:21:20,280 Speaker 1: he was to make ends meet. If he were in 306 00:21:20,320 --> 00:21:23,040 Speaker 1: a better mood, he would have commended his brother for 307 00:21:23,060 --> 00:21:24,240 Speaker 1: his positive attitude. 308 00:21:24,900 --> 00:21:27,919 Speaker 6: Besides, how could you be worried about fish with the 309 00:21:28,030 --> 00:21:31,409 Speaker 6: good news that John proclaimed to us before he was arrested? 310 00:21:31,430 --> 00:21:32,830 Speaker 5: Here we go again. 311 00:21:33,810 --> 00:21:38,109 Speaker 9: Listen, you know this baptizer guy better than I do. 312 00:21:39,250 --> 00:21:41,369 Speaker 9: But are you sure you want to take the advice 313 00:21:41,450 --> 00:21:44,160 Speaker 9: of a man who eats bugs for breakfast? 314 00:21:44,700 --> 00:21:49,040 Speaker 6: Very funny, but I met him, Simon, the Lamb of God. 315 00:21:49,700 --> 00:21:52,740 Speaker 6: I saw him with my own two eyes. 316 00:21:53,420 --> 00:21:55,820 Speaker 9: Well, if your eyes work so well, why don't you 317 00:21:55,880 --> 00:21:58,290 Speaker 9: try using them to spot some fish tonight, huh? 318 00:21:58,790 --> 00:22:03,870 Speaker 1: The brothers embarked on another midnight mission, praying desperately that 319 00:22:03,910 --> 00:22:10,910 Speaker 1: tonight would be different. Minutes faded away into hours. Simon 320 00:22:11,030 --> 00:22:14,450 Speaker 1: turned his eyes to the horizon as the sun crawled 321 00:22:14,590 --> 00:22:18,520 Speaker 1: over the hills. He dropped his head hard against the mast. 322 00:22:19,950 --> 00:22:22,760 Speaker 1: Grumbling to his brother, they hauled in their empty nets 323 00:22:23,280 --> 00:22:27,800 Speaker 1: before rowing to the shore. The sun greeted the brothers 324 00:22:28,180 --> 00:22:32,380 Speaker 1: as they pulled in their boats. The waves were calm, 325 00:22:33,040 --> 00:22:38,060 Speaker 1: caressing the dusty shoreline. The brothers hopped onto the shore, 326 00:22:38,780 --> 00:22:41,920 Speaker 1: knelt over the cool water, and began to wash out 327 00:22:41,980 --> 00:22:46,450 Speaker 1: their nets. They had worked tirelessly in the pitch black 328 00:22:46,490 --> 00:22:52,290 Speaker 1: of night with nothing to show. Up off the shoreline 329 00:22:52,369 --> 00:22:56,209 Speaker 1: stood a gathering of people. Off the road, men and 330 00:22:56,280 --> 00:23:01,780 Speaker 1: women trickled in, joining their ranks. Simon and Andrew took notice. 331 00:23:03,440 --> 00:23:07,649 Speaker 1: Offset from the crowd stood a single person From his 332 00:23:07,730 --> 00:23:11,340 Speaker 1: body language, it was clear the crowd was listening to 333 00:23:11,400 --> 00:23:16,480 Speaker 1: him speak. Andrew squinted his eyes, trying to catch a 334 00:23:16,580 --> 00:23:19,580 Speaker 1: clearer picture of the focus of the people's attention. 335 00:23:20,000 --> 00:23:23,469 Speaker 6: Simon, you won't believe this, but I think that's the 336 00:23:23,550 --> 00:23:26,850 Speaker 6: man I met. That's Jesus of Nazareth. 337 00:23:27,270 --> 00:23:31,609 Speaker 1: At these words, Jesus turned and caught Andrew's eyes, as 338 00:23:31,690 --> 00:23:35,200 Speaker 1: though the sound of his name being spoken tickled his ears. 339 00:23:36,850 --> 00:23:40,350 Speaker 1: Jesus motioned to the crowd and began pacing. 340 00:23:40,090 --> 00:23:40,790 Speaker 5: Toward the fishermen. 341 00:23:41,530 --> 00:23:43,109 Speaker 6: He's coming this way! 342 00:23:43,470 --> 00:23:46,670 Speaker 1: As Jesus neared the fishermen, he greeted them with a 343 00:23:46,710 --> 00:23:47,470 Speaker 1: warm smile. 344 00:23:47,970 --> 00:23:51,300 Speaker 2: Shalom, Andrew. It's good to see you again. Though I 345 00:23:51,359 --> 00:23:53,800 Speaker 2: must admit, I could smell you before I saw you 346 00:23:53,840 --> 00:23:54,300 Speaker 2: this time. 347 00:23:54,700 --> 00:23:58,500 Speaker 1: Jesus chuckled as his eyes turned towards the half-clean nets 348 00:23:58,820 --> 00:24:05,350 Speaker 1: strewn about the ground. Andrew blushed in slight embarrassment. Noting 349 00:24:05,470 --> 00:24:09,600 Speaker 1: the man's rabbinical sash, Simon tried to maintain some level 350 00:24:09,619 --> 00:24:13,660 Speaker 1: of respect, though his tiredness couldn't help him from feeling 351 00:24:13,680 --> 00:24:15,919 Speaker 1: slightly aggravated by Jesus' remark. 352 00:24:16,480 --> 00:24:19,300 Speaker 9: Our deepest apologies for doing our job, Rabbi. 353 00:24:19,880 --> 00:24:22,060 Speaker 1: Andrew quickly gave his brother a sharp look. 354 00:24:22,440 --> 00:24:26,760 Speaker 6: Please forgive my brother, Rabbi. He's tired. You see, we've 355 00:24:26,800 --> 00:24:30,840 Speaker 6: been fishing all night and, well, we don't really have 356 00:24:30,920 --> 00:24:31,899 Speaker 6: much to show for it. 357 00:24:32,270 --> 00:24:34,970 Speaker 2: It's quite all right. But perhaps you and your brother 358 00:24:34,990 --> 00:24:37,690 Speaker 2: wouldn't mind allowing me to use your boat. It seems 359 00:24:37,730 --> 00:24:40,050 Speaker 2: with all these people here, they might be able to 360 00:24:40,109 --> 00:24:42,450 Speaker 2: hear me better if I were up there. 361 00:24:43,090 --> 00:24:47,629 Speaker 1: Before Simon could argue, Andrew gleefully invited the man up 362 00:24:47,790 --> 00:24:53,070 Speaker 1: onto the boat. Standing above the crowds, Jesus began to preach. 363 00:24:54,630 --> 00:25:00,720 Speaker 1: Everyone was transfixed by his words, including Andrew. Simon barely 364 00:25:00,820 --> 00:25:04,210 Speaker 1: paid any mind to the teachings. dozing off as best 365 00:25:04,250 --> 00:25:07,550 Speaker 1: he could. Just as he felt he could get comfortable 366 00:25:07,650 --> 00:25:12,130 Speaker 1: on the makeshift platform, Jesus turned to Simon and Andrew. 367 00:25:12,710 --> 00:25:15,469 Speaker 2: Thank you for letting me borrow your boat. Here, let 368 00:25:15,510 --> 00:25:18,070 Speaker 2: me do something for you. Let's go out into the 369 00:25:18,130 --> 00:25:20,780 Speaker 2: deep so you can cast your nets for a catch. 370 00:25:21,320 --> 00:25:24,440 Speaker 1: Simon wasn't sure how more work for him out on 371 00:25:24,480 --> 00:25:26,560 Speaker 1: the empty sea was a thank you. 372 00:25:27,140 --> 00:25:31,120 Speaker 9: Rabbi, with all due respect, we've been fishing all night. 373 00:25:31,780 --> 00:25:33,439 Speaker 9: There is no fish out there for us. 374 00:25:34,119 --> 00:25:35,220 Speaker 5: He looked up at Jesus. 375 00:25:36,280 --> 00:25:40,740 Speaker 1: As their eyes connected, Simon, sensing an earnestness from the man, 376 00:25:41,420 --> 00:25:42,159 Speaker 1: finally relented. 377 00:25:43,990 --> 00:25:47,590 Speaker 4: Nevertheless, at your word, I'll try again. 378 00:25:48,030 --> 00:25:51,129 Speaker 1: The two brothers rowed the boat out a few dozen yards. 379 00:25:52,410 --> 00:25:56,640 Speaker 1: The water was glassy and still. With a reluctant sigh, 380 00:25:57,020 --> 00:26:01,080 Speaker 1: Simon cast out the net. He sat down and waited. 381 00:26:02,710 --> 00:26:06,419 Speaker 1: A few moments passed, and Simon looked at Jesus with 382 00:26:06,460 --> 00:26:09,560 Speaker 1: a raised eyebrow as if to say, Told you so. 383 00:26:11,180 --> 00:26:14,740 Speaker 1: But just then, Simon heard the sound of tightening rope. 384 00:26:15,680 --> 00:26:21,100 Speaker 1: The nets became taut, and the boat leaned over. Simon 385 00:26:21,140 --> 00:26:24,060 Speaker 1: and Andrew tumbled to the side and looked at the water. 386 00:26:24,780 --> 00:26:26,620 Speaker 1: It was bubbling with activity. 387 00:26:27,000 --> 00:26:30,720 Speaker 9: Pull! Pull the nets! Harder, Andrew! If we don't haul 388 00:26:30,740 --> 00:26:32,040 Speaker 9: this in soon, they're going to break! 389 00:26:32,920 --> 00:26:36,800 Speaker 1: Noticing the commotion, the brothers James and John began frantically 390 00:26:36,940 --> 00:26:39,840 Speaker 1: rowing their own boat over to help their business partners. 391 00:26:40,920 --> 00:26:43,240 Speaker 1: The four men strained every. 392 00:26:43,090 --> 00:26:44,139 Speaker 5: Muscle in their body. 393 00:26:45,170 --> 00:26:48,530 Speaker 1: Years of fishing had trained their bodies to pull in 394 00:26:48,710 --> 00:26:52,810 Speaker 1: just the right motions, following the natural fightings of the fish. 395 00:26:53,450 --> 00:26:57,070 Speaker 9: Almost there! Just a few more pushes! 396 00:26:57,750 --> 00:27:01,700 Speaker 1: Simon's arms felt tighter than the net's, and his hands burned. 397 00:27:02,060 --> 00:27:06,350 Speaker 1: under the moving rope. Jesus joined in and grabbed the 398 00:27:06,410 --> 00:27:10,470 Speaker 1: edge of the net. With one final pull, they brought 399 00:27:10,510 --> 00:27:15,380 Speaker 1: the catch into the boat. Fish scattered throughout the deck, 400 00:27:15,900 --> 00:27:20,300 Speaker 1: so much so that the ship began to sink. James 401 00:27:20,359 --> 00:27:23,500 Speaker 1: and John began loading fish onto their boat to keep 402 00:27:23,600 --> 00:27:28,389 Speaker 1: Simon's from sinking. Andrew, James, and John began rowing the 403 00:27:28,430 --> 00:27:33,280 Speaker 1: boats back to shore. As Simon took in the miraculous 404 00:27:33,359 --> 00:27:37,060 Speaker 1: sight in front of him, the reality of who Jesus 405 00:27:37,220 --> 00:27:42,580 Speaker 1: was set in. He fell to his knees before Jesus. 406 00:27:43,119 --> 00:27:44,380 Speaker 4: Depart from me, Lord. 407 00:27:45,480 --> 00:27:48,639 Speaker 9: Depart from me, for I am a sinful man. 408 00:27:49,300 --> 00:27:53,500 Speaker 1: Andrew, James, and John worked silently as they watched intently, 409 00:27:54,020 --> 00:27:58,570 Speaker 1: waiting to hear what Jesus might say in response. Their 410 00:27:58,640 --> 00:28:02,859 Speaker 1: hearts were consumed. with the same awe that had befallen Simon. 411 00:28:04,680 --> 00:28:09,040 Speaker 1: Jesus knelt down, pulling Simon's chin up to meet his gaze. 412 00:28:10,359 --> 00:28:14,420 Speaker 1: He took Simon's face in his hands, comforting. 413 00:28:14,160 --> 00:28:14,959 Speaker 5: The broken fisherman. 414 00:28:15,440 --> 00:28:19,540 Speaker 2: Follow me, Simon. Follow me, and I will make you 415 00:28:19,560 --> 00:28:21,050 Speaker 2: a fisher of men. 416 00:28:21,550 --> 00:28:26,189 Speaker 1: Simon looked Jesus in the eyes. They were glassy and 417 00:28:26,270 --> 00:28:31,050 Speaker 1: still like the water. His trance was broken as he 418 00:28:31,090 --> 00:28:35,350 Speaker 1: felt the boats make contact with the rocky shore. Standing 419 00:28:35,430 --> 00:28:38,209 Speaker 1: to his feet, he looked at the fish that filled 420 00:28:38,270 --> 00:28:42,950 Speaker 1: his once empty boat. What he would have considered the 421 00:28:43,010 --> 00:28:47,310 Speaker 1: fortune that would have fixed all his problems suddenly seemed 422 00:28:47,630 --> 00:28:52,850 Speaker 1: useless to him. Simon stood up. What did it mean 423 00:28:53,530 --> 00:28:57,340 Speaker 1: to be a fisher of men? He wasn't exactly sure. 424 00:28:58,380 --> 00:29:03,860 Speaker 1: But he knew he couldn't help but obey. It's time 425 00:29:03,880 --> 00:29:05,360 Speaker 1: for a new season in life. 426 00:29:06,680 --> 00:29:08,090 Speaker 9: One with far less fish. 427 00:29:09,430 --> 00:29:11,830 Speaker 4: Perhaps a bit more hope. 428 00:29:12,250 --> 00:29:16,870 Speaker 1: The other fishermen all nodded in agreement. For their entire lives, 429 00:29:16,930 --> 00:29:21,540 Speaker 1: these four men had been dependent upon fishing. but a 430 00:29:21,680 --> 00:29:26,050 Speaker 1: new spark of hope for the future caused them to 431 00:29:26,150 --> 00:29:32,490 Speaker 1: leave it all behind without question. Leaving their nets, boats, 432 00:29:32,650 --> 00:29:36,930 Speaker 1: and life at sea behind, each one of them determined 433 00:29:36,990 --> 00:29:40,760 Speaker 1: in their hearts to make following Jesus possible. their new 434 00:29:41,220 --> 00:29:47,200 Speaker 1: way of life. The sun retreated into the horizon. The 435 00:29:47,240 --> 00:29:51,520 Speaker 1: clouds had captured the final rays of light, radiating a 436 00:29:51,560 --> 00:29:58,340 Speaker 1: dark orange like giant oil lamps. Nathaniel followed Philip outside 437 00:29:58,400 --> 00:30:02,220 Speaker 1: the city to the sea. A large fire was made 438 00:30:02,280 --> 00:30:08,560 Speaker 1: on the sand, surrounded by familiar faces. James, John, Andrew, 439 00:30:09,040 --> 00:30:14,880 Speaker 1: and Simon. They stood around the fire, laughing and enjoying 440 00:30:14,940 --> 00:30:19,940 Speaker 1: each other's company. There was another man among them. He 441 00:30:19,980 --> 00:30:24,240 Speaker 1: wore the clothes of a craftsman. His smile reflected the 442 00:30:24,300 --> 00:30:28,120 Speaker 1: warmth of the flames. and his laugh filled the air 443 00:30:28,180 --> 00:30:33,240 Speaker 1: like the melody of a beloved childhood song, familiar and comforting. 444 00:30:34,180 --> 00:30:38,290 Speaker 1: Before Philip could introduce Nathaniel, the stranger. 445 00:30:38,090 --> 00:30:38,540 Speaker 5: Looked at him. 446 00:30:38,870 --> 00:30:42,870 Speaker 2: Nathaniel, an Israelite in whom there is no deceit, a 447 00:30:42,930 --> 00:30:43,770 Speaker 2: truly good man. 448 00:30:44,390 --> 00:30:44,810 Speaker 9: Welcome. 449 00:30:45,250 --> 00:30:51,810 Speaker 1: Nathaniel paused. Insecure and invasive thoughts flooded his mind. How 450 00:30:51,910 --> 00:30:56,150 Speaker 1: could this stranger know him? What's more, how could he 451 00:30:56,250 --> 00:31:00,930 Speaker 1: know the very words Nathaniel needed to hear? He cocked 452 00:31:00,950 --> 00:31:03,870 Speaker 1: his head to the side. He was sure he had 453 00:31:04,070 --> 00:31:08,580 Speaker 1: never met this man before, but perhaps his memory betrayed him. 454 00:31:09,320 --> 00:31:10,880 Speaker 5: How do you know me? 455 00:31:11,400 --> 00:31:16,060 Speaker 1: The man stepped forward, his grin now entirely illuminated by 456 00:31:16,100 --> 00:31:16,500 Speaker 1: the fire. 457 00:31:17,180 --> 00:31:19,430 Speaker 2: I was with you under the fig tree before Philip 458 00:31:19,450 --> 00:31:21,880 Speaker 2: called you. I saw you, Nathaniel. 459 00:31:22,200 --> 00:31:25,120 Speaker 5: You saw me under the fig tree? 460 00:31:25,640 --> 00:31:31,640 Speaker 1: Nathaniel's voice cracked. Nobody knew about the fig tree. It 461 00:31:31,680 --> 00:31:33,940 Speaker 1: was a place for him to be alone with his 462 00:31:34,020 --> 00:31:38,600 Speaker 1: thoughts and pray. The only people who knew about this 463 00:31:39,060 --> 00:31:41,350 Speaker 1: were Nathaniel and the Lord. 464 00:31:42,110 --> 00:31:42,990 Speaker 2: Could he be? 465 00:31:43,650 --> 00:31:48,890 Speaker 1: Nathaniel's emotions welled up inside him. There was only one explanation. 466 00:31:49,180 --> 00:31:53,200 Speaker 1: For this man, seeing Nathaniel under the fig tree, only 467 00:31:53,480 --> 00:31:59,290 Speaker 1: one person could have heard his anxious prayers. Perhaps something 468 00:31:59,370 --> 00:32:04,110 Speaker 1: good had come out of Nazareth after all. Nathaniel could 469 00:32:04,190 --> 00:32:09,980 Speaker 1: feel himself breaking. And for once, he didn't hold himself back. 470 00:32:11,200 --> 00:32:15,820 Speaker 1: For once, Nathaniel felt like someone had seen him and 471 00:32:15,920 --> 00:32:22,040 Speaker 1: truly known him. He felt like he could breathe without 472 00:32:22,060 --> 00:32:26,290 Speaker 1: the weight of masked insecurities and hidden imperfections. 473 00:32:27,030 --> 00:32:31,110 Speaker 2: Rabbi, truly you are the Son of God. You are 474 00:32:31,150 --> 00:32:32,690 Speaker 2: the one we've been waiting for. 475 00:32:33,270 --> 00:32:37,310 Speaker 1: Jesus replied with a friendly chuckle, seeming glad at this 476 00:32:37,370 --> 00:32:39,630 Speaker 1: sudden outburst of emotional display. 477 00:32:40,150 --> 00:32:42,500 Speaker 2: You believe because I told you I saw you under 478 00:32:42,560 --> 00:32:43,240 Speaker 2: a fig tree? 479 00:32:44,020 --> 00:32:45,940 Speaker 6: Oh, my friend, you will. 480 00:32:45,780 --> 00:32:50,210 Speaker 2: See far greater things than that. Nathaniel. I tell you, 481 00:32:50,820 --> 00:32:55,500 Speaker 2: you will see heaven open and angels ascending and descending 482 00:32:56,100 --> 00:32:57,140 Speaker 2: on the Son of Man. 483 00:32:57,780 --> 00:33:03,160 Speaker 1: With tears glistening on his cheeks in the firelight, Nathaniel. 484 00:33:02,680 --> 00:33:05,160 Speaker 5: Looked up at Jesus and nodded. 485 00:33:06,940 --> 00:33:10,040 Speaker 1: Each of the other men sitting around the campfire knew 486 00:33:10,120 --> 00:33:15,040 Speaker 1: the exact feelings coursing through Nathaniel. They had all encountered 487 00:33:15,120 --> 00:33:19,790 Speaker 1: Jesus of Nazareth, the man whom they knew to be 488 00:33:20,190 --> 00:33:26,790 Speaker 1: the Messiah. With utmost confidence, they had been plucked from 489 00:33:26,850 --> 00:33:33,340 Speaker 1: their everyday lives and pulled into something spectacular. 490 00:33:36,040 --> 00:33:39,680 Speaker 4: Picture this scene. Jesus goes up on the mountain. And 491 00:33:39,720 --> 00:33:43,890 Speaker 4: this wasn't just a casual stroll. Luke's gospel tells us 492 00:33:43,970 --> 00:33:47,470 Speaker 4: that Jesus spent the entire night in prayer before making 493 00:33:47,510 --> 00:33:52,010 Speaker 4: this decision. That's in Luke 6, verse 12. Jesus was 494 00:33:52,070 --> 00:33:55,330 Speaker 4: at a critical juncture in his ministry. The religious leaders 495 00:33:55,370 --> 00:33:57,870 Speaker 4: were plotting against him, and the crowds that followed him 496 00:33:57,910 --> 00:34:00,850 Speaker 4: were more interested in miracles than in the message of 497 00:34:00,890 --> 00:34:03,310 Speaker 4: the kingdom. So what does Jesus do? 498 00:34:04,300 --> 00:34:04,890 Speaker 5: He prays. 499 00:34:05,630 --> 00:34:09,980 Speaker 4: He prays all night. And then, with divine wisdom, he 500 00:34:10,080 --> 00:34:14,750 Speaker 4: calls to himself those he wanted. Now, here's something beautiful. 501 00:34:15,430 --> 00:34:18,759 Speaker 4: Jesus didn't just call these men to do something for Him. 502 00:34:19,580 --> 00:34:22,060 Speaker 4: The first thing He called them to do was simply 503 00:34:22,140 --> 00:34:26,540 Speaker 4: to be with Him. Mark 3, verse 14. Before He 504 00:34:26,600 --> 00:34:29,180 Speaker 4: sent them out to preach, before He gave them power 505 00:34:29,239 --> 00:34:32,620 Speaker 4: to heal and cast out demons, He called them to 506 00:34:32,719 --> 00:34:37,580 Speaker 4: be with Him. That's the heart of discipleship. It's about 507 00:34:37,820 --> 00:34:42,840 Speaker 4: relationship before it's about mission. You see, A disciple in Jesus' 508 00:34:42,900 --> 00:34:45,520 Speaker 4: time wasn't just a student in the way we think 509 00:34:45,560 --> 00:34:50,080 Speaker 4: of students today. A disciple didn't just learn facts and figures. 510 00:34:50,640 --> 00:34:54,960 Speaker 4: A disciple learned by being with the teacher, by watching, listening, 511 00:34:55,239 --> 00:34:59,390 Speaker 4: and living life together. As theologian Leon Morris puts it, 512 00:34:59,900 --> 00:35:03,660 Speaker 4: there's a personal attachment in the word disciple that is 513 00:35:03,739 --> 00:35:08,279 Speaker 4: lacking in student. Jesus understood that if these men were 514 00:35:08,300 --> 00:35:11,430 Speaker 4: going to turn the world upside down, They needed to 515 00:35:11,489 --> 00:35:14,569 Speaker 4: spend time with Him. They needed to know Him, to 516 00:35:14,910 --> 00:35:18,890 Speaker 4: catch His heart and be filled with His Spirit. And friends, 517 00:35:19,390 --> 00:35:22,770 Speaker 4: the same is true for us. Before we can do 518 00:35:23,010 --> 00:35:26,569 Speaker 4: anything meaningful for Jesus, we need to be with Him. 519 00:35:27,830 --> 00:35:30,910 Speaker 4: Sometimes we get so caught up in doing things for 520 00:35:30,950 --> 00:35:34,600 Speaker 4: God that we forget to spend time with God. But 521 00:35:34,660 --> 00:35:37,779 Speaker 4: Jesus shows us here that the power and effectiveness of 522 00:35:37,860 --> 00:35:41,940 Speaker 4: our ministry, whether it's teaching, serving, or praying, or anything 523 00:35:42,020 --> 00:35:45,719 Speaker 4: else flows out of our relationship with Him. Jesus then 524 00:35:45,780 --> 00:35:48,580 Speaker 4: appointed these twelve to go out and preach, to heal 525 00:35:48,620 --> 00:35:52,890 Speaker 4: the sick, and to cast out demons. But notice the order. First, 526 00:35:53,350 --> 00:35:56,270 Speaker 4: to be with Him, and then to go out. It's 527 00:35:56,450 --> 00:35:59,550 Speaker 4: as if Jesus was saying, You'll only be as effective 528 00:35:59,790 --> 00:36:02,570 Speaker 4: as you are close to Me. And that's a message 529 00:36:02,610 --> 00:36:06,480 Speaker 4: for us, too. Think about it. These disciples were not 530 00:36:06,660 --> 00:36:12,290 Speaker 4: biblical scholars or extraordinary people. Peter, James, John, and Andrew 531 00:36:12,350 --> 00:36:16,509 Speaker 4: were fishermen. Matthew was a tax collector. And Judas, well, 532 00:36:16,790 --> 00:36:20,230 Speaker 4: we know how his story ends. But despite their diverse 533 00:36:20,330 --> 00:36:25,839 Speaker 4: backgrounds and personalities, Jesus called them to himself. He didn't 534 00:36:25,880 --> 00:36:28,940 Speaker 4: choose them because they were perfect. He chose them because 535 00:36:29,160 --> 00:36:32,439 Speaker 4: they were willing to be with him and be transformed 536 00:36:32,540 --> 00:36:36,000 Speaker 4: by him. And that's the good news for us today. 537 00:36:36,800 --> 00:36:41,180 Speaker 4: Jesus doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called. He 538 00:36:41,200 --> 00:36:44,480 Speaker 4: doesn't look for perfect people. He looks for willing hearts. 539 00:36:45,560 --> 00:36:49,939 Speaker 4: Our effectiveness in ministry, in sharing the gospel, in serving others, 540 00:36:50,360 --> 00:36:55,710 Speaker 4: doesn't come from our abilities, but from our connection to Jesus. So, 541 00:36:56,230 --> 00:36:59,170 Speaker 4: what does this mean for us? It means that our 542 00:36:59,270 --> 00:37:03,069 Speaker 4: first priority is to be with Jesus, to spend time 543 00:37:03,110 --> 00:37:06,630 Speaker 4: in His Word, in prayer, in worship, and from that 544 00:37:06,730 --> 00:37:10,810 Speaker 4: place of closeness, of intimacy, He empowers us to go 545 00:37:10,890 --> 00:37:13,770 Speaker 4: out and make a difference in the world. As we 546 00:37:13,810 --> 00:37:17,859 Speaker 4: wrap up, let's take this to heart. Jesus calls each 547 00:37:17,920 --> 00:37:21,060 Speaker 4: of us to be with Him, to learn from Him, 548 00:37:21,580 --> 00:37:24,120 Speaker 4: and then to go out and share His love with others. 549 00:37:24,719 --> 00:37:28,640 Speaker 4: Like those first disciples, we are invited into a relationship 550 00:37:28,800 --> 00:37:32,170 Speaker 4: with the One who knows us, who loves us, and 551 00:37:32,190 --> 00:37:33,650 Speaker 4: who wants to work through us.