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Speaker 1: And the multitudes that went before and that followed cried

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Speaker 1: saying Hosanna to the son of David. Blest is he

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Speaker 1: that cometh in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in

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Speaker 1: the highest Matthew twenty one nine. My Lord, I know

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Speaker 1: that you've called me to be a great leader amongst

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Speaker 1: your people. As you begin to evaluate my life, give

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Speaker 1: me the perspective and posture of Jesus. Help me to

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Speaker 1: be confident that I get to reveal that You've called

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Speaker 1: me to greater things. When the weight of leadership tries

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Speaker 1: to get me to shift from my identity, I will

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Speaker 1: stand steadfast like the colt in to Day's story. I

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Speaker 1: will remain calm in my resolve to unapologetically be me

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Speaker 1: and lead how You've created me. As I move in

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Speaker 1: your presence, Help me to recognis my season. Help me

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Speaker 1: to remain faithful even when it's time for me to

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Speaker 1: step out and live out the mission for my life.

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Speaker 1: Like Jesus, hide me until it's my time to accelerate

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Speaker 1: and elevate, For it is in the quiet and obscure

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Speaker 1: moments that you are building my character and integrity, so

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Speaker 1: that when I step into my calling and I am

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Speaker 1: forced to carry my cross. I won't buckle under the

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Speaker 1: weight of the responsibility as I begin my triumphal entry

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Speaker 1: into my purpose, I will look to you, Jesus, to

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Speaker 1: see me through. In Jesus' name, Amen, stay tuned to

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Speaker 1: immerse yourself in the Greatest Stories Ever Told. From pray

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Speaker 1: dot COM's podcast Heroes in the Bible.

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Speaker 2: Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evans, and I'm excited for you

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Speaker 2: to join me on Heroes in the Bible. Jesus. Please

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Speaker 2: follow this podcast on Apple or Spotify to get the

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Speaker 2: latest episode so you can continue strengthening your relationship with Jesus.

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Speaker 2: Welcome to the greatest story ever told. It is a

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Speaker 2: story of a shepherd's heart for his sheep, a father's

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Speaker 2: love for his children, and a hero's triumph over death

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Speaker 2: and darkness. This is a story that continues to shape

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Speaker 2: and mold the world around us, bringing the divine heart

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Speaker 2: of God right into the hearts of you and me.

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Speaker 2: This episode begins the long week leading up to god Gotha.

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Speaker 2: The Gospels focus heavily on this week, and so will

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Speaker 2: we for our next few episodes. The last week of

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Speaker 2: Jesus's life before his death on the cross is filled

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Speaker 2: with moments of betrayal, violence, love, and triumph. We will

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Speaker 2: cross the entire spectrum of emotions on the way to Calvary.

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Speaker 2: This episode is the beginning of the end. Jesus will

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Speaker 2: set his gaze on Jerusalem and enter like a king. However,

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Speaker 2: he is not the king anyone expects. You and I

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Speaker 2: know enough about Jesus by now to understand he is

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Speaker 2: constantly flipping our expectations on their heads. Even though Jesus

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Speaker 2: is living his final days before the crucifixion, he still

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Speaker 2: finds time to minister to the sick, needy, and downtrodden.

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Speaker 2: He also finds time to challenge the Pharisees. You think

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Speaker 2: Jesus would want to lay low after learning there is

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Speaker 2: a bounty on his head, but it doesn't seem to

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Speaker 2: slow him down one bit. Jesus doesn't hold back his rebukes,

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Speaker 2: nor does he shrink back when danger mounts. Remember, Jesus

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Speaker 2: walks toward danger, not away from it. This episode is

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Speaker 2: one gigantic leap into the belly of the beast. Jesus,

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Speaker 2: being our ultimate hero and redeemer, doesn't turn back from

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Speaker 2: the challenge. The prelude of this story takes place under

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Speaker 2: the Shadows of Jerusalem, where the religious leaders plot to

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Speaker 2: kill God himself. Their schemes, as evil as they might be,

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Speaker 2: play into the hand of Jesus perfectly. I can't wait

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Speaker 2: to join you for this episode. Stay tuned in afterwards

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Speaker 2: as we unpack some of its theme. Here is episode fourteen,

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Speaker 2: the beginning of the.

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Speaker 3: End prelude to Chapter fourteen. The torchlight flickered, illuminating elaborate

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Speaker 3: tapestries above a large wooden table. Shadows drifted across the

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Speaker 3: cold stone walls as a dozen hooded men into the room.

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Speaker 3: They all took their places at the table, giving preference

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Speaker 3: to the man in the middle. His face was covered

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Speaker 3: by the shadow as he leaned back in his place,

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Speaker 3: listening to the others speak, What do we do?

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Speaker 4: One man whispered, We simply cannot allow him to continue.

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Speaker 4: It has gone too far.

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Speaker 3: The torchlight continued to flare as a small draft made

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Speaker 3: its way into the room.

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Speaker 4: He performed signs nobody has seen since Elijah.

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Speaker 3: Another said, if we let him get the.

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Speaker 4: Romans will begin to see him as a threat and

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Speaker 4: punish us for it.

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Speaker 3: The men nodded in agreement.

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Speaker 4: Is it fair for us to be dragged into the

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Speaker 4: streets and killed. Because one man thinks he's God. They

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Speaker 4: have already asked him to be king. What if Herod

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Speaker 4: decides to do something?

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Speaker 3: The robed figures were stirred at the thought. Their low

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Speaker 3: whispers created a sinister echo through the temple halls.

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Speaker 4: Caiaphas, what say you.

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Speaker 3: Another said, gesturing to the shrouded figure at the head

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Speaker 3: of the table. Their eyes darted forward with a high

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Speaker 3: priest sat back, stroking his beard. He was a tall,

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Speaker 3: slender man with broad shoulders. His blue robes blended in

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Speaker 3: with the cold stone behind him, and his breastplate of

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Speaker 3: precious stones reflected the flickering torchlight. He leaned forward on

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Speaker 3: the table, peering at the men in front of him.

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Speaker 5: You know nothing at all.

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Speaker 3: Caiaphas sneered.

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Speaker 5: If you did, you would not be debating what you

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Speaker 5: should do. You ought to know what should be done.

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Speaker 5: It is better for one man to die so the

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Speaker 5: rest of the nation can be spared.

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Speaker 3: Caiaphas did not understand the true weight of his words.

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Speaker 3: He suggested that they killed Jesus to spare the rest

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Speaker 3: of them from the wrath of the Romans. Yet Jesus's

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Speaker 3: death would accomplish something different. He would indeed die to

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Speaker 3: spare others from wrath, but it was not from the Romans.

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Speaker 3: It would be from the punishment of sin and death.

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Speaker 3: The Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes looked at one another in agreement.

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Speaker 3: As self proclaimed men of God, they dare not murder.

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Speaker 3: So they spent the night plotting how they would sway

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Speaker 3: the people. And it all began with finding a helper

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Speaker 3: who is close to you, Jesus. As the torch slowly

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Speaker 3: ran out of light, the true darkness enveloped the room,

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Speaker 3: and the enemy relished in his impending victory. An order

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Speaker 3: was put out in Jerusalem for Jesus to be arrested

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Speaker 3: on sight. However, Jesus had already departed for the wilderness

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Speaker 3: in Ephrium. There he would stay with his disciples, strengthening

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Speaker 3: them for the battle to come. It was not a

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Speaker 3: battle of bronze and steel. He was preparing them for

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Speaker 3: a battle of the spirit. The ultimate clash of good

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Speaker 3: and evil was about to stir up in the Hearts

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Speaker 3: of Mankind. Chapter fourteen, the beginning of the End. Flies

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Speaker 3: buzzed around the muddied streets of the Samarican village. Streams

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Speaker 3: of waste and excrement flowed through the town. Their homes

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Speaker 3: were built with forsaken clay, and Jesus saw the roof

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Speaker 3: tops rotting away. It was a blighted area that stunk

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Speaker 3: of death and decay. The disciples covered their noses as

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Speaker 3: they walked through. For a reason beyond them, Jesus had

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Speaker 3: decided to pass through this village. He visited each home,

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Speaker 3: assessing the needs of the families within them. Sometimes he

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Speaker 3: would heal, other times he would repair damaged pieces of

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Speaker 3: their homes. Jesus and his disciples connected with the lowest

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Speaker 3: members of society. The words of Christ resonated in Matthew's

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Speaker 3: head as he carried mud and hay. Blessed are the

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Speaker 3: poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

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Speaker 3: Matthew smiled, understanding what Jesus meant. The people had nothing,

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Speaker 3: yet they were stamped with a certain treasure he had

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Speaker 3: not seen in any person of wealth. They were able

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Speaker 3: to experience the full weight of Jesus's generosity without any

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Speaker 3: pride or shame. The group made its way to the

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Speaker 3: edge of the village, where a seemingly abandoned home leaned

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Speaker 3: against the stone wall. Emerging from the home were ten lepers.

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Speaker 3: Their spots were oozing with dark liquid, and their limbs

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Speaker 3: were seemingly hung in place by their bandages. They stood

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Speaker 3: at a distance, raising their arms to Jesus. The disciples

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Speaker 3: used to run from lepers, but they had witnessed enough

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Speaker 3: of Jesus's ministry to know they did not need to fear. Jesus,

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Speaker 3: and the twelve stepped forward.

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Speaker 6: Have mercy on Us.

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Speaker 3: The lepers shouted. Jesus reached out his arms and said, go.

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Speaker 7: To Jerusalem and show yourself to the priest.

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Speaker 3: The lepers turned and did as they were told. Disciples

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Speaker 3: watched as the lepers limped towards the road. Slowly, their

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Speaker 3: pained howls turned into strides, and before a few minutes passed,

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Speaker 3: they were completely healed, overwhelmed with joy. Nine of them

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Speaker 3: ran towards Jerusalem to show themselves in the temple as

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Speaker 3: Jesus had asked. Yet one remained where he stood. Jesus

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Speaker 3: watched as the figure stood in the distance. He looked

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Speaker 3: at his hands and feet, examining his new body. The

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Speaker 3: disciples could see the man was covering his face. He

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Speaker 3: fell to his knees and wept. The man rose to

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Speaker 3: his feet and began to run towards them. The man

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Speaker 3: came to Jesus with tattered robes and outstretched arms. His

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Speaker 3: face was beaming with life as tears ran down his

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Speaker 3: full cheeks.

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Speaker 6: My Lord, thank you.

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Speaker 3: As he said this, he fell at Jesus's feet and

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Speaker 3: worshiped him.

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Speaker 8: Thank you, son of David.

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Speaker 3: Jesus smiled and embraced the man. He looked around and

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Speaker 3: noticed that only one out of the ten returned. Were

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Speaker 3: not ten of you healed? Jesus asked, where are the

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Speaker 3: other nine? The man simply shrugged. He did not care

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Speaker 3: to ask. He was too intent from thinking.

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Speaker 7: Jesus, it is your faith that made you well, my friend,

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Speaker 7: Go in peace.

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Speaker 3: Jesus had blessed many people. He had healed many who

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Speaker 3: were sick and cast out many plagued with demons, Yet

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Speaker 3: only a few truly expressed gratitude. As Jesus ventured closer

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Speaker 3: to Jerusalem into the outer villages, a small crowd began

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Speaker 3: to form. As was expected, the Pharisees were not too

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Speaker 3: far behind. As Jesus taught, the Pharisees bombarded him with

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Speaker 3: questions and inquiries about the kingdom. Of God. They asked

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Speaker 3: about its coming, its second coming, and the signs of

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Speaker 3: the age. Jesus answered them honestly, being sure to reassure

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Speaker 3: his disciples in the process. Teacher, one of the disciples, asked.

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Speaker 6: Does God answer every prayer?

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Speaker 3: Jesus nodded and began a parable.

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Speaker 7: In a certain city, there was a judge who had

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Speaker 7: no regard for God or man. He was a grump

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Speaker 7: and a fiend. In that same city, there was a

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Speaker 7: poor widow who had been robbed by a man. In

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Speaker 7: that same city, there was a poor widow who had

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Speaker 7: been robbed by a man. The judge cared not for

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Speaker 7: the woman and disregarded her. Please, Yet she was persistent.

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Speaker 7: Day after day she came into his courtroom yelling, give

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Speaker 7: me justice. Although the judge refused her many times. Her

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Speaker 7: persistent requests annoyed the judge so much that he granted

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Speaker 7: her her plea. He threw his hands up in the

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Speaker 7: air and shouted, I fear no one, nor do I

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Speaker 7: respect anyone. Yet, because you will not cease your laboring,

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Speaker 7: I will grant you your wish.

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Speaker 3: Jesus clapped his hands to get their attention.

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Speaker 7: Listen to me and pay attention. This is a faithful saying,

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Speaker 7: if even the wicked judge regards the persistent requests of

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Speaker 7: a faithful woman, will not God, who loves you, bend

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Speaker 7: down and hear you? Will he not give justice to

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Speaker 7: those he has chosen? I tell you he will give

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Speaker 7: justice to those who ask. Yet, when justice comes and

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Speaker 7: the son a man enters, whether it be anyone with

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Speaker 7: faith to receive?

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Speaker 4: Surely God does not listen to every prayer, Jesus.

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Speaker 3: A pharisee, shouted. The crowd nodded in agreement.

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Speaker 4: The Samaritan dogs, the prostitutes, and the tax collectors. Would

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Speaker 4: God bend his ear to such wicked people? Sured not.

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Speaker 3: The pharisee spat in the direction of Matthew. Matthew took

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Speaker 3: a step back and lowered his head. Jesus put his

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Speaker 3: hand on Matthew's shoulder, then walked into the center of

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Speaker 3: the crowd. People surrounded him as he spoke. He turned

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Speaker 3: to the crowd, ensuring he had their undivided attention.

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Speaker 7: Two men went up into the temple to pray, one

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Speaker 7: a pharisee and the other a tax collector.

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Speaker 3: Jesus raised his left hand, the pharisee and the right

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Speaker 3: to Matthew.

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Speaker 7: The pharisee held his head up high, with his nose

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Speaker 7: to heaven. He strutted along with assurance of his standing

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Speaker 7: before God.

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Speaker 6: As he sauntered into the temple.

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Speaker 7: He did not kneel, know he did not bow. He

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Speaker 7: simply stood with his arms stretched out to God, saying, Lord,

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Speaker 7: I thank you that I am not like other men, thieves, adulterous,

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Speaker 7: even this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I

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Speaker 7: tithe everything I earn. Oh, how lucky are you, Lord,

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Speaker 7: that you have me?

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Speaker 3: Jesus mimicked the tone of the tax collector. There was

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Speaker 3: a small chuckle in the crowd, Yet the Pharisee was

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Speaker 3: not amused. Jesus stepped forward closer to the group of

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Speaker 3: pharisees it.

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Speaker 7: The tax collected. He did not even raise his eyes

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Speaker 7: to Heaven. He couldn't.

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Speaker 3: He was too ashamed.

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Speaker 7: He curled into himself, keeping low to the ground. He

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Speaker 7: beat on his chest, holding back tears as he bowed

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Speaker 7: before a righteous God and prayed, Lord, have mercy on me.

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Speaker 6: I am a sinner.

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Speaker 3: Jesus put his arm around Matthew and pointed to the pharisees.

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Speaker 7: I tell you, this man went back from the temple justified.

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Speaker 7: He who exalts himself will be humbled by the righteousness

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Speaker 7: of God, and he who humbles himself will be exalted

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Speaker 7: by the righteousness of God.

250
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Speaker 3: After this, the Pharisees departed. Jesus continued to teach about

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Speaker 3: coming to God as humble children. He spoke about marriage, divorce,

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Speaker 3: and the pursuit of holiness through undying devotion. In everything,

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Speaker 3: he showcased a deep love for the hearts of people

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Speaker 3: day by day. It was shown in contrast to the

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Speaker 3: arrogant lip service of the religious leaders. Listening in the

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Speaker 3: back of the crowd was a young man. His robes

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Speaker 3: were perfectly fit and laced with purple. He listened intently,

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Speaker 3: with his heart beating fast as he heard Jesus speak

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Speaker 3: about the eternity of heaven. He was a young ruler

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Speaker 3: with a great and noble house. He was an honest

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Speaker 3: man with honest intentions. He treated his family and household well.

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Speaker 3: He was generous, and he kept the law of God.

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Speaker 3: Since his youth, all the riches of earth and the

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Speaker 3: favor of men were available to him. Yet there was

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Speaker 3: a deep longing in him for something eternal, something with purpose.

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Speaker 3: He made his way to the front of the crowd.

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Speaker 8: Good teacher, he said, politely, what must I do to

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Speaker 8: inherit eternal life?

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Speaker 3: Jesus tilted his head at the question.

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Speaker 7: Why do you call me good? He asked, there is

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Speaker 7: only one that is good, and that is God. The

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Speaker 7: young ruler shrugged at the question. He did not have

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Speaker 7: an answer. If he was being honest, he truly did

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Speaker 7: not fully know who he was speaking to. Many people

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Speaker 7: debated who Jesus was, yet it remained a mystery to him.

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Speaker 7: Jesus opened his hands and said, I am sure you

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Speaker 7: know the commandments. Do not commit adultery, do not murder,

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Speaker 7: do not steal, do not bear false witness.

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Speaker 3: Honor your father and your mother. The young ruler nodded,

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Speaker 3: please to hear Jesus mention the commandments. Eagerly he responded, saying.

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Speaker 8: Yes, yes, all these I have kept from my youth.

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Speaker 8: I strive every day to uphold the law of God

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Speaker 8: and show myself approved.

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Speaker 3: There was a long pause as Jesus looked at the man.

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Speaker 3: His heart broke for him. He knew that for all

286
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Speaker 3: the man's striving to be good, he still lacked a

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Speaker 3: transformed heart. Jesus sighed and not.

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Speaker 7: Yes, I suppose you have, Yet there is still one

289
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Speaker 7: thing you lack. Sell your possessions, sell your estate and

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Speaker 7: your jewels. All that you have, sell and distribute the

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Speaker 7: money to the poor. Then come follow me, give your

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Speaker 7: whole heart to the Kingdom of God.

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Speaker 3: The young ruler looked at Jesus longingly. His very bones

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Speaker 3: cried out for something greater than money and influence. Yet

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Speaker 3: he did not own his belongings. His belongings owned him.

296
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Speaker 3: He shrunk back into the crowd, ashamed that he did

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Speaker 3: not have the courage to truly give all that he

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Speaker 3: had to God. Jesus watched the man depart. He shook

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Speaker 3: his head in compassion. Looking to the crowd, he said.

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Speaker 7: How hard is it to have wealth and still enter

301
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Speaker 7: the Kingdom of God? It would be easier for a

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Speaker 7: camel to pass through the eye of a needle.

303
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Speaker 3: The people chuckled. He then took the twelve with him

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Speaker 3: and departed to the back ropes. There they hiked, talked,

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Speaker 3: and laughed. The time he spent with them was his

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Speaker 3: greatest miracle. Through them, the world would be shaken to

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Speaker 3: its core. They hiked up the mountain to a small

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Speaker 3: ridge overlooking the city of Jerusalem. The sun was setting,

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Speaker 3: and an orange hue shone over the temple at the center.

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Speaker 3: Just past the city on the outskirts was a sloping

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Speaker 3: hill called Golcotha, which means the place of the Skull,

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Speaker 3: otherwise known as cavalry. Jesus gazed at it intently. The

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Speaker 3: light wind blew against his hair, and the sunset warmed

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Speaker 3: his face as he looked below.

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Speaker 7: We will be returning to Jerusalem.

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Speaker 3: He said. His disciples turned in surprise. Jesus looked at

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Speaker 3: them and gestured toward the hill in the distance.

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Speaker 7: Everything that has been prophesied about the Son of Man

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Speaker 7: will soon be accomplished. He will be delivered into the

320
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Speaker 7: hands of gentiles. Mocked, beaten, and spit upon.

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Speaker 3: The disciples could almost sense a sadness in Jesus's voice.

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Speaker 3: They could tell this was something he was struggling with.

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Speaker 7: After torturing him, they will kill him.

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Speaker 3: Jesus said, clearing his throat.

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Speaker 7: Yet there is a reason to rejoice, my brothers, for

326
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Speaker 7: he will rise again on the third day.

327
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Speaker 3: The disciples nodded. However, they did not fully grasp what

328
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Speaker 3: he was saying. They thought he was speaking in another parable.

329
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Speaker 3: They marked it in their minds as yet another thing

330
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Speaker 3: they did not understand. The twelve turned their eyes toward

331
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Speaker 3: the horizon with Jesus, content to not understand. For now,

332
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Speaker 3: Jesus seemed at peace, so they chose not to fear.

333
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Speaker 3: After Jesus calmed the storm, They had learned to not

334
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Speaker 3: fear anything as long as Jesus was with them. His

335
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Speaker 3: presence meant their safety. The group watched the sun dive

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Speaker 3: its way into the skylight. Its orange tint disappeared with

337
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Speaker 3: the light, and the stars emerged like splatters of paint

338
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Speaker 3: on a dark canvas. They were at peace, like a

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Speaker 3: calm before the storm.

340
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Speaker 9: He is leading us to Jerusalem, James said, I think

341
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Speaker 9: he's going to take the throne. People are already rushing

342
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Speaker 9: to Jerusalem to meet him there. It's a revolution, John explained.

343
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Speaker 3: Jesus and many of his followers were waiting through the

344
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Speaker 3: marketplace in Jericho, storing up provisions for the road to Jerusalem.

345
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Speaker 3: James and John walked in the crowd with their mother,

346
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Speaker 3: who was regularly in attendance when Jesus taught and performed

347
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Speaker 3: his miracles. She listened as her two sons shared their

348
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Speaker 3: experiences with Jesus and their hopes for the future.

349
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Speaker 10: Well, when he does take the throne, what will your

350
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Speaker 10: rolls be.

351
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Speaker 3: She asked. The two of them shrugged. Jesus had not

352
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Speaker 3: shared his plans to become king of Israel, but they

353
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Speaker 3: knew it was bound to happen.

354
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Speaker 10: Well, I am sure Jesus knows that my boys are

355
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Speaker 10: well prepared for any responsibility he gives.

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Speaker 3: Them, she said, patting their cheeks. The boys blushed. They

357
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Speaker 3: followed Jesus through the market place for a while. Jesus

358
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Speaker 3: examined the dried figs and bought some for the journey.

359
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Speaker 3: As he was doing this, the mother of James and

360
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Speaker 3: John brought her sons up and bowed at his feet.

361
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Speaker 10: My Lord and King, she greeted in a reagal tongue.

362
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Speaker 3: Jesus raised an eyebrow at her, then looked at James

363
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Speaker 3: and John. The two of them were embarrassed and had

364
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Speaker 3: already regretted speaking to their mother. However, perhaps she could

365
00:22:51,480 --> 00:22:55,680
Speaker 3: persuade Jesus. It was worth a try. How can I help,

366
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Speaker 3: Jesus asked. The mother stood to her feet and flattened

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Speaker 3: her garment.

368
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Speaker 10: Well, my Lord, we know that your kingdom is only

369
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Speaker 10: a few weeks away. We are traveling to Jerusalem. After all,

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Speaker 10: when you take your throne, you will need help. Might

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Speaker 10: I suggest my two boys. James is faithful, wise and

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Speaker 10: always up for a challenge. John is passionate, young, and

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Speaker 10: filled with the fire of heaven. Will you consider my

374
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Speaker 10: boys to sit at your right hand and your left.

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Speaker 3: Jesus secured the figs in his pack and looked at

376
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Speaker 3: the three of them intently. The other disciples were behind them,

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Speaker 3: listening in on the conversation. Jesus is brown furrowed. He

378
00:23:37,200 --> 00:23:40,760
Speaker 3: was vexed by the question. He did not address the mother,

379
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Speaker 3: but looked directly at James and John.

380
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Speaker 9: Is this what you want?

381
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Speaker 3: He asked. The two boys looked at one another and nodded.

382
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Speaker 3: Jesus shook his head.

383
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Speaker 7: You have no idea what you're asking, do you? Are

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Speaker 7: you able to drink the cup that I am about

385
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Speaker 7: to drink in Jerusalem?

386
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Speaker 3: Jesus asked, I'm sure of the question, but brimming with confidence.

387
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Speaker 3: James and John nodded, yes, Lord.

388
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Speaker 9: We are. We would not be following you if we

389
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Speaker 9: were not sure. Jesus nodded in agreement. He looked into

390
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Speaker 9: their eyes. For a long moment. They were unable to

391
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Speaker 9: see their future. What Jesus was, he alone was able

392
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Speaker 9: to peer into the future of James and John. The

393
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Speaker 9: Kingdom of God would look wildly different than they thought.

394
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Speaker 9: For James, it would mean an axe driving through his

395
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Speaker 9: spine and severing his head. He would be the first

396
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Speaker 9: disciple to be martyred. For John, it meant enduring the

397
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Speaker 9: loss of every other disciple and watching them be killed.

398
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Speaker 9: He would be the last disciple to die. He would

399
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Speaker 9: be dumped in a vat of boiling oil and then

400
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Speaker 9: exiled to an island alone. The cup Jesus would drink

401
00:24:56,880 --> 00:25:01,399
Speaker 9: in Jerusalem was a cup of suffering. He would endure it,

402
00:25:01,920 --> 00:25:05,000
Speaker 9: and although they were filled with pride, he knew James

403
00:25:05,000 --> 00:25:08,439
Speaker 9: and John would endure it as well. Very well, Jesus said,

404
00:25:08,640 --> 00:25:12,480
Speaker 9: you will drink my cup. However, sitting at my right

405
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Speaker 9: hand and my left is not my decision to make.

406
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Speaker 9: That has been prepared beforehand by my father.

407
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Speaker 3: After saying these things, Jesus resumed his errands around the

408
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Speaker 3: market place. James and John silently cheered amongst themselves. Their

409
00:25:27,160 --> 00:25:29,800
Speaker 3: mother kissed their cheeks and went back to the crowd

410
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Speaker 3: behind them. When the other ten heard about James and John,

411
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Speaker 3: they were indignant, They bickered and quarreled with one another

412
00:25:38,000 --> 00:25:42,280
Speaker 3: about who was greatest among them. They chided one another

413
00:25:42,480 --> 00:25:47,240
Speaker 3: and measured their qualifications. Jesus walked in front of them,

414
00:25:47,359 --> 00:25:51,640
Speaker 3: enduring their prideful debate for a long while. They sounded

415
00:25:51,720 --> 00:25:56,040
Speaker 3: like pharisees, tallying up their good deeds, as if God

416
00:25:56,119 --> 00:25:59,120
Speaker 3: kept score. Jesus turned back.

417
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Speaker 7: To them, So want to talk about ruling a kingdom?

418
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Speaker 3: Yes, he said. The disciples recoiled like children caught breaking

419
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Speaker 3: the rules.

420
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Speaker 7: The rulers of the gentiles are all about status and authority.

421
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Speaker 7: The greatest kings and emperors rise above the rest of

422
00:26:14,640 --> 00:26:17,679
Speaker 7: the people, only to press down on them and lord

423
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Speaker 7: their power over them.

424
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Speaker 3: Jesus explained. He held out a finger to them, saying.

425
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Speaker 7: It shall not be this way among you, not while

426
00:26:26,359 --> 00:26:28,320
Speaker 7: I am here, and not when i'd part.

427
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Speaker 3: Know for yourself how.

428
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Speaker 7: God measures greatness. Whoever desires to be great in God's

429
00:26:34,440 --> 00:26:37,960
Speaker 7: kingdom must be a servant of all. Whoever desires to

430
00:26:38,080 --> 00:26:42,480
Speaker 7: be first must put himself last. For even the Son

431
00:26:42,520 --> 00:26:45,080
Speaker 7: of Man did not come to be served, He came

432
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Speaker 7: to serve. He came to pour his life out as

433
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Speaker 7: a ransom for many.

434
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Speaker 3: A large crowd formed as Jesus and his disciples were

435
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Speaker 3: leaving Jericho. They were eager to witness his entry into Jerusalem.

436
00:26:58,920 --> 00:27:03,399
Speaker 3: They anxiously awaited his rise to power. They bumped shoulder

437
00:27:03,480 --> 00:27:07,120
Speaker 3: to shoulder, inching as close as they could to him.

438
00:27:07,160 --> 00:27:11,360
Speaker 3: Every single one of them had ambition. They saw Jesus

439
00:27:11,480 --> 00:27:15,639
Speaker 3: as their redemption from the oppressive rain of Caesar. The

440
00:27:15,680 --> 00:27:20,199
Speaker 3: gates outside of Jericho were massive and thick. Under the

441
00:27:20,240 --> 00:27:23,760
Speaker 3: shade of the gates, many beggars and venders sat in

442
00:27:23,880 --> 00:27:29,880
Speaker 3: anticipation of travelers. Passover was approaching, and many people were

443
00:27:29,920 --> 00:27:34,560
Speaker 3: exiting the gates to travel to the temple. A blind

444
00:27:34,760 --> 00:27:39,120
Speaker 3: beggar by the name of Bartimaeus sat leaning against the walls.

445
00:27:39,960 --> 00:27:43,000
Speaker 3: His coat was spread out for people to toss coins.

446
00:27:44,160 --> 00:27:47,320
Speaker 3: He leaned back and bumped his head against the hard stone.

447
00:27:48,200 --> 00:27:52,240
Speaker 3: It was another day of him begging in darkness, another

448
00:27:52,320 --> 00:27:56,840
Speaker 3: day in anguish that of his blindness. He listened to

449
00:27:56,880 --> 00:28:01,360
Speaker 3: the sporadic tinkling of coins hitting his coat. He could

450
00:28:01,400 --> 00:28:05,040
Speaker 3: hear a stirring in the crowds beside the gate. It

451
00:28:05,160 --> 00:28:08,040
Speaker 3: was a larger crowd than he was used to hearing. Men,

452
00:28:08,280 --> 00:28:13,120
Speaker 3: women and children passed by like a stampede. Bartimaeus gestured

453
00:28:13,119 --> 00:28:15,240
Speaker 3: to a few of the men begging beside.

454
00:28:14,960 --> 00:28:17,600
Speaker 6: Him, what is the commotion?

455
00:28:17,920 --> 00:28:19,520
Speaker 3: He asked, what am I missing?

456
00:28:19,960 --> 00:28:21,359
Speaker 8: It is Jesus of Nazareth.

457
00:28:21,560 --> 00:28:23,120
Speaker 3: Another beggar said.

458
00:28:22,880 --> 00:28:24,080
Speaker 8: He's leaving Jericho.

459
00:28:24,840 --> 00:28:28,040
Speaker 3: Bartimaeus had heard of Jesus. He heard of his mighty

460
00:28:28,119 --> 00:28:31,800
Speaker 3: acts and words. He heard of him healing the sick

461
00:28:32,000 --> 00:28:36,200
Speaker 3: and making the lame mem walk. Most importantly, he had

462
00:28:36,240 --> 00:28:40,040
Speaker 3: heard rumors that Jesus could restore sight to the blind.

463
00:28:41,280 --> 00:28:44,360
Speaker 3: He immediately stood to his feet, resting his hand against

464
00:28:44,360 --> 00:28:47,600
Speaker 3: the stone wall for balance. He could not see anything,

465
00:28:48,040 --> 00:28:51,680
Speaker 3: but he had to get to Jesus. He could hear

466
00:28:51,680 --> 00:28:54,520
Speaker 3: the crowds passing through the road like a rushing river.

467
00:28:55,400 --> 00:28:59,000
Speaker 3: Bartimaeus knew that every second he wasted, his chances of

468
00:28:59,040 --> 00:29:05,240
Speaker 3: reaching Jesus slimmed. Bartimaeus lived in complete darkness. He had

469
00:29:05,240 --> 00:29:09,120
Speaker 3: no clue what awaited him in that crowd. His heart

470
00:29:09,240 --> 00:29:14,800
Speaker 3: raised on his knees trembled. His entire body urged him

471
00:29:14,840 --> 00:29:19,080
Speaker 3: not to run forward, Yet his heart cried out for

472
00:29:19,160 --> 00:29:23,000
Speaker 3: the living God to heal him. The blind man dove

473
00:29:23,040 --> 00:29:26,160
Speaker 3: into the crowd. He knocked baskets out of people's arms

474
00:29:26,200 --> 00:29:27,720
Speaker 3: and stumbled several times.

475
00:29:28,040 --> 00:29:32,280
Speaker 6: Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.

476
00:29:32,640 --> 00:29:35,960
Speaker 3: He shouted. He continued to run, only the trip on

477
00:29:36,000 --> 00:29:39,120
Speaker 3: the foot of the crowd. He fell on his face,

478
00:29:39,640 --> 00:29:44,120
Speaker 3: splitting his chin wide open. Blood mixed with the dirt

479
00:29:44,160 --> 00:29:50,240
Speaker 3: on his face. However, Bartimaeus ignored the pain. Jesus, he

480
00:29:50,320 --> 00:29:52,080
Speaker 3: shouted again, Lord.

481
00:29:51,960 --> 00:29:54,440
Speaker 6: Son of David, have mercy on me.

482
00:29:54,960 --> 00:29:59,080
Speaker 3: He shouted into complete darkness, Not even sure if Jesus

483
00:29:59,160 --> 00:30:04,680
Speaker 3: was able to hear, Bartimaeus was determined. He burst through

484
00:30:04,720 --> 00:30:08,320
Speaker 3: the crowd, flailing his arms and stumbling into people. As

485
00:30:08,320 --> 00:30:11,240
Speaker 3: he drew closer to Jesus. Many of the men seized him.

486
00:30:11,720 --> 00:30:13,560
Speaker 7: Leave the teacher alone.

487
00:30:13,560 --> 00:30:18,160
Speaker 3: They said, Holding his arms, Bartimaeus threw them off of him.

488
00:30:18,840 --> 00:30:21,480
Speaker 6: Jesus said, of David, have mercy on me.

489
00:30:21,920 --> 00:30:26,000
Speaker 3: He roared again. His desperate cries for Jesus were almost

490
00:30:26,000 --> 00:30:30,720
Speaker 3: those of a screaming infant longing to be held. He

491
00:30:30,760 --> 00:30:35,120
Speaker 3: had been so vulnerable for so long. If there was any.

492
00:30:35,000 --> 00:30:39,200
Speaker 7: Hope to see again, he knew it light in Jesus.

493
00:30:40,280 --> 00:30:43,440
Speaker 3: Jesus looked back to see the blind man fighting off

494
00:30:43,480 --> 00:30:44,360
Speaker 3: a group of mens.

495
00:30:44,600 --> 00:30:45,680
Speaker 6: Get away from me.

496
00:30:46,080 --> 00:30:50,520
Speaker 3: He shouted, swinging his fists, blood dripped down his mangled chin,

497
00:30:50,760 --> 00:30:52,400
Speaker 3: and his knees were still quivering.

498
00:30:52,880 --> 00:30:55,080
Speaker 6: I must get to him. You can't stop me.

499
00:30:55,320 --> 00:30:57,960
Speaker 3: Jesus looked at him and gestured to his disciples.

500
00:30:58,280 --> 00:31:00,520
Speaker 7: Why are they holding that man back from me? Bring

501
00:31:00,600 --> 00:31:00,920
Speaker 7: him here?

502
00:31:01,600 --> 00:31:05,040
Speaker 3: So the disciples demanded the people release Bartimaeus and bring

503
00:31:05,120 --> 00:31:09,640
Speaker 3: him forward. Escorted to the feet of Jesus, Bartimaeus beamed

504
00:31:09,720 --> 00:31:14,040
Speaker 3: with excitement. What can I do for you, Jesus asked politely.

505
00:31:15,040 --> 00:31:18,440
Speaker 3: Bartimaeus had stared into nothingness for much of his life.

506
00:31:19,920 --> 00:31:24,040
Speaker 3: He was plagued with an unquenchable desire to see the

507
00:31:24,120 --> 00:31:28,920
Speaker 3: world around him. Yet as Jesus spoke to him, all

508
00:31:29,080 --> 00:31:34,600
Speaker 3: bitter and anxious thoughts seemed to melt away. He turned

509
00:31:34,600 --> 00:31:36,000
Speaker 3: his head to Jesus.

510
00:31:36,000 --> 00:31:39,600
Speaker 11: And said, son of David, all I asked for his mercy.

511
00:31:40,040 --> 00:31:42,400
Speaker 11: I have longed to see the skies again. For so long,

512
00:31:43,000 --> 00:31:46,760
Speaker 11: my heart has ached to watch the sunrise and witness

513
00:31:46,840 --> 00:31:50,280
Speaker 11: the changing seasons. Yet now as I speak to you,

514
00:31:50,680 --> 00:31:54,440
Speaker 11: my greatest desire is that I behold your glory.

515
00:31:55,160 --> 00:31:57,080
Speaker 3: Jesus helped the man to his feet.

516
00:31:57,560 --> 00:32:01,560
Speaker 7: Bartimaus, arise and go your way. Your faith has made

517
00:32:01,560 --> 00:32:02,440
Speaker 7: you well.

518
00:32:02,440 --> 00:32:07,400
Speaker 3: And in that instant, the beggar's sight was restored. Light

519
00:32:07,520 --> 00:32:10,479
Speaker 3: shone brightly through the cracks in his eyes, and the

520
00:32:10,480 --> 00:32:16,640
Speaker 3: figure of Jesus's smile slowly came into focus. Pardimaeus did

521
00:32:16,640 --> 00:32:19,320
Speaker 3: not return to his home. He did not pick up

522
00:32:19,320 --> 00:32:23,160
Speaker 3: his things and depart for the temple. He followed Jesus

523
00:32:23,400 --> 00:32:27,000
Speaker 3: and remained at his side. There was no one else

524
00:32:27,000 --> 00:32:31,080
Speaker 3: he would rather see. Jesus talked there on the road side.

525
00:32:31,200 --> 00:32:35,240
Speaker 3: As he walked, the throng gathered around him, making an

526
00:32:35,240 --> 00:32:40,800
Speaker 3: impenetrable wall of people. Standing outside the crowd was Zaccheus.

527
00:32:42,000 --> 00:32:46,600
Speaker 3: He was a short man of fine clothes and sandals. However,

528
00:32:46,960 --> 00:32:50,760
Speaker 3: despite all his lavishness, he was rejected by the crowd.

529
00:32:51,840 --> 00:32:54,600
Speaker 3: Nobody allowed him to see Jesus or to get close

530
00:32:54,680 --> 00:32:59,160
Speaker 3: enough to hear him. Zacchius was notorious in the city.

531
00:33:00,280 --> 00:33:04,040
Speaker 3: He was a chief tax collector and best known for

532
00:33:04,160 --> 00:33:09,520
Speaker 3: making profit off the suffering of his people. Jesus entrigued him.

533
00:33:10,200 --> 00:33:13,320
Speaker 3: He had heard about his signs and wonders, but he

534
00:33:13,360 --> 00:33:17,040
Speaker 3: also heard that Jesus dined with tax collectors and sinners.

535
00:33:18,040 --> 00:33:21,400
Speaker 3: No rabbi in the entire country dared even to talk

536
00:33:21,440 --> 00:33:25,000
Speaker 3: to a tax collector. Yet Jesus had one as his disciple.

537
00:33:26,160 --> 00:33:30,120
Speaker 3: Zacchias tried to weave through the solidified crowd, but had

538
00:33:30,120 --> 00:33:33,840
Speaker 3: no luck. He scanned his surroundings and saw a nearby

539
00:33:33,920 --> 00:33:38,880
Speaker 3: sycamore tree. Zacchius rolled up his sleeves and removed his sandals,

540
00:33:39,160 --> 00:33:41,560
Speaker 3: and then, with the swing of his arms, he jumped

541
00:33:41,600 --> 00:33:45,640
Speaker 3: onto one branch. His dangling legs flailed in the air

542
00:33:45,920 --> 00:33:49,800
Speaker 3: as he pushed himself up onto a branch. He climbed

543
00:33:49,800 --> 00:33:53,480
Speaker 3: the tree, shimmying up to the highest point possible. He

544
00:33:53,600 --> 00:33:57,760
Speaker 3: leaned over to see Jesus. He was not at all

545
00:33:57,760 --> 00:34:02,640
Speaker 3: what he expected. He was much more unassuming and humbled

546
00:34:02,640 --> 00:34:06,840
Speaker 3: in appearance. If he were not in this center, Zachius

547
00:34:06,840 --> 00:34:11,239
Speaker 3: would have never known he was somewhat important. Jesus heard

548
00:34:11,239 --> 00:34:14,799
Speaker 3: a rustling in the leaves above him. He peered up

549
00:34:14,840 --> 00:34:17,760
Speaker 3: to see a small man hanging on to a branch.

550
00:34:18,960 --> 00:34:22,040
Speaker 3: Jesus scanned the tree, seeing that the branch he was

551
00:34:22,080 --> 00:34:27,040
Speaker 3: resting on was about to crack Sacchius, Jesus shouted. The

552
00:34:27,120 --> 00:34:30,600
Speaker 3: tax collector's eyes widened. How does he know my name?

553
00:34:30,760 --> 00:34:35,600
Speaker 3: He asked himself. Zacchius felt honored that Jesus would know him.

554
00:34:35,719 --> 00:34:39,480
Speaker 7: Zacchius get down from there. I must stay at your house.

555
00:34:39,239 --> 00:34:43,360
Speaker 3: Today, Jesus shouted again. Yet as he said these words,

556
00:34:43,719 --> 00:34:48,080
Speaker 3: Zacchius felt the branch underneath him give way. As the

557
00:34:48,120 --> 00:34:51,960
Speaker 3: branch cracked and tears, Zacchius tumbled down every branch below,

558
00:34:52,280 --> 00:34:56,719
Speaker 3: until eventually hitting the ground. A cloud of dust turned up,

559
00:34:57,120 --> 00:35:01,760
Speaker 3: and Zacchius struggled to prop himself up out of the dust.

560
00:35:02,360 --> 00:35:07,760
Speaker 3: Jesus's hand extended to help him up. Zacheus clumsily composed

561
00:35:07,840 --> 00:35:12,240
Speaker 3: himself and escorted Jesus to his house. He could feel

562
00:35:12,280 --> 00:35:17,080
Speaker 3: the judgmental glares of people as Jesus followed him. They knew,

563
00:35:17,560 --> 00:35:20,920
Speaker 3: and he knew, that he did not deserve the presence

564
00:35:20,960 --> 00:35:25,759
Speaker 3: of Jesus in his home. Questions of doubt filled Zachius

565
00:35:25,840 --> 00:35:29,759
Speaker 3: his mind as he hosted Jesus and his disciples. He

566
00:35:29,880 --> 00:35:31,919
Speaker 3: wondered if he was a good enough man to even

567
00:35:31,960 --> 00:35:36,239
Speaker 3: deserve the favor of Jesus. He did not understand why

568
00:35:36,280 --> 00:35:39,200
Speaker 3: he would want to be hosted by a tax collector,

569
00:35:40,239 --> 00:35:44,160
Speaker 3: Yet there he was eating and drinking at his table.

570
00:35:45,800 --> 00:35:52,279
Speaker 3: Jesus had given up his reputation to bless Zachius. He

571
00:35:52,320 --> 00:35:55,040
Speaker 3: had given up a home and riches so he could

572
00:35:55,080 --> 00:35:59,359
Speaker 3: travel and heal others. His disciples had given up their

573
00:35:59,400 --> 00:36:04,000
Speaker 3: livelihood to follow him. What have I given, Zachius thought

574
00:36:04,040 --> 00:36:08,640
Speaker 3: to himself. He pondered for a moment, then stood up

575
00:36:08,880 --> 00:36:14,200
Speaker 3: before Jesus and raised his cup. My Lord, Zachius declared.

576
00:36:13,960 --> 00:36:16,160
Speaker 12: I have decided to give half of my goods to

577
00:36:16,200 --> 00:36:19,040
Speaker 12: the poor, and if there is anything I took by

578
00:36:19,080 --> 00:36:24,160
Speaker 12: greed or defrauding, I will restore it to that person fourfold.

579
00:36:24,920 --> 00:36:26,880
Speaker 3: Jesus raised his cup to Zachias.

580
00:36:27,480 --> 00:36:31,719
Speaker 7: Today salvation has come to your household, Jesus said, for

581
00:36:31,800 --> 00:36:34,120
Speaker 7: the Son of God has come to seek and save

582
00:36:34,239 --> 00:36:35,280
Speaker 7: those that are lost.

583
00:36:35,480 --> 00:36:38,600
Speaker 3: Jesus did not need to convince Zachieus to be generous.

584
00:36:39,440 --> 00:36:42,400
Speaker 3: He did not need to preach an elaborate sermon or

585
00:36:42,440 --> 00:36:46,400
Speaker 3: compel him with an argument. The presence and character of

586
00:36:46,480 --> 00:36:50,239
Speaker 3: Jesus alone was enough to transform the heart of Zachias,

587
00:36:50,960 --> 00:36:56,560
Speaker 3: a corrupt tax collector. Transformation was found in the presence

588
00:36:56,719 --> 00:37:01,360
Speaker 3: of Jesus. From there, Jesus went to Bethany and stayed

589
00:37:01,360 --> 00:37:05,040
Speaker 3: in the house of Simon the Leper. The disciples were

590
00:37:05,080 --> 00:37:07,840
Speaker 3: able to let their guards down and finally enjoy a

591
00:37:07,840 --> 00:37:11,120
Speaker 3: good meal among one another without the brooding eyes of

592
00:37:11,160 --> 00:37:17,840
Speaker 3: the Pharisees. The homes smelled of freshly baked bread. Andrew, James,

593
00:37:17,880 --> 00:37:23,360
Speaker 3: and John sat by the fire, exchanging fishing stories. Matthew

594
00:37:23,400 --> 00:37:27,520
Speaker 3: and Thomas stood facing one another, discussing the upcoming passover.

595
00:37:28,560 --> 00:37:33,279
Speaker 3: Thaddeus and Simon reclined beside Jesus, content to sit from

596
00:37:33,280 --> 00:37:39,040
Speaker 3: their cups and listen. Jesus could feel an aching pain

597
00:37:39,320 --> 00:37:44,080
Speaker 3: in his soul. His time was coming. The son of

598
00:37:44,120 --> 00:37:48,440
Speaker 3: Man would be delivered soon. The people expected a rebellion.

599
00:37:49,280 --> 00:37:52,959
Speaker 3: They expected a revolution leading straight into the courts of Rome.

600
00:37:54,200 --> 00:37:57,000
Speaker 3: The words of Isaiah rang in his head.

601
00:37:57,400 --> 00:38:01,600
Speaker 13: He was oppressed, and he was a Yet he opened

602
00:38:01,640 --> 00:38:04,560
Speaker 13: not his mouth like a lamb that has led to

603
00:38:04,600 --> 00:38:09,279
Speaker 13: the slaughter. Jesus knew the suffering that awaited him. He

604
00:38:09,360 --> 00:38:13,520
Speaker 13: was ready to endure it. As the men in the

605
00:38:13,600 --> 00:38:17,239
Speaker 13: room laughed and exchanged stories, a woman entered through the

606
00:38:17,280 --> 00:38:18,120
Speaker 13: corner of the room.

607
00:38:19,640 --> 00:38:23,360
Speaker 3: Mary, the sister of Lazarus, came with an alabaster flask

608
00:38:23,560 --> 00:38:27,840
Speaker 3: of spike mard. An expensive ointment, no doubt, it was

609
00:38:27,880 --> 00:38:31,520
Speaker 3: her life's savings and the only financial security she had.

610
00:38:32,800 --> 00:38:37,440
Speaker 3: Yet she was content to adorn Jesus with it. She

611
00:38:37,640 --> 00:38:40,560
Speaker 3: poured out the flask and it spilled onto his hair

612
00:38:40,880 --> 00:38:45,680
Speaker 3: and feet. The fragrance filled the room. It was an

613
00:38:45,800 --> 00:38:49,880
Speaker 3: ointment used for burial, No doubt she had used some

614
00:38:50,000 --> 00:38:54,920
Speaker 3: of it on Lazarus when he died. Judas watched from

615
00:38:54,960 --> 00:38:55,879
Speaker 3: the corner of the room.

616
00:38:56,480 --> 00:38:57,400
Speaker 6: What is she doing?

617
00:38:57,680 --> 00:39:01,280
Speaker 3: He shouted. His outburst caught the attention of everyone.

618
00:39:02,239 --> 00:39:03,840
Speaker 9: That is expensive ointment.

619
00:39:04,280 --> 00:39:06,560
Speaker 7: Why not sell it and give the money to the poor.

620
00:39:07,040 --> 00:39:09,640
Speaker 3: Judas was in charge of the money back, and would

621
00:39:09,640 --> 00:39:13,600
Speaker 3: often help himself to whatever was put into it. His

622
00:39:13,719 --> 00:39:17,279
Speaker 3: outcry to sell the ointment was not out of altruism,

623
00:39:17,480 --> 00:39:20,200
Speaker 3: but greed. Leave her alone, Jesus.

624
00:39:19,800 --> 00:39:22,400
Speaker 7: Said, see that she keeps the rest for my burial,

625
00:39:23,440 --> 00:39:26,600
Speaker 7: for you always have the poor. But my time here

626
00:39:26,640 --> 00:39:27,640
Speaker 7: is almost done.

627
00:39:27,480 --> 00:39:31,240
Speaker 3: Jesus saw through the heart of Judas. Mary was willing

628
00:39:31,280 --> 00:39:35,880
Speaker 3: to lay down her livelihood to glorify Jesus. Yet Judas,

629
00:39:36,320 --> 00:39:39,360
Speaker 3: even with all his exposure to the acts of Jesus,

630
00:39:40,000 --> 00:39:43,600
Speaker 3: was gripped by the love of money in a moment

631
00:39:43,640 --> 00:39:47,280
Speaker 3: of weakness. He would soon learn just how much damage

632
00:39:47,520 --> 00:39:52,240
Speaker 3: the love of money can do to a man. Jesus

633
00:39:52,280 --> 00:39:54,719
Speaker 3: arose early in the morning to sit on a hill

634
00:39:54,840 --> 00:39:59,000
Speaker 3: pointing towards the city of Jerusalem. It was time to

635
00:39:59,160 --> 00:40:02,959
Speaker 3: enter into the day and of lions. Like David once

636
00:40:03,000 --> 00:40:08,120
Speaker 3: prepared for battle with Goliath, Jesus prepared his thoughts for

637
00:40:08,160 --> 00:40:11,760
Speaker 3: the week to come. The order of heaven and earth

638
00:40:12,080 --> 00:40:16,120
Speaker 3: was about to shift, Chaos was going to be reined in,

639
00:40:16,560 --> 00:40:20,719
Speaker 3: and darkness was going to be driven out. Jesus set

640
00:40:20,760 --> 00:40:25,879
Speaker 3: his gaze upon Jerusalem like an archer. Awaiting him were

641
00:40:26,000 --> 00:40:30,200
Speaker 3: enemies seeking to devour him. Yet he knew who the

642
00:40:30,280 --> 00:40:35,480
Speaker 3: true enemy was. Death itself was awaiting him at Calvary,

643
00:40:36,360 --> 00:40:40,759
Speaker 3: beckoning him to fight. He drew a deep breath and

644
00:40:40,880 --> 00:40:47,120
Speaker 3: looked to Heaven. It is time, he whispered. Jesus stood

645
00:40:47,120 --> 00:40:51,200
Speaker 3: to his feet and walked down the hill. Peter, James,

646
00:40:51,440 --> 00:40:53,520
Speaker 3: and John were waiting for him below.

647
00:40:54,520 --> 00:40:56,640
Speaker 7: My friends, I have a special task for.

648
00:40:56,640 --> 00:40:59,960
Speaker 3: You, Jesus said, greeting them.

649
00:41:00,360 --> 00:41:01,320
Speaker 6: In the nearby village.

650
00:41:01,320 --> 00:41:03,160
Speaker 7: At the bottom of the hill, you'll find a colt

651
00:41:03,200 --> 00:41:06,920
Speaker 7: tied up with its mother. It will be unruly and dangerous.

652
00:41:07,280 --> 00:41:09,480
Speaker 7: I want you to take it for me. If any

653
00:41:09,480 --> 00:41:11,759
Speaker 7: one asks why you are taking the donkeys, simply say

654
00:41:12,320 --> 00:41:13,520
Speaker 7: the Lord has need of it.

655
00:41:15,760 --> 00:41:18,759
Speaker 3: The three men did as Jesus asked and ventured to

656
00:41:18,840 --> 00:41:23,080
Speaker 3: the nearby village to find the colt. Sure enough, as

657
00:41:23,080 --> 00:41:25,919
Speaker 3: the three men entered the village, a colt was there

658
00:41:26,000 --> 00:41:30,439
Speaker 3: at the entrance with its mother. The three disciples looked

659
00:41:30,440 --> 00:41:34,040
Speaker 3: at one another, not surprised that Jesus knew, but also

660
00:41:34,200 --> 00:41:39,279
Speaker 3: curious as to why. Peter was the first to approach it.

661
00:41:39,280 --> 00:41:42,680
Speaker 3: Its hind legs kicked back aggressively, and its neck whipped

662
00:41:42,680 --> 00:41:45,800
Speaker 3: from side to side. He leaped to grab the reins,

663
00:41:46,080 --> 00:41:49,080
Speaker 3: but he quickly retaliated with the blow of Peter's forehead.

664
00:41:50,000 --> 00:41:54,560
Speaker 3: Peter fell back in the mud. John went next, approaching

665
00:41:54,600 --> 00:41:59,640
Speaker 3: the colt slowly. It was fearful and stubborn, a deadly

666
00:41:59,680 --> 00:42:03,760
Speaker 3: company nation. The second John grabbed hold of the reins,

667
00:42:03,960 --> 00:42:07,120
Speaker 3: the colt lifted its front legs and hit John directly

668
00:42:07,160 --> 00:42:10,440
Speaker 3: in the chast Andrew saw it as an opportunity to

669
00:42:10,520 --> 00:42:14,920
Speaker 3: strike and leaped towards the colt to grab the reins. Success.

670
00:42:15,760 --> 00:42:17,880
Speaker 3: It took three of them to tame the beast.

671
00:42:18,680 --> 00:42:22,000
Speaker 9: How will Jesus ever use something so stubborn.

672
00:42:22,200 --> 00:42:27,720
Speaker 3: Peter thought he failed to see the irony. The colt

673
00:42:27,800 --> 00:42:32,840
Speaker 3: writhed and jolted its head back continually until it approached Jesus.

674
00:42:33,520 --> 00:42:39,000
Speaker 3: Jesus walked towards it, gently rubbing the front of its nose. Hush,

675
00:42:39,080 --> 00:42:44,560
Speaker 3: now be still, he said to the colt. The same

676
00:42:44,600 --> 00:42:48,360
Speaker 3: authority he had over the wind and waves he used

677
00:42:48,400 --> 00:42:51,960
Speaker 3: on the colt. He mounted the colt with ease and

678
00:42:52,080 --> 00:42:56,560
Speaker 3: made his way down the hill towards the gates of Jerusalem.

679
00:42:57,040 --> 00:43:01,960
Speaker 3: Word had spread that Jesus was coming. He had healed

680
00:43:01,960 --> 00:43:05,800
Speaker 3: the lepers, restored sight to the blind, fed thousands of people,

681
00:43:06,200 --> 00:43:11,160
Speaker 3: raised the dead, and spoke power over demons. The people

682
00:43:11,160 --> 00:43:14,600
Speaker 3: were ready to coronate him as king, so they gathered

683
00:43:14,600 --> 00:43:18,680
Speaker 3: in numbers big enough to make an army. They were

684
00:43:18,719 --> 00:43:22,480
Speaker 3: ready for a coronation. Yet Jesus would not be crowned

685
00:43:22,560 --> 00:43:28,720
Speaker 3: with gold with thorns. Jesus descended the hill towards God's

686
00:43:28,760 --> 00:43:34,359
Speaker 3: Holy City. At the gates, a sea of people awaited him.

687
00:43:34,600 --> 00:43:38,920
Speaker 3: They parted away for Jesus to enter in cheering. They

688
00:43:39,000 --> 00:43:42,839
Speaker 3: shouted for joy at the sight of him. Hosannah, they

689
00:43:42,880 --> 00:43:48,080
Speaker 3: cried out. Their cheers shook the earth below. The entire

690
00:43:48,200 --> 00:43:51,600
Speaker 3: city was rising like a tide to meet the son

691
00:43:51,640 --> 00:43:54,560
Speaker 3: of Man. Blessed be the one who comes in the

692
00:43:54,680 --> 00:43:58,600
Speaker 3: name of the Lord, they shouted, louder women sang a

693
00:43:58,640 --> 00:44:04,759
Speaker 3: psalm of hope, their melodies filled disguise. People from all

694
00:44:04,880 --> 00:44:09,480
Speaker 3: different nations and nationalities had come every year to worship

695
00:44:09,520 --> 00:44:13,399
Speaker 3: God at the temple, Yet this year they gazed upon

696
00:44:13,440 --> 00:44:18,040
Speaker 3: the active and moving presence of God. They laid out

697
00:44:18,040 --> 00:44:21,400
Speaker 3: Palm Franz to make a pathway for Jesus. Some of

698
00:44:21,440 --> 00:44:24,000
Speaker 3: them even removed their own cloaks for him to walk upon.

699
00:44:25,120 --> 00:44:28,760
Speaker 3: They saw Jesus as the chosen hero that would liberate

700
00:44:28,840 --> 00:44:32,960
Speaker 3: them from the tight grip of Roman oppression. They gazed

701
00:44:33,040 --> 00:44:37,040
Speaker 3: upon Jesus as someone worthy to be called king. They

702
00:44:37,080 --> 00:44:40,560
Speaker 3: saw him as a wise and noble ruler destined to

703
00:44:40,600 --> 00:44:44,440
Speaker 3: sit on the throne of David. They wanted him to

704
00:44:44,520 --> 00:44:47,960
Speaker 3: rule over them and restore Israel to its former glory.

705
00:44:49,160 --> 00:44:52,720
Speaker 3: They desired a conquering warrior who would defeat the armies

706
00:44:52,760 --> 00:44:55,520
Speaker 3: of tyranny and bring blessing to the people of God

707
00:44:55,600 --> 00:45:00,279
Speaker 3: once again. As they sang to Jesus, there was a

708
00:45:00,320 --> 00:45:04,440
Speaker 3: slight tinge of disappointment. He did not ride on a

709
00:45:04,440 --> 00:45:08,640
Speaker 3: white stallion with armor glistening in the sun. He came

710
00:45:08,719 --> 00:45:14,200
Speaker 3: riding on a donkey. Jesus was not the king they expected.

711
00:45:15,320 --> 00:45:19,520
Speaker 3: He was powerful, mighty, and able to thwart the corrupt

712
00:45:19,560 --> 00:45:22,680
Speaker 3: nations of the age. Yet his mission was not to

713
00:45:22,760 --> 00:45:26,760
Speaker 3: overthrow a worldly government. His fight was not with Caesar

714
00:45:27,160 --> 00:45:31,799
Speaker 3: or Herod. There was a greater enemy that had enslaved

715
00:45:31,880 --> 00:45:37,360
Speaker 3: humanity since the Garden of Eden, Greater than Pharaoh, greater

716
00:45:37,440 --> 00:45:41,960
Speaker 3: than Goliath. In the Philistines, Jesus held his gaze high

717
00:45:42,400 --> 00:45:46,120
Speaker 3: to the end of the city. The hill of Goncotha

718
00:45:46,280 --> 00:45:53,600
Speaker 3: loomed like a dragon's den. Cavalry awaited him. The people

719
00:45:53,680 --> 00:45:57,080
Speaker 3: sang along to their instruments. Their praise filled the air

720
00:45:57,239 --> 00:46:00,919
Speaker 3: like a sweet aroma. Yet Jesus knew what they would

721
00:46:00,960 --> 00:46:05,279
Speaker 3: be chanting in just a few days. Blessed is the King.

722
00:46:05,840 --> 00:46:07,879
Speaker 6: Blessed is the son of David.

723
00:46:07,880 --> 00:46:12,839
Speaker 3: They proclaimed. The Pharisees were also there, awaiting the opportunity

724
00:46:12,920 --> 00:46:14,320
Speaker 3: to strike Jesus down.

725
00:46:14,920 --> 00:46:17,560
Speaker 4: Aren't you going to muzzle your disciples, Jesus?

726
00:46:17,680 --> 00:46:18,920
Speaker 6: They're calling you God.

727
00:46:19,719 --> 00:46:21,080
Speaker 3: Jesus looked back at them.

728
00:46:21,800 --> 00:46:25,200
Speaker 7: Even if I did silence them, the stones themselves would

729
00:46:25,200 --> 00:46:25,719
Speaker 7: cry out.

730
00:46:26,840 --> 00:46:30,279
Speaker 3: As Jesus said this, he entered the gates of Jerusalem.

731
00:46:31,280 --> 00:46:35,000
Speaker 3: The entirety of scripture was leading up to this moment.

732
00:46:36,080 --> 00:46:39,880
Speaker 3: The crescendo of God's story thus far was about to unfold.

733
00:46:41,200 --> 00:46:43,359
Speaker 3: It was the beginning of the end.

734
00:46:53,920 --> 00:46:57,000
Speaker 2: Here we go, the Passion week has begun. Jesus enter

735
00:46:57,080 --> 00:46:59,680
Speaker 2: Jerusalem to take the throne. But it was not a

736
00:46:59,719 --> 00:47:02,880
Speaker 2: throw when anybody was expecting him to take His throne.

737
00:47:02,960 --> 00:47:05,600
Speaker 2: Was not a raid in jewels or covered in fine linen.

738
00:47:05,920 --> 00:47:10,080
Speaker 2: His throne was a rugged and splintered cross. These next

739
00:47:10,080 --> 00:47:13,520
Speaker 2: few episodes leading up to the crucifixion highlight just how

740
00:47:13,600 --> 00:47:16,760
Speaker 2: fine tuned everything had to be in order for Jesus

741
00:47:16,760 --> 00:47:19,920
Speaker 2: to accomplish God's will. It all began with our prelude,

742
00:47:20,080 --> 00:47:23,319
Speaker 2: where the religious leaders were plotting to kill Jesus. We

743
00:47:23,400 --> 00:47:27,359
Speaker 2: got to hear their wicked whispers and providential plotting. We

744
00:47:27,440 --> 00:47:31,279
Speaker 2: also got to meet a key character, Caiaphas, the high

745
00:47:31,360 --> 00:47:34,600
Speaker 2: priests who presided over the trials that sealed Jesus's fate.

746
00:47:35,120 --> 00:47:37,640
Speaker 2: These men come to the conclusion it is better to

747
00:47:37,719 --> 00:47:39,960
Speaker 2: kill Jesus than to risk the wrath of the Romans.

748
00:47:40,640 --> 00:47:43,719
Speaker 2: In their opinion, even if Jesus was innocent, his death

749
00:47:43,719 --> 00:47:47,000
Speaker 2: would stave off the wrath of the Roman overlords. It

750
00:47:47,080 --> 00:47:49,439
Speaker 2: is better for one man to die so the rest

751
00:47:49,440 --> 00:47:52,640
Speaker 2: of the nation can be spared. Caiaphas said, do you

752
00:47:52,760 --> 00:47:55,840
Speaker 2: notice the irony in that statement. Jesus was going to

753
00:47:55,960 --> 00:47:58,879
Speaker 2: die so the nation could be spared, but not from

754
00:47:58,920 --> 00:48:01,400
Speaker 2: the Romans. Was going to die to take away the

755
00:48:01,520 --> 00:48:04,960
Speaker 2: judgment of God. Their plot set everything in motion. The

756
00:48:05,160 --> 00:48:09,200
Speaker 2: enemy thought he had won. He was wrong. This episode

757
00:48:09,239 --> 00:48:12,799
Speaker 2: gave us a big theme to consider character, whether it

758
00:48:12,920 --> 00:48:15,680
Speaker 2: was the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector

759
00:48:15,800 --> 00:48:18,960
Speaker 2: or the interaction with the rich young ruler. Jesus pressed

760
00:48:18,960 --> 00:48:21,800
Speaker 2: the theme it is better to have conviction and character

761
00:48:22,160 --> 00:48:26,600
Speaker 2: than outward morality and religiosity. The humble and contracte tax

762
00:48:26,640 --> 00:48:30,680
Speaker 2: collector was more righteous than the pious Pharisee. The rich

763
00:48:30,719 --> 00:48:34,200
Speaker 2: young ruler had morality but lack the character to sacrifice

764
00:48:34,200 --> 00:48:37,960
Speaker 2: his possessions. The theme of character was also highlighted in

765
00:48:38,000 --> 00:48:42,200
Speaker 2: the interaction between Jesus and the family of Zebedee. James

766
00:48:42,200 --> 00:48:44,440
Speaker 2: and John wanted to be in a position of influence

767
00:48:44,520 --> 00:48:46,920
Speaker 2: so badly that they had their mother ask on their

768
00:48:46,920 --> 00:48:51,680
Speaker 2: behalf spiritual points aside, what grown man allows this to happen?

769
00:48:52,200 --> 00:48:54,319
Speaker 2: Their mother goes to Jesus in front of all the

770
00:48:54,400 --> 00:48:58,080
Speaker 2: disciples to ask for special treatment. Not only was this

771
00:48:58,160 --> 00:49:02,640
Speaker 2: embarrassing to witness, but it also showed ignorance. Jesus was

772
00:49:02,680 --> 00:49:05,279
Speaker 2: gentle in putting them in their place. Though he asked

773
00:49:05,320 --> 00:49:07,799
Speaker 2: them plainly if they were able to drink the cup

774
00:49:07,840 --> 00:49:11,600
Speaker 2: he was going to drink. They ignorantly said yes, not

775
00:49:11,800 --> 00:49:16,080
Speaker 2: understanding the cup meant suffering. Jesus used the uncomfortable situation

776
00:49:16,600 --> 00:49:20,360
Speaker 2: to teach his disciples a lesson about leadership. The rulers

777
00:49:20,480 --> 00:49:24,000
Speaker 2: of the gentiles are all about status and authority. The

778
00:49:24,040 --> 00:49:26,720
Speaker 2: greatest kings and emperors rise above the rest of the people,

779
00:49:26,760 --> 00:49:29,720
Speaker 2: only to press down on them and lord their power

780
00:49:29,800 --> 00:49:33,560
Speaker 2: over them. Jesus explained, it shall not be this way

781
00:49:33,600 --> 00:49:36,640
Speaker 2: among you, not while I'm here or when I depart.

782
00:49:37,280 --> 00:49:41,000
Speaker 2: Know for yourselves how God measures greatness. Whoever desires to

783
00:49:41,000 --> 00:49:43,399
Speaker 2: be great in God's kingdom must be a servant of all.

784
00:49:43,640 --> 00:49:47,040
Speaker 2: Whoever desires to be first must put himself last. For

785
00:49:47,200 --> 00:49:49,520
Speaker 2: even the Son of Man did not come to be served,

786
00:49:49,640 --> 00:49:52,040
Speaker 2: but he came to serve. He came to pour his

787
00:49:52,080 --> 00:49:55,680
Speaker 2: life out as a ransom for many. Jesus is inviting

788
00:49:55,719 --> 00:49:58,600
Speaker 2: you and me to redefine what we think greatness means.

789
00:49:59,040 --> 00:50:01,200
Speaker 2: While the world is in a a mad dash to

790
00:50:01,280 --> 00:50:04,080
Speaker 2: grasp that power, you and I are invited to humble

791
00:50:04,080 --> 00:50:08,080
Speaker 2: ourselves and serve. True greatness is measured in the positive

792
00:50:08,120 --> 00:50:11,520
Speaker 2: impact we have on people's lives, not in positions of

793
00:50:11,600 --> 00:50:17,000
Speaker 2: authority or promotions. Greatness, in Jesus's eyes, also required suffering

794
00:50:17,040 --> 00:50:19,840
Speaker 2: for the sake of others. This was exemplified in this

795
00:50:19,960 --> 00:50:24,040
Speaker 2: episode as Jesus turned his face toward Jerusalem. Although there

796
00:50:24,080 --> 00:50:26,920
Speaker 2: was a warrn out for his arrest, Jesus chose to

797
00:50:27,040 --> 00:50:31,880
Speaker 2: go to Jerusalem. Isaiah fifty verse seven prophesied the resolute

798
00:50:31,960 --> 00:50:35,160
Speaker 2: nature of Jesus facing the cross to obtain the glory

799
00:50:35,400 --> 00:50:39,000
Speaker 2: set before him. But the Lord God helps me. Therefore

800
00:50:39,040 --> 00:50:42,279
Speaker 2: I have not been disgraced. Therefore I have set my

801
00:50:42,440 --> 00:50:45,160
Speaker 2: face like a flint, and I know that I shall

802
00:50:45,200 --> 00:50:47,920
Speaker 2: not be put to shame. Don't you love that line?

803
00:50:48,239 --> 00:50:50,600
Speaker 2: He set his face like a flint, ready to set

804
00:50:50,600 --> 00:50:54,000
Speaker 2: the world on fire. We worship a God who pursued

805
00:50:54,080 --> 00:50:56,560
Speaker 2: death like an adversary. He was not a victim of

806
00:50:56,600 --> 00:50:59,440
Speaker 2: the cross. He actively took steps in pursuit of it.

807
00:51:00,080 --> 00:51:03,640
Speaker 2: The pursuit began with a triumphant entrant. Thousands of people

808
00:51:03,719 --> 00:51:06,440
Speaker 2: rushed the border of the city to welcome Jesus as

809
00:51:06,480 --> 00:51:09,800
Speaker 2: their king. They shouted praises, calling him the son of David.

810
00:51:10,200 --> 00:51:12,960
Speaker 2: The crowd meant well, but their cheers were under some

811
00:51:13,000 --> 00:51:16,439
Speaker 2: false expectations. They thought they were ushering in a king

812
00:51:16,480 --> 00:51:19,920
Speaker 2: who was going to overthrow Rome and restore autonomy to Israel.

813
00:51:20,480 --> 00:51:23,120
Speaker 2: Jesus came to do much more than that. His mission

814
00:51:23,560 --> 00:51:27,680
Speaker 2: was the redemption of men souls, not political liberation. Nevertheless,

815
00:51:27,800 --> 00:51:31,280
Speaker 2: this scene was brilliant. I love the imagery of Jesus

816
00:51:31,320 --> 00:51:34,160
Speaker 2: getting the praise of the people. When the Pharisees tried

817
00:51:34,160 --> 00:51:37,080
Speaker 2: to shut them up, Jesus reminded them that if they

818
00:51:37,120 --> 00:51:40,680
Speaker 2: don't praise him, even the rocks will cry out. Zachari

819
00:51:40,760 --> 00:51:44,040
Speaker 2: nine to nine prophesied that Messiah would ride on a colt.

820
00:51:44,680 --> 00:51:48,319
Speaker 2: Rejoice greatly, O, daughter of Zion, shout aloud, O, daughter

821
00:51:48,360 --> 00:51:52,360
Speaker 2: of Jerusalem. Behold your king is coming to you, righteous

822
00:51:52,520 --> 00:51:56,320
Speaker 2: and having salvation, as he humble and mounted on a donkey,

823
00:51:56,480 --> 00:51:59,680
Speaker 2: on a colt, the foal of a donkey. So why

824
00:51:59,800 --> 00:52:04,359
Speaker 2: was it donkey? Whether donkey holds some cultural and biblical significance,

825
00:52:04,400 --> 00:52:07,680
Speaker 2: We would be wise to notice in the ancient Middle

826
00:52:07,719 --> 00:52:11,399
Speaker 2: Eastern world, conquerors and warriors rode horses in the war,

827
00:52:11,880 --> 00:52:15,240
Speaker 2: but they rode donkeys if they came in peace. Solomon

828
00:52:15,320 --> 00:52:17,319
Speaker 2: rode a donkey on the day he was chosen as

829
00:52:17,360 --> 00:52:20,799
Speaker 2: the new king of Israel. Zachari nine ten highlighted this

830
00:52:20,920 --> 00:52:23,560
Speaker 2: idea of peace when it said, I will take away

831
00:52:23,600 --> 00:52:27,080
Speaker 2: the chariots from Ephrium and the war horses from Jerusalem,

832
00:52:27,360 --> 00:52:30,320
Speaker 2: and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim

833
00:52:30,360 --> 00:52:33,680
Speaker 2: peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea

834
00:52:33,719 --> 00:52:36,080
Speaker 2: to sea, and from river to the ends of the earth.

835
00:52:36,640 --> 00:52:39,560
Speaker 2: This prophecy of Messiah should have been enough of a

836
00:52:39,600 --> 00:52:41,719
Speaker 2: clue to the people that Jesus did not come to

837
00:52:41,760 --> 00:52:44,960
Speaker 2: conquer Rome with an iron fist. He came to restore

838
00:52:45,040 --> 00:52:49,560
Speaker 2: peace between mankind and God. Jesus's enemy was not a

839
00:52:49,600 --> 00:52:53,480
Speaker 2: political regime, empire, or nation. His war was not against

840
00:52:53,520 --> 00:52:57,360
Speaker 2: a group of people, even the Pharisees. Jesus sought to

841
00:52:57,400 --> 00:53:01,240
Speaker 2: battle sin and death. Death itself was awaiting him at Calvary,

842
00:53:01,680 --> 00:53:05,359
Speaker 2: beckoning him to fight. Our hero will respond to the call.

843
00:53:06,000 --> 00:53:09,120
Speaker 2: Join us next time, as the tension mounts and Jesus

844
00:53:09,120 --> 00:53:12,839
Speaker 2: disrupts the religious system from the inside out, join us

845
00:53:12,840 --> 00:53:16,680
Speaker 2: for episode fifteen. Din of These Thanks again for listening.

846
00:53:17,080 --> 00:53:20,600
Speaker 2: For more inspiring stories Daily prayers and wisdom to last

847
00:53:20,600 --> 00:53:23,960
Speaker 2: a lifetime. Go to pray dot com. And to expand

848
00:53:24,000 --> 00:53:27,120
Speaker 2: your heroes in the Bible journey, download the Heroes of

849
00:53:27,160 --> 00:53:31,800
Speaker 2: the Faith devotional at Tonyevans dot org. Forward Slash Heroes.

850
00:53:32,200 --> 00:53:35,200
Speaker 2: Follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify to get the

851
00:53:35,280 --> 00:53:38,600
Speaker 2: newest episodes right as they come out, so you can

852
00:53:38,680 --> 00:53:41,920
Speaker 2: strengthen your relationship with Jesus God bless