1 00:00:00,480 --> 00:00:03,000 Speaker 1: For God so loved the world that he gave his 2 00:00:03,080 --> 00:00:07,480 Speaker 1: only begotten son, that whoever believeth in him should not perish, 3 00:00:07,680 --> 00:00:14,280 Speaker 1: but have everlasting life. John three sixteen. Thank you, Heavenly Father, 4 00:00:14,560 --> 00:00:18,840 Speaker 1: for your unfathomable love for me. No one will ever 5 00:00:19,000 --> 00:00:22,360 Speaker 1: or could ever love me with the pure and unconditional 6 00:00:22,400 --> 00:00:26,320 Speaker 1: love you have for me. You ask me to believe, 7 00:00:27,080 --> 00:00:29,920 Speaker 1: believe in your son and the price he paid out 8 00:00:29,960 --> 00:00:33,640 Speaker 1: of his love for me. I wept in gratitude when 9 00:00:33,680 --> 00:00:37,080 Speaker 1: I realized how selfish I am in comparison to his 10 00:00:37,240 --> 00:00:42,320 Speaker 1: astounding love. I left my voice in praise and sing 11 00:00:42,479 --> 00:00:46,040 Speaker 1: joy to the world. The Lord has come, and Heaven 12 00:00:46,120 --> 00:00:50,639 Speaker 1: and Nature sing. Prepare our hearts Lord to receive the 13 00:00:50,680 --> 00:00:55,160 Speaker 1: greatest gift of knowing. Jesus, fill our hearts with joy 14 00:00:55,200 --> 00:01:03,600 Speaker 1: as we sing praises for your glorious goodness. Amen. Stay 15 00:01:03,640 --> 00:01:07,280 Speaker 1: tuned to immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever told. 16 00:01:07,640 --> 00:01:11,120 Speaker 1: From pray dot COM's podcast Heroes in the Bible. 17 00:01:12,800 --> 00:01:16,560 Speaker 2: Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evans, jehost for Heroes in the Bible. Jesus. 18 00:01:17,160 --> 00:01:20,080 Speaker 2: If you've been enjoying this series, please write a review 19 00:01:20,200 --> 00:01:23,479 Speaker 2: and let us know how this podcast has impacted your life. 20 00:01:24,120 --> 00:01:26,720 Speaker 2: Welcome to the greatest story ever told. It is the 21 00:01:26,760 --> 00:01:29,600 Speaker 2: story of a shepherd's heart for his sheep, a father's 22 00:01:29,600 --> 00:01:32,680 Speaker 2: love for his children, and a hero's triumph over death 23 00:01:32,760 --> 00:01:36,120 Speaker 2: and darkness. This is a story that continues to shape 24 00:01:36,120 --> 00:01:39,320 Speaker 2: and mold the world around us, bringing the divine heart 25 00:01:39,360 --> 00:01:41,440 Speaker 2: of God right into the hearts of you and me. 26 00:01:42,240 --> 00:01:45,400 Speaker 2: In this episode, Jesus's heart for the outcast has put 27 00:01:45,440 --> 00:01:50,120 Speaker 2: on full display. This episode features one compelling interaction after another. 28 00:01:50,640 --> 00:01:52,720 Speaker 2: While some of the gospels put an emphasis on the 29 00:01:52,720 --> 00:01:56,360 Speaker 2: public ministry of Jesus, the Gospel of John is unique 30 00:01:56,560 --> 00:01:59,280 Speaker 2: with its greater emphasis on the one on one interactions 31 00:01:59,360 --> 00:02:03,840 Speaker 2: Jesus had with selected individuals. This episode highlights many of 32 00:02:03,880 --> 00:02:07,800 Speaker 2: those connections, reminding us that Jesus wasn't just a public figure, 33 00:02:08,080 --> 00:02:11,280 Speaker 2: but a friend and mentor. He took time for people, 34 00:02:11,520 --> 00:02:14,400 Speaker 2: noticed those on the fringe, and revealed his glory through 35 00:02:14,440 --> 00:02:19,720 Speaker 2: simple conversations. This episode introduces us to famous characters like 36 00:02:19,800 --> 00:02:22,640 Speaker 2: Nicodemus and the Woman at the Well, as well as 37 00:02:22,720 --> 00:02:25,120 Speaker 2: lesser known figures like the father with the sick son 38 00:02:25,600 --> 00:02:29,639 Speaker 2: and the invalid by the pools. All of these individuals 39 00:02:29,680 --> 00:02:32,320 Speaker 2: came face to face with Jesus and were changed forever 40 00:02:32,400 --> 00:02:36,200 Speaker 2: because of him. Nobody can truly meet Jesus and remain neutral. 41 00:02:36,720 --> 00:02:38,800 Speaker 2: Anyone who comes face to face with him must make 42 00:02:38,840 --> 00:02:43,080 Speaker 2: a decision about who he is to them. Ironically, the 43 00:02:43,120 --> 00:02:46,200 Speaker 2: religiously lead and pious leaders had a harder time accepting 44 00:02:46,240 --> 00:02:50,079 Speaker 2: him than the sick and social outcast. As it turns out, 45 00:02:50,720 --> 00:02:54,320 Speaker 2: self righteous religion can keep people from truly seeing Jesus 46 00:02:54,320 --> 00:02:57,320 Speaker 2: for who he is. In this episode, I want to 47 00:02:57,400 --> 00:02:59,399 Speaker 2: challenge all of us to see the ways in which 48 00:02:59,520 --> 00:03:02,560 Speaker 2: Jesus interacts with the outcast. How does he speak with 49 00:03:02,639 --> 00:03:06,000 Speaker 2: people who have been rejected by society? To what lengths 50 00:03:06,040 --> 00:03:09,600 Speaker 2: will Jesus go to comfort and compel people's hearts. Before 51 00:03:09,600 --> 00:03:13,040 Speaker 2: we dive into this next time in Jesus' ministry, we 52 00:03:13,120 --> 00:03:16,560 Speaker 2: will have a prelude, a story captured from another time 53 00:03:16,600 --> 00:03:20,280 Speaker 2: and space. We are introduced to David, an outcast in 54 00:03:20,320 --> 00:03:23,240 Speaker 2: his own way who became a king. His life is 55 00:03:23,240 --> 00:03:25,560 Speaker 2: an example to us all of God's heart for the 56 00:03:25,600 --> 00:03:29,120 Speaker 2: people on the fringe. The small Shepherd's boys rise to 57 00:03:29,240 --> 00:03:32,160 Speaker 2: power shows us that God prefers to use the weak 58 00:03:32,200 --> 00:03:35,160 Speaker 2: things of the world to display his strength. I hope 59 00:03:35,200 --> 00:03:39,560 Speaker 2: it encourages you today. Here is episode five The Outcast. 60 00:03:46,040 --> 00:03:51,880 Speaker 3: Prelude to Chapter five. One thousand years before the birth 61 00:03:51,920 --> 00:03:56,360 Speaker 3: of Christ, a young shepherd boy lounged under the clouds. 62 00:03:57,200 --> 00:04:00,600 Speaker 3: He watched the sheep grays and frolic while strumming the liar. 63 00:04:02,560 --> 00:04:06,200 Speaker 3: The solitude of a shepherd's life did not bother him. 64 00:04:06,400 --> 00:04:10,040 Speaker 3: His father had nearly forgotten him altogether anyways, and his 65 00:04:10,120 --> 00:04:14,240 Speaker 3: brothers were self consumed. If he was being honest, he 66 00:04:14,320 --> 00:04:17,839 Speaker 3: preferred the company of sheep. As dull as they were, 67 00:04:18,400 --> 00:04:23,200 Speaker 3: they were endearing. They needed his guidance, protection and provision. 68 00:04:23,760 --> 00:04:26,880 Speaker 3: Without him, they would surely fall off a cliff or 69 00:04:26,960 --> 00:04:30,680 Speaker 3: starve to death. The boy thought about his relationship with 70 00:04:30,760 --> 00:04:33,960 Speaker 3: God this way. He would often look at his sheep 71 00:04:34,320 --> 00:04:39,039 Speaker 3: and ponder how God was his shepherd, guiding, protecting, and 72 00:04:39,160 --> 00:04:44,120 Speaker 3: providing for him. In the solitude of the sheep pasture, 73 00:04:44,480 --> 00:04:48,400 Speaker 3: the young shepherd strummed him to the Lord. He played 74 00:04:48,480 --> 00:04:53,880 Speaker 3: passionately for an audience of one. These tender moments happened 75 00:04:53,880 --> 00:04:58,640 Speaker 3: often between him and God. He was constantly after his heart. 76 00:04:59,440 --> 00:05:01,920 Speaker 3: He knew that his sheep's while being was dependent on 77 00:05:02,040 --> 00:05:06,400 Speaker 3: its closeness to the shepherd, so The boy drew close 78 00:05:06,480 --> 00:05:10,120 Speaker 3: to the Lord daily, singing to him and meditating on 79 00:05:10,279 --> 00:05:14,359 Speaker 3: his law. As small and unassuming as he was, he 80 00:05:14,480 --> 00:05:18,520 Speaker 3: was not without courage. Wolves and lions would often prowl 81 00:05:18,520 --> 00:05:21,240 Speaker 3: on the perimeter of the pasture, looking to feast on 82 00:05:21,360 --> 00:05:25,599 Speaker 3: the helpless sheep. The shepherd boy was continually alert and 83 00:05:25,720 --> 00:05:28,840 Speaker 3: ready for battle. He had to slay a few wolves 84 00:05:28,880 --> 00:05:33,000 Speaker 3: and lions in his time. However, nobody would assume that 85 00:05:33,080 --> 00:05:36,679 Speaker 3: of the boy. He was ruddy and clearly the runt 86 00:05:36,720 --> 00:05:39,640 Speaker 3: of his family. He did not carry himself like his 87 00:05:39,720 --> 00:05:46,040 Speaker 3: brothers or his father. They were regal, sturdy, and kinglike. However, 88 00:05:46,480 --> 00:05:50,120 Speaker 3: the boy was content with his sheep. He loved that 89 00:05:50,240 --> 00:05:54,080 Speaker 3: they needed him. When the nation of Israel needed a 90 00:05:54,160 --> 00:05:57,359 Speaker 3: champion to rise up and defeat the giant Golire and 91 00:05:57,440 --> 00:06:03,240 Speaker 3: his Philistine army, no soldier forward. There were no princes, warriors, 92 00:06:03,480 --> 00:06:07,200 Speaker 3: or noblemen brave enough to fight. The prophet and Judge 93 00:06:07,240 --> 00:06:10,320 Speaker 3: of Israel, Samuel, was sent by God to find a 94 00:06:10,400 --> 00:06:14,240 Speaker 3: man worthy enough to lead the nation. He looked at 95 00:06:14,279 --> 00:06:18,479 Speaker 3: the strong, the tall, and the noble. He considered the 96 00:06:18,480 --> 00:06:23,080 Speaker 3: men who carried themselves like kings. However, the Lord had 97 00:06:23,080 --> 00:06:28,120 Speaker 3: rejected them as his chosen servant. Instead he had. Samuel 98 00:06:28,120 --> 00:06:30,960 Speaker 3: looked to the pastors, where a shepherd boy tended to 99 00:06:31,000 --> 00:06:37,880 Speaker 3: the sheep man looks at the outward appearance. God told Samuel, however, 100 00:06:38,040 --> 00:06:42,920 Speaker 3: I look beyond what men say. I look at the heart. 101 00:06:44,120 --> 00:06:47,680 Speaker 3: Samuel looked at the ruddy shepherd boy. He did not 102 00:06:47,880 --> 00:06:51,440 Speaker 3: have a keenly demeanor. He was the rejected son of 103 00:06:51,480 --> 00:06:56,880 Speaker 3: his family and an outcast. However, dwelling within him was 104 00:06:56,960 --> 00:07:00,839 Speaker 3: a heart after God. The Lord called the shepherd boy 105 00:07:01,200 --> 00:07:04,599 Speaker 3: and empowered him to slay giants. He would go on 106 00:07:04,680 --> 00:07:08,640 Speaker 3: to be the greatest king Israel had ever known. The 107 00:07:08,720 --> 00:07:13,560 Speaker 3: otherwise unassuming and weak boy was a hero and God's 108 00:07:13,760 --> 00:07:19,720 Speaker 3: chosen champion, King David. These are the people God chose 109 00:07:20,000 --> 00:07:24,840 Speaker 3: to lead armies, restore nations, and proclaim his truths. He 110 00:07:24,960 --> 00:07:29,040 Speaker 3: chose the weak to showcase his strength. He chose the 111 00:07:29,080 --> 00:07:33,640 Speaker 3: homeless and gave them a home. He chose the rejective 112 00:07:34,000 --> 00:07:38,040 Speaker 3: and gave them purpose. For God chose the foolish things 113 00:07:38,080 --> 00:07:41,120 Speaker 3: of this world to put to shame all those who 114 00:07:41,160 --> 00:07:46,160 Speaker 3: felt wise or strong in their own right. God was 115 00:07:46,200 --> 00:07:53,760 Speaker 3: in the business for choosing the outcasts. Chapter five. The 116 00:07:53,840 --> 00:07:59,120 Speaker 3: Outcasts Jesus's name began to grow in popularity. As John 117 00:07:59,200 --> 00:08:03,200 Speaker 3: the Baptist faith into anonymity, more and more people who 118 00:08:03,240 --> 00:08:07,600 Speaker 3: used to follow him began to follow Jesus. However, the 119 00:08:07,680 --> 00:08:11,360 Speaker 3: true identity of Jesus was still only seen in part. 120 00:08:12,520 --> 00:08:15,800 Speaker 3: Some people called him the Messiah, but they were still 121 00:08:15,800 --> 00:08:19,400 Speaker 3: not entirely sure what that meant. Many people thought the 122 00:08:19,440 --> 00:08:23,360 Speaker 3: Messiah would be a political hero. Some thought the Messiah 123 00:08:23,400 --> 00:08:27,560 Speaker 3: would be a man of war. However, not many predicted 124 00:08:27,600 --> 00:08:32,720 Speaker 3: a carpenter from a small town. Jesus's words reflected the 125 00:08:32,720 --> 00:08:36,199 Speaker 3: prophetic description of the Messiah, but the way he carried 126 00:08:36,280 --> 00:08:41,840 Speaker 3: himself seemed almost too humble and too unassuming, So people 127 00:08:41,920 --> 00:08:47,199 Speaker 3: followed Jesus, curious as to what he would do next. 128 00:08:47,920 --> 00:08:51,400 Speaker 3: It was passover, a time when people from the entire 129 00:08:51,480 --> 00:08:55,559 Speaker 3: region would gather near the temple to worship. Millions of 130 00:08:55,600 --> 00:08:58,800 Speaker 3: people flowed in and out of the city streets, bringing 131 00:08:58,840 --> 00:09:03,360 Speaker 3: their families, sacrifices and prayers to offer up to the Lord. 132 00:09:04,440 --> 00:09:08,360 Speaker 3: It was a grand celebration of God redeeming his people 133 00:09:08,400 --> 00:09:12,280 Speaker 3: from slavery in Egypt. It was also a time of 134 00:09:12,400 --> 00:09:18,040 Speaker 3: deep contemplation. Men and women considered the depth of God's 135 00:09:18,080 --> 00:09:20,880 Speaker 3: love for them and his blessing over them as a 136 00:09:20,920 --> 00:09:26,120 Speaker 3: holy nation and chosen people. Jesus walked among the sea 137 00:09:26,160 --> 00:09:30,200 Speaker 3: of faces towards the temple. The top of the temple 138 00:09:30,240 --> 00:09:33,920 Speaker 3: could be seen in the distance. It was radiant and 139 00:09:34,000 --> 00:09:37,280 Speaker 3: a glorious image of God's presence dwelling in the middle 140 00:09:37,280 --> 00:09:41,480 Speaker 3: of the city. It was Jesus' desire that all would 141 00:09:41,559 --> 00:09:46,040 Speaker 3: experience God at the center of their own lives. His 142 00:09:46,200 --> 00:09:50,360 Speaker 3: heart was warmed as he saw Jews, Greeks, and people 143 00:09:50,520 --> 00:09:54,600 Speaker 3: of all creeds and cultures gathering to worship. The heart 144 00:09:54,679 --> 00:09:58,000 Speaker 3: of God is for all to enter in and seek 145 00:09:58,040 --> 00:10:03,600 Speaker 3: his face. Jesus walked through the temple gates, his brow 146 00:10:03,800 --> 00:10:08,600 Speaker 3: furrowed as he saw the people within. In the temple courtyard, 147 00:10:08,800 --> 00:10:13,559 Speaker 3: he found people selling sacrifices and hackling prices. Men were 148 00:10:13,559 --> 00:10:17,960 Speaker 3: bringing oxen, pigeons, goats, and sheep, claiming they were special 149 00:10:18,200 --> 00:10:23,000 Speaker 3: and therefore required to make a sacrifice. The temple officials 150 00:10:23,040 --> 00:10:26,720 Speaker 3: also had a special currency, and the exchange rate was 151 00:10:26,760 --> 00:10:31,160 Speaker 3: too steep for many people to buy a sacrifice. Jesus 152 00:10:31,200 --> 00:10:34,880 Speaker 3: watched in horror as the temple was being used as 153 00:10:34,920 --> 00:10:40,359 Speaker 3: a place to exploit people. Foreigners brought their own sacrifices 154 00:10:40,640 --> 00:10:43,240 Speaker 3: and were swiftly turned away if they could not afford 155 00:10:43,280 --> 00:10:49,840 Speaker 3: a new temple certified sacrifice. Jesus's blood boiled within him. 156 00:10:50,160 --> 00:10:53,080 Speaker 3: The courtyard he was standing in was a special place. 157 00:10:53,679 --> 00:10:57,079 Speaker 3: It was the courtyard that gentiles and foreigners were allowed 158 00:10:57,120 --> 00:11:01,400 Speaker 3: to come and worship, Yet the religious leaders used it 159 00:11:01,520 --> 00:11:06,600 Speaker 3: to grow rich. A quiet rage dwelled within the gentle 160 00:11:06,679 --> 00:11:11,040 Speaker 3: son of God, a rage so pure and so righteous 161 00:11:11,280 --> 00:11:14,440 Speaker 3: that if he wished, he could send fire down from heaven. 162 00:11:15,480 --> 00:11:18,760 Speaker 3: Jesus looked at the money changers and the swindlers haggling 163 00:11:18,800 --> 00:11:23,680 Speaker 3: near the steps. They were selling salvation. They were selling 164 00:11:23,960 --> 00:11:28,680 Speaker 3: a connection with God. Jesus would not allow it. He 165 00:11:28,720 --> 00:11:31,400 Speaker 3: looked to his left to see palm Franz laying on 166 00:11:31,440 --> 00:11:34,920 Speaker 3: the floor. He also saw some netting used the whole 167 00:11:35,040 --> 00:11:39,280 Speaker 3: animals draped over the side of the steps. Jesus gathered 168 00:11:39,320 --> 00:11:43,360 Speaker 3: these things, sat down, and began to weave. No one 169 00:11:43,520 --> 00:11:47,839 Speaker 3: noticed him methodically sowing leaves and rope together. They were 170 00:11:47,840 --> 00:11:52,360 Speaker 3: too consumed with making a prophet. When God established the 171 00:11:52,440 --> 00:11:55,320 Speaker 3: nation of Israel, he commanded that they would be a 172 00:11:55,400 --> 00:11:59,280 Speaker 3: sanctuary for every nation. He commanded that they be a 173 00:11:59,320 --> 00:12:03,839 Speaker 3: safe haven for refugees and foreigners. He also commanded that 174 00:12:03,920 --> 00:12:07,320 Speaker 3: any one who desired to repent and seek his face 175 00:12:07,720 --> 00:12:12,400 Speaker 3: would not be denied blessing the people appointed to reflect 176 00:12:12,440 --> 00:12:17,080 Speaker 3: God's heart had given in to corruption. Jesus would not 177 00:12:17,160 --> 00:12:20,240 Speaker 3: allow anybody to be separated from the loving and brace 178 00:12:20,280 --> 00:12:23,200 Speaker 3: of God. He would not allow the foreigner to be 179 00:12:23,240 --> 00:12:26,760 Speaker 3: turned away. He would not allow the poor to be 180 00:12:26,840 --> 00:12:30,680 Speaker 3: put in debt because they couldn't afford a nicer sacrifice. 181 00:12:31,640 --> 00:12:34,880 Speaker 3: It was King David who said, for you will not 182 00:12:35,000 --> 00:12:38,960 Speaker 3: delight and sacrifice, or I would give it. He would 183 00:12:39,000 --> 00:12:42,760 Speaker 3: not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of 184 00:12:42,840 --> 00:12:47,120 Speaker 3: God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart. 185 00:12:47,200 --> 00:12:51,760 Speaker 3: O God, you will not despise. With these words burning 186 00:12:51,840 --> 00:12:55,840 Speaker 3: in his heart, Jesus rose to his feet. He raised 187 00:12:55,880 --> 00:12:58,760 Speaker 3: his hand high in the air to reveal a whip 188 00:12:58,960 --> 00:13:02,840 Speaker 3: of chords. Then, with the strong swing of his hips, 189 00:13:03,040 --> 00:13:06,640 Speaker 3: Jesus slashed the whip forward to hit the oxen. The 190 00:13:06,679 --> 00:13:10,520 Speaker 3: animals panicked broke free from their cases. He knoked over 191 00:13:10,600 --> 00:13:14,200 Speaker 3: the carts and sent people fleeing in a panic. Then 192 00:13:14,720 --> 00:13:18,120 Speaker 3: Jesus marched over to the money changers with the mighty 193 00:13:18,520 --> 00:13:22,040 Speaker 3: Heart of God. Jesus lifted the stone tables and flipped 194 00:13:22,040 --> 00:13:25,920 Speaker 3: them over. The heavy structures crashed to the floor, shaking 195 00:13:25,960 --> 00:13:30,080 Speaker 3: the ground. Gold and silver spilled all over the courtyard floor, 196 00:13:30,400 --> 00:13:33,880 Speaker 3: and the money changers frantically picked them up like birds 197 00:13:33,960 --> 00:13:38,640 Speaker 3: pecking it bread. Jesus stood above the temple steps, holding 198 00:13:38,679 --> 00:13:40,960 Speaker 3: the whip in one hand in a crate of doves 199 00:13:40,960 --> 00:13:45,720 Speaker 3: in another. He had single handedly destroyed the temple marketplace. 200 00:13:46,760 --> 00:13:49,400 Speaker 3: Raising the doves in the air, he smashed the crate 201 00:13:49,480 --> 00:13:54,000 Speaker 3: to the ground, releasing the doves. People stopped their panicking 202 00:13:54,080 --> 00:13:57,680 Speaker 3: for a moment to look at Jesus. Huffing, he pointed 203 00:13:57,720 --> 00:13:59,960 Speaker 3: at the pharisees and scribes watching from them. 204 00:14:00,800 --> 00:14:03,400 Speaker 4: This is where men and women are meant to seek 205 00:14:03,480 --> 00:14:05,880 Speaker 4: the face of their God. Yet you have set up 206 00:14:05,920 --> 00:14:09,360 Speaker 4: monuments to greed. You have made my father's house a 207 00:14:09,440 --> 00:14:12,640 Speaker 4: house of trade, and you have rejected the outcasts. 208 00:14:13,160 --> 00:14:16,080 Speaker 3: The scribes had heard rumors of Jesus, but this was 209 00:14:16,120 --> 00:14:19,520 Speaker 3: their first time meeting him. What gives you the right 210 00:14:19,600 --> 00:14:23,560 Speaker 3: to do these things? What signs shall you give us 211 00:14:23,840 --> 00:14:28,680 Speaker 3: to prove your authority? They retorted. The crowd was stirring. 212 00:14:29,480 --> 00:14:33,400 Speaker 3: Jesus began walking towards them. The few of the disciples 213 00:14:33,400 --> 00:14:36,480 Speaker 3: saw Jesus. They looked at the fire in his eyes. 214 00:14:37,240 --> 00:14:40,360 Speaker 3: They remembered the words of David when he prophesied about 215 00:14:40,360 --> 00:14:44,720 Speaker 3: the Messiah, saying, zeal for your house will consume me. 216 00:14:46,080 --> 00:14:49,640 Speaker 3: They watched Jesus march forward, with his strength even greater 217 00:14:49,760 --> 00:14:53,160 Speaker 3: than David's. He had a passion for the House of 218 00:14:53,200 --> 00:14:55,800 Speaker 3: God and for all those who would seek. 219 00:14:55,640 --> 00:15:00,480 Speaker 5: Him in it. Destroy this temple, Jesus began, and in 220 00:15:00,560 --> 00:15:03,600 Speaker 5: three days I will raise it up. It will stand 221 00:15:03,680 --> 00:15:05,800 Speaker 5: in greater glory than before. 222 00:15:06,200 --> 00:15:09,000 Speaker 3: The chuckle could be heard from the crowd. One of 223 00:15:09,040 --> 00:15:12,120 Speaker 3: them scoffed at him and said, it took forty six 224 00:15:12,200 --> 00:15:15,120 Speaker 3: years to rebuild that temple, and you think you could 225 00:15:15,160 --> 00:15:18,960 Speaker 3: do so in three days. Jesus shook his head and 226 00:15:19,080 --> 00:15:25,080 Speaker 3: walked down the steps. Jesus's words confused them. However, Jesus 227 00:15:25,160 --> 00:15:28,640 Speaker 3: was speaking of his own destruction and his own resurrection 228 00:15:28,840 --> 00:15:32,840 Speaker 3: to come. His disciples did not understand these things at 229 00:15:32,880 --> 00:15:37,880 Speaker 3: the time, but they would. Jesus dropped his whip and 230 00:15:38,000 --> 00:15:41,840 Speaker 3: left the temple. No one dared to go after him. 231 00:15:42,040 --> 00:15:46,320 Speaker 3: The scribes and the pharisees watched Jesus leave. Then a 232 00:15:46,440 --> 00:15:49,920 Speaker 3: small applause followed. They looked out at the sea of 233 00:15:50,000 --> 00:15:54,840 Speaker 3: people cheering for Jesus. They looked at one another, afraid 234 00:15:54,880 --> 00:15:58,480 Speaker 3: of what this man from Nazareth might do to their power. 235 00:16:01,120 --> 00:16:04,680 Speaker 3: Many of the scribes, Pharisees, and religious leaders scoffed at 236 00:16:04,760 --> 00:16:07,880 Speaker 3: Jesus and wrote him off as a madman. There were 237 00:16:07,920 --> 00:16:11,440 Speaker 3: many zealots and radicals during that time. They pegged him 238 00:16:11,440 --> 00:16:16,360 Speaker 3: as just another voice crying out in insanity. They were wrong, 239 00:16:17,200 --> 00:16:21,360 Speaker 3: They were dangerously wrong. They had not even come close 240 00:16:21,600 --> 00:16:26,400 Speaker 3: to what Jesus's purpose really was. His display of anger 241 00:16:26,560 --> 00:16:31,520 Speaker 3: was quickly dismissed and spat at. However, not all the 242 00:16:31,600 --> 00:16:35,680 Speaker 3: religious leaders were so flippant with Jesus. One of them 243 00:16:35,720 --> 00:16:40,920 Speaker 3: in particular, was curious. Nicodemus had been teaching God's law 244 00:16:41,120 --> 00:16:44,880 Speaker 3: for many years. He had spent his entire life poring 245 00:16:44,920 --> 00:16:48,440 Speaker 3: over the scriptures and encouraging the masses that one day 246 00:16:48,760 --> 00:16:53,280 Speaker 3: the Messiah would come. So when he saw Jesus he 247 00:16:53,360 --> 00:16:59,080 Speaker 3: could not help but wonder. It was late, and Jesus 248 00:16:59,160 --> 00:17:02,760 Speaker 3: was staying in a home before departing for Galilee. The 249 00:17:02,800 --> 00:17:06,679 Speaker 3: city streets were dark and silent, all except a single 250 00:17:06,760 --> 00:17:11,040 Speaker 3: hooded figure lurking its way towards the house. He held 251 00:17:11,080 --> 00:17:14,840 Speaker 3: a small lantern and approached the door with the utmost precaution. 252 00:17:16,520 --> 00:17:19,480 Speaker 3: Jesus heard a small knock at the door and opened it, 253 00:17:20,960 --> 00:17:24,639 Speaker 3: standing with his face slightly illuminated by the lantern. Was 254 00:17:24,720 --> 00:17:30,480 Speaker 3: Nicodemus come in? Jesus said with a smile. Jesus knew 255 00:17:30,520 --> 00:17:33,960 Speaker 3: why Nicodemus had come so late. He was afraid to 256 00:17:34,000 --> 00:17:38,480 Speaker 3: be seen with Jesus after the day's events at the temple. However, 257 00:17:38,600 --> 00:17:42,600 Speaker 3: his curiosity piqued and he had questions that needed answering. 258 00:17:44,080 --> 00:17:47,040 Speaker 3: Jesus gestured for Nicodemus to have a seat and have 259 00:17:47,119 --> 00:17:50,639 Speaker 3: a drink. A few of Jesus's disciples were sitting by 260 00:17:50,640 --> 00:17:51,080 Speaker 3: the fire. 261 00:17:51,960 --> 00:17:55,680 Speaker 4: To what do I owe this pleasure Nicodemus, Jesus asked, Surely, 262 00:17:56,040 --> 00:17:58,520 Speaker 4: a ruler of the Jews such as yourself, is busy 263 00:17:58,560 --> 00:17:59,639 Speaker 4: with many things. 264 00:18:00,040 --> 00:18:03,200 Speaker 3: Nicodemus stared at his comp for a while. Where would 265 00:18:03,200 --> 00:18:06,560 Speaker 3: he begin? For so long Nicodemus had lived with this 266 00:18:06,760 --> 00:18:10,239 Speaker 3: angst about the direction of the Pharisees. He knew that 267 00:18:10,280 --> 00:18:13,159 Speaker 3: in many ways the people had fallen further from God. 268 00:18:13,960 --> 00:18:17,080 Speaker 3: He looked up to see Jesus, staring at him attentively. 269 00:18:18,359 --> 00:18:22,600 Speaker 6: Rabbi Nicodemus said, there is no doubt in my mind 270 00:18:22,880 --> 00:18:25,480 Speaker 6: that you are a brilliant teacher with a heart that 271 00:18:25,640 --> 00:18:28,800 Speaker 6: is close to God. Truly, He must have set you, 272 00:18:29,640 --> 00:18:31,600 Speaker 6: for no one can do or say the things you 273 00:18:31,680 --> 00:18:33,040 Speaker 6: do without being blessed. 274 00:18:33,680 --> 00:18:37,280 Speaker 3: Jesus nodded in agreement. He looked at the fire for 275 00:18:37,320 --> 00:18:41,359 Speaker 3: a moment to ponder what Nicodemus had just said. He 276 00:18:41,560 --> 00:18:44,560 Speaker 3: was more than just a teacher, and Nicodemus would soon 277 00:18:44,680 --> 00:18:49,520 Speaker 3: learn that. Jesus saw in Nicodemus a man without answers, 278 00:18:50,000 --> 00:18:52,359 Speaker 3: yet forced to pretend he had them. 279 00:18:52,520 --> 00:18:56,000 Speaker 4: Unless one is born again, he will be unable to 280 00:18:56,119 --> 00:18:58,760 Speaker 4: truly see the Kingdom of God. 281 00:18:58,600 --> 00:19:03,000 Speaker 3: Jesus said. Nicodemus was puzzled. He looked around at the 282 00:19:03,040 --> 00:19:07,520 Speaker 3: disciples they shroud. They didn't know what Jesus was saying either. 283 00:19:08,440 --> 00:19:11,240 Speaker 3: I'm not following, Nicodemus admitted. 284 00:19:11,080 --> 00:19:14,479 Speaker 6: Are you saying that in order to inherit heaven one 285 00:19:14,600 --> 00:19:16,960 Speaker 6: must re enter his mother's womb and be born a 286 00:19:17,080 --> 00:19:17,680 Speaker 6: second time? 287 00:19:17,960 --> 00:19:21,560 Speaker 3: Nicodemus was beginning to fear Jesus actually was a madman. 288 00:19:22,600 --> 00:19:27,840 Speaker 4: Jesus laughed, No, No, you see, we're all born in flesh, yes, 289 00:19:28,040 --> 00:19:30,840 Speaker 4: but we enter this world with our bodies from our 290 00:19:30,840 --> 00:19:31,480 Speaker 4: mother's womb. 291 00:19:32,119 --> 00:19:36,320 Speaker 3: Nicodemus nodded in agreement. Jesus continued, saying. 292 00:19:36,240 --> 00:19:39,840 Speaker 4: But you must be born a second time, not a 293 00:19:39,920 --> 00:19:42,720 Speaker 4: flesh and not through a womb, but of God's spirit. 294 00:19:43,160 --> 00:19:48,520 Speaker 3: Nicodemus was still having difficulty understanding. Nicodemus was a teacher 295 00:19:48,600 --> 00:19:52,679 Speaker 3: himself and very respected among the religious elite. He was 296 00:19:52,720 --> 00:19:55,920 Speaker 3: not used to being lost in the discussion regarding philosophy. 297 00:19:57,200 --> 00:19:59,840 Speaker 3: Jesus sensed his confusion and leaned forward. 298 00:20:00,200 --> 00:20:03,760 Speaker 4: Do not be perplexed, Nicodemus. The wind blows and no 299 00:20:03,800 --> 00:20:06,480 Speaker 4: one can see it except when the leaves rustle. It 300 00:20:06,560 --> 00:20:09,159 Speaker 4: is the same with being borne by the spirit. You 301 00:20:09,200 --> 00:20:13,560 Speaker 4: cannot see the spirit itself. However, when it compels a person, 302 00:20:13,760 --> 00:20:15,359 Speaker 4: it becomes obvious. 303 00:20:15,880 --> 00:20:20,920 Speaker 3: Nicodemus was beginning to understand in part. However, more questions 304 00:20:20,920 --> 00:20:21,840 Speaker 3: flooded his mind. 305 00:20:22,359 --> 00:20:24,520 Speaker 6: How can one be born again in the spirit? 306 00:20:24,840 --> 00:20:25,720 Speaker 3: He asked, you. 307 00:20:25,680 --> 00:20:28,680 Speaker 4: Are a teacher of God's word, Nicodemus. 308 00:20:28,480 --> 00:20:29,680 Speaker 3: Jesus replied, you. 309 00:20:29,680 --> 00:20:33,640 Speaker 4: Should understand this. What I have begun has been foretold. 310 00:20:34,000 --> 00:20:37,440 Speaker 4: The words I speak have been poured out, and the 311 00:20:37,440 --> 00:20:40,680 Speaker 4: acts I perform have become evident. Yet you and the 312 00:20:40,720 --> 00:20:43,439 Speaker 4: rest of the phairs you still do not see. You 313 00:20:43,560 --> 00:20:47,960 Speaker 4: are blind. How could I possibly explain heavenly matters to 314 00:20:48,000 --> 00:20:50,639 Speaker 4: you when your eyes are fixed unearthly things. 315 00:20:51,280 --> 00:20:56,840 Speaker 3: Jesus's words struck a chord with Nicodemus. He knew that greed, power, 316 00:20:56,920 --> 00:21:00,879 Speaker 3: and piety had tainted the good intentions of the religious leaders. 317 00:21:01,440 --> 00:21:04,320 Speaker 3: He was guilty of the same thing. How could he 318 00:21:04,359 --> 00:21:07,520 Speaker 3: truly see heaven if he was so focused on earthly 319 00:21:07,600 --> 00:21:12,439 Speaker 3: matters such as influence and money. Jesus discerned the shame 320 00:21:12,560 --> 00:21:16,000 Speaker 3: willing up with the Nicodemus. He could see his heart. 321 00:21:16,720 --> 00:21:21,040 Speaker 3: He was not like the others. Nicodemus truly longed to 322 00:21:21,160 --> 00:21:26,280 Speaker 3: see God move. Jesus stretched out his hands and warmed 323 00:21:26,280 --> 00:21:27,080 Speaker 3: them by the fire. 324 00:21:27,920 --> 00:21:30,159 Speaker 4: Do you remember the bronze serpent that was raised up 325 00:21:30,160 --> 00:21:33,479 Speaker 4: by Moses to heal the people of Israel in the wilderness. 326 00:21:33,240 --> 00:21:37,560 Speaker 3: Jesus asked. Nicodemus nodded. It was a well known story. 327 00:21:38,240 --> 00:21:41,200 Speaker 3: The people of Israel had been affected with venomous snakes, 328 00:21:41,760 --> 00:21:45,000 Speaker 3: so Moses erected a bronze serpent high in the air, 329 00:21:45,359 --> 00:21:47,560 Speaker 3: and all who looked upon it were healed. 330 00:21:48,280 --> 00:21:50,880 Speaker 4: It is the same thing for the Messiah. He too 331 00:21:51,000 --> 00:21:53,920 Speaker 4: must be lifted up, so that whoever believes in him 332 00:21:53,960 --> 00:21:56,240 Speaker 4: may have eternal life. 333 00:21:56,720 --> 00:22:03,000 Speaker 3: Jesus said. Nicodemus's eyes widened. Jesus removed his gaze from 334 00:22:03,040 --> 00:22:07,280 Speaker 3: the fire and looked at him. There was a moment 335 00:22:07,320 --> 00:22:11,879 Speaker 3: of silence as Nicodemus processed what Jesus had just said. 336 00:22:13,000 --> 00:22:15,919 Speaker 3: Just as the serpent was a representation of what was 337 00:22:16,000 --> 00:22:19,679 Speaker 3: killing Israel, so the son of Man must be lifted 338 00:22:19,760 --> 00:22:23,840 Speaker 3: up as a representation of what is killing humanity. Sin 339 00:22:24,920 --> 00:22:28,399 Speaker 3: Jesus could see cogs turning in Nicodemus's mind. 340 00:22:28,800 --> 00:22:33,040 Speaker 4: It is because of love, Nicodemus, Jesus said, For God 341 00:22:33,160 --> 00:22:36,720 Speaker 4: so loved the world that he gave up his only son, 342 00:22:37,080 --> 00:22:40,440 Speaker 4: and whoever looks upon him and believes will not perish. 343 00:22:40,600 --> 00:22:44,159 Speaker 4: They will live, and they will have life everlasting. 344 00:22:44,880 --> 00:22:48,159 Speaker 3: Nicodemus's heart was beating out of his chest as he 345 00:22:48,200 --> 00:22:52,200 Speaker 3: listened to Jesus speak. All was beginning to become clear. 346 00:22:53,320 --> 00:22:55,560 Speaker 3: Jesus continued, God did. 347 00:22:55,480 --> 00:22:58,399 Speaker 4: Not send the Son to condemn the world. No, he 348 00:22:58,520 --> 00:23:01,600 Speaker 4: sent him so that all might be saved. 349 00:23:02,760 --> 00:23:05,840 Speaker 3: The fire popped and embers flew up in the air 350 00:23:05,920 --> 00:23:09,800 Speaker 3: next to the two men. It was joy in Jesus's voice. 351 00:23:10,560 --> 00:23:13,600 Speaker 3: Although not everyone in the room understood him fully, his 352 00:23:13,720 --> 00:23:18,280 Speaker 3: words were powerful. They sank deep, like a seed planted 353 00:23:18,320 --> 00:23:22,439 Speaker 3: in rich soil. Jesus leaned over, and the flickering flame 354 00:23:22,480 --> 00:23:24,959 Speaker 3: of the fireplace reflected in his eyes. 355 00:23:25,480 --> 00:23:29,080 Speaker 4: The light of God has come to the world, Jesus said. 356 00:23:29,680 --> 00:23:33,119 Speaker 4: If people love their darkness, they hight in it. The 357 00:23:33,200 --> 00:23:37,400 Speaker 4: sinful heart delights in the shadows. Evil hates the light 358 00:23:37,480 --> 00:23:42,000 Speaker 4: because light exposes all that lurks in darkness. Yet there 359 00:23:42,040 --> 00:23:45,040 Speaker 4: will be those that cling to the truth. Those are 360 00:23:45,040 --> 00:23:48,399 Speaker 4: the people that dwell in the light. They will see 361 00:23:48,440 --> 00:23:50,440 Speaker 4: their works blessed by God. 362 00:23:50,920 --> 00:23:55,920 Speaker 3: Nicodemus smiled and nodded. He could not quite grasp all 363 00:23:55,960 --> 00:23:59,640 Speaker 3: of what Jesus was saying. However, he had the feeling 364 00:24:00,040 --> 00:24:03,480 Speaker 3: that he had not heard the last from Jesus. Nicodemus 365 00:24:03,520 --> 00:24:06,480 Speaker 3: would keep a close watch on him, looking for signs 366 00:24:06,520 --> 00:24:11,200 Speaker 3: of God. Nicodemus stood to his feet and gestured good 367 00:24:11,200 --> 00:24:14,240 Speaker 3: bye to Jesus and the others in the room. He 368 00:24:14,359 --> 00:24:17,560 Speaker 3: thanked them and left without his hood. He did not 369 00:24:17,680 --> 00:24:23,520 Speaker 3: want to be another man dwelling in the shadows. The 370 00:24:23,560 --> 00:24:27,800 Speaker 3: next day, Jesus and his followers left Judea. The sun 371 00:24:27,920 --> 00:24:31,720 Speaker 3: was high above the skies of Samaria. Its rays scorched 372 00:24:31,760 --> 00:24:36,080 Speaker 3: the earth below, beating down relentlessly. It was around the 373 00:24:36,160 --> 00:24:38,920 Speaker 3: valley of Samaria where Jesus was traveling on his way 374 00:24:38,960 --> 00:24:43,560 Speaker 3: to Galilee. The Jews hated the Samaritans and held deep 375 00:24:43,600 --> 00:24:48,800 Speaker 3: prejudices against them. Usually, any Jewish traveler walked around Samaria, 376 00:24:49,800 --> 00:24:54,640 Speaker 3: not Jesus. He decided to travel through it. About half 377 00:24:54,680 --> 00:24:57,520 Speaker 3: way through their journey, some of the disciples went into 378 00:24:57,560 --> 00:25:01,600 Speaker 3: town to retrieve some food. Jesus remained on the road. 379 00:25:02,040 --> 00:25:06,879 Speaker 3: Seeing a small well just a few feet ahead, Jesus 380 00:25:06,960 --> 00:25:10,600 Speaker 3: walked towards the well. A woman was there drawing water. 381 00:25:12,000 --> 00:25:15,359 Speaker 3: Jesus approached and sat on a small bench beside the well. 382 00:25:16,280 --> 00:25:20,199 Speaker 3: The woman noticed him, but paid no attention. Instead, she 383 00:25:20,280 --> 00:25:23,160 Speaker 3: methodically brought up the bucket and poured the water into 384 00:25:23,160 --> 00:25:28,200 Speaker 3: a basin. Jesus peered out at the sigh. Its light 385 00:25:28,359 --> 00:25:30,920 Speaker 3: was draining, and he found himself parched. 386 00:25:32,200 --> 00:25:34,680 Speaker 4: He looked at the woman, Would you mind drawing me some. 387 00:25:34,640 --> 00:25:38,880 Speaker 3: Water, Jesus asked politely. The woman looked up at him. 388 00:25:39,280 --> 00:25:43,159 Speaker 3: Her eyes were glazed over and impassive. She shook her 389 00:25:43,200 --> 00:25:44,080 Speaker 3: head with apathy. 390 00:25:44,880 --> 00:25:47,960 Speaker 7: Now why would a Jewish man want a Samaritan woman 391 00:25:48,040 --> 00:25:50,919 Speaker 7: to draw him water, she asked, I seem to recall 392 00:25:51,000 --> 00:25:54,520 Speaker 7: your people hating my people. What do you call us again? 393 00:25:54,920 --> 00:25:55,800 Speaker 7: Dirty dogs? 394 00:25:56,080 --> 00:25:59,960 Speaker 3: She continued drawing water for herself earth at Jesus, sitting 395 00:26:00,080 --> 00:26:05,280 Speaker 3: across from her. Jesus leaned back slightly. Unbothered by the 396 00:26:05,280 --> 00:26:09,400 Speaker 3: woman's tone, he smiled and squinted back up with the sun. 397 00:26:09,560 --> 00:26:12,399 Speaker 4: If you knew who was asking you for water, you 398 00:26:12,400 --> 00:26:14,239 Speaker 4: wouldn't be so dismissive. 399 00:26:14,000 --> 00:26:14,680 Speaker 3: Jesus said. 400 00:26:14,960 --> 00:26:17,919 Speaker 4: In fact, you'd be asking me for living water. 401 00:26:18,880 --> 00:26:22,400 Speaker 3: The woman stopped, annoyed at Jesus's peppy tone. 402 00:26:23,000 --> 00:26:26,240 Speaker 7: Ah, it looks like you have been traveling jew Where 403 00:26:26,240 --> 00:26:29,280 Speaker 7: would you even get living water from. You have no 404 00:26:29,359 --> 00:26:31,639 Speaker 7: bucket to draw water with, and there is not a 405 00:26:31,720 --> 00:26:32,800 Speaker 7: river for miles. 406 00:26:33,080 --> 00:26:36,199 Speaker 3: The woman's tone was harsh. She was sweating from the 407 00:26:36,200 --> 00:26:40,280 Speaker 3: sweltering heat and wanted to be done drawing water. Normally, 408 00:26:40,520 --> 00:26:42,560 Speaker 3: the other women in the city would draw water in 409 00:26:42,600 --> 00:26:46,560 Speaker 3: the morning before the day became too hot. However, she 410 00:26:46,720 --> 00:26:49,800 Speaker 3: was not accepted by the other women. She was an 411 00:26:49,840 --> 00:26:54,200 Speaker 3: outcast and shamed by them, so to save herself the ridicule, 412 00:26:54,600 --> 00:26:59,280 Speaker 3: she drew her water alone. During the afternoon, Jesus stood 413 00:26:59,359 --> 00:27:03,080 Speaker 3: up and closer to the well. He took the bucket 414 00:27:03,200 --> 00:27:06,280 Speaker 3: and drew from the well. He poured it into the 415 00:27:06,280 --> 00:27:10,560 Speaker 3: woman's basin and smiled. You see this water, Jesus asked. 416 00:27:11,200 --> 00:27:12,480 Speaker 3: If you drink this water. 417 00:27:12,320 --> 00:27:15,440 Speaker 4: You'll be thirsty again, and then you'll need to come back, 418 00:27:15,480 --> 00:27:18,600 Speaker 4: and the cycle will repeat itself. Whoever drinks this water 419 00:27:18,640 --> 00:27:23,480 Speaker 4: will inevitably need more. However, whoever drinks the water I 420 00:27:23,600 --> 00:27:25,800 Speaker 4: give them, they'll never thirst again. 421 00:27:27,000 --> 00:27:30,480 Speaker 3: The woman perked up with interest. If she could get 422 00:27:30,520 --> 00:27:32,840 Speaker 3: her hands on some of that water, she wouldn't have 423 00:27:32,880 --> 00:27:34,640 Speaker 3: to come draw water in the middle of the day. 424 00:27:34,920 --> 00:27:38,919 Speaker 7: How can I get this water, she asked, impatiently. Drawing 425 00:27:38,960 --> 00:27:41,440 Speaker 7: water is difficult, and I would like to save myself 426 00:27:41,480 --> 00:27:42,280 Speaker 7: the time. 427 00:27:42,320 --> 00:27:45,280 Speaker 3: Jesus continued to draw water and pour it into the 428 00:27:45,280 --> 00:27:50,000 Speaker 3: woman's basin, she was so intent on Jesus's words that 429 00:27:50,080 --> 00:27:53,120 Speaker 3: she didn't notice him drawing water for her. All right, 430 00:27:53,920 --> 00:27:54,879 Speaker 3: Jesus said. 431 00:27:54,840 --> 00:27:56,960 Speaker 4: Go and call your husband and I would tilly. 432 00:27:57,359 --> 00:28:01,000 Speaker 3: The woman's lips pursed. She shrummed and looked down at 433 00:28:01,000 --> 00:28:01,479 Speaker 3: the ground. 434 00:28:02,160 --> 00:28:04,120 Speaker 7: I don't really have a husband. 435 00:28:03,880 --> 00:28:08,520 Speaker 4: She admitted. Jesus nodded in agreement. You are right to 436 00:28:08,520 --> 00:28:12,240 Speaker 4: say you have no husband. You have had five husbands 437 00:28:12,240 --> 00:28:14,840 Speaker 4: in your past, and the man you're sleeping with now 438 00:28:14,920 --> 00:28:16,040 Speaker 4: isn't even your husband. 439 00:28:16,680 --> 00:28:20,600 Speaker 3: The woman was taken aback. Her rough exterior was beginning 440 00:28:20,640 --> 00:28:24,880 Speaker 3: to crack as Jesus revealed these things about her. However, 441 00:28:25,240 --> 00:28:29,200 Speaker 3: she did her best to remain callous, holding back tears. 442 00:28:29,560 --> 00:28:32,640 Speaker 3: She put on a fake smile and changed the subject. 443 00:28:33,200 --> 00:28:35,920 Speaker 7: I perceive you are a prophet. 444 00:28:35,800 --> 00:28:38,160 Speaker 3: She said, clearing a frog in her throat. 445 00:28:38,640 --> 00:28:42,560 Speaker 7: Then you probably know how sacred this well is. Our 446 00:28:42,680 --> 00:28:46,240 Speaker 7: forefathers worshiped on this very mountain. However, you Jews say 447 00:28:46,280 --> 00:28:48,440 Speaker 7: the temple is the correct place to worship. 448 00:28:48,480 --> 00:28:48,720 Speaker 1: Now. 449 00:28:48,880 --> 00:28:53,440 Speaker 3: The woman's voice was hoarse, her eyes were watering. She 450 00:28:53,520 --> 00:28:58,040 Speaker 3: thought religious small talk would deflect what Jesus had said. 451 00:28:58,960 --> 00:29:01,800 Speaker 3: Jesus sat beside them woman and gestured for her to 452 00:29:01,840 --> 00:29:06,040 Speaker 3: sit as well. He could feel the anguish in her heart. 453 00:29:07,000 --> 00:29:11,640 Speaker 3: His words had struck a deep chord. Her five divorces 454 00:29:11,760 --> 00:29:14,720 Speaker 3: were a source of shame for her. They were the 455 00:29:14,800 --> 00:29:18,400 Speaker 3: reason she was an outcast in her own city. Jesus 456 00:29:18,400 --> 00:29:21,840 Speaker 3: looked far off into the distance, knowing that eye contact 457 00:29:21,880 --> 00:29:24,320 Speaker 3: would only make the woman more uncomfortable. 458 00:29:24,680 --> 00:29:27,960 Speaker 4: Believe me, the time is coming when people won't even 459 00:29:28,000 --> 00:29:31,560 Speaker 4: worship on a mountain or a temple. The true worshippers 460 00:29:31,800 --> 00:29:34,680 Speaker 4: will worship in spirit and in truth. 461 00:29:34,600 --> 00:29:38,880 Speaker 3: Jesus said. The woman was pleased that Jesus was playing 462 00:29:38,880 --> 00:29:40,560 Speaker 3: along with her religious small talk. 463 00:29:41,520 --> 00:29:45,320 Speaker 4: She nodded, saying, yes, it is a mystery. 464 00:29:45,920 --> 00:29:48,560 Speaker 7: However, I am sure the Messiah will come and tell 465 00:29:48,640 --> 00:29:50,640 Speaker 7: us all we need to know about worship. 466 00:29:51,600 --> 00:29:55,760 Speaker 3: Jesus turned his gaze towards the woman. His smile was 467 00:29:55,840 --> 00:29:59,720 Speaker 3: warmer than the sun itself. Yes he will, Jesus said, 468 00:30:00,120 --> 00:30:04,560 Speaker 3: I am he. The woman turned her head swiftly. Her 469 00:30:04,600 --> 00:30:07,880 Speaker 3: eyes met Jesus's. The second the words came out of 470 00:30:07,920 --> 00:30:11,000 Speaker 3: his mouth. She knew it to be true. That is 471 00:30:11,000 --> 00:30:13,080 Speaker 3: why he had known about the depth of her shame. 472 00:30:13,840 --> 00:30:16,040 Speaker 3: That is why he was able to slowly crack the 473 00:30:16,080 --> 00:30:20,160 Speaker 3: walls she put between her and others. As Jesus spoke 474 00:30:20,200 --> 00:30:23,600 Speaker 3: to the woman, his disciples were returning with lunch. They 475 00:30:23,640 --> 00:30:27,160 Speaker 3: could see Jesus speaking with the Samaritan woman and immediately 476 00:30:27,240 --> 00:30:32,800 Speaker 3: judged him. However, they said nothing. They couldn't hear their conversation. However, 477 00:30:33,080 --> 00:30:35,240 Speaker 3: they saw the woman leap to her feet at something 478 00:30:35,320 --> 00:30:38,960 Speaker 3: Jesus said and run off back to the city. The 479 00:30:39,000 --> 00:30:42,320 Speaker 3: woman ran fast into the city, knocking on every door 480 00:30:42,360 --> 00:30:42,960 Speaker 3: she could find. 481 00:30:43,720 --> 00:30:47,320 Speaker 7: I have found him, she yelled, Come and see for yourself. 482 00:30:47,680 --> 00:30:50,240 Speaker 3: People began to emerge from their homes to see the commotion. 483 00:30:50,800 --> 00:30:53,200 Speaker 7: You must meet this man by the well. He told 484 00:30:53,240 --> 00:30:57,600 Speaker 7: me everything about me. I believe he may be the Messiah. 485 00:30:57,640 --> 00:31:00,280 Speaker 3: So many of the Samaritans dropped with them they were 486 00:31:00,320 --> 00:31:04,040 Speaker 3: doing and came to Jesus. They sat at his feet 487 00:31:04,200 --> 00:31:06,880 Speaker 3: and listened as he spoke about the Kingdom of Heaven. 488 00:31:07,880 --> 00:31:10,800 Speaker 3: The woman was front and center, beaming from ear to 489 00:31:10,880 --> 00:31:15,120 Speaker 3: ear at every word proceeding from Jesus's mouth. She was 490 00:31:15,160 --> 00:31:18,719 Speaker 3: once an outcast, but in Jesus she found a sense 491 00:31:18,920 --> 00:31:24,840 Speaker 3: of belonging and hope. Many heard and believed. Then, after 492 00:31:24,880 --> 00:31:30,160 Speaker 3: two days, Jesus departed to Galilee. As Jesus and his 493 00:31:30,240 --> 00:31:33,640 Speaker 3: followers came to Galilee, word had spread that he had 494 00:31:33,680 --> 00:31:38,160 Speaker 3: been preaching new truths about the Kingdom of God. Eventually 495 00:31:38,200 --> 00:31:42,280 Speaker 3: they reached a town called Copernium. Only moments had passed 496 00:31:42,360 --> 00:31:45,080 Speaker 3: before Jesus heard the loud noise of a man yelling 497 00:31:45,120 --> 00:31:49,760 Speaker 3: at the distance Jesus. The voice yelled, Jesus. The group 498 00:31:49,800 --> 00:31:52,760 Speaker 3: looked back and saw a portly man huffing his way 499 00:31:52,840 --> 00:31:57,040 Speaker 3: up and inclined. He was determined to reach them. Jesus 500 00:31:57,120 --> 00:31:59,200 Speaker 3: stopped as the man fell at his feet. 501 00:31:59,680 --> 00:32:02,720 Speaker 6: Jesus Us, they said, you had come to Capernaum. 502 00:32:02,840 --> 00:32:05,719 Speaker 3: The man was out of breath and keeled over from running. 503 00:32:06,840 --> 00:32:11,520 Speaker 6: Please you must heal my son. He's dying. 504 00:32:11,800 --> 00:32:15,000 Speaker 3: There were many who had approached Jesus, already asking for 505 00:32:15,120 --> 00:32:19,120 Speaker 3: signs and wonders to prove himself. Jesus was not interested 506 00:32:19,160 --> 00:32:22,240 Speaker 3: in being their magician or proving his deity to all 507 00:32:22,280 --> 00:32:22,880 Speaker 3: who asked. 508 00:32:23,600 --> 00:32:26,160 Speaker 4: Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not have. 509 00:32:26,200 --> 00:32:30,440 Speaker 3: Faith, Jesus said, beginning to walk away. The man was 510 00:32:30,520 --> 00:32:33,600 Speaker 3: red and could barely stand, but he was able to 511 00:32:33,680 --> 00:32:35,600 Speaker 3: raise himself and run after Jesus. 512 00:32:36,480 --> 00:32:38,640 Speaker 4: No, my lord, please. 513 00:32:39,480 --> 00:32:42,200 Speaker 3: The man fell on his face, whimpering from the pain. 514 00:32:42,680 --> 00:32:47,280 Speaker 6: My son, Please heal my son. Please come before I 515 00:32:47,320 --> 00:32:47,960 Speaker 6: lose him. 516 00:32:47,840 --> 00:32:52,640 Speaker 3: He begged. This was the heart Jesus desired. This man 517 00:32:52,760 --> 00:32:56,160 Speaker 3: genuinely desired for Jesus to use his power to heal 518 00:32:56,760 --> 00:32:59,560 Speaker 3: not to put on a show or prove a point. 519 00:33:00,200 --> 00:33:03,320 Speaker 3: Jesus knelt down and helped the man to his feet. 520 00:33:04,160 --> 00:33:06,240 Speaker 3: He brushed the dust off his cloak. 521 00:33:06,160 --> 00:33:09,840 Speaker 4: And smiled, Go, your son is healed. 522 00:33:09,680 --> 00:33:14,960 Speaker 3: Jesus said. The man nodded and laughed. That very hour, 523 00:33:15,280 --> 00:33:19,880 Speaker 3: the man's son was healed. This was the second miracle 524 00:33:19,960 --> 00:33:23,760 Speaker 3: performed by Jesus. This time it was in response to 525 00:33:23,800 --> 00:33:27,240 Speaker 3: a father's heart for his son. This was a love 526 00:33:27,720 --> 00:33:33,680 Speaker 3: Jesus knew well. Eventually, Jesus made his way to Nazareth alone. 527 00:33:34,440 --> 00:33:36,360 Speaker 3: It had been a while since he stepped foot in 528 00:33:36,440 --> 00:33:40,720 Speaker 3: his home. Jesus walked down the bumpy road, greeting people 529 00:33:40,840 --> 00:33:44,400 Speaker 3: as he passed. He passed the well where his mother 530 00:33:44,440 --> 00:33:48,040 Speaker 3: would often take him as a boy. A few children 531 00:33:48,160 --> 00:33:51,040 Speaker 3: came up to Jesus and climbed up on to his shoulders. 532 00:33:51,760 --> 00:33:55,600 Speaker 3: Jesus was beloved in his town. He and his family 533 00:33:55,800 --> 00:34:00,040 Speaker 3: were craftsmen and were very much loved by every one. 534 00:34:00,120 --> 00:34:03,080 Speaker 3: He visited his mother and siblings and enjoined the quaint 535 00:34:03,360 --> 00:34:07,600 Speaker 3: and quiet atmosphere. Jesus gazed out at the town where 536 00:34:07,640 --> 00:34:11,560 Speaker 3: he grew up. It was dusty and dull, but brimming 537 00:34:11,640 --> 00:34:16,040 Speaker 3: with potential. The next day, Jesus went to the synagogue. 538 00:34:16,640 --> 00:34:19,200 Speaker 3: It was Sabbath, and it was custom for one of 539 00:34:19,200 --> 00:34:21,719 Speaker 3: the rabbis to stand up and read from the word 540 00:34:21,760 --> 00:34:25,320 Speaker 3: of God. Jesus stood up among the people he knew 541 00:34:25,360 --> 00:34:30,320 Speaker 3: and loved, and opened the scroll of Isaiah. The crowd smiled, 542 00:34:30,719 --> 00:34:33,120 Speaker 3: pleased to see the son of Joseph back in their 543 00:34:33,160 --> 00:34:38,279 Speaker 3: midst Jesus straightened the scroll and spoke clearly, saying. 544 00:34:38,480 --> 00:34:41,359 Speaker 4: The spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has 545 00:34:41,400 --> 00:34:44,160 Speaker 4: called me to proclaim good news to those who are poor. 546 00:34:44,960 --> 00:34:47,120 Speaker 4: He has sent me out so I may bring liberty 547 00:34:47,200 --> 00:34:50,680 Speaker 4: to the captives, give the blind this sight, and set 548 00:34:50,719 --> 00:34:55,040 Speaker 4: free all who are oppressed. It is I who proclaimed 549 00:34:55,040 --> 00:34:57,240 Speaker 4: the year of the Lord's favor. 550 00:34:57,800 --> 00:35:01,080 Speaker 3: Jesus rolled up the scroll and stood before the congregation. 551 00:35:01,800 --> 00:35:04,759 Speaker 3: He had just read a well known prophecy about the 552 00:35:04,800 --> 00:35:09,239 Speaker 3: mission of the Messiah. Jesus drew a deep breath and 553 00:35:09,360 --> 00:35:10,520 Speaker 3: opened up his arms. 554 00:35:11,320 --> 00:35:15,120 Speaker 4: Today, my friends, this scripture has been fulfilled. 555 00:35:15,640 --> 00:35:19,560 Speaker 3: The crowd stirred a little. They looked at one another, perplexed. 556 00:35:20,040 --> 00:35:22,880 Speaker 3: Did he just call himself the Messiah? One of them asked, 557 00:35:23,239 --> 00:35:25,920 Speaker 3: isn't this Joseph's son. A few of them rose to 558 00:35:25,960 --> 00:35:29,920 Speaker 3: their feet prove these claims to us, they shouted. The 559 00:35:29,960 --> 00:35:33,160 Speaker 3: crowd continued to bicker and laugh at Jesus for saying 560 00:35:33,200 --> 00:35:35,960 Speaker 3: such nonsense. They had all known him since he was 561 00:35:36,000 --> 00:35:39,279 Speaker 3: a boy. To them, he was just the carpenter's son 562 00:35:39,719 --> 00:35:43,319 Speaker 3: and nothing else. Jesus sighed, I. 563 00:35:43,480 --> 00:35:46,680 Speaker 4: Know many of you were looking for signs and wonders 564 00:35:46,719 --> 00:35:50,160 Speaker 4: like the ones I performed in Capernaum. However, no prophet 565 00:35:50,200 --> 00:35:54,800 Speaker 4: is accepted in his hometown. Jesus shook his head, although 566 00:35:54,840 --> 00:35:57,879 Speaker 4: I suppose it comes as no surprise. In the days 567 00:35:57,880 --> 00:36:01,400 Speaker 4: of Elijah, many people had recheckted did his works, and 568 00:36:01,480 --> 00:36:03,400 Speaker 4: many gentiles accepted them. 569 00:36:03,640 --> 00:36:07,640 Speaker 3: As Jesus said these things, the entire synagogue unleashed in 570 00:36:07,680 --> 00:36:11,880 Speaker 3: an uproar. Their objections grew violent, and they drove Jesus 571 00:36:11,880 --> 00:36:15,600 Speaker 3: out of the building. Foaming with rage. The people cornered 572 00:36:15,680 --> 00:36:19,160 Speaker 3: Jesus to the brow of a hill. Jesus took a 573 00:36:19,200 --> 00:36:22,600 Speaker 3: step back to see he had no more room. The 574 00:36:22,680 --> 00:36:27,040 Speaker 3: hill dropped off into a gorge below. They spat and 575 00:36:27,120 --> 00:36:31,600 Speaker 3: clawed at Jesus, proclaiming deity over them. Jesus was backed 576 00:36:31,640 --> 00:36:34,759 Speaker 3: against the bluff. He looked at the steep drop right 577 00:36:34,800 --> 00:36:38,879 Speaker 3: behind him. They were going to throw him off. Their 578 00:36:38,920 --> 00:36:42,560 Speaker 3: anger was from a deep well of insecurity. They could 579 00:36:42,600 --> 00:36:46,160 Speaker 3: not stand the thought of Jesus being elevated above them. 580 00:36:46,640 --> 00:36:50,120 Speaker 3: The mob lunged at him, and the fury Jesus had 581 00:36:50,200 --> 00:36:53,200 Speaker 3: very little time to think. He jumped to the side, 582 00:36:53,480 --> 00:36:57,279 Speaker 3: avoiding their initial attack. Jesus weaved through the crowd before 583 00:36:57,320 --> 00:37:00,400 Speaker 3: any could grab him. He left Nazareth w without a 584 00:37:00,440 --> 00:37:03,839 Speaker 3: good bye. He was now an outcast in his own 585 00:37:03,880 --> 00:37:10,320 Speaker 3: town and rejected by his own people. Days had passed 586 00:37:10,480 --> 00:37:12,920 Speaker 3: and Jesus was back in Jerusalem for the feast of 587 00:37:12,960 --> 00:37:16,120 Speaker 3: the Jews. By the sheep Gate, there was a pool 588 00:37:16,200 --> 00:37:20,960 Speaker 3: called Bethesda. The pool was surrounded by five roofed colonnades 589 00:37:21,120 --> 00:37:25,160 Speaker 3: that protected the water below. Jesus drew closer to see 590 00:37:25,239 --> 00:37:30,440 Speaker 3: hundreds of invalids, blind, lame, and paralyzed surrounding the pools. 591 00:37:31,920 --> 00:37:34,720 Speaker 3: Many loved ones were slowly leading them beside the water. 592 00:37:35,840 --> 00:37:38,520 Speaker 3: It was believed back then that an angel would stir 593 00:37:38,600 --> 00:37:42,960 Speaker 3: up the water once a year to heal the sick, lame, blind, 594 00:37:43,200 --> 00:37:47,960 Speaker 3: and afflicted. It was a silly tradition, but Jesus admired 595 00:37:48,000 --> 00:37:50,239 Speaker 3: the faith of those who brought their loved ones down 596 00:37:50,239 --> 00:37:55,160 Speaker 3: to the pool. Jesus walked beside the pillars, observing those 597 00:37:55,200 --> 00:37:59,680 Speaker 3: who had been afflicted with disease, blindness, and other disabilities. 598 00:38:00,640 --> 00:38:04,440 Speaker 3: His compassion was stirred for them. As he was walking, 599 00:38:04,800 --> 00:38:07,319 Speaker 3: he stumbled upon a man sitting on the floor with 600 00:38:07,400 --> 00:38:11,120 Speaker 3: his back leaned up against a pillar. The man's brow 601 00:38:11,239 --> 00:38:14,360 Speaker 3: was furrowed and his lips were clenched as he glared 602 00:38:14,400 --> 00:38:18,400 Speaker 3: at people by the pool. Jesus could see that this 603 00:38:18,480 --> 00:38:21,360 Speaker 3: man was an invalid and had been for quite some time. 604 00:38:22,440 --> 00:38:25,560 Speaker 3: The man lay there, steaming in anger towards the crowd 605 00:38:25,560 --> 00:38:29,560 Speaker 3: of people. Jesus sat beside the man and turned to him. 606 00:38:29,840 --> 00:38:31,280 Speaker 4: Do you want to be healed? 607 00:38:31,480 --> 00:38:35,840 Speaker 3: Jesus asked. The man's body was ravaged with sickness. His 608 00:38:35,960 --> 00:38:39,320 Speaker 3: eyes were weary, and he looked at Jesus with complete disdain. 609 00:38:39,960 --> 00:38:42,879 Speaker 6: There is no one to drop me in the pool. 610 00:38:42,760 --> 00:38:46,840 Speaker 3: The man said. He looked away from Jesus, longing after 611 00:38:46,840 --> 00:38:50,040 Speaker 3: the pool. Jesus could sense that there was a deep 612 00:38:50,120 --> 00:38:53,160 Speaker 3: desire to be healed, but also a desire for some 613 00:38:53,239 --> 00:38:55,760 Speaker 3: one to care enough to bring him to the pool. 614 00:38:56,760 --> 00:38:59,360 Speaker 3: He was an outcast even among the crippled. 615 00:39:00,080 --> 00:39:02,600 Speaker 6: Any time I have tried to go down to the pool. 616 00:39:03,719 --> 00:39:08,200 Speaker 6: Another cuts in front of me. Why do I even bother? 617 00:39:08,800 --> 00:39:14,920 Speaker 3: The man said, his eyes watered from pain and anguish. 618 00:39:15,000 --> 00:39:17,880 Speaker 3: Jesus stood to his feet. He had asked the man 619 00:39:18,080 --> 00:39:21,160 Speaker 3: if he wanted to be healed. Although the man did 620 00:39:21,200 --> 00:39:24,280 Speaker 3: not answer the question, Jesus knew the answer. 621 00:39:24,600 --> 00:39:28,480 Speaker 4: Will get up, then, gather your things, take your bed, 622 00:39:28,880 --> 00:39:29,360 Speaker 4: and walk. 623 00:39:29,520 --> 00:39:32,960 Speaker 3: The man darted his eyes up, ready to yell, but 624 00:39:33,040 --> 00:39:36,320 Speaker 3: then he felt a jolt in his abdomen and legs. 625 00:39:37,760 --> 00:39:41,040 Speaker 3: A warm sensation rose from his toes to the top 626 00:39:41,080 --> 00:39:45,000 Speaker 3: of his head. The man's eyes widened in radiant glee. 627 00:39:45,320 --> 00:39:48,040 Speaker 3: He could not believe what was happening. The man placed 628 00:39:48,080 --> 00:39:50,760 Speaker 3: his hands and knees on the floor, then slowly stood 629 00:39:50,760 --> 00:39:55,560 Speaker 3: to his feet. Tears streamed down his face. He locked 630 00:39:55,600 --> 00:40:00,400 Speaker 3: up to thank Jesus, but he was gone. Took his 631 00:40:00,440 --> 00:40:03,759 Speaker 3: bed and ran to the temple. His smile was infectious 632 00:40:03,760 --> 00:40:06,320 Speaker 3: as he danced in the temple courtyard like a child. 633 00:40:07,080 --> 00:40:09,880 Speaker 3: The religious leaders saw that he was carrying his bed 634 00:40:10,080 --> 00:40:11,040 Speaker 3: and took notice. 635 00:40:11,480 --> 00:40:14,480 Speaker 6: Who cannot carry something that large on the Sabbath? 636 00:40:14,800 --> 00:40:18,160 Speaker 3: They yelled. The man was too delighted by his freedom 637 00:40:18,200 --> 00:40:19,440 Speaker 3: to consider such things. 638 00:40:20,040 --> 00:40:20,320 Speaker 2: Ah ha. 639 00:40:20,760 --> 00:40:23,680 Speaker 8: A few moments ago, I was unable to walk. A 640 00:40:23,800 --> 00:40:26,600 Speaker 8: man came and healed me, and he told me to 641 00:40:26,640 --> 00:40:30,080 Speaker 8: pick up my bed and go. So here I am 642 00:40:30,320 --> 00:40:32,880 Speaker 8: with my bed in my arms. Unashamed. 643 00:40:33,360 --> 00:40:36,160 Speaker 3: The man ran out of the temple courtyard, skipping and 644 00:40:36,239 --> 00:40:39,280 Speaker 3: humming with new life. As the man left the gates, 645 00:40:39,480 --> 00:40:42,560 Speaker 3: a figure caught his eye. It was him, the man 646 00:40:42,600 --> 00:40:46,719 Speaker 3: who healed him. The man walked towards Jesus, overjoyed to 647 00:40:46,760 --> 00:40:51,879 Speaker 3: see him again. Jesus smiled and gave him a fatherly hug. 648 00:40:52,680 --> 00:40:56,919 Speaker 4: Yes, you are well, Now go and sin no more. 649 00:40:57,440 --> 00:41:00,279 Speaker 3: The man went away and eventually told the relief jeous 650 00:41:00,320 --> 00:41:04,320 Speaker 3: leaders that it was Jesus who healed him. They scoffed 651 00:41:04,480 --> 00:41:06,560 Speaker 3: that Jesus would do such a thing on the Sabbath. 652 00:41:07,640 --> 00:41:11,040 Speaker 3: Over the years, the religious leaders had created a litany 653 00:41:11,080 --> 00:41:14,960 Speaker 3: of unnecessary laws around the Sabbath. A man could not 654 00:41:15,120 --> 00:41:17,759 Speaker 3: drag a chair across the dirt because it would be 655 00:41:17,800 --> 00:41:23,000 Speaker 3: considered plowing. So many rules, so much rigidity. The lack 656 00:41:23,080 --> 00:41:26,480 Speaker 3: of joy was choking the people of Israel, and Jesus 657 00:41:26,560 --> 00:41:29,720 Speaker 3: was determined to return them to the heart of God. 658 00:41:31,200 --> 00:41:34,880 Speaker 3: Jesus stood before the religious leaders and said, plainly. 659 00:41:35,080 --> 00:41:38,480 Speaker 4: My Father is working good things in his people, so 660 00:41:38,480 --> 00:41:39,600 Speaker 4: why shall do the same. 661 00:41:40,480 --> 00:41:44,200 Speaker 3: This was the heart of Jesus. He would extend his 662 00:41:44,360 --> 00:41:48,000 Speaker 3: reach to the outcasts. He would bring people back to 663 00:41:48,080 --> 00:41:52,560 Speaker 3: a pure and simple devotion to God. Not only this, 664 00:41:53,160 --> 00:41:56,719 Speaker 3: but he would do just as Isaiah prophesied. He would 665 00:41:56,760 --> 00:42:00,640 Speaker 3: proclaim good news to the poor. He would bring liberty 666 00:42:00,800 --> 00:42:04,200 Speaker 3: to the captives, he would restore sight to the blind. 667 00:42:04,640 --> 00:42:08,560 Speaker 3: And for all who felt oppressed, rejected, or unloved, he 668 00:42:08,560 --> 00:42:13,240 Speaker 3: would pour forth his liberating spirit. It was now time 669 00:42:13,560 --> 00:42:17,080 Speaker 3: for the Lord to do a new work for his people. 670 00:42:20,160 --> 00:42:23,719 Speaker 2: God's heart is for the outcast. This was exemplified in 671 00:42:23,760 --> 00:42:27,280 Speaker 2: the very beginning with our prelude. He chose a forgotten 672 00:42:27,360 --> 00:42:30,600 Speaker 2: son of a herdsman to become king. King David's life 673 00:42:30,640 --> 00:42:33,439 Speaker 2: and rise is a reminder to us that God cares 674 00:42:33,560 --> 00:42:37,440 Speaker 2: less about regality and religiosity and more about drawing close 675 00:42:37,480 --> 00:42:40,600 Speaker 2: to the heart of his people. Jesus reflected the heart 676 00:42:40,640 --> 00:42:43,560 Speaker 2: of God in this episode, especially when he confronts the 677 00:42:43,640 --> 00:42:47,240 Speaker 2: money changes in the temple. Jesus noticed that the religious 678 00:42:47,320 --> 00:42:50,880 Speaker 2: leaders had created a system to exploit the outsiders and 679 00:42:50,920 --> 00:42:54,520 Speaker 2: the poor. Unless you were wealthy, established, and local, it 680 00:42:54,560 --> 00:42:56,720 Speaker 2: was very hard to make a sacrifice at the temple. 681 00:42:57,400 --> 00:43:00,560 Speaker 2: Barriers were created between people and God, and Jesus had 682 00:43:00,600 --> 00:43:03,480 Speaker 2: come to build bridges. It is rare when we get 683 00:43:03,520 --> 00:43:06,439 Speaker 2: to see Jesus angry, so when it happens, we must 684 00:43:06,480 --> 00:43:10,040 Speaker 2: pay attention. The exploitation of the poor and powerless drove 685 00:43:10,120 --> 00:43:14,279 Speaker 2: Jesus to rage. He flipped tables, coiled a whip, and 686 00:43:14,400 --> 00:43:18,400 Speaker 2: released the animals into the streets. The scriptures concerning worship 687 00:43:18,440 --> 00:43:22,040 Speaker 2: and sacrifice were very clear. Everyone should be able to 688 00:43:22,120 --> 00:43:26,719 Speaker 2: come before God to repent. Jesus's mission was to make 689 00:43:26,760 --> 00:43:31,400 Speaker 2: God accessible to people of every culture, color, creed, and class. 690 00:43:32,200 --> 00:43:35,080 Speaker 2: Jesus violently flipping tables in the temple is a picture. 691 00:43:35,840 --> 00:43:39,360 Speaker 2: Just as Jesus destroyed these physical barriers between people and God, 692 00:43:39,760 --> 00:43:42,960 Speaker 2: he would also destroy the spiritual barriers between people and God. 693 00:43:43,480 --> 00:43:46,520 Speaker 2: The Cross of Christ was a proverbial flipping of tables, 694 00:43:46,840 --> 00:43:49,920 Speaker 2: breaking down the religious systems that kept people from a 695 00:43:49,960 --> 00:43:53,719 Speaker 2: connection with God. Jesus became a friend of the outcasts, 696 00:43:53,719 --> 00:43:57,240 Speaker 2: but an enemy of the establishment. The religious leaders questioned 697 00:43:57,280 --> 00:44:01,360 Speaker 2: Jesus authority, unable to understand what he was saying. Jesus 698 00:44:01,360 --> 00:44:04,719 Speaker 2: often confused the self righteous, those who thought they were 699 00:44:04,840 --> 00:44:09,080 Speaker 2: morally superior struggle to understand the concept of grace. Jesus 700 00:44:09,080 --> 00:44:12,480 Speaker 2: will have an ongoing ideological battle with the religious leaders. 701 00:44:13,480 --> 00:44:16,640 Speaker 2: The tension between them represents the tension between the old 702 00:44:16,760 --> 00:44:19,760 Speaker 2: and new covenants, and the battle we all have between 703 00:44:19,800 --> 00:44:23,319 Speaker 2: our own righteousness and the righteousness given by God. Not 704 00:44:23,440 --> 00:44:26,879 Speaker 2: all religious leaders hated Jesus, though one in particular found 705 00:44:26,880 --> 00:44:31,120 Speaker 2: his words and actions compelling. Nicodemus met with Jesus under 706 00:44:31,160 --> 00:44:35,680 Speaker 2: the cover of midnight, seeking answers to his questions. Jesus 707 00:44:35,719 --> 00:44:39,279 Speaker 2: was happy to oblige the conversation with Nicodemus gave us 708 00:44:39,320 --> 00:44:43,040 Speaker 2: the famous John three point sixteen for God, Soul, love 709 00:44:43,080 --> 00:44:46,279 Speaker 2: the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that 710 00:44:46,360 --> 00:44:50,400 Speaker 2: whoever should believe in him will have everlasting life. Slowly, 711 00:44:50,440 --> 00:44:54,239 Speaker 2: but surely, Jesus is revealing to others and us who 712 00:44:54,320 --> 00:44:57,719 Speaker 2: he is. Nicodemus is astounded, but unable to make a 713 00:44:57,800 --> 00:45:01,200 Speaker 2: true commitment to Jesus. We see an important trait of 714 00:45:01,280 --> 00:45:04,680 Speaker 2: Jesus in this episode. He is always willing to engage 715 00:45:04,680 --> 00:45:08,279 Speaker 2: with the needy and the outcasts. This story highlighted three 716 00:45:08,320 --> 00:45:11,200 Speaker 2: times when Jesus was met by or went to meet 717 00:45:11,239 --> 00:45:14,000 Speaker 2: someone on the fringe. The first was the woman at 718 00:45:14,040 --> 00:45:17,359 Speaker 2: the well. The Samaritan woman was rejected by her own 719 00:45:17,400 --> 00:45:20,359 Speaker 2: people due to her several affairs. On top of that, 720 00:45:20,920 --> 00:45:23,960 Speaker 2: it was taboo for Jews to have any interaction with Samaritans, 721 00:45:24,040 --> 00:45:27,920 Speaker 2: let alone a Samaritian woman. Jesus's willingness to engage with 722 00:45:28,040 --> 00:45:31,799 Speaker 2: this woman tells us at least three things. One, he 723 00:45:31,880 --> 00:45:35,200 Speaker 2: cares very little about societal norms, especially if they are 724 00:45:35,239 --> 00:45:38,759 Speaker 2: founded on prejudice. Two, he is willing to risk his 725 00:45:38,840 --> 00:45:43,120 Speaker 2: reputation in order to connect with people that need him. Three, 726 00:45:43,200 --> 00:45:47,800 Speaker 2: he desires to cross cultural boundaries to make connections. Another 727 00:45:47,840 --> 00:45:50,840 Speaker 2: thing worth mentioning about this interaction is the water in 728 00:45:50,880 --> 00:45:53,799 Speaker 2: the well. Not only does Jesus use it as a 729 00:45:53,840 --> 00:45:57,080 Speaker 2: conversation starter to talk about living water in reference to 730 00:45:57,120 --> 00:46:00,319 Speaker 2: the Holy Spirit, but the act of drawing water is 731 00:46:00,400 --> 00:46:03,560 Speaker 2: in and of itself a picture. This woman had deep 732 00:46:03,680 --> 00:46:07,360 Speaker 2: hurt within her, Like water in a well, Jesus patiently 733 00:46:07,600 --> 00:46:11,759 Speaker 2: and methodically, without her noticing, draws water out of the well. 734 00:46:12,600 --> 00:46:14,960 Speaker 2: In the same way he is drawing out her pain 735 00:46:15,520 --> 00:46:19,440 Speaker 2: and pasted to refresh and renew her soul. The next 736 00:46:19,440 --> 00:46:22,520 Speaker 2: interaction Jesus had with someone in need was the man 737 00:46:22,520 --> 00:46:25,839 Speaker 2: whose son needed healing. Jesus showed him and his son 738 00:46:25,960 --> 00:46:29,360 Speaker 2: mercy because he too has a father's heart. Let me 739 00:46:29,400 --> 00:46:31,479 Speaker 2: pause for a moment and remind you that God loves 740 00:46:31,520 --> 00:46:34,920 Speaker 2: you like a devoted father. Some of you had wonderful fathers, 741 00:46:34,960 --> 00:46:38,040 Speaker 2: and you understand in some way the love of Christ. However, 742 00:46:38,080 --> 00:46:40,040 Speaker 2: some of you might have grown up without the love 743 00:46:40,080 --> 00:46:43,480 Speaker 2: of your father. Being courriage that God loves you with 744 00:46:43,600 --> 00:46:47,000 Speaker 2: an undying and devoted fatherly love. He went to great 745 00:46:47,080 --> 00:46:50,240 Speaker 2: lengths to tell you how much He loves you. Jesus 746 00:46:50,239 --> 00:46:52,960 Speaker 2: made sure this man wasn't asking for a sign from 747 00:46:53,000 --> 00:46:56,279 Speaker 2: him out of pettiness. The fatherly heart of this man 748 00:46:56,400 --> 00:46:58,759 Speaker 2: was drawn out, just like the broken heart of the 749 00:46:58,800 --> 00:47:02,080 Speaker 2: woman at the well. Jesus rewarded him and his son 750 00:47:02,239 --> 00:47:05,640 Speaker 2: was healed. The final interaction Jesus had with someone on 751 00:47:05,719 --> 00:47:08,760 Speaker 2: the fringe was the invalid. He said by the pools, 752 00:47:09,120 --> 00:47:11,920 Speaker 2: bitter at the world, that he couldn't be healed. This 753 00:47:12,000 --> 00:47:14,920 Speaker 2: man wasn't just on the fringe because he wasn't invalid, 754 00:47:15,280 --> 00:47:19,320 Speaker 2: but he wasn't even accepted among the crippled community. Jesus 755 00:47:19,360 --> 00:47:22,000 Speaker 2: asked him a simple question, do you want to be healed. 756 00:47:22,440 --> 00:47:25,560 Speaker 2: The answer to that question seems obvious, doesn't it. Of course, 757 00:47:25,640 --> 00:47:28,200 Speaker 2: this man wants to be healed, But instead of giving 758 00:47:28,200 --> 00:47:31,399 Speaker 2: a yes or no, the man explains how nobody cared 759 00:47:31,520 --> 00:47:34,640 Speaker 2: enough to lure him into the pool. To him, the 760 00:47:34,680 --> 00:47:37,400 Speaker 2: main reason he wasn't healed was because nobody paid attention 761 00:47:37,440 --> 00:47:40,800 Speaker 2: to him or showed him any mercy. Jesus was happy 762 00:47:40,800 --> 00:47:44,439 Speaker 2: to extend that mercy. The man walked, cheered, and ran 763 00:47:44,480 --> 00:47:47,520 Speaker 2: around proclaiming what had happened to him. I want to 764 00:47:47,560 --> 00:47:50,680 Speaker 2: point out an absurdity in this episode that can't go unnoticed. 765 00:47:51,239 --> 00:47:53,840 Speaker 2: The Pharisees, when seeing this man walking with his bed, 766 00:47:54,360 --> 00:47:58,960 Speaker 2: reprimand him for breaking the Sabbage traditions. Regulations like these 767 00:47:59,000 --> 00:48:02,160 Speaker 2: were not explicitly stated in the Law of Moses. Rather, 768 00:48:02,600 --> 00:48:05,319 Speaker 2: they were rules created by the religious leaders on top 769 00:48:05,360 --> 00:48:08,520 Speaker 2: of the law. In their attempt to be righteous, they 770 00:48:08,560 --> 00:48:11,759 Speaker 2: put undue burdens on people and kept them from closeness 771 00:48:11,800 --> 00:48:14,880 Speaker 2: with God. Conflicts around the Sabbath are going to be 772 00:48:14,960 --> 00:48:19,120 Speaker 2: a common occurrence between Jesus and the Pharisees. Look for 773 00:48:19,200 --> 00:48:22,920 Speaker 2: them as the series continues, and ask yourself why Jesus 774 00:48:22,960 --> 00:48:26,920 Speaker 2: is so passionate about pushing the boundaries around Sabbath tradition. 775 00:48:27,840 --> 00:48:31,080 Speaker 2: Also ask yourself why these men were so passionate about 776 00:48:31,120 --> 00:48:34,920 Speaker 2: the Sabbath. In future episodes, we will explore the conflicting 777 00:48:34,920 --> 00:48:39,200 Speaker 2: philosophies of Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes. For now, 778 00:48:39,600 --> 00:48:41,560 Speaker 2: I want to leave you with a thought to ponder. 779 00:48:42,120 --> 00:48:45,040 Speaker 2: If Jesus is supposed to be a greater king than David, 780 00:48:45,360 --> 00:48:47,040 Speaker 2: what do you think about his kingdom? 781 00:48:47,080 --> 00:48:47,480 Speaker 4: So far? 782 00:48:48,040 --> 00:48:51,840 Speaker 2: On the surface, it doesn't seem very grand or powerful. 783 00:48:52,000 --> 00:48:55,239 Speaker 2: If Jesus is establishing a kingdom on earth, then what 784 00:48:55,520 --> 00:48:59,240 Speaker 2: is that kingdom supposed to look like? Given jesus actions 785 00:48:59,280 --> 00:49:02,360 Speaker 2: thus far, how are we supposed to participate in building 786 00:49:02,360 --> 00:49:06,920 Speaker 2: the Kingdom of God? Where we are in our homes, churches, workplaces, schools, 787 00:49:06,960 --> 00:49:11,040 Speaker 2: and communities. Ponder these things and pray that His kingdom 788 00:49:11,040 --> 00:49:13,040 Speaker 2: would come and His will would be done on earth 789 00:49:13,080 --> 00:49:16,920 Speaker 2: as it is in heaven. Amen, thank you for joining 790 00:49:16,960 --> 00:49:21,760 Speaker 2: me for today's episode. In our next episode, Jesus's popularity grows, 791 00:49:21,840 --> 00:49:24,360 Speaker 2: and with it is need for helpers. He chooses some 792 00:49:24,480 --> 00:49:28,319 Speaker 2: men to walk alongside him, learn and perform miracles. What 793 00:49:28,400 --> 00:49:31,000 Speaker 2: war is Philosophers or noblemen do you think Jesus will 794 00:49:31,080 --> 00:49:35,200 Speaker 2: choose find out an episode six the twelve. Thanks again 795 00:49:35,239 --> 00:49:38,880 Speaker 2: for listening. For more inspiring stories, daily prayers and wisdom 796 00:49:38,880 --> 00:49:41,600 Speaker 2: to last a lifetime, go to pray dot com. And 797 00:49:41,680 --> 00:49:45,040 Speaker 2: to expand your heroes in the Bible journey, download the 798 00:49:45,160 --> 00:49:49,160 Speaker 2: Heroes of the Faith devotional at Tonyevans dot org Forward 799 00:49:49,200 --> 00:49:52,560 Speaker 2: slash Heroes. Please write a review and let me know 800 00:49:52,640 --> 00:49:56,359 Speaker 2: how Jesus in this podcast has impacted your life. God 801 00:49:56,400 --> 00:49:56,720 Speaker 2: bless