1 00:00:00,340 --> 00:00:08,230 Speaker 1: For many are called, but few chosen. Matthew 22.14 Dear Lord, 2 00:00:09,150 --> 00:00:12,569 Speaker 1: we come before you with hearts full of gratitude for 3 00:00:12,610 --> 00:00:16,910 Speaker 1: your infinite love and mercy. We thank you for calling 4 00:00:17,090 --> 00:00:20,640 Speaker 1: us into your kingdom and for the gift of salvation. 5 00:00:21,480 --> 00:00:25,959 Speaker 1: We acknowledge our deep need for you. We recognize that 6 00:00:26,000 --> 00:00:28,440 Speaker 1: it is not by our own merit that we are called, 7 00:00:29,350 --> 00:00:34,550 Speaker 1: but by your grace and divine purpose. Help us to 8 00:00:34,610 --> 00:00:39,190 Speaker 1: understand the significance of being chosen by you and to 9 00:00:39,229 --> 00:00:42,460 Speaker 1: live our lives in a way that honors this calling. 10 00:00:44,640 --> 00:00:49,660 Speaker 1: Transform our hearts, Father, so that we may be worthy 11 00:00:49,700 --> 00:00:54,180 Speaker 1: of the calling we have received. Instill in us a 12 00:00:54,240 --> 00:00:58,060 Speaker 1: deep desire to follow your will, and seek your guidance 13 00:00:58,500 --> 00:01:03,430 Speaker 1: in all that we do. Grant us the wisdom and 14 00:01:03,510 --> 00:01:08,370 Speaker 1: courage to live out our faith boldly, even when the 15 00:01:08,410 --> 00:01:13,000 Speaker 1: path is challenging. Empower us, Lord, to be a force 16 00:01:13,030 --> 00:01:19,180 Speaker 1: for good in our families, communities, and workplaces. May we 17 00:01:19,280 --> 00:01:25,550 Speaker 1: reflect your love and truth in our actions, serving as 18 00:01:25,610 --> 00:01:30,950 Speaker 1: a light to those around us. Strengthen us to persevere 19 00:01:31,110 --> 00:01:36,370 Speaker 1: in our faith, knowing that many are called, but few 20 00:01:36,770 --> 00:01:41,010 Speaker 1: are chosen. In Jesus' name we pray. 21 00:01:42,510 --> 00:01:42,770 Speaker 2: Amen. 22 00:01:44,510 --> 00:01:48,000 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. This is the 23 00:01:48,080 --> 00:01:53,559 Speaker 1: Jesus Podcast. Gospel stories crafted to build your faith and 24 00:01:53,620 --> 00:01:58,780 Speaker 1: awaken your imaginations. If this podcast has offered value to 25 00:01:58,820 --> 00:02:02,180 Speaker 1: your faith, we'd love it if you would follow, leave 26 00:02:02,220 --> 00:02:08,520 Speaker 1: a review, and share with a friend. Jesus took some 27 00:02:08,560 --> 00:02:12,460 Speaker 1: of his followers up to a mountain. The crowd followed 28 00:02:12,500 --> 00:02:16,430 Speaker 1: them and remained at the bottom. Jesus paused and looked 29 00:02:16,530 --> 00:02:20,230 Speaker 1: out at the sea of faces. He did not see 30 00:02:20,510 --> 00:02:25,170 Speaker 1: what others saw. He saw sheep that were without a shepherd. 31 00:02:26,240 --> 00:02:30,340 Speaker 1: They needed guidance. They needed to be empowered and enlivened 32 00:02:30,720 --> 00:02:34,870 Speaker 1: by God's Spirit. There were a few followers beside him. 33 00:02:35,530 --> 00:02:38,670 Speaker 1: He looked at them and pointed down at the crowd. 34 00:02:39,270 --> 00:02:43,090 Speaker 3: Look out at them. The harvest is plentiful. There's no 35 00:02:43,190 --> 00:02:46,970 Speaker 3: shortage of people longing for hope. Do not pray for 36 00:02:46,990 --> 00:02:50,739 Speaker 3: the people to come, for they are already among you. No, 37 00:02:50,940 --> 00:02:55,240 Speaker 3: pray for the laborers. Pray for men who and women 38 00:02:55,340 --> 00:02:59,799 Speaker 3: to rise up and work in the field. The harvest 39 00:02:59,860 --> 00:03:02,600 Speaker 3: is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 40 00:03:03,100 --> 00:03:07,260 Speaker 1: With those words, Jesus appointed twelve men to be his apostles, 41 00:03:08,300 --> 00:03:13,589 Speaker 1: chosen men who would follow Jesus everywhere. These men were 42 00:03:13,610 --> 00:03:17,990 Speaker 1: not chosen for their wisdom, influence, or skill. Each of 43 00:03:18,050 --> 00:03:22,929 Speaker 1: them had gifts, and each of them had flaws. They 44 00:03:22,990 --> 00:03:28,400 Speaker 1: were imperfect vessels, chosen by God to do mighty works. 45 00:03:30,280 --> 00:03:36,140 Speaker 1: God chose them for their hearts, but also their weaknesses, 46 00:03:37,400 --> 00:03:41,790 Speaker 1: for in their weakness God is shown to be strong. 47 00:03:43,830 --> 00:03:47,910 Speaker 1: He chose Simon, who he would now call Peter, which 48 00:03:47,950 --> 00:03:54,540 Speaker 1: means rock. Peter was loudmouthed and made rash decisions, Yet 49 00:03:54,620 --> 00:04:00,080 Speaker 1: within him was the heart of a leader. He chose 50 00:04:00,180 --> 00:04:04,730 Speaker 1: James and John, the sons of Zebedee. He nicknamed them 51 00:04:05,170 --> 00:04:10,710 Speaker 1: Sons of Thunder for their fire and enthusiasm. However, it 52 00:04:11,050 --> 00:04:15,810 Speaker 1: often got the better of them. He chose Andrew, Philip, 53 00:04:16,170 --> 00:04:22,260 Speaker 1: and Bartholomew, the silent and humble servants. He chose Matthew, 54 00:04:22,300 --> 00:04:28,150 Speaker 1: the tax collector, and Thomas, the skeptic. He chose James, 55 00:04:28,610 --> 00:04:32,450 Speaker 1: the son of Alphaeus. One of the most unique men 56 00:04:32,510 --> 00:04:37,140 Speaker 1: he chose was Simon the Zealot. He was one of 57 00:04:37,160 --> 00:04:41,979 Speaker 1: the notorious dagger men, a league of assassins trying to 58 00:04:42,100 --> 00:04:48,080 Speaker 1: overthrow Roman rule. However, Simon renounced his old ways for 59 00:04:48,120 --> 00:04:54,620 Speaker 1: the sake of following Christ. Finally, He chose Judas Iscariot, 60 00:04:55,650 --> 00:05:00,540 Speaker 1: the man who would betray him. He chose him and 61 00:05:00,700 --> 00:05:06,660 Speaker 1: loved him, despite knowing who he would become. This was 62 00:05:06,700 --> 00:05:11,660 Speaker 1: the heart of Christ. Jesus' first call to the twelve 63 00:05:12,220 --> 00:05:16,340 Speaker 1: was for them to be with him. Their closeness to 64 00:05:16,420 --> 00:05:18,990 Speaker 1: Jesus would prove to be the source of their strength. 65 00:05:20,380 --> 00:05:25,719 Speaker 1: Moments sitting by the campfire, sharing stories, laughing, would prove 66 00:05:25,839 --> 00:05:30,190 Speaker 1: to be useful. They would learn to be with God 67 00:05:30,930 --> 00:05:36,090 Speaker 1: before doing anything for God. So they too would not 68 00:05:36,150 --> 00:05:43,200 Speaker 1: grow prideful like the Pharisees. Out of that relationship, Jesus 69 00:05:43,260 --> 00:05:47,300 Speaker 1: would send them out to preach, heal, and cast out 70 00:05:47,420 --> 00:05:52,660 Speaker 1: demons in his name. The disciples were empowered by Jesus, 71 00:05:53,700 --> 00:05:56,659 Speaker 1: and their strength grew day by day. 72 00:05:57,180 --> 00:06:00,460 Speaker 3: Whoever desires to come after me must first pick up 73 00:06:00,500 --> 00:06:04,330 Speaker 3: his cross and follow me. Whoever holds his life too 74 00:06:04,390 --> 00:06:07,789 Speaker 3: dear to lay it down will lose his life. However, 75 00:06:08,610 --> 00:06:12,630 Speaker 3: whoever loses his life for my sake will truly find it. 76 00:06:13,570 --> 00:06:15,490 Speaker 3: For what does it profit a man if he gains 77 00:06:15,550 --> 00:06:18,910 Speaker 3: the whole world but loses his own soul? 78 00:06:19,710 --> 00:06:23,230 Speaker 1: Jesus called his disciples to a higher standard than the 79 00:06:23,290 --> 00:06:29,420 Speaker 1: Pharisees or scribes. He called them to deny themselves instead 80 00:06:29,460 --> 00:06:34,080 Speaker 1: of elevate themselves. He did not call them to religious 81 00:06:34,160 --> 00:06:39,450 Speaker 1: repetition or vain practices. He called them to lay down 82 00:06:39,470 --> 00:06:45,010 Speaker 1: their lives, money, and convenience so that others may thrive. 83 00:06:46,050 --> 00:06:51,610 Speaker 1: Jesus would model this himself. He would sacrifice everything so 84 00:06:51,650 --> 00:06:53,350 Speaker 1: that people could be renewed. 85 00:06:55,690 --> 00:06:58,980 Speaker 4: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing? 86 00:06:59,440 --> 00:07:03,020 Speaker 4: It's not your feet. It's your shoes. This summer, switch 87 00:07:03,040 --> 00:07:07,900 Speaker 4: to G-Defy shoes with patented VersoShock technology, which aligns your body, 88 00:07:08,060 --> 00:07:14,530 Speaker 4: provides superior shock absorption, and trampoline-like energy return. G-Defy offers 89 00:07:14,630 --> 00:07:18,890 Speaker 4: soles and styles for any activity. plus two free orthotics. 90 00:07:19,490 --> 00:07:22,400 Speaker 4: Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or always on 91 00:07:22,420 --> 00:07:26,620 Speaker 4: the go, G-Defy shoes deliver the comfort and versatility your 92 00:07:26,640 --> 00:07:31,200 Speaker 4: feet crave. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to unparalleled 93 00:07:31,240 --> 00:07:36,630 Speaker 4: support this summer. Enjoy a special summer offer. Visit G-Defy.com 94 00:07:36,990 --> 00:07:39,810 Speaker 4: and get $ 20 off your order of $ 100 or more 95 00:07:40,230 --> 00:07:44,930 Speaker 4: with code PRAY. Experience the miracle of ultimate comfort with 96 00:07:44,990 --> 00:07:51,940 Speaker 4: G-Defy shoes. Visit G-D-E-F-Y dot com today. 97 00:07:55,040 --> 00:07:58,440 Speaker 5: We can do nothing for Jesus unless we first learn 98 00:07:58,480 --> 00:08:03,790 Speaker 5: to be with Jesus. Ministry flows from intimacy. This is 99 00:08:03,810 --> 00:08:08,610 Speaker 5: the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com. Today is day 100 00:08:08,710 --> 00:08:12,650 Speaker 5: two of our mini-series on Jesus disrupting the status quo 101 00:08:13,010 --> 00:08:16,090 Speaker 5: and showing us a new way to live. This series 102 00:08:16,270 --> 00:08:20,390 Speaker 5: showcases Jesus' teachings and passion, and we will learn about 103 00:08:20,530 --> 00:08:24,230 Speaker 5: God's heart for people and for His kingdom. Today, we're 104 00:08:24,250 --> 00:08:26,610 Speaker 5: going to take a journey up a mountain with Jesus 105 00:08:26,950 --> 00:08:29,490 Speaker 5: as He makes one of the most important decisions of 106 00:08:29,530 --> 00:08:35,000 Speaker 5: His ministry, choosing His twelve disciples. This moment in Mark 3, 107 00:08:35,000 --> 00:08:39,800 Speaker 5: verses 13-15 may seem like a simple selection process, but 108 00:08:39,840 --> 00:08:42,540 Speaker 5: it's filled with lessons that are just as relevant to 109 00:08:42,620 --> 00:08:44,300 Speaker 5: us today as they were 2,000 years ago. 110 00:08:47,890 --> 00:08:51,090 Speaker 1: John the Baptist and two of his disciples strode down 111 00:08:51,150 --> 00:08:55,750 Speaker 1: the dirt path. With no destination in mind, they allowed 112 00:08:55,790 --> 00:09:01,459 Speaker 1: their minds to focus on the conversations at hand. After Jesus' baptism, 113 00:09:01,980 --> 00:09:06,040 Speaker 1: John's disciples took any moment with him they could to 114 00:09:06,220 --> 00:09:09,880 Speaker 1: ask the questions that were bubbling up in their minds. 115 00:09:10,640 --> 00:09:11,140 Speaker 5: Is it true? 116 00:09:12,010 --> 00:09:14,630 Speaker 2: Is the Messiah really here? What does he look like? 117 00:09:15,230 --> 00:09:16,690 Speaker 2: How will we know who he is? 118 00:09:17,550 --> 00:09:20,589 Speaker 1: Looking down the road, John raised his arms with a 119 00:09:20,650 --> 00:09:22,819 Speaker 1: wide smile spread across his face. 120 00:09:23,620 --> 00:09:26,400 Speaker 5: It seems as though the Lord has heard your endless questions. 121 00:09:27,200 --> 00:09:27,640 Speaker 2: Look there. 122 00:09:28,320 --> 00:09:29,200 Speaker 5: Did you see that man? 123 00:09:29,840 --> 00:09:32,920 Speaker 1: Way up ahead, a young man was casually making his 124 00:09:33,000 --> 00:09:37,580 Speaker 1: way in the same direction. The stranger had no distinct 125 00:09:37,640 --> 00:09:41,820 Speaker 1: features and was most unassuming to anyone who might pass 126 00:09:41,880 --> 00:09:46,250 Speaker 1: by him. Thinking John would use this man to tell 127 00:09:46,300 --> 00:09:48,040 Speaker 1: a parable, or teach them a lesson. 128 00:09:49,070 --> 00:09:54,309 Speaker 2: Andrew responded, Yes, we see him, but how does that 129 00:09:54,410 --> 00:09:55,569 Speaker 2: answer our questions? 130 00:09:57,870 --> 00:10:02,229 Speaker 6: You see him, but did you look? That man there, 131 00:10:03,250 --> 00:10:07,219 Speaker 6: he is the Lamb of God. He's the one I 132 00:10:07,250 --> 00:10:10,260 Speaker 6: was talking about when I said there is one who 133 00:10:10,320 --> 00:10:12,860 Speaker 6: comes after me because he was before me. 134 00:10:13,440 --> 00:10:16,860 Speaker 1: The two disciples stopped in their tracks and turned to 135 00:10:16,900 --> 00:10:21,240 Speaker 1: face one another. They could hardly believe what they were hearing. 136 00:10:21,800 --> 00:10:24,400 Speaker 2: The Lamb of God? What do you mean? 137 00:10:24,880 --> 00:10:28,610 Speaker 6: When that man, Jesus of Nazareth, came to me to 138 00:10:28,640 --> 00:10:32,470 Speaker 6: be baptized, I saw the Spirit come down from heaven 139 00:10:33,170 --> 00:10:34,089 Speaker 6: as a dove. 140 00:10:33,770 --> 00:10:35,449 Speaker 2: And remain on him. 141 00:10:36,429 --> 00:10:39,150 Speaker 5: If you have heard any of my words, hear this. 142 00:10:40,570 --> 00:10:42,710 Speaker 6: This is God's chosen one. 143 00:10:45,050 --> 00:10:48,270 Speaker 5: My friends, I think your days of following me are 144 00:10:48,690 --> 00:10:49,590 Speaker 5: coming to an end. 145 00:10:50,309 --> 00:10:53,000 Speaker 1: At this, the two men made their way to Jesus. 146 00:10:54,660 --> 00:10:59,900 Speaker 1: On hearing their shuffled steps, the Lord turned around. His 147 00:10:59,980 --> 00:11:05,319 Speaker 1: face was gentle, but he stood with confidence. The two 148 00:11:05,380 --> 00:11:10,090 Speaker 1: disciples of John stood dumbfounded, unable to utter any words. 149 00:11:11,429 --> 00:11:16,040 Speaker 1: Their thoughts bounced around in their heads. With a wry smile, 150 00:11:17,000 --> 00:11:18,880 Speaker 1: Jesus was the first to break the silence. 151 00:11:19,520 --> 00:11:23,630 Speaker 3: Shalom, shalom. At the risk of sounding rude, what do 152 00:11:23,670 --> 00:11:26,730 Speaker 3: you want? If you're here to rob me, you'll be 153 00:11:26,830 --> 00:11:28,650 Speaker 3: hard-pressed to find anything of value. 154 00:11:29,290 --> 00:11:32,470 Speaker 2: We don't want to rob you. It's just... You see, 155 00:11:32,850 --> 00:11:37,469 Speaker 2: we're disciples of John the Baptizer, and, well, he said you're. 156 00:11:38,110 --> 00:11:41,930 Speaker 1: Andrew stumbled over his words, looking to his companion to 157 00:11:41,970 --> 00:11:42,420 Speaker 1: carry on. 158 00:11:42,900 --> 00:11:47,420 Speaker 5: You're the teacher from Nazareth, are you not? Rabbi, if 159 00:11:47,480 --> 00:11:50,500 Speaker 5: it's not an intrusion, might we ask where you're staying? 160 00:11:51,100 --> 00:11:55,460 Speaker 1: Jesus was encouraged by the directness. But now was the 161 00:11:55,500 --> 00:11:58,189 Speaker 1: time to give them a chance to show their faith. 162 00:11:58,670 --> 00:12:00,390 Speaker 3: Come with me and you will see. 163 00:12:00,830 --> 00:12:04,610 Speaker 1: The two disciples gazed back to John, not wanting to 164 00:12:04,670 --> 00:12:10,089 Speaker 1: leave him. The baptizer simply smiled and gestured his hands forward. 165 00:12:10,929 --> 00:12:14,069 Speaker 1: as though he had already known their time together was 166 00:12:14,130 --> 00:12:17,709 Speaker 1: coming to an abrupt end. Jesus spent the rest of 167 00:12:17,750 --> 00:12:21,290 Speaker 1: the day with the two men, giving them every ounce 168 00:12:21,350 --> 00:12:26,850 Speaker 1: of attention they craved. He answered questions, asked about their lives, 169 00:12:27,570 --> 00:12:31,770 Speaker 1: and told stories of his own. If one didn't know 170 00:12:31,840 --> 00:12:36,260 Speaker 1: any better, they would have assumed Jesus was an ordinary man. 171 00:12:37,720 --> 00:12:41,600 Speaker 1: But the disciples knew They were in the presence of 172 00:12:41,679 --> 00:12:48,280 Speaker 1: someone truly great. With every second spent with Jesus, their 173 00:12:48,300 --> 00:12:53,980 Speaker 1: belief in him grew. Jesus inhaled the frigid morning air, 174 00:12:55,059 --> 00:13:00,130 Speaker 1: allowing the cold to waken from his sleep. He savored 175 00:13:00,190 --> 00:13:05,330 Speaker 1: these quiet moments of solitude. He had quite enjoyed the 176 00:13:05,370 --> 00:13:09,610 Speaker 1: previous day with John's disciples. but was glad to rise 177 00:13:09,730 --> 00:13:13,590 Speaker 1: early to spend time with his father in preparation for 178 00:13:13,630 --> 00:13:18,940 Speaker 1: the day ahead. After his baptism, Jesus had begun to 179 00:13:19,020 --> 00:13:24,780 Speaker 1: preach in Galilee. Now that John was in prison, Jesus 180 00:13:24,900 --> 00:13:29,560 Speaker 1: pressed on in his wake, teaching on repentance and the 181 00:13:29,600 --> 00:13:34,300 Speaker 1: coming of the kingdom of God. And today, Jesus would 182 00:13:34,350 --> 00:13:40,290 Speaker 1: continue on his way to Galilee. After he prayed, ate, 183 00:13:40,410 --> 00:13:43,500 Speaker 1: and packed what little belongings he kept with himself on 184 00:13:43,530 --> 00:13:48,540 Speaker 1: these journeys, he set off. It wasn't uncommon for Jesus 185 00:13:48,600 --> 00:13:52,439 Speaker 1: to encounter another traveler to share the road with, and 186 00:13:52,580 --> 00:13:57,840 Speaker 1: today was no different. Up ahead, a young man was 187 00:13:57,880 --> 00:14:01,640 Speaker 1: strolling down the road, singing to himself as he went along. 188 00:14:03,050 --> 00:14:05,689 Speaker 1: Jesus quickened his pace slightly to catch up. 189 00:14:06,390 --> 00:14:06,840 Speaker 7: Shalom. 190 00:14:07,500 --> 00:14:10,120 Speaker 3: I couldn't help but notice you're walking alone, and, well, 191 00:14:10,179 --> 00:14:12,160 Speaker 3: I cannot say I'm not a fan of your music, 192 00:14:12,260 --> 00:14:14,820 Speaker 3: so perhaps we could keep each other company. 193 00:14:15,200 --> 00:14:15,900 Speaker 5: Shalom, brother. 194 00:14:16,900 --> 00:14:21,040 Speaker 8: Some company would be very welcome. However, you're the first 195 00:14:21,100 --> 00:14:24,479 Speaker 8: person I've met who has ever complimented me on my voice. 196 00:14:25,020 --> 00:14:27,600 Speaker 8: In fact, you're the first person who hasn't told me 197 00:14:27,640 --> 00:14:29,020 Speaker 8: to stop upon hearing it. 198 00:14:30,580 --> 00:14:33,870 Speaker 1: Jesus gave a little laugh. It was always nice to 199 00:14:33,890 --> 00:14:36,930 Speaker 1: meet someone who didn't take themselves so seriously. 200 00:14:37,330 --> 00:14:39,070 Speaker 3: And does our young composer have a name? 201 00:14:39,570 --> 00:14:40,130 Speaker 9: Oh, yes. 202 00:14:40,150 --> 00:14:42,870 Speaker 5: How rude of me. I'm Philip. 203 00:14:43,250 --> 00:14:44,330 Speaker 2: Pleasure to meet you, Philip. 204 00:14:44,930 --> 00:14:45,500 Speaker 5: I'm Jesus. 205 00:14:46,180 --> 00:14:50,680 Speaker 6: What coincidence. I'm a follower of John the Baptist. I'm 206 00:14:50,820 --> 00:14:54,400 Speaker 6: sure you've heard of him. Well, anyways, he was just 207 00:14:54,440 --> 00:14:58,940 Speaker 6: telling us about a man named Jesus from Nazareth. Supposedly, 208 00:14:59,640 --> 00:15:00,520 Speaker 6: he's the messiah. 209 00:15:01,200 --> 00:15:05,300 Speaker 1: Philip continued to hum quietly to himself between his replies. 210 00:15:05,920 --> 00:15:10,270 Speaker 3: Well, that certainly is a big claim. How can this 211 00:15:10,410 --> 00:15:13,150 Speaker 3: John be so certain he is who he says he is? 212 00:15:13,670 --> 00:15:17,850 Speaker 6: Well, according to him, when this Jesus was baptized by John, 213 00:15:18,200 --> 00:15:21,460 Speaker 6: the heavens opened up and the Spirit of God rested 214 00:15:21,480 --> 00:15:21,650 Speaker 6: upon him. 215 00:15:22,510 --> 00:15:24,310 Speaker 2: May I ask what you make of these claims? 216 00:15:24,770 --> 00:15:29,470 Speaker 1: Jesus was careful to ask each question casually, drawing out 217 00:15:29,530 --> 00:15:31,610 Speaker 1: Philip's most sincere thoughts on the matter. 218 00:15:34,470 --> 00:15:37,690 Speaker 6: In all my time with John, I've never met a 219 00:15:37,730 --> 00:15:41,540 Speaker 6: man with more faith than he. I have no reason 220 00:15:41,600 --> 00:15:44,280 Speaker 6: to believe anything contradictory to John's teachings. 221 00:15:44,880 --> 00:15:51,040 Speaker 1: Jesus stopped walking. It took Philip a moment before he realized. Stopping, 222 00:15:51,300 --> 00:15:55,900 Speaker 1: he turned back to his new acquaintance. Jesus stood still, 223 00:15:56,780 --> 00:16:00,880 Speaker 1: staring into Philip's eyes, though he felt like he was 224 00:16:00,920 --> 00:16:02,630 Speaker 1: looking straight into his soul. 225 00:16:03,150 --> 00:16:03,710 Speaker 3: Follow me. 226 00:16:04,230 --> 00:16:07,850 Speaker 1: Philip simply stared back as his mind began to connect 227 00:16:07,930 --> 00:16:13,580 Speaker 1: the dots of their conversation. With a beaming smile, Philip 228 00:16:13,670 --> 00:16:15,420 Speaker 1: finally found his voice again. 229 00:16:17,280 --> 00:16:22,060 Speaker 5: You're him. You're actually him. How could I miss it? 230 00:16:23,120 --> 00:16:27,000 Speaker 3: Well, your song was very captivating. Even I was distracted 231 00:16:27,040 --> 00:16:27,560 Speaker 3: by the tune. 232 00:16:28,100 --> 00:16:31,000 Speaker 1: Philip would have been a little embarrassed if it weren't 233 00:16:31,020 --> 00:16:33,950 Speaker 1: for the joy welling up inside of him from this 234 00:16:34,050 --> 00:16:40,230 Speaker 1: stranger's newly revealed identity. The evening was beginning to set 235 00:16:40,310 --> 00:16:44,080 Speaker 1: in as the marketplace carried the sleepy sounds of merchants 236 00:16:44,250 --> 00:16:45,800 Speaker 1: closing up their shops. 237 00:16:45,560 --> 00:16:45,980 Speaker 5: For the day. 238 00:16:47,440 --> 00:16:50,560 Speaker 1: The streets were filled with a creaking of crates being 239 00:16:50,640 --> 00:16:56,770 Speaker 1: packed away as donkeys brayed in anticipation to leave. Nathaniel 240 00:16:56,870 --> 00:17:01,090 Speaker 1: trudged through the market, avoiding eye contact with anyone he recognized. 241 00:17:02,270 --> 00:17:06,890 Speaker 1: Each day was spent behind a mask of forced smiles 242 00:17:07,490 --> 00:17:12,800 Speaker 1: while he danced through the expectations of social interactions. It 243 00:17:12,840 --> 00:17:17,310 Speaker 1: took Nathaniel every ounce of energy to be who he 244 00:17:17,369 --> 00:17:22,050 Speaker 1: thought the world wanted him to be. Lately, he would 245 00:17:22,109 --> 00:17:25,390 Speaker 1: spend the end of most days away from the city 246 00:17:26,010 --> 00:17:30,370 Speaker 1: in a quiet spot under a fig tree. This was 247 00:17:30,609 --> 00:17:33,780 Speaker 1: one of the few times he would allow himself to 248 00:17:33,859 --> 00:17:39,160 Speaker 1: show his brokenness before the Lord. Working his way back 249 00:17:39,240 --> 00:17:43,160 Speaker 1: through the city streets, all he wanted was to retreat 250 00:17:43,359 --> 00:17:48,439 Speaker 1: into his blankets and hide away from the world. He 251 00:17:48,520 --> 00:17:51,920 Speaker 1: rounded the corner and bumped into a close friend, Philip. 252 00:17:52,380 --> 00:17:54,239 Speaker 7: Shalom, Philip. How are you? 253 00:17:54,760 --> 00:17:58,979 Speaker 1: Philip smiled like he had a surprise for Nathaniel, his 254 00:17:59,160 --> 00:18:01,240 Speaker 1: eyes shining with concealed delight. 255 00:18:02,609 --> 00:18:06,030 Speaker 5: Nathaniel, what are you doing tonight? I have someone I 256 00:18:06,090 --> 00:18:06,770 Speaker 5: want you to meet. 257 00:18:07,690 --> 00:18:12,090 Speaker 7: Well, you know how much I just loved sitting listening 258 00:18:12,130 --> 00:18:15,800 Speaker 7: to the baptizer for three hours and the last time 259 00:18:15,859 --> 00:18:18,419 Speaker 7: I went to see one of your preachers, but it 260 00:18:18,520 --> 00:18:21,460 Speaker 7: is getting quite late. Perhaps you can have him come 261 00:18:21,500 --> 00:18:25,080 Speaker 7: visit my shop tomorrow. I'd love to introduce him to 262 00:18:25,119 --> 00:18:28,020 Speaker 7: a few of my clients. They could help his movement. 263 00:18:28,520 --> 00:18:29,460 Speaker 7: Or maybe I could. 264 00:18:29,880 --> 00:18:34,850 Speaker 1: Philip interrupted his friend. He couldn't contain himself any longer. 265 00:18:36,330 --> 00:18:39,630 Speaker 1: Philip zealously shared about his experience on the way back 266 00:18:39,690 --> 00:18:44,149 Speaker 1: to Bethesda, explaining that the Jesus of Nazareth he had 267 00:18:44,190 --> 00:18:47,930 Speaker 1: met on the road was the very Messiah of whom 268 00:18:47,970 --> 00:18:52,330 Speaker 1: the prophets foretold. Nathaniel didn't have the same sort of 269 00:18:52,390 --> 00:18:56,270 Speaker 1: childlike faith as his friend. It would have been hard 270 00:18:56,330 --> 00:18:59,430 Speaker 1: enough to believe Philip just happened to find the Messiah 271 00:18:59,530 --> 00:19:02,630 Speaker 1: on the road to Galilee. But to hear that this 272 00:19:02,710 --> 00:19:09,010 Speaker 1: man came from Nazareth gave Nathaniel a good laugh. But 273 00:19:09,130 --> 00:19:14,840 Speaker 1: Philip wouldn't relent. So Nathaniel begrudgingly agreed to meet with 274 00:19:14,859 --> 00:19:27,900 Speaker 1: the rabbi Simon rustled in his sleep. A faint flicker 275 00:19:27,980 --> 00:19:31,790 Speaker 1: of a lantern's light peered through his window, resting upon 276 00:19:31,830 --> 00:19:36,429 Speaker 1: his heavy eyes. Outside, he could hear a hushed shout 277 00:19:36,609 --> 00:19:39,629 Speaker 1: from a voice that was all too familiar to him. 278 00:19:40,230 --> 00:19:42,389 Speaker 2: Simon! Simon! 279 00:19:43,280 --> 00:19:46,960 Speaker 1: It was his brother, Andrew. If Andrew was out front, 280 00:19:47,680 --> 00:19:53,020 Speaker 1: it meant that yet again, Simon... was late. Taxes had 281 00:19:53,140 --> 00:19:56,260 Speaker 1: only continued to increase over the past few months, as 282 00:19:56,300 --> 00:20:00,520 Speaker 1: the fish seemed to all but dwindle away. A good 283 00:20:00,600 --> 00:20:04,460 Speaker 1: fisherman knew the best bet of catching anything worthwhile would 284 00:20:04,480 --> 00:20:07,280 Speaker 1: be at night, when the fish had a harder time 285 00:20:07,400 --> 00:20:12,439 Speaker 1: navigating around the net. But sleep had become difficult for Simon, 286 00:20:13,200 --> 00:20:15,940 Speaker 1: as he constantly worried about providing. 287 00:20:15,500 --> 00:20:16,119 Speaker 7: For his wife. 288 00:20:17,119 --> 00:20:20,290 Speaker 1: Waking up in the late evening hours was becoming a pain. 289 00:20:21,640 --> 00:20:25,310 Speaker 1: As Simon laid there, he wondered if the problem was 290 00:20:25,390 --> 00:20:30,030 Speaker 1: with the sea or with himself. His mind began to 291 00:20:30,090 --> 00:20:34,090 Speaker 1: drift off in his half-sleep state, dreaming of the days 292 00:20:34,150 --> 00:20:37,510 Speaker 1: when he and Andrew were just boys, and their biggest 293 00:20:37,550 --> 00:20:43,790 Speaker 1: concern was memorizing Torah but his thoughts were interrupted by 294 00:20:43,890 --> 00:20:45,430 Speaker 1: soft knocks on the door. 295 00:20:45,820 --> 00:20:49,180 Speaker 5: I'm coming, I'm coming. Can you keep it down? Miriam's 296 00:20:49,240 --> 00:20:50,100 Speaker 5: already asleep. 297 00:20:50,980 --> 00:20:53,140 Speaker 2: Could you maybe wake up on time for once? 298 00:20:53,780 --> 00:20:55,719 Speaker 5: Maybe I would if I thought I could pay off 299 00:20:55,740 --> 00:20:59,220 Speaker 5: for once. We keep trying to catch these fish, but 300 00:20:59,320 --> 00:21:01,800 Speaker 5: somehow they're always one step ahead of us. 301 00:21:02,460 --> 00:21:04,460 Speaker 2: How can they be a step ahead of us if 302 00:21:04,530 --> 00:21:06,070 Speaker 2: they don't even have feet? 303 00:21:06,609 --> 00:21:10,650 Speaker 1: Simon struggled to find any humor in their predicament. Though 304 00:21:10,810 --> 00:21:14,090 Speaker 1: Andrew didn't have a wife to provide for, he knew 305 00:21:14,150 --> 00:21:16,770 Speaker 1: that his older brother was struggling just as much as 306 00:21:16,830 --> 00:21:20,290 Speaker 1: he was to make ends meet. If he were in 307 00:21:20,310 --> 00:21:23,030 Speaker 1: a better mood, he would have commended his brother for 308 00:21:23,070 --> 00:21:24,250 Speaker 1: his positive attitude. 309 00:21:24,890 --> 00:21:27,929 Speaker 2: Besides, how could you be worried about fish with the 310 00:21:28,030 --> 00:21:31,429 Speaker 2: good news that John proclaimed to us before he was arrested? 311 00:21:31,810 --> 00:21:32,830 Speaker 5: Here we go again. 312 00:21:33,810 --> 00:21:38,090 Speaker 9: Listen, you know this baptizer guy better than I do. 313 00:21:39,270 --> 00:21:41,390 Speaker 9: But are you sure you want to take the advice 314 00:21:41,450 --> 00:21:44,170 Speaker 9: of a man who eats bugs for breakfast? 315 00:21:44,710 --> 00:21:49,040 Speaker 2: Very funny, but I met him, Simon. The Lamb of God. 316 00:21:49,720 --> 00:21:52,760 Speaker 2: I saw him with my own two eyes. 317 00:21:53,440 --> 00:21:55,840 Speaker 9: Well, if your eyes work so well, why don't you 318 00:21:55,880 --> 00:21:58,300 Speaker 9: try using them to spot some fish tonight, huh? 319 00:21:58,800 --> 00:22:03,870 Speaker 1: The brothers embarked on another midnight mission, praying desperately that 320 00:22:03,930 --> 00:22:10,930 Speaker 1: tonight would be different. Minutes faded away into hours. Simon 321 00:22:11,030 --> 00:22:14,470 Speaker 1: turned his eyes to the horizon as the sun crawled 322 00:22:14,590 --> 00:22:18,530 Speaker 1: over the hills. He dropped his head hard against the mast. 323 00:22:19,970 --> 00:22:22,780 Speaker 1: Grumbling to his brother, they hauled in their empty nets 324 00:22:23,300 --> 00:22:27,800 Speaker 1: before rowing to the shore. The sun greeted the brothers 325 00:22:28,180 --> 00:22:32,400 Speaker 1: as they pulled in their boats. The waves were calm, 326 00:22:33,060 --> 00:22:38,080 Speaker 1: caressing the dusty shoreline. The brothers hopped onto the shore, 327 00:22:38,800 --> 00:22:41,919 Speaker 1: knelt over the cool water, and began to wash out 328 00:22:42,000 --> 00:22:46,460 Speaker 1: their nets. They had worked tirelessly in the pitch black 329 00:22:46,510 --> 00:22:52,310 Speaker 1: of night with nothing to show. Up off the shoreline 330 00:22:52,369 --> 00:22:56,209 Speaker 1: stood a gathering of people. Off the road, men and 331 00:22:56,290 --> 00:23:01,800 Speaker 1: women trickled in, joining their ranks. Simon and Andrew took notice. 332 00:23:03,460 --> 00:23:07,669 Speaker 1: Offset from the crowd stood a single person From his 333 00:23:07,730 --> 00:23:11,359 Speaker 1: body language, it was clear the crowd was listening to 334 00:23:11,400 --> 00:23:16,480 Speaker 1: him speak. Andrew squinted his eyes, trying to catch a 335 00:23:16,580 --> 00:23:19,580 Speaker 1: clearer picture of the focus of the people's attention. 336 00:23:20,000 --> 00:23:23,459 Speaker 2: Simon, you won't believe this, but I think that's the 337 00:23:23,550 --> 00:23:26,850 Speaker 2: man I met. That's Jesus of Nazareth. 338 00:23:27,290 --> 00:23:31,609 Speaker 1: At these words, Jesus turned and caught Andrew's eyes, as 339 00:23:31,690 --> 00:23:35,210 Speaker 1: though the sound of his name being spoken tickled his ears. 340 00:23:36,840 --> 00:23:40,810 Speaker 1: Jesus motioned to the crowd and began pacing toward the fishermen. 341 00:23:41,550 --> 00:23:43,129 Speaker 2: He's coming this way! 342 00:23:43,490 --> 00:23:46,690 Speaker 1: As Jesus neared the fishermen, he greeted them with a 343 00:23:46,730 --> 00:23:47,490 Speaker 1: warm smile. 344 00:23:47,970 --> 00:23:48,869 Speaker 3: Shalom, Andrew. 345 00:23:49,230 --> 00:23:50,390 Speaker 5: It's good to see you again. 346 00:23:50,410 --> 00:23:53,409 Speaker 3: Though I must admit, I could smell you before I 347 00:23:53,470 --> 00:23:54,310 Speaker 3: saw you this time. 348 00:23:54,710 --> 00:23:58,520 Speaker 1: Jesus chuckled as his eyes turned towards the half-clean nets 349 00:23:58,840 --> 00:24:05,370 Speaker 1: strewn about the ground. Andrew blushed in slight embarrassment. Noting 350 00:24:05,390 --> 00:24:09,590 Speaker 1: the man's rabbinical sash, Simon tried to maintain some level 351 00:24:09,630 --> 00:24:13,629 Speaker 1: of respect, though his tiredness couldn't help him from feeling 352 00:24:13,670 --> 00:24:15,950 Speaker 1: slightly aggravated by Jesus' remark. 353 00:24:16,490 --> 00:24:19,290 Speaker 5: Our deepest apologies for doing our job, Rabbi. 354 00:24:19,869 --> 00:24:22,050 Speaker 1: Andrew quickly gave his brother a sharp look. 355 00:24:22,430 --> 00:24:26,770 Speaker 2: Please forgive my brother, Rabbi. He's tired. You see, we've 356 00:24:26,790 --> 00:24:30,860 Speaker 2: been fishing all night and, well, we don't really have 357 00:24:30,910 --> 00:24:33,120 Speaker 2: much to show for it. It's quite all right. 358 00:24:33,830 --> 00:24:34,609 Speaker 5: But perhaps you. 359 00:24:34,490 --> 00:24:36,730 Speaker 3: And your brother wouldn't mind allowing me to use your boat. 360 00:24:37,330 --> 00:24:39,790 Speaker 3: It seems with all these people here, they might be 361 00:24:39,810 --> 00:24:42,450 Speaker 3: able to hear me better if I were up there. 362 00:24:43,090 --> 00:24:47,629 Speaker 1: Before Simon could argue, Andrew gleefully invited the man up 363 00:24:47,810 --> 00:24:53,090 Speaker 1: onto the boat. Standing above the crowds, Jesus began to preach. 364 00:24:54,650 --> 00:25:00,730 Speaker 1: Everyone was transfixed by his words, including Andrew. Simon barely 365 00:25:00,830 --> 00:25:04,220 Speaker 1: paid any mind to the teachings. dozing off as best 366 00:25:04,240 --> 00:25:07,570 Speaker 1: he could. Just as he felt he could get comfortable 367 00:25:07,660 --> 00:25:12,150 Speaker 1: on the makeshift platform, Jesus turned to Simon and Andrew. 368 00:25:12,710 --> 00:25:15,489 Speaker 3: Thank you for letting me borrow your boat. Here, let 369 00:25:15,510 --> 00:25:18,090 Speaker 3: me do something for you. Let's go out into the 370 00:25:18,130 --> 00:25:20,770 Speaker 3: deep so you can cast your nets for a catch. 371 00:25:21,330 --> 00:25:24,450 Speaker 1: Simon wasn't sure how more work for him out on 372 00:25:24,490 --> 00:25:26,570 Speaker 1: the empty sea was a thank you. 373 00:25:27,150 --> 00:25:31,120 Speaker 5: Rabbi, with all due respect, we've been fishing all night. 374 00:25:31,800 --> 00:25:33,459 Speaker 5: There is no fish out there for us. 375 00:25:34,119 --> 00:25:38,880 Speaker 1: He looked up at Jesus. As their eyes connected, Simon, 376 00:25:38,960 --> 00:25:42,139 Speaker 1: sensing an earnestness from the man, finally relented. 377 00:25:44,010 --> 00:25:47,590 Speaker 5: Nevertheless, at your word, I'll try again. 378 00:25:48,050 --> 00:25:51,149 Speaker 1: The two brothers rowed the boat out a few dozen yards. 379 00:25:52,410 --> 00:25:56,630 Speaker 1: The water was glassy and still. With a reluctant sigh, 380 00:25:57,030 --> 00:26:01,100 Speaker 1: Simon cast out the net. He sat down and waited. 381 00:26:02,730 --> 00:26:06,429 Speaker 1: A few moments passed, and Simon looked at Jesus with 382 00:26:06,470 --> 00:26:09,570 Speaker 1: a raised eyebrow as if to say, Told you so. 383 00:26:11,170 --> 00:26:14,750 Speaker 1: But just then, Simon heard the sound of tightening rope. 384 00:26:15,690 --> 00:26:21,110 Speaker 1: The nets became taut, and the boat leaned over. Simon 385 00:26:21,150 --> 00:26:24,080 Speaker 1: and Andrew tumbled to the side and looked at the water. 386 00:26:24,800 --> 00:26:26,620 Speaker 1: It was bubbling with activity. 387 00:26:27,020 --> 00:26:27,340 Speaker 9: Pull! 388 00:26:27,859 --> 00:26:30,859 Speaker 5: Pull the nets! Harder, Andrew! If we don't haul this 389 00:26:30,960 --> 00:26:32,060 Speaker 5: in soon, they're going to break! 390 00:26:32,940 --> 00:26:36,820 Speaker 1: Noticing the commotion, the brothers James and John began frantically 391 00:26:36,940 --> 00:26:39,860 Speaker 1: rowing their own boat over to help their business partners. 392 00:26:40,940 --> 00:26:45,740 Speaker 1: The four men strained every muscle in their body. Years 393 00:26:45,810 --> 00:26:49,010 Speaker 1: of fishing had trained their bodies to pull in just 394 00:26:49,109 --> 00:26:52,810 Speaker 1: the right motions, following the natural fightings of the fish. 395 00:26:53,470 --> 00:26:57,070 Speaker 5: Almost there! Just a few more pushes! 396 00:26:57,750 --> 00:27:01,689 Speaker 1: Simon's arms felt tighter than the net's, and his hands burned. 397 00:27:02,080 --> 00:27:06,340 Speaker 1: under the moving rope. Jesus joined in and grabbed the 398 00:27:06,420 --> 00:27:10,480 Speaker 1: edge of the net. With one final pull, they brought 399 00:27:10,520 --> 00:27:15,360 Speaker 1: the catch into the boat. Fish scattered throughout the deck, 400 00:27:15,880 --> 00:27:20,310 Speaker 1: so much so that the ship began to sink. James 401 00:27:20,369 --> 00:27:23,510 Speaker 1: and John began loading fish onto their boat to keep 402 00:27:23,590 --> 00:27:28,389 Speaker 1: Simon's from sinking. Andrew, James, and John began rowing the 403 00:27:28,430 --> 00:27:33,300 Speaker 1: boats back to shore. As Simon took in the miraculous 404 00:27:33,380 --> 00:27:37,080 Speaker 1: sight in front of him, the reality of who Jesus 405 00:27:37,240 --> 00:27:42,600 Speaker 1: was set in. He fell to his knees before Jesus. 406 00:27:43,119 --> 00:27:47,600 Speaker 5: Depart from me, Lord. Depart from me, for I am 407 00:27:47,660 --> 00:27:48,659 Speaker 5: a sinful man. 408 00:27:49,320 --> 00:27:53,500 Speaker 1: Andrew, James, and John worked silently as they watched intently, 409 00:27:54,020 --> 00:27:58,560 Speaker 1: waiting to hear what Jesus might say in response. Their 410 00:27:58,640 --> 00:28:02,859 Speaker 1: hearts were consumed. with the same awe that had befallen Simon. 411 00:28:04,700 --> 00:28:09,040 Speaker 1: Jesus knelt down, pulling Simon's chin up to meet his gaze. 412 00:28:10,380 --> 00:28:14,959 Speaker 1: He took Simon's face in his hands, comforting the broken fisherman. 413 00:28:15,440 --> 00:28:16,440 Speaker 1: Follow me, Simon. 414 00:28:17,359 --> 00:28:21,020 Speaker 3: Follow me, and I will make you a fisher of men. 415 00:28:21,560 --> 00:28:26,189 Speaker 1: Simon looked Jesus in the eyes. They were glassy and 416 00:28:26,290 --> 00:28:31,070 Speaker 1: still like the water. His trance was broken as he 417 00:28:31,109 --> 00:28:35,370 Speaker 1: felt the boats make contact with the rocky shore. Standing 418 00:28:35,430 --> 00:28:38,229 Speaker 1: to his feet, he looked at the fish that filled 419 00:28:38,270 --> 00:28:42,950 Speaker 1: his once empty boat. What he would have considered the 420 00:28:43,030 --> 00:28:47,310 Speaker 1: fortune that would have fixed all his problems suddenly seemed 421 00:28:47,650 --> 00:28:52,850 Speaker 1: useless to him. Simon stood up. What did it mean 422 00:28:53,550 --> 00:28:57,330 Speaker 1: to be a fisher of men? He wasn't exactly sure. 423 00:28:58,380 --> 00:29:01,320 Speaker 1: But he knew he couldn't help but obey. 424 00:29:03,420 --> 00:29:07,000 Speaker 5: It's time for a new season in life. One with 425 00:29:07,120 --> 00:29:11,770 Speaker 5: far less fish. Perhaps a bit more hope. 426 00:29:12,270 --> 00:29:16,890 Speaker 1: The other fishermen all nodded in agreement. For their entire lives, 427 00:29:16,950 --> 00:29:21,550 Speaker 1: these four men had been dependent upon fishing. But a 428 00:29:21,710 --> 00:29:26,060 Speaker 1: new spark of hope for the future. caused them to 429 00:29:26,140 --> 00:29:32,490 Speaker 1: leave it all behind without question. Leaving their nets, boats, 430 00:29:32,670 --> 00:29:36,930 Speaker 1: and life at sea behind, each one of them determined 431 00:29:37,010 --> 00:29:40,770 Speaker 1: in their hearts to make following Jesus possible. their new 432 00:29:41,210 --> 00:29:47,190 Speaker 1: way of life. The sun retreated into the horizon. The 433 00:29:47,260 --> 00:29:51,540 Speaker 1: clouds had captured the final rays of light, radiating a 434 00:29:51,580 --> 00:29:58,360 Speaker 1: dark orange like giant oil lamps. Nathaniel followed Philip outside 435 00:29:58,400 --> 00:30:02,230 Speaker 1: the city to the sea. A large fire was made 436 00:30:02,290 --> 00:30:08,560 Speaker 1: on the sand, surrounded by familiar faces. James, John, Andrew, 437 00:30:09,060 --> 00:30:14,880 Speaker 1: and Simon. They stood around the fire, laughing and enjoying 438 00:30:14,940 --> 00:30:19,959 Speaker 1: each other's company. There was another man among them. He 439 00:30:20,000 --> 00:30:24,260 Speaker 1: wore the clothes of a craftsman. His smile reflected the 440 00:30:24,320 --> 00:30:28,120 Speaker 1: warmth of the flames. and his laugh filled the air 441 00:30:28,200 --> 00:30:33,219 Speaker 1: like the melody of a beloved childhood song, familiar and comforting. 442 00:30:34,200 --> 00:30:38,310 Speaker 1: Before Philip could introduce Nathaniel, the stranger. 443 00:30:38,090 --> 00:30:38,560 Speaker 7: Looked at him. 444 00:30:38,880 --> 00:30:42,870 Speaker 3: Nathaniel, an Israelite in whom there is no deceit, a 445 00:30:42,950 --> 00:30:43,790 Speaker 3: truly good man. 446 00:30:44,410 --> 00:30:44,790 Speaker 5: Welcome. 447 00:30:45,270 --> 00:30:51,830 Speaker 1: Nathaniel paused. Insecure and invasive thoughts flooded his mind. How 448 00:30:51,910 --> 00:30:56,140 Speaker 1: could this stranger know him? What's more, how could he 449 00:30:56,240 --> 00:31:00,940 Speaker 1: know the very words Nathaniel needed to hear? He cocked 450 00:31:00,960 --> 00:31:03,870 Speaker 1: his head to the side. He was sure he had 451 00:31:04,090 --> 00:31:08,590 Speaker 1: never met this man before, but perhaps his memory betrayed him. 452 00:31:09,330 --> 00:31:10,870 Speaker 2: How do you know me? 453 00:31:11,410 --> 00:31:16,070 Speaker 1: The man stepped forward, his grin now entirely illuminated by 454 00:31:16,110 --> 00:31:16,510 Speaker 1: the fire. 455 00:31:17,190 --> 00:31:19,430 Speaker 3: I was with you under the fig tree before Philip 456 00:31:19,450 --> 00:31:21,850 Speaker 3: called you. I saw you, Nathaniel. 457 00:31:22,210 --> 00:31:25,130 Speaker 2: You saw me under the fig tree? 458 00:31:25,650 --> 00:31:31,650 Speaker 1: Nathaniel's voice cracked. Nobody knew about the fig tree. It 459 00:31:31,690 --> 00:31:33,950 Speaker 1: was a place for him to be alone with his 460 00:31:34,030 --> 00:31:38,610 Speaker 1: thoughts and pray. The only people who knew about this 461 00:31:39,070 --> 00:31:41,350 Speaker 1: were Nathaniel and the Lord. 462 00:31:42,110 --> 00:31:42,990 Speaker 5: Could he be? 463 00:31:43,650 --> 00:31:48,150 Speaker 1: Nathaniel's emotions welled up inside him. There was only one 464 00:31:48,250 --> 00:31:52,010 Speaker 1: explanation for this man seeing Nathaniel under the fig tree. 465 00:31:52,930 --> 00:31:58,180 Speaker 1: Only one person could have heard his anxious prayers. Perhaps 466 00:31:58,980 --> 00:32:03,920 Speaker 1: something good had come out of Nazareth after all. Nathaniel 467 00:32:03,960 --> 00:32:09,210 Speaker 1: could feel himself breaking. And for once, he didn't hold 468 00:32:09,270 --> 00:32:14,510 Speaker 1: himself back. For once, Nathaniel felt like someone had seen 469 00:32:14,610 --> 00:32:20,840 Speaker 1: him and truly known him. He felt like he could breathe. 470 00:32:21,750 --> 00:32:26,300 Speaker 1: without the weight of masked insecurities and hidden imperfections. 471 00:32:27,040 --> 00:32:30,100 Speaker 2: Rabbi, truly you are the Son of God. 472 00:32:30,860 --> 00:32:32,720 Speaker 5: You are the one we've been waiting for. 473 00:32:33,280 --> 00:32:37,320 Speaker 1: Jesus replied with a friendly chuckle, seeming glad at this 474 00:32:37,380 --> 00:32:39,640 Speaker 1: sudden outburst of emotional display. 475 00:32:40,160 --> 00:32:42,500 Speaker 3: You believe because I told you I saw you under 476 00:32:42,560 --> 00:32:43,240 Speaker 3: a fig tree? 477 00:32:44,040 --> 00:32:45,940 Speaker 2: Oh, my friend, you will. 478 00:32:45,780 --> 00:32:50,250 Speaker 3: See far greater things than that. Nathaniel, I tell you... 479 00:32:50,850 --> 00:32:55,510 Speaker 3: You will see heaven open and angels ascending and descending 480 00:32:56,110 --> 00:32:57,150 Speaker 3: on the Son of Man. 481 00:32:57,790 --> 00:33:02,610 Speaker 1: With tears glistening on his cheeks in the firelight, Nathaniel 482 00:33:02,690 --> 00:33:07,600 Speaker 1: looked up at Jesus and nodded. Each of the other 483 00:33:07,640 --> 00:33:11,960 Speaker 1: men sitting around the campfire knew the exact feelings coursing 484 00:33:12,040 --> 00:33:17,120 Speaker 1: through Nathaniel. They had all encountered Jesus of Nazareth, the 485 00:33:17,160 --> 00:33:24,200 Speaker 1: man whom they knew to be the Messiah With utmost confidence, 486 00:33:25,340 --> 00:33:30,550 Speaker 1: they had been plucked from their everyday lives and pulled 487 00:33:31,070 --> 00:33:33,350 Speaker 1: into something spectacular. 488 00:33:36,050 --> 00:33:39,700 Speaker 5: Picture this scene. Jesus goes up on the mountain. And 489 00:33:39,720 --> 00:33:43,920 Speaker 5: this wasn't just a casual stroll. Luke's gospel tells us 490 00:33:44,000 --> 00:33:47,500 Speaker 5: that Jesus spent the entire night in prayer before making 491 00:33:47,540 --> 00:33:51,850 Speaker 5: this decision. That's in Luke chapter 6, verse 12. Jesus 492 00:33:51,880 --> 00:33:54,950 Speaker 5: was at a critical juncture in his ministry. The religious 493 00:33:55,030 --> 00:33:57,750 Speaker 5: leaders were plotting against him, and the crowds that followed 494 00:33:57,790 --> 00:34:00,770 Speaker 5: him were more interested in miracles than in the message 495 00:34:00,810 --> 00:34:04,890 Speaker 5: of the kingdom. So what does Jesus do? He prays. 496 00:34:05,650 --> 00:34:09,989 Speaker 5: He prays all night. And then, with divine wisdom, he 497 00:34:10,070 --> 00:34:14,770 Speaker 5: calls to himself those he wanted. Now, here's something beautiful. 498 00:34:15,450 --> 00:34:18,730 Speaker 5: Jesus didn't just call these men to do something for him. 499 00:34:19,590 --> 00:34:22,070 Speaker 5: the first thing He called them to do was simply 500 00:34:22,150 --> 00:34:26,560 Speaker 5: to be with Him. Mark 3, verse 14. Before He 501 00:34:26,620 --> 00:34:29,200 Speaker 5: sent them out to preach, before He gave them power 502 00:34:29,260 --> 00:34:32,620 Speaker 5: to heal and cast out demons, He called them to 503 00:34:32,739 --> 00:34:37,580 Speaker 5: be with Him. That's the heart of discipleship. It's about 504 00:34:37,840 --> 00:34:42,870 Speaker 5: relationship before it's about mission. You see, a disciple in Jesus' 505 00:34:42,910 --> 00:34:45,549 Speaker 5: time wasn't just a student in the way we think 506 00:34:45,570 --> 00:34:50,100 Speaker 5: of students today. A disciple didn't just learn facts and figures. 507 00:34:50,660 --> 00:34:54,980 Speaker 5: A disciple learned by being with the teacher, by watching, listening, 508 00:34:55,239 --> 00:34:59,420 Speaker 5: and living life together. As theologian Leon Morris puts it, 509 00:34:59,930 --> 00:35:03,690 Speaker 5: there's a personal attachment in the word disciple that is 510 00:35:03,770 --> 00:35:08,290 Speaker 5: lacking in student. Jesus understood that if these men were 511 00:35:08,330 --> 00:35:11,430 Speaker 5: going to turn the world upside down, they needed to 512 00:35:11,489 --> 00:35:14,600 Speaker 5: spend time with him. They needed to know him, to 513 00:35:14,940 --> 00:35:18,890 Speaker 5: catch his heart, and be filled with His Spirit. And friends, 514 00:35:19,390 --> 00:35:22,770 Speaker 5: the same is true for us. Before we can do 515 00:35:23,030 --> 00:35:26,569 Speaker 5: anything meaningful for Jesus, we need to be with Him. 516 00:35:27,830 --> 00:35:30,930 Speaker 5: Sometimes we get so caught up in doing things for 517 00:35:30,969 --> 00:35:34,620 Speaker 5: God that we forget to spend time with God. But 518 00:35:34,680 --> 00:35:37,779 Speaker 5: Jesus shows us here that the power and effectiveness of 519 00:35:37,880 --> 00:35:42,239 Speaker 5: our ministry, whether it's teaching, serving, praying, or anything else, 520 00:35:42,739 --> 00:35:46,210 Speaker 5: flows out of our relationship with Him. Jesus then appointed 521 00:35:46,250 --> 00:35:48,970 Speaker 5: these twelve to go out and preach, to heal the sick, 522 00:35:49,340 --> 00:35:52,880 Speaker 5: and to cast out demons. But notice the order. First, 523 00:35:53,360 --> 00:35:56,279 Speaker 5: to be with Him, and then to go out. It's 524 00:35:56,460 --> 00:35:59,560 Speaker 5: as if Jesus was saying, You'll only be as effective 525 00:35:59,780 --> 00:36:02,590 Speaker 5: as you are close to Me. And that's a message 526 00:36:02,630 --> 00:36:06,489 Speaker 5: for us, too. Think about it. These disciples were not 527 00:36:06,670 --> 00:36:12,310 Speaker 5: biblical scholars or extraordinary people. Peter, James, John, and Andrew 528 00:36:12,370 --> 00:36:16,529 Speaker 5: were fishermen. Matthew was a tax collector. And Judas, well, 529 00:36:16,790 --> 00:36:20,250 Speaker 5: we know how his story ends. But despite their diverse 530 00:36:20,330 --> 00:36:25,839 Speaker 5: backgrounds and personalities, Jesus called them to himself. He didn't 531 00:36:25,890 --> 00:36:28,940 Speaker 5: choose them because they were perfect. He chose them because 532 00:36:29,180 --> 00:36:32,460 Speaker 5: they were willing to be with him and be transformed 533 00:36:32,540 --> 00:36:36,020 Speaker 5: by him. And that's the good news for us today. 534 00:36:36,800 --> 00:36:41,210 Speaker 5: Jesus doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called. He 535 00:36:41,250 --> 00:36:44,490 Speaker 5: doesn't look for perfect people. He looks for willing hearts. 536 00:36:45,570 --> 00:36:49,950 Speaker 5: Our effectiveness in ministry, in sharing the gospel, in serving others, 537 00:36:50,370 --> 00:36:55,720 Speaker 5: doesn't come from our abilities, but from our connection to Jesus. So, 538 00:36:56,239 --> 00:36:59,180 Speaker 5: what does this mean for us? It means that our 539 00:36:59,280 --> 00:37:03,080 Speaker 5: first priority is to be with Jesus, to spend time 540 00:37:03,120 --> 00:37:06,640 Speaker 5: in His Word, in prayer, in worship. And from that 541 00:37:06,739 --> 00:37:10,839 Speaker 5: place of closeness, of intimacy, He empowers us to go 542 00:37:10,920 --> 00:37:13,779 Speaker 5: out and make a difference in the world. As we 543 00:37:13,820 --> 00:37:17,870 Speaker 5: wrap up, let's take this to heart. Jesus calls each 544 00:37:17,930 --> 00:37:21,069 Speaker 5: of us to be with Him, to learn from Him, 545 00:37:21,590 --> 00:37:24,140 Speaker 5: and then to go out and share His love with others. 546 00:37:24,739 --> 00:37:28,660 Speaker 5: Like those first disciples, we are invited into a relationship 547 00:37:28,820 --> 00:37:32,180 Speaker 5: with the One who knows us, who loves us, and 548 00:37:32,200 --> 00:37:33,680 Speaker 5: who wants to work through us.