1 00:00:00,480 --> 00:00:03,720 Speaker 1: The thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, 2 00:00:04,040 --> 00:00:08,520 Speaker 1: and to destroy. I am come that they might have life, 3 00:00:09,000 --> 00:00:13,039 Speaker 1: and that they might have it more abundantly. John ten ten, 4 00:00:14,840 --> 00:00:17,880 Speaker 1: Heavenly Father. Satan is a thief who is out to 5 00:00:17,920 --> 00:00:21,279 Speaker 1: destroy every living being because he knows that this is 6 00:00:21,320 --> 00:00:24,759 Speaker 1: the only way he can strike at your heart. He 7 00:00:24,880 --> 00:00:27,760 Speaker 1: knows how much you love humanity, so if he can 8 00:00:27,840 --> 00:00:32,000 Speaker 1: keep them from connecting you, he wins. You came to 9 00:00:32,080 --> 00:00:36,320 Speaker 1: expose his plots, plans, and schemes and set your people free. 10 00:00:37,479 --> 00:00:41,560 Speaker 1: You have provided everything we need, but it is still 11 00:00:41,560 --> 00:00:45,200 Speaker 1: a choice we have to make. You came to offer 12 00:00:45,320 --> 00:00:49,080 Speaker 1: us power over death and eternal life. You came to 13 00:00:49,120 --> 00:00:52,640 Speaker 1: bless us with hope, peace and love. In the midst 14 00:00:52,640 --> 00:00:58,080 Speaker 1: of turmoil. You showed us your goodness through your son, Jesus. 15 00:00:58,560 --> 00:01:02,400 Speaker 1: How can people not see that? Use me today to 16 00:01:02,560 --> 00:01:04,080 Speaker 1: reach them with your truth. 17 00:01:05,120 --> 00:01:05,520 Speaker 2: Amen. 18 00:01:07,120 --> 00:01:10,759 Speaker 1: Stay tuned to immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever 19 00:01:10,800 --> 00:01:14,920 Speaker 1: told from pray dot COM's podcast, Heroes in the Bible. 20 00:01:16,920 --> 00:01:19,440 Speaker 3: Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evans, your host for Heroes in 21 00:01:19,480 --> 00:01:23,320 Speaker 3: the Bible. Jesus. If you've enjoyed this podcast so far, 22 00:01:23,880 --> 00:01:26,040 Speaker 3: please share it with your family and friends so they 23 00:01:26,040 --> 00:01:29,160 Speaker 3: can know Jesus Christ in a personal way, because knowing 24 00:01:29,280 --> 00:01:32,840 Speaker 3: Jesus is the key to understanding the Bible. Welcome to 25 00:01:32,880 --> 00:01:35,520 Speaker 3: the greatest story ever told. It is a story of it, 26 00:01:35,600 --> 00:01:38,319 Speaker 3: a shepherd's heart for his sheep, a father's love for 27 00:01:38,400 --> 00:01:41,720 Speaker 3: his children, and a hero's triumph over death and darkness. 28 00:01:42,440 --> 00:01:44,759 Speaker 3: This is a story that continues to shape and mold 29 00:01:44,800 --> 00:01:48,040 Speaker 3: the world around us, bringing the divine heart of God 30 00:01:48,200 --> 00:01:51,280 Speaker 3: right into the hearts of you and me. This episode 31 00:01:51,320 --> 00:01:54,920 Speaker 3: reminds us of Jesus's heart for the downtrodden, defenseless, and 32 00:01:55,040 --> 00:01:58,440 Speaker 3: pure of heart. As we have gone through the life 33 00:01:58,440 --> 00:02:01,480 Speaker 3: of Jesus so far, it can't help but be compelled 34 00:02:01,640 --> 00:02:05,080 Speaker 3: by just how many stories there are of Jesus caring 35 00:02:05,080 --> 00:02:08,480 Speaker 3: for the individual. He helped people who were sick, listen 36 00:02:08,520 --> 00:02:11,160 Speaker 3: to people who were broken, and rebuke the powers of 37 00:02:11,240 --> 00:02:14,680 Speaker 3: darkness that sought to corrupt people. Jesus cared deeply, and 38 00:02:14,800 --> 00:02:17,760 Speaker 3: that should make us want to do the same. These 39 00:02:17,800 --> 00:02:20,600 Speaker 3: stories are powerful and they cut at the parts of 40 00:02:20,680 --> 00:02:23,280 Speaker 3: us that just want to look out for Number One, 41 00:02:23,600 --> 00:02:27,000 Speaker 3: I pray this episode grips your soul, especially as you 42 00:02:27,000 --> 00:02:29,920 Speaker 3: hear Jesus's heart for children. Before we dive into the 43 00:02:29,960 --> 00:02:33,360 Speaker 3: works and words of Jesus, we will begin with the prelude. 44 00:02:33,400 --> 00:02:37,160 Speaker 3: This prelude features a character very few people know about. 45 00:02:37,639 --> 00:02:41,160 Speaker 3: His story is short and often lost behind the shimmering 46 00:02:41,240 --> 00:02:45,440 Speaker 3: veneer of King David's life. However, this mighty man of 47 00:02:45,520 --> 00:02:48,760 Speaker 3: Valor's moment in scripture reminds us that God's heart is 48 00:02:48,800 --> 00:02:52,080 Speaker 3: for the weak and feeble. He will stop at nothing 49 00:02:52,120 --> 00:02:54,840 Speaker 3: to defend the helpless from evil. The prelude and the 50 00:02:54,880 --> 00:02:58,600 Speaker 3: episode afterward invite us to ask how we can defend 51 00:02:58,639 --> 00:03:01,680 Speaker 3: the defenseless and love the outcasts. My prayer for you 52 00:03:01,720 --> 00:03:04,760 Speaker 3: today is that the shepherding heart of God would be 53 00:03:04,840 --> 00:03:08,320 Speaker 3: on full display for you to see. I pray Jesus' 54 00:03:08,360 --> 00:03:12,359 Speaker 3: words would remind you that you are loved despite your brokenness. 55 00:03:12,720 --> 00:03:15,680 Speaker 3: I pray that this episode would inspire you to seek 56 00:03:15,760 --> 00:03:20,680 Speaker 3: Jesus for guidance, provision, healing, acceptance, just as the characters 57 00:03:20,720 --> 00:03:24,920 Speaker 3: of this story did. Here is episode twelve. The Good Shepherd. 58 00:03:32,760 --> 00:03:39,040 Speaker 2: Prailud of Chapter twelve. Shama breathed him deeply, looking out 59 00:03:39,080 --> 00:03:43,400 Speaker 2: onto the Philistine horde approaching. Their spears were set and 60 00:03:43,440 --> 00:03:49,000 Speaker 2: their swords were secured tightly, Shama exhaled, listening to the 61 00:03:49,000 --> 00:03:52,840 Speaker 2: steady rhythm of his heartbeat. The farmers of Lehigh had 62 00:03:52,840 --> 00:03:57,000 Speaker 2: retreated into their homes, watching from the windows as shamustered 63 00:03:57,040 --> 00:04:02,000 Speaker 2: alone he stood in the lentil field. The bushes swayed 64 00:04:02,080 --> 00:04:05,320 Speaker 2: gently to the wind. The earth began to shake as 65 00:04:05,360 --> 00:04:08,480 Speaker 2: the Philistines came closer. All the men of the city 66 00:04:08,520 --> 00:04:12,200 Speaker 2: had fled, but not Shama. He knew that this little 67 00:04:12,240 --> 00:04:14,960 Speaker 2: patch of farm was the only livelihood the pupil of 68 00:04:15,040 --> 00:04:18,240 Speaker 2: Lehigh had. He would not let it be taken by 69 00:04:18,240 --> 00:04:23,760 Speaker 2: Philistine dogs. The opposing army picked up their pace, working 70 00:04:23,800 --> 00:04:27,680 Speaker 2: their way into a sprint. Shama set his feet, widening 71 00:04:27,720 --> 00:04:31,160 Speaker 2: his stance. He drew his sword and braced his shield. 72 00:04:31,680 --> 00:04:34,440 Speaker 2: The two dozen Philistines closed the gap and lunged at 73 00:04:34,480 --> 00:04:37,800 Speaker 2: in with spears and swords. Shama lifted his stance like 74 00:04:37,839 --> 00:04:41,320 Speaker 2: an elegant dance, shifting and moving his feet and hits. 75 00:04:41,480 --> 00:04:44,679 Speaker 2: He dodged every advance and responded with a swift swing 76 00:04:44,720 --> 00:04:47,400 Speaker 2: of his sword. One Philistine got an edge on him 77 00:04:47,520 --> 00:04:50,960 Speaker 2: and drew him back with his shield. However, Shama regained 78 00:04:51,000 --> 00:04:53,680 Speaker 2: balance quickly and tossed a dagger that was attached to 79 00:04:53,720 --> 00:04:57,279 Speaker 2: his hid a direct hit. Two more advanced towards him. 80 00:04:57,560 --> 00:04:59,520 Speaker 2: One was met with a quick jab to the belly, 81 00:04:59,640 --> 00:05:01,160 Speaker 2: and the other the other was sent to his back 82 00:05:01,200 --> 00:05:04,800 Speaker 2: with a blow from Shama's shield. He fought for what 83 00:05:04,960 --> 00:05:08,840 Speaker 2: seemed like ours. As he held his ground, the Philistines 84 00:05:08,880 --> 00:05:12,279 Speaker 2: that were still alive retreated, leaving the Lentil field alone 85 00:05:12,279 --> 00:05:17,360 Speaker 2: to the people of Lehigh. Shama panted, blood dripped down 86 00:05:17,400 --> 00:05:20,880 Speaker 2: his armor, and his face was covered in dust and sweat. 87 00:05:21,800 --> 00:05:25,360 Speaker 2: But he had done it. He defended the Lentil Field 88 00:05:25,400 --> 00:05:29,240 Speaker 2: from the Philistines. He did not defeat a giant, nor 89 00:05:29,279 --> 00:05:32,560 Speaker 2: did he lead an army into battle. This mighty man 90 00:05:32,560 --> 00:05:35,760 Speaker 2: of David stood his ground against a foe that sought 91 00:05:35,800 --> 00:05:39,919 Speaker 2: to take advantage of the weak and helpless. He was 92 00:05:39,960 --> 00:05:44,800 Speaker 2: one man against many, yet God empowered him to victory. 93 00:05:45,000 --> 00:05:48,000 Speaker 2: This is because God's heart is always for those who 94 00:05:48,040 --> 00:05:53,119 Speaker 2: cannot help themselves. God's heart is for the vulnerable, the weak, 95 00:05:53,680 --> 00:05:57,840 Speaker 2: and the helpless, so he sends his heroes to respond 96 00:05:57,880 --> 00:06:01,719 Speaker 2: to the needs of those who cannot help themselves. This 97 00:06:02,400 --> 00:06:08,160 Speaker 2: is the heart of God and the heart of his Messiah. 98 00:06:08,920 --> 00:06:14,760 Speaker 2: Chapter twelve, The Good Shepherd Jesus descended down the mountain 99 00:06:15,000 --> 00:06:18,760 Speaker 2: with Peter, James, and John. Their faces still wore the 100 00:06:18,800 --> 00:06:22,520 Speaker 2: shock and awe of what had just occurred. They were 101 00:06:22,560 --> 00:06:27,400 Speaker 2: able to see the heavenly radiance of Jesus unveiled. For 102 00:06:27,440 --> 00:06:31,640 Speaker 2: a moment on that mountain, they were able to comprehend 103 00:06:31,680 --> 00:06:36,080 Speaker 2: the greatest miracle of Jesus. His greatest miracle was not 104 00:06:36,160 --> 00:06:39,800 Speaker 2: turning water in the wine, healing the blind, or calm 105 00:06:39,800 --> 00:06:44,800 Speaker 2: in the storm. The miracle occurred every day as he 106 00:06:44,960 --> 00:06:51,040 Speaker 2: continually held back the entirety of his glory. As they 107 00:06:51,080 --> 00:06:53,960 Speaker 2: reached the base of the mountain, a large commotion could 108 00:06:54,000 --> 00:06:57,680 Speaker 2: be heard from camp. Peter was the first to respond 109 00:06:57,720 --> 00:07:02,160 Speaker 2: and run. The others followed. Hurrying down the path. They 110 00:07:02,160 --> 00:07:05,800 Speaker 2: reached camp and found a large crowd violently arguing with 111 00:07:05,839 --> 00:07:09,320 Speaker 2: the rest of the disciples. Jesus saw a few members 112 00:07:09,360 --> 00:07:13,160 Speaker 2: pointing at the disciples frauds. They shouted, who were you 113 00:07:13,280 --> 00:07:17,400 Speaker 2: to call yourselves disciples of Jesus. Peter lunged himself into 114 00:07:17,440 --> 00:07:20,840 Speaker 2: the crowd, separating them from the disciples. It only made 115 00:07:20,880 --> 00:07:23,920 Speaker 2: them more angry. One of them swung at Peter, but 116 00:07:24,040 --> 00:07:27,560 Speaker 2: before he could respond, Jesus rushed into the scene, and 117 00:07:27,640 --> 00:07:31,760 Speaker 2: the attention of the crowd was diverted. His very presence 118 00:07:32,080 --> 00:07:35,800 Speaker 2: changed their countenance. What is going on here, Jesus asked. 119 00:07:36,280 --> 00:07:40,200 Speaker 2: The crowd parted, and a man emerged, holding his son 120 00:07:40,440 --> 00:07:44,000 Speaker 2: in his arms. He was a short and portly man, 121 00:07:44,400 --> 00:07:48,880 Speaker 2: quite possibly a butcher by trade. His strong arms held 122 00:07:48,960 --> 00:07:51,240 Speaker 2: up his boy, who could not have been older than 123 00:07:51,440 --> 00:07:54,800 Speaker 2: ten years of age. The boy was limp in his 124 00:07:54,840 --> 00:08:01,040 Speaker 2: father's arms, grunting incessantly. Teacher, the man said, bow before Jesus. 125 00:08:01,360 --> 00:08:04,880 Speaker 4: It brought my son to you. A spirit has taken him. 126 00:08:05,240 --> 00:08:08,480 Speaker 2: Jesus peered at the boy. His eyes were rolled back 127 00:08:08,760 --> 00:08:12,880 Speaker 2: and his neck twitched from side to side. He scanned 128 00:08:12,880 --> 00:08:16,840 Speaker 2: the boy's body. It was covered in burn marks. The 129 00:08:16,880 --> 00:08:20,239 Speaker 2: father took notice of Jesus's eyes and began to weep. 130 00:08:20,840 --> 00:08:22,960 Speaker 4: The spirit comes without. 131 00:08:22,760 --> 00:08:24,960 Speaker 2: Notice, he said, with watered eyes. 132 00:08:25,200 --> 00:08:27,520 Speaker 5: He'll take control of my son and throw him into 133 00:08:27,520 --> 00:08:31,200 Speaker 5: the fire. And he foams at the mouth and grinds 134 00:08:31,240 --> 00:08:35,600 Speaker 5: his teeth, and then he will throw my son into 135 00:08:35,640 --> 00:08:36,640 Speaker 5: the water to drown. 136 00:08:36,880 --> 00:08:40,199 Speaker 2: The man clinched his eyes closed, holding his son tightly. 137 00:08:41,840 --> 00:08:44,319 Speaker 5: I came to your disciples so they might cast out 138 00:08:44,360 --> 00:08:50,480 Speaker 5: the demon, but they couldn't they gave me hope, and 139 00:08:50,559 --> 00:08:51,679 Speaker 5: it has been shattered. 140 00:08:52,200 --> 00:08:56,840 Speaker 2: The man broke down, unable to console himself. Jesus caught 141 00:08:56,840 --> 00:09:00,400 Speaker 2: a glimpse of the Pharisees and scribes smirking in the corner. 142 00:09:01,160 --> 00:09:05,000 Speaker 2: They reveled in the disciple's inability to cast out the demon. 143 00:09:06,040 --> 00:09:10,320 Speaker 2: Jesus walked forward with his chest held high and fists clenched. 144 00:09:11,160 --> 00:09:14,280 Speaker 2: He pointed to them with his gaze as intense as 145 00:09:14,320 --> 00:09:15,319 Speaker 2: a bolt of lightning. 146 00:09:15,960 --> 00:09:20,680 Speaker 6: You crook it in perverse generation, he shouted, fithless, that 147 00:09:20,800 --> 00:09:21,439 Speaker 6: is what you are. 148 00:09:22,120 --> 00:09:23,839 Speaker 7: How long must I endure you? 149 00:09:24,360 --> 00:09:27,520 Speaker 2: Jesus looked at the child. He was in much pain. 150 00:09:27,960 --> 00:09:31,880 Speaker 2: Bring me the boy, Jesus said. As the father lifted 151 00:09:31,920 --> 00:09:35,079 Speaker 2: his arms to hand the boy to Jesus, the demon 152 00:09:35,480 --> 00:09:39,000 Speaker 2: awoke from his slumber. He had felt the presence of 153 00:09:39,040 --> 00:09:42,640 Speaker 2: the Messiah and knew his time was almost up. The 154 00:09:42,640 --> 00:09:45,280 Speaker 2: demon was determined to do as much damage as he 155 00:09:45,320 --> 00:09:48,680 Speaker 2: could With a few moments he had left. The boy 156 00:09:48,760 --> 00:09:51,000 Speaker 2: leapt out of the father's arms on to the ground. 157 00:09:51,640 --> 00:09:54,640 Speaker 2: The demon thrashed his body under the floor, banging his 158 00:09:54,760 --> 00:09:58,720 Speaker 2: head against the rocks. Foams spit forth from the boy's mouth, 159 00:09:58,920 --> 00:10:03,480 Speaker 2: and his eyes rolled into their sockets. The crowd recoiled, 160 00:10:03,880 --> 00:10:06,360 Speaker 2: terrifying that the boy might harm them if they got 161 00:10:06,400 --> 00:10:09,400 Speaker 2: too close. The father fell on top of his son, 162 00:10:09,800 --> 00:10:13,240 Speaker 2: trying to restrain him, but the demon was too powerful. 163 00:10:13,760 --> 00:10:16,640 Speaker 2: He threw the father off of him and leaped towards him, 164 00:10:16,880 --> 00:10:20,440 Speaker 2: grabbing his throat. The entire crowd could hear the slight 165 00:10:20,559 --> 00:10:24,800 Speaker 2: cracking of the father's throat. The demon was unnaturally strong. 166 00:10:26,120 --> 00:10:29,040 Speaker 2: Jesus stepped forward, grabbing the boy from on top of 167 00:10:29,080 --> 00:10:33,240 Speaker 2: his father. He restrained him in his arms. The boy 168 00:10:33,559 --> 00:10:37,920 Speaker 2: thrashed back and forth, screaming with blood curdling volume. The 169 00:10:37,960 --> 00:10:41,000 Speaker 2: father gasped her air, sobbing at the sight of his son. 170 00:10:41,960 --> 00:10:45,880 Speaker 2: The boy writhed in Jesus's arms, yet Jesus remained calm, 171 00:10:46,440 --> 00:10:49,400 Speaker 2: making sure to not harm him. He looked at the 172 00:10:49,440 --> 00:10:52,280 Speaker 2: father and asked, do you believe I can heal you? 173 00:10:52,400 --> 00:10:55,640 Speaker 2: So the father opened up his hands to Jesus and 174 00:10:55,720 --> 00:10:56,480 Speaker 2: shook his head. 175 00:10:56,760 --> 00:10:59,120 Speaker 4: I'm I believe, Lord. 176 00:10:59,640 --> 00:11:02,800 Speaker 2: There was a pause as the father stared at his son. 177 00:11:03,920 --> 00:11:07,120 Speaker 2: For years, this demon had plagued him. He had begun 178 00:11:07,160 --> 00:11:09,800 Speaker 2: to lose hope that anything would change. 179 00:11:10,200 --> 00:11:15,000 Speaker 4: I believe, but help my unbelief Jesus nodded. 180 00:11:16,040 --> 00:11:20,120 Speaker 2: The man's response was honest and pure. He did not 181 00:11:20,200 --> 00:11:24,640 Speaker 2: give any false platitudes or promises. He simply shared the 182 00:11:24,679 --> 00:11:29,040 Speaker 2: state of his heart. He brought his real and honest emotions. 183 00:11:30,240 --> 00:11:33,640 Speaker 2: Jesus held the boy close, hugging him as he struggled. 184 00:11:34,760 --> 00:11:39,280 Speaker 2: Jesus's teeth clenched and his brow furrowed. He hugged the 185 00:11:39,320 --> 00:11:44,800 Speaker 2: boy with the loving embrace of a father. Then, with authority, 186 00:11:45,400 --> 00:11:47,719 Speaker 2: he spoke to the demon deep within you. 187 00:11:47,880 --> 00:11:51,079 Speaker 7: Mute and deaf spirit, hear the voice of your creator. 188 00:11:51,200 --> 00:11:53,920 Speaker 7: I command you to come out of this boy and 189 00:11:54,080 --> 00:11:55,520 Speaker 7: plague him no more. 190 00:11:55,720 --> 00:11:59,560 Speaker 2: The boy's screams increased to a deafening level. He convulsed 191 00:11:59,600 --> 00:12:04,800 Speaker 2: and threatshed his body until finally going limb, Jesus set 192 00:12:04,840 --> 00:12:08,880 Speaker 2: him down gently on the floor. The boy seemed dead 193 00:12:08,920 --> 00:12:13,760 Speaker 2: for a moment. However, Jesus grabbed his hand and lifted 194 00:12:13,840 --> 00:12:17,760 Speaker 2: him up on two feet. The boy was restored, and 195 00:12:17,800 --> 00:12:20,880 Speaker 2: the father felt like he was meeting his son for 196 00:12:20,920 --> 00:12:26,120 Speaker 2: the first time. The disciples departed from Galilee, concerned about 197 00:12:26,120 --> 00:12:29,640 Speaker 2: what they had just seen. Jesus knew that there were 198 00:12:29,679 --> 00:12:32,880 Speaker 2: greater troubles ahead for them, Yet there was no way 199 00:12:32,920 --> 00:12:37,480 Speaker 2: for them to truly understand. How could they? In many ways, 200 00:12:37,760 --> 00:12:40,880 Speaker 2: the Kingdom of Heaven was upside down compared to the 201 00:12:40,920 --> 00:12:46,080 Speaker 2: common culture of mankind. However, Jesus still saw it fitting 202 00:12:46,440 --> 00:12:49,000 Speaker 2: to prepare his disciples for events to come. 203 00:12:49,480 --> 00:12:51,959 Speaker 7: The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands 204 00:12:51,960 --> 00:12:55,000 Speaker 7: of men, Jesus said, They will kill him, and he 205 00:12:55,080 --> 00:12:57,520 Speaker 7: will raise himself up on the third Day. 206 00:12:57,600 --> 00:13:02,680 Speaker 2: As Jesus spoke these things, the disciples struggled. They said nothing, 207 00:13:03,240 --> 00:13:08,079 Speaker 2: afraid of the answers to their questions. They had made 208 00:13:08,120 --> 00:13:11,400 Speaker 2: their way to Copernium and a large group was gathering 209 00:13:11,440 --> 00:13:15,199 Speaker 2: in a household. Peter reclined at the table, enjoying a 210 00:13:15,320 --> 00:13:19,280 Speaker 2: rare moment of silence with his own thoughts. However, the 211 00:13:19,320 --> 00:13:22,959 Speaker 2: moment was quickly interrupted as a temple official approached him. 212 00:13:23,400 --> 00:13:27,320 Speaker 2: Ah Simon, the man said. As he sat down, he 213 00:13:27,400 --> 00:13:30,680 Speaker 2: panted Peter on the back and said, I heard you 214 00:13:30,760 --> 00:13:32,080 Speaker 2: might be here with Jesus. 215 00:13:32,880 --> 00:13:33,760 Speaker 4: It has been a while. 216 00:13:34,400 --> 00:13:38,680 Speaker 2: Peter gulped. The man was a temple tax collector, and 217 00:13:38,760 --> 00:13:41,640 Speaker 2: Peter had been behind on his temple tax for quite 218 00:13:41,720 --> 00:13:45,439 Speaker 2: some time. The man sat next to him and poured 219 00:13:45,440 --> 00:13:48,520 Speaker 2: a drink from the basin. Sitting on the table. He 220 00:13:48,640 --> 00:13:51,280 Speaker 2: sipped casually, enjoying the tension. 221 00:13:51,360 --> 00:13:54,960 Speaker 8: He caused Peter, tell me, Simon, did your teacher pay 222 00:13:55,000 --> 00:13:57,600 Speaker 8: his taxes unlike some in this room. 223 00:13:58,440 --> 00:14:02,320 Speaker 2: Peter buried his head into his hands and sighed. He 224 00:14:02,440 --> 00:14:05,920 Speaker 2: was a lowly fisherman without much coin to spare. On 225 00:14:06,040 --> 00:14:08,720 Speaker 2: top of this, he was responsible for his wife and 226 00:14:08,840 --> 00:14:12,960 Speaker 2: father in law. He does, Peter answered quickly. Then he 227 00:14:13,000 --> 00:14:15,440 Speaker 2: got up from his seat and walked out of the house. 228 00:14:16,280 --> 00:14:20,720 Speaker 2: The collector smirked as Peter walked away. Peter stepped out 229 00:14:20,720 --> 00:14:24,760 Speaker 2: on to the patio. He rubbed his temples and sighed. 230 00:14:25,400 --> 00:14:27,960 Speaker 2: He felt a great deal of guilt about not being 231 00:14:28,000 --> 00:14:31,160 Speaker 2: able to afford his temple tax. It was one thing 232 00:14:31,200 --> 00:14:34,880 Speaker 2: to avoid taxes imposed by Rome, but to not contribute 233 00:14:34,920 --> 00:14:37,560 Speaker 2: to the Temple of God was a source of shame. 234 00:14:38,840 --> 00:14:42,680 Speaker 2: Peter looked up to the stars, unaware of Jesus sitting 235 00:14:42,720 --> 00:14:46,040 Speaker 2: a few feet in front of him. Peter was lost 236 00:14:46,080 --> 00:14:51,040 Speaker 2: in thought, reeling in guilt. Then he heard Jesus speak 237 00:14:51,080 --> 00:14:51,960 Speaker 2: into the silence. 238 00:14:52,560 --> 00:14:53,880 Speaker 7: Come and see Peter. 239 00:14:54,120 --> 00:14:57,680 Speaker 2: Jesus said, gesturing to a spot on the small wall 240 00:14:58,040 --> 00:15:00,960 Speaker 2: next to him. Jesus would all often retreat to be 241 00:15:01,000 --> 00:15:04,840 Speaker 2: alone with God. Peter felt honored to sit next to him. 242 00:15:05,080 --> 00:15:09,359 Speaker 2: During one of these moments, Jesus turned to Peter. 243 00:15:09,880 --> 00:15:13,280 Speaker 7: Tell me what you think, Peter, when kings tax the land, 244 00:15:13,280 --> 00:15:15,520 Speaker 7: do you think they taxed their own sons or others? 245 00:15:16,520 --> 00:15:24,640 Speaker 2: Jesus asked others. Peter answered plainly. Jesus nodded, sons are free. 246 00:15:24,840 --> 00:15:27,360 Speaker 7: A father would never let his son pay the taxes 247 00:15:27,360 --> 00:15:32,080 Speaker 7: of everyone else. However, in order to not needlessly offend others, 248 00:15:32,640 --> 00:15:34,640 Speaker 7: I pay the tax, and so should you. 249 00:15:36,120 --> 00:15:40,000 Speaker 2: Peter held his head low as he spoke. Jesus gave 250 00:15:40,080 --> 00:15:41,440 Speaker 2: him a pat on the shoulder. 251 00:15:42,480 --> 00:15:46,280 Speaker 7: Spend some time down by the sea to clear your mind. 252 00:15:46,320 --> 00:15:48,920 Speaker 7: Cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up. 253 00:15:49,880 --> 00:15:54,200 Speaker 7: Open its mouth. There you'll find a shekel that should 254 00:15:54,240 --> 00:15:55,640 Speaker 7: cover the tax for me and for you. 255 00:15:56,520 --> 00:15:59,280 Speaker 2: Peter did as he was told. He sat with a 256 00:15:59,400 --> 00:16:02,960 Speaker 2: rod and life in the water, watching the moonlight reflected 257 00:16:02,960 --> 00:16:06,800 Speaker 2: in the sea. The lion tugged and a fish appeared 258 00:16:06,800 --> 00:16:10,440 Speaker 2: out of the water. Peter opened its mouth and lo 259 00:16:10,640 --> 00:16:14,640 Speaker 2: and behold, something shined in the moonlight. Peter pulled out 260 00:16:14,640 --> 00:16:19,160 Speaker 2: a shekel. He could not help but chuckle. Jesus had 261 00:16:19,240 --> 00:16:24,480 Speaker 2: strange ways of providing but he always came through. The 262 00:16:24,560 --> 00:16:27,600 Speaker 2: Next day, Jesus was teaching to a large group near 263 00:16:27,640 --> 00:16:31,720 Speaker 2: the Sea of Galilee. The seagulls flew high above them, 264 00:16:31,760 --> 00:16:35,400 Speaker 2: descending into the waters below. Jesus sat at the edge 265 00:16:35,520 --> 00:16:39,280 Speaker 2: of an elevated stone, and hundreds of people sat below 266 00:16:39,280 --> 00:16:43,280 Speaker 2: on the shore. Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of Heaven. 267 00:16:44,080 --> 00:16:47,400 Speaker 2: He spoke about the greatness of God's will acted out 268 00:16:47,520 --> 00:16:48,760 Speaker 2: in the hearts of people. 269 00:16:49,560 --> 00:16:53,200 Speaker 5: Teacher, who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? 270 00:16:53,520 --> 00:16:56,080 Speaker 5: How can I or any of us truly be great? 271 00:16:56,480 --> 00:17:01,520 Speaker 2: Someone asked. Jesus nodded at the question. He gestured towards 272 00:17:01,680 --> 00:17:04,399 Speaker 2: some of the children playing in the sand near the water. 273 00:17:05,480 --> 00:17:07,840 Speaker 2: He waved at them to come over, and they happily 274 00:17:07,960 --> 00:17:11,080 Speaker 2: ran and climbed up the rock. One of the children 275 00:17:11,160 --> 00:17:13,879 Speaker 2: leapt onto Jesus's lap, and the other climbed up on 276 00:17:13,920 --> 00:17:18,080 Speaker 2: top of his shoulders. Jesus laughed, allowing them to play 277 00:17:18,080 --> 00:17:20,080 Speaker 2: with his hair and jump off his back. 278 00:17:20,520 --> 00:17:24,680 Speaker 7: You see these children, Jesus asked, there humble and approached 279 00:17:24,720 --> 00:17:29,000 Speaker 7: me with joy. Their faith is pure and undefiled. Whoever 280 00:17:29,119 --> 00:17:31,720 Speaker 7: is like one of these children his greatest in the 281 00:17:31,800 --> 00:17:32,639 Speaker 7: Kingdom of God. 282 00:17:33,080 --> 00:17:36,879 Speaker 2: One of the children sat quietly on Jesus's lap, playing 283 00:17:36,920 --> 00:17:40,760 Speaker 2: with a stone she found on the shore. Jesus looked 284 00:17:40,800 --> 00:17:44,639 Speaker 2: at each child with love. Then he looked seriously at 285 00:17:44,680 --> 00:17:45,119 Speaker 2: the crowd. 286 00:17:45,359 --> 00:17:48,960 Speaker 7: Whoever accepts and loves a child in my name also 287 00:17:49,119 --> 00:17:53,320 Speaker 7: receives me. However, whoever causes one of these little ones 288 00:17:53,359 --> 00:17:56,320 Speaker 7: harm or causes them to sin, it would be better 289 00:17:56,359 --> 00:17:58,880 Speaker 7: for him to have a stone fastened around his neck 290 00:17:59,000 --> 00:18:01,160 Speaker 7: than throne into the bottom of the sea. 291 00:18:01,320 --> 00:18:06,040 Speaker 2: The people gasped at Jesus's intensity. However, he had a 292 00:18:06,080 --> 00:18:08,919 Speaker 2: heart for the innocent and needed to make it clear 293 00:18:09,240 --> 00:18:12,800 Speaker 2: that those who harmed the innocent will not go unpunished. 294 00:18:13,680 --> 00:18:16,280 Speaker 2: The children jumped off the stone and ran back to 295 00:18:16,320 --> 00:18:20,720 Speaker 2: fine shells on the shore. Jesus smiled, then returned his 296 00:18:20,800 --> 00:18:21,679 Speaker 2: gaze to the crowd. 297 00:18:22,040 --> 00:18:25,479 Speaker 7: Temptation to sin is everywhere. There's a great sorrow in 298 00:18:25,520 --> 00:18:28,760 Speaker 7: the world because of it, he said. However, it is 299 00:18:28,920 --> 00:18:32,919 Speaker 7: necessary that temptations come in this way. Our faith is 300 00:18:33,040 --> 00:18:37,160 Speaker 7: strengthened in them. However, you must be careful. If your 301 00:18:37,200 --> 00:18:40,359 Speaker 7: hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off. 302 00:18:40,800 --> 00:18:44,320 Speaker 2: Jesus gestured with his hands, cutting off his arm. The 303 00:18:44,400 --> 00:18:50,280 Speaker 2: crowd gasped and flinched. However, Jesus spoke in metaphor, showcasing 304 00:18:50,320 --> 00:18:53,640 Speaker 2: the lengths we must go to separate ourselves from sin. 305 00:18:53,800 --> 00:18:55,720 Speaker 7: It is better for you to be without an off 306 00:18:55,800 --> 00:18:57,960 Speaker 7: or a leg than to be thrown in eternal fire. 307 00:18:59,440 --> 00:19:01,520 Speaker 7: So if you are right causes you to sin, pluck 308 00:19:01,560 --> 00:19:04,639 Speaker 7: it out, throw it away. It is better that you 309 00:19:04,960 --> 00:19:08,840 Speaker 7: enter life with one eye than two eyes in eternal death. 310 00:19:09,000 --> 00:19:14,160 Speaker 2: The people nodded, understanding the severity of their sin. However, 311 00:19:14,720 --> 00:19:17,960 Speaker 2: it would be hard to uphold the high standard of Jesus. 312 00:19:19,119 --> 00:19:23,159 Speaker 2: They would need help, and Jesus was determined to give it. 313 00:19:24,840 --> 00:19:28,760 Speaker 2: Jesus gestured at the children again. People watched as they 314 00:19:28,760 --> 00:19:33,239 Speaker 2: played innocently near the water. Their laughter was contagious and 315 00:19:33,320 --> 00:19:37,159 Speaker 2: caused the crowd to laugh as well. Jesus smiled and 316 00:19:37,240 --> 00:19:41,000 Speaker 2: looked at the crowd, looking at the children. They were 317 00:19:41,040 --> 00:19:44,480 Speaker 2: his little ones. He saw them in the same way 318 00:19:44,560 --> 00:19:48,840 Speaker 2: they saw the children. He lifted his voice and reminded 319 00:19:48,880 --> 00:19:49,760 Speaker 2: them of his heart. 320 00:19:50,160 --> 00:19:53,240 Speaker 7: Let us say a shepherd has a hundred sheep. He 321 00:19:53,320 --> 00:19:56,639 Speaker 7: tends to them well within his pasture. However, one of 322 00:19:56,680 --> 00:20:00,000 Speaker 7: them falls astray and wanders oft into the wilderness. 323 00:19:59,480 --> 00:20:01,040 Speaker 2: Were lie and wait. 324 00:20:01,560 --> 00:20:04,560 Speaker 7: The shepherd takes action and leaves the ninety nine sheep 325 00:20:04,600 --> 00:20:07,159 Speaker 7: in search of the one. He ascends into the mountains. 326 00:20:07,200 --> 00:20:10,959 Speaker 7: He risks death an injury to save the one sheep 327 00:20:11,160 --> 00:20:14,480 Speaker 7: who went astray. Then he finds. 328 00:20:14,160 --> 00:20:19,080 Speaker 6: The sheep, and his entire household rejoices. That is the 329 00:20:19,119 --> 00:20:22,600 Speaker 6: heart of my father in heaven. It is not his 330 00:20:22,760 --> 00:20:25,400 Speaker 6: will that any should perish. 331 00:20:25,720 --> 00:20:29,800 Speaker 2: Jesus peered out into the crowd. In the corner, he 332 00:20:29,840 --> 00:20:33,680 Speaker 2: could see two men facing each other, disputing silently. 333 00:20:34,040 --> 00:20:35,440 Speaker 7: Forgive one another. 334 00:20:35,800 --> 00:20:40,719 Speaker 2: Jesus shouted. The men quickly ceased their arguing. Embarrassed that 335 00:20:40,800 --> 00:20:44,800 Speaker 2: Jesus had caught them, he smiled and shook his head. 336 00:20:44,920 --> 00:20:46,639 Speaker 2: Then he turned to the rest of the crowd. 337 00:20:47,280 --> 00:20:49,560 Speaker 7: If your brother sins against you, go and tell him 338 00:20:49,560 --> 00:20:52,800 Speaker 7: his fault. Do not bring others into it unless you've 339 00:20:52,840 --> 00:20:56,879 Speaker 7: spoken to him first. Be honest with one another. If 340 00:20:56,920 --> 00:20:59,159 Speaker 7: he does not listen, bring a few more so they 341 00:20:59,200 --> 00:21:01,919 Speaker 7: may be witnesses to your dispute and help. If he 342 00:21:01,960 --> 00:21:04,600 Speaker 7: refuse us to listen, still bring him to the church, 343 00:21:04,880 --> 00:21:08,800 Speaker 7: so they might lovingly lead him. Wherever two or three 344 00:21:08,880 --> 00:21:11,679 Speaker 7: are gathered in the midst of dispute, I will be 345 00:21:11,720 --> 00:21:13,280 Speaker 7: in their midst to aid. 346 00:21:13,800 --> 00:21:17,720 Speaker 2: Peter looked at his brother Andrew. He smirked. The two 347 00:21:17,760 --> 00:21:21,120 Speaker 2: of them had had many disputes in their lives. Andrew 348 00:21:21,240 --> 00:21:26,720 Speaker 2: was more level handed, quiet, However, Peter was brash and loud. 349 00:21:27,359 --> 00:21:30,639 Speaker 9: How many times should I forgive my brother? Peter asked 350 00:21:31,520 --> 00:21:34,520 Speaker 9: the rabbis, tell us to forgive three times? Shall we 351 00:21:34,600 --> 00:21:37,480 Speaker 9: forgive more? Perhaps seven times? 352 00:21:37,960 --> 00:21:42,320 Speaker 2: Peter's number was generous. However, Jesus had a different number 353 00:21:42,400 --> 00:21:42,840 Speaker 2: in mind. 354 00:21:43,760 --> 00:21:46,439 Speaker 7: No, Peter, not seven seventy seven. 355 00:21:47,040 --> 00:21:51,840 Speaker 2: The crowd laughed at the absurd number. However, Jesus was 356 00:21:51,880 --> 00:21:55,400 Speaker 2: not joking. He held up his hand and told them 357 00:21:55,400 --> 00:21:55,879 Speaker 2: a story. 358 00:21:56,080 --> 00:21:58,919 Speaker 7: There was a ruler who wished to settle his accounts 359 00:21:59,160 --> 00:22:02,840 Speaker 7: with servants. He lent money to one of the servants, 360 00:22:02,880 --> 00:22:07,200 Speaker 7: owed him ten thousand talents. Surely it was a number 361 00:22:07,240 --> 00:22:10,680 Speaker 7: two great to repay. Since he could not pay the debt, the. 362 00:22:10,720 --> 00:22:13,399 Speaker 10: Ruler offered for the servant and his family to be 363 00:22:13,480 --> 00:22:17,720 Speaker 10: sold into slavery to repay the payment. The servant leaped 364 00:22:17,760 --> 00:22:20,600 Speaker 10: onto the floor and fell on his face. He begged 365 00:22:20,600 --> 00:22:22,880 Speaker 10: the ruler forgive me, forgive me of. 366 00:22:22,800 --> 00:22:26,800 Speaker 7: My debt, Although he did not deserve forgiveness. The ruler 367 00:22:27,119 --> 00:22:31,000 Speaker 7: gave it anyway, for he was merciful and kind. The 368 00:22:31,119 --> 00:22:33,520 Speaker 7: very same day, the ruler was walking about the city 369 00:22:33,560 --> 00:22:36,360 Speaker 7: when he caught a glimpse of the very same servant 370 00:22:36,560 --> 00:22:39,600 Speaker 7: arguing with another man. He watched as the servant swung 371 00:22:39,640 --> 00:22:41,439 Speaker 7: at the man, hitting him to the floor. 372 00:22:41,760 --> 00:22:42,920 Speaker 2: The two of them fought and. 373 00:22:42,920 --> 00:22:45,520 Speaker 7: Thrashed at one another until the servant came on top 374 00:22:45,560 --> 00:22:47,200 Speaker 7: of him and began to choke him. 375 00:22:47,520 --> 00:22:48,800 Speaker 2: Pay me what you owe. 376 00:22:48,720 --> 00:22:52,280 Speaker 7: Me, the servant yelled. As he turns out, the servant 377 00:22:52,280 --> 00:22:54,720 Speaker 7: owed the man one hundred talents. 378 00:22:55,240 --> 00:22:57,840 Speaker 6: The man gasped for air and begged for mercy, Please 379 00:22:58,080 --> 00:22:59,240 Speaker 6: forgive me of the debt. 380 00:22:59,520 --> 00:23:02,719 Speaker 7: Yet and did not have mercy. When the ruler heard this, 381 00:23:03,480 --> 00:23:05,760 Speaker 7: he summoned him. 382 00:23:05,080 --> 00:23:09,720 Speaker 6: You wicked servant, I forgave you all your debts, yet 383 00:23:09,720 --> 00:23:12,000 Speaker 6: you choke this man for a hundred. 384 00:23:12,600 --> 00:23:16,080 Speaker 7: In his anger, the ruler sent him out into the prison. 385 00:23:16,400 --> 00:23:20,280 Speaker 2: Jesus paused and allowed the crown to understand the message. 386 00:23:20,640 --> 00:23:23,960 Speaker 7: You have been forgiven much, Jesus said, the same will 387 00:23:24,000 --> 00:23:26,760 Speaker 7: happen to you if you do not forgive others. 388 00:23:26,880 --> 00:23:31,240 Speaker 2: With that, Jesus departed with his disciples. There were things 389 00:23:31,280 --> 00:23:34,520 Speaker 2: to prepare for for Jesus was about to set his 390 00:23:34,680 --> 00:23:40,040 Speaker 2: face to Jerusalem. Desiring for the entire region around him 391 00:23:40,160 --> 00:23:44,200 Speaker 2: to hear the proclaimed gospel, Jesus sent out his disciples 392 00:23:44,320 --> 00:23:49,320 Speaker 2: into different regions so he might preach. However, the Samaritan 393 00:23:49,440 --> 00:23:53,880 Speaker 2: village nearby would not receive him. James and John boiled 394 00:23:53,920 --> 00:23:57,399 Speaker 2: with rage that they would reject Jesus. They steamed with 395 00:23:57,480 --> 00:24:02,360 Speaker 2: anger and bickered amongst themselves on how while they should respond. Finally, 396 00:24:02,400 --> 00:24:03,880 Speaker 2: they came to Jesus and. 397 00:24:03,800 --> 00:24:07,159 Speaker 11: Said, Lord, shall we call down fire from heaven to 398 00:24:07,240 --> 00:24:08,760 Speaker 11: obliterate those who reject you. 399 00:24:09,400 --> 00:24:14,000 Speaker 2: Jesus looked at them dismayed. His face showed shock, worry, 400 00:24:14,359 --> 00:24:17,360 Speaker 2: and anger that they would even suggest such a thing. 401 00:24:17,760 --> 00:24:18,359 Speaker 7: Of course, not. 402 00:24:19,240 --> 00:24:24,080 Speaker 2: Thus he nicknamed both of them sons of Thunder. As 403 00:24:24,080 --> 00:24:26,560 Speaker 2: the rest of them were walking into another town, a 404 00:24:26,640 --> 00:24:31,359 Speaker 2: man came to them. He approached Jesus smugly, prepared to 405 00:24:31,359 --> 00:24:33,000 Speaker 2: follow Jesus wherever he went. 406 00:24:33,800 --> 00:24:36,840 Speaker 4: Lord, allow me to follow you wherever you go. 407 00:24:37,720 --> 00:24:41,840 Speaker 2: The man said, with a grin. He held himself with confidence. 408 00:24:42,840 --> 00:24:46,240 Speaker 2: He had seen Jesus heal the sick and multiply food. 409 00:24:46,840 --> 00:24:49,439 Speaker 2: He saw the crowds call to make him king and 410 00:24:49,480 --> 00:24:54,120 Speaker 2: await his revolution to the throne. To him, Jesus's life 411 00:24:54,160 --> 00:24:57,239 Speaker 2: seemed glamorous. He desired to be a part of it 412 00:24:57,520 --> 00:25:01,199 Speaker 2: and share in the glory. Jesus did not shew the 413 00:25:01,280 --> 00:25:05,560 Speaker 2: man away. Instead, he painted him a picture of what 414 00:25:05,600 --> 00:25:07,560 Speaker 2: it was truly like to follow him. 415 00:25:08,080 --> 00:25:10,960 Speaker 7: Foxes have holes and birds have nests, But the son 416 00:25:11,000 --> 00:25:12,160 Speaker 7: of man has no place to. 417 00:25:12,119 --> 00:25:12,680 Speaker 2: Lay his head. 418 00:25:13,440 --> 00:25:15,639 Speaker 7: He has no home to call his owner, comforts to 419 00:25:15,680 --> 00:25:19,760 Speaker 7: return to. So follow me if you desire. 420 00:25:21,200 --> 00:25:26,840 Speaker 2: The man paused for a moment. He responded trepidaciously. 421 00:25:26,200 --> 00:25:30,919 Speaker 5: Saying, well, perhaps I should first tend to my father 422 00:25:31,040 --> 00:25:34,760 Speaker 5: before he passes and secure my inheritance. Once he is 423 00:25:34,800 --> 00:25:37,720 Speaker 5: gone and I have buried him, I can return to 424 00:25:37,760 --> 00:25:38,199 Speaker 5: follow you. 425 00:25:39,040 --> 00:25:40,200 Speaker 2: Jesus shook his head. 426 00:25:40,640 --> 00:25:43,560 Speaker 7: Leave the dead to bury their own dead, as for you, 427 00:25:44,200 --> 00:25:46,679 Speaker 7: go and proclaim the kingdom of God. 428 00:25:47,200 --> 00:25:49,000 Speaker 2: Another man approached Jesus and. 429 00:25:48,960 --> 00:25:53,760 Speaker 5: Said, Lord, I will follow you, but first allow me 430 00:25:53,840 --> 00:25:55,280 Speaker 5: to say goodbye to my family. 431 00:25:55,600 --> 00:25:57,119 Speaker 2: Jesus shook his head again. 432 00:25:57,960 --> 00:26:00,199 Speaker 7: You do not understand yet the weight of them what 433 00:26:00,240 --> 00:26:03,280 Speaker 7: you are seeking. No man can put his hand to 434 00:26:03,320 --> 00:26:07,800 Speaker 7: the plow and look back. The line becomes jacket and crooked. 435 00:26:08,760 --> 00:26:10,800 Speaker 7: No man is fit to commit to the Kingdom of 436 00:26:10,840 --> 00:26:12,920 Speaker 7: God if he looks back. 437 00:26:13,880 --> 00:26:17,600 Speaker 2: Jesus sat on a stone beside the road. A large 438 00:26:17,640 --> 00:26:22,359 Speaker 2: caravan of people were packing to depart from Galilee to Jerusalem. 439 00:26:22,760 --> 00:26:27,520 Speaker 2: Jesus watched as families packed food, instruments, and sacrifices for 440 00:26:27,600 --> 00:26:31,800 Speaker 2: the Feast of Booths. It was an entire celebration where 441 00:26:31,840 --> 00:26:36,919 Speaker 2: families camped in makeshift booths outside Jerusalem to remember Israel's 442 00:26:36,960 --> 00:26:38,159 Speaker 2: time in the wilderness. 443 00:26:38,400 --> 00:26:39,560 Speaker 11: Are you coming, Jesus? 444 00:26:40,040 --> 00:26:45,240 Speaker 2: Jesus looked up and saw his brothers approaching. James, Jude, Joseph, 445 00:26:45,320 --> 00:26:49,080 Speaker 2: and Simon were all packing their things to depart. Jesus 446 00:26:49,080 --> 00:26:52,679 Speaker 2: would not go with them. The religious leaders were waiting 447 00:26:52,760 --> 00:26:55,560 Speaker 2: for him there. He had known about their plot to 448 00:26:55,640 --> 00:26:58,119 Speaker 2: kill him, and there were still a few things to 449 00:26:58,160 --> 00:27:03,000 Speaker 2: do before he would give him himself up. His brothers 450 00:27:03,280 --> 00:27:06,800 Speaker 2: stood over him with their arms crossed. They knew better 451 00:27:06,840 --> 00:27:11,440 Speaker 2: than anyone that Jesus was unique, yet they were skeptical 452 00:27:11,600 --> 00:27:14,679 Speaker 2: of his miracles and had issues with his claims to 453 00:27:14,720 --> 00:27:16,119 Speaker 2: be the son of God. 454 00:27:16,760 --> 00:27:19,840 Speaker 11: Why have you remained in Galilee so long? Jude asked, 455 00:27:20,160 --> 00:27:23,480 Speaker 11: No one respects Galileans. If you really want to be 456 00:27:23,520 --> 00:27:25,560 Speaker 11: known for all your words and miracles, you would do 457 00:27:25,600 --> 00:27:28,840 Speaker 11: them in Jerusalem. That is where the people that matter are. 458 00:27:29,720 --> 00:27:32,800 Speaker 10: If you really do these things, why remain in an 459 00:27:32,840 --> 00:27:34,440 Speaker 10: anonymous region of Galilee. 460 00:27:34,680 --> 00:27:37,400 Speaker 2: James chimed, in, come with us. 461 00:27:37,440 --> 00:27:39,240 Speaker 4: We would also like to see you make a name 462 00:27:39,280 --> 00:27:39,840 Speaker 4: for yourself. 463 00:27:40,240 --> 00:27:44,119 Speaker 2: There was sarcasm and snark in their voices. They did 464 00:27:44,200 --> 00:27:47,919 Speaker 2: not believe in him. However, they would soon see for 465 00:27:48,000 --> 00:27:52,000 Speaker 2: themselves what was to come. James and Jude in particular 466 00:27:52,280 --> 00:27:57,160 Speaker 2: would be completely transformed by the work Jesus did. Yet, 467 00:27:57,359 --> 00:28:00,640 Speaker 2: for now, Jesus was content to allow them the poke fun. 468 00:28:01,600 --> 00:28:05,240 Speaker 2: They were his brothers after all. Jesus stood to his 469 00:28:05,280 --> 00:28:07,600 Speaker 2: feet and panted Jude on the shoulders. 470 00:28:08,280 --> 00:28:11,240 Speaker 7: Ah, my brothers, you shall have to go on without me. 471 00:28:12,240 --> 00:28:13,520 Speaker 7: My time has not yet come. 472 00:28:14,480 --> 00:28:15,520 Speaker 2: Simon scoffed. 473 00:28:16,280 --> 00:28:18,600 Speaker 12: Do you not have people waiting for you in Jerusalem. 474 00:28:19,080 --> 00:28:21,080 Speaker 12: How is it that you claim to be so close 475 00:28:21,119 --> 00:28:25,120 Speaker 12: to God but avoid the people of God. Stop wasting 476 00:28:25,160 --> 00:28:27,680 Speaker 12: your time in Galilee with all these fishermen. 477 00:28:28,480 --> 00:28:31,679 Speaker 7: Jesus shrugged as I said, my time to show myself 478 00:28:31,720 --> 00:28:35,720 Speaker 7: has not yet come. However, for you, my brothers, it 479 00:28:35,800 --> 00:28:39,280 Speaker 7: is always time. The world hates me because I testify 480 00:28:39,360 --> 00:28:41,800 Speaker 7: to its wickedness. If the world does not hate you, 481 00:28:42,440 --> 00:28:44,920 Speaker 7: nobody lies and wait for you, and nobody is seeking 482 00:28:44,960 --> 00:28:48,080 Speaker 7: to kill you. So go, go and be free. I 483 00:28:48,120 --> 00:28:49,800 Speaker 7: am sure I will see you soon. 484 00:28:50,320 --> 00:28:53,000 Speaker 2: So his brothers departed with the rest of the caravan. 485 00:28:53,760 --> 00:28:57,160 Speaker 2: Musicians sat in their carriages with their lyres, and the 486 00:28:57,240 --> 00:29:00,840 Speaker 2: children played their flutes. It was a joy occasion for 487 00:29:00,880 --> 00:29:06,320 Speaker 2: any Jew. However, Jesus had a mission. Once the caravan left, 488 00:29:06,760 --> 00:29:12,160 Speaker 2: he silently and secretly made his way to Jerusalem. The 489 00:29:12,200 --> 00:29:16,720 Speaker 2: brothers approached the grand city of Jerusalem. It was teeming 490 00:29:16,800 --> 00:29:20,640 Speaker 2: with life. The market places were bustling with fresh produce 491 00:29:20,720 --> 00:29:25,360 Speaker 2: and fine items. Families from different nations and regions danced 492 00:29:25,480 --> 00:29:29,280 Speaker 2: through the city streets, taking in the glory of God's city. 493 00:29:30,040 --> 00:29:33,360 Speaker 2: The temple was central, like the beating heart of the city. 494 00:29:34,160 --> 00:29:37,920 Speaker 2: From it, thousands of people poured in and out daily, 495 00:29:38,360 --> 00:29:43,520 Speaker 2: making sacrifices and offering prayers to God. On the outskirts 496 00:29:43,520 --> 00:29:46,600 Speaker 2: of the city, hundreds of tents and booths were set 497 00:29:46,680 --> 00:29:50,360 Speaker 2: up to celebrate the feast of booths. Children ran to 498 00:29:50,520 --> 00:29:54,560 Speaker 2: and from each tent, rolling around in the grass. Women 499 00:29:54,600 --> 00:29:57,840 Speaker 2: started fires to cook food as the men sat among 500 00:29:57,920 --> 00:30:02,800 Speaker 2: one another, laughing and crafting their tents. The brothers of 501 00:30:02,880 --> 00:30:07,080 Speaker 2: Jesus could not help but feel slightly sorrowful that Jesus 502 00:30:07,160 --> 00:30:11,000 Speaker 2: was not with them. For three years now, he had 503 00:30:11,040 --> 00:30:16,080 Speaker 2: been traveling from region to region preaching and healing. They 504 00:30:16,120 --> 00:30:20,200 Speaker 2: missed him. Perhaps that is why they ridiculed him so often. 505 00:30:21,960 --> 00:30:24,960 Speaker 2: The brothers sat by the fire, waiting for the feast 506 00:30:25,000 --> 00:30:30,000 Speaker 2: to begin. They exchanged stories of their childhood and laughed, 507 00:30:30,240 --> 00:30:33,880 Speaker 2: making mention of Jesus. Often. The few of the people 508 00:30:33,920 --> 00:30:36,480 Speaker 2: around them took notice and approached their fire. 509 00:30:36,960 --> 00:30:39,200 Speaker 4: Are you the brothers of Jesus. 510 00:30:39,120 --> 00:30:41,680 Speaker 2: They asked. The brothers nodded. 511 00:30:41,640 --> 00:30:44,040 Speaker 4: Where is he? Has he come with you to the feast? 512 00:30:44,400 --> 00:30:47,560 Speaker 7: He is remaining in Galilee, Joseph replied quickly. 513 00:30:48,160 --> 00:30:52,520 Speaker 2: They often grew tired of answering questions about Jesus. However, 514 00:30:52,840 --> 00:30:55,880 Speaker 2: more and more people listened in and huddled near the fire. 515 00:30:56,480 --> 00:31:00,040 Speaker 2: They disputed among themselves. Some would say he is a 516 00:31:00,160 --> 00:31:04,240 Speaker 2: good man. Others would whisper he is the Messiah. Then 517 00:31:04,360 --> 00:31:09,480 Speaker 2: more would respond he's leading people astray. Nobody was in 518 00:31:09,560 --> 00:31:15,960 Speaker 2: agreement to the character of Jesus, not even his own brothers. Meanwhile, 519 00:31:15,960 --> 00:31:19,320 Speaker 2: in the temple. The religious leaders were teaching a large crowd. 520 00:31:19,960 --> 00:31:23,480 Speaker 2: They spoke of the law and devotion to the temple economy. 521 00:31:24,200 --> 00:31:27,560 Speaker 2: As they spoke, Jesus weaved his way through the crowns, 522 00:31:27,920 --> 00:31:32,960 Speaker 2: remaining anonymous under a cloak. He remained hidden, observing the 523 00:31:33,000 --> 00:31:38,280 Speaker 2: people as they sought answers to life's greatest questions. He 524 00:31:38,400 --> 00:31:41,960 Speaker 2: listened to the Pharisees fumble the word of God and 525 00:31:42,120 --> 00:31:46,960 Speaker 2: teach it as a means to control and manipulate. Without 526 00:31:47,000 --> 00:31:50,360 Speaker 2: a word, Jesus removed his hood and walked to the 527 00:31:50,400 --> 00:31:56,160 Speaker 2: other side of the temple. Slowly people began to recognize him. 528 00:31:56,440 --> 00:31:59,400 Speaker 2: The Pharisees watched as the attention of the crowd was 529 00:31:59,480 --> 00:32:02,880 Speaker 2: diverted to the other side of the temple like a 530 00:32:03,000 --> 00:32:06,880 Speaker 2: shifting tide. The amount of people listening to them reduced 531 00:32:07,000 --> 00:32:10,400 Speaker 2: to nearly nothing. They looked to the other side of 532 00:32:10,440 --> 00:32:15,840 Speaker 2: the temple and saw Jesus proclaiming the mercy, justice, love, 533 00:32:16,200 --> 00:32:21,040 Speaker 2: and triumph of the Kingdom of God. The Jews marveled. 534 00:32:21,560 --> 00:32:24,840 Speaker 2: Many of them had not listened to him before. The 535 00:32:24,880 --> 00:32:29,160 Speaker 2: locals of Jerusalem were connoisseurs of good teaching. They listened 536 00:32:29,200 --> 00:32:34,000 Speaker 2: often to the rhetoric of Hebrew scholars and debate between rabbis. However, 537 00:32:34,040 --> 00:32:37,400 Speaker 2: as they listened to Jesus, they heard things that they 538 00:32:37,400 --> 00:32:42,160 Speaker 2: had never heard before. How is it that this uneducated 539 00:32:42,280 --> 00:32:47,520 Speaker 2: man can say such things? They asked. Jesus held out 540 00:32:47,560 --> 00:32:48,160 Speaker 2: his arms. 541 00:32:48,640 --> 00:32:51,080 Speaker 7: My teaching is not my own, it is from the 542 00:32:51,080 --> 00:32:51,880 Speaker 7: one who sent me. 543 00:32:52,800 --> 00:32:55,480 Speaker 2: Some in the crowd began to recognize Jesus as the 544 00:32:55,480 --> 00:32:58,720 Speaker 2: one whom the Pharisees were plotting to kill. How is 545 00:32:58,760 --> 00:33:00,920 Speaker 2: it that people in the city are wanting to kill him, 546 00:33:01,160 --> 00:33:04,440 Speaker 2: yet he stands here boldly for all to see. The 547 00:33:04,480 --> 00:33:08,600 Speaker 2: crowd was stirring, questioning who Jesus really was. Who is 548 00:33:08,640 --> 00:33:12,160 Speaker 2: this man? They asked? Can it be that he really 549 00:33:12,440 --> 00:33:17,440 Speaker 2: is the Christ? Jesus scanned the crowd. He stretched out 550 00:33:17,440 --> 00:33:20,920 Speaker 2: his arms and gestured to them. You know who I am. 551 00:33:21,240 --> 00:33:24,840 Speaker 2: You know where I came from. I've been sent by God. 552 00:33:25,320 --> 00:33:28,960 Speaker 2: I know him. I come from him, and is he 553 00:33:29,440 --> 00:33:32,880 Speaker 2: who guides me. As the words left Jesus's mouth, the 554 00:33:32,920 --> 00:33:37,040 Speaker 2: crowd irrupted in rage. They called for him to be arrested. 555 00:33:37,440 --> 00:33:40,560 Speaker 2: They spat in his direction and called him a Blasphever, 556 00:33:41,920 --> 00:33:45,240 Speaker 2: yet many people believed in him. At the edge of 557 00:33:45,280 --> 00:33:51,480 Speaker 2: the temple, Jesus's brothers watched in awe. As Jesus continued speaking, 558 00:33:51,680 --> 00:33:54,080 Speaker 2: the Pharisees called for the guards to arrest him. 559 00:33:54,600 --> 00:33:57,920 Speaker 4: He is a blasphemer, they yelled, seize him. 560 00:33:58,320 --> 00:34:01,680 Speaker 2: So the guards approached the platform were Jesus taught. They 561 00:34:01,720 --> 00:34:06,400 Speaker 2: marched with their swords drawn, ready to take Jesus by force. However, 562 00:34:06,760 --> 00:34:10,960 Speaker 2: they slowed their pursuit as they heard Jesus speak. They 563 00:34:11,080 --> 00:34:15,719 Speaker 2: heard about depths of God's goodness, the origin of justice, 564 00:34:16,000 --> 00:34:20,040 Speaker 2: and the meaning behind the law. They were enraptured by 565 00:34:20,080 --> 00:34:24,120 Speaker 2: his sermon, so instead of arresting him, they sheathed their 566 00:34:24,160 --> 00:34:28,920 Speaker 2: swords and listened. The Pharisees were outraged that they could 567 00:34:28,960 --> 00:34:31,880 Speaker 2: not lay a hand on Jesus, so they sought to 568 00:34:32,000 --> 00:34:36,400 Speaker 2: end him in secret. Their rage boiled with a quiet 569 00:34:36,440 --> 00:34:40,480 Speaker 2: and ancient evil. They did not know it, but they 570 00:34:40,480 --> 00:34:43,200 Speaker 2: were being played as pawns in the hand of a 571 00:34:43,239 --> 00:34:48,240 Speaker 2: great enemy. And the secrecy of night, the Pharisees plotted 572 00:34:48,320 --> 00:34:52,520 Speaker 2: how they might kill him. Nicodemus remained in the back 573 00:34:52,560 --> 00:34:57,040 Speaker 2: of the room, silently listening. Nobody knew that he had 574 00:34:57,080 --> 00:35:01,480 Speaker 2: once visited Jesus and had been transferred. Warmed by his words, 575 00:35:03,000 --> 00:35:07,120 Speaker 2: he cleared his throat to get the room's attention. Nicodemus 576 00:35:07,160 --> 00:35:12,000 Speaker 2: was respected among the Pharisees. His teaching was highly sought after, 577 00:35:12,400 --> 00:35:14,760 Speaker 2: and he was known as one of the deepest thinkers 578 00:35:14,760 --> 00:35:19,279 Speaker 2: of the day. All were silent as Nicodemus stood, you. 579 00:35:19,280 --> 00:35:23,279 Speaker 4: Would condemn this man without a trial. Nicodemus asked, why 580 00:35:23,320 --> 00:35:27,479 Speaker 4: would we not truly inquire about his actions to see 581 00:35:27,480 --> 00:35:29,600 Speaker 4: if he really is who people say he is. 582 00:35:30,480 --> 00:35:34,520 Speaker 2: Yet his words fell flat. The group was more concerned 583 00:35:34,520 --> 00:35:39,279 Speaker 2: with their power than the truth, so Nicodemus shrunk back, 584 00:35:39,840 --> 00:35:43,040 Speaker 2: scheming about how he could possibly stop what was about 585 00:35:43,040 --> 00:35:48,960 Speaker 2: to happen. It was morning and the sun was peeking 586 00:35:49,000 --> 00:35:53,480 Speaker 2: through the fig trees as Jesus lay underneath. The morning 587 00:35:53,520 --> 00:35:57,560 Speaker 2: haze caused the light to disperse in hundreds of directions, 588 00:35:57,680 --> 00:36:03,319 Speaker 2: illuminating the blooming flowers and morning dew. Jesus walked the 589 00:36:03,400 --> 00:36:07,800 Speaker 2: garden at the Mount of Olives and prayed. He breathed 590 00:36:07,840 --> 00:36:10,480 Speaker 2: in the crisp air and felt the first rays of 591 00:36:10,520 --> 00:36:14,880 Speaker 2: the sun gently touch his face. He listened to the 592 00:36:14,920 --> 00:36:18,640 Speaker 2: babbling brook Kidron and watched the clear water run through 593 00:36:18,640 --> 00:36:22,959 Speaker 2: the garden. He would be back here soon. It would 594 00:36:23,000 --> 00:36:27,080 Speaker 2: be a less peaceful experience than this, The day was 595 00:36:27,120 --> 00:36:32,520 Speaker 2: getting closer. Jesus departed from the Mount of Olives and 596 00:36:32,560 --> 00:36:36,160 Speaker 2: sat at the temple courtyard. He leaned his head against 597 00:36:36,200 --> 00:36:39,400 Speaker 2: the wall, enjoying a moment of silence with his God. 598 00:36:40,680 --> 00:36:44,120 Speaker 2: Then he heard a mob of people approaching. In front 599 00:36:44,160 --> 00:36:46,960 Speaker 2: of the throng of people were a few pharisees and 600 00:36:47,040 --> 00:36:50,799 Speaker 2: scribes dragging a woman through the dirt by her hair. 601 00:36:52,239 --> 00:36:56,000 Speaker 2: Her screams were louder than the mob of people. Jesus 602 00:36:56,160 --> 00:36:59,719 Speaker 2: stood to his feet and marched towards them. They saw 603 00:36:59,800 --> 00:37:04,080 Speaker 2: Jesus and threw the woman to the ground at his feet. 604 00:37:04,120 --> 00:37:08,080 Speaker 2: Her face hit the dirt with a thud. She gasped 605 00:37:08,120 --> 00:37:11,959 Speaker 2: for air. As she turned to her side, Jesus could 606 00:37:11,960 --> 00:37:14,359 Speaker 2: see the bruises on her wrists from the men who 607 00:37:14,360 --> 00:37:18,760 Speaker 2: grabbed her. Her clothes were torn and falling off her body, 608 00:37:19,160 --> 00:37:23,160 Speaker 2: and blood was running down her temple. Jesus looked up 609 00:37:23,160 --> 00:37:26,560 Speaker 2: at the man standing over her. They wore smug grins 610 00:37:26,760 --> 00:37:31,800 Speaker 2: and pointed to the woman, Tisha. One of the pharisees shouted. 611 00:37:31,800 --> 00:37:35,759 Speaker 8: This woman has been caught in adultery. According to the 612 00:37:35,880 --> 00:37:38,480 Speaker 8: law of Moses, she should be stoned. 613 00:37:38,760 --> 00:37:41,840 Speaker 2: They said trying to trap him into forgiving a woman 614 00:37:41,880 --> 00:37:45,360 Speaker 2: who was clearly guilty. One of the pharisees grabbed the 615 00:37:45,360 --> 00:37:47,759 Speaker 2: woman by the hair and shouted, so. 616 00:37:47,800 --> 00:37:51,479 Speaker 8: What do you say now, Jesus, what shall be done 617 00:37:51,520 --> 00:37:55,440 Speaker 8: to her? Will you obey the law of Moses? A 618 00:37:55,640 --> 00:37:59,800 Speaker 8: compromise yet again to befriend whores and sinners. 619 00:38:00,320 --> 00:38:04,400 Speaker 2: Jesus's heart beat faster. They had made a spectacle of 620 00:38:04,480 --> 00:38:09,080 Speaker 2: this woman. They had reduced her to nothing. The whole 621 00:38:09,120 --> 00:38:12,760 Speaker 2: crowd looked upon her with disgust and spat in her direction. 622 00:38:14,360 --> 00:38:19,600 Speaker 2: The woman shrunk in shame. She curled into herself, covering 623 00:38:19,640 --> 00:38:23,000 Speaker 2: her ears as she listened to people scoff at her. 624 00:38:24,200 --> 00:38:27,080 Speaker 2: She knew what people did to women caught in adultery. 625 00:38:27,800 --> 00:38:31,960 Speaker 2: She knew she was about to be stoned. Jesus looked 626 00:38:32,000 --> 00:38:37,279 Speaker 2: up at the people. Underneath Jesus's blank expression was a 627 00:38:37,360 --> 00:38:41,680 Speaker 2: rumbling of anger. Not anger towards the woman, but the 628 00:38:41,760 --> 00:38:45,080 Speaker 2: men would treat her like an animal to prove a point. 629 00:38:45,760 --> 00:38:48,120 Speaker 2: He knew. They did not care about the woman's sin. 630 00:38:48,960 --> 00:38:51,640 Speaker 2: They desired to trap Jesus, and they were willing to 631 00:38:51,719 --> 00:38:57,600 Speaker 2: stone this woman to validate themselves. Within Jesus was the 632 00:38:57,680 --> 00:39:02,520 Speaker 2: power of heaven, the common frame of a Hebrew was 633 00:39:02,560 --> 00:39:06,359 Speaker 2: the creator of the universe. With a word, he could 634 00:39:06,440 --> 00:39:10,680 Speaker 2: destroy all of them. Yet he kept his power sheathed. 635 00:39:11,800 --> 00:39:14,400 Speaker 2: He would not address them in the way they deserved. 636 00:39:15,360 --> 00:39:20,400 Speaker 2: Even the corrupt deserved a chance to repent. So Jesus 637 00:39:20,440 --> 00:39:24,200 Speaker 2: took two steps forward and crouched down in the dirt. 638 00:39:25,040 --> 00:39:27,560 Speaker 2: He began to write words in the dust with his finger. 639 00:39:29,640 --> 00:39:33,239 Speaker 2: There was a silence as the religious leaders read what 640 00:39:33,400 --> 00:39:37,880 Speaker 2: Jesus was writing. The woman peeked her eyes over. She 641 00:39:37,920 --> 00:39:40,840 Speaker 2: could not see what Jesus was writing, but she could 642 00:39:40,920 --> 00:39:46,520 Speaker 2: notice that it made the Pharisees uncomfortable. Jesus stood to 643 00:39:46,560 --> 00:39:49,520 Speaker 2: his feet and looked at them. He picked up a 644 00:39:49,560 --> 00:39:54,320 Speaker 2: stone off the floor and walked towards them. Their eyes widened. 645 00:39:55,120 --> 00:39:59,600 Speaker 2: Jesus was unpredictable to them what he stoned the woman, 646 00:40:00,160 --> 00:40:03,200 Speaker 2: or would he attack them. The crown took a few 647 00:40:03,200 --> 00:40:08,360 Speaker 2: steps back, bracing for Jesus to strike them down. Instead, 648 00:40:08,840 --> 00:40:11,680 Speaker 2: he reached out with the stone resting on his palm. 649 00:40:12,520 --> 00:40:16,600 Speaker 6: If any one among you is without sin, let him 650 00:40:16,640 --> 00:40:18,280 Speaker 6: throw the first stone. 651 00:40:18,600 --> 00:40:22,120 Speaker 2: Jesus dropped the stone in front of the woman and Pharisees. 652 00:40:23,200 --> 00:40:27,520 Speaker 2: It fell to the floor with a thud. Everyone was silent. 653 00:40:28,760 --> 00:40:31,880 Speaker 2: Jesus knelt down again and continued writing in the dirt. 654 00:40:32,960 --> 00:40:35,440 Speaker 2: The men looked at his words written in the dust, 655 00:40:35,840 --> 00:40:40,120 Speaker 2: and one by one they began to leave. Each man, 656 00:40:40,400 --> 00:40:44,800 Speaker 2: beginning with the oldest, departed in a hurry. The woman 657 00:40:44,880 --> 00:40:48,800 Speaker 2: watched as the men grumbled. Their faces were filled with worry. 658 00:40:49,480 --> 00:40:52,080 Speaker 2: Perhaps they did not want anyone to read what Jesus 659 00:40:52,160 --> 00:40:58,640 Speaker 2: was writing. Perhaps it was about them. The Pharisees and 660 00:40:58,760 --> 00:41:03,080 Speaker 2: scribes left without a word. They grumbled as they departed, 661 00:41:03,080 --> 00:41:04,520 Speaker 2: swiftly so no one. 662 00:41:04,400 --> 00:41:05,800 Speaker 7: Would talk to them. 663 00:41:06,120 --> 00:41:08,799 Speaker 2: The crowns also departed, for there was no longer a 664 00:41:08,840 --> 00:41:13,840 Speaker 2: spectacle to watch. All that remained was Jesus and the woman. 665 00:41:14,960 --> 00:41:17,880 Speaker 2: Her body was bruised and bleeding from being dragged in 666 00:41:17,920 --> 00:41:22,480 Speaker 2: the dirt. She covered herself best she could. They had 667 00:41:22,560 --> 00:41:25,040 Speaker 2: drug her out of her bed, right in the act 668 00:41:25,080 --> 00:41:29,480 Speaker 2: of adultery, yet the man had not been taken. She 669 00:41:29,560 --> 00:41:35,239 Speaker 2: was frustrated, ashamed, and alone. Jesus walked over to her 670 00:41:35,480 --> 00:41:38,320 Speaker 2: and knelt on to the floor. He took the robe 671 00:41:38,520 --> 00:41:42,480 Speaker 2: off his back and draped it over her shoulders. He 672 00:41:42,560 --> 00:41:45,960 Speaker 2: met the woman's eyes and then gestured to the empty. 673 00:41:45,680 --> 00:41:50,520 Speaker 7: Courtyard tell me, He said, who is left to shame you? 674 00:41:51,520 --> 00:41:55,560 Speaker 2: The woman looked around her tears fell into the dirt 675 00:41:55,640 --> 00:42:00,520 Speaker 2: before Jesus. She shook her head and answered, no one, 676 00:42:00,680 --> 00:42:04,600 Speaker 2: my Lord. Jesus propped up her chin so her eyes 677 00:42:04,719 --> 00:42:05,080 Speaker 2: met his. 678 00:42:05,800 --> 00:42:07,319 Speaker 7: Then, neither do I shame you. 679 00:42:07,680 --> 00:42:10,000 Speaker 2: He helped the woman to her feet and brush the 680 00:42:10,040 --> 00:42:11,320 Speaker 2: dirt off her clothes. 681 00:42:11,880 --> 00:42:16,400 Speaker 7: Leave now in freedom, Go and sin no more so. 682 00:42:16,520 --> 00:42:22,680 Speaker 2: The woman departed, feeling the full weight of grace. Jesus 683 00:42:22,719 --> 00:42:26,200 Speaker 2: outstretched his arms to the people and proclaimed. 684 00:42:26,480 --> 00:42:30,400 Speaker 7: I am the good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays his 685 00:42:30,560 --> 00:42:32,240 Speaker 7: life down for the sheep. 686 00:42:32,560 --> 00:42:34,239 Speaker 2: He then pointed to the pharisees. 687 00:42:34,719 --> 00:42:37,920 Speaker 7: The hired hands sees the wolf coming and leaves the 688 00:42:37,960 --> 00:42:41,640 Speaker 7: sheep to save himself. He cares nothing for the sheep. 689 00:42:41,920 --> 00:42:44,520 Speaker 2: Jesus paced the ground outside the temple. 690 00:42:44,880 --> 00:42:47,479 Speaker 7: I am the good Shepherd, and I will lay down 691 00:42:47,600 --> 00:42:51,279 Speaker 7: my life for the sheep. They will hear me and 692 00:42:51,440 --> 00:42:55,560 Speaker 7: listen to my voice. Know this, whatever may come in 693 00:42:55,600 --> 00:42:59,399 Speaker 7: the future, nobody takes my life from me. I lay 694 00:42:59,400 --> 00:43:02,799 Speaker 7: it down will for the sake of those God has 695 00:43:02,880 --> 00:43:05,520 Speaker 7: given to me. I have the authority to lay down 696 00:43:05,560 --> 00:43:09,440 Speaker 7: my life. I have the authority to raise it up again. 697 00:43:09,920 --> 00:43:12,720 Speaker 2: As he said these things, there was another division among 698 00:43:12,760 --> 00:43:15,960 Speaker 2: the Jews. Many of them said, he has a demon, 699 00:43:16,360 --> 00:43:21,480 Speaker 2: He's insane, Why listen to him. Others said, these are 700 00:43:21,480 --> 00:43:23,840 Speaker 2: not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. 701 00:43:24,360 --> 00:43:27,920 Speaker 2: Can a demon open the eyes of the blind? Jesus 702 00:43:28,000 --> 00:43:31,719 Speaker 2: left from there, healing the blind and rebuking the Pharisees 703 00:43:31,760 --> 00:43:35,840 Speaker 2: for their lack of compassion over the lost, all the 704 00:43:35,880 --> 00:43:39,960 Speaker 2: while their hatred for him grew. The name of Jesus 705 00:43:40,160 --> 00:43:44,080 Speaker 2: became a point of debate between people in Jerusalem. While 706 00:43:44,080 --> 00:43:48,360 Speaker 2: people from Galilee rejoiced in his miracles, the religious elite 707 00:43:48,360 --> 00:43:54,160 Speaker 2: of Jerusalem analyzed and debated them. All the while Jesus 708 00:43:54,160 --> 00:43:57,440 Speaker 2: set his heart towards the final act of his ministry. 709 00:43:58,360 --> 00:44:00,759 Speaker 2: He was beginning to set his gaze on the hill 710 00:44:00,880 --> 00:44:06,160 Speaker 2: outside the city, the place of the skull covarry. 711 00:44:08,719 --> 00:44:11,480 Speaker 3: God's heart is always for those who cannot help themselves. 712 00:44:12,040 --> 00:44:14,960 Speaker 3: God's heart is for the vulnerable, the weak, and the helpless, 713 00:44:15,400 --> 00:44:18,000 Speaker 3: So he sends his heroes to respond to the needs 714 00:44:18,040 --> 00:44:21,200 Speaker 3: of those who cannot help themselves. This is the heart 715 00:44:21,200 --> 00:44:24,480 Speaker 3: of God and the heart of his Messiah. During the 716 00:44:24,520 --> 00:44:27,879 Speaker 3: time of Jesus, there were a variety of different predictions 717 00:44:27,920 --> 00:44:30,439 Speaker 3: on who the Messiah would be. Very few of those 718 00:44:30,480 --> 00:44:33,719 Speaker 3: predictions involved the carpenter who hung out with blind men, 719 00:44:33,880 --> 00:44:39,319 Speaker 3: tax collectors, and fishermen. Jesus flipped everybody's expectations upside down. 720 00:44:40,120 --> 00:44:44,200 Speaker 3: His constant attendance to the sick demon possessed an outcast 721 00:44:44,280 --> 00:44:47,440 Speaker 3: gives us a good idea of how God defines heroism. 722 00:44:47,680 --> 00:44:51,319 Speaker 3: When Samaid defended the little feel from the Philistines, he 723 00:44:51,400 --> 00:44:55,200 Speaker 3: displayed true heroism. He fought for the helpless and defended 724 00:44:55,239 --> 00:44:59,440 Speaker 3: the dignity of something small. Jesus was constantly paying attention 725 00:44:59,520 --> 00:45:04,200 Speaker 3: to the feels those seemingly small and insignificant people who 726 00:45:04,239 --> 00:45:07,400 Speaker 3: needed help. Shama use the sword, but Jesus had a 727 00:45:07,400 --> 00:45:10,960 Speaker 3: different weapon at his disposal, the spirit of God. His 728 00:45:11,080 --> 00:45:14,640 Speaker 3: disciples found themselves incapable of casting out a demon from 729 00:45:14,680 --> 00:45:18,480 Speaker 3: a small boy. The boy's father was angry, confused, and 730 00:45:18,520 --> 00:45:22,440 Speaker 3: beside himself with grief. Wouldn't you be the Demon's grip 731 00:45:22,520 --> 00:45:24,960 Speaker 3: on this boy caused him to harm himself and the 732 00:45:25,000 --> 00:45:28,160 Speaker 3: people around him. If you are a parent listening to this, 733 00:45:28,680 --> 00:45:31,680 Speaker 3: you can only imagine the anguish this father was feeling. 734 00:45:32,520 --> 00:45:35,440 Speaker 3: Jesus knew what the Father was thinking, but he also 735 00:45:35,560 --> 00:45:39,240 Speaker 3: knew what the Pharisees and scribes were thinking. They snickered 736 00:45:39,280 --> 00:45:42,279 Speaker 3: at the disciples inability to heal the boy, and that 737 00:45:42,440 --> 00:45:47,160 Speaker 3: made Jesus enraged. They were so self righteous that they 738 00:45:47,200 --> 00:45:51,200 Speaker 3: had closed their hearts off to compassion. The contrast between 739 00:45:51,280 --> 00:45:54,719 Speaker 3: Jesus and the Pharisees only becomes more parent as this 740 00:45:54,800 --> 00:45:58,800 Speaker 3: series continues. They would rather this boy continue to suffer 741 00:45:58,840 --> 00:46:02,440 Speaker 3: than give Jesus a victy. When we have prioritized our 742 00:46:02,480 --> 00:46:06,120 Speaker 3: own idea of morality over compassion and charity, we have 743 00:46:06,160 --> 00:46:09,960 Speaker 3: taken a dark turn. Jesus confronted the demon and held 744 00:46:09,960 --> 00:46:12,440 Speaker 3: the boy tightly so that he couldn't harm himself or 745 00:46:12,480 --> 00:46:15,840 Speaker 3: anyone else. He embraced the boy with love and rebuke 746 00:46:15,920 --> 00:46:19,120 Speaker 3: the tormenting spirit within him. If you have a chance 747 00:46:19,200 --> 00:46:21,719 Speaker 3: to go back and listen to this scene again, I 748 00:46:21,840 --> 00:46:25,640 Speaker 3: suggest you do. Imagine all the darkness that plagues your mind. 749 00:46:26,040 --> 00:46:30,720 Speaker 3: Then imagine Jesus's strong arms wrapping around you. You thrash, 750 00:46:31,040 --> 00:46:34,319 Speaker 3: you tug away, but he doesn't let go. Instead, he 751 00:46:34,360 --> 00:46:37,040 Speaker 3: speaks truth to your soul and rebukes the lies you 752 00:46:37,120 --> 00:46:37,680 Speaker 3: have believed. 753 00:46:38,400 --> 00:46:38,920 Speaker 2: Powerful. 754 00:46:39,400 --> 00:46:42,279 Speaker 3: I also love the Father's prayer in this episode. Did 755 00:46:42,280 --> 00:46:45,000 Speaker 3: you notice it? At first? It doesn't seem like a prayer, 756 00:46:45,200 --> 00:46:48,040 Speaker 3: but it is. It is a prayer. You and I 757 00:46:48,080 --> 00:46:51,280 Speaker 3: can both pray every time we doubt. Lord, I believe, 758 00:46:51,840 --> 00:46:55,080 Speaker 3: but help my unbelief. What an honest and simple prayer. 759 00:46:55,760 --> 00:46:58,359 Speaker 3: It is a prayer I can relate to. I want 760 00:46:58,400 --> 00:47:01,800 Speaker 3: to believe Jesus can do anything, but sometimes I can't 761 00:47:01,840 --> 00:47:05,239 Speaker 3: get myself to a place of full surrendering trust. Pray 762 00:47:05,320 --> 00:47:09,000 Speaker 3: to God, declare your belief in him, but also ask 763 00:47:09,080 --> 00:47:12,040 Speaker 3: him to help you where your faith may fail. After 764 00:47:12,120 --> 00:47:14,640 Speaker 3: Jesus helped the boy, he had a moment alone with 765 00:47:14,680 --> 00:47:17,240 Speaker 3: his disciples to prepare their heart for the troubles ahead. 766 00:47:17,840 --> 00:47:20,040 Speaker 3: The son of Man will be delivered into the hands 767 00:47:20,040 --> 00:47:22,799 Speaker 3: of men, Jesus said. They will kill him, and he 768 00:47:22,840 --> 00:47:25,800 Speaker 3: will be raised again on the third day. Our hero 769 00:47:26,160 --> 00:47:29,200 Speaker 3: will eventually be taken by soldiers and nail to a cross. 770 00:47:29,680 --> 00:47:32,760 Speaker 3: He will bleed and hang like a criminal. He wanted 771 00:47:32,800 --> 00:47:35,600 Speaker 3: to prepare his disciples so that they might have hope, 772 00:47:35,880 --> 00:47:38,799 Speaker 3: but they never seemed to get it. I wonder why 773 00:47:38,840 --> 00:47:42,400 Speaker 3: that was. Why did the cross still seem like a surprise. 774 00:47:43,960 --> 00:47:46,000 Speaker 3: Jesus spent a lot of time warning them of his 775 00:47:46,080 --> 00:47:49,759 Speaker 3: death and resurrection. I think God is often speaking to us, 776 00:47:50,200 --> 00:47:54,920 Speaker 3: giving us reminders and guidance for the future. However, some 777 00:47:55,000 --> 00:47:57,319 Speaker 3: things go in one ear and out the other. It 778 00:47:57,400 --> 00:48:01,200 Speaker 3: is only when we truly experience those things ourselves that 779 00:48:01,239 --> 00:48:05,480 Speaker 3: we possess what God has been telling us all along. Nevertheless, 780 00:48:05,560 --> 00:48:08,440 Speaker 3: Jesus was patient with his disciples. He loved them like 781 00:48:08,480 --> 00:48:11,560 Speaker 3: a shepherd loves his sheep. Jesus loved Peter as well, 782 00:48:12,120 --> 00:48:14,879 Speaker 3: providing for him in the small ways and the big 783 00:48:15,719 --> 00:48:19,399 Speaker 3: They're probably a thousand profound points we could extrapolate from 784 00:48:19,400 --> 00:48:22,040 Speaker 3: the fish and the coin, but I would rather remind 785 00:48:22,120 --> 00:48:26,240 Speaker 3: us of a simple point. God cares about the small things, 786 00:48:26,760 --> 00:48:29,880 Speaker 3: like paying your bills or getting your car fixed. He 787 00:48:30,080 --> 00:48:34,960 Speaker 3: notices your minor insecurities and hidden embarrassments. All these things 788 00:48:35,000 --> 00:48:37,520 Speaker 3: are seen by Jesus, and he wants to attend to 789 00:48:37,560 --> 00:48:41,920 Speaker 3: your needs. If you feel like the small accumulated issues 790 00:48:41,960 --> 00:48:44,680 Speaker 3: in your life don't matter to God, let me remind 791 00:48:44,719 --> 00:48:48,480 Speaker 3: you that they do. Speaking of Jesus's heart for small things, 792 00:48:48,920 --> 00:48:51,560 Speaker 3: this episode gave us a glimpse in of Jesus's heart 793 00:48:51,560 --> 00:48:54,840 Speaker 3: for children. Would ask about what it takes to be 794 00:48:54,880 --> 00:48:59,040 Speaker 3: great in God's kingdom. Jesus answered, with you see these children, 795 00:48:59,280 --> 00:49:02,160 Speaker 3: they are humble, and approach me with joy. That faith 796 00:49:02,239 --> 00:49:05,359 Speaker 3: is pure and undefiled. Whoever is like one of these 797 00:49:05,440 --> 00:49:08,719 Speaker 3: children is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven. God wants 798 00:49:08,800 --> 00:49:11,920 Speaker 3: us to approach him with childlike faith. The faith a 799 00:49:12,000 --> 00:49:15,120 Speaker 3: child has when they jump into their parents' arms or 800 00:49:15,239 --> 00:49:17,480 Speaker 3: run to them when they are afraid is the same 801 00:49:17,560 --> 00:49:20,719 Speaker 3: faith we are called to. Is the same faith we're 802 00:49:20,800 --> 00:49:24,520 Speaker 3: called to. Children have no problem expressing their needs or 803 00:49:24,560 --> 00:49:29,040 Speaker 3: acknowledging their emotions. They also hopefully trust their parents and 804 00:49:29,120 --> 00:49:32,000 Speaker 3: lean on their understanding of the world. This is how 805 00:49:32,040 --> 00:49:36,160 Speaker 3: God desires us to approach him honestly, with pure hearts 806 00:49:36,200 --> 00:49:40,240 Speaker 3: and humble spirits. This episode was not all good feelings 807 00:49:40,239 --> 00:49:43,240 Speaker 3: and pleasant sayings, though, As the children ran off to play, 808 00:49:43,719 --> 00:49:46,960 Speaker 3: Jesus gives the crowd a stern mourning. It was perhaps 809 00:49:47,040 --> 00:49:50,920 Speaker 3: one of the harshest things Jesus ever said. Whoever accepts 810 00:49:51,440 --> 00:49:55,840 Speaker 3: and loves a child in my name also receives me. However, 811 00:49:55,880 --> 00:49:59,320 Speaker 3: whoever causes one of these little ones harm or causes 812 00:49:59,360 --> 00:50:01,680 Speaker 3: them to sin, it would be better for him to 813 00:50:01,719 --> 00:50:05,120 Speaker 3: have a stone fastened around his neck and thrown into 814 00:50:05,120 --> 00:50:08,640 Speaker 3: the bottom of the sea. You heard that correctly. Jesus 815 00:50:08,680 --> 00:50:10,840 Speaker 3: said it would be better to drown in the bottom 816 00:50:10,840 --> 00:50:13,840 Speaker 3: of the sea than to be caught abusing a child. 817 00:50:14,760 --> 00:50:17,120 Speaker 3: That's how harsh the punishment will be for those who 818 00:50:17,160 --> 00:50:22,800 Speaker 3: mistreat children. Jesus was ferociously passionate about preserving the joy 819 00:50:22,840 --> 00:50:25,719 Speaker 3: and faith of the little ones. Children are not just 820 00:50:25,800 --> 00:50:28,800 Speaker 3: our future, they are our present. They are a present 821 00:50:28,840 --> 00:50:34,200 Speaker 3: reminder of joy, faith, and honesty. Preserving the innocence of 822 00:50:34,320 --> 00:50:37,480 Speaker 3: children preserves our own innocence in a way. May we 823 00:50:37,560 --> 00:50:41,320 Speaker 3: never neglect them or sit idly by while others harmed them. 824 00:50:41,800 --> 00:50:45,239 Speaker 3: The episode ended with a famous scene. A woman was 825 00:50:45,320 --> 00:50:47,560 Speaker 3: dragged out in shame. She was caught in the act 826 00:50:47,560 --> 00:50:51,360 Speaker 3: of adultery and brought before Jesus for judgment. The religious 827 00:50:51,440 --> 00:50:54,360 Speaker 3: leaders wanted to test Jesus. If he showed a mercy, 828 00:50:54,800 --> 00:50:57,680 Speaker 3: they would say he didn't take the law seriously. If 829 00:50:57,680 --> 00:51:00,279 Speaker 3: he showed a judgment, they would say he was a hipotet. 830 00:51:00,920 --> 00:51:04,640 Speaker 3: So what does Jesus do? He writes in the sand. 831 00:51:04,920 --> 00:51:07,920 Speaker 3: Many have speculated what this writing was. Some say he 832 00:51:08,000 --> 00:51:11,200 Speaker 3: was listing the sins of the Pharisees. I personally liked 833 00:51:11,239 --> 00:51:14,120 Speaker 3: that theory. Others say that he may have been writing 834 00:51:14,239 --> 00:51:18,120 Speaker 3: Jeremiah thirteen when it says, Oh, Lord, the Hope of Israel, 835 00:51:18,320 --> 00:51:21,120 Speaker 3: all who forsake you shall be put to shame. Those 836 00:51:21,160 --> 00:51:23,840 Speaker 3: who turn away from you shall be written in the earth, 837 00:51:24,080 --> 00:51:26,839 Speaker 3: for they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living water. 838 00:51:27,280 --> 00:51:30,799 Speaker 3: Either way, it struck a chord with the mob. One 839 00:51:30,840 --> 00:51:34,319 Speaker 3: by one they started to leave. All that remained were 840 00:51:34,440 --> 00:51:37,920 Speaker 3: Jesus and this woman. I want us all to pause 841 00:51:37,960 --> 00:51:40,560 Speaker 3: for a moment and consider this woman. She had been 842 00:51:40,600 --> 00:51:43,680 Speaker 3: forcibly taken from her room, having been caught in the 843 00:51:43,719 --> 00:51:47,360 Speaker 3: act of adultery. She was probably poorly clothed, without a 844 00:51:47,400 --> 00:51:50,520 Speaker 3: head covering, and a shame. On top of that, the 845 00:51:50,560 --> 00:51:53,240 Speaker 3: man who was also committing adultery was nowhere to be found. 846 00:51:53,719 --> 00:51:56,480 Speaker 3: She was brought out as a spectacle and nothing else. 847 00:51:57,040 --> 00:51:59,920 Speaker 3: Nobody cared about her story, her past, or her shame. 848 00:52:00,520 --> 00:52:03,360 Speaker 3: They wanted to judge her to feel better about themselves, 849 00:52:03,719 --> 00:52:06,719 Speaker 3: no matter what it cost her. The law allowed for 850 00:52:06,760 --> 00:52:10,080 Speaker 3: public stoning, so you can imagine a fear when Jesus 851 00:52:10,120 --> 00:52:13,080 Speaker 3: picked up a stone. However, all he said was, if 852 00:52:13,120 --> 00:52:16,480 Speaker 3: anyone among you is without sin, let him throw the 853 00:52:16,520 --> 00:52:19,720 Speaker 3: first stone. People left, and she stood face to face 854 00:52:19,760 --> 00:52:23,560 Speaker 3: with Love incarnate. What do you think she felt? What 855 00:52:23,800 --> 00:52:27,440 Speaker 3: world wind of emotions were circling in her head? She 856 00:52:27,520 --> 00:52:31,000 Speaker 3: got a taste of pure and undefiled mercy. That day 857 00:52:31,680 --> 00:52:34,839 Speaker 3: Jesus charged her to go and sin no more. And 858 00:52:34,920 --> 00:52:37,920 Speaker 3: that is the charge for you and me today. We 859 00:52:38,000 --> 00:52:41,160 Speaker 3: have been given an abundance of mercy. The punishment we 860 00:52:41,280 --> 00:52:45,400 Speaker 3: deserve was removed from us. Jesus has shown compassion, kindness, 861 00:52:45,440 --> 00:52:48,600 Speaker 3: and grace. What should we do with it? Paul says 862 00:52:48,600 --> 00:52:51,640 Speaker 3: in Romans II. What shall we say? Then? Are we 863 00:52:51,719 --> 00:52:55,000 Speaker 3: to continue and sin? That grace may abound by no means? 864 00:52:55,440 --> 00:52:57,560 Speaker 3: How can we who died the sin still live in it? 865 00:52:58,280 --> 00:53:00,799 Speaker 3: Do you not know that all of us been baptized 866 00:53:00,800 --> 00:53:03,880 Speaker 3: into Christ. Jesus were baptized into his death. We were 867 00:53:03,960 --> 00:53:06,719 Speaker 3: buried therefore with him by baptism and to death, in 868 00:53:06,880 --> 00:53:09,439 Speaker 3: order that, just as Jesus was raised from the dead 869 00:53:09,480 --> 00:53:12,160 Speaker 3: by the glory of the Father, we too might walk 870 00:53:12,200 --> 00:53:15,360 Speaker 3: in the newness of life. Christ died the death we 871 00:53:15,440 --> 00:53:18,360 Speaker 3: deserved so that we might live the life he lived. 872 00:53:19,080 --> 00:53:22,040 Speaker 3: Mercy gives us the freedom to go and sin no more. 873 00:53:22,560 --> 00:53:27,040 Speaker 3: He hung like us so we can walk like him. Hallelujah. 874 00:53:27,200 --> 00:53:30,160 Speaker 3: Jesus truly is the good shepherd. He laid down his 875 00:53:30,280 --> 00:53:33,799 Speaker 3: life for us, We, as his sheep, can live in 876 00:53:33,920 --> 00:53:37,520 Speaker 3: freedom from fear and shame. My parting prayer for you 877 00:53:37,760 --> 00:53:40,319 Speaker 3: is that you would listen to his voice and be 878 00:53:40,400 --> 00:53:44,160 Speaker 3: empowered to go and sin no more. In our next episode, 879 00:53:44,200 --> 00:53:48,000 Speaker 3: we will witness the miracle that sealed Jesus's fate. So far, 880 00:53:48,400 --> 00:53:51,440 Speaker 3: the religious leaders have been able to tolerate his healings 881 00:53:51,480 --> 00:53:55,359 Speaker 3: on the Sabbath and signs in small towns, but this 882 00:53:55,480 --> 00:53:58,600 Speaker 3: next miracle was too big to ignore. Join us next 883 00:53:58,640 --> 00:54:04,080 Speaker 3: time for episode thirteen, Lazarus Come Out. Thank you for listening. 884 00:54:04,440 --> 00:54:07,600 Speaker 3: For more inspiring stories, daily prayers, and wisdom to last 885 00:54:07,600 --> 00:54:10,840 Speaker 3: a lifetime, go to pray dot com and to expand 886 00:54:10,880 --> 00:54:14,239 Speaker 3: your heroes in the Bible Journey, download the Heroes of 887 00:54:14,280 --> 00:54:18,960 Speaker 3: the Faith devotional at Tonyevans dot org. Forward slash Heroes. 888 00:54:19,480 --> 00:54:22,319 Speaker 3: Share this podcast with a family member or friend so 889 00:54:22,360 --> 00:54:25,000 Speaker 3: that they can know Jesus in a personal way. You 890 00:54:25,160 --> 00:54:27,680 Speaker 3: never know how great of an impact the Bible and 891 00:54:27,719 --> 00:54:31,440 Speaker 3: this podcast can have on someone's life. God bless