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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Speaker 3: Jesus.

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

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Speaker 2: the latest episode so you can continue strengthening your relationship

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Speaker 2: with Jesus. Welcome to the greatest story ever told. It

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

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

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Speaker 2: over death and darkness. This is a story that continues

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Speaker 2: to shape and mold the world around us, bringing the

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Speaker 2: divine heart of God right into the hearts of you

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Speaker 2: and me. This episode begins the long week leading up

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Speaker 2: to god Gotha. The Gospels focus heavily on this week,

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Speaker 2: and so will we for our next few episodes. The

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Speaker 2: last week of Jesus's life before his death on the

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Speaker 2: cross is filled with moments of betrayal, violence, love, and triumph.

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Speaker 2: We will cross the entire spectrum of emotions on the

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Speaker 2: way to Calvary. This episode is the beginning of the end.

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Speaker 2: Jesus will set his gaze on Jerusalem and enter like

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Speaker 2: a king. However, he is not the king anyone expects.

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Speaker 2: You and I know enough about Jesus by now to

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Speaker 2: understand he is constantly flipping our expectations on their heads.

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Speaker 2: Even though Jesus is living his final days before the crucifixion,

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Speaker 2: he still finds time to minister to the sick, needy,

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Speaker 2: and downtrodden. He also finds time to challenge the Pharisees.

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Speaker 2: You think Jesus would want to lay low after learning

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Speaker 2: there is a bounty on his head, but it doesn't

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Speaker 2: seem to slow him down one bit. Jesus doesn't hold

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Speaker 2: the beginning of the.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Speaker 4: It has gone too far.

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

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Speaker 3: its way into the room.

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

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Speaker 3: Another said, if we let him.

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Speaker 4: Get the Romans will begin to see him as a

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Speaker 4: threat and punish us for it.

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Speaker 3: The men nodded in agreement.

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

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

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

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Speaker 4: decides to do something?

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

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

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Speaker 4: Giaphas, what say.

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Speaker 3: You, another said, gesturing to the shrouded figure at the

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Speaker 3: You know nothing at all, Caiaphas sneered.

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

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

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

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Speaker 5: rest of the nation can be spared.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Speaker 3: the people, and it all began with finding a helper

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Speaker 3: who was close to Jesus. As the torch slowly ran

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

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

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Speaker 3: put out in Jerusalem for Jesus to be arrested on sight. However,

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Speaker 3: Jesus had already departed for the wilderness in Ephrium. There

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Speaker 3: he would stay with his disciples, strengthening them for the

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Speaker 3: battle to come. It was not a battle of bronze

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

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Speaker 3: the spirit. The ultimate clash of good and evil was

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Speaker 3: about to stir up in the hearts of mankind. Chapter fourteen,

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Speaker 3: the beginning of the End, Flies buzzed around the muddied

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Speaker 3: streets of the Samarican village. Streams of waste and excrement

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Speaker 3: flowed through the town. Their homes were built with forsaken clay,

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Speaker 3: and Jesus saw the roof tops rotting away. It was

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Speaker 3: a blighted area that stunk of death and decay. The

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Speaker 3: disciples covered their noses as they walked through. For a

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Speaker 3: reason beyond them, Jesus had decided to pass through this village.

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Speaker 3: He visited each home, assessing the needs of the families

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Speaker 3: within them. Sometimes he would heal, other times he would

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Speaker 3: repair damaged pieces of their homes. Jesus and his disciples

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Speaker 3: connected with the lowest members of society. The words of

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Speaker 3: Christ resonated in Matthew's head as he carried mud and hay.

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Speaker 6: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the

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Speaker 6: Kingdom of heaven.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Speaker 3: against the stone wall, emerging from the home with ten lepers.

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

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

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

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

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

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Speaker 3: and the twelve stepped forward. Have mercy on Us, the

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

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Speaker 6: Go to Jerusalem and show yourself to the priest.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Speaker 3: full cheeks.

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Speaker 6: My Lord, thank you.

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

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Speaker 3: were whiped him.

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Speaker 7: Thank you, son of David.

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

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

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

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

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Speaker 3: to ask. He was too intent on thinking, Jesus.

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Speaker 6: It is your faith that made you well, my friend,

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Speaker 6: Go in peace.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Speaker 3: questions and inquiries about the Kingdom of God. They asked

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

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

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

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Speaker 3: does God answer every prayer? Jesus nodded and began a parable.

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Speaker 6: In a certain city, there was a judge who had

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Speaker 6: no regard for God or man. He was a grump

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Speaker 6: and a fiend. In that same city, there was a

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Speaker 6: poor widow who had been robbed by a man. In

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Speaker 6: that same city, there was a poor widow who had

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Speaker 6: been robbed by a man. The judge cared not for

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Speaker 6: the woman and disregarded her please, Yet she was persistent.

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Speaker 6: Day after day she came into his courtroom yelling, give

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Speaker 6: me justice. Although the judge refused her many times. Her

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Speaker 6: persistent requests annoyed the judge so much that he granted

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Speaker 6: her her plea. He threw his hands up in the

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Speaker 6: air and shouted, I fear no one, nor do I

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Speaker 6: respect anyone. Yet, because you will not cease your laboring,

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Speaker 6: I will grant you your wish.

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

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Speaker 6: Listen to me and pay attention. This is a faithful saying.

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Speaker 6: If even the wicked judge regards the persistent requests of

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Speaker 6: a faithful woman, will not God, who loves you, bend

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Speaker 6: down and hear you? Will he not give justice to

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Speaker 6: those he has chosen?

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Speaker 3: I tell you, he will give.

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Speaker 6: Justice to those who ask. Yet, when justice comes and

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Speaker 6: the son a man enters, whether it be anyone with

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Speaker 6: faith to receive?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Speaker 6: Two men went up into the temple to pray, one

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Speaker 6: a pharisee and the other a tax collector.

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Speaker 3: Jesus raised his left hand to the pharisee and the

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Speaker 3: right to Matthew.

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Speaker 6: The pharisee held his head up high, with his nose

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Speaker 6: to heaven. He strutted along with assurance of his standing

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Speaker 6: before God. As he sauntered into the temple.

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Speaker 3: He did not kneel, No, he did not bow.

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Speaker 6: He simply stood with his arms stretched out to God, saying, Lord,

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Speaker 6: I thank you that I am not like other men, thieves, adulterous,

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Speaker 6: even this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I

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Speaker 6: tithe everything I earn. Oh, how lucky are you Lord,

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Speaker 6: that you have me?

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

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Speaker 3: a small chuckle in the crowd, yet the pharisee was

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

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Speaker 6: Yet the tax collected, he did not even raise his

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Speaker 6: eyes to Heaven.

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Speaker 3: He couldn't. He was too ashamed.

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Speaker 6: He curled into himself, keeping low to the ground. He

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Speaker 6: beat on his chest, holding back tears as he bowed

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Speaker 6: before a righteous God and prayed, Lord, have mercy on me.

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Speaker 6: I am a sinner.

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

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Speaker 6: I tell you this man went back from the temple justified.

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Speaker 6: He who exalts himself will be humbled by the righteousness

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Speaker 6: of God, and he who humbles himself will be exalted

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Speaker 6: by the righteousness of God.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Speaker 7: Good teacher, he said, politely, what must I do to

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Speaker 7: inherit eternal life?

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Speaker 3: Jesus tilted his head at the question. Why do you

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Speaker 3: call me good? He asked, there is only one that good,

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Speaker 3: and that is God. The young ruler shrugged at the question.

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Speaker 3: He did not have an answer. If he was being honest,

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Speaker 3: he truly did not fully know who he was speaking to.

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Speaker 3: Many people debated who Jesus was, yet it remained a

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Speaker 3: mystery to him. Jesus opened his hands and said.

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Speaker 6: I am sure you know the commandments. Do not commit adultery,

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Speaker 6: do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness.

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Speaker 6: Honor your father and your mother.

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Speaker 3: The young ruler nodded, please to hear Jesus mention the commandments.

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Speaker 3: Eagerly he responded, saying.

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Speaker 7: Byss all these I have kept from my youth. I

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Speaker 7: strive every day to uphold the law of God and

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Speaker 7: show myself approved.

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

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

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

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Speaker 3: transformed heart. Jesus sighed and not.

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Speaker 6: Yes, I suppose you have. Yet there is still one

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Speaker 6: thing you lack. Sell your possessions, sell your estate and

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Speaker 6: your jewels.

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Speaker 3: All that you have, sell and.

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Speaker 6: Distribute the money to the poor. Then come follow me,

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Speaker 6: give your whole heart to the Kingdom of God.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Speaker 6: How hard is it to have wealth and still enter

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Speaker 6: the Kingdom of God? It would be easier for a

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Speaker 6: camel to pass through the eye of a needle.

301
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Speaker 3: The people chuckled. He then took the twelve with him

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Speaker 3: his face as he looked below.

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Speaker 6: We will be returning to Jerusalem.

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

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

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Speaker 6: Everything that has been prophesied about the Son of Man

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Speaker 6: will soon be accomplished. He will be delivered into the

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Speaker 6: hands of gentiles. Mocked, beaten, and spit upon.

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

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

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Speaker 3: After torturing him, they will kill him, Jesus said, clearing

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Speaker 3: his throat.

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Speaker 6: Yet there is a reason to rejoice, my brothers, for

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Speaker 6: he will rise again on the third day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

336
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Speaker 3: on a dark canvas. They were at peace, like a

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Speaker 3: calm before the storm. He is leading us to Jerusalem,

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Speaker 3: James said, I think he's going to take the throne.

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Speaker 2: People are already rushing to Jerusalem to meet him there.

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Speaker 3: It's a revolution, John explained. Jesus and many of his

341
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Speaker 3: followers were waiting through the marketplace in Jericho, storing up

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Speaker 3: provisions for the road to Jerusalem. James and John walked

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Speaker 3: in the crowd with their mother, who was regularly in

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Speaker 3: attendance when Jesus taught and performed his miracles. She listened

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Speaker 3: as her two sons shared their experiences with Jesus and

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Speaker 3: their hopes for the future.

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Speaker 8: Well, when he does take the throne, what will your rolls.

348
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Speaker 6: Be, she asked.

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Speaker 3: The two of them shrugged. Jesus had not shared his

350
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Speaker 3: plans to become king of Israel, but they knew it

351
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Speaker 3: was bound to have it.

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Speaker 8: Well, I am sure Jesus knows that my boys are

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Speaker 8: well prepared for any responsibility he gives.

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

355
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Speaker 3: followed Jesus through the market place for a while. Jesus

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

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

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

359
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Speaker 8: My Lord and King, she.

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Speaker 3: Greeted in a regal tone. Jesus raised an eyebrow at her,

361
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Speaker 3: then looked at James and John. The two of them

362
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Speaker 3: were embarrassed and had already regretted speaking to their mother. However,

363
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Speaker 3: perhaps she could persuade Jesus. It was worth a try.

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Speaker 3: How can I help, Jesus asked. The mother stood to

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Speaker 3: her feet and flattened her garment.

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Speaker 8: Well, my Lord, we know that your kingdom is only

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Speaker 8: a few weeks away. We are traveling to Jerusalem. After all,

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Speaker 8: when you take your throne, you will need help. Might

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Speaker 8: I suggest my two boys? James is faithful, wise and

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Speaker 8: always up for a challenge. John is passionate, young, and

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Speaker 8: filled with the fire of heaven. Will you consider my

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Speaker 8: boys to sit at your right hand and your left.

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

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

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

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Speaker 3: was vexed by the question. He did not address the mother,

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Speaker 3: but looked directly at James and John. Is this what

378
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Speaker 3: you want? He asked. The two boys looked at one

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Speaker 3: another and nodded. Jesus shook his head.

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Speaker 6: You have no idea what you're asking, do you? Are

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Speaker 6: you able to drink the cup that I am about

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Speaker 6: to drink in Jerusalem?

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

384
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Speaker 3: James and John nodded, yes, Lord, we are. We would

385
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Speaker 3: not be following you if we were not sure. Jesus

386
00:24:10,280 --> 00:24:13,359
Speaker 3: nodded in agreement. He looked into their eyes for a

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Speaker 3: long moment. They were unable to see their future. What

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Speaker 3: Jesus was he alone was able to peer into the

389
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Speaker 3: future of James and John, the Kingdom of God would

390
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Speaker 3: look wildly different than they thought. For James, it would

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Speaker 3: mean an axe driving through his spine and severing his head.

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Speaker 3: He would be the first disciple to be martyred. For John,

393
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Speaker 3: it meant enduring the loss of every other disciple and

394
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Speaker 3: watching them be killed. He would be the last disciple

395
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Speaker 3: to die. He would be dumped in a vat of

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Speaker 3: boiling oil and then exiled to an island alone. The

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Speaker 3: cup Jesus would drink in Jerusalem was a cup of suffering.

398
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Speaker 3: He would endure it, and although they were filled with pride,

399
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Speaker 3: he knew James and John would endure it as well.

400
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Speaker 6: Very well, Jesus said, you will drink my cup. However,

401
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Speaker 6: sitting at my right hand and my left is not

402
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Speaker 6: my decision to make. That has been prepared beforehand by

403
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Speaker 6: my father.

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

405
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Speaker 3: market place. James and John silently cheered amongst themselves. Their

406
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Speaker 3: mother kissed their cheeks and went back to the crowd

407
00:25:29,880 --> 00:25:33,399
Speaker 3: behind them. When the other ten heard about James and John,

408
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Speaker 3: they were indignant. They bickered and quarreled with one another

409
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Speaker 3: about who was greatest among them. They chided one another

410
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Speaker 3: and measured their qualifications. Jesus walked in front of them,

411
00:25:47,359 --> 00:25:51,639
Speaker 3: enduring their prideful debate for a long while. They sounded

412
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Speaker 3: like pharisees, tallying up their good deeds, as if God

413
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Speaker 3: kept score. Jesus turned back to them, So, want to

414
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Speaker 3: talk about ruling a kingdom?

415
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Speaker 6: Yes, he said.

416
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Speaker 3: The disciples recoiled like children caught breaking the rules.

417
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Speaker 6: The rulers of the gentiles are all about status and authority.

418
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Speaker 6: The greatest kings and emperors rise above the rest of

419
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Speaker 6: the people, only to press down on them and lord

420
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Speaker 6: their power over them.

421
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Speaker 3: Jesus explained. He held out a finger to them, saying.

422
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Speaker 6: It shall not be this way among you, not while

423
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Speaker 6: I am here, and not when i'd part. Know for

424
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Speaker 6: yourself how God measures greatness. Whoever desires to be great

425
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Speaker 6: in God's kingdom must be a servant of all. Whoever

426
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Speaker 6: desires to be first must put himself last. For even

427
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Speaker 6: the Son of Man did not come to be served,

428
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Speaker 6: He came to serve. He came to pour his life

429
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Speaker 6: out as a ransom for many.

430
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Speaker 3: A large crowd form. As Jesus and his disciples were

431
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Speaker 3: leaving Jericho, they were eager to witness his entry into Jerusalem.

432
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Speaker 3: They anxiously awaited his rise to power. They bumped shoulder

433
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Speaker 3: to shoulder, inching as close as they could to him.

434
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Speaker 3: Every single one of them had ambition. They saw Jesus

435
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Speaker 3: as their redemption from the oppressive rain of Caesar. The

436
00:27:15,680 --> 00:27:20,199
Speaker 3: gates outside of Jericho were massive and thick. Under the

437
00:27:20,240 --> 00:27:23,800
Speaker 3: shade of the gates, many beggars and venders sat in

438
00:27:23,880 --> 00:27:29,880
Speaker 3: anticipation of travelers. Passover was approaching, and many people were

439
00:27:29,920 --> 00:27:34,560
Speaker 3: exiting the gates to travel to the temple. A blind

440
00:27:34,760 --> 00:27:39,120
Speaker 3: beggar by the name of Bartimaeus sat leaning against the walls.

441
00:27:39,960 --> 00:27:43,040
Speaker 3: His coat was spread out for people to toss coins.

442
00:27:44,160 --> 00:27:47,359
Speaker 3: He leaned back and bumped his head against the hard stone.

443
00:27:48,200 --> 00:27:52,240
Speaker 3: It was another day of him begging in darkness, another

444
00:27:52,359 --> 00:27:56,960
Speaker 3: day in anguish over his blindness. He listened to the

445
00:27:57,000 --> 00:28:01,640
Speaker 3: sporadic tinkling of coins hitting his coat. He could hear

446
00:28:01,640 --> 00:28:05,240
Speaker 3: a stirring in the crowds beside the gate. It was

447
00:28:05,280 --> 00:28:08,080
Speaker 3: a larger crowd than he was used to hearing. Men,

448
00:28:08,280 --> 00:28:13,120
Speaker 3: women and children passed by like a stampede. Bartimaeus gestured

449
00:28:13,160 --> 00:28:15,240
Speaker 3: to a few of the men begging beside.

450
00:28:14,960 --> 00:28:17,600
Speaker 5: Him, what is the commotion?

451
00:28:17,960 --> 00:28:19,560
Speaker 3: He asked, what am I missing?

452
00:28:19,960 --> 00:28:21,359
Speaker 7: It is Jesus of Nazareth.

453
00:28:21,560 --> 00:28:23,120
Speaker 3: Another beggar said.

454
00:28:22,920 --> 00:28:24,120
Speaker 7: He's leaving Jericho.

455
00:28:24,840 --> 00:28:28,040
Speaker 3: Bartimaeus had heard of Jesus. He heard of his mighty

456
00:28:28,119 --> 00:28:31,840
Speaker 3: acts and words. He heard of him healing the sick

457
00:28:32,040 --> 00:28:36,440
Speaker 3: and making the lame memoir. Most importantly, he had heard

458
00:28:36,560 --> 00:28:41,400
Speaker 3: rumors that Jesus could restore sight to the blind. He

459
00:28:41,440 --> 00:28:44,440
Speaker 3: immediately stood to his feet, resting his hand against the

460
00:28:44,480 --> 00:28:48,120
Speaker 3: stone wall for balance. He could not see anything, but

461
00:28:48,200 --> 00:28:51,800
Speaker 3: he had to get to Jesus. He could hear the

462
00:28:51,840 --> 00:28:56,040
Speaker 3: crowds passing through the road like a rushing river. Bartimaeus

463
00:28:56,120 --> 00:28:59,440
Speaker 3: knew that every second he wasted, his chances of reaching

464
00:28:59,520 --> 00:29:05,360
Speaker 3: Jesus slimmed. Bartimaeus lived in complete darkness. He had no

465
00:29:05,480 --> 00:29:09,600
Speaker 3: clue what awaited him in that crowd. His heart raised

466
00:29:09,920 --> 00:29:15,040
Speaker 3: and his knees trembled. His entire body urged him not

467
00:29:15,160 --> 00:29:19,240
Speaker 3: to run forward, Yet his heart cried out for the

468
00:29:19,320 --> 00:29:23,280
Speaker 3: living God to heal him. The blind man dove into

469
00:29:23,280 --> 00:29:26,280
Speaker 3: the crowd. He knocked baskets out of people's arms, and

470
00:29:26,360 --> 00:29:27,760
Speaker 3: stumbled several times.

471
00:29:28,040 --> 00:29:32,320
Speaker 9: Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.

472
00:29:32,640 --> 00:29:35,960
Speaker 3: He shouted. He continued to run, only to trip on

473
00:29:36,000 --> 00:29:39,120
Speaker 3: a foot of the crowd. He fell on his face,

474
00:29:39,640 --> 00:29:44,120
Speaker 3: splitting his chin wide open. Blood mixed with the dirt

475
00:29:44,160 --> 00:29:48,600
Speaker 3: on his face. However, Bardimaeus ignored the pain.

476
00:29:49,200 --> 00:29:54,080
Speaker 9: Jesus, he shouted again, Lord, son of David, have mercy

477
00:29:54,120 --> 00:29:54,440
Speaker 9: on me.

478
00:29:55,000 --> 00:29:59,080
Speaker 3: He shouted into complete darkness, Not even sure if Jesus

479
00:29:59,200 --> 00:30:04,720
Speaker 3: was able to hear, Artimaeus was determined. He burst through

480
00:30:04,720 --> 00:30:08,320
Speaker 3: the crowd, flailing his arms and stumbling into people. As

481
00:30:08,320 --> 00:30:11,240
Speaker 3: he drew closer to Jesus. Many of the men seized him.

482
00:30:11,720 --> 00:30:13,560
Speaker 6: Leave the teacher alone.

483
00:30:13,560 --> 00:30:18,160
Speaker 3: They said, Holding his arms, Bartimaeus threw them off of him.

484
00:30:18,880 --> 00:30:22,840
Speaker 9: Jesus said, up dated, have mercy on me, he roared again.

485
00:30:23,440 --> 00:30:26,440
Speaker 3: His desperate cries for Jesus were almost those of a

486
00:30:26,480 --> 00:30:31,200
Speaker 3: screaming infant longing to be held. He had been so

487
00:30:31,400 --> 00:30:35,440
Speaker 3: vulnerable for so long. If there was any hope to

488
00:30:35,480 --> 00:30:41,160
Speaker 3: see again, he knew ENLiGHT in Jesus. Jesus looked back

489
00:30:41,200 --> 00:30:44,360
Speaker 3: to see the blind man fighting off a group of mens.

490
00:30:44,640 --> 00:30:45,680
Speaker 9: Get away from me.

491
00:30:46,120 --> 00:30:50,240
Speaker 3: He shouted, swinging his fists. Blood dripped down his mangled

492
00:30:50,320 --> 00:30:52,400
Speaker 3: chin and his knees were still quivering.

493
00:30:52,880 --> 00:30:53,920
Speaker 9: I must get to him.

494
00:30:54,160 --> 00:30:55,120
Speaker 5: You can't stop me.

495
00:30:55,360 --> 00:30:57,960
Speaker 3: Jesus looked at him and gestured to his disciples.

496
00:30:58,280 --> 00:31:00,520
Speaker 6: Why are they holding that man back from me? Bring

497
00:31:00,600 --> 00:31:00,960
Speaker 6: him here.

498
00:31:01,640 --> 00:31:05,040
Speaker 3: So the disciples demanded the people release Bartimaeus and bring

499
00:31:05,120 --> 00:31:09,640
Speaker 3: him forward. Escordered to the feet of Jesus, Bartimaeus beamed

500
00:31:09,720 --> 00:31:14,040
Speaker 3: with excitement. What can I do for you, Jesus asked politely.

501
00:31:15,040 --> 00:31:18,440
Speaker 3: Bartimaeus had stared into nothingness for much of his life.

502
00:31:19,920 --> 00:31:24,040
Speaker 3: He was plagued with an unquenchable desire to see the

503
00:31:24,160 --> 00:31:28,920
Speaker 3: world around him. Yet as Jesus spoke to him, all

504
00:31:29,080 --> 00:31:34,600
Speaker 3: bitter and anxious thoughts seemed to melt away. He turned

505
00:31:34,600 --> 00:31:36,760
Speaker 3: his head to Jesus and said.

506
00:31:36,880 --> 00:31:40,160
Speaker 9: Son of David, all I asked for his mercy. I

507
00:31:40,200 --> 00:31:42,400
Speaker 9: have longed to see the skies again. For so long,

508
00:31:43,000 --> 00:31:46,760
Speaker 9: my heart has ached to watch the sunrise and witness

509
00:31:46,840 --> 00:31:50,280
Speaker 9: the changing seasons. Yet now as I speak to you,

510
00:31:50,680 --> 00:31:54,480
Speaker 9: my greatest desire is that I behold your glory.

511
00:31:55,200 --> 00:31:57,040
Speaker 3: Jesus helped the man to his feet.

512
00:31:57,560 --> 00:32:01,520
Speaker 6: Bartimaeus, arise and go your way. Your faith has made

513
00:32:01,600 --> 00:32:02,440
Speaker 6: you well.

514
00:32:02,480 --> 00:32:07,440
Speaker 3: And in that instant, the beggar's sight was restored. Light

515
00:32:07,560 --> 00:32:10,479
Speaker 3: shone brightly through the cracks in his eyes, and the

516
00:32:10,480 --> 00:32:16,640
Speaker 3: figure of Jesus's smile slowly came into focus. Partimaeus did

517
00:32:16,680 --> 00:32:19,320
Speaker 3: not return to his home. He did not pick up

518
00:32:19,360 --> 00:32:23,160
Speaker 3: his things and depart for the temple. He followed Jesus

519
00:32:23,400 --> 00:32:27,000
Speaker 3: and remained at his side. There was no one else

520
00:32:27,000 --> 00:32:31,120
Speaker 3: he would rather see. Jesus talked there on the road side.

521
00:32:31,200 --> 00:32:35,200
Speaker 3: As he walked, A throng gathered around him, making an

522
00:32:35,280 --> 00:32:40,840
Speaker 3: impenetrable wall of people. Standing outside the crowd was Zacchius.

523
00:32:42,000 --> 00:32:46,600
Speaker 3: He was a short man of fine clothes and sandals. However,

524
00:32:46,960 --> 00:32:50,760
Speaker 3: despite all his lavishness, he was rejected by the crowd.

525
00:32:51,840 --> 00:32:54,600
Speaker 3: Nobody allowed him to see Jesus or to get close

526
00:32:54,720 --> 00:32:59,160
Speaker 3: enough to hear him. Zacchius was notorious in the city.

527
00:33:00,280 --> 00:33:04,040
Speaker 3: He was a chief tax collector and best known for

528
00:33:04,160 --> 00:33:09,560
Speaker 3: making profit off the suffering of his people. Jesus intrigued him.

529
00:33:10,200 --> 00:33:13,320
Speaker 3: He had heard about his signs and wonders, but he

530
00:33:13,400 --> 00:33:17,040
Speaker 3: also heard that Jesus dined with tax collectors and sinners.

531
00:33:18,040 --> 00:33:21,400
Speaker 3: No rabbi in the entire country dared even to talk

532
00:33:21,440 --> 00:33:25,040
Speaker 3: to a tax collector. Yet Jesus had one as his disciple,

533
00:33:26,160 --> 00:33:30,120
Speaker 3: Zacchias tried to weave through the solidified crowd, but had

534
00:33:30,160 --> 00:33:33,880
Speaker 3: no knock. He scanned his surroundings and saw a nearby

535
00:33:33,920 --> 00:33:38,920
Speaker 3: sycamore tree. Zacchius rolled up his sleeves and removed his sandals,

536
00:33:39,200 --> 00:33:41,560
Speaker 3: and then, with the swing of his arms, he jumped

537
00:33:41,600 --> 00:33:45,680
Speaker 3: onto one branch. His dangling legs flailed in the air

538
00:33:45,920 --> 00:33:49,800
Speaker 3: as he pushed himself up onto a branch. He climbed

539
00:33:49,840 --> 00:33:53,480
Speaker 3: the tree, shimmying up to the highest point possible. He

540
00:33:53,600 --> 00:33:57,760
Speaker 3: leaned over to see Jesus. He was not at all

541
00:33:57,800 --> 00:34:02,560
Speaker 3: what he expected. He was much more unassuming and humble

542
00:34:02,680 --> 00:34:06,800
Speaker 3: in appearance. If he were not in this center, Zacchius

543
00:34:06,880 --> 00:34:11,239
Speaker 3: would have never known he was somewhat important. Jesus heard

544
00:34:11,280 --> 00:34:14,839
Speaker 3: a rustling in the leaves above him. He peered up

545
00:34:14,840 --> 00:34:17,800
Speaker 3: to see a small man hanging on to a branch.

546
00:34:18,960 --> 00:34:22,040
Speaker 3: Jesus scanned the tree, seeing that the branch he was

547
00:34:22,080 --> 00:34:27,040
Speaker 3: resting on was about to crack. Sacchius, Jesus shouted. The

548
00:34:27,160 --> 00:34:30,600
Speaker 3: tax Collector's eyes widened. How does he know my name?

549
00:34:30,800 --> 00:34:35,640
Speaker 3: He asked himself. Zacchius felt honored that Jesus would know him.

550
00:34:35,719 --> 00:34:39,480
Speaker 6: Sacchius get down from there, I must stay at your house.

551
00:34:39,239 --> 00:34:43,360
Speaker 3: Today, Jesus shouted again. Yet as he said these words,

552
00:34:43,760 --> 00:34:48,080
Speaker 3: Zacchius felt the branch underneath him give way. As the

553
00:34:48,120 --> 00:34:51,960
Speaker 3: branch cracked and tears, Zacchius tumbled down every branch below,

554
00:34:52,280 --> 00:34:56,719
Speaker 3: until eventually hitting the ground. A cloud of dust turned up,

555
00:34:57,120 --> 00:35:01,760
Speaker 3: and Zacchius struggled to prop himself up out of the dust.

556
00:35:02,360 --> 00:35:07,760
Speaker 3: Jesus's hand extended to help him up. Zachias clumsily composed

557
00:35:07,840 --> 00:35:12,240
Speaker 3: himself and escorted Jesus to his house. He could feel

558
00:35:12,280 --> 00:35:17,080
Speaker 3: the judgmental glares of people as Jesus followed him. They knew,

559
00:35:17,560 --> 00:35:20,920
Speaker 3: and he knew, that he did not deserve the presence

560
00:35:20,960 --> 00:35:25,799
Speaker 3: of Jesus in his home. Questions of doubt filled Zachius

561
00:35:25,840 --> 00:35:29,799
Speaker 3: his mind as he hosted Jesus and his disciples. He

562
00:35:29,880 --> 00:35:31,919
Speaker 3: wondered if he was a good enough man to even

563
00:35:31,960 --> 00:35:36,280
Speaker 3: deserve the favor of Jesus. He did not understand why

564
00:35:36,320 --> 00:35:39,200
Speaker 3: he would want to be hosted by a tax collector,

565
00:35:40,239 --> 00:35:44,200
Speaker 3: Yet there he was eating and drinking at his table.

566
00:35:45,840 --> 00:35:52,279
Speaker 3: Jesus had given up his reputation to bless Zachius. He

567
00:35:52,320 --> 00:35:55,000
Speaker 3: had given up a home and riches so he could

568
00:35:55,080 --> 00:35:59,359
Speaker 3: travel and heal others. His disciples had given up their

569
00:35:59,400 --> 00:36:04,040
Speaker 3: livelihood to follow him. What have I given, Zachius thought

570
00:36:04,080 --> 00:36:08,640
Speaker 3: to himself. He pondered for a moment, then stood up

571
00:36:08,880 --> 00:36:13,880
Speaker 3: before Jesus and raised his cup. My Lord, Zachius.

572
00:36:13,360 --> 00:36:16,080
Speaker 10: Declared, I have decided to give half of my goods

573
00:36:16,080 --> 00:36:18,839
Speaker 10: to the poor, and if there is anything I took

574
00:36:18,880 --> 00:36:22,879
Speaker 10: by greed or defrauding, I will restore it to that

575
00:36:23,000 --> 00:36:24,160
Speaker 10: person fourfold.

576
00:36:24,920 --> 00:36:26,880
Speaker 3: Jesus raised his cup to Zachias.

577
00:36:27,480 --> 00:36:31,759
Speaker 6: Today salvation has come to your household, Jesus said, for

578
00:36:31,840 --> 00:36:34,160
Speaker 6: the Son of God has come to seek and save

579
00:36:34,280 --> 00:36:35,280
Speaker 6: those that are lost.

580
00:36:35,480 --> 00:36:38,600
Speaker 3: Jesus did not need to convince Zacheus to be generous.

581
00:36:39,440 --> 00:36:42,400
Speaker 3: He did not need to preach an elaborate sermon or

582
00:36:42,440 --> 00:36:46,400
Speaker 3: compel him with an argument. The presence and character of

583
00:36:46,480 --> 00:36:50,239
Speaker 3: Jesus alone was enough to transform the heart of Zachias,

584
00:36:51,000 --> 00:36:56,600
Speaker 3: a corrupt tax collector. Transformation was found in the presence

585
00:36:56,760 --> 00:37:01,360
Speaker 3: of Jesus. From there Jesus went to Bethany and stayed

586
00:37:01,360 --> 00:37:05,080
Speaker 3: in the house of Simon the Leper. The disciples were

587
00:37:05,080 --> 00:37:07,840
Speaker 3: able to let their guards down and finally enjoy a

588
00:37:07,880 --> 00:37:11,120
Speaker 3: good meal among one another without the brooding eyes of

589
00:37:11,160 --> 00:37:17,840
Speaker 3: the Pharisees. The home smelled of freshly baked bread. Andrew, James,

590
00:37:17,880 --> 00:37:23,400
Speaker 3: and John sat by the fire exchanging fishing stories. Matthew

591
00:37:23,400 --> 00:37:27,520
Speaker 3: and Thomas stood facing one another, discussing the upcoming passover.

592
00:37:28,600 --> 00:37:33,239
Speaker 3: Thaddeus and Simon reclined beside Jesus, content to sit from

593
00:37:33,320 --> 00:37:39,040
Speaker 3: their cups and listen. Jesus could feel an aching pain

594
00:37:39,320 --> 00:37:44,080
Speaker 3: in his soul. His time was coming. The son of

595
00:37:44,160 --> 00:37:48,440
Speaker 3: Man would be delivered soon. The people expected a rebellion,

596
00:37:49,280 --> 00:37:52,959
Speaker 3: They expected a revolution leading straight into the courts of Rome.

597
00:37:54,239 --> 00:37:58,440
Speaker 3: The words of Isaiah rang in his head. He was oppressed,

598
00:37:58,840 --> 00:38:02,400
Speaker 3: and he was a Yet he opened not his mouth

599
00:38:03,080 --> 00:38:06,280
Speaker 3: like a lamb that has led to the slaughter. Jesus

600
00:38:06,360 --> 00:38:10,000
Speaker 3: knew the suffering that awaited him. He was ready to

601
00:38:10,120 --> 00:38:14,400
Speaker 3: endure it. As the men in the room laughed in

602
00:38:14,480 --> 00:38:19,960
Speaker 3: exchanged stories, a woman entered through the corner of the room. Mary,

603
00:38:20,120 --> 00:38:23,680
Speaker 3: the sister of Lazarus, came with an alabaster flask of

604
00:38:23,760 --> 00:38:28,040
Speaker 3: spike mark and expensive ointment. No doubt, it was her

605
00:38:28,080 --> 00:38:33,080
Speaker 3: life's savings and the only financial security she had, Yet

606
00:38:33,080 --> 00:38:37,960
Speaker 3: she was content to adorn Jesus with it. She poured

607
00:38:38,000 --> 00:38:41,360
Speaker 3: out the flask and it spilled onto his hair and feet.

608
00:38:42,400 --> 00:38:46,640
Speaker 3: The fragrance filled the room. It was an ointment used

609
00:38:46,640 --> 00:38:50,239
Speaker 3: for burial, No doubt she had used some of it

610
00:38:50,320 --> 00:38:55,400
Speaker 3: on Lazarus when he died. Judas watched from the corner

611
00:38:55,400 --> 00:38:55,920
Speaker 3: of the room.

612
00:38:56,480 --> 00:38:57,400
Speaker 5: What is she doing?

613
00:38:57,680 --> 00:39:01,280
Speaker 3: He shouted. His outburst caught the attention of everyone.

614
00:39:02,280 --> 00:39:03,840
Speaker 4: That is expensive ointment.

615
00:39:04,280 --> 00:39:06,560
Speaker 6: Why not sell it and give the money to the poor.

616
00:39:07,040 --> 00:39:09,640
Speaker 3: Judas was in charge of the money back, and would

617
00:39:09,640 --> 00:39:13,600
Speaker 3: often help himself to whatever was put into it. His

618
00:39:13,719 --> 00:39:17,279
Speaker 3: outcry to sell the ointment was not out of altruism

619
00:39:17,480 --> 00:39:20,080
Speaker 3: but greed. Leave her alone, Jesus.

620
00:39:19,840 --> 00:39:22,400
Speaker 6: Said, see that she keeps the rest for my burial,

621
00:39:23,480 --> 00:39:26,600
Speaker 6: for you always have the poor. But my time here

622
00:39:26,680 --> 00:39:27,560
Speaker 6: is almost done.

623
00:39:27,480 --> 00:39:31,240
Speaker 3: Jesus saw through the heart of Judas. Mary was willing

624
00:39:31,280 --> 00:39:35,880
Speaker 3: to lay down her livelihood to glorify Jesus. Yet Judas,

625
00:39:36,320 --> 00:39:39,360
Speaker 3: even with all his exposure to the acts of Jesus,

626
00:39:40,000 --> 00:39:43,600
Speaker 3: was gripped by the love of money in a moment

627
00:39:43,640 --> 00:39:47,280
Speaker 3: of weakness. He would soon learn just how much damage

628
00:39:47,520 --> 00:39:52,200
Speaker 3: the love of money can do to a man. Jesus

629
00:39:52,280 --> 00:39:54,759
Speaker 3: arose early in the morning to sit on a hill

630
00:39:54,840 --> 00:39:59,000
Speaker 3: pointing towards the city of Jerusalem. It was time to

631
00:39:59,160 --> 00:40:02,959
Speaker 3: enter into the day and of lions. Like David once

632
00:40:03,000 --> 00:40:08,160
Speaker 3: prepared for battle with Goliath, Jesus prepared his thoughts for

633
00:40:08,200 --> 00:40:11,840
Speaker 3: the week to come. The order of heaven and earth

634
00:40:12,080 --> 00:40:16,120
Speaker 3: was about to shift, Chaos was going to be reined in,

635
00:40:16,560 --> 00:40:20,719
Speaker 3: and darkness was going to be driven out. Jesus set

636
00:40:20,760 --> 00:40:25,879
Speaker 3: his gaze upon Jerusalem like an archer. Awaiting him were

637
00:40:26,040 --> 00:40:30,200
Speaker 3: enemies seeking to devour him. Yet he knew who the

638
00:40:30,280 --> 00:40:35,480
Speaker 3: true enemy was. Death itself was awaiting him at Calvary,

639
00:40:36,400 --> 00:40:40,759
Speaker 3: beckoning him to fight. He drew a deep breath and

640
00:40:40,880 --> 00:40:47,120
Speaker 3: looked to Heaven. It is time, he whispered. Jesus stood

641
00:40:47,120 --> 00:40:51,200
Speaker 3: to his feet and walked down the hill. Peter, James,

642
00:40:51,480 --> 00:40:53,520
Speaker 3: and John were waiting for him below.

643
00:40:54,520 --> 00:40:56,640
Speaker 6: My friends, I have a special task for.

644
00:40:56,640 --> 00:40:59,719
Speaker 3: You, Jesus said, greeting them.

645
00:41:00,360 --> 00:41:02,319
Speaker 6: In the nearby village. At the bottom of the hill,

646
00:41:02,320 --> 00:41:05,320
Speaker 6: you'll find a colt tied up with its mother. It

647
00:41:05,360 --> 00:41:08,120
Speaker 6: will be unruly and dangerous. I want you to take

648
00:41:08,160 --> 00:41:11,120
Speaker 6: it for me. If anyone asks why you're taking the donkey,

649
00:41:11,200 --> 00:41:13,520
Speaker 6: simply say the Lord has need of it.

650
00:41:15,800 --> 00:41:18,799
Speaker 3: The three men did as Jesus asked and ventured to

651
00:41:18,840 --> 00:41:23,080
Speaker 3: the nearby village to find the colt. Sure enough, as

652
00:41:23,120 --> 00:41:25,919
Speaker 3: the three men entered the village, the colt was there

653
00:41:26,000 --> 00:41:30,439
Speaker 3: at the entrance with its mother. The three disciples looked

654
00:41:30,440 --> 00:41:34,040
Speaker 3: at one another, not surprised that Jesus knew, but also

655
00:41:34,200 --> 00:41:39,320
Speaker 3: curious as to why. Peter was the first to approach it.

656
00:41:39,320 --> 00:41:42,680
Speaker 3: Its hind legs kicked back aggressively, and its neck whipped

657
00:41:42,680 --> 00:41:45,800
Speaker 3: from side to side. He leaped to grab the reins,

658
00:41:46,080 --> 00:41:49,080
Speaker 3: but it quickly retaliated with a blow of Peter's froehead.

659
00:41:50,040 --> 00:41:54,600
Speaker 3: Peter fell back in the mud. John went next, approaching

660
00:41:54,600 --> 00:41:59,640
Speaker 3: the colt slowly. It was fearful and stubborn, a deadly

661
00:41:59,680 --> 00:42:03,760
Speaker 3: comer nation. The second John grabbed hold of the reins,

662
00:42:04,000 --> 00:42:07,120
Speaker 3: the colt lifted its front legs and hit John directly

663
00:42:07,160 --> 00:42:10,480
Speaker 3: in the chast Andrew saw it as an opportunity to

664
00:42:10,520 --> 00:42:14,920
Speaker 3: strike and leaped towards the colt to grab the reins. Success.

665
00:42:15,760 --> 00:42:18,879
Speaker 3: It took three of them to tame the beast. How

666
00:42:18,920 --> 00:42:23,960
Speaker 3: will Jesus ever use something so stubborn, Peter thought he

667
00:42:24,080 --> 00:42:29,000
Speaker 3: failed to see the irony. The colt writhed and jolted

668
00:42:29,040 --> 00:42:34,280
Speaker 3: its head back continually until it approached Jesus. Jesus walked

669
00:42:34,280 --> 00:42:37,280
Speaker 3: towards it gently rubbing the front of its nose.

670
00:42:38,760 --> 00:42:41,000
Speaker 6: Hush, now be still.

671
00:42:41,440 --> 00:42:45,680
Speaker 3: He said to the colt. The same authority he had

672
00:42:45,880 --> 00:42:49,000
Speaker 3: over the wind and waves he used on the colt.

673
00:42:50,080 --> 00:42:52,759
Speaker 3: He mounted the colt with ease and made his way

674
00:42:52,840 --> 00:42:57,520
Speaker 3: down the hill towards the gates of Jerusalem. Word had

675
00:42:57,560 --> 00:43:02,600
Speaker 3: spread that Jesus was coming. He had healed the lepers,

676
00:43:02,800 --> 00:43:06,560
Speaker 3: restored sight to the blind, fed thousands of people, raised

677
00:43:06,560 --> 00:43:11,359
Speaker 3: the dead, and spoke power over demons. The people were

678
00:43:11,360 --> 00:43:14,640
Speaker 3: ready to coronate him as king, so they gathered in

679
00:43:14,760 --> 00:43:19,000
Speaker 3: numbers big enough to make an army. They were ready

680
00:43:19,040 --> 00:43:22,680
Speaker 3: for a coronation. Yet Jesus would not be crowned with

681
00:43:22,800 --> 00:43:29,440
Speaker 3: gold but thorns. Jesus descended the hill towards God's holy City.

682
00:43:30,719 --> 00:43:34,799
Speaker 3: At the gates, a sea of people awaited him. They

683
00:43:34,840 --> 00:43:39,440
Speaker 3: parted away for Jesus to enter. In cheering, they shouted

684
00:43:39,480 --> 00:43:43,439
Speaker 3: for joy at the sight of him. Hosannah, they cried out.

685
00:43:44,520 --> 00:43:48,920
Speaker 3: Their cheers shook the earth below. The entire city was

686
00:43:49,080 --> 00:43:52,080
Speaker 3: rising like a tide to meet the son of Man.

687
00:43:52,800 --> 00:43:55,000
Speaker 4: Blessed be the one who comes in the name of

688
00:43:55,040 --> 00:43:55,839
Speaker 4: the Lord.

689
00:43:55,960 --> 00:44:00,600
Speaker 3: They shouted. Louder women sang a song of hope. Their

690
00:44:00,640 --> 00:44:07,040
Speaker 3: melodies filled disguise. People from all different nations and nationalities

691
00:44:07,280 --> 00:44:10,400
Speaker 3: had come every year to worship God at the Temple.

692
00:44:11,400 --> 00:44:15,000
Speaker 3: Yet this year they gazed upon the active and moving

693
00:44:15,360 --> 00:44:19,200
Speaker 3: presence of God. They laid out Palm Franz to make

694
00:44:19,200 --> 00:44:22,440
Speaker 3: a pathway for Jesus. Some of them even removed their

695
00:44:22,440 --> 00:44:26,160
Speaker 3: own cloaks for him to walk upon. They saw Jesus

696
00:44:26,280 --> 00:44:29,399
Speaker 3: as the chosen hero that would liberate them from the

697
00:44:29,440 --> 00:44:34,080
Speaker 3: tight grip of Roman oppression. They gazed upon Jesus as

698
00:44:34,160 --> 00:44:37,640
Speaker 3: someone worthy to be called king. They saw him as

699
00:44:37,680 --> 00:44:41,200
Speaker 3: a wise and noble ruler destined to sit on the

700
00:44:41,200 --> 00:44:45,359
Speaker 3: throne of David. They wanted him to rule over them

701
00:44:45,560 --> 00:44:49,920
Speaker 3: and restore Israel to its former glory. They desired a

702
00:44:50,040 --> 00:44:53,640
Speaker 3: conquering warrior who would defeat the armies of tyranny and

703
00:44:53,760 --> 00:44:57,799
Speaker 3: bring blessing to the people of God once again. As

704
00:44:57,840 --> 00:45:02,239
Speaker 3: they sang to Jesus, there was a slight tinge of disappointment.

705
00:45:03,400 --> 00:45:06,240
Speaker 3: He did not ride on a white stallion with armor

706
00:45:06,360 --> 00:45:09,760
Speaker 3: glistening in the sun. He came riding on a donkey.

707
00:45:11,840 --> 00:45:17,320
Speaker 3: Jesus was not the king they expected. He was powerful, mighty,

708
00:45:17,719 --> 00:45:20,640
Speaker 3: and able to thwart the corrupt nations of the age.

709
00:45:21,120 --> 00:45:24,440
Speaker 3: Yet his mission was not to overthrow a worldly government.

710
00:45:25,360 --> 00:45:29,440
Speaker 3: His fight was not with Caesar or Herod. There was

711
00:45:29,480 --> 00:45:33,680
Speaker 3: a greater enemy that had enslaved humanity since the Garden

712
00:45:33,719 --> 00:45:39,080
Speaker 3: of Eden, Greater than Pharaoh, greater than Goliath. In the Philistines,

713
00:45:40,320 --> 00:45:43,520
Speaker 3: Jesus held his gaze high to the end of the city.

714
00:45:44,560 --> 00:45:49,880
Speaker 3: The hill of Golgotha loomed like a dragon's den. Cavalry

715
00:45:50,160 --> 00:45:55,719
Speaker 3: awaited him. The people sang along to their instruments. Their

716
00:45:55,760 --> 00:46:00,200
Speaker 3: praise filled the air like a sweet aroma. Yet Jesus

717
00:46:00,239 --> 00:46:03,040
Speaker 3: knew what they would be chanting in just a few days.

718
00:46:04,280 --> 00:46:07,560
Speaker 3: Blessed is the King, Blessed is the son of David,

719
00:46:07,880 --> 00:46:12,839
Speaker 3: they proclaimed. The Pharisees were also there, awaiting the opportunity

720
00:46:12,920 --> 00:46:14,319
Speaker 3: to strike Jesus down.

721
00:46:14,920 --> 00:46:18,280
Speaker 4: Aren't you going to muzzle your disciples, Jesus? They're calling

722
00:46:18,320 --> 00:46:18,960
Speaker 4: you God.

723
00:46:19,760 --> 00:46:21,520
Speaker 3: Jesus looked back at them.

724
00:46:21,800 --> 00:46:25,200
Speaker 6: Even if I did silence them, the stones themselves would

725
00:46:25,200 --> 00:46:25,759
Speaker 6: cry out.

726
00:46:26,840 --> 00:46:30,279
Speaker 3: As Jesus said this, he entered the gates of Jerusalem.

727
00:46:31,280 --> 00:46:35,000
Speaker 3: The entirety of scripture was leading up to this moment.

728
00:46:36,120 --> 00:46:39,920
Speaker 3: The crescendo of God's story thus far was about to unfold.

729
00:46:41,200 --> 00:46:43,399
Speaker 3: It was the beginning of the end.

730
00:46:53,920 --> 00:46:57,000
Speaker 2: Here we go, the Passion week has begun. Jesus enter

731
00:46:57,080 --> 00:46:59,680
Speaker 2: Jerusalem to take the throne. But it was not a

732
00:46:59,680 --> 00:47:02,920
Speaker 2: throw when anybody was expecting him to take His throne.

733
00:47:02,960 --> 00:47:05,640
Speaker 2: Was not a raid in jewels or covered in fine linen.

734
00:47:05,920 --> 00:47:10,040
Speaker 2: His throne was a rugged and splintered cross. These next

735
00:47:10,120 --> 00:47:13,520
Speaker 2: few episodes leading up to the crucifixion highlight just how

736
00:47:13,640 --> 00:47:16,720
Speaker 2: fine tuned everything had to be in order for Jesus

737
00:47:16,800 --> 00:47:19,960
Speaker 2: to accomplish God's will. It all began with our prelude,

738
00:47:20,120 --> 00:47:23,319
Speaker 2: where the religious leaders were plotting to kill Jesus. We

739
00:47:23,400 --> 00:47:27,359
Speaker 2: got to hear their wicked whispers and providential plotting. We

740
00:47:27,440 --> 00:47:31,279
Speaker 2: also got to meet a key character, Caiaphas, the high

741
00:47:31,360 --> 00:47:34,600
Speaker 2: priests who presided over the trials that sealed Jesus's fate.

742
00:47:35,120 --> 00:47:37,640
Speaker 2: These men come to the conclusion it is better to

743
00:47:37,719 --> 00:47:40,000
Speaker 2: kill Jesus than to risk the wrath of the Romans.

744
00:47:40,680 --> 00:47:43,719
Speaker 2: In their opinion, even if Jesus was innocent, his death

745
00:47:43,760 --> 00:47:47,000
Speaker 2: would stave off the wrath of the Roman overlords. It

746
00:47:47,120 --> 00:47:49,439
Speaker 2: is better for one man to die so the rest

747
00:47:49,440 --> 00:47:52,640
Speaker 2: of the nation can be spared. Caiaphas said, do you

748
00:47:52,760 --> 00:47:55,840
Speaker 2: notice the irony in that statement. Jesus was going to

749
00:47:55,960 --> 00:47:58,919
Speaker 2: die so the nation could be spared, but not from

750
00:47:58,920 --> 00:48:01,440
Speaker 2: the Romans. Was going to die to take away the

751
00:48:01,520 --> 00:48:05,040
Speaker 2: judgment of God. Their plot set everything in motion. The

752
00:48:05,160 --> 00:48:09,160
Speaker 2: enemy thought he had won. He was wrong. This episode

753
00:48:09,280 --> 00:48:12,799
Speaker 2: gave us a big theme to consider character, whether it

754
00:48:12,920 --> 00:48:15,680
Speaker 2: was the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector

755
00:48:15,840 --> 00:48:18,920
Speaker 2: or the interaction with the rich young ruler. Jesus pressed

756
00:48:18,960 --> 00:48:21,800
Speaker 2: the theme it is better to have conviction and character

757
00:48:22,160 --> 00:48:26,600
Speaker 2: than outward morality and religiosity. The humble and contract tax

758
00:48:26,680 --> 00:48:30,680
Speaker 2: collector was more righteous than the pious Pharisee. The rich

759
00:48:30,719 --> 00:48:34,200
Speaker 2: young ruler had morality but lack the character to sacrifice

760
00:48:34,239 --> 00:48:37,960
Speaker 2: his possessions. The theme of character was also highlighted in

761
00:48:38,000 --> 00:48:42,200
Speaker 2: the interaction between Jesus and the family of Zebedee. James

762
00:48:42,200 --> 00:48:44,520
Speaker 2: and John wanted to be in a position of influence

763
00:48:44,520 --> 00:48:47,320
Speaker 2: so badly that they had their mother ask on their behalf.

764
00:48:47,760 --> 00:48:51,680
Speaker 2: Spiritual points aside what grown may allows this to happen.

765
00:48:52,239 --> 00:48:54,320
Speaker 2: Their mother goes to Jesus in front of all the

766
00:48:54,400 --> 00:48:58,080
Speaker 2: disciples to ask for special treatment. Not only was this

767
00:48:58,160 --> 00:49:02,640
Speaker 2: embarrassing to witness, but it also showed ignorance. Jesus was

768
00:49:02,680 --> 00:49:05,279
Speaker 2: gentle in putting them in their place. Though he asked

769
00:49:05,320 --> 00:49:07,839
Speaker 2: them plainly if they were able to drink the cup

770
00:49:07,880 --> 00:49:11,640
Speaker 2: he was going to drink. They ignorantly said yes, not

771
00:49:11,800 --> 00:49:16,080
Speaker 2: understanding the cup meant suffering. Jesus used the uncomfortable situation

772
00:49:16,600 --> 00:49:20,400
Speaker 2: to teach his disciples a lesson about leadership. The rulers

773
00:49:20,520 --> 00:49:24,000
Speaker 2: of the gentiles are all about status and authority. The

774
00:49:24,040 --> 00:49:26,720
Speaker 2: greatest kings and emperor's rise above the rest of the people,

775
00:49:26,800 --> 00:49:29,720
Speaker 2: only to press down on them and lord their power

776
00:49:29,800 --> 00:49:33,600
Speaker 2: over them. Jesus explained, it shall not be this way

777
00:49:33,600 --> 00:49:36,640
Speaker 2: among you, not while I'm here or when I depart.

778
00:49:37,280 --> 00:49:40,960
Speaker 2: Know for yourselves how God measures greatness. Whoever desires to

779
00:49:41,040 --> 00:49:43,399
Speaker 2: be great in God's kingdom must be a servant of all.

780
00:49:43,640 --> 00:49:47,040
Speaker 2: Whoever desires to be first must put himself last. For

781
00:49:47,239 --> 00:49:49,520
Speaker 2: even the Son of Man did not come to be served,

782
00:49:49,680 --> 00:49:52,000
Speaker 2: but he came to serve. He came to pour his

783
00:49:52,080 --> 00:49:55,719
Speaker 2: life out as a ransom for many. Jesus is inviting

784
00:49:55,760 --> 00:49:58,600
Speaker 2: you and me to redefine what we think greatness means.

785
00:49:59,080 --> 00:50:02,240
Speaker 2: While the world is in mad dash to grasp that power.

786
00:50:02,680 --> 00:50:05,040
Speaker 2: You and I are invited to humble ourselves and serve.

787
00:50:05,520 --> 00:50:09,040
Speaker 2: True greatness is measured in the positive impact we have

788
00:50:09,200 --> 00:50:14,320
Speaker 2: on people's lives, not in positions of authority or promotions. Greatness,

789
00:50:14,320 --> 00:50:18,040
Speaker 2: in Jesus's eyes, also required suffering for the sake of others.

790
00:50:18,239 --> 00:50:21,880
Speaker 2: This was exemplified in this episode as Jesus turned his

791
00:50:21,920 --> 00:50:24,880
Speaker 2: face toward Jerusalem. Although there was a warrn out for

792
00:50:24,920 --> 00:50:29,560
Speaker 2: his arrest, Jesus chose to go to Jerusalem. Isaiah fifty

793
00:50:29,760 --> 00:50:33,680
Speaker 2: verse seven prophesied the resolute nature of Jesus facing the

794
00:50:33,719 --> 00:50:36,960
Speaker 2: cross to obtain the glory set before him. But the

795
00:50:36,960 --> 00:50:40,480
Speaker 2: Lord God helps me. Therefore I have not been disgraced.

796
00:50:41,000 --> 00:50:43,920
Speaker 2: Therefore I have set my face like a flint, and

797
00:50:44,040 --> 00:50:46,240
Speaker 2: I know that I shall not be put to shame.

798
00:50:46,719 --> 00:50:49,360
Speaker 2: Don't you love that line? He set his face like

799
00:50:49,400 --> 00:50:52,640
Speaker 2: a flint, ready to set the world on fire. We

800
00:50:52,680 --> 00:50:55,640
Speaker 2: worship a God who pursued death like an adversary. He

801
00:50:55,800 --> 00:50:58,279
Speaker 2: was not a victim of the cross. He actively took

802
00:50:58,280 --> 00:51:01,319
Speaker 2: steps in pursuit of it. The pursuit began with the

803
00:51:01,360 --> 00:51:04,759
Speaker 2: triumphant entrant. Thousands of people rushed the border of the

804
00:51:04,800 --> 00:51:08,480
Speaker 2: city to welcome Jesus as their king. They shouted praises,

805
00:51:08,520 --> 00:51:11,280
Speaker 2: calling him the son of David. The crowd meant well,

806
00:51:11,440 --> 00:51:15,120
Speaker 2: but their cheers were under some false expectations. They thought

807
00:51:15,160 --> 00:51:17,160
Speaker 2: they were ushering in a king who was going to

808
00:51:17,239 --> 00:51:21,239
Speaker 2: overthrow Rome and restore autonomy to Israel. Jesus came to

809
00:51:21,280 --> 00:51:24,200
Speaker 2: do much more than that. His mission was the redemption

810
00:51:24,280 --> 00:51:28,960
Speaker 2: of men souls, not political liberation. Nevertheless, this scene was brilliant.

811
00:51:29,719 --> 00:51:32,279
Speaker 2: I love the imagery of Jesus getting the praise of

812
00:51:32,320 --> 00:51:34,920
Speaker 2: the people. When the Pharisees tried to shut them up,

813
00:51:35,320 --> 00:51:38,200
Speaker 2: Jesus reminded them that if they don't praise him, even

814
00:51:38,239 --> 00:51:41,920
Speaker 2: the rocks will cry out. Zachari nine to nine prophesied

815
00:51:41,960 --> 00:51:45,640
Speaker 2: that Messiah would ride on a colt. Rejoice greatly, O

816
00:51:45,840 --> 00:51:50,000
Speaker 2: daughter of Zion, shout aloud, oh daughter of Jerusalem. Behold

817
00:51:50,080 --> 00:51:53,520
Speaker 2: your king is coming to you, righteous and having salvation,

818
00:51:53,640 --> 00:51:57,040
Speaker 2: as he humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt,

819
00:51:57,440 --> 00:52:00,560
Speaker 2: the foal of a donkey. So why was it the donkey?

820
00:52:01,000 --> 00:52:04,719
Speaker 2: Whether donkey holds some cultural and biblical significance, We would

821
00:52:04,760 --> 00:52:08,480
Speaker 2: be wise to notice in the ancient Middle Eastern world,

822
00:52:08,920 --> 00:52:12,200
Speaker 2: conquerors and warriors rode horses in the war, but they

823
00:52:12,280 --> 00:52:15,520
Speaker 2: rode donkeys if they came in peace. Solomon rode a

824
00:52:15,600 --> 00:52:17,600
Speaker 2: donkey on the day he was chosen as the new

825
00:52:17,680 --> 00:52:21,360
Speaker 2: king of Israel. Zachari nine ten highlighted this idea of

826
00:52:21,400 --> 00:52:24,200
Speaker 2: peace when it said, I will take away the chariots

827
00:52:24,200 --> 00:52:27,600
Speaker 2: from Ephrium and the war horses from Jerusalem, and the

828
00:52:27,680 --> 00:52:30,759
Speaker 2: battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to

829
00:52:30,800 --> 00:52:34,080
Speaker 2: the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea,

830
00:52:34,160 --> 00:52:36,759
Speaker 2: and from river to the ends of the earth. This

831
00:52:36,880 --> 00:52:39,920
Speaker 2: prophecy of Messiah should have been enough of a clue

832
00:52:39,960 --> 00:52:42,120
Speaker 2: to the people that Jesus did not come to conquer

833
00:52:42,239 --> 00:52:45,360
Speaker 2: Rome with an iron fist. He came to restore peace

834
00:52:45,400 --> 00:52:51,080
Speaker 2: between mankind and God. Jesus's enemy was not a political regime, empire,

835
00:52:51,160 --> 00:52:54,360
Speaker 2: or nation. His war was not against a group of people,

836
00:52:54,480 --> 00:52:58,399
Speaker 2: even the Pharisees. Jesus sought to battle sin and death.

837
00:52:58,920 --> 00:53:02,759
Speaker 2: Death itself was awaiting him at Calvary, beckoning him to fight.

838
00:53:03,320 --> 00:53:06,960
Speaker 2: Our hero will respond to the call. Join us next time,

839
00:53:07,000 --> 00:53:10,600
Speaker 2: as the tension mounts and Jesus disrupts the religious system

840
00:53:10,640 --> 00:53:14,560
Speaker 2: from the inside out, join us for episode fifteen. Diner

841
00:53:14,640 --> 00:53:19,080
Speaker 2: These Thanks again for listening for more inspiring stories Daily

842
00:53:19,120 --> 00:53:22,360
Speaker 2: prayers and wisdom to last a lifetime. Go to pray

843
00:53:22,440 --> 00:53:25,520
Speaker 2: dot com. And to expand your heroes in the Bible journey,

844
00:53:26,000 --> 00:53:30,279
Speaker 2: download the Heroes of the Faith devotional at Tonyevans dot org.

845
00:53:30,600 --> 00:53:34,440
Speaker 2: Forward Slash Heroes. Follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify

846
00:53:34,760 --> 00:53:37,479
Speaker 2: to get the newest episodes right as they come out,

847
00:53:37,840 --> 00:53:41,960
Speaker 2: so you can strengthen your relationship with Jesus God bless