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Speaker 1: And when he thus had spoken, he cried out with

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Speaker 1: a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. John eleven forty three.

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Speaker 1: Thank you God that the story of Lazarus serves as

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Speaker 1: a reminder that death no longer has power over my soul.

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Speaker 1: Through the life of Jesus, you continually display from me

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Speaker 1: the fact that I can no longer that I can

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Speaker 1: conquer anything, including the goliath of death. Therefore, I will

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Speaker 1: not be afraid to live my life to the fullest

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Speaker 1: because I know that I will not die, but I

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Speaker 1: will simply transition into my heavenly home when my time comes.

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Speaker 1: I declare that I will not live with regret or remorse,

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Speaker 1: but instead I will maximize every opportunity that I am given.

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Speaker 1: I will love with an intense and compassionate heart, and

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Speaker 1: I will live out the purpose and plans that you

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Speaker 1: have for me.

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Speaker 2: Lord.

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Speaker 1: In the same way, Jesus, that you called forth Lazarus

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Speaker 1: from the tomb, I now call forth from the tombs

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Speaker 1: in my life the dreams and visions that have died

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Speaker 1: because of fear and doubt. I thank you Lord that

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Speaker 1: as I place them in your hands, you will breathe

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Speaker 1: new life and new strategy into every dream and vision

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Speaker 1: You've given me in Jesus name.

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Speaker 2: Amen.

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Speaker 1: Stay tuned to immerse yourself in the Greatest Stories Ever

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

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Speaker 3: Hi, I'm doc to Tony Evans, your host for Heroes

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Speaker 3: in the Bible Jesus. If you've been enjoying this series,

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Speaker 3: please write a review and let me know how this

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Speaker 3: podcast has impacted your life. Welcome to the Greatest Story

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Speaker 3: Ever Told. It is a story of a shepherd's heart

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Speaker 3: for his sheep, a father's love for his children, and

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Speaker 3: a hero's triumph over death and darkness. This is a

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Speaker 3: story that continues to shape and mold the world around us,

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Speaker 3: bringing the divine heart of God right into the hearts

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Speaker 3: of you and me. This episode has some of the

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Speaker 3: most famous teachings and acts of Jesus. The Good Samaritan, Martha, Marion,

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Speaker 3: Lazarus all make a debut in this episode. Not only

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Speaker 3: does this story satisfy our need for rich truth, but

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Speaker 3: it also serves as a turning point in Jesus' ministry.

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Speaker 3: Up until now, Jesus' ministry has been mostly public speaking

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Speaker 3: personal time of his disciples and healing the sick. His

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Speaker 3: miracles have drawn many crowds, and his popularity has risen. However,

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Speaker 3: this episode is a hinge point where everything is going

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Speaker 3: to tilt while Jesus was still teaching and performing miracles.

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Speaker 3: Most of the story from here on out is about

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Speaker 3: Jesus's aim at death. Squabbles with the Pharisees, as heated

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Speaker 3: as they might get, are not the real battle. Jesus

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Speaker 3: has his eyes fixed on a hill in Jerusalem, Golgotha.

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Speaker 3: The prelude provides us with a theme to latch onto

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Speaker 3: during this episode. Death is the ultimate enemy. Jesus's foe

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Speaker 3: has never been the Pharisees, the religious system, or the Romans.

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Speaker 3: His battle has always been against sin, death, and despair.

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Speaker 3: This episode blends the traditional teachings of Jesus with foreshadows

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Speaker 3: of his death on the Cross. This episode is rich

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Speaker 3: with amazing parables and events. However, our time afterwards will

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Speaker 3: be focused more on the title of this episode, Lazarus,

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Speaker 3: come out join me afterwards as we unpack this beautiful

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Speaker 3: story together.

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Speaker 2: Prelude to chapter thirteen. You will not surely die, the

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Speaker 2: slithering voice whispered to Eve. God knows that if you

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Speaker 2: eat of the fruit, you will become like him. He

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Speaker 2: cannot stand to have an equal. The serpent was crafty

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Speaker 2: and knew how to deceive the hearts of people. He

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Speaker 2: would entice them with the same desire he had to

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Speaker 2: become like God. Adam and Eve looked at the tree.

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Speaker 2: Its fruit was ripe and ready to eat. Will we

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Speaker 2: surely be like God? They thought. Eve plucked the fruit

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Speaker 2: and gave one to her husband, who was next to her.

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Speaker 2: Together the two of them ate. With the first bite,

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Speaker 2: the entire order of the cosmos shifted. They had denied

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Speaker 2: their creator in search of their own power, and set

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Speaker 2: in motion a tragedy they could not undo. The knowledge

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Speaker 2: good and evil was upon them, and with it the

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Speaker 2: potential to sin. The eternal state of their souls shriveled

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Speaker 2: into an hour glass. Death had entered the scene. The

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Speaker 2: sin of pride, striving to become their own God would

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Speaker 2: plague humanity for generations to come. They would stray from

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Speaker 2: God and beat against his faithfulness. The enemy Death waged

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Speaker 2: war against humanity. Yet God would not allow Death to

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Speaker 2: have the final word. His love for humanity would swing

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Speaker 2: like a mighty sword. He had a plan to rescue

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Speaker 2: his people from death. He would take it on himself,

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Speaker 2: allowing it to consume him, so his people would not

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Speaker 2: have to Chapter thirteen, Lazarus, come out.

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Speaker 4: Behold, I am sending you out his lambs among wolves.

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Speaker 2: Jesus said to his disciples.

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Speaker 4: They will want to devour you. They'll revile you, persecute you.

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Speaker 4: They'll spit in your direction. You must be steadfast.

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Speaker 2: Seventy two of his followers stood before him. Jesus turned

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Speaker 2: to the fields of grain behind him. The rich golden

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Speaker 2: ears of grain danced in the morning breeze. The bright

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Speaker 2: sun rays bounced off the field as Jesus spoke.

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Speaker 4: The harvest is plentiful. There are many who are ripe

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Speaker 4: to hear the gospel. However, the laborers are few. There

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Speaker 4: are few people willing to commit their lives to the harvest. Therefore,

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Speaker 4: pray for the laborers to be sent out.

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Speaker 2: The group of seventy two stood before Jesus with their

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Speaker 2: heads held high. They were a motley pack of misfits

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Speaker 2: and nobody's Yet Jesus saw in them the potential to

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Speaker 2: do mighty works. He was preparing them to go go

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Speaker 2: out in groups of two to proclaim the gospel. Jesus

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Speaker 2: walked among them encouraging them and building them up.

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Speaker 4: Carry no money bag, no knapsack, no sandals, greet no

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Speaker 4: one on the road. For your course is set and

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Speaker 4: your purpose is clear. When you enter each house, declare

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Speaker 4: peace to them, eat with them, dwell with them, and

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Speaker 4: hear them. Heal the sick, and preach the Kingdom of God.

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Speaker 4: If they do not receive you, brush off the dust

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Speaker 4: of your clothes.

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Speaker 2: And move on. Jesus then sent out the seventy two

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Speaker 2: to proclaim the message of freedom, peace and righteousness throughout

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Speaker 2: the region. Jesus watched as every disciple left two by two.

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Speaker 2: They did not know it, but they were being trained.

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Speaker 2: One day they would be sent out by Jesus in

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Speaker 2: a different way. They would need to lean on each

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Speaker 2: other and be courageous. They didn't yet understand how much

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Speaker 2: power would be given to them. As they departed, Jesus

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Speaker 2: ventured into the mountains. He sat on a stone overlooking

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Speaker 2: the region of Judea. The wind was howling and the

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Speaker 2: trees shuddered below. He was reminded of the unrepentant cities

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Speaker 2: of Sodom and Gomorrah long ago. Ah, how they had

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Speaker 2: rejected salvation any time God offered mercy, they denied it.

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Speaker 2: Jesus looked upon the cities below. They had been called

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Speaker 2: to righteousness, yet fell victim to the idolatry of self righteousness.

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Speaker 2: They praised him for his signs, yet rejected the authority

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Speaker 2: by which he did them. They were fickle, and while

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Speaker 2: many of them cheered for him, now he knew what

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Speaker 2: they would be chanting next. The wind drowning out his voice,

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Speaker 2: Jesus yelled into the canyons.

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Speaker 4: Woe to you, Corsin. Woe to you, best, SAIDA, For

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Speaker 4: if I have done my mighty works in the gentile cities,

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Speaker 4: they would have repented long ago. Yet they will see

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Speaker 4: more mercy than you. And woe to you Capernaum. You

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Speaker 4: think you will be exalted to heaven, Yet hates who

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Speaker 4: waits you.

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Speaker 2: Jesus allowed his voice to echo through the canyons below.

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Speaker 2: The reverberating noise dissipated with the breeze. Jesus looked up

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Speaker 2: to Heaven, then back at the cities. He shook his

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Speaker 2: head and whispered.

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Speaker 5: The one who hears you, he is me Father. The

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Speaker 5: one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who

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Speaker 5: rejects me rejects you.

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Speaker 2: He continued to prank to God for repentance. There were

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Speaker 2: stiff necked people, unwilling to break and humble themselves. However,

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Speaker 2: Jesus loved them to such a degree he was prepared

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Speaker 2: to be humbled on their behalf. Jesus came down the

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Speaker 2: mountain after a few days. As he wandered back to

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Speaker 2: the road, he saw the group of seventy two walking

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Speaker 2: towards him. Jesus smiled as he watched them laugh, exchange stories,

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Speaker 2: and praise God. He had sent them out with the mission,

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Speaker 2: and they were returning with a renewed sense of purpose.

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Speaker 2: Even the demons fled and were subject to us by

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Speaker 2: your name. They disappeared, they shouted. The disciples were elated

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Speaker 2: at their new found mission. There was a profound sense

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Speaker 2: of fulfillment and bringing hope to households, healing the sick,

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Speaker 2: and preaching to the needy. Jesus could see the light

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Speaker 2: of God upon them. He embraced them and reached his

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Speaker 2: arms to heaven.

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Speaker 4: Yes, my friends, it is a joy, Jesus said. However,

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Speaker 4: I saw Satan himself fall from heaven like a bolt

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Speaker 4: of lightning. His pride was great, and so was his fall.

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Speaker 4: Listen to me. I have given you authority to buy

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Speaker 4: the enemy and tread over serpents. Yet this power is

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Speaker 4: not what you should rejoice in. Rejoice that your names

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Speaker 4: are written in heaven.

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Speaker 2: He needed to remind them that the greatest in the

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Speaker 2: Kingdom of Heaven were the humble. Great pride precedes great falls.

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Speaker 2: The young lawyer was meandering around the outskirts of Judea.

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Speaker 2: He enjoyed bouncing from small town to small town, attending

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Speaker 2: synagogues and debating the local teachers. This hobby was an

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Speaker 2: innocent one, since he was on a quest for knowledge.

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Speaker 2: He was most fulfilled when he was intellectually stimulated and

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Speaker 2: sought the greatest challenges the law of God had to offer.

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Speaker 2: Many people followed Matthias, eager to watch him debate the

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Speaker 2: scriptures and the philosophical quandaries of the universe. So when

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Speaker 2: he had heard Jesus was in the region, he could

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Speaker 2: not help but fantasize about them speaking with them. Jesus

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Speaker 2: was walking in the outer regions of Judea. He and

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Speaker 2: his disciples would travel from village to village, preaching and healing.

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Speaker 2: As he was tending to the needs of the people,

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Speaker 2: the young lawyer approached him. He held himself with the

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Speaker 2: arrogant glow of a student. There was an unearned confidence

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Speaker 2: exuding from him. His cocky posture was showcased in stark

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Speaker 2: contrast to Jesus's humble position as he mended a woman's

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Speaker 2: broken foot. He approached Jesus with a crowd of eager

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Speaker 2: patrons behind him. Jesus smiled at the young man and

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Speaker 2: greeted him. The young lawyer went straight for his question,

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Speaker 2: ready to engage Jesus in a discussion for.

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Speaker 6: The ages teacher, how shall I inherit eternal life?

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Speaker 2: He asked, allowing the crown behind him to prepare themsels.

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Speaker 2: Jesus stood to his feet and wiped his hands on

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Speaker 2: his robe. They were dirty from working with the people

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Speaker 2: all day. He looked at the people, then walked over

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Speaker 2: to a bucket of water nearby to wash his face well.

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Speaker 2: Jesus began, what.

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Speaker 4: Does it say in the law?

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Speaker 2: You have read the law, I assume, the young lawyer

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Speaker 2: was jumping to answer, ready to begin his discussion with Jesus.

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Speaker 6: You shall love the Lord your God with all your

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Speaker 6: heart's soul, mind and strength. You shall love your neighbor

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Speaker 6: as yourself.

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Speaker 4: The lawyer replied, Ah, yes, Jesus answered, very good. Do

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Speaker 4: these things and you shall live into eternity.

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Speaker 2: Jesus smiled and turned back to another person in need

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Speaker 2: of healing. The lawyer stopped him, annoyed that he could

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Speaker 2: not keep Jesus's attention.

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Speaker 6: Well, then, who is considered my neighbor? Certainly that varies

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Speaker 6: from person to person.

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Speaker 2: The lawyer retorted. It was a common question of the day,

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Speaker 2: a question that certainly needed an answer. People were often

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Speaker 2: wondering who they needed to love and who they were

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Speaker 2: allowed to ignore. Jesus sighed and shook his head. He

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Speaker 2: looked up to the young lawyer and gestured for him

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Speaker 2: to take his seat next to him. He then gestured

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Speaker 2: for the crowd to come in close and listen. Jesus

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Speaker 2: began a story for the lawyer. It became apparent that

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Speaker 2: this would not be a conversation but a lesson.

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Speaker 4: The merchant was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. The road

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Speaker 4: is notoriously dangerous and filled with bandits ready to jump

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Speaker 4: like a prowling lion. Despite the rumors of robbers, the

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Speaker 4: man decided to travel anyway. He walked the countryside with

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Speaker 4: ease until that very band of robbers ambushed.

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Speaker 2: Him out of nowhere.

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Speaker 4: There was a swift blow to the merchant's head to

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Speaker 4: disorient him. Then as the man fell to his knees,

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Speaker 4: another robber kicked him in jaw. They took his money

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Speaker 4: and all his supplies. When the man began to chase

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Speaker 4: after them to get his things back, the robbers quickly

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Speaker 4: made a mockery of it, breaking his ribs, tossing him

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Speaker 4: to the ground. Onslaughts and onsloughts of kicks, the robbers

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Speaker 4: tore off his clothes. They took everything he owned, even

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Speaker 4: the clothes off his back. They shamed him and tossed

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Speaker 4: him off the edge of the road into a ditch

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Speaker 4: full of stones and weeds. The man's body was lifeless

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Speaker 4: for hours. Every breath was a struggle. There were moments

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Speaker 4: when the man believed he was dead, only to be

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Speaker 4: reminded by the pain that he was very much alive.

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Speaker 4: All hope seemed to be lost until he saw a

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Speaker 4: priest walking on the road. The merchant knew he only

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Speaker 4: had a few moments to make his presence known, so

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Speaker 4: he yelled for help. His cries were painful, but they

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Speaker 4: caught the attention of the priest. However, to the merchant's dismay,

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Speaker 4: the priest looked at him and then just walked away.

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Speaker 4: He could not be bothered on his way to the temple.

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Speaker 4: The day was drawing to a close, and the blistering

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Speaker 4: sun was replaced with the cold evening air. Naked and shivering,

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Speaker 4: the man was certain he would die. However, his hope

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Speaker 4: returned to him as another man of God walked past.

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Speaker 4: A levite was also on his way to the temple.

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Speaker 4: His elegant robes of fine color shone in the moonlight.

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Speaker 4: When the levite saw the man quivering by the wayside,

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Speaker 4: he cringed and shuffled over to the other side of

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Speaker 4: the road, pretending not to see him. A priest and

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Speaker 4: a levite had rejected him, all hope was lost for

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Speaker 4: the poor man. The merchant knew that night would be

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Speaker 4: a cruel executioner, so he dragged himself from the ditch

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Speaker 4: onto the road. His naked body trembled in the freezing

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Speaker 4: night air. In a matter of moments, the man drifted

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Speaker 4: into a deep sleep. As he allowed his mind to wander,

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Speaker 4: he came to terms with his own inevitable death. While

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Speaker 4: the merchant was sleeping, he did not hear the slow

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Speaker 4: trot trot trot of a mule passing by.

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Speaker 2: The mule stop and.

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Speaker 4: A Samaritan man dismounted and crouched beside the merchant. The

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Speaker 4: merchant was able to peer his eyes open to see

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Speaker 4: a dark figure hidden by night, lift him off the

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Speaker 4: dirt and on to his mule. The Samaritan man continued

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Speaker 4: into the night until he found the dim light of

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Speaker 4: a nearby inn. The Samaritan paid for a room in

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Speaker 4: the inn and then tended to his wounds. He bound

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Speaker 4: up his broken bones and sewed up his torn flesh.

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Speaker 4: Once the man was healed, the Samaritan paid the innkeeper

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Speaker 4: enough money to take care of him for a few

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Speaker 4: more weeks. Can you believe it? Then he returned to

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Speaker 4: check up on him.

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Speaker 2: Jesus concluded his story and looked at the young lawyer

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Speaker 2: with a tender smile.

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Speaker 4: He said, so tell me which of the three was

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Speaker 4: a better neighbor, the priest, the Levite, or the Samaritan.

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Speaker 2: The lawyer was downtrodden and ashamed. The Samaritans were reviled

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Speaker 2: and hated among the Jews. If there was any one

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Speaker 2: he would call exempt from love, it was them.

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Speaker 6: I suppose it was the one who showed mercy.

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Speaker 2: He answered. Jesus placed his hand on the man's shoulder.

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Speaker 4: Very good, you are a wise man.

287
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Speaker 2: Now go and do likewise. And with that Jesus stood

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Speaker 2: to his feet to tend to the rest of the city.

289
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Speaker 2: Jesus did not engage in the philosophical dialogue the lawyer

290
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Speaker 2: had hoped. However, he gave him something that cut much deeper.

291
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Speaker 2: He called him to a higher standard of kindness. His

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Speaker 2: story revealed deep truths that had been hidden by dogma

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Speaker 2: and prejudice. The Jews considered the Samaritans dogs and wretch.

294
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Speaker 2: They were treated as sub human half breeds. On the

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Speaker 2: other hand, priests and Levites were revered as pillars of

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Speaker 2: religious morality. Jesus told the story of the good Samaritan

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Speaker 2: to show that goodness, mercy, and kindness can come from

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Speaker 2: unexpected places. That showed Jesus his heart that he was

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Speaker 2: not concerned with cultural boundaries, but human kindness. The smell

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Speaker 2: of fresh saffron enveloped the room as Jesus and his

301
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Speaker 2: disciples reclined at the table. It was a joy for

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Speaker 2: the disciples to enjoy a good meal among friends. They

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Speaker 2: had entered the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Their

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Speaker 2: humble home proved as a welcome respite from the brutal travel.

305
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Speaker 2: Lazarus sat beside Jesus, sharing stories and laughter. Jesus truly

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Speaker 2: cherished Lazarus's friendship. Two of them would often speak into

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Speaker 2: the night about deep truths of God, exchanging jokes along

308
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Speaker 2: the way. Jesus then transitioned into teaching the disciples. He

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Speaker 2: poured into them deep truths and honest wisdom. Mary sat

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Speaker 2: at Jesus's feet and listened intently to every word pouring

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Speaker 2: from his mouth. She was nourished by the Gospel and

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Speaker 2: soaked in every word she possibly could. However, reeling in

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Speaker 2: the corner of the room was Martha. She anxiously swept

314
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Speaker 2: the home, cooked the meal, and poured the wine. Worry

315
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Speaker 2: was visible on her face as she frantically paced from

316
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Speaker 2: room to room. Her anxious behavior was noticeable, and Jesus

317
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Speaker 2: could tell she was growing increasingly more annoyed at her sister.

318
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Speaker 2: Unaware of her sister's anger, Mary continued to listen to Jesus. Martha, however,

319
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Speaker 2: boiled with anger until she burst.

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Speaker 7: Jesus, are you not going to tell my sister to

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Speaker 7: help me. Do you not even care that I have

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Speaker 7: toiled all day on this meal and keeping the house clean,

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Speaker 7: yet she refuses to take any responsibility.

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Speaker 2: Martha was getting herself worked up. She fanned her face,

325
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Speaker 2: his tears began to well up. She was embarrassed that

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Speaker 2: she could not live up to her own standards of perfection,

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Speaker 2: and she was bitter at Mary for seeming to not

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Speaker 2: even care. Jesus gave a warm, soft smile Martha, he said,

329
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Speaker 2: gesturing for her to sit beside him. Martha rolled her

330
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Speaker 2: eyes and sat beside Jesus. He took her hand and reassured.

331
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Speaker 4: Her, Martha, you are anxious about many things. You tend

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Speaker 4: to carry the whole weight of the world on your shoulders.

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Speaker 4: Do not be so troubled. The only thing you need

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Speaker 4: to pay attention to is what your sister is already doing. See,

335
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Speaker 4: she sits at my she listens to my words. She

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Speaker 4: has chosen the correct task.

337
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Speaker 2: Martha looked at her sister with an affectionate smile. She

338
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Speaker 2: wiped her eyes and hugged Jesus. Then removing the rags

339
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Speaker 2: from her garment, she seized her cleaning and sat at

340
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Speaker 2: the feet of Jesus. As Jesus went around the surrounding

341
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Speaker 2: regions of Judea, he came in contact with many Pharisees

342
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Speaker 2: seeking to challenge his ministry. Their continual questioning often ended

343
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Speaker 2: in Jesus shaming their lack of understanding, Yet there was

344
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Speaker 2: a mounting hatred behind their accusations. They called him a

345
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Speaker 2: messenger of Satan and sought to rile up the crowds

346
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Speaker 2: against him. Lawyers joined them in order to trap him

347
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Speaker 2: in falsehoods. Yet each time Jesus remained a steady voice

348
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Speaker 2: of truth. He watched as they stockpiled reputation influence, and

349
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Speaker 2: they wore their authority like finely cut gems. Although they

350
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Speaker 2: tithed of everything they had, they refused to give to

351
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Speaker 2: God what truly matter their hearts. Jesus was pondering these

352
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Speaker 2: things as they stood in the back of the crowd.

353
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Speaker 2: They assumed their typical position, arms crossed in the back,

354
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Speaker 2: scoffing and whispering amongst themselves. Jesus looked to the rest

355
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Speaker 2: of the crowd, fielding their questions on the Kingdom of God.

356
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Speaker 2: A man's voice spoke up.

357
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Speaker 6: Saying, Teacher, order my brother to divide up his inheritance

358
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Speaker 6: with me.

359
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Speaker 4: Come now, who has made me the arbitrator over you?

360
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Speaker 2: Jesus said in jest. The crowd gave a quick chuckle,

361
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Speaker 2: and Jesus stroked his beard, preparing his response. We must

362
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Speaker 2: guard our hearts, Jesus began, You must guard our hearts

363
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Speaker 2: against greed, for one's life is so much more than

364
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Speaker 2: simply his possessions. The crowd nodded in agreement. Jesus spoke

365
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Speaker 2: a parable saying.

366
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Speaker 4: The vibrant and luscious farmland of a rich man produced

367
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Speaker 4: an abundance of goods. In his pride over his work,

368
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Speaker 4: he thought to himself, what shall I do? I have

369
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Speaker 4: nowhere to store my crops. The man had an idea.

370
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Speaker 4: He stored his grains and goods for years and years

371
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Speaker 4: in giant storehouses. He had finally stored up so much

372
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Speaker 4: food that he was prepared to retire and finally rest.

373
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Speaker 4: Yet God had different plans. His life was required of him.

374
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Speaker 2: That night.

375
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Speaker 4: God said to him, fool, this night your soul will

376
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Speaker 4: be taken, and the things you have prepared will rot

377
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Speaker 4: and rust away with the rest of the earth. This

378
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Speaker 4: is the danger of those who store up all their

379
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Speaker 4: treasure here on earth, not thinking of the eternal weight

380
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Speaker 4: of their actions. Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.

381
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Speaker 2: Jesus turned to his disciples, understanding the worry of their hearts.

382
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Speaker 2: It was in the flesh of every man to pursue riches.

383
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Speaker 2: They wanted safety and prosperity for them and their families.

384
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Speaker 2: Yet Jesus knew the true solution to a thriving heart.

385
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Speaker 2: Do not be anxious, Jesus encouraged.

386
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Speaker 4: Do not worry about your life what you will eat

387
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Speaker 4: till the clothes you put on. The ravens neither sow

388
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Speaker 4: nor reap for food. They have no barn her storehouses

389
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Speaker 4: to store up grain for the winter. Yet God feeds

390
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Speaker 4: them and cares for them. Rest assured, you are of

391
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Speaker 4: far more value than they. None of you worrying will

392
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Speaker 4: add one minute to your life. If God raised the

393
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Speaker 4: fields with immaculate lilies, how much more will he care

394
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Speaker 4: for the.

395
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Speaker 2: Clothes on your back. The disciples were still in anguish

396
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Speaker 2: They did not want to care about these things, yet

397
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Speaker 2: they still found themselves worrying. Jesus shook his head and

398
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Speaker 2: looked at them endearingly.

399
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Speaker 4: Oh you of little faith. All the other nations rage

400
00:25:59,640 --> 00:26:03,959
Speaker 4: again one another in pursuit of more, more riches, more power,

401
00:26:04,240 --> 00:26:08,800
Speaker 4: more status. You are not of this world. Seek first

402
00:26:08,840 --> 00:26:13,080
Speaker 4: the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these

403
00:26:13,119 --> 00:26:17,439
Speaker 4: other things will be added unto you. Fear not, little flock,

404
00:26:17,800 --> 00:26:21,200
Speaker 4: for it is God's good pleasure to give you his kingdom.

405
00:26:21,680 --> 00:26:24,600
Speaker 4: Sell what you have and give to the needy. Invest

406
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Speaker 4: in a storehouse that will not wither or rot, with

407
00:26:28,200 --> 00:26:29,679
Speaker 4: treasures in heaven.

408
00:26:29,880 --> 00:26:33,919
Speaker 2: Jesus then pointed to his heart. He raised his voice

409
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Speaker 2: for all to hear.

410
00:26:35,400 --> 00:26:39,399
Speaker 4: Where your treasure is, your heart will follow.

411
00:26:39,440 --> 00:26:43,480
Speaker 2: The crowd had dissipated, but Jesus remained with the seventy two.

412
00:26:44,840 --> 00:26:48,119
Speaker 2: Jesus climbed up a small stone wall and sat there.

413
00:26:48,920 --> 00:26:52,479
Speaker 2: They looked up at him, content to sit and listen. More.

414
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Speaker 4: Be ready, Jesus warn be like men who are put

415
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Speaker 4: in charge of a wedding feast for their master, but

416
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Speaker 4: they don't know when he'll be coming. Blessed are the

417
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Speaker 4: servants who stay alert and vigilant. Blessed are the servants

418
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Speaker 4: he finds attending to the needs of the household, preparing

419
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Speaker 4: for the guests. For the servants that remain faithful, the

420
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Speaker 4: Master will have them join him to delight in the feast.

421
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Speaker 4: He may come at the first watch, the second, or

422
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Speaker 4: even the third. The servants do not know, and neither

423
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Speaker 4: will you know when the son of Man returns.

424
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Speaker 2: Peter looked up to Jesus, curious about the parable he

425
00:27:29,280 --> 00:27:34,160
Speaker 2: was telling. He raised his voice and asked, Lord, who

426
00:27:34,359 --> 00:27:35,240
Speaker 2: is this parable?

427
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Speaker 5: For?

428
00:27:36,119 --> 00:27:39,560
Speaker 2: Is it for all of us? Jesus smiled and hopped

429
00:27:39,600 --> 00:27:43,359
Speaker 2: off the wall. He sat down among the disciples, playing

430
00:27:43,400 --> 00:27:45,440
Speaker 2: with the small stone in his hand.

431
00:27:45,640 --> 00:27:48,359
Speaker 4: There was a faithful servant who the Master put in

432
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Speaker 4: charge his manager over the household. Blessed is that servant.

433
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Speaker 4: If he is diligent, the Master will set him over

434
00:27:54,600 --> 00:27:56,120
Speaker 4: all his possessions.

435
00:27:56,480 --> 00:27:59,359
Speaker 2: Jesus then threw the stone at a nearby creek bed.

436
00:28:00,400 --> 00:28:01,880
Speaker 2: He raised his finger and.

437
00:28:01,840 --> 00:28:05,960
Speaker 4: Said, However, if the servant grows complacent and says, my

438
00:28:06,080 --> 00:28:08,520
Speaker 4: master is late, who cares about the feast, and then

439
00:28:08,560 --> 00:28:11,040
Speaker 4: he proceeds to beat the other servants and get drunk

440
00:28:11,040 --> 00:28:13,400
Speaker 4: with the wine for the feast, woe to him. When

441
00:28:13,400 --> 00:28:16,240
Speaker 4: the master comes. The Master will come into the feast

442
00:28:16,480 --> 00:28:19,240
Speaker 4: ready to dine and fellowship, only to find the manager

443
00:28:19,240 --> 00:28:24,320
Speaker 4: of his house belligerent and drunk. His punishment will be severe.

444
00:28:24,080 --> 00:28:26,959
Speaker 2: Jesus then stood to his feet and helped Peter up.

445
00:28:27,680 --> 00:28:30,080
Speaker 2: He grabbed his shoulders and looked him in the eye.

446
00:28:30,240 --> 00:28:34,080
Speaker 4: Peter, to whom much is given, much will be demanded.

447
00:28:34,600 --> 00:28:38,000
Speaker 4: Remember this and be faithful with what's entrusted to you.

448
00:28:38,280 --> 00:28:42,400
Speaker 2: Peter nodded and would remember these words. He held them

449
00:28:42,440 --> 00:28:46,960
Speaker 2: close to his heart. One day much would be required

450
00:28:46,960 --> 00:28:50,320
Speaker 2: of him, and he prayed he would have the strength

451
00:28:50,400 --> 00:28:51,800
Speaker 2: to rise to the occasion.

452
00:28:52,560 --> 00:28:55,720
Speaker 4: Be mindful, my friends. My deeds will cast a great

453
00:28:55,760 --> 00:28:58,760
Speaker 4: fire on this earth. There will be a great baptism.

454
00:28:58,800 --> 00:29:02,720
Speaker 4: I will endure a pain unlike any other. My soul

455
00:29:02,800 --> 00:29:05,880
Speaker 4: anguish is until it is accomplished. I have not come

456
00:29:05,920 --> 00:29:10,000
Speaker 4: to bring harmony between people, but a sword. Households will

457
00:29:10,040 --> 00:29:14,520
Speaker 4: be divided because of me, father against son, son against father,

458
00:29:15,040 --> 00:29:19,160
Speaker 4: mother against daughter, and daughter against mother. They will disagree

459
00:29:19,200 --> 00:29:20,280
Speaker 4: because of my deeds.

460
00:29:20,480 --> 00:29:24,440
Speaker 2: For all of Christ's gentleness, he understood the weight of

461
00:29:24,520 --> 00:29:28,320
Speaker 2: what was about to happen. He understood that as he

462
00:29:28,400 --> 00:29:31,680
Speaker 2: stepped into the place of humanity, there would be a

463
00:29:31,720 --> 00:29:35,560
Speaker 2: great divide. There would be those who clung to him

464
00:29:35,600 --> 00:29:39,080
Speaker 2: as the hero of their souls, and those who chose

465
00:29:39,120 --> 00:29:42,760
Speaker 2: the path of Adam and Eve those who would cling

466
00:29:43,040 --> 00:29:47,920
Speaker 2: to their own godhood. Such a divide would tear apart nations.

467
00:29:48,440 --> 00:29:51,840
Speaker 2: Yet in all of it there would be redemption, as

468
00:29:51,880 --> 00:29:59,080
Speaker 2: God's people mobilized to bring light into darkness. It was

469
00:29:59,120 --> 00:30:02,040
Speaker 2: Sabbath and Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues.

470
00:30:02,800 --> 00:30:06,160
Speaker 2: The entire courtyard was overflowing with people waiting to hear

471
00:30:06,320 --> 00:30:11,440
Speaker 2: Jesus teach the oracles of God. As always, the pharisees

472
00:30:11,480 --> 00:30:15,080
Speaker 2: and scribes were in attendance, seeking to fire their arrows

473
00:30:15,120 --> 00:30:19,280
Speaker 2: of dissension whenever they could. Many people flowed in and

474
00:30:19,360 --> 00:30:22,840
Speaker 2: out of the room as Jesus spoke. Yet there was

475
00:30:22,920 --> 00:30:27,920
Speaker 2: one who caught Jesus' attention, a woman who hunched over

476
00:30:28,000 --> 00:30:31,080
Speaker 2: in the side of the room. She winced in pain

477
00:30:31,360 --> 00:30:35,520
Speaker 2: as she sat and listened. For eighteen years, she had

478
00:30:35,520 --> 00:30:39,600
Speaker 2: been played with a crooked spine. Her agony was great,

479
00:30:40,080 --> 00:30:45,600
Speaker 2: and she was in continual distress. Jesus ceased teaching and

480
00:30:45,680 --> 00:30:49,560
Speaker 2: called out to the woman, my child, he said. Although

481
00:30:49,600 --> 00:30:53,800
Speaker 2: the room was filled with people, the woman looked up somehow,

482
00:30:53,840 --> 00:30:58,800
Speaker 2: knowing he was speaking to her. Jesus stood to his

483
00:30:58,840 --> 00:31:00,920
Speaker 2: feet and opened up his arms.

484
00:31:01,520 --> 00:31:04,240
Speaker 4: Rejoice, you are free from pain.

485
00:31:05,040 --> 00:31:09,000
Speaker 2: And As he spoke those words, a warm sensation rose

486
00:31:09,120 --> 00:31:13,040
Speaker 2: up her back like a rising tide. Her body shuddered

487
00:31:13,200 --> 00:31:16,560
Speaker 2: as she pulled her shoulders back and straightened her spine.

488
00:31:17,200 --> 00:31:19,479
Speaker 2: The look of joy on her face was like the

489
00:31:19,520 --> 00:31:23,200
Speaker 2: bright light of heaven. Jesus rose his arms up in

490
00:31:23,280 --> 00:31:26,920
Speaker 2: victory and cheered for her. The rest of the crowd

491
00:31:27,000 --> 00:31:31,680
Speaker 2: joined in. The woman was in dismay and tears. She

492
00:31:31,800 --> 00:31:34,760
Speaker 2: ran up to Jesus, bound at his feet, then ran

493
00:31:34,840 --> 00:31:38,440
Speaker 2: to the other women, receiving loving embraces eye to eye

494
00:31:38,800 --> 00:31:42,880
Speaker 2: for the first time. The ruler of the synagogue rose

495
00:31:42,920 --> 00:31:47,960
Speaker 2: to his feet in rage. No, he shouted. The pharisees

496
00:31:48,000 --> 00:31:50,720
Speaker 2: also chimed in, this is a holy day.

497
00:31:51,200 --> 00:31:53,760
Speaker 6: There are six days in which work could be done. Jesus,

498
00:31:54,040 --> 00:31:58,040
Speaker 6: heal your people then, but today is God's day today

499
00:31:58,320 --> 00:32:01,560
Speaker 6: as a day where no work had been done.

500
00:32:01,600 --> 00:32:05,440
Speaker 2: The ruler of the synagogue quickly regretted his words as

501
00:32:05,560 --> 00:32:10,760
Speaker 2: Jesus walked off the platform and marched towards him. Jesus

502
00:32:10,880 --> 00:32:15,000
Speaker 2: was kind and gentle, yet there was a righteous and

503
00:32:15,160 --> 00:32:19,520
Speaker 2: humble power that dwelled within him. With the fiery tongue

504
00:32:19,560 --> 00:32:24,360
Speaker 2: of God, he shouted hypocrites. The ruler and the Pharisees

505
00:32:24,560 --> 00:32:27,840
Speaker 2: stepped back for a moment, fearful of Jesus's intensity.

506
00:32:28,040 --> 00:32:30,920
Speaker 4: On any given Sabbath, you would untie your ox a

507
00:32:31,040 --> 00:32:33,400
Speaker 4: donkey so that they may get a drink from the troth.

508
00:32:34,120 --> 00:32:37,400
Speaker 4: You look at this woman, a fellow child of Abraham,

509
00:32:37,920 --> 00:32:40,600
Speaker 4: and would allow her to suffer just because it's the Sabbath.

510
00:32:41,520 --> 00:32:44,360
Speaker 4: Answer me, oh, righteous men of God? Is he not

511
00:32:44,480 --> 00:32:47,440
Speaker 4: more precious to you than an ox or a donkey?

512
00:32:48,080 --> 00:32:51,000
Speaker 2: The ruler of the synagogue looked at the woman, then

513
00:32:51,320 --> 00:32:56,719
Speaker 2: shrunk back in shame. His religious pride had replaced godly compassion,

514
00:32:57,200 --> 00:33:01,360
Speaker 2: and he knew it. However, the fair's hearts were already

515
00:33:01,440 --> 00:33:06,040
Speaker 2: far too hardened to care. They left, having further ammunition

516
00:33:06,160 --> 00:33:14,440
Speaker 2: against Jesus. Meanwhile, in the quiet village of Bethany, Lazarus

517
00:33:14,520 --> 00:33:18,719
Speaker 2: lay in bed, fighting for his life. His once lively

518
00:33:18,760 --> 00:33:22,920
Speaker 2: and bright countenance was replaced by a pale shell of himself.

519
00:33:25,080 --> 00:33:28,360
Speaker 2: His coughs echoed into the night, blood pouring out from

520
00:33:28,400 --> 00:33:32,680
Speaker 2: his lungs. Mary sat beside his bed, holding his hand

521
00:33:33,120 --> 00:33:36,760
Speaker 2: and cry. Martha brought in a bucket of warm water

522
00:33:37,080 --> 00:33:40,360
Speaker 2: and dabbed his head with a cloth. It had been

523
00:33:40,360 --> 00:33:43,520
Speaker 2: a week since Lazarus became sick, and his health had

524
00:33:43,560 --> 00:33:48,640
Speaker 2: only declined since. Tears streamed down Mary's face as she

525
00:33:48,720 --> 00:33:51,600
Speaker 2: watched her brother shiver and gasp for air.

526
00:33:52,320 --> 00:33:53,720
Speaker 7: Is he going to die?

527
00:33:54,280 --> 00:33:58,680
Speaker 2: She whispered to Martha. Martha sat beside the bed next

528
00:33:58,680 --> 00:33:59,080
Speaker 2: to Mary.

529
00:34:00,160 --> 00:34:02,000
Speaker 7: He can't last much longer.

530
00:34:03,120 --> 00:34:07,840
Speaker 2: Martha paused, trying to hold back her tears. She was

531
00:34:07,880 --> 00:34:12,720
Speaker 2: the strongest of the three, continually keeping the family together. However,

532
00:34:13,320 --> 00:34:18,279
Speaker 2: she couldn't fix this. For all her anxiety, she could

533
00:34:18,280 --> 00:34:22,919
Speaker 2: not do anything to help her brother. Mary held Martha's hand.

534
00:34:23,160 --> 00:34:25,440
Speaker 7: We should send for him, she whispered.

535
00:34:26,360 --> 00:34:29,239
Speaker 2: Martha nodded and went downstairs to send one of her

536
00:34:29,239 --> 00:34:30,160
Speaker 2: teenage sons.

537
00:34:30,960 --> 00:34:34,680
Speaker 7: Go and find Jesus. She ordered, Do not rest until

538
00:34:34,680 --> 00:34:35,759
Speaker 7: you find him.

539
00:34:36,080 --> 00:34:38,840
Speaker 2: The boy nodded and burst out of the door. The

540
00:34:38,880 --> 00:34:41,759
Speaker 2: boy was lean and fast. He knew if he ran

541
00:34:41,800 --> 00:34:44,560
Speaker 2: through the night, he could find Jesus by morning's light.

542
00:34:46,160 --> 00:34:50,120
Speaker 2: Over thirty miles away from Bethany, Jesus was walking with

543
00:34:50,200 --> 00:34:54,320
Speaker 2: his disciples to the synagogue. As he approached the steps

544
00:34:54,560 --> 00:34:57,880
Speaker 2: entering into the home, a boy came crashing into the group.

545
00:34:59,080 --> 00:35:02,520
Speaker 2: The boy fell into his face, exhausted by the night's journey.

546
00:35:03,320 --> 00:35:07,440
Speaker 2: Sweat and dirt covered his clothes. Jesus helped him up,

547
00:35:07,600 --> 00:35:12,000
Speaker 2: and the boy frantically held Jesus, well Lord, He shouted

548
00:35:12,200 --> 00:35:13,239
Speaker 2: out of breath.

549
00:35:13,200 --> 00:35:16,920
Speaker 4: Lazarus, You're dear friend's sick and dying.

550
00:35:17,360 --> 00:35:21,480
Speaker 2: The rest of the disciples gasped and stirred, yet not Jesus.

551
00:35:22,239 --> 00:35:24,799
Speaker 2: He simply nodded and sent the boil on his way.

552
00:35:25,520 --> 00:35:29,319
Speaker 2: Then he began to go back into the synagogue. His

553
00:35:29,400 --> 00:35:33,160
Speaker 2: disciples stopped him and asked, Jesus, why don't you go

554
00:35:33,239 --> 00:35:35,400
Speaker 2: to heal Lazarus, because.

555
00:35:35,440 --> 00:35:38,200
Speaker 4: This illness does not lead to death, it leads to

556
00:35:38,280 --> 00:35:39,280
Speaker 4: the glory of God.

557
00:35:39,520 --> 00:35:44,200
Speaker 2: Jesus replied. They were surprised at his statement. Jesus had

558
00:35:44,560 --> 00:35:47,840
Speaker 2: so much power, he only needed to say a word

559
00:35:48,160 --> 00:35:50,919
Speaker 2: and Lazarus would be healed. But he spoke as if

560
00:35:51,000 --> 00:35:56,120
Speaker 2: Lazarus was not ill at all. Two days passed and

561
00:35:56,200 --> 00:35:59,080
Speaker 2: the disciples were packing up their things to follow.

562
00:35:58,920 --> 00:36:01,120
Speaker 4: Jesus going back to Judea.

563
00:36:01,320 --> 00:36:06,040
Speaker 2: Jesus said plainly. The disciples were confused, since many of

564
00:36:06,120 --> 00:36:10,160
Speaker 2: Jesus's enemies were in Judea. Many people were plotting in

565
00:36:10,239 --> 00:36:13,680
Speaker 2: secret to kill him last time they were in the region.

566
00:36:13,920 --> 00:36:15,840
Speaker 2: Jesus received multiple death threats.

567
00:36:16,400 --> 00:36:20,759
Speaker 4: Rabbi, is this wise? The religious leaders are waiting for

568
00:36:20,920 --> 00:36:25,879
Speaker 4: you there to stone you. Remember last time they sent guards.

569
00:36:25,520 --> 00:36:29,640
Speaker 2: To seize you, they warned. Jesus slung his pack over

570
00:36:29,680 --> 00:36:33,600
Speaker 2: his shoulder and began walking. He waved for the disciples

571
00:36:33,600 --> 00:36:34,120
Speaker 2: to follow.

572
00:36:34,640 --> 00:36:37,640
Speaker 4: Come. We must hurry, He said, our friend Lazarus has

573
00:36:37,680 --> 00:36:40,279
Speaker 4: fallen asleep. We are gonna go wake him up.

574
00:36:40,520 --> 00:36:47,120
Speaker 2: The disciples were confused. They were apprehensive. Jesus sighed, Lazarus

575
00:36:47,200 --> 00:36:49,920
Speaker 2: is dead. Jesus said, plainly, and.

576
00:36:49,920 --> 00:36:52,399
Speaker 4: For your sake, I'm glad I did not heal him,

577
00:36:52,800 --> 00:36:54,960
Speaker 4: because now you get to see what happens next.

578
00:36:55,600 --> 00:36:59,279
Speaker 2: So Jesus kept walking, not looking back to see if

579
00:36:59,320 --> 00:37:04,400
Speaker 2: the disciples were following. The disciples froze. There were many

580
00:37:04,560 --> 00:37:08,720
Speaker 2: violent men and Judea waiting to harm them. Thomas grabbed

581
00:37:08,719 --> 00:37:13,319
Speaker 2: his walking stick, sighed, and began walking after Jesus. He

582
00:37:13,400 --> 00:37:14,919
Speaker 2: turned back to the others and.

583
00:37:14,840 --> 00:37:19,319
Speaker 4: Said, well, I guess we're going to die with him.

584
00:37:19,880 --> 00:37:24,600
Speaker 2: The men chuckled and followed Jesus to Judea. After a

585
00:37:24,640 --> 00:37:29,120
Speaker 2: few days journey, Jesus arrived in Bethany. By that time,

586
00:37:29,320 --> 00:37:32,920
Speaker 2: Lazarus had been dead for days. His corpse had begun

587
00:37:32,960 --> 00:37:37,560
Speaker 2: to rot, and the tomb outside the town. Jesus's heart

588
00:37:37,640 --> 00:37:41,280
Speaker 2: grew heavy as he approached the home of Mary and Martha.

589
00:37:42,200 --> 00:37:46,160
Speaker 2: They were outside in the garden weeping. Their eyes were

590
00:37:46,200 --> 00:37:51,720
Speaker 2: red from days of tears. They looked up. Martha's gaze

591
00:37:51,760 --> 00:37:54,640
Speaker 2: was piercing you. She shouted.

592
00:37:55,920 --> 00:37:57,560
Speaker 7: You should have been here.

593
00:37:57,840 --> 00:37:59,240
Speaker 2: She pointed at him, in pain.

594
00:38:00,120 --> 00:38:02,880
Speaker 7: We sent for you, and you did not come. You

595
00:38:03,040 --> 00:38:05,600
Speaker 7: remained in your synagogue while he rotted away.

596
00:38:06,160 --> 00:38:09,799
Speaker 2: Mary was silent, weeping on her knees and holding one

597
00:38:09,840 --> 00:38:11,080
Speaker 2: of Lazarus's sashes.

598
00:38:12,520 --> 00:38:16,799
Speaker 4: If only you had been here, she whispered, he would have.

599
00:38:18,560 --> 00:38:22,680
Speaker 2: He She could not hold back her tears. The women

600
00:38:22,719 --> 00:38:26,799
Speaker 2: were broken. Death was a cruel thief of joy, and

601
00:38:26,880 --> 00:38:31,160
Speaker 2: he had taken all of it. Martha composed herself and

602
00:38:31,200 --> 00:38:33,080
Speaker 2: looked at Jesus apologetically.

603
00:38:34,360 --> 00:38:37,920
Speaker 7: I am sorry, Lord, even now I know that you

604
00:38:38,080 --> 00:38:40,920
Speaker 7: do the will of God, and whatever you ask of

605
00:38:41,000 --> 00:38:42,520
Speaker 7: God will be given to you.

606
00:38:42,920 --> 00:38:46,960
Speaker 2: She wiped her nose and bowed her head. Jesus hugged

607
00:38:46,960 --> 00:38:51,279
Speaker 2: Martha and allowed her to cry for a while. He

608
00:38:51,400 --> 00:38:54,320
Speaker 2: led her to the bench, where Mary sat silently.

609
00:38:55,239 --> 00:38:56,880
Speaker 4: Lazarus will rise again.

610
00:38:57,400 --> 00:39:01,359
Speaker 2: Jesus said, softly. Martha wiped her eyes and.

611
00:39:01,360 --> 00:39:04,239
Speaker 7: Said, we know that he will have a life after

612
00:39:04,280 --> 00:39:07,120
Speaker 7: this one. The Messiah will come, and the day of

613
00:39:07,160 --> 00:39:08,879
Speaker 7: the Resurrection will come after him.

614
00:39:09,200 --> 00:39:13,000
Speaker 2: Jesus stood to his feet and walked towards the tombs.

615
00:39:13,880 --> 00:39:14,879
Speaker 2: He turned back to them.

616
00:39:15,160 --> 00:39:18,880
Speaker 4: I am the Resurrection and the Life, he said. Whoever

617
00:39:18,920 --> 00:39:22,680
Speaker 4: believes in me, even though he may die, will experience

618
00:39:23,120 --> 00:39:24,279
Speaker 4: life everlasting.

619
00:39:25,160 --> 00:39:25,920
Speaker 2: Do you believe this?

620
00:39:26,840 --> 00:39:31,320
Speaker 7: Martha nodded, yes, Lord, I believe you are the Christ,

621
00:39:31,840 --> 00:39:33,760
Speaker 7: the living son of God.

622
00:39:34,160 --> 00:39:38,120
Speaker 2: Jesus gave a brief smile and continued to Lazarus's tomb.

623
00:39:39,120 --> 00:39:42,560
Speaker 2: The clouds were dark in the sky. The skies seemed

624
00:39:42,680 --> 00:39:47,400
Speaker 2: ready to weep. Jesus approached the tomb. The stone was

625
00:39:47,560 --> 00:39:52,279
Speaker 2: cold as Jesus placed his hand on it. The disciples

626
00:39:52,280 --> 00:39:55,640
Speaker 2: stood at a distance, taking in the silence from Jesus.

627
00:39:57,280 --> 00:40:01,040
Speaker 2: He thought of his friend Lazarus. He was a man

628
00:40:01,080 --> 00:40:05,680
Speaker 2: of joy, laughter and wisdom. As the rain began to

629
00:40:05,719 --> 00:40:10,840
Speaker 2: fall from the sky, Jesus began to weep. He slammed

630
00:40:10,840 --> 00:40:14,920
Speaker 2: his fist against the dark stone. His bellows were drowned

631
00:40:14,960 --> 00:40:19,000
Speaker 2: out by the sound of falling rain. Jesus looked out

632
00:40:19,040 --> 00:40:22,680
Speaker 2: to heaven connecting with the heart of his Father. This

633
00:40:23,040 --> 00:40:28,200
Speaker 2: not supposed tap. Jesus whispered, God was the creator of life,

634
00:40:28,320 --> 00:40:33,960
Speaker 2: not death. Mankind was supposed to experience life, not death.

635
00:40:34,960 --> 00:40:38,000
Speaker 2: Death was a cancer of creation as a result of

636
00:40:38,040 --> 00:40:43,200
Speaker 2: the fall. Death was the true and final enemy. It

637
00:40:43,239 --> 00:40:48,080
Speaker 2: was the enemy Jesus was determined to defeat. The rain

638
00:40:48,160 --> 00:40:51,960
Speaker 2: was beating down relentlessly. The earth seemed to be in

639
00:40:52,080 --> 00:40:55,160
Speaker 2: unity with the heart of Jesus. He turned to the

640
00:40:55,160 --> 00:40:59,239
Speaker 2: group of disciples with Martha and Mary. His eyes were

641
00:40:59,280 --> 00:41:03,360
Speaker 2: filled with hope, with fire. They sent shivers down. The

642
00:41:03,400 --> 00:41:07,640
Speaker 2: spines of the disciples roam away the stone. He whispered,

643
00:41:08,320 --> 00:41:12,600
Speaker 2: Peter and Andrew pushed at the large stone. It grinded

644
00:41:12,640 --> 00:41:17,680
Speaker 2: against the floor, slowly opening. A crippling odor seeped through

645
00:41:17,719 --> 00:41:21,960
Speaker 2: the tomb entrance. The disciples and others covered their noses

646
00:41:22,080 --> 00:41:27,320
Speaker 2: and retreated back. Thunder burst through the skies, and Jesus

647
00:41:27,360 --> 00:41:31,120
Speaker 2: stepped towards the tomb. He spoke for the entire group

648
00:41:31,200 --> 00:41:35,760
Speaker 2: to hear. His voice nearred the drums of thunder above.

649
00:41:36,719 --> 00:41:40,280
Speaker 4: If you believe, you'll see the glory of God.

650
00:41:40,560 --> 00:41:43,600
Speaker 2: He looked up to heaven, rain falling on his face.

651
00:41:44,000 --> 00:41:47,560
Speaker 4: Father I thank you that you hear every word I speak.

652
00:41:48,080 --> 00:41:49,600
Speaker 4: You are near to my Christ.

653
00:41:50,000 --> 00:41:53,440
Speaker 2: Jesus planted his feet firmly in the ground and fixed

654
00:41:53,440 --> 00:41:57,680
Speaker 2: his gaze into the dark and looming tomb. The clouds

655
00:41:57,960 --> 00:42:03,560
Speaker 2: whirled above, and lightning lit disguise. Jesus's voice arose like

656
00:42:03,600 --> 00:42:07,759
Speaker 2: a tempest. The same breath that breathed life into mankind

657
00:42:08,000 --> 00:42:11,160
Speaker 2: in the garden of Eden burst forth like a mighty

658
00:42:11,239 --> 00:42:12,280
Speaker 2: wind into the cave.

659
00:42:12,680 --> 00:42:14,600
Speaker 4: Lazarus come out.

660
00:42:14,880 --> 00:42:17,840
Speaker 2: The rains ceased for a moment, and there was a

661
00:42:17,920 --> 00:42:24,640
Speaker 2: lingering silence. No one dared speak. Then, like a whisper,

662
00:42:25,280 --> 00:42:29,400
Speaker 2: he could hear a stirring in the tomb. A small

663
00:42:29,440 --> 00:42:33,719
Speaker 2: sliver of light cracked through the clouds. Jesus's gaze did

664
00:42:33,719 --> 00:42:37,680
Speaker 2: not leave the tomb. The others watched in dismay as

665
00:42:37,680 --> 00:42:41,600
Speaker 2: they saw Lazarus emerge from the darkness, covered in cloth,

666
00:42:43,280 --> 00:42:46,760
Speaker 2: like Adam so many generations ago. The breath of life

667
00:42:46,960 --> 00:42:50,840
Speaker 2: raised him from the ground. Mary and Martha ran and

668
00:42:50,880 --> 00:42:54,840
Speaker 2: embraced him. The three laughed in joy as Jesus returned

669
00:42:54,840 --> 00:43:00,160
Speaker 2: to his disciples. For thousands of generations, death had have

670
00:43:00,239 --> 00:43:05,160
Speaker 2: the final word. Jesus would no longer allow death to

671
00:43:05,320 --> 00:43:10,040
Speaker 2: rob the joy of his creation. He saw death in

672
00:43:10,120 --> 00:43:14,759
Speaker 2: an unworthy adversary. From that day forth, he set his

673
00:43:14,840 --> 00:43:19,480
Speaker 2: gaze on Jerusalem. Death was awaiting its challenger.

674
00:43:23,200 --> 00:43:26,279
Speaker 3: Death began with a lie. You will not surely die,

675
00:43:26,400 --> 00:43:29,759
Speaker 3: the slithering voice whispered to Eve. The lies of the

676
00:43:29,880 --> 00:43:33,359
Speaker 3: enemy and the garden were the beginning of the end. Life, light,

677
00:43:33,680 --> 00:43:37,280
Speaker 3: and the loving relationship between God and mankind were severed

678
00:43:37,320 --> 00:43:40,640
Speaker 3: on that day. Yet even in the very beginning, when

679
00:43:40,680 --> 00:43:44,160
Speaker 3: the wounds of the fall were still fresh, God was

680
00:43:44,200 --> 00:43:48,040
Speaker 3: promising redemption. He promised to crush the serpent's head and

681
00:43:48,120 --> 00:43:51,360
Speaker 3: restore unity between him and his children. For all the

682
00:43:51,480 --> 00:43:55,040
Speaker 3: miracles and great teachings we've learned about, we must never

683
00:43:55,080 --> 00:43:59,279
Speaker 3: forget Jesus's primary objective, the redemption of mankind. As we

684
00:43:59,360 --> 00:44:02,279
Speaker 3: have said every episode thus far, this is a story

685
00:44:02,320 --> 00:44:05,280
Speaker 3: about a father's love for his children and a hero's

686
00:44:05,360 --> 00:44:08,799
Speaker 3: triumph over death and darkness. The story of Lazarus was

687
00:44:08,840 --> 00:44:11,840
Speaker 3: not just a miracle, but a reminder, a reminder that

688
00:44:11,920 --> 00:44:14,759
Speaker 3: Jesus is still aiming at death like an archer, and

689
00:44:14,800 --> 00:44:18,360
Speaker 3: he intends on hitting his target. The story of Lazarus

690
00:44:18,400 --> 00:44:21,759
Speaker 3: has embedded itself in our culture. His name is known

691
00:44:21,840 --> 00:44:24,560
Speaker 3: even to those who do not profess any sort of faith.

692
00:44:25,120 --> 00:44:28,040
Speaker 3: This story is so layered that I thought it deserved

693
00:44:28,080 --> 00:44:31,280
Speaker 3: most of our attention today, so let's unpack it together.

694
00:44:31,880 --> 00:44:34,880
Speaker 3: We're introduced to Mary, Martha, and Lazarus at a gathering

695
00:44:34,880 --> 00:44:38,840
Speaker 3: in their home. Martha fusses over hosting, Lazarus bonds with

696
00:44:38,960 --> 00:44:42,200
Speaker 3: Jesus like a brother, and Mary sits at his feet

697
00:44:42,280 --> 00:44:45,399
Speaker 3: to hear Jesus is teaching. We do not know how

698
00:44:45,480 --> 00:44:48,719
Speaker 3: Jesus originally became friends with the three siblings, but we

699
00:44:48,760 --> 00:44:51,239
Speaker 3: are led to believe that they have a history. They

700
00:44:51,280 --> 00:44:54,439
Speaker 3: were friends and loved each other dearly. That is why

701
00:44:54,480 --> 00:44:57,520
Speaker 3: when Lazarus was sick, they sent for Jesus without request.

702
00:44:58,000 --> 00:45:00,400
Speaker 3: Did you notice that they simply told to him he

703
00:45:00,440 --> 00:45:04,560
Speaker 3: was sick, knowing Jesus cared enough to help. However, Jesus

704
00:45:04,560 --> 00:45:08,000
Speaker 3: did something I certainly wouldn't have expected from him. He delayed.

705
00:45:08,719 --> 00:45:12,040
Speaker 3: Jesus intentionally waited two days before traveling to see him,

706
00:45:12,280 --> 00:45:15,839
Speaker 3: knowing full well that the sickness had taken Lazarus's life.

707
00:45:16,520 --> 00:45:19,520
Speaker 3: Why did he delay? What was the point of Jesus waiting.

708
00:45:20,480 --> 00:45:22,839
Speaker 3: It is possible that Jesus knew Lazarus would be dead

709
00:45:22,880 --> 00:45:25,839
Speaker 3: by the time he reached him. The extra delay made

710
00:45:25,880 --> 00:45:29,560
Speaker 3: it so there would be no mistaking Lazarus's death. If

711
00:45:29,640 --> 00:45:33,600
Speaker 3: Jesus raised him too soon, skeptics could simply claim Lazarus

712
00:45:33,680 --> 00:45:36,719
Speaker 3: was never dead in the first place. Waiting created a

713
00:45:36,719 --> 00:45:39,759
Speaker 3: greater chasm for Jesus to bridge between life and death.

714
00:45:40,440 --> 00:45:43,520
Speaker 3: His delay was not a denial, but a decision to

715
00:45:43,600 --> 00:45:47,480
Speaker 3: display more of his glory. Jesus wanted everyone to know

716
00:45:47,560 --> 00:45:51,280
Speaker 3: that death had no power over him or those he loved.

717
00:45:51,440 --> 00:45:54,640
Speaker 3: Perhaps Jesus wanted the sting and anguish of death to

718
00:45:54,680 --> 00:45:57,800
Speaker 3: affect their hearts. It is good for us to feel

719
00:45:57,840 --> 00:46:00,279
Speaker 3: the weight of grief so that we might feel the

720
00:46:00,320 --> 00:46:03,640
Speaker 3: weight of comfort. The disciples asked Jesus why he didn't

721
00:46:03,760 --> 00:46:07,319
Speaker 3: leave to go heal Lazarus, and he responded, because this

722
00:46:07,480 --> 00:46:10,200
Speaker 3: illness does not lead to death. It leads to the

723
00:46:10,200 --> 00:46:13,279
Speaker 3: glory of God. We know from past stories that all

724
00:46:13,400 --> 00:46:16,160
Speaker 3: Jesus had to do was say a word and Lazarus

725
00:46:16,160 --> 00:46:19,359
Speaker 3: would be healed from a distance. Jesus didn't even need

726
00:46:19,400 --> 00:46:22,640
Speaker 3: to go to their house. Jesus chose to remain where

727
00:46:22,680 --> 00:46:25,360
Speaker 3: he was for a while, knowing that the glory of

728
00:46:25,400 --> 00:46:29,279
Speaker 3: God was going to be displayed through this event. Sometimes

729
00:46:29,360 --> 00:46:31,880
Speaker 3: our suffering can be prolonged longer than we would like.

730
00:46:32,200 --> 00:46:36,200
Speaker 3: Our struggles and conflicts may be extended past our comfort zones.

731
00:46:36,480 --> 00:46:38,720
Speaker 3: But this too can be for the glory of God.

732
00:46:39,080 --> 00:46:41,799
Speaker 3: There is a refining work in the waiting. If we

733
00:46:41,840 --> 00:46:44,720
Speaker 3: are diligent to seek God. While we wait, our minds

734
00:46:44,800 --> 00:46:48,280
Speaker 3: and hearts become resilient and strong. When we are consumed

735
00:46:48,280 --> 00:46:51,800
Speaker 3: with comfort, we can miss the more profound truths in life.

736
00:46:52,000 --> 00:46:54,400
Speaker 3: The grief that Mary and Martha had to endure for

737
00:46:54,440 --> 00:46:57,239
Speaker 3: a few days opened up their hearts to receive the

738
00:46:57,280 --> 00:46:59,720
Speaker 3: truth of Jesus. In order to go to Lazarus, Jesus

739
00:46:59,760 --> 00:47:02,759
Speaker 3: had returned to Judea, where he was a wanted man.

740
00:47:03,440 --> 00:47:06,440
Speaker 3: Entering the region was most certainly a challenge to the

741
00:47:06,480 --> 00:47:09,080
Speaker 3: people who wanted him dead. This is a very important

742
00:47:09,120 --> 00:47:12,640
Speaker 3: detail in the story. Jesus was walking toward death to

743
00:47:12,680 --> 00:47:15,840
Speaker 3: bring Lazarus to life. In order to bring back Lazarus

744
00:47:15,880 --> 00:47:18,640
Speaker 3: from the grave, Jesus had to enter a grave of

745
00:47:18,680 --> 00:47:21,600
Speaker 3: his own. This is a grand and beautiful picture of

746
00:47:21,640 --> 00:47:25,280
Speaker 3: the gospel. Jesus ran toward death so we could run

747
00:47:25,320 --> 00:47:28,799
Speaker 3: away from it. I love the reaction Thomas had when

748
00:47:28,880 --> 00:47:33,440
Speaker 3: Jesus began his journey. Thomas grabbed his walking stick, sighed,

749
00:47:34,000 --> 00:47:37,279
Speaker 3: and began walking after Jesus. He turned back to the

750
00:47:37,320 --> 00:47:39,960
Speaker 3: others and said, well, I guess we are going to

751
00:47:40,040 --> 00:47:43,520
Speaker 3: die with him. If we choose to follow Jesus, hardships

752
00:47:43,560 --> 00:47:46,360
Speaker 3: will befall us as well. We are called to pick

753
00:47:46,480 --> 00:47:50,080
Speaker 3: up our cross and follow him. Jesus and his disciples

754
00:47:50,120 --> 00:47:52,919
Speaker 3: reached Mary and Martha a few days after their brother's death.

755
00:47:53,600 --> 00:47:56,680
Speaker 3: Mournings softened their hearts like fresh rain on the earth.

756
00:47:57,320 --> 00:47:59,960
Speaker 3: The soil of their hearts were fertile and ready for

757
00:48:00,200 --> 00:48:04,359
Speaker 3: a miracle of spring forth. Jesus comforted them. I am

758
00:48:04,440 --> 00:48:07,600
Speaker 3: the Resurrection and the life. Whoever bleeds in me, even

759
00:48:07,640 --> 00:48:12,320
Speaker 3: though he may die, will experience life everlasting. What Jesus

760
00:48:12,360 --> 00:48:15,399
Speaker 3: did with Lazarus with a foreshadowing of what he would

761
00:48:15,440 --> 00:48:19,640
Speaker 3: eventually do for anyone who bleeds in him. I loved

762
00:48:19,719 --> 00:48:23,600
Speaker 3: the scene where Jesus approaches the tomb. The clouds were

763
00:48:23,680 --> 00:48:26,960
Speaker 3: dark in the sky, the skies seemed ready to weep.

764
00:48:27,560 --> 00:48:31,120
Speaker 3: Jesus approached the tomb. The stone was cold as Jesus

765
00:48:31,160 --> 00:48:34,160
Speaker 3: placed his hand on it. The disciples stood at a distance.

766
00:48:34,600 --> 00:48:37,520
Speaker 3: Taking in the silence from Jesus, he thought of his

767
00:48:37,600 --> 00:48:41,480
Speaker 3: friend Lazarus. He was a man of joy, laughter in wisdom.

768
00:48:41,680 --> 00:48:44,560
Speaker 3: As the rain began to fall from the sky, Jesus

769
00:48:44,560 --> 00:48:48,240
Speaker 3: began to weep. He slammed his fist against the dark stone.

770
00:48:48,320 --> 00:48:51,399
Speaker 3: His bellows were drowned out by the sounds of falling rain.

771
00:48:52,160 --> 00:48:54,920
Speaker 3: Jesus looked up to Heaven, connecting with the heart of

772
00:48:54,960 --> 00:48:58,400
Speaker 3: his father. This is not supposed to happen, Jesus whispered.

773
00:48:58,920 --> 00:49:02,520
Speaker 3: God was the creator of life, not death. Mankind was

774
00:49:02,560 --> 00:49:06,360
Speaker 3: supposed to experience life, not death. Death was a cancer

775
00:49:06,400 --> 00:49:09,719
Speaker 3: of creation as a result of the fall. Death was

776
00:49:09,800 --> 00:49:13,000
Speaker 3: the true and final enemy. It was the enemy Jesus

777
00:49:13,080 --> 00:49:16,680
Speaker 3: was determined to defeat. Jesus Wept is the shortest verse

778
00:49:16,719 --> 00:49:19,720
Speaker 3: in the Bible, but it is packed with profound truth.

779
00:49:20,360 --> 00:49:23,880
Speaker 3: Jesus wept over death and despair. He is the author

780
00:49:23,920 --> 00:49:28,000
Speaker 3: of life, not death. He grieves sins effect on mankind.

781
00:49:28,520 --> 00:49:32,960
Speaker 3: So with powerful determination and love. Carrying his voice, Jesus

782
00:49:33,000 --> 00:49:36,480
Speaker 3: called out to the grave. The same breath that breathed

783
00:49:36,520 --> 00:49:39,480
Speaker 3: life into mankind in the garden of Eden burst forth

784
00:49:39,920 --> 00:49:44,280
Speaker 3: like a mighty wind into the cave Lazarus, come out.

785
00:49:44,480 --> 00:49:46,440
Speaker 3: Do you hear that same voice calling out to you?

786
00:49:47,160 --> 00:49:49,600
Speaker 3: Have you been lying in a grave and waiting for life?

787
00:49:49,719 --> 00:49:53,279
Speaker 3: Have you been lost in darkness, depression, and despair? Hear

788
00:49:53,320 --> 00:49:56,359
Speaker 3: the voice of Jesus crying out with thundering love. Come out,

789
00:49:57,040 --> 00:49:59,279
Speaker 3: Come out of your sin and shame, Come out of

790
00:49:59,320 --> 00:50:02,800
Speaker 3: your selfishness. Come out of the darkness and step into

791
00:50:02,840 --> 00:50:06,120
Speaker 3: the light. Come out of the grave and step into life.

792
00:50:06,680 --> 00:50:08,920
Speaker 3: Jesus is calling out to you and me in the

793
00:50:08,920 --> 00:50:11,879
Speaker 3: same way he called Lazarus. My prayer for you as

794
00:50:11,880 --> 00:50:14,360
Speaker 3: we close is that you would step out of the grave.

795
00:50:14,960 --> 00:50:18,000
Speaker 3: What has been holding you back and keeping you in darkness?

796
00:50:18,560 --> 00:50:21,280
Speaker 3: Hear the voice of Jesus, Be filled with his spirit

797
00:50:21,600 --> 00:50:24,839
Speaker 3: and step out into the light. In our next episode,

798
00:50:25,200 --> 00:50:27,800
Speaker 3: Jesus is going to take his first steps toward the grave.

799
00:50:28,280 --> 00:50:31,040
Speaker 3: He did it with joy, because through death you and

800
00:50:31,160 --> 00:50:35,560
Speaker 3: I can experience life. Join us next time for episode fourteen,

801
00:50:36,000 --> 00:50:39,239
Speaker 3: the Beginning of the End. Thanks again for listening. For

802
00:50:39,360 --> 00:50:43,520
Speaker 3: more inspiring stories, daily prayers and wisdom to last a lifetime,

803
00:50:43,920 --> 00:50:46,720
Speaker 3: go to pray dot com and to expand your heroes

804
00:50:46,760 --> 00:50:49,680
Speaker 3: in the Bible Journey, download The Heroes of the Faith

805
00:50:49,760 --> 00:50:54,919
Speaker 3: devotional at Tonyevans dot org. Forwards Lash Heroes, please write

806
00:50:54,920 --> 00:50:57,600
Speaker 3: a review and let us know how Jesus and this

807
00:50:57,719 --> 00:51:00,600
Speaker 3: podcast has impacted your life. God bless