1 00:00:00,310 --> 00:00:08,210 Speaker 1: For many are called, but few chosen. Matthew 22.14 Dear Lord, 2 00:00:09,110 --> 00:00:12,550 Speaker 1: we come before you with hearts full of gratitude for 3 00:00:12,590 --> 00:00:16,889 Speaker 1: your infinite love and mercy. We thank you for calling 4 00:00:17,070 --> 00:00:20,610 Speaker 1: us into your kingdom and for the gift of salvation. 5 00:00:21,450 --> 00:00:25,910 Speaker 1: We acknowledge our deep need for you. We recognize that 6 00:00:25,970 --> 00:00:28,410 Speaker 1: it is not by our own merit that we are called. 7 00:00:29,310 --> 00:00:34,540 Speaker 1: but by your grace and divine purpose. Help us to 8 00:00:34,580 --> 00:00:39,159 Speaker 1: understand the significance of being chosen by you and to 9 00:00:39,200 --> 00:00:42,440 Speaker 1: live our lives in a way that honors this calling. 10 00:00:44,600 --> 00:00:49,630 Speaker 1: Transform our hearts, Father, so that we may be worthy 11 00:00:49,670 --> 00:00:54,170 Speaker 1: of the calling we have received. Instill in us a 12 00:00:54,230 --> 00:00:58,030 Speaker 1: deep desire to follow your will, and seek your guidance 13 00:00:58,470 --> 00:01:03,390 Speaker 1: in all that we do. Grant us the wisdom and 14 00:01:03,470 --> 00:01:08,360 Speaker 1: courage to live out our faith boldly, even when the 15 00:01:08,380 --> 00:01:12,960 Speaker 1: path is challenging. Empower us, Lord, to be a force 16 00:01:13,020 --> 00:01:19,160 Speaker 1: for good in our families, communities, and workplaces. May we 17 00:01:19,240 --> 00:01:25,509 Speaker 1: reflect your love and truth in our actions, serving as 18 00:01:25,569 --> 00:01:30,910 Speaker 1: a light to those around us. Strengthen us to persevere 19 00:01:31,090 --> 00:01:36,360 Speaker 1: in our faith, knowing that many are called, but few 20 00:01:36,760 --> 00:01:44,960 Speaker 1: are chosen. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Thank you 21 00:01:45,160 --> 00:01:49,200 Speaker 1: for praying with me today. This is the Jesus Podcast. 22 00:01:49,940 --> 00:01:55,080 Speaker 1: Gospel stories crafted to build your faith and awaken your imaginations. 23 00:01:56,450 --> 00:02:00,250 Speaker 1: If this podcast has offered value to your faith, we'd 24 00:02:00,310 --> 00:02:03,430 Speaker 1: love it if you would follow, leave a review, and 25 00:02:03,530 --> 00:02:09,360 Speaker 1: share with a friend. Jesus took some of his followers 26 00:02:09,460 --> 00:02:13,280 Speaker 1: up to a mountain. The crowd followed them and remained 27 00:02:13,320 --> 00:02:16,840 Speaker 1: at the bottom. Jesus paused and looked out at the 28 00:02:16,919 --> 00:02:21,370 Speaker 1: sea of faces. He did not see what others saw. 29 00:02:22,370 --> 00:02:27,220 Speaker 1: He saw sheep that were without a shepherd. They needed guidance. 30 00:02:28,130 --> 00:02:31,610 Speaker 1: They needed to be empowered and enlivened by God's Spirit. 31 00:02:33,130 --> 00:02:36,010 Speaker 1: There were a few followers beside him. He looked at 32 00:02:36,050 --> 00:02:38,630 Speaker 1: them and pointed down at the crowd. 33 00:02:39,230 --> 00:02:43,070 Speaker 2: Look out at them. The harvest is plentiful. There's no 34 00:02:43,169 --> 00:02:46,950 Speaker 2: shortage of people longing for hope. Do not pray for 35 00:02:46,970 --> 00:02:50,690 Speaker 2: the people to come, for they are already among you. No, 36 00:02:50,900 --> 00:02:55,440 Speaker 2: pray for the laborers. Pray for men and women to 37 00:02:55,560 --> 00:03:00,480 Speaker 2: rise up and work in the field. The harvest is plentiful, 38 00:03:01,160 --> 00:03:02,600 Speaker 2: but the laborers are few. 39 00:03:03,080 --> 00:03:07,239 Speaker 1: With those words, Jesus appointed twelve men to be his apostles, 40 00:03:08,280 --> 00:03:13,540 Speaker 1: chosen men who would follow Jesus everywhere. These men were 41 00:03:13,590 --> 00:03:17,970 Speaker 1: not chosen for their wisdom, influence, or skill. Each of 42 00:03:18,010 --> 00:03:22,890 Speaker 1: them had gifts, and each of them had flaws. They 43 00:03:22,950 --> 00:03:28,370 Speaker 1: were imperfect vessels, chosen by God to do mighty works. 44 00:03:30,250 --> 00:03:36,130 Speaker 1: God chose them for their hearts, but also their weaknesses. 45 00:03:37,380 --> 00:03:41,760 Speaker 1: For in their weakness, God is shown to be strong. 46 00:03:43,800 --> 00:03:47,880 Speaker 1: He chose Simon, who he would now call Peter, which 47 00:03:47,920 --> 00:03:54,510 Speaker 1: means rock. Peter was loudmouth. and made rash decisions. Yet 48 00:03:54,590 --> 00:04:00,080 Speaker 1: within him was the heart of a leader. He chose 49 00:04:00,160 --> 00:04:04,700 Speaker 1: James and John, the sons of Zebedee. He nicknamed them 50 00:04:05,140 --> 00:04:10,690 Speaker 1: Sons of Thunder for their fire and enthusiasm. However, it 51 00:04:11,030 --> 00:04:15,790 Speaker 1: often got the better of them. He chose Andrew, Philip, 52 00:04:16,150 --> 00:04:22,219 Speaker 1: and Bartholomew, the silent and humble servants. He chose Matthew, 53 00:04:22,260 --> 00:04:28,130 Speaker 1: the tax collector, and Thomas, the skeptic. He chose James, 54 00:04:28,589 --> 00:04:32,430 Speaker 1: the son of Alphaeus. One of the most unique men 55 00:04:32,490 --> 00:04:37,110 Speaker 1: he chose was Simon, the zealot. He was one of 56 00:04:37,130 --> 00:04:41,950 Speaker 1: the notorious dagger men, a league of assassins trying to 57 00:04:42,070 --> 00:04:48,060 Speaker 1: overthrow Roman rule. However, Simon renounced his old ways for 58 00:04:48,100 --> 00:04:54,570 Speaker 1: the sake of following Christ. Finally, he chose Judas Iscariot, 59 00:04:55,630 --> 00:05:00,520 Speaker 1: the man who would betray him. He chose him and 60 00:05:00,660 --> 00:05:06,640 Speaker 1: loved him, despite knowing who he would become. This was 61 00:05:06,680 --> 00:05:11,650 Speaker 1: the heart of Christ. Jesus' first call to the twelve 62 00:05:12,210 --> 00:05:16,330 Speaker 1: was for them to be with him. Their closeness to 63 00:05:16,410 --> 00:05:18,950 Speaker 1: Jesus would prove to be the source of their strength. 64 00:05:20,360 --> 00:05:25,680 Speaker 1: Moments sitting by the campfire, sharing stories, laughing, would prove 65 00:05:25,820 --> 00:05:30,159 Speaker 1: to be useful. They would learn to be with God 66 00:05:30,880 --> 00:05:36,060 Speaker 1: before doing anything for God. So they too would not 67 00:05:36,110 --> 00:05:43,150 Speaker 1: grow prideful like the Pharisees. Out of that relationship, Jesus 68 00:05:43,230 --> 00:05:47,270 Speaker 1: would send them out to preach, heal, and cast out 69 00:05:47,390 --> 00:05:52,640 Speaker 1: demons in his name. The disciples were empowered by Jesus, 70 00:05:53,680 --> 00:05:56,620 Speaker 1: and their strength grew day by day. 71 00:05:57,140 --> 00:06:00,450 Speaker 2: Whoever desires to come after me must first pick up 72 00:06:00,490 --> 00:06:04,310 Speaker 2: his cross and follow me. Whoever holds his life too 73 00:06:04,350 --> 00:06:07,770 Speaker 2: dear to lay it down will lose his life. However, 74 00:06:08,570 --> 00:06:12,589 Speaker 2: whoever loses his life for my sake will truly find it. 75 00:06:13,550 --> 00:06:15,469 Speaker 2: For what does it profit a man if he gains 76 00:06:15,529 --> 00:06:18,880 Speaker 2: the whole world but loses his own soul? 77 00:06:19,680 --> 00:06:23,219 Speaker 1: Jesus called his disciples to a higher standard than the 78 00:06:23,260 --> 00:06:29,400 Speaker 1: Pharisees or scribes. He called them to deny themselves instead 79 00:06:29,430 --> 00:06:34,050 Speaker 1: of elevate themselves. He did not call them to religious 80 00:06:34,130 --> 00:06:39,430 Speaker 1: repetition or vain practices. He called them to lay down 81 00:06:39,529 --> 00:06:45,000 Speaker 1: their lives, money, and convenience so that others may thrive. 82 00:06:46,040 --> 00:06:51,589 Speaker 1: Jesus would model this himself. He would sacrifice everything so 83 00:06:51,630 --> 00:06:53,310 Speaker 1: that people could be renewed. 84 00:06:55,680 --> 00:06:58,940 Speaker 3: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing? 85 00:06:59,420 --> 00:07:02,980 Speaker 3: It's not your feet. It's your shoes. This summer, switch 86 00:07:03,020 --> 00:07:07,870 Speaker 3: to G-Defy shoes with patented VersoShock technology, which aligns your body, 87 00:07:08,050 --> 00:07:14,490 Speaker 3: provides superior shock absorption, and trampoline-like energy return. G-Defy offers 88 00:07:14,610 --> 00:07:18,880 Speaker 3: soles and styles for any activity. plus two free orthotics. 89 00:07:19,480 --> 00:07:22,380 Speaker 3: Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or always on 90 00:07:22,400 --> 00:07:26,580 Speaker 3: the go, G-Defy shoes deliver the comfort and versatility your 91 00:07:26,620 --> 00:07:31,160 Speaker 3: feet crave. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to unparalleled 92 00:07:31,220 --> 00:07:36,610 Speaker 3: support this summer. Enjoy a special summer offer. Visit G-Defy.com 93 00:07:36,940 --> 00:07:39,790 Speaker 3: and get $ 20 off your order of $ 100 or more 94 00:07:40,190 --> 00:07:44,890 Speaker 3: with code PRAY. Experience the miracle of ultimate comfort with 95 00:07:44,950 --> 00:07:51,900 Speaker 3: G-Defy shoes. Visit G-D-E-F-Y dot com today. 96 00:07:55,030 --> 00:07:58,430 Speaker 4: We can do nothing for Jesus unless we first learn 97 00:07:58,450 --> 00:08:03,770 Speaker 4: to be with Jesus. Ministry flows from intimacy. This is 98 00:08:03,790 --> 00:08:08,600 Speaker 4: the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com. Today is day 99 00:08:08,700 --> 00:08:12,620 Speaker 4: two of our mini-series on Jesus disrupting the status quo 100 00:08:13,000 --> 00:08:16,070 Speaker 4: and showing us a new way to live. This series 101 00:08:16,240 --> 00:08:20,380 Speaker 4: showcases Jesus' teachings and passion, and we will learn about 102 00:08:20,520 --> 00:08:24,220 Speaker 4: God's heart for people and for His kingdom. Today, we're 103 00:08:24,240 --> 00:08:26,580 Speaker 4: going to take a journey up a mountain with Jesus 104 00:08:26,940 --> 00:08:29,480 Speaker 4: as He makes one of the most important decisions of 105 00:08:29,500 --> 00:08:34,980 Speaker 4: His ministry, choosing His twelve disciples. This moment in Mark 3, 106 00:08:34,980 --> 00:08:39,760 Speaker 4: verses 13-15 may seem like a simple selection process, but 107 00:08:39,800 --> 00:08:42,520 Speaker 4: it's filled with lessons that are just as relevant to 108 00:08:42,600 --> 00:08:44,280 Speaker 4: us today as they were 2,000 years ago. 109 00:08:47,870 --> 00:08:51,069 Speaker 1: John the Baptist and two of his disciples strode down 110 00:08:51,130 --> 00:08:55,730 Speaker 1: the dirt path. With no destination in mind, they allowed 111 00:08:55,750 --> 00:09:01,410 Speaker 1: their minds to focus on the conversations at hand. After Jesus' baptism, 112 00:09:01,950 --> 00:09:06,010 Speaker 1: John's disciples took any moment with him they could to 113 00:09:06,190 --> 00:09:09,840 Speaker 1: ask the questions that were bubbling up in their minds. 114 00:09:10,620 --> 00:09:11,120 Speaker 5: Is it true? 115 00:09:11,980 --> 00:09:14,580 Speaker 6: Is the Messiah really here? What does he look like? 116 00:09:15,200 --> 00:09:16,640 Speaker 6: How will we know who he is? 117 00:09:17,520 --> 00:09:20,579 Speaker 1: Looking down the road, John raised his arms with a 118 00:09:20,620 --> 00:09:22,780 Speaker 1: wide smile spread across his face. 119 00:09:23,580 --> 00:09:26,360 Speaker 4: It seems as though the Lord has heard your endless questions. 120 00:09:27,160 --> 00:09:29,160 Speaker 5: Look there. Did you see that man? 121 00:09:29,820 --> 00:09:32,880 Speaker 1: Way up ahead, a young man was casually making his 122 00:09:32,960 --> 00:09:37,540 Speaker 1: way in the same direction. The stranger had no distinct 123 00:09:37,610 --> 00:09:41,810 Speaker 1: features and was most unassuming to anyone who might pass 124 00:09:41,850 --> 00:09:46,229 Speaker 1: by him. Thinking John would use this man to tell 125 00:09:46,270 --> 00:09:48,030 Speaker 1: a parable, Yes, we see him, but how does that 126 00:09:49,030 --> 00:09:50,250 Speaker 1: answer our questions? 127 00:09:50,910 --> 00:09:54,020 Speaker 6: You see him, but did you look? 128 00:10:01,220 --> 00:10:06,839 Speaker 7: That man there, he is the Lamb of God. He's 129 00:10:06,880 --> 00:10:09,739 Speaker 7: the one I was talking about when I said there 130 00:10:09,780 --> 00:10:12,840 Speaker 7: is one who comes after me because he was before me. 131 00:10:13,420 --> 00:10:16,850 Speaker 1: The two disciples stopped in their tracks and turned to 132 00:10:16,880 --> 00:10:21,200 Speaker 1: face one another. They could hardly believe what they were hearing. 133 00:10:21,780 --> 00:10:24,390 Speaker 6: The Lamb of God? What do you mean? 134 00:10:24,870 --> 00:10:28,589 Speaker 7: When that man, Jesus of Nazareth, came to me to 135 00:10:28,630 --> 00:10:32,450 Speaker 7: be baptized, I saw the Spirit come down from heaven 136 00:10:33,150 --> 00:10:34,030 Speaker 7: as a dove. 137 00:10:33,730 --> 00:10:35,410 Speaker 6: And remain on him. 138 00:10:36,400 --> 00:10:39,140 Speaker 5: If you have heard any of my words, hear this. 139 00:10:40,559 --> 00:10:46,880 Speaker 7: This is God's chosen one. My friends, I think your 140 00:10:46,920 --> 00:10:49,580 Speaker 7: days of following me coming to an end. 141 00:10:50,280 --> 00:10:52,960 Speaker 1: At this, the two men made their way to Jesus. 142 00:10:54,630 --> 00:10:59,870 Speaker 1: On hearing their shuffled steps, the Lord turned around. His 143 00:10:59,950 --> 00:11:05,290 Speaker 1: face was gentle, but he stood with confidence. The two 144 00:11:05,350 --> 00:11:10,060 Speaker 1: disciples of John stood dumbfounded, unable to utter any words. 145 00:11:11,400 --> 00:11:16,000 Speaker 1: Their thoughts bounced around in their heads. With a wry smile, 146 00:11:16,980 --> 00:11:18,860 Speaker 1: Jesus was the first to break the silence. 147 00:11:19,500 --> 00:11:23,579 Speaker 2: Shalom, shalom. At the risk of sounding rude, what do 148 00:11:23,620 --> 00:11:26,710 Speaker 2: you want? If you're here to rob me, you'll be 149 00:11:26,809 --> 00:11:28,610 Speaker 2: hard-pressed to find anything of value. 150 00:11:29,250 --> 00:11:32,450 Speaker 6: We don't want to rob you. It's just... You see, 151 00:11:32,830 --> 00:11:37,470 Speaker 6: we're disciples of John the Baptizer, and, well, he said you're. 152 00:11:38,090 --> 00:11:41,920 Speaker 1: Andrew stumbled over his words, looking to his companion to 153 00:11:41,960 --> 00:11:42,440 Speaker 1: carry on. 154 00:11:42,900 --> 00:11:45,020 Speaker 5: You're the teacher of Nazareth, are you not? 155 00:11:46,240 --> 00:11:46,460 Speaker 8: Rabbi. 156 00:11:47,340 --> 00:11:50,460 Speaker 9: If it's not an intrusion, might we ask where you're staying? 157 00:11:51,090 --> 00:11:55,450 Speaker 1: Jesus was encouraged by the directness. But now was the 158 00:11:55,490 --> 00:11:58,190 Speaker 1: time to give them a chance to show their faith. 159 00:11:58,630 --> 00:12:00,370 Speaker 2: Come with me and you will see. 160 00:12:00,809 --> 00:12:04,590 Speaker 1: The two disciples gazed back to John, not wanting to 161 00:12:04,630 --> 00:12:10,120 Speaker 1: leave him. The baptizer simply smiled and gestured his hands forward, 162 00:12:10,920 --> 00:12:14,059 Speaker 1: as though he had already known their time together was 163 00:12:14,120 --> 00:12:17,690 Speaker 1: coming to an abrupt end. Jesus spent the rest of 164 00:12:17,710 --> 00:12:21,270 Speaker 1: the day with the two men, giving them every ounce 165 00:12:21,320 --> 00:12:26,840 Speaker 1: of attention they craved. He answered questions, asked about their lives, 166 00:12:27,559 --> 00:12:31,760 Speaker 1: and told stories of his own. If one didn't know 167 00:12:31,820 --> 00:12:36,230 Speaker 1: any better, they would have assumed Jesus was an ordinary man. 168 00:12:37,690 --> 00:12:41,569 Speaker 1: But the disciples knew they were in the presence of 169 00:12:41,670 --> 00:12:48,240 Speaker 1: someone truly great. With every second spent with Jesus, their 170 00:12:48,280 --> 00:12:53,940 Speaker 1: belief in him grew. Jesus inhaled the frigid morning air, 171 00:12:55,020 --> 00:13:00,090 Speaker 1: allowing the cold to waken from his sleep. He savored 172 00:13:00,160 --> 00:13:05,310 Speaker 1: these quiet moments of solitude. He had quite enjoyed the 173 00:13:05,350 --> 00:13:09,610 Speaker 1: previous day with John's disciples, but was glad to rise 174 00:13:09,710 --> 00:13:13,570 Speaker 1: early to spend time with his father in preparation for 175 00:13:13,610 --> 00:13:18,890 Speaker 1: the day ahead. After his baptism, Jesus had begun to 176 00:13:18,990 --> 00:13:24,740 Speaker 1: preach in Galilee. Now that John was in prison, Jesus 177 00:13:24,860 --> 00:13:29,540 Speaker 1: pressed on in his wake, teaching on repentance and the 178 00:13:29,580 --> 00:13:34,260 Speaker 1: coming of the kingdom of God. And today, Jesus would 179 00:13:34,320 --> 00:13:40,280 Speaker 1: continue on his way to Galilee. After he prayed, ate, 180 00:13:40,400 --> 00:13:43,490 Speaker 1: and packed what little belongings he kept with himself on 181 00:13:43,530 --> 00:13:48,500 Speaker 1: these journeys, he set off. It wasn't uncommon for Jesus 182 00:13:48,559 --> 00:13:52,380 Speaker 1: to encounter another traveler to share the road with, and 183 00:13:52,540 --> 00:13:57,810 Speaker 1: today was no different. Up ahead, a young man was 184 00:13:57,850 --> 00:14:01,590 Speaker 1: strolling down the road, singing to himself as he went along. 185 00:14:03,010 --> 00:14:05,690 Speaker 1: Jesus quickened his pace slightly to catch up. 186 00:14:06,350 --> 00:14:06,830 Speaker 8: Shalom! 187 00:14:07,530 --> 00:14:10,109 Speaker 2: I couldn't help but notice you're walking alone, and, well, 188 00:14:10,170 --> 00:14:12,150 Speaker 2: I cannot say I'm not a fan of your music, 189 00:14:12,240 --> 00:14:14,819 Speaker 2: so perhaps we could keep each other company. 190 00:14:15,200 --> 00:14:15,839 Speaker 5: Shalom, brother. 191 00:14:16,860 --> 00:14:21,020 Speaker 9: Some company would be very welcome. However, you're the first 192 00:14:21,080 --> 00:14:24,460 Speaker 9: person I've met who has ever complimented me on my voice. 193 00:14:24,980 --> 00:14:27,590 Speaker 9: In fact, you're the first person who hasn't told me 194 00:14:27,610 --> 00:14:28,990 Speaker 9: to stop upon hearing it. 195 00:14:30,570 --> 00:14:31,930 Speaker 8: Jesus gave a little laugh. 196 00:14:32,910 --> 00:14:35,610 Speaker 1: It was always nice to meet someone who didn't take 197 00:14:35,630 --> 00:14:36,910 Speaker 1: themselves so seriously. 198 00:14:37,330 --> 00:14:39,070 Speaker 2: And does our young composer have a name? 199 00:14:39,550 --> 00:14:42,850 Speaker 5: Oh, yes. How rude of me. I'm Philip. 200 00:14:43,230 --> 00:14:44,310 Speaker 2: Pleasure to meet you, Philip. 201 00:14:44,910 --> 00:14:45,410 Speaker 4: I'm Jesus. 202 00:14:46,120 --> 00:14:50,640 Speaker 7: What coincidence! I'm a follower of John the Baptist. I'm 203 00:14:50,790 --> 00:14:54,370 Speaker 7: sure you've heard of him. Well, anyways, he was just 204 00:14:54,410 --> 00:14:58,930 Speaker 7: telling us about a man named Jesus from Nazareth. Supposedly, 205 00:14:59,610 --> 00:15:00,550 Speaker 7: he is the Messiah. 206 00:15:01,190 --> 00:15:05,300 Speaker 1: Philip continued to hum quietly to himself between his replies. 207 00:15:05,900 --> 00:15:10,260 Speaker 2: Well, that certainly is a big claim. How can this 208 00:15:10,400 --> 00:15:13,120 Speaker 2: John be so certain he is who he says he is? 209 00:15:13,660 --> 00:15:14,000 Speaker 9: Well. 210 00:15:14,570 --> 00:15:17,810 Speaker 7: According to him, when this Jesus was baptized by John, 211 00:15:18,150 --> 00:15:21,510 Speaker 7: the heavens opened up and the Spirit of God rested 212 00:15:21,590 --> 00:15:21,970 Speaker 7: upon him. 213 00:15:22,490 --> 00:15:24,290 Speaker 6: May I ask what you make of these claims? 214 00:15:24,750 --> 00:15:29,430 Speaker 1: Jesus was careful to ask each question casually, drawing out 215 00:15:29,510 --> 00:15:31,610 Speaker 1: Philip's most sincere thoughts on the matter. 216 00:15:34,430 --> 00:15:37,570 Speaker 7: In all my time with John, I have never met 217 00:15:37,630 --> 00:15:41,150 Speaker 7: a man with more faith than him. I have no 218 00:15:41,230 --> 00:15:44,240 Speaker 7: reason to believe anything contradictory to John's teachings. 219 00:15:44,830 --> 00:15:51,020 Speaker 1: Jesus stopped walking. It took Philip a moment before he realized. Stopping, 220 00:15:51,260 --> 00:15:55,880 Speaker 1: he turned back to his new acquaintance. Jesus stood still, 221 00:15:56,780 --> 00:16:00,860 Speaker 1: staring into Philip's eyes, though he felt like he was 222 00:16:00,900 --> 00:16:02,600 Speaker 1: looking straight into his soul. 223 00:16:03,120 --> 00:16:03,680 Speaker 2: Follow me. 224 00:16:04,200 --> 00:16:07,840 Speaker 1: Philip simply stared back as his mind began to connect 225 00:16:07,900 --> 00:16:13,520 Speaker 1: the dots of their conversation. With a beaming smile, Philip 226 00:16:13,640 --> 00:16:15,380 Speaker 1: finally found his voice again. 227 00:16:17,240 --> 00:16:22,040 Speaker 5: You're him! You're actually him! How could I miss it? 228 00:16:23,090 --> 00:16:26,970 Speaker 2: Well, your song was very captivating. Even I was distracted 229 00:16:27,010 --> 00:16:27,530 Speaker 2: by the tune. 230 00:16:28,090 --> 00:16:30,970 Speaker 1: Philip would have been a little embarrassed if it weren't 231 00:16:31,010 --> 00:16:33,910 Speaker 1: for the joy welling up inside of him from this 232 00:16:34,030 --> 00:16:40,330 Speaker 1: stranger's newly revealed identity. The evening was beginning to set in. 233 00:16:40,940 --> 00:16:44,670 Speaker 1: as the marketplace carried the sleepy sounds of merchants closing 234 00:16:44,750 --> 00:16:48,470 Speaker 1: up their shops for the day. The streets were filled 235 00:16:48,510 --> 00:16:52,590 Speaker 1: with a creaking of crates being packed away, as donkeys 236 00:16:52,670 --> 00:16:57,930 Speaker 1: brayed in anticipation to leave. Nathaniel trudged through the market, 237 00:16:58,530 --> 00:17:03,400 Speaker 1: avoiding eye contact with anyone he recognized. Each day was 238 00:17:03,480 --> 00:17:08,159 Speaker 1: spent behind a mask of forced smiles, while he danced 239 00:17:08,200 --> 00:17:13,669 Speaker 1: through the expectations of of social interactions. It took Nathaniel 240 00:17:13,869 --> 00:17:17,730 Speaker 1: every ounce of energy to be who he thought the 241 00:17:17,790 --> 00:17:22,699 Speaker 1: world wanted him to be. Lately, he would spend the 242 00:17:22,800 --> 00:17:26,159 Speaker 1: end of most days away from the city in a 243 00:17:26,240 --> 00:17:30,859 Speaker 1: quiet spot under a fig tree. This was one of 244 00:17:30,880 --> 00:17:34,310 Speaker 1: the few times he would allow himself to show his 245 00:17:34,390 --> 00:17:39,629 Speaker 1: brokenness before the Lord. Working his way back through the 246 00:17:39,670 --> 00:17:43,729 Speaker 1: city streets, all he wanted was to retreat into his 247 00:17:43,830 --> 00:17:48,909 Speaker 1: blankets and hide away from the world. He rounded the 248 00:17:48,970 --> 00:17:51,910 Speaker 1: corner and bumped into a close friend, Philip. 249 00:17:52,369 --> 00:17:54,209 Speaker 8: Shalom, Philip. How are you? 250 00:17:54,750 --> 00:17:58,970 Speaker 1: Philip smiled like he had a surprise for Nathaniel, his 251 00:17:59,150 --> 00:18:01,209 Speaker 1: eyes shining with concealed delight. 252 00:18:02,570 --> 00:18:06,020 Speaker 5: Nathaniel, what are you doing tonight? I have someone I 253 00:18:06,060 --> 00:18:06,730 Speaker 5: want you to meet. 254 00:18:06,760 --> 00:18:06,840 Speaker 6: What? 255 00:18:07,640 --> 00:18:12,060 Speaker 8: Well, you know how much I just loved sitting listening 256 00:18:12,100 --> 00:18:15,879 Speaker 8: to the baptizer for three hours the last time I 257 00:18:15,900 --> 00:18:18,609 Speaker 8: went to see one of your preachers, but it is 258 00:18:18,690 --> 00:18:21,750 Speaker 8: getting quite late. Perhaps you can have him come visit 259 00:18:21,790 --> 00:18:25,149 Speaker 8: my shop tomorrow. I'd love to introduce him to a 260 00:18:25,170 --> 00:18:28,600 Speaker 8: few of my clients. They could help his movement, or 261 00:18:28,650 --> 00:18:29,450 Speaker 8: maybe I could. 262 00:18:29,880 --> 00:18:34,780 Speaker 1: Philip interrupted his friend. He couldn't contain himself any longer. 263 00:18:36,280 --> 00:18:39,600 Speaker 1: Philip zealously shared about his experience on the way back 264 00:18:39,660 --> 00:18:44,100 Speaker 1: to Bethesda, explaining that the Jesus of Nazareth he had 265 00:18:44,140 --> 00:18:47,900 Speaker 1: met on the road was the very Messiah of whom 266 00:18:47,940 --> 00:18:52,300 Speaker 1: the prophets foretold. Nathaniel didn't have the same sort of 267 00:18:52,359 --> 00:18:56,240 Speaker 1: childlike faith as his friend. It would have been hard 268 00:18:56,310 --> 00:18:59,410 Speaker 1: enough to believe Philip just happened to find the Messiah 269 00:18:59,510 --> 00:19:02,610 Speaker 1: on the road to Galilee. But to hear that this 270 00:19:02,690 --> 00:19:08,980 Speaker 1: man came from Nazareth gave Nathaniel a good laugh. But 271 00:19:09,100 --> 00:19:14,810 Speaker 1: Philip wouldn't relent. So Nathaniel begrudgingly agreed to meet with 272 00:19:14,830 --> 00:19:27,910 Speaker 1: the rabbi. Simon rustled in his sleep. A faint flicker 273 00:19:27,950 --> 00:19:31,770 Speaker 1: of a lantern's light peered through his window, resting upon 274 00:19:31,810 --> 00:19:36,409 Speaker 1: his heavy eyes. Outside, he could hear a hushed shout 275 00:19:36,590 --> 00:19:38,050 Speaker 1: from a voice that was. 276 00:19:38,210 --> 00:19:39,609 Speaker 8: All too familiar to him. 277 00:19:40,190 --> 00:19:42,379 Speaker 6: Simon! Simon! 278 00:19:43,260 --> 00:19:46,940 Speaker 1: It was his brother, Andrew. If Andrew was out front, 279 00:19:47,660 --> 00:19:49,629 Speaker 1: it meant that yet again, Simon was there. 280 00:19:50,100 --> 00:19:50,540 Speaker 4: Was late. 281 00:19:52,359 --> 00:19:55,620 Speaker 1: Taxes had only continued to increase over the past few months, 282 00:19:56,160 --> 00:20:00,240 Speaker 1: as the fish seemed to all but dwindle away. A 283 00:20:00,300 --> 00:20:03,840 Speaker 1: good fisherman knew the best bet of catching anything worthwhile 284 00:20:04,300 --> 00:20:06,879 Speaker 1: would be at night, when the fish had a harder 285 00:20:06,940 --> 00:20:11,880 Speaker 1: time navigating around the net. But sleep had become difficult 286 00:20:11,900 --> 00:20:16,090 Speaker 1: for Simon, as he constantly worried about providing for his wife. 287 00:20:17,109 --> 00:20:20,270 Speaker 1: Waking up in the late evening hours was becoming a pain. 288 00:20:21,630 --> 00:20:25,270 Speaker 1: As Simon laid there, he wondered if the problem was 289 00:20:25,369 --> 00:20:30,010 Speaker 1: with the sea or with himself. His mind began to 290 00:20:30,070 --> 00:20:34,080 Speaker 1: drift off in his half-sleep state, dreaming of the days 291 00:20:34,140 --> 00:20:37,500 Speaker 1: when he and Andrew were just boys, and their biggest 292 00:20:37,540 --> 00:20:43,760 Speaker 1: concern was memorizing Torah but his thoughts were interrupted by 293 00:20:43,859 --> 00:20:45,420 Speaker 1: soft knocks on the door. 294 00:20:45,780 --> 00:20:49,160 Speaker 5: I'm coming, I'm coming. Can you keep it down? Miriam's 295 00:20:49,200 --> 00:20:50,080 Speaker 5: already asleep. 296 00:20:50,940 --> 00:20:53,109 Speaker 6: Could you maybe wake up on time for once? 297 00:20:53,750 --> 00:20:55,710 Speaker 5: Maybe I would if I thought I could pay off 298 00:20:55,730 --> 00:20:59,210 Speaker 5: for once. We keep trying to catch these fish, but 299 00:20:59,310 --> 00:21:01,790 Speaker 5: somehow they're always one step ahead of us. 300 00:21:02,430 --> 00:21:04,449 Speaker 6: How can they be a step ahead of us if 301 00:21:04,490 --> 00:21:06,030 Speaker 6: they don't even have feet? 302 00:21:06,570 --> 00:21:10,630 Speaker 1: Simon struggled to find any humor in their predicament. Though 303 00:21:10,770 --> 00:21:14,060 Speaker 1: Andrew didn't have a wife to provide for, he knew 304 00:21:14,119 --> 00:21:16,740 Speaker 1: that his older brother was struggling just as much as 305 00:21:16,820 --> 00:21:20,260 Speaker 1: he was to make ends meet. If he were in 306 00:21:20,300 --> 00:21:23,020 Speaker 1: a better mood, he would have commended his brother for 307 00:21:23,060 --> 00:21:24,220 Speaker 1: his positive attitude. 308 00:21:24,880 --> 00:21:27,909 Speaker 6: Besides, how could you be worried about fish with the 309 00:21:28,030 --> 00:21:31,389 Speaker 6: good news that John proclaimed to us before he was arrested? 310 00:21:31,410 --> 00:21:37,149 Speaker 5: Here we go again. Listen, you know this baptizer guy 311 00:21:37,260 --> 00:21:40,260 Speaker 5: better than I do. But are you sure you want 312 00:21:40,300 --> 00:21:43,200 Speaker 5: to take the advice of a man who eats bugs 313 00:21:43,420 --> 00:21:44,160 Speaker 5: for breakfast? 314 00:21:44,680 --> 00:21:49,020 Speaker 6: Very funny, but I met him, Simon, the Lamb of God. 315 00:21:49,680 --> 00:21:52,720 Speaker 6: I saw him with my own two eyes. 316 00:21:53,400 --> 00:21:55,830 Speaker 5: Well, if your eyes work so well, why don't you 317 00:21:55,869 --> 00:21:58,270 Speaker 5: try using them to spot some fish tonight, huh? 318 00:21:58,790 --> 00:22:03,850 Speaker 1: The brothers embarked on another midnight mission, praying desperately that 319 00:22:03,910 --> 00:22:10,890 Speaker 1: tonight would be different. Minutes faded away into hours. Simon 320 00:22:11,010 --> 00:22:14,450 Speaker 1: turned his eyes to the horizon as the sun crawled 321 00:22:14,570 --> 00:22:18,520 Speaker 1: over the hills. He dropped his head hard against the mast. 322 00:22:19,960 --> 00:22:22,740 Speaker 1: Grumbling to his brother, they hauled in their empty nets 323 00:22:23,260 --> 00:22:27,780 Speaker 1: before rowing to the shore. The sun greeted the brothers 324 00:22:28,160 --> 00:22:32,380 Speaker 1: as they pulled in their boats. The waves were calm, 325 00:22:33,020 --> 00:22:38,040 Speaker 1: caressing the dusty shoreline. The brothers hopped onto the shore, 326 00:22:38,790 --> 00:22:41,909 Speaker 1: knelt over the cool water, and began to wash out 327 00:22:41,970 --> 00:22:46,430 Speaker 1: their nets. They had worked tirelessly in the pitch black 328 00:22:46,470 --> 00:22:52,280 Speaker 1: of night with nothing to show. Up off the shoreline 329 00:22:52,359 --> 00:22:56,199 Speaker 1: stood a gathering of people. Off the road, men and 330 00:22:56,260 --> 00:23:01,780 Speaker 1: women trickled in, joining their ranks. Simon and Andrew took notice. 331 00:23:03,420 --> 00:23:07,639 Speaker 1: Offset from the crowd stood a single person From his 332 00:23:07,720 --> 00:23:11,340 Speaker 1: body language, it was clear the crowd was listening to 333 00:23:11,380 --> 00:23:16,460 Speaker 1: him speak. Andrew squinted his eyes, trying to catch a 334 00:23:16,560 --> 00:23:19,570 Speaker 1: clearer picture of the focus of the people's attention. 335 00:23:19,990 --> 00:23:23,449 Speaker 6: Simon, you won't believe this, but I think that's the 336 00:23:23,530 --> 00:23:26,830 Speaker 6: man I met. That's Jesus of Nazareth. 337 00:23:27,250 --> 00:23:31,600 Speaker 1: At these words, Jesus turned and caught Andrew's eyes, as 338 00:23:31,680 --> 00:23:35,200 Speaker 1: though the sound of his name being spoken tickled his ears. 339 00:23:36,830 --> 00:23:41,770 Speaker 1: Jesus motioned to the crowd and began pacing toward the fishermen. 340 00:23:42,010 --> 00:23:43,090 Speaker 6: He's coming this way! 341 00:23:43,450 --> 00:23:46,659 Speaker 1: As Jesus neared the fishermen, he greeted them with a 342 00:23:46,700 --> 00:23:47,460 Speaker 1: warm smile. 343 00:23:47,960 --> 00:23:48,840 Speaker 2: Shalom, Andrew. 344 00:23:49,200 --> 00:23:50,360 Speaker 5: It's good to see you again. 345 00:23:50,380 --> 00:23:53,379 Speaker 2: Though I must admit, I could smell you before I 346 00:23:53,440 --> 00:23:54,280 Speaker 2: saw you this time. 347 00:23:54,680 --> 00:23:58,480 Speaker 1: Jesus chuckled as his eyes turned towards the half-clean nets 348 00:23:58,800 --> 00:24:05,340 Speaker 1: strewn about the ground. Andrew blushed in slight embarrassment. Noting 349 00:24:05,460 --> 00:24:09,580 Speaker 1: the man's rabbinical sash, Simon tried to maintain some level 350 00:24:09,619 --> 00:24:13,640 Speaker 1: of respect, though his tiredness couldn't help him from feeling 351 00:24:13,660 --> 00:24:15,899 Speaker 1: slightly aggravated by Jesus' remark. 352 00:24:16,460 --> 00:24:19,290 Speaker 5: Our deepest apologies for doing our job, Rabbi. 353 00:24:19,869 --> 00:24:22,050 Speaker 1: Andrew quickly gave his brother a sharp look. 354 00:24:22,430 --> 00:24:26,770 Speaker 6: Please forgive my brother, Rabbi. He's tired. You see, we've 355 00:24:26,790 --> 00:24:30,830 Speaker 6: been fishing all night and, well, we don't really have 356 00:24:30,910 --> 00:24:31,889 Speaker 6: much to show for it. 357 00:24:32,250 --> 00:24:34,950 Speaker 2: It's quite all right. But perhaps you and your brother 358 00:24:34,990 --> 00:24:37,670 Speaker 2: wouldn't mind allowing me to use your boat. It seems 359 00:24:37,710 --> 00:24:40,030 Speaker 2: with all these people here, they might be able to 360 00:24:40,090 --> 00:24:42,430 Speaker 2: hear me better if I were up there. 361 00:24:43,070 --> 00:24:47,619 Speaker 1: Before Simon could argue, Andrew gleefully invited the man up 362 00:24:47,800 --> 00:24:53,060 Speaker 1: onto the boat. Standing above the crowds, Jesus began to preach. 363 00:24:54,619 --> 00:25:00,719 Speaker 1: Everyone was transfixed by his words, including Andrew. Simon barely 364 00:25:00,800 --> 00:25:04,190 Speaker 1: paid any mind to the teachings. dozing off as best 365 00:25:04,230 --> 00:25:07,530 Speaker 1: he could. Just as he felt he could get comfortable 366 00:25:07,630 --> 00:25:12,129 Speaker 1: on the makeshift platform, Jesus turned to Simon and Andrew. 367 00:25:12,690 --> 00:25:15,449 Speaker 2: Thank you for letting me borrow your boat. Here, let 368 00:25:15,490 --> 00:25:18,050 Speaker 2: me do something for you. Let's go out into the 369 00:25:18,109 --> 00:25:20,750 Speaker 2: deep so you can cast your nets for a catch. 370 00:25:21,290 --> 00:25:24,429 Speaker 1: Simon wasn't sure how more work for him out on 371 00:25:24,450 --> 00:25:26,550 Speaker 1: the empty sea was a thank you. 372 00:25:27,109 --> 00:25:31,100 Speaker 5: Rabbi, with all due respect, we've been fishing all night. 373 00:25:31,780 --> 00:25:33,439 Speaker 5: There is no fish out there for us. 374 00:25:34,100 --> 00:25:38,870 Speaker 1: He looked up at Jesus. As their eyes connected, Simon, 375 00:25:38,940 --> 00:25:42,149 Speaker 1: sensing an earnestness from the man, finally relented. 376 00:25:43,970 --> 00:25:47,570 Speaker 5: Nevertheless, at your word, I'll try again. 377 00:25:48,030 --> 00:25:51,129 Speaker 1: The two brothers rowed the boat out a few dozen yards. 378 00:25:52,390 --> 00:25:56,620 Speaker 1: The water was glassy and still. With a reluctant sigh, 379 00:25:57,020 --> 00:26:01,060 Speaker 1: Simon cast out the net. He sat down and waited. 380 00:26:02,710 --> 00:26:06,399 Speaker 1: A few moments passed, and Simon looked at Jesus with 381 00:26:06,440 --> 00:26:09,560 Speaker 1: a raised eyebrow as if to say, Told you so. 382 00:26:11,160 --> 00:26:14,720 Speaker 1: But just then, Simon heard the sound of tightening rope. 383 00:26:15,660 --> 00:26:21,100 Speaker 1: The nets became taut, and the boat leaned over. Simon 384 00:26:21,119 --> 00:26:24,040 Speaker 1: and Andrew tumbled to the side and looked at the water. 385 00:26:24,780 --> 00:26:26,600 Speaker 1: It was bubbling with activity. 386 00:26:26,980 --> 00:26:30,700 Speaker 5: Pull! Pull the nets! Harder, Andrew! If we don't hold 387 00:26:30,740 --> 00:26:32,020 Speaker 5: this in soon, they're going to break! 388 00:26:32,900 --> 00:26:36,790 Speaker 1: Noticing the commotion, the brothers James and John began frantically 389 00:26:36,930 --> 00:26:39,830 Speaker 1: rowing their own boat over to help their business partners. 390 00:26:40,910 --> 00:26:45,710 Speaker 1: The four men strained every muscle in their body. Years 391 00:26:45,790 --> 00:26:48,970 Speaker 1: of fishing had trained their bodies to pull in just 392 00:26:49,070 --> 00:26:52,800 Speaker 1: the right motions, following the natural fightings of the fish. 393 00:26:53,430 --> 00:26:57,060 Speaker 5: Almost there! Just a few more pushes! 394 00:26:57,740 --> 00:27:01,680 Speaker 1: Simon's arms felt tighter than the net's, and his hands burned. 395 00:27:02,040 --> 00:27:06,330 Speaker 1: under the moving rope. Jesus joined in and grabbed the 396 00:27:06,400 --> 00:27:10,450 Speaker 1: edge of the net. With one final pull, they brought 397 00:27:10,510 --> 00:27:15,350 Speaker 1: the catch into the boat. Fish scattered throughout the deck, 398 00:27:15,869 --> 00:27:20,270 Speaker 1: so much so that the ship began to sink. James 399 00:27:20,330 --> 00:27:23,470 Speaker 1: and John began loading fish onto their boat to keep 400 00:27:23,570 --> 00:27:28,350 Speaker 1: Simon's from sinking. Andrew, James, and John began rowing the 401 00:27:28,410 --> 00:27:33,260 Speaker 1: boats back to shore. As Simon took in the miraculous 402 00:27:33,340 --> 00:27:37,040 Speaker 1: sight in front of him, the reality of who Jesus 403 00:27:37,200 --> 00:27:42,560 Speaker 1: was set in. He fell to his knees before Jesus. 404 00:27:43,109 --> 00:27:47,590 Speaker 5: Depart from me, Lord. Depart from me, for I am 405 00:27:47,619 --> 00:27:48,629 Speaker 5: a sinful man. 406 00:27:49,290 --> 00:27:53,490 Speaker 1: Andrew, James, and John worked silently as they watched intently, 407 00:27:54,010 --> 00:27:58,550 Speaker 1: waiting to hear what Jesus might say in response. Their 408 00:27:58,630 --> 00:28:02,840 Speaker 1: hearts were consumed. with the same awe that had befallen Simon. 409 00:28:04,660 --> 00:28:09,030 Speaker 1: Jesus knelt down, pulling Simon's chin up to meet his gaze. 410 00:28:10,350 --> 00:28:14,949 Speaker 1: He took Simon's face in his hands, comforting the broken fisherman. 411 00:28:15,430 --> 00:28:19,530 Speaker 2: Follow me, Simon. Follow me, and I will make you 412 00:28:19,550 --> 00:28:20,990 Speaker 2: a fisher of men. 413 00:28:21,530 --> 00:28:26,169 Speaker 1: Simon looked Jesus in the eyes. They were glassy and 414 00:28:26,250 --> 00:28:31,030 Speaker 1: still like the water. His trance was broken as he 415 00:28:31,070 --> 00:28:35,350 Speaker 1: felt the boats make contact with the rocky shore. Standing 416 00:28:35,410 --> 00:28:38,190 Speaker 1: to his feet, he looked at the fish that filled 417 00:28:38,250 --> 00:28:42,930 Speaker 1: his once empty boat. What he would have considered the 418 00:28:43,010 --> 00:28:47,300 Speaker 1: fortune that would have fixed all his problems suddenly seemed 419 00:28:47,620 --> 00:28:52,840 Speaker 1: useless to him. Simon stood up. What did it mean 420 00:28:53,520 --> 00:28:57,320 Speaker 1: to be a fisher of men? He wasn't exactly sure. 421 00:28:58,360 --> 00:29:01,300 Speaker 1: But he knew he couldn't help but obey. 422 00:29:03,380 --> 00:29:06,980 Speaker 5: It's time for a new season in life. One with 423 00:29:07,080 --> 00:29:11,830 Speaker 5: far less fish. Perhaps a bit more hope. 424 00:29:12,230 --> 00:29:16,850 Speaker 1: The other fishermen all nodded in agreement. For their entire lives, 425 00:29:16,930 --> 00:29:21,550 Speaker 1: these four men had been dependent upon fishing. But a 426 00:29:21,670 --> 00:29:26,030 Speaker 1: new spark of hope for the future. caused them to 427 00:29:26,130 --> 00:29:32,480 Speaker 1: leave it all behind without question. Leaving their nets, boats, 428 00:29:32,640 --> 00:29:36,930 Speaker 1: and life at sea behind, each one of them determined 429 00:29:36,990 --> 00:29:40,760 Speaker 1: in their hearts to make following Jesus possible. their new 430 00:29:41,200 --> 00:29:47,180 Speaker 1: way of life. The sun retreated into the horizon. The 431 00:29:47,220 --> 00:29:51,500 Speaker 1: clouds had captured the final rays of light, radiating a 432 00:29:51,560 --> 00:29:58,320 Speaker 1: dark orange like giant oil lamps. Nathaniel followed Philip outside 433 00:29:58,380 --> 00:30:02,200 Speaker 1: the city to the sea. A large fire was made 434 00:30:02,280 --> 00:30:08,540 Speaker 1: on the sand, surrounded by familiar faces. James, John, Andrew, 435 00:30:09,020 --> 00:30:14,860 Speaker 1: and Simon. They stood around the fire, laughing and enjoying 436 00:30:14,920 --> 00:30:19,920 Speaker 1: each other's company. There was another man among them. He 437 00:30:19,960 --> 00:30:24,230 Speaker 1: wore the clothes of a craftsman. His smile reflected the 438 00:30:24,310 --> 00:30:28,100 Speaker 1: warmth of the flames. and his laugh filled the air 439 00:30:28,160 --> 00:30:33,200 Speaker 1: like the melody of a beloved childhood song, familiar and comforting. 440 00:30:34,160 --> 00:30:38,520 Speaker 1: Before Philip could introduce Nathaniel, the stranger looked at him. 441 00:30:38,870 --> 00:30:42,850 Speaker 2: Nathaniel, an Israelite in whom there is no deceit, a 442 00:30:42,930 --> 00:30:43,750 Speaker 2: truly good man. 443 00:30:44,370 --> 00:30:44,790 Speaker 8: Welcome. 444 00:30:45,230 --> 00:30:51,790 Speaker 1: Nathaniel paused. Insecure and invasive thoughts flooded his mind. How 445 00:30:51,890 --> 00:30:56,130 Speaker 1: could this stranger know him? What's more, how could he 446 00:30:56,230 --> 00:31:00,910 Speaker 1: know the very words Nathaniel needed to hear? He cocked 447 00:31:00,950 --> 00:31:03,860 Speaker 1: his head to the side. He was sure he had 448 00:31:04,080 --> 00:31:08,580 Speaker 1: never met this man before, but perhaps his memory betrayed him. 449 00:31:09,320 --> 00:31:10,840 Speaker 8: How do you know me? 450 00:31:11,380 --> 00:31:16,040 Speaker 1: The man stepped forward, his grin now entirely illuminated by 451 00:31:16,080 --> 00:31:16,500 Speaker 1: the fire. 452 00:31:17,160 --> 00:31:19,410 Speaker 2: I was with you under the fig tree before Philip 453 00:31:19,450 --> 00:31:21,880 Speaker 2: called you. I saw you, Nathaniel. 454 00:31:22,180 --> 00:31:25,100 Speaker 8: You saw me under the fig tree? 455 00:31:25,620 --> 00:31:31,640 Speaker 1: Nathaniel's voice cracked. Nobody knew about the fig tree. It 456 00:31:31,660 --> 00:31:33,920 Speaker 1: was a place for him to be alone with his 457 00:31:34,010 --> 00:31:38,590 Speaker 1: thoughts and pray. The only people who knew about this 458 00:31:39,050 --> 00:31:41,330 Speaker 1: were Nathaniel and the Lord. 459 00:31:42,110 --> 00:31:42,970 Speaker 8: Could he be? 460 00:31:43,630 --> 00:31:48,870 Speaker 1: Nathaniel's emotions welled up inside him. There was only one explanation. 461 00:31:49,180 --> 00:31:53,190 Speaker 1: For this man, seeing Nathaniel under the fig tree, only 462 00:31:53,470 --> 00:31:59,270 Speaker 1: one person could have heard his anxious prayers. Perhaps something 463 00:31:59,350 --> 00:32:04,090 Speaker 1: good had come out of Nazareth after all. Nathaniel could 464 00:32:04,170 --> 00:32:09,950 Speaker 1: feel himself breaking. And for once, he didn't hold himself back. 465 00:32:11,170 --> 00:32:15,800 Speaker 1: For once, Nathaniel felt like someone had seen him and 466 00:32:15,920 --> 00:32:22,030 Speaker 1: truly known him. He felt like he could breathe without 467 00:32:22,050 --> 00:32:26,270 Speaker 1: the weight of masked insecurities and hidden imperfections. 468 00:32:27,010 --> 00:32:31,110 Speaker 8: Rabbi, truly you are the Son of God. You are 469 00:32:31,130 --> 00:32:32,690 Speaker 8: the one we've been waiting for. 470 00:32:33,250 --> 00:32:37,300 Speaker 1: Jesus replied with a friendly chuckle, seeming glad at this 471 00:32:37,360 --> 00:32:39,620 Speaker 1: sudden outburst of emotional display. 472 00:32:40,140 --> 00:32:42,500 Speaker 2: You believe because I told you I saw you under 473 00:32:42,560 --> 00:32:43,220 Speaker 2: a fig tree? 474 00:32:43,240 --> 00:32:44,840 Speaker 6: Oh, my friend. 475 00:32:45,440 --> 00:32:47,660 Speaker 2: You will see far greater things than that. 476 00:32:48,420 --> 00:32:48,940 Speaker 8: Nathaniel. 477 00:32:49,640 --> 00:32:53,800 Speaker 2: I tell you, you will see heaven open and angels 478 00:32:53,880 --> 00:32:57,120 Speaker 2: ascending and descending on the Son of Man. 479 00:32:57,760 --> 00:33:03,200 Speaker 1: With tears glistening on his cheeks in the firelight, Nathaniel. 480 00:33:02,670 --> 00:33:05,150 Speaker 8: Looked up at Jesus and nodded. 481 00:33:06,930 --> 00:33:10,030 Speaker 1: Each of the other men sitting around the campfire knew 482 00:33:10,110 --> 00:33:15,050 Speaker 1: the exact feelings coursing through Nathaniel. They had all encountered 483 00:33:15,110 --> 00:33:19,780 Speaker 1: Jesus of Nazareth, the man whom they knew to be 484 00:33:20,180 --> 00:33:26,800 Speaker 1: the Messiah. With utmost confidence, they had been plucked from 485 00:33:26,840 --> 00:33:33,320 Speaker 1: their everyday lives and pulled into something spectacular. 486 00:33:36,030 --> 00:33:39,670 Speaker 4: Picture this scene. Jesus goes up on the mountain. And 487 00:33:39,710 --> 00:33:43,890 Speaker 4: this wasn't just a casual stroll. Luke's Gospel tells us 488 00:33:43,970 --> 00:33:47,470 Speaker 4: that Jesus spent the entire night in prayer before making 489 00:33:47,510 --> 00:33:51,990 Speaker 4: this decision. That's in Luke 6, verse 12. Jesus was 490 00:33:52,050 --> 00:33:55,310 Speaker 4: at a critical juncture in his ministry. The religious leaders 491 00:33:55,350 --> 00:33:57,850 Speaker 4: were plotting against him, and the crowds that followed him 492 00:33:57,890 --> 00:34:00,850 Speaker 4: were more interested in miracles than in the message of 493 00:34:00,870 --> 00:34:05,740 Speaker 4: the kingdom. So what does Jesus do? He prays. He 494 00:34:05,820 --> 00:34:10,380 Speaker 4: prays all night. And then, with divine wisdom, he calls 495 00:34:10,440 --> 00:34:15,770 Speaker 4: to himself those he wanted. Now, here's something beautiful. Jesus 496 00:34:15,870 --> 00:34:18,739 Speaker 4: didn't just call these men to do something for Him. 497 00:34:19,570 --> 00:34:22,060 Speaker 4: The first thing He called them to do was simply 498 00:34:22,120 --> 00:34:26,520 Speaker 4: to be with Him. Mark 3, verse 14. Before He 499 00:34:26,600 --> 00:34:29,180 Speaker 4: sent them out to preach, before He gave them power 500 00:34:29,219 --> 00:34:32,600 Speaker 4: to heal and cast out demons, He called them to 501 00:34:32,719 --> 00:34:37,560 Speaker 4: be with Him. That's the heart of discipleship. It's about 502 00:34:37,800 --> 00:34:42,820 Speaker 4: relationship before it's about mission. You see, A disciple in Jesus' 503 00:34:42,880 --> 00:34:45,500 Speaker 4: time wasn't just a student in the way we think 504 00:34:45,540 --> 00:34:50,070 Speaker 4: of students today. A disciple didn't just learn facts and figures. 505 00:34:50,650 --> 00:34:54,970 Speaker 4: A disciple learned by being with the teacher, by watching, listening, 506 00:34:55,230 --> 00:34:59,390 Speaker 4: and living life together. As theologian Leon Morris puts it, 507 00:34:59,910 --> 00:35:03,660 Speaker 4: there's a personal attachment in the word disciple that is 508 00:35:03,739 --> 00:35:08,279 Speaker 4: lacking in student. Jesus understood that if these men were 509 00:35:08,300 --> 00:35:11,410 Speaker 4: going to turn the world upside down, They needed to 510 00:35:11,469 --> 00:35:14,549 Speaker 4: spend time with Him. They needed to know Him, to 511 00:35:14,890 --> 00:35:18,870 Speaker 4: catch His heart and be filled with His Spirit. And friends, 512 00:35:19,370 --> 00:35:22,750 Speaker 4: the same is true for us. Before we can do 513 00:35:23,010 --> 00:35:26,549 Speaker 4: anything meaningful for Jesus, we need to be with Him. 514 00:35:27,820 --> 00:35:30,920 Speaker 4: Sometimes we get so caught up in doing things for 515 00:35:30,960 --> 00:35:34,580 Speaker 4: God that we forget to spend time with God. But 516 00:35:34,640 --> 00:35:37,759 Speaker 4: Jesus shows us here that the power and effectiveness of 517 00:35:37,840 --> 00:35:41,920 Speaker 4: our ministry, whether it's teaching, serving, and praying, or anything 518 00:35:42,020 --> 00:35:45,719 Speaker 4: else flows out of our relationship with Him. Jesus then 519 00:35:45,760 --> 00:35:48,560 Speaker 4: appointed these twelve to go out and preach, to heal 520 00:35:48,600 --> 00:35:52,860 Speaker 4: the sick, and to cast out demons. But notice the order. First, 521 00:35:53,320 --> 00:35:56,239 Speaker 4: to be with Him, and then to go out. It's 522 00:35:56,420 --> 00:35:59,549 Speaker 4: as if Jesus was saying, You'll only be as effective 523 00:35:59,770 --> 00:36:02,550 Speaker 4: as you are close to Me. And that's a message 524 00:36:02,610 --> 00:36:06,469 Speaker 4: for us, too. Think about it. These disciples were not 525 00:36:06,630 --> 00:36:12,280 Speaker 4: biblical scholars or extraordinary people. Peter, James, John, and Andrew 526 00:36:12,340 --> 00:36:16,500 Speaker 4: were fishermen. Matthew was a tax collector. And Judas, well, 527 00:36:16,780 --> 00:36:20,220 Speaker 4: we know how his story ends. But despite their diverse 528 00:36:20,320 --> 00:36:25,820 Speaker 4: backgrounds and personalities, Jesus called them to himself. He didn't 529 00:36:25,860 --> 00:36:28,930 Speaker 4: choose them because they were perfect. He chose them because 530 00:36:29,150 --> 00:36:32,430 Speaker 4: they were willing to be with him and be transformed 531 00:36:32,530 --> 00:36:35,990 Speaker 4: by him. And that's the good news for us today. 532 00:36:36,790 --> 00:36:41,160 Speaker 4: Jesus doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called. He 533 00:36:41,200 --> 00:36:44,460 Speaker 4: doesn't look for perfect people. He looks for willing hearts. 534 00:36:45,540 --> 00:36:49,919 Speaker 4: Our effectiveness in ministry, in sharing the gospel, in serving others, 535 00:36:50,340 --> 00:36:55,690 Speaker 4: doesn't come from our abilities, but from our connection to Jesus. So, 536 00:36:56,230 --> 00:36:59,150 Speaker 4: what does this mean for us? It means that our 537 00:36:59,250 --> 00:37:03,049 Speaker 4: first priority is to be with Jesus, to spend time 538 00:37:03,090 --> 00:37:06,629 Speaker 4: in His Word, in prayer, in worship, and from that 539 00:37:06,710 --> 00:37:10,790 Speaker 4: place of closeness, of intimacy, He empowers us to go 540 00:37:10,890 --> 00:37:13,759 Speaker 4: out and make a difference in the world. As we 541 00:37:13,800 --> 00:37:17,839 Speaker 4: wrap up, let's take this to heart. Jesus calls each 542 00:37:17,920 --> 00:37:21,040 Speaker 4: of us to be with Him, to learn from Him, 543 00:37:21,560 --> 00:37:24,100 Speaker 4: and then to go out and share His love with others. 544 00:37:24,700 --> 00:37:28,620 Speaker 4: Like those first disciples, we are invited into a relationship 545 00:37:28,780 --> 00:37:32,140 Speaker 4: with the One who knows us, who loves us, and 546 00:37:32,180 --> 00:37:33,630 Speaker 4: who wants to work through us.