The King's Community
Series: THE SERVANT KING
Speaker: Takeshi Shibuya
Date: 3rd March 2018
Passage: Mark 3:7-35
00:00:00 --> 00:00:02 Konbanwa. Good evening, everyone.
00:00:03 --> 00:00:09 My name is Takeshi, and I'm one of the student ministers at St. Paul's.
00:00:09 --> 00:00:15 If you are a first-timer, I would like to say a big thank you for coming to church tonight.
00:00:16 --> 00:00:18 Hope you enjoy our time together.
00:00:20 --> 00:00:23 Yeah, they mentioned about that.
00:00:23 --> 00:00:28 Tonight is a special night for me because this is my first time preaching at St. Paul's.
00:00:28 --> 00:00:32 So please make sure be good audience.
00:00:32 --> 00:00:36 So not this way, this way, okay?
00:00:37 --> 00:00:38 Don't fall asleep.
00:00:40 --> 00:00:45 Before I dive into the passage, let me pray for us.
00:00:46 --> 00:00:53 Heavenly Father, thank you for revealing yourself through the Bible, through your words.
00:00:53 --> 00:00:57 Lord, we wouldn't know without your words.
00:00:58 --> 00:01:00 We wouldn't know who is Jesus.
00:01:00 --> 00:01:04 We wouldn't know how much you love us.
00:01:04 --> 00:01:08 Tonight, as we continue in Mark's gospel,
00:01:09 --> 00:01:14 please help us to hear your word clearly so we can follow Jesus.
00:01:15 --> 00:01:18 I pray these things in your mighty name.
00:01:18 --> 00:01:19 Amen.
00:01:19 --> 00:01:27 We'll be reading Mark's gospel in our new series, The Servant King.
00:01:27 --> 00:01:31 The gospel of Mark has two significant messages.
00:01:31 --> 00:01:34 Number one, who is Jesus?
00:01:34 --> 00:01:38 And then number two, what did he come to do?
00:01:39 --> 00:01:43 Chapter 1 to 8 focus on who is Jesus.
00:01:43 --> 00:01:52 And chapters 9 to 16 focus on what did he come to do.
00:01:52 --> 00:01:59 In chapter 3, Mark gives us progress summary of Jesus' ministry.
00:01:59 --> 00:02:02 In verse 8, it says,
00:02:02 --> 00:02:22 Jesus has become so extremely popular with the people.
00:02:22 --> 00:02:28 People are coming from everywhere just to see him.
00:02:29 --> 00:02:35 Not just Chatsut, not just Croydon, not just Central Coast,
00:02:35 --> 00:02:40 not just from the entire of the Central Coast kind of things.
00:02:40 --> 00:02:47 They've heard of the many miracles and healings and the casting out of demons.
00:02:47 --> 00:02:51 However, at the same time,
00:02:53 --> 00:02:58 the hostility of the religious leaders towards Jesus is increasing.
00:03:00 --> 00:03:05 So much so that they have began to plot how they might kill him.
00:03:06 --> 00:03:07 Chapter 3, 6.
00:03:07 --> 00:03:15 It is at this point that Jesus calls his disciples so that he can expand his ministry.
00:03:16 --> 00:03:23 In verse 13 to 19, his 12 disciples, his all 13, are finally chosen.
00:03:25 --> 00:03:29 Today, I'm going to focus on verse 20 to 35.
00:03:29 --> 00:03:39 I wonder, is it just me or did you notice something odd here with the structure of these verses?
00:03:41 --> 00:03:45 Mark began by talking about Jesus' family in verse 20.
00:03:45 --> 00:03:51 Then, in verse 20, the topic changed to the teacher of the law.
00:03:51 --> 00:03:59 And then, suddenly, the focus turned back to Jesus' family again in verse 31.
00:04:00 --> 00:04:02 It's like a commercial on TV.
00:04:02 --> 00:04:06 Your favorite TV show starts, but after a few minutes,
00:04:07 --> 00:04:12 all of a sudden, just jump to commercials with the typical too loud music.
00:04:13 --> 00:04:14 Na-na-na-na-na.
00:04:14 --> 00:04:18 And then, you return back to the TV show again,
00:04:19 --> 00:04:22 just as a commercial, an interruption.
00:04:23 --> 00:04:29 In between, so here, this seems to be an interruption in the story.
00:04:31 --> 00:04:34 This is called Mark's Sandwich.
00:04:35 --> 00:04:37 Mark's Sandwich, it is true.
00:04:37 --> 00:04:43 As everyone knows, a sandwich has two pieces of bread with a filling in the middle.
00:04:44 --> 00:04:50 In the same way, Mark intentionally plays the story of the teacher of the law
00:04:50 --> 00:04:53 in between the story about Jesus' family.
00:04:54 --> 00:04:57 You could say that Jesus' family story in the bread
00:04:57 --> 00:05:01 and the part with the teacher of the law is like the BLT,
00:05:02 --> 00:05:04 or whatever the filling you like.
00:05:05 --> 00:05:06 Mark uses this technique.
00:05:07 --> 00:05:11 A number of, through his gospel.
00:05:12 --> 00:05:15 So why does he use it here?
00:05:17 --> 00:05:23 Last year, Katie and I got into the famous TV series, 24.
00:05:23 --> 00:05:26 I know we are a bit behind of the times.
00:05:27 --> 00:05:31 You know, original TV series started more than 15 years ago.
00:05:31 --> 00:05:34 So, just in case, who's seen it?
00:05:34 --> 00:05:35 He has seen it.
00:05:35 --> 00:05:37 Oh, very encouraging.
00:05:38 --> 00:05:38 Yeah.
00:05:39 --> 00:05:42 For those who haven't, I will explain.
00:05:42 --> 00:05:46 It's basically about the government counter-terrorist unit
00:05:46 --> 00:05:51 who try to protect America from terrorist attacks.
00:05:51 --> 00:05:56 What made us slightly quite addicted to the series,
00:05:56 --> 00:06:01 in that the plot of the story is really, really well written.
00:06:01 --> 00:06:07 The most thrilling part of the drama is when it's the surprising reversal.
00:06:07 --> 00:06:13 For example, a character who you think is a goodie turns to be a buddy
00:06:13 --> 00:06:18 in a complete and unexpected reversal.
00:06:18 --> 00:06:28 Unfortunately or fortunately, since our baby girl arrived, we haven't had much time to watch 24 anymore.
00:06:29 --> 00:06:31 But I wish I could continue to watch.
00:06:31 --> 00:06:44 Anyway, likewise, Mark here used in his sandwich technique to demonstrate a surprising and unexpected reversal.
00:06:45 --> 00:06:54 Those who seem close to God or insiders are, in fact, outsiders who are far from him.
00:06:54 --> 00:07:01 Tonight, I'm going to talk about the reversal of the king's community.
00:07:02 --> 00:07:07 Tonight, I'm going to talk about the reversal of the king's community.
00:07:07 --> 00:07:14 We will have a look at who is the true insider in Jesus' family.
00:07:15 --> 00:07:21 I will start with the teacher of the law, and then coming back to Jesus' own family.
00:07:22 --> 00:07:26 And at the end, we will think about what this means for us today.
00:07:27 --> 00:07:30 So, number one, teacher of the law.
00:07:30 --> 00:07:37 Can you come with me to verse 22?
00:07:38 --> 00:07:41 If you have your Bible, please open your Bible.
00:07:43 --> 00:07:46 And the teacher of the law, who comes down from Jerusalem.
00:07:47 --> 00:07:49 So, my question is here.
00:07:50 --> 00:07:52 Who were the teacher of the law?
00:07:53 --> 00:07:58 In short, they were experts in Old Testament law.
00:07:58 --> 00:08:02 In this passage, the teacher of the law were the Pharisees.
00:08:03 --> 00:08:11 The name Pharisees comes from an Aramaic word, meaning separation from uncleanness before God.
00:08:13 --> 00:08:21 The Pharisees believed in eternal life and that people would be punished by God in accordance with their behavior.
00:08:21 --> 00:08:30 This is why, in Jesus' day, they memorized Old Testament law as well as their oral traditions.
00:08:31 --> 00:08:33 More than 40, more than 400.
00:08:36 --> 00:08:39 To live righteous lives.
00:08:41 --> 00:08:44 They were like walking human Bible.
00:08:44 --> 00:08:50 They were especially passionate about keeping the service.
00:08:50 --> 00:08:56 And lived by very strict rules on many aspects of their lives.
00:08:57 --> 00:09:02 Such as how to wash their hands, what to eat or not to eat.
00:09:03 --> 00:09:08 Even how many steps they were allowed to walk on the service.
00:09:08 --> 00:09:09 Or how many steps today?
00:09:10 --> 00:09:11 Like this?
00:09:11 --> 00:09:21 So, because of their expert knowledge of the work law and their outward appearance,
00:09:21 --> 00:09:28 they were seen by themselves and others are very kindly, a spiritual elite, if you like.
00:09:29 --> 00:09:32 Can you have a look at verse 22 again?
00:09:32 --> 00:09:38 The religious people come down from Jerusalem.
00:09:39 --> 00:09:42 Religious people come down from Jerusalem.
00:09:43 --> 00:09:50 At this point, Jesus now in Galilee, that's a long way from Jerusalem.
00:09:50 --> 00:09:52 It's almost a three-day journey.
00:09:53 --> 00:09:58 In the world, Jerusalem gives us a sense of temple authority.
00:09:58 --> 00:10:07 It's sort of like the company boss who comes back to check on his employees to see if everything is okay.
00:10:08 --> 00:10:18 The religious leaders come down to Galilee to check and accuse Jesus of wrong teaching or unclean behavior.
00:10:18 --> 00:10:26 Now that Jesus was healing the sick on the service and giving people a very different interpretation of the Old Testament,
00:10:28 --> 00:10:32 the Pharisees are starting to get fed up with Jesus.
00:10:33 --> 00:10:37 They believed that they were the only ones who understand the law.
00:10:37 --> 00:10:44 And so they thought that this guy, Jesus, who had no proper education, shouldn't be teaching the people.
00:10:46 --> 00:10:51 This is why the teacher of the law came to and yelled out in verse 22,
00:10:52 --> 00:10:58 He possessed by Beelzebub, by the princess of demons, he's driving out demons.
00:11:00 --> 00:11:06 They come all the way to exclaim to everyone that Jesus was demon-possessed.
00:11:07 --> 00:11:19 It's unclear what the meaning of Beelzebub is because ancient Israel records don't mention it much.
00:11:20 --> 00:11:27 However, it is very clear that the religious leader used this word to judge Jesus
00:11:27 --> 00:11:33 and make the claim that he definitely wasn't Israel God's messenger or prophet.
00:11:33 --> 00:11:40 If he was, then he most definitely wouldn't break the service law.
00:11:41 --> 00:11:46 This is kind of an offshore announcement from the religious leaders
00:11:46 --> 00:11:51 to point out Jesus was an outsider.
00:11:53 --> 00:11:56 So, how does Jesus respond to them?
00:11:56 --> 00:12:01 Can you look at verse 23 with me?
00:12:03 --> 00:12:11 So, Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables.
00:12:12 --> 00:12:14 How can Satan drive out Satan?
00:12:16 --> 00:12:18 Jesus said to them simply,
00:12:18 --> 00:12:34 Jesus points out the flaw in their argument by using a parable about the kingdom.
00:12:35 --> 00:12:36 He said,
00:12:36 --> 00:12:39 If a kingdom is divided, it won't stand.
00:12:40 --> 00:12:47 In fighting along with destroy it, without the enemy even need to come against it.
00:12:47 --> 00:12:51 The same is true of the house.
00:12:52 --> 00:12:57 When a husband and a wife and children are divided against each other,
00:12:59 --> 00:13:00 their house will fall.
00:13:03 --> 00:13:07 Then Jesus points out the foolishness of the religious leaders.
00:13:07 --> 00:13:13 He explains that Satan isn't divided in verse 27.
00:13:14 --> 00:13:17 But no one can enter the strong man's house
00:13:17 --> 00:13:23 and plunder his property unless he first binds the strong man.
00:13:23 --> 00:13:26 And then he will plunder his house.
00:13:27 --> 00:13:29 This is what Jesus has done.
00:13:30 --> 00:13:36 He has come into enemy territory and has bound the strong man.
00:13:36 --> 00:13:39 This is evident in Mark's gospel.
00:13:39 --> 00:13:42 First miracle story in chapter 1,
00:13:42 --> 00:13:44 which was an exorcism.
00:13:45 --> 00:13:50 And then there is a healing of the paralytic in Mark chapter 2,
00:13:50 --> 00:13:54 which also illustrates what Jesus is saying here.
00:13:54 --> 00:14:05 And that is the mission of Jesus is invade and conquer Satan and plant his possessions.
00:14:06 --> 00:14:10 Jesus is God, so he is stronger than strong man.
00:14:12 --> 00:14:13 Finally,
00:14:14 --> 00:14:19 Jesus stands at the table on the religious leaders in a damning statement.
00:14:19 --> 00:14:24 Have a look at verse 28-29 with me.
00:14:25 --> 00:14:26 Truly,
00:14:26 --> 00:14:27 I tell you,
00:14:28 --> 00:14:28 by the way,
00:14:28 --> 00:14:30 when Jesus speaks like this,
00:14:30 --> 00:14:31 Amen, Amen,
00:14:32 --> 00:14:33 Jesus is making a point that
00:14:33 --> 00:14:36 these are not human words,
00:14:36 --> 00:14:39 but come from divine God's self.
00:14:40 --> 00:14:41 People can be forgiven
00:14:41 --> 00:14:43 all their sins
00:14:43 --> 00:14:45 and every slander they utter,
00:14:45 --> 00:14:50 but whoever blasphemies against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven.
00:14:51 --> 00:14:54 They are guilty of an eternal sin.
00:14:55 --> 00:14:59 So why does Jesus judge them so harshly?
00:15:01 --> 00:15:03 Although the teacher of the law
00:15:03 --> 00:15:08 recognizes Jesus has power to perform miracles,
00:15:09 --> 00:15:12 they deny the source of his power
00:15:12 --> 00:15:17 and claim it to be from Satan rather than God.
00:15:19 --> 00:15:21 Jesus points out that
00:15:21 --> 00:15:25 it is his accused who are guilty of blaspheming
00:15:25 --> 00:15:28 because of their hardness of heart.
00:15:29 --> 00:15:30 Sure,
00:15:30 --> 00:15:33 they understand the law and theology,
00:15:34 --> 00:15:35 including the coming Messiah,
00:15:36 --> 00:15:39 but they still refuse Jesus.
00:15:39 --> 00:15:44 Jesus' accusation of blasphemy
00:15:44 --> 00:15:45 by the religious leaders
00:15:45 --> 00:15:48 was absolutely shocking
00:15:48 --> 00:15:51 to both the leaders themselves
00:15:51 --> 00:15:53 and to the people listening.
00:15:55 --> 00:15:55 Because,
00:15:56 --> 00:15:57 as I talked earlier,
00:15:57 --> 00:15:58 everyone thought
00:15:58 --> 00:16:01 the religious leaders are insiders
00:16:01 --> 00:16:04 who were accepted by God.
00:16:05 --> 00:16:06 However,
00:16:06 --> 00:16:07 here Jesus points out
00:16:07 --> 00:16:09 that isn't so,
00:16:09 --> 00:16:11 they are actually
00:16:11 --> 00:16:13 outsiders
00:16:13 --> 00:16:14 in God's eye
00:16:14 --> 00:16:16 because they don't believe
00:16:16 --> 00:16:18 Jesus as God
00:16:18 --> 00:16:18 and
00:16:18 --> 00:16:19 they
00:16:19 --> 00:16:20 didn't
00:16:20 --> 00:16:22 follow him.
00:16:23 --> 00:16:24 This is a complete
00:16:24 --> 00:16:26 and unexpected
00:16:26 --> 00:16:27 reversal
00:16:27 --> 00:16:29 of the king's community.
00:16:29 --> 00:16:29 family.
00:16:33 --> 00:16:34 So,
00:16:34 --> 00:16:35 let's move on to next point.
00:16:37 --> 00:16:37 Number two,
00:16:37 --> 00:16:39 Jesus' own family.
00:16:41 --> 00:16:42 Let's now look at
00:16:42 --> 00:16:43 Jesus' own family.
00:16:45 --> 00:16:46 Can you have a look at
00:16:46 --> 00:16:47 verses 20 to 21?
00:16:48 --> 00:16:48 And then,
00:16:49 --> 00:16:50 31 to 32 with me.
00:16:51 --> 00:16:52 This is what I said,
00:16:52 --> 00:16:53 Mark's sandwich,
00:16:53 --> 00:16:54 two bread.
00:16:54 --> 00:16:58 verses 20 to 21.
00:16:58 --> 00:16:59 Then,
00:16:59 --> 00:17:03 Jesus entered a house
00:17:03 --> 00:17:05 and again a crowd gathered
00:17:05 --> 00:17:08 so that he and his disciples
00:17:08 --> 00:17:10 were not even able to eat.
00:17:11 --> 00:17:13 When his family heard about this,
00:17:13 --> 00:17:17 they went to take charge of him.
00:17:17 --> 00:17:18 For they say,
00:17:19 --> 00:17:21 he is out of his mind.
00:17:22 --> 00:17:24 And jump to 31 to 32.
00:17:26 --> 00:17:27 Then Jesus' mother
00:17:27 --> 00:17:29 and brothers arrived.
00:17:29 --> 00:17:30 Standing outside,
00:17:31 --> 00:17:32 they sent someone
00:17:32 --> 00:17:33 in to call him.
00:17:34 --> 00:17:35 A crowd was sitting
00:17:35 --> 00:17:36 around him
00:17:36 --> 00:17:38 and they told him,
00:17:39 --> 00:17:39 your mother
00:17:39 --> 00:17:40 and brothers
00:17:40 --> 00:17:41 are outside
00:17:41 --> 00:17:42 looking for you.
00:17:42 --> 00:17:45 Jesus' mother
00:17:45 --> 00:17:46 and brothers
00:17:46 --> 00:17:48 came to take him home
00:17:48 --> 00:17:48 because
00:17:48 --> 00:17:49 they heard from people
00:17:49 --> 00:17:50 that
00:17:50 --> 00:17:52 he was crazy.
00:17:53 --> 00:17:53 Now,
00:17:53 --> 00:17:54 if you are of
00:17:54 --> 00:17:55 Asian heritage
00:17:55 --> 00:17:57 or know about
00:17:57 --> 00:17:57 Asian culture,
00:17:58 --> 00:17:59 this thing
00:17:59 --> 00:18:00 probably makes
00:18:00 --> 00:18:01 more sense.
00:18:02 --> 00:18:03 Generally speaking,
00:18:04 --> 00:18:05 in Asian culture,
00:18:05 --> 00:18:06 family members
00:18:06 --> 00:18:07 are
00:18:07 --> 00:18:08 responsible
00:18:08 --> 00:18:09 for other
00:18:09 --> 00:18:10 family members.
00:18:11 --> 00:18:12 For example,
00:18:12 --> 00:18:13 in Japan,
00:18:13 --> 00:18:14 probably Kihon
00:18:14 --> 00:18:15 might know,
00:18:15 --> 00:18:16 famous celebrities
00:18:16 --> 00:18:17 sometimes
00:18:17 --> 00:18:17 commit
00:18:17 --> 00:18:19 really bad acts
00:18:19 --> 00:18:20 such as
00:18:20 --> 00:18:21 drug use
00:18:21 --> 00:18:21 or violence.
00:18:22 --> 00:18:22 And then,
00:18:23 --> 00:18:24 almost 100%
00:18:24 --> 00:18:26 of the time,
00:18:26 --> 00:18:28 their parents
00:18:28 --> 00:18:30 hold a press conference
00:18:30 --> 00:18:31 to apologize
00:18:31 --> 00:18:33 for their son's
00:18:33 --> 00:18:34 or daughter's
00:18:34 --> 00:18:35 criminal offense.
00:18:35 --> 00:18:36 Of course,
00:18:36 --> 00:18:39 with a 45 degrees
00:18:39 --> 00:18:41 bow
00:18:41 --> 00:18:42 at the maximum
00:18:42 --> 00:18:43 apologize.
00:18:45 --> 00:18:46 This is important
00:18:46 --> 00:18:48 for Japanese people.
00:18:49 --> 00:18:50 Their child's
00:18:50 --> 00:18:50 behavior
00:18:50 --> 00:18:51 is so
00:18:51 --> 00:18:53 intertwined
00:18:53 --> 00:18:53 with the
00:18:53 --> 00:18:54 family
00:18:54 --> 00:18:54 reputation
00:18:54 --> 00:18:56 that
00:18:56 --> 00:18:57 the parents
00:18:57 --> 00:18:58 feel responsible
00:18:58 --> 00:18:58 for what
00:18:58 --> 00:18:59 their child
00:18:59 --> 00:19:01 has done.
00:19:03 --> 00:19:04 Likewise,
00:19:04 --> 00:19:05 Jesus' own
00:19:05 --> 00:19:06 family
00:19:06 --> 00:19:06 probably
00:19:06 --> 00:19:07 felt a
00:19:07 --> 00:19:08 big responsibility
00:19:08 --> 00:19:09 for
00:19:09 --> 00:19:10 Jesus'
00:19:10 --> 00:19:11 behavior.
00:19:12 --> 00:19:12 Unfortunately,
00:19:13 --> 00:19:13 Jesus'
00:19:13 --> 00:19:14 own
00:19:14 --> 00:19:15 family members
00:19:15 --> 00:19:16 didn't believe
00:19:16 --> 00:19:17 that he
00:19:17 --> 00:19:17 was God.
00:19:19 --> 00:19:19 Because
00:19:19 --> 00:19:20 they knew
00:19:20 --> 00:19:21 of Jesus'
00:19:21 --> 00:19:22 previous life
00:19:22 --> 00:19:23 in Galilee,
00:19:23 --> 00:19:24 they just saw
00:19:24 --> 00:19:25 him as just
00:19:25 --> 00:19:27 a family member,
00:19:27 --> 00:19:28 ordinary
00:19:28 --> 00:19:29 compentor,
00:19:29 --> 00:19:31 and thought
00:19:31 --> 00:19:32 he was human
00:19:32 --> 00:19:33 just like
00:19:33 --> 00:19:33 them.
00:19:33 --> 00:19:37 So what
00:19:37 --> 00:19:39 did Jesus
00:19:39 --> 00:19:40 say
00:19:40 --> 00:19:40 to his
00:19:40 --> 00:19:41 own
00:19:41 --> 00:19:41 family?
00:19:43 --> 00:19:43 Let's go
00:19:43 --> 00:19:44 back to
00:19:44 --> 00:19:45 verse 33.
00:19:46 --> 00:19:47 Jesus
00:19:47 --> 00:19:47 says,
00:19:48 --> 00:19:49 Who are
00:19:49 --> 00:19:50 my mother
00:19:50 --> 00:19:51 and my
00:19:51 --> 00:19:51 brothers?
00:19:53 --> 00:19:53 Jesus'
00:19:54 --> 00:19:54 statement
00:19:54 --> 00:19:55 is an
00:19:55 --> 00:19:56 absolutely
00:19:56 --> 00:19:56 shocking
00:19:56 --> 00:19:57 response
00:19:57 --> 00:19:58 in Jesus'
00:19:58 --> 00:19:58 day.
00:19:59 --> 00:20:00 As Steve
00:20:00 --> 00:20:00 mentioned
00:20:00 --> 00:20:02 previously,
00:20:02 --> 00:20:02 it was not
00:20:02 --> 00:20:03 like today's
00:20:03 --> 00:20:04 Australia.
00:20:05 --> 00:20:05 In Jesus'
00:20:05 --> 00:20:06 family
00:20:06 --> 00:20:07 relationship
00:20:07 --> 00:20:08 were the
00:20:08 --> 00:20:09 foundation
00:20:09 --> 00:20:09 of the
00:20:09 --> 00:20:10 society.
00:20:11 --> 00:20:11 Jesus'
00:20:12 --> 00:20:12 own
00:20:12 --> 00:20:12 family
00:20:12 --> 00:20:13 and
00:20:13 --> 00:20:14 everyone
00:20:14 --> 00:20:14 around
00:20:14 --> 00:20:14 him
00:20:14 --> 00:20:15 thought
00:20:15 --> 00:20:15 that
00:20:15 --> 00:20:16 Jesus
00:20:16 --> 00:20:16 and
00:20:16 --> 00:20:17 his
00:20:17 --> 00:20:17 family
00:20:17 --> 00:20:17 were
00:20:17 --> 00:20:18 within
00:20:18 --> 00:20:18 the
00:20:18 --> 00:20:19 same
00:20:19 --> 00:20:19 circle.
00:20:21 --> 00:20:21 In
00:20:21 --> 00:20:21 other words,
00:20:22 --> 00:20:22 that they
00:20:22 --> 00:20:22 were
00:20:22 --> 00:20:24 insiders.
00:20:25 --> 00:20:25 However,
00:20:26 --> 00:20:26 Jesus
00:20:26 --> 00:20:28 exclaims
00:20:28 --> 00:20:28 that
00:20:28 --> 00:20:29 they were
00:20:29 --> 00:20:30 in fact
00:20:30 --> 00:20:31 outsiders.
00:20:32 --> 00:20:34 Jesus'
00:20:34 --> 00:20:35 family members
00:20:35 --> 00:20:36 were standing
00:20:36 --> 00:20:37 outside,
00:20:38 --> 00:20:39 but Jesus
00:20:39 --> 00:20:40 is not
00:20:40 --> 00:20:41 just
00:20:41 --> 00:20:41 referring
00:20:41 --> 00:20:42 to them
00:20:42 --> 00:20:43 being
00:20:43 --> 00:20:44 outsiders
00:20:44 --> 00:20:44 physically,
00:20:45 --> 00:20:46 but being
00:20:46 --> 00:20:47 spiritually
00:20:47 --> 00:20:48 outsiders.
00:20:50 --> 00:20:51 Because
00:20:51 --> 00:20:52 they didn't
00:20:52 --> 00:20:53 believe that
00:20:53 --> 00:20:55 Jesus
00:20:55 --> 00:20:56 was God.
00:20:56 --> 00:20:59 Jesus
00:20:59 --> 00:21:00 tells his
00:21:00 --> 00:21:01 natural
00:21:01 --> 00:21:02 family
00:21:02 --> 00:21:02 that
00:21:02 --> 00:21:03 their
00:21:03 --> 00:21:03 broad
00:21:03 --> 00:21:04 relationship
00:21:04 --> 00:21:05 with him
00:21:05 --> 00:21:07 does not
00:21:07 --> 00:21:07 claim
00:21:07 --> 00:21:08 any
00:21:08 --> 00:21:08 privilege.
00:21:09 --> 00:21:10 This is
00:21:10 --> 00:21:11 another
00:21:11 --> 00:21:12 unexpected
00:21:12 --> 00:21:13 and shocking
00:21:13 --> 00:21:14 reversal
00:21:14 --> 00:21:15 of the
00:21:15 --> 00:21:15 king's
00:21:15 --> 00:21:16 community.
00:21:16 --> 00:21:19 both
00:21:19 --> 00:21:20 the
00:21:20 --> 00:21:20 teacher
00:21:20 --> 00:21:21 of the
00:21:21 --> 00:21:21 law
00:21:21 --> 00:21:22 and
00:21:22 --> 00:21:22 Jesus'
00:21:22 --> 00:21:23 own
00:21:23 --> 00:21:23 family
00:21:23 --> 00:21:24 are not
00:21:24 --> 00:21:25 actually
00:21:25 --> 00:21:26 insiders,
00:21:26 --> 00:21:26 but
00:21:26 --> 00:21:28 outsiders.
00:21:29 --> 00:21:29 Through
00:21:29 --> 00:21:30 marked
00:21:30 --> 00:21:30 sandwich
00:21:30 --> 00:21:31 technique,
00:21:32 --> 00:21:33 the reality
00:21:33 --> 00:21:33 of their
00:21:33 --> 00:21:34 status
00:21:34 --> 00:21:34 is
00:21:34 --> 00:21:35 emphasized
00:21:35 --> 00:21:36 more
00:21:36 --> 00:21:37 shockingly
00:21:37 --> 00:21:38 and draws
00:21:38 --> 00:21:39 the reader's
00:21:39 --> 00:21:40 attention to
00:21:40 --> 00:21:40 consider
00:21:40 --> 00:21:41 one
00:21:41 --> 00:21:42 question.
00:21:42 --> 00:21:46 If the
00:21:46 --> 00:21:46 Pharisees
00:21:46 --> 00:21:47 and
00:21:47 --> 00:21:47 Jesus'
00:21:48 --> 00:21:48 own
00:21:48 --> 00:21:48 family
00:21:48 --> 00:21:49 are not
00:21:49 --> 00:21:50 Jesus'
00:21:50 --> 00:21:51 insiders,
00:21:52 --> 00:21:52 then
00:21:52 --> 00:21:53 who then
00:21:53 --> 00:21:54 are the
00:21:54 --> 00:21:54 insiders?
00:21:56 --> 00:21:56 Who
00:21:56 --> 00:21:56 are Jesus'
00:21:57 --> 00:21:57 true
00:21:57 --> 00:21:58 family?
00:21:59 --> 00:22:00 If the
00:22:00 --> 00:22:00 Pharisees
00:22:00 --> 00:22:01 and
00:22:01 --> 00:22:01 Jesus'
00:22:02 --> 00:22:02 own
00:22:02 --> 00:22:02 family
00:22:02 --> 00:22:03 are not
00:22:03 --> 00:22:03 Jesus'
00:22:04 --> 00:22:04 insiders,
00:22:04 --> 00:22:05 then
00:22:05 --> 00:22:06 whoир
00:22:06 --> 00:22:06 then
00:22:06 --> 00:22:06 are the
00:22:06 --> 00:22:07 insiders?
00:22:08 --> 00:22:09 Who
00:22:09 --> 00:22:09 are
00:22:09 --> 00:22:09 Jesus'
00:22:09 --> 00:22:10 true
00:22:10 --> 00:22:10 family?
00:22:10 --> 00:22:17 So my final point, Jesus' true family.
00:22:19 --> 00:22:23 Please have a look at verse 34 to 35 with me.
00:22:25 --> 00:22:31 Then he looked at those seated in the circle around him and said,
00:22:31 --> 00:22:34 Hear my mother and my brothers.
00:22:35 --> 00:22:40 Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother.
00:22:40 --> 00:22:49 Jesus points out that real insiders are in fact his disciples.
00:22:50 --> 00:22:56 However, Jesus isn't only referring to the 12 disciples that he has just appointed,
00:22:56 --> 00:23:01 but everyone who does God's will.
00:23:03 --> 00:23:04 That's great news.
00:23:05 --> 00:23:10 But what are Jesus' followers expected to do?
00:23:13 --> 00:23:16 The Gospel of John gives us the answer.
00:23:16 --> 00:23:18 So please open your Bible.
00:23:19 --> 00:23:22 John chapter 6, 28 to 29.
00:23:24 --> 00:23:28 John chapter 6, 28 to 29.
00:23:28 --> 00:23:41 The religious people asked.
00:23:42 --> 00:23:43 Then they asked him,
00:23:43 --> 00:23:48 What must we do to do the works God requires?
00:23:49 --> 00:23:50 Jesus answered,
00:23:50 --> 00:24:04 In short,
00:24:04 --> 00:24:31 Do you remember that Jesus' disciples come from all different backgrounds?
00:24:31 --> 00:24:35 They aren't perfect religious people,
00:24:35 --> 00:24:37 But just ordinary people like us.
00:24:38 --> 00:24:42 Jesus even called tax collectors who lost money.
00:24:44 --> 00:24:50 They were absolutely considered outsiders in religious sense.
00:24:50 --> 00:24:53 But they are loved by Jesus.
00:24:53 --> 00:25:02 Jesus' family members are simply those who respond to his calling with a repentant heart.
00:25:03 --> 00:25:05 So what about us?
00:25:07 --> 00:25:10 Are we insiders or outsiders?
00:25:10 --> 00:25:18 Are we like the Pharisees who thought that their righteous acts,
00:25:18 --> 00:25:22 That our status gives us special standing with Jesus?
00:25:23 --> 00:25:27 Or are we like Jesus' disciples who were ordinary people,
00:25:28 --> 00:25:31 But who obeyed and followed Jesus?
00:25:31 --> 00:25:44 Jesus makes it clear that it is only by repentance and faith that you are welcomed as an insider into Jesus' family,
00:25:45 --> 00:25:47 Into the king's community.
00:25:49 --> 00:25:53 If you haven't decided to follow Jesus yet,
00:25:54 --> 00:25:56 Jesus is calling you tonight.
00:25:56 --> 00:26:02 Jesus doesn't just give us the fancy title,
00:26:03 --> 00:26:03 Jesus' family.
00:26:04 --> 00:26:07 He actually cares for his family.
00:26:08 --> 00:26:15 We know this because Jesus died on the cross and rose again to forgive our sins.
00:26:16 --> 00:26:18 Through his sacrifice,
00:26:19 --> 00:26:21 We too can have eternal life.
00:26:21 --> 00:26:23 One day,
00:26:24 --> 00:26:27 Our lives will continue to an end.
00:26:28 --> 00:26:29 Come to an end.
00:26:31 --> 00:26:31 One day,
00:26:31 --> 00:26:34 We will have to say goodbye to our parents,
00:26:36 --> 00:26:36 Brothers,
00:26:37 --> 00:26:37 Sisters,
00:26:38 --> 00:26:39 Even our wife and husband.
00:26:41 --> 00:26:44 But if you are a member of Jesus' family,
00:26:46 --> 00:26:49 You will continue to have fellowship in heaven.
00:26:51 --> 00:26:52 What a hope.
00:26:52 --> 00:26:52 What a hope.
00:26:52 --> 00:26:53 And great news,
00:26:53 --> 00:26:54 This is for us.
00:26:57 --> 00:27:02 If you decided to follow Jesus a long time ago,
00:27:03 --> 00:27:09 But now you are not sure whether you are still following him tonight,
00:27:11 --> 00:27:13 Jesus is calling you too.
00:27:15 --> 00:27:18 Jesus' invitation is open to everyone.
00:27:18 --> 00:27:21 No matter who you are,
00:27:21 --> 00:27:23 What language you speak,
00:27:23 --> 00:27:25 How well you know the Bible,
00:27:25 --> 00:27:29 Or how many times you have failed to walk with Christ,
00:27:30 --> 00:27:35 I encourage you to make a commitment to follow Jesus tonight.
00:27:38 --> 00:27:41 Jesus is calling you to follow him.
00:27:41 --> 00:27:47 Jesus is inviting you into his family tonight.
00:27:48 --> 00:27:49 Let's pray.
00:27:56 --> 00:27:57 Heavenly Father,
00:27:58 --> 00:28:01 Thank you for teaching us through your words.
00:28:02 --> 00:28:04 We were far away from you
00:28:04 --> 00:28:06 And didn't know who you are.
00:28:06 --> 00:28:09 We were completely outsiders.
00:28:10 --> 00:28:14 But now we know that you are the one true God
00:28:14 --> 00:28:15 Who sent your only son,
00:28:16 --> 00:28:16 Jesus Christ,
00:28:16 --> 00:28:17 For us.
00:28:18 --> 00:28:18 And tonight,
00:28:19 --> 00:28:21 You are still calling us to follow you
00:28:21 --> 00:28:24 And to be part of your family.
00:28:25 --> 00:28:25 Father,
00:28:25 --> 00:28:27 If there is someone here tonight
00:28:27 --> 00:28:29 Who is wanting to follow you,
00:28:30 --> 00:28:31 Please help them to do so.
00:28:31 --> 00:28:35 If someone is struggling to make a decision,
00:28:36 --> 00:28:39 Please continue to lead them by your spirit.
00:28:39 --> 00:28:42 Thank you for your care and love.
00:28:43 --> 00:28:45 I pray this in your mighty name.
00:28:46 --> 00:28:46 Amen.
00:28:46 --> 00:28:46 Amen.
00:28:46 --> 00:28:46 Amen.
00:28:46 --> 00:28:46 Amen.