0:01

Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evan jehoasts for heroes

0:03

in the Bible, Jesus. If

0:05

you've enjoyed this podcast so far, please

0:08

share it with your family and friends so they

0:10

can know Jesus Christ in a personal way,

0:12

because knowing Jesus is the key

0:14

understanding the Bible. Welcome

0:17

to the greatest story ever told. It

0:19

is the greatest story of a shepherd's heart for his

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sheep, a father's love for his children,

0:23

and a hero's triumph over death and darkness.

0:26

This is a story that continues to shape and

0:29

mold the world around us, bringing

0:31

the divine heart of God right into the hearts

0:33

of you and me. In this episode,

0:35

Jesus preaches the most famous sermon

0:37

ever told. With powerful passion

0:40

and compelling prose, Jesus

0:42

weaves together a beautiful tapestry

0:45

portraying the Kingdom of God. Everyone

0:47

is captivated by his words, but his

0:49

sermon is also a challenge to them. Christ

0:52

did not just come to comfort us, He also

0:54

came to establish God's will in our hearts.

0:57

The Sermon on the Mount stands in opposition

0:59

against the religious dogma and conal

1:01

living that would hold us captive. You

1:03

will hear him say. You have heard it

1:05

said, but I say to you, Jesus

1:08

is about to flip people's traditional

1:10

ideology on his head and bring

1:12

them back to the heart of God. This episode

1:15

also gives us one of the more compelling

1:17

moments in scripture. A pivotal

1:19

character has a moment of loneliness

1:22

and despair. His faith is tested,

1:24

and he reaches out to Jesus for answers.

1:27

What comes after is an emotional

1:29

plea to the hearts of mankind to

1:31

release themselves from bondage and experienced

1:33

freedom. I hope you are gripped by

1:35

the words and actions of Jesus. It

1:38

is my fervent prayer that you and I

1:40

do not leave unchanged by God's

1:42

truth. May the heart of Christ and

1:44

the Word of God take hold of our hearts.

1:47

Here is episode seven. My

1:49

burden is light.

1:57

Frankly, Chapter seven, Joseph

2:00

thumped his head against the stone walls of

2:02

his prison cell. A

2:04

small sliver of moonlight made its

2:07

way through some cracks in the ceiling. He

2:10

stared at the light endlessly, listening

2:12

to the rustling of his prison maids beside him.

2:16

They were fast asleep, but

2:18

not Joseph. There was no

2:20

sleep for him. He

2:22

continued to thump his head against the back

2:25

of the wall, frustrated

2:27

at the world, frustrated at God.

2:30

He had been the favored son of Jacob. He

2:33

was loved and adorned with endless

2:35

affection from his father. He

2:37

was a dreamer and had great expectations

2:40

for his future. However, his

2:42

dreams got the better of him, and jealousy

2:45

caused his brothers to sell him into

2:47

slavery. Joseph

2:50

was humbled and sought God. In the midst

2:53

of all his tragedy. He

2:55

put his head down to the plow and showed

2:57

himself to be a masterful organizer,

2:59

and dial and servant. He

3:02

eventually caught the eye of Potiphar, the

3:04

captain of Pharaoh's guard. He

3:07

put him in charge of his entire household,

3:09

and for a brief moment, Joseph

3:11

truly believed he was a favored

3:14

son. Once again. In

3:16

the midst of his ascension as a slave,

3:18

he caught the eye of a certain woman,

3:21

Potterphar's wife. She

3:23

demanded his attention and his body.

3:26

However, Joseph would not give it.

3:28

I could not commit this sin against

3:30

my master and my God.

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Joseph retorted. Potiphar's

3:35

wife, grabbed him and pulled him in close.

3:38

Lie with me, Joseph, she whispered.

3:41

Her voice was seductive and smooth.

3:44

She smelt of berries and spice. Joseph

3:48

was a young man and not without his carnal

3:50

desires. Yet there was

3:52

a deep integrity that had formed within

3:55

him since he became a slave. Pride

3:59

and arrogance made his brothers hate

4:01

him. He would not succumb

4:03

to that same arrogance again. Joseph

4:07

pulled away, ripping the piece of clothing

4:09

she was holding. Joseph knew

4:11

if he did not run, he would give

4:13

in, so he fled as fast

4:16

as he could. As he sprinted

4:18

down the halls, he could hear echoes of

4:20

screaming. It was at that moment

4:23

he knew what would happen. Joseph

4:25

was sent to prison for a crime he did not

4:27

commit, assaulting pot Offr's

4:30

wife. He rotted in

4:32

a damp cell. Because he decided to

4:34

show integrity, Joseph

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stood to his feet and yelled. His

4:39

screams reverberated off the cold

4:41

stone walls. He fell to his knees

4:44

and wept. He felt like he was

4:46

cut off from all he had prayed for.

4:50

He felt forsaken. He

4:52

had dreams of being a great inheritor

4:54

of his father's land, yet he

4:56

was sold into slavery. He

4:59

had dreams of being a great keeper

5:01

of his master's house, yet here

5:03

he was awaiting his inevitable

5:06

death. All he had dedicated

5:08

his life too was now hidden

5:10

from him. The sun rose,

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or at least Joseph thought it it. The

5:15

sun only ever peered dimly through his

5:17

forsaken soul. He felt

5:19

the same way with God, He

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only felt his presence dimly. Joseph

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looked around at the other men imprisoned

5:27

with him. They hated their

5:29

existence. Then Joseph

5:32

saw the warden. He too seemed

5:34

to hate his life. As

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the warden was serving bread, Joseph

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approached him and helped. As

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he did this, the warden's face lit

5:44

up with joy. Joseph

5:46

took note of this. He took note

5:48

of every act he did in service to

5:51

the guards and his fellow prisoners.

5:54

With every piece of bread served, wound

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bandaged, and story told, Joseph

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began to feel once again the favor

6:02

of God. In everything

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Joseph did, God blessed him. His

6:08

bitterness melted away as

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he felt the love of God extending

6:12

through him. He must

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decrease so God might increase.

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This was the solution to Joseph Spain,

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and it would be the solution to rid mankind

6:24

of its selfishness for all

6:26

eternity.

6:29

Chapter seven. My burden

6:31

is light. Jesus

6:35

hiked up a small hill overlooking the

6:37

plains. The light breeze

6:39

took the edge off the harsh sun. It

6:42

was springtime and the lilies of the field

6:45

were in full bloom. Jesus

6:48

sat down on the vibrant grass,

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soaking in the sunlight. He

6:53

scanned the crown that was waiting below.

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It was a diverse crowd. There were

6:58

men, women, families,

7:00

sick people who had been healed, and

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sick people who needed healing. There

7:05

were also enemies, pharisees

7:07

who were determined to strike him down. He

7:11

loved every one of them.

7:14

As the gentle winds swayed the tall

7:16

grass in several directions, Jesus

7:19

began to think about Psalm twenty three.

7:21

The Lord is my shepherd. I

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shall need nothing. He makes

7:26

me lie down in green pastures, He

7:28

leads me beside gentle waters. He

7:31

restores my soul.

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That is what Jesus desired to do. He

7:36

desired to lead his sheep to green pastures

7:39

and still waters. He desired

7:42

to restore their weary and anxious

7:44

souls. He

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was their shepherd, and he loved

7:49

his sheep. Jesus

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looked to the people down below. The

7:54

crowd was eager to hear what Jesus had

7:56

to say. He had preached

7:58

many times from the Word of God.

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God.

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He explained the deep truths of

8:02

scripture and fulfilled prophecies.

8:05

However, this time Jesus chose

8:08

to speak about the Kingdom of God in

8:10

the present. He expounded

8:13

on the culture of heaven and how

8:15

it can be seen in people. He

8:18

raised his voice to them, saying.

8:20

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for

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theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed

8:26

are those who mourn, for God

8:28

shall comfort them. Blessed

8:30

are those who have strength, yet

8:32

keep it under control. They

8:35

will inherit the earth. Blessed

8:38

are those who are hungry and thirsty for

8:40

the righteousness of God. They will

8:42

seek and be satisfied.

8:45

Blessed are those who show mercy, and

8:48

mercy will be shown to them.

8:50

Blessed are those with pure hearts,

8:53

for they shall see God move greatly.

8:57

Blessed are the peacemakers, for

8:59

people will see them and know that

9:01

they are children of God.

9:04

Blessed are those who are persecuted

9:06

for the good things that they do, for they

9:08

will inherit the kingdom

9:10

of God.

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Jesus turned to his disciples. They

9:14

were listening intently to him.

9:17

He knew the hardships they would endure

9:19

for his name. Still speaking

9:21

to the crowd, he looked to them and

9:24

said.

9:24

Blessed are you and others harm or persecute

9:27

you on my account, be

9:29

glad, for you have a

9:31

glorious reward stored up for you

9:34

in heaven.

9:35

They persecuted the prophets of old, and

9:37

they will do the same to you.

9:40

Jesus took a handful of dirt in his

9:42

hand and let it blow in the wind.

9:45

He looked at them and said.

9:47

You, my dear friends, are the

9:49

salt of the earth. You give it vibrants

9:52

and flavor. You are meant to add

9:54

to culture and make it better. Yet,

9:56

if the salt loses its flavor,

9:59

what what is it other than being trampled

10:01

under foot. You are also like the light

10:04

of the world. You, like

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a city set firmly on a hill, will

10:08

be a beacon for those lost

10:10

and lonely. Do not hide this light.

10:14

No one takes a lantern and stuffs

10:16

it under a basket. No, you

10:18

put it on a stand for all to see.

10:20

You must do the same with your

10:23

light. Let your light so shine

10:25

before others that they see you, and

10:27

they glorify your Father in heaven.

10:30

Jesus then looked at the Pharisees glaring

10:33

at him from the back. They were

10:35

waiting for any excuse to rebuke him.

10:38

He knew what they thought of him. They

10:41

saw him as a blasphemer in danger

10:43

to their way of life. However,

10:46

Jesus knew that underneath their piety

10:48

and moral uprightness was a desperate

10:51

need for power. He

10:53

looked at them, predicting their objections

10:55

to him, and said.

10:57

Some of you think I may have come to

10:59

abolish the law and the prophets, but

11:01

you could not be even further from the truth.

11:03

Jesus saw the Pharisee stir and

11:06

look at one another. Hear me, Jesus

11:08

continued, I.

11:09

Have not come to abolish the Law

11:11

of Moses, but to fulfill it. The

11:13

word of God is as unchangeable

11:16

as creation itself.

11:18

As Jesus said these things, the religious

11:20

leaders began to boil with frustration.

11:23

What they could not see is that the

11:26

entirety of God's story from

11:28

Adam until now was leading

11:30

up to this moment. Jesus

11:33

was the crescendo of human history and

11:35

the embodiment of God's will. Jesus

11:38

lifted his palms up like a weighted

11:40

scale, and said.

11:42

The law has told you that you shall not murder.

11:44

Jesus's right hand raised higher

11:47

than the left hand.

11:48

However, I tell you that whoever harbor's

11:51

deep hatred will also be judged.

11:53

Jesus then raised his left hand to

11:55

be equal with the right. He

11:57

did the same thing with his hands, again, saying,

12:00

the.

12:00

Law says that you shall not commit adultery.

12:02

However, I am here to tell you that

12:05

whoever lusts after a woman an

12:07

objectifies her in his mind, has

12:09

already been guilty of such things.

12:11

The men in the crowd began to look around.

12:15

It was uncomfortable to hear. However,

12:17

Jesus was showcasing the importance

12:20

of the heart. The Pharisees

12:22

had become masters at controlling their

12:24

actions. However, the sacrifice

12:27

God truly desired was a pure

12:29

and honest heart. Jesus

12:32

continued speaking of marriage, oath

12:35

and the fickle nature of mankind. Then

12:38

Jesus's tone shifted.

12:39

An I for an eye. How

12:42

many of you have heard that you are to repay

12:44

an evil deed with equal force?

12:46

The crowd nodded.

12:48

Wars begin this way. I tell

12:50

you. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, go

12:52

ahead and turn and give him

12:54

the other cheek. If anyone desires

12:56

to sue you for your tunic, go ahead

12:58

and give him your clothes ook as well.

13:01

Jesus then pointed to the Roman guards

13:04

that were standing nearby.

13:06

If a Roman soldier forces

13:08

you to carry us things a mile, you go ahead

13:10

and carry them for two. Go

13:12

the extra mile.

13:14

Jesus made sure to emphasize

13:16

the next point.

13:18

The culture of this age tells you to love

13:20

your neighbor and hate your enemy. However,

13:23

I say to you, love

13:26

your enemies, love them, pray for them,

13:28

serve them. For if you only

13:30

love those who love you, what separates

13:32

you from those that are corrupt? Even

13:35

the most evil among us loves their friends.

13:38

Your righteousness must go above and

13:41

beyond.

13:43

Jesus's words came with a great

13:45

deal of authority. These

13:47

were timeless truths that had been

13:49

forgotten under layers of moral

13:52

compromise and religious tradition.

13:55

Jesus did not desire to establish another

13:57

regime of pious control, but

14:00

to break down the barriers that separated

14:03

people from experiencing a life honoring

14:05

God.

14:06

Beware of showcasing your righteousness

14:08

for all to see, Jesus born. When

14:11

some people give to the needy, they sound

14:13

the trumpets and beat the drums. They

14:15

do not desire to give to the needy. They

14:18

desire to be seen giving

14:20

to the needy. They seek the approval

14:22

of man, and they get it. However,

14:25

that is the only reward

14:28

they shall have. When you give, do

14:31

not let your left hand know what your

14:33

right is doing. Serve others

14:35

with no recognition. The same

14:37

goes for your prayers. The hypocrites love

14:40

to stand and pray on the street corners

14:42

or in the synagogues. But when you pray,

14:45

do so in secret. The Lord hears you

14:47

in secret, and he will bless you in

14:49

secret.

14:50

One of the disciples raised his hand and

14:52

asked.

14:52

Then, please, Lord, teach us how

14:55

to pray. When you pray, do not

14:57

add spectacle or poetry to come

14:59

off as righteousness. Others some

15:02

love to stand on the street corners and proclaim

15:04

their devotion to God. When you pray,

15:07

do so just between you

15:09

and the Lord. Pray like this, Our

15:12

Father, Holy is

15:14

your name. May your kingdom come

15:17

and your will be done here as

15:19

it is in heaven. Provide

15:22

our daily needs, and forgive us all our

15:24

sins. And may we also forgive

15:26

those who have trespassed against us,

15:29

Lead us away from temptation, and deliver

15:31

us from evil.

15:32

The prayer was simple yet profound,

15:36

and it spoke of the relationship man

15:38

ought to have with God. Jesus

15:41

placed his hand on his stomach and smiled.

15:43

When the hypocrites fast, they are gloomy

15:46

and brooding. They make sure all

15:48

can see their hunger.

15:50

Jesus then mimicked the pharisee, holding

15:52

his stomach and drooping his face. The

15:55

crowd laughed, and the Pharisees crossed

15:57

their arms.

15:58

When you fast your face and

16:00

take care of your body so that no one knows.

16:03

Your father in heaven he knows, he sees.

16:06

Take heart in that the things

16:09

of this world.

16:10

Will pass, Jesus exclaimed.

16:12

Do not lay it for yourselves treasures that will

16:14

rust and rot pursue eternal

16:16

things. Lay it for yourselves treasures

16:19

from heaven, for where your treasure

16:21

is, your heart will be

16:24

also.

16:25

Jesus held up a finger and made

16:27

sure all would pay attention.

16:29

No one can serve two masters,

16:32

Jesus warned, you will love the one

16:34

and hate the other. If you devote

16:36

yourself to money, you'll end up hating God.

16:39

You cannot serve the

16:41

pursuit of riches and the pursuit

16:44

of God.

16:45

It was clear that talking about money

16:47

made the people uncomfortable. The

16:50

Romans had taken much from them, and

16:53

money had consumed their thoughts day

16:55

and night. Jesus

16:57

had compassion over them. He

17:00

the anxiety they felt with

17:02

a fatherly tone. Jesus continued

17:05

to encourage them, saying.

17:07

Do not be anxious about your life.

17:09

The food you eat are the clothes on your body.

17:12

Life is more than food, and your body

17:15

is more than the clothing that's on it.

17:17

Jesus looked up at the birds chirping

17:19

above and pointed.

17:21

Look at these birds. They do not

17:23

labor a toil, yet their heavenly

17:26

father feeds them. Are you

17:28

not more precious than they are? No

17:31

one ever added one moment to their life

17:33

by worrying. Do not be anxious

17:36

about tomorrow. It has its own

17:38

troubles, live for today,

17:40

and seek God in every

17:43

moment.

17:44

The people began to look at one another.

17:47

Jesus saw husbands looking at

17:49

their wives, and sisters looking

17:51

at their brothers. The nature

17:54

of humans is to look at the flaws

17:56

and one another instead of inward.

17:59

Jesus knew that and gave a stiff

18:01

warning to all who were listening.

18:03

Be careful not to judge others, for

18:06

you yourself will be judged. Why

18:10

would you point out the small piece of sawdust in

18:12

someone's eye when you have a large wooden plank

18:14

stuck to your own.

18:16

There was a chuckle from among the crowd. Jesus

18:19

smiled, Be.

18:21

Mindful to understand your own flaws before

18:23

mentioning the flaws of others. You

18:25

will serve them better if you do so.

18:28

Jesus desired for everyone listening

18:30

to truly understand the power

18:32

they had available to them.

18:35

If they were to simply seek the face of God,

18:38

he would move mightily in them.

18:41

Jesus's tone was earnest and urgent.

18:44

Seek God and he will

18:47

answer. How many of

18:49

you parents would deny your child bread and

18:51

instead give them a stone?

18:54

If you, being sinful, would not even

18:56

do this to your own child. Even more so,

18:58

God will happily give to those who

19:00

seek his favor. See

19:03

God as someone who is for

19:05

you.

19:06

Jesus rose to his feet. The wind

19:09

began to pick up behind him.

19:11

He took a deep breath, being mindful

19:14

of every word he was about to say.

19:16

Next, treat others the way you

19:18

wish to be treated.

19:19

This is the.

19:20

True heart behind the law of God.

19:22

And understand this. The gate

19:25

to the Kingdom of Heaven is narrow. There

19:27

are many other paths that are easy

19:29

and wide open. However, it is the

19:32

ease that is deceptive. It

19:34

is the way of death. The true

19:36

path of God is hard. It

19:39

requires sacrifice, struggle,

19:41

and humility. This is why

19:43

many will choose to avoid it, and ultimately

19:46

they will perish.

19:48

Jesus began to walk down the hill and

19:50

place his hand on people's shoulders

19:53

as he passed through the crowd.

19:55

Every healthy and good tree bears fruit

19:57

the people can enjoy.

20:00

Bad tree produces thorns and poison.

20:03

The same as with our hearts. A

20:05

good heart will produce good actions. Likewise,

20:09

a bad heart will produce corrupt actions.

20:12

Words are not enough. Not

20:14

everyone who declares to know God actually knows

20:16

him. Personally, be mindful

20:19

that you seek him in spirit

20:22

and truth.

20:24

Jesus was now behind the crowd. He

20:26

looked down and saw a stone the size

20:28

of his palm on the ground. He

20:31

picked it up and held it up in the air for

20:33

all to see, and said.

20:35

Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts

20:38

upon them, as like a wise person who

20:40

built their house on a firm foundation.

20:42

When the rain fell and the floods came,

20:45

their house was sturdy and resilient.

20:48

Yet there will be those who do not listen

20:50

and do not do these things. They

20:53

are like the people who build their homes on

20:55

wavering sand. When

20:57

trouble comes, they will be washed

20:59

away.

21:00

Jesus looked at the crowd one final time,

21:03

smiled, and dropped the stone.

21:06

He departed with his disciples. The

21:08

crowd simply stood there,

21:11

astonished. Meanwhile,

21:13

in Copernium, a Roman centurion

21:15

sat at the bedside of the servant. He

21:17

had a high fever and was coughing out

21:19

blood. The centurion had toward

21:22

many foreign nations, he had

21:24

seen many diseases take the body of

21:26

good soldiers. However,

21:28

this was unlike any illness he had seen

21:31

before. The centurion

21:33

soldier dabbed his servant's head with a wet

21:35

cloth. He was shivering

21:37

beyond control and could barely keep

21:39

his eyes open.

21:41

I'm so sorry.

21:42

The centurion whispered. Although

21:45

the centurions were known as brutal

21:47

men of war, this man adored

21:50

his servants. Every man and

21:52

woman under his command was

21:54

precious to him. Saddened

21:56

by the bleak state of the servant, the centurion

21:59

mounted his horse to go do rounds

22:01

around the city. He was barely

22:03

paying attention, mostly riding to

22:05

clear his mind. However, he

22:07

did notice a stirring among the people.

22:10

Shop owners were closing early and headed

22:12

for the city entrance. Women

22:14

were gathering their children and going that

22:16

way as well. He found

22:18

a shop owner who was packing up and

22:21

stopped him.

22:21

You there, why are you people

22:24

leaving early? What is happening?

22:26

The shop owner was distracted, frantically

22:28

trying to close.

22:30

Have you not heard Jesus of Nazareth

22:33

is on his way here. He will be here any

22:35

moment now. He commands demons

22:37

to flee, and heals the sick. He

22:40

commands demons to flee. The

22:42

centurion asked, by what authority?

22:45

Not even your Jewish priests do that.

22:47

The shop owner shrugged.

22:49

The Pharisees say his authority comes

22:51

from the devil himself. However,

22:53

many people believe it is Elijah

22:55

returning from heaven.

22:56

The centurion nodded for the shop owner

22:58

to leave. He rode back to his estate

23:01

and gathered some of the Jewish elders.

23:04

Have you heard of Jesus of Nazareth.

23:06

He asked. The elders

23:08

nodded. Every Jew had heard of

23:10

him. He had made quite a name

23:12

for himself for his teaching in the synagogues,

23:15

then for his miracles.

23:17

I am what you call a gentile. I

23:20

do not want to insult him by asking him

23:22

a favor. However, my

23:25

servant is sick, and I believe this Jesus

23:27

to be my last hope. Would

23:29

you ask Jesus to use his authority

23:32

to heal my servant.

23:33

The elders did as they were told and

23:35

found Jesus entering the city. A

23:38

crowd had already formed around Jesus. As

23:40

he entered Capernaum, the

23:42

elders made way for themselves and came

23:45

in front of him. The elders

23:47

paid respect to him, bowing at

23:49

his feet.

23:50

Jesus of Nazareth, we have

23:52

come down behalf of a centurion, in

23:54

need of your help. A servant who

23:56

is very precious to him is dying. Is

23:59

a man worthy of your health. He loves

24:01

our nation, although it is not his own. He

24:03

even built our local synagogue.

24:06

Jesus waved goodbye to the crowns and

24:09

went with them. They weaved

24:11

through the streets and approached the large

24:13

estate owned by the centurion. As

24:16

they approached one of the soldier's

24:18

friends in running towards them, the

24:20

man looked like he was also a part of nobility.

24:23

He looked out of place, running out of the

24:25

property into the street. My lord,

24:28

the man said.

24:29

I speak on behalf of the centurion.

24:31

He says, please do not trouble

24:33

yourself by coming to me. I'm not worthy

24:36

to have you come under my roof, and

24:38

I, being a gentile, do not presume

24:40

to enter your presence either. I

24:43

know that all you have to do is say the word, and

24:45

my servant will be healed. I

24:47

am also a man of authority. Whatever

24:50

I command of my men, they do it

24:52

without question. My word

24:54

holds power. I know that you

24:56

are a man of even greater authority than

24:58

me.

25:00

Bowed and departed back into the estate.

25:03

The elders were shocked at what they had just heard.

25:07

Jesus seemed even more shocked than they did.

25:10

He marveled at him, astonished

25:12

by his faith. This gentile,

25:15

a Roman soldier, had managed

25:17

to cause the Son of God to be

25:19

in awe. Jesus's

25:22

eyes widened.

25:24

I have never seen such faith,

25:27

not even in Israel.

25:28

And with that Jesus departed. The

25:32

centurion watched Jesus leave through

25:34

the lattice of his window. He

25:37

prayed that Jesus would understand.

25:40

He walked down the halls to where his servant

25:42

was resting. He opened

25:44

the door, and to his dismay, the

25:46

servant was sitting up in his bed, eyes

25:49

alert and full of life.

25:51

The centurion laughed and embraced

25:53

his servant. The entire house rejoiced

25:56

and glorified the one who had more

25:58

authority than all all the resources

26:00

of Rome. Jesus

26:04

departed Copernian and headed south.

26:07

His disciples and a large crowd

26:09

of people followed him like ducklings.

26:13

They were eagerly anticipating Jesus's

26:15

next move. Was he going

26:17

to storm the temple again? Was

26:19

he going to cast out a demon in Jerusalem?

26:23

Was he going to confront the religious elite

26:25

and a debate. Jesus

26:28

never ceased to surprise them word,

26:30

so they followed him anxiously,

26:32

looking around for what was going to come

26:34

next. However, most

26:37

of them were disappointed to see Jesus

26:39

leading them to the town of name. Name

26:43

was unremarkable, dull, and

26:45

devoid of any sort of excitement.

26:49

The disciples lowered their expectation as

26:51

greatly. However, Jesus

26:54

seemed to be alert. He was

26:56

looking for something or perhaps

26:58

some way. They

27:01

approached the gate of the town, which was

27:03

only two thin wood pillars. Short

27:06

fencing surrounded the city. Nane's

27:09

Gate was a monument to its poverty.

27:13

Most of the people were laborers in nearby

27:15

cities and could not afford much going

27:18

through the gate. Exiting the city was

27:21

a large funeral procession. Four

27:24

men carried a man on a bier as

27:26

his mother mourned beside him. Behind

27:30

them was half the town. The

27:32

man who died was a beloved member

27:35

of his community, and he had left his

27:37

mother without a husband or son

27:39

to provide for her. This

27:42

is why Jesus had come. He

27:45

did not wander into any place without

27:47

purpose. Every step

27:49

he took was purposeful. The

27:52

spirit of God had led him here to

27:55

bless this woman, and to showcase

27:57

his authority over death. Jesus

28:01

approached the front of the procession. The

28:04

men stopped and the woman looked up

28:06

at him. A cracked face

28:08

was swollen from tears.

28:11

Jesus placed his hand on the man lying

28:14

on the bier and looked at his mother. Do

28:16

not weep, little one, he said. The

28:20

entire procession was completely

28:22

still. The crowd behind

28:24

Jesus was silent, holding their

28:26

breath. Jesus turned

28:28

his head towards the man and said,

28:32

young man, I say to you

28:34

you eyes. At

28:36

first there was nothing. The

28:39

silence was thick enough to cut

28:41

with a knife. Then

28:44

the once pale and lifeless

28:46

skin of the man had its color

28:48

restored. A gasp

28:50

of air broke the silence. As he sat

28:53

up, the men carrying the beard

28:55

dropped it out of shock. The

28:57

man fell to the floor, groaning from the

29:00

impact. Jesus knelt

29:02

down, smiled, and lifted him

29:04

to his feet. The once dead

29:06

man was in shock, looking around

29:09

in confusion. Then

29:11

he saw his mother. Tears

29:14

welled up in his face, and the two

29:16

of them embraced. Fear

29:18

gripped the hearts of every one in attendance.

29:21

There's a great prophet in a midst

29:23

they shouted, God is

29:26

with us. The people cheered,

29:28

and reports spread throughout the whole

29:30

country. Jesus had

29:32

raised a man from the dead. It

29:35

was not a soldier, a governor, or

29:37

a priest. He did not raise a member

29:40

of the temple, a rabbi, or one

29:42

of his disciples. He raised

29:44

an unknown man from an unknown

29:46

place. Jesus,

29:48

with purpose in his heart, pursued

29:51

him so he might come back to life.

29:54

This is the heart of God, to

29:57

pursue and give life.

30:01

Word of Jesus raising the man from the

30:03

dead had reached every corner of the

30:05

country, even the jail cells

30:07

of Herod the palace. There

30:10

in the cold dungeon underneath the palace,

30:13

John the Baptist sat

30:16

echoes of jesus mighty deeds

30:18

had reached his ears. Often as he rotted

30:20

away in his cell, he

30:23

thumped the back of his head against the stone walls

30:26

and peered up to Heaven. A

30:28

small sliver of light broke

30:31

through a crack in the prison. He

30:34

had been arrested for speaking out against

30:36

Herod. He had been persecuted

30:39

for proclaiming the truth, and now

30:41

he had to suffer his

30:43

own words echoed through his head.

30:46

I must decrease so he might

30:49

increase.

30:50

This was not what he had in mind. He

30:53

had dreams of being a witness to Christ's

30:55

coming salvation. Yet here

30:58

he was awaiting him his inevitable

31:01

death. All he had

31:03

dedicated his life to was

31:05

now hidden from him. He

31:07

desired to see the coming kingdom, and

31:10

now he was forced to only hear whispers

31:12

from the outside. Bitter

31:15

thoughts began to enter his mind. If

31:18

Jesus was able to raise the dead, then

31:20

why not release him from prison? If

31:22

he truly was the Messiah, then how

31:25

come his most trusted servant

31:27

was rotting away in a dark dungeon. John

31:31

stood to his feet and yelled. His

31:33

screams reverberated off the cold

31:36

stone walls. He

31:38

fell to his knees and wept. He

31:42

felt like he was cut off from

31:44

all he had prayed for. He

31:46

felt fors sake. Still

31:49

able to send messages, John

31:52

reached out to Jesus. His

31:54

question was simple, yet

31:57

behind it was deep pain.

32:00

His message asked.

32:02

Are you the one? Or should

32:05

we look for another?

32:07

Jesus winced hearing John's question.

32:10

He knew the pain John had endured.

32:14

Yet John's life was but a foreshadowing

32:18

his suffering did not come close

32:20

to what Jesus would soon endure on

32:22

his behalf. Jesus

32:26

knew that John only needed to be reminded

32:28

of what they had dreamed of for so

32:31

long. He looked at the

32:33

messenger and said.

32:34

Go and tell John all that you have heard

32:37

me.

32:37

Do.

32:38

Tell him that the blind had been given their sight,

32:41

the lame walk, and the lepers are cleansed,

32:43

had given purpose. The death can

32:45

hear, and the dead have been raised up again.

32:48

The poor have good news given to them.

32:51

And blessed be any one who is not offended

32:53

by my purpose.

32:55

John's messengers departed. Jesus

32:58

could hear a mumbling from the crowd. They

33:01

mocked John under their breath for doubting

33:03

Jesus. This irked

33:05

Jesus.

33:07

What did you expect when you went into the wilderness

33:09

to listen to John? Did you expect

33:12

a pampered prince or a prophet of

33:14

God? He is the prophet

33:16

Malachi spoke of when he said, behold,

33:18

I send my messenger to prepare your

33:20

way before you.

33:22

The people were silent. They could

33:24

sense Jesus's passion rising.

33:27

He spoke louder for all to hear, saying,

33:30

there is no.

33:31

Greater man than John the

33:33

baptist.

33:34

The madman baptized sinners.

33:37

The Pharisees shouted. Jesus

33:40

turned his head swiftly, his eyes

33:42

filled with fire. The tax collectors,

33:45

soldiers, and prostitutes all

33:47

felt the need to be baptized by John.

33:50

They knew the value of repentance. Yet

33:52

the Pharisees still could not understand.

33:56

How shall I compare your.

33:57

Generation, Jesus asked the Pharisees.

34:00

You are like.

34:01

Children sitting in the market place with

34:03

their music, saying, we played a happy

34:05

song and you didn't dance, And

34:07

we played a sad song and you did not cry.

34:10

The rest of the crowd laughed.

34:12

John came vowing to never drink wine

34:14

or eat bread, so you called him a madman

34:16

for not partaking in those pleasures. Now

34:19

I come, and I eat bread

34:21

and I drink wine. Yet

34:24

you called me a glutton and a drunk.

34:26

You criticize us both for doing the opposite

34:28

of each other.

34:29

Jesus raised his arms, inviting

34:31

a response, yet they were silent.

34:35

He shook his head.

34:36

Wisdom is justified by

34:39

actions.

34:40

Jesus paced for a moment, looking

34:42

at the sea of faces. They

34:44

were confused at the tension between

34:47

the Pharisees and himself. They

34:50

had followed the Pharisees for so long and

34:52

saw them as the authority on how to

34:54

pursue God. He looked

34:56

at them, then raised his head to

34:58

heaven.

35:00

I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven

35:02

and Earth, that you have hidden deep

35:04

truths from the pompous, but have revealed

35:07

it to little children.

35:08

He then turned to the crowd and said.

35:10

All things have been given to me by

35:13

the Father. Are you weary? Are

35:15

you heavy laden? Are you filled

35:18

with burdens? Come to

35:20

me. Come to me, all

35:22

you who labor and are weary, and I

35:24

will give you rest. Take my

35:27

yoke upon you and learn from

35:29

me. I am gentle and humble

35:31

of heart. Come to me, and you will find

35:34

rest for your souls.

35:36

For my yoke is easy and

35:38

my burden is light.

35:40

Jesus offered a peace who was

35:43

not offered by the religious system of the

35:45

day. The Pharisees brought

35:47

nothing but false holiness and

35:49

added to God's law. The

35:52

people were not just oppressed by Rome.

35:55

They were oppressed by men who were supposed

35:57

to lead them into a good relationship

35:59

with God. The

36:01

people were weary. They needed

36:04

to be delivered. They needed

36:06

a shepherd to make them lie down

36:08

in green pastures. They

36:11

needed a shepherd to lead them beside

36:13

still waters. They

36:16

needed someone to restore

36:18

their souls.

36:22

What you and I just witnessed was the greatest sermon

36:24

ever priest. The Sermon on the Mount

36:27

is a foundational passage for Christians,

36:29

as it laid out the culture of God's kingdom.

36:32

It was Jesus's desire to communicate clearly

36:35

what citizens of the Kingdom of God looked

36:37

like and how they should act. Some

36:39

of the things Jesus said don't come as a surprise

36:42

to us. Truths like treat others

36:44

the way you want to be treated, and judge

36:46

not unless you be judged, or common sayings.

36:48

However, there were a few things Jesus

36:51

said that can be jarring to listeners, things

36:53

like whoever harbor's hatred for his

36:56

brother will be judged as murderers, or whoever

36:58

lust after someone in their hearts committing

37:00

adulterial all much harder to year and

37:02

even harder to live out in real life. The

37:05

Sermon on the Mount was this glorious blend

37:07

of relief and restraint. It relieves

37:09

us from some of the burdens we put on ourselves,

37:11

while also restraining us from letting

37:13

our hearts wonder. It is Christ's

37:16

gold to remind his disciples and us

37:18

that sin begins and ends in the heart. We

37:21

should merely stop at not killing

37:23

someone. We should aim to

37:25

not hate anyone either, since

37:27

that is where it all begins. We

37:29

should merely measure our fidelity

37:31

to our spouses based on whether we commit adultery

37:34

or not, but we should cleanse our minds

37:36

of any lustful thoughts toward another. Many

37:39

people think Jesus lowered the standards

37:41

of sin, but that wasn't the case at all.

37:43

He knew that sin began in the heart. Religions

37:46

can try to change your actions, but if

37:48

you are caught up in bitterness and captured by

37:50

us, then you are bound to sin sooner

37:52

or later. The Kingdom of God needs to

37:54

be established in our hearts before it can be established

37:57

in culture. Whatever hatred,

37:59

lust, bitterness, or anxiety that enslaves

38:01

our lives must be dealt with before we can

38:03

change the world around us. Jesus

38:06

raised the standard for how we treat people as well.

38:09

The culture of this age tells you to love your

38:11

neighbor, and hate your enemies. However,

38:13

I say to you, love your enemies, love

38:16

them, pray for them, and serve

38:18

them. And if you only love those who

38:20

love you, what separates you from those who

38:22

are corrupt? Even the most evil

38:24

among us love their friends. Your

38:26

righteousness must go above and

38:28

beyond our prayers. Patience

38:31

and partiality should not just

38:33

be given to our people, but to all people.

38:36

Even our enemies are made in the image of God,

38:39

meaning even they deserve some semblance

38:41

of dignity and honor. This

38:43

virtue was acted out in our prelude

38:45

by Joseph, who suffered greatly because

38:47

he gave his service to those who caused

38:50

his suffering. God was gracious

38:52

to us when we were his enemies, so it

38:54

stands to reason that those who bear his name

38:56

should do the same. This is what

38:58

I meant when I said some of Jesus's words

39:00

were challenging. It is important

39:02

for us to remember that Jesus

39:04

didn't just come to forgive us of our

39:07

sins, but he also came to empower

39:09

us to live a holier and more fulfilling life.

39:12

Towards the end of Jesus's sermon, he

39:14

says that whoever listens to his words

39:17

and does them as like a wise person who

39:19

built his house on a firm foundation. But

39:22

whoever hears his words and refuses to do

39:24

them is like someone who built their house

39:26

on sand. This reminds us of a

39:28

common theme in the teachings of Jesus. Although

39:31

some of his words are hard to hear, they

39:33

are ultimately meant to strengthen us and make

39:35

us better. The Gospel tells

39:38

us this. You are abundantly and unconditionally

39:41

loved, and there is more potential

39:43

that can be drawn out of you. The

39:45

world will tell you that you are perfect

39:47

the way you are, but that is not the Gospel.

39:50

You are loved the way you are, and it is Christ's

39:52

love that compels us to be better

39:54

every day. The sermon ends

39:56

and we immediately meet a new person who needs

39:59

Jesus. This person is not a

40:01

blind beggar, crippled child, or outcast.

40:03

He is a powerful, influential and

40:06

respected centurion. Centurions

40:09

were enforcers and peacemakers in the city

40:11

on behalf of Rome. Most were

40:13

feared and few were loved. This particular

40:15

centurion was convinced that Jesus

40:18

was the only one who could help his sick servant.

40:20

He sent someone to find Jesus and asked

40:22

for his help, But when Jesus approached, something

40:25

ought happened. The centurion showed

40:27

sensitivity to Jesus's culture while

40:29

also acknowledging his power. He

40:32

said, please, do not trouble yourself by

40:34

coming to me. I am not worthy

40:36

to have you come under my roof. But

40:39

I, being a gentile, do not

40:41

presume to enter your presence either.

40:43

I know that all you have to do is say

40:46

the word, and my servant will be healed.

40:48

I am a man of authority. Whatever

40:50

I command of my men, they do it without

40:53

question. My word holds power.

40:55

I know that you are a man of even greater

40:57

authority than me. His

41:00

reaction is only found twice in scripture.

41:02

It says that he marveled at the centurion's

41:05

faith. You can imagine that

41:07

it would probably take a lot to surprise

41:09

Jesus or lead him to be astonished

41:11

in any way. The only other time

41:14

Jesus marvels is that the unbelief

41:16

of his kinsmen in Nazareth. The

41:18

episode reaches a compelling conclusion

41:21

with John the Baptist in prison. He

41:23

leans his head against the prison cell and

41:25

We're immediately taken back to the prelude

41:28

with Joseph. Much like Joseph,

41:30

John suffered for doing the right thing. There's

41:33

a special type of grief when we suffer

41:35

after having done what's right. Our

41:37

relationship with God can come into question

41:39

because we thought we will owe something for our faithfulness.

41:42

John's doubt and grief are understandable

41:44

and certainly relatable. In some ways,

41:47

it is comforting to see John Russell with his

41:49

belief. If somebody like him struggles

41:52

with doubt, then we don't feel as bad

41:54

when we have moments of disbelief. John's

41:57

question of Jesus was honest and came from

41:59

a place of suffering. Are you the

42:01

one or should we look for another? He

42:03

asked. Jesus sent John

42:05

an honest answer the work John

42:08

so desperately wanted to see what's

42:10

happening and blessed to those who

42:12

aren't stumbling by it. Thank

42:14

you for listening to today's episode

42:16

of Heroes in the Bible Jesus.

42:19

For more inspiring stories, daily

42:21

prayers, and wisdom to last a lifetime,

42:24

go to pray dot com and to expand

42:26

your Heroes in the Bible journey, download

42:29

the Heroes of the Faith devotional at

42:31

Tonyevans dot org. Forward Slash

42:33

Heroes share this podcast

42:35

with a family member or friend so

42:38

that they can know Jesus Christ in a personal

42:40

way. You never know how great

42:42

of an impact the Bible and this podcast

42:45

can have on someone's life. God

42:47

bless