SearCH Our Hearts

0:00 I'd like to invite rabbis Sean up this morning. So I may pray for him. And so he can deliver the message. of being we come to you this morning just asking that you would bless your servant father that you would give him the wisdom take all that. He has prepared father and make him happy lail in a holy. Yeah why it's hard at as he handles the scripture. Then we receive that we may receive the word from you and grow their by it in the mighty name of Yeshua. Oh, man. amen Thank you Marcus. You could open your Bibles toward Book of

0:48 Luke chapter 17 if you have them with you. But first I'd like to tell you a story. About 13 years ago. I attended a gathering of Messianic Jewish leaders in Phoenix, Arizona. At the time I was leading a small, Messianic congregation in California. There were different breakout sessions that we could choose from at a particular time. At one of them. A Messianic Rabbi named Marty Waldman would be telling the story of Baruch Hashem, Messianic synagogue in Dallas. As a small leader of a community with a desire to see it grow. I attended to see what I could learn.

1:33 Rabbi Marty struck me as a different type of leader than what I was accustomed to seeing. One of the things that immediately caught my attention was his humility. Here is one of the pictures from his presentation of an early Baruch Hashem service. He could have displayed pictures of himself addressing millions of men in Washington, DC. building guitars were praying for the Pope Rather he showed humble photos of the beginning of our ketyla.

2:19 It gave me hope for the small community that I was leading. It was refreshing to hear from someone who was not trying to convince me about their own methods were their own righteousness. Just like many of you who may have been drawn here in those early days. I was drawn in by Rabbi Marty sound teaching compassionate perspective and humility. At the conclusion of his presentation. I went up to meet him. In retrospect as a young minister in my 20s. I was looking for someone that I could confide in with my own struggles. I remember confessing sin to Rabbi Marty and him praying for me. Although I had just met him. He struck me as someone that I could trust.

3:06 He prayed for me and showed me kindness. In the following years when the conference came we would get to visit together. One year, I even got to meet his son Ari. He was a corporate pilot. We sat down and had breakfast together and talked about our backgrounds in aviation. A few years later. It was becoming clear to me that our time in California was coming to a close. We had accomplished much of what we had set out to do. However, I lacked vision for the future. It was a season of introspection and seeking the Lord for guidance. I remember shifting from a mentality of asking God to bless what I was doing to a

3:52 mentality. Of asking what God was doing and how I could be a part of it. It was a liberating thought. Around this time a wise and seasoned friend Rabbi Seth Clayman had made himself available to me for prayer and counsel. It was so pleasant to have this voice of soundness compassion and humility who cared enough to call me periodically as I was going through this season of inner turmoil. I would share my plans with him and like a big brother. He would help me with words of caution or words of encouragement. I greatly benefited from our conversations and from praying with him. One day at the end of our conversation. He said

4:40 hey, would it be okay if I mentioned you to someone if I saw that they had a need? Already convinced that I wanted to be part of what God was doing I answered. Yes. Seth seemed to be asking in a theoretical sense. As Rabbi Seth walked the path of life if he stumbled upon something he would mention me. We ended our phone call and Val and I got ready to take our two toddlers out to the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. After about 10 minutes, I received a phone call from Rabbi Marty and Ari Waldman in Dallas. They asked me if I would consider joining them in, Texas. Rabbi Ari and Brittany hosted Valentine their home in March of

5:26 2014 and we moved our family here on June 1st of that same year. Over the past eight years. I have been fortunate to serve under the leadership here at Baruch Hashem. Rabbi Marty and Marlene continued to exemplify sound teaching compassion and humility. As the community transitioned to Rabbi Ari and Brittany and their leadership officially in 2017. I am now grateful to serve under a leader who walks in these same qualities upholding the mission and vision of Baruch Hashem. Since he's not in the room today, I can say without blushing that he is one of the kindness and most genuine

6:12 people that I have encountered upon this Earth. But these qualities have not only been apparent in the waldmans. They have permeated throughout the community. It is an honor to serve alongside our elders shamashim Ministry leaders members and congregational community. We are all people who occasionally fall short of the mark. However, this culture of sound teaching compassion and humility calls us back to the ways of our Master Yeshua. He is the ultimate example of these qualities and empowers Us by the ruach hakodesh the spirit

7:00 of God to go beyond ourselves and to walk in his ways. Today, I'd like to continue our Series in the Book of Luke. picking up from chapter 17 verses 1 through 10 I have entitled my message search our hearts. I intentionally made the word search look weird. By capitalizing SC and H. Why have I done this? Well, I would like to direct our attention to the elements of soundness compassion and humility in yeshua's teaching. From this passage. I would like to focus on three questions. first how are you contributing to the lives of others?

7:47 Next where are you exercising faith and compassion? And lastly, how do you see yourself? This passage demonstrates that Yeshua desires for us to guide ourselves and others wisely exercising compassion and faith and humbly serving the lord. I will be reading from the tlv the tree of life version and my outline can be found on the YouVersion app. Luke chapter 17 verses 1 through 2 reads as follows. Then Yeshua said to his disciples. Stumbling blocks are bound to come. But woe to the one by whom they come.

8:35 It would be better for him to have a millstone put around his neck and to be hurled into the sea. then for him to cause one of these little ones to stumble How are you contributing to the lives of others? upon hearing these verses of scripture the modern mind might consider things like the death penalty. or cases of child abuse by members of the clergy while these might be a fair application of these verses it would benefit us. To consider what Yeshua might have been referring to based upon the context in which he spoke.

9:21 In Luke's presentation. Yeshua is now moving towards Jerusalem where he will be put on trial and suffer an excruciatingly painful death. He has been teaching along the way. His days upon the Earth are growing short. Rather than welcoming all who might be inclined to follow. Yeshua seems more concerned about emphasizing the great sacrifice that will be experienced by anyone who desires to walk in yeshua's footsteps. Yeshua seemed to clearly understand what would be unfolding in the few remaining weeks before pesach? even though his disciples did not

10:07 in the previous chapters. Yeshua is teaching as he makes his way up to Jerusalem. Luke's narrative Keeps shifting and focus. Yeshua teaches the crowds the Pharisees the Torah Scholars the tax collectors and sinners. here in Luke 17 Yeshua once again turns to focus on his 12 disciples. We must also remember that just prior to this passage in the narrative. Yeshua shares a parable with a group of Pharisees By the end of the of this Parable it seems clear that Yeshua has come to an impasse with these leaders. As Rabbi Ari explains last week.

10:53 Yeshua was not against Jews or Pharisees. rather he was calling out particular leaders for twisting the Torah to serve their own purposes. This is important context for understanding. Yeshua's words to his talmudine. We must remember that Yeshua was a rabbi among other rabbis with followers. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a rabbi in that time. Seeking to Shepherd A Flock when Yeshua came through the town. Although we might be quick to judge these other rabbis as greedy or short-sighted. I'm not sure that we would have a better response.

11:40 in other words I was not receptive to Yeshua until I had an encounter that changed my mind and heart. It would be proper for any Rabbi to be cautious about a particular individual doing Miracles and claiming to fulfill the words of the Torah and the prophets. Luke makes it clear that Yeshua did not violate the Torah. rather he contested what had been common manipulations of the word of God. As Yeshua observed other leaders who were leading the people of Israel astray? He also understood that very soon. He would be giving his talmadine his disciples.

12:28 Charge over the advancement of his ministry upon the Earth. This is a great and sobering responsibility. Frankly if they had failed in their mission. None of us would know Yeshua today. Well Yeshua clearly cares for children and children's ministry. In context, I believe he is calling his disciples. His and he is telling them that when they are placed in positions of leadership. They must be careful to teach the Torah Faithfully allowing the children of Israel. Beneus Royale to encounter the Holy One of Israel and his Messiah Yeshua. In rejecting Yeshua and teaching others to

13:16 do the same. Opposing rabbis were dramatically altering their future and the future of their followers. While it is common. For Yeshua to use gripping imagery in order to make a point. Here he is employing a common proverb. And tractate kiddushin 29b. we read Samuel says that it is a tradition that a man May marry and afterward apply himself to the study of the Torah. But rabbiokanan says no. Should he a dick himself to the study to the study of the Torah with a millstone around his neck? This is strikingly similar to ravsha old's

14:03 teaching to the Corinthians about remaining single like him. However, my point is that Yeshua is employing a common proverb to relate the dangers. Of a teacher leading the children of Israel astray. While it may have been easy for the talmadine to see that many influential leaders in Israel were rejecting the Torah and flesh. by rejecting Yeshua They would soon come to know the responsibility of becoming the leaders of the body of Yeshua. If they're teaching was false or self-serving, they would not only lead themselves astray, but they would also cause others to stray from yeshua's path.

14:48 and for this it would be better if a millstone were hung about their neck and they were cast into the sea for they could no longer lead others astray. I believe that Yeshua is warning his talmadine about the importance of sound teaching. Not only would they need to exercise discernment and interpreting the Torah but they would have to be willing to confront and remove those from among them who would lead others astray This is a way to responsibility. part in the pun perhaps at this moment. You are grateful that you are not one of yeshua's original 12 tallmadim. Who were this Warning by the master?

15:35 however Do others identify you with the Lord Yeshua? Do you bear his name and seek to carry forth his ministry? If so. This same sobering word applies to you as well. Are you able to discern the voice of Yeshua? from that of other rabbis or leaders Are you able to discern the voice of Yeshua from the voices on the Internet or cable news? Are you able to discern the the voice of Yeshua? from your own agenda in the words of Ice Cube You got to check yourself before you. Wreck yourself. That's right.

16:21 As followers of Yeshua our influence can lead others astray and even alienate them from the Lord. How are you contributing to the lives of others? think about your key relationships think about your immediate and extended families. Think about your close friends. Think about your neighbors and acquaintances. Think about your interaction with restaurants servers cashiers or strangers that you meet. Think about the people you drive next to on the highway. We're sitting next to on the bus. What is the message that your life is giving off? How are you, encouraging or discouraging those

17:08 around you? How are you helping others to find the Lord? How might you be turning others away from the Lord? Luke 17 verses 3 through 5 Read as follows. Keep yourselves alert if your brother sins rebuke him. And if he repents forgive him. Even if he sins against you seven times a day. And seven times returns to you saying I repent. You shall forgive him. Where are you exercising faith and compassion? Clearly the talmadine were honest and did not think that they were capable of such compassion.

17:57 Have you ever been offended? Think about the last time that you were offended what happened? How would you feel if that person immediately repented? For what they had done. Now how would you feel if they continued to offend you in the same way an hour later? I don't know about you, but I think I'd be even more Angry the second time. By the seventh time I'd probably explode or meltdown. Should someone else's actions have power over me in this way? It's funny because we talk about how repentance is not just lip service. Rather it is turning from a particular Behavior.

18:44 However, how genuine is someone's repentance if they go on to repeat the offense six more times in the same day. Is Yeshua just using hyperbole to make a point? Let's try to wrap our heads around this in context. Yeshua's talmadim. His disciples are literally following Yeshua to his death. It is not a death of natural causes. He is not succumbed to some disease. Rather they will watch their Master get ridiculed harassed tried and brutally tortured. Then they will become the Earthly leaders of this very same movement.

19:30 They will be ridiculed harassed. tortured and most of them will be murdered. Although these words might seem hyperbolic to us. This extreme level of compassion and forgiveness would be necessary for the talmadines to follow in the steps of their master. size forgiveness Let me be more explicit. How often does Yeshua forgive you? once a day we like to go easy on ourselves. Perhaps we think about the most horrible thing that we succumb to in moments of weakness and identify

20:15 that as Sin. If we go for some time without doing it, we feel pretty good about ourselves. If we give into it more frequently. We think we are wretched in the eyes of the Lord. Possible that we lack self-awareness when it comes to our own righteousness. What is the standard by which we measure ourselves? If we measure our conduct against the worst version of ourselves. We may feel strong. however, if we measure our conduct against the conduct of Yeshua We should not become proud. We should become aware that God is extending his Mercy towards us every minute of every

21:01 day. We should be encouraged to do the same for others. Studying this passage has caused me to wonder what might have been on yeshua's mind as he spoke these words. It has caused me to wonder what would be going through the minds and hearts of his talmadin. Surely there were some disputes among them that must have come to mind when Yeshua spoke these words. However, the talmadim had a far greater task than just to get along with one another. They would soon be placed in positions of authority over all of the followers of Yeshua. They would be given the power to establish one and remove another.

21:48 furthermore any opponents of the faith who repented would need to be accepted by the talmadim before they could become a part of the larger community. This would require an incredible amount of Grace and compassion and discernment on their behalf. They would be faced with receiving former opponents to the faith who had persecuted and even killed their brothers and sisters. To consider it from this angle. It might seem exhausting to have someone sin against you repent to you and repeat that process seven times in a day. I don't know about you, but after the third or fourth

22:34 time, I don't think I would have too much confidence in that individual. on the other hand these talmadine were likely facing opponents who are unrepentant in the face of what they viewed as a heretical movement. If the talmadine became bitter angry and defensive toward their opponents. They would never see the movement expand. Yeshua wanted his talmadin to be ever ready to forgive the one who repented of their sin. As an aside while we might get worried about someone burning us seven times in a row. very few people would have the humility to repent once

23:19 let alone seven times. The talmadeem were right in asking Yeshua to increase their faith. They recognize their own inability to respond like Yeshua. Yet. These were the same individuals who were about to be handed the keys to the kingdom so to speak. They were about to become the leaders of a global movement. And they would need to model the heart of Yeshua in order to see this Kingdom advance. Yeshua desires for his talmadine to be people of compassion and faith. Can you think of a time when you deserved punishment that you

24:04 did not receive? What effect did that have upon you? Can you recall a time where you exercise compassion and it made a difference? Can you recall a time where maybe you failed in exercising compassion? How are you exercising faith and compassion? Where do you need the Lord to increase your faith? Can you think of a situation where your current response might be less than ideal? Take a moment to identify that area. Ask the Lord to Grant you the faith to handle that situation like he would. Can you identify?

24:50 An area of your life where you have failed to be compassionate. This is not easy stuff. If you're always compassionate to everyone who comes your way. Congratulations. You and Yeshua are now the models of kindness to the community. and to humanity However, if like me you sometimes struggle to be compassionate to others. Understand that your stuff is already out there. God knows about it those who are close to you know about it too. Let's not be ignorant. It's my grandfather used to say let's not kid ourselves. Yeshua is calling us as his followers to acknowledge and face the evil that is within each one of our hearts.

25:36 The person who needs to repent and be forgiven seven times a day may just be you and me. Luke 17 verses 6 through 10 read as follows then the Lord said if you have faith like a mustard seed you could say to this mulberry tree be uprooted and planted in the sea, and it would obey you. But if you have a slave who is plowing or tending sheep who among you will say to him when he comes in from the field come right in and recline a table. But won't he instead say to him prepare something for me to eat. Dress yourself and wait on me while I eat and drink and afterward

26:21 you may eat and drink. He doesn't thank the slave because he did what he was commanded. Does he? So you too when you've done everything you are commanded? Say we are unworthy slaves. We have done only what we were supposed to do. How do you see yourselves? I'm repeating myself here. But we must remember the context of yeshua's words as well as his audience that he's speaking to. Yeshua is approaching death. These talmadim that he is speaking to will become the next leaders of the Messianic movement.

27:09 Furthermore it is only just beginning. They must take this seed that Yeshua has sown and spread it throughout Israel and the Nations. It is as Grand of a task as any human could undertake. along with this enormous task comes enormous responsibility and tremendous Authority There is a common interpretation of verse 6 that I would like to push back on just a little bit. You can judge yourselves as to what is the proper interpretation? If you have faith like a mustard seed you could say to this mulberry tree be uprooted and planted in the sea.

27:57 And it would obey you. of course in other synoptic Gospels You might see mountains moving. or even a fig tree Were a spot of mustard? If you've ever tried to remove a mustard stain from a garment. You will know how much faith is required. joking aside We are looking at Luke today though. The principles might apply to the other synoptic gospels as well. I think this verse is often used in the following way. We Face some kind of obstacle. Maybe it's a traffic jam. Maybe it's Financial struggle. Maybe it's a disease or injury.

28:43 So we apply this verse and say traffic jam go away and come some other day. Or we say financial troubles. Leave me alone. Or we say disease and injury be removed and cast into the sea. Then we are left with one of two outcomes. The troubling thing either goes away. Or it does it. If it goes away, we had sufficient Faith to banish it from the Earth. If it doesn't go away, we either didn't have enough Faith or the Lord didn't agree with us. While I do believe that we should bring our personal issues to the Lord. I think we might be missing the bigger picture when it

29:29 comes to understanding this verse. many commentators file this passage under the miscellaneous section of Luke. After all Yeshua goes from talking about stumbling blocks to forgiveness to trees being uprooted and casted to the Sea and then whether the master eats before the servant. all within 10 verses was Luke just cramming all the loose threads of yeshua's teaching into a single passage because he knew he was getting close to the end of his gospel account. As we have now been studying Luke for over a year. It is clear that Luke is a precise communicator.

30:16 He is a physician. He is giving a careful meticulous and ordered account. So, how are we to understand these seemingly disjointed verses? If we immediately seek to apply these verses to Modern Life, we may miss the point as well as the way in which these verses might all be reflecting upon the same idea. as we again consider the original context, however We might find unity in the passage and the way that it applies to our lives today. Forgive my redundancy, but once again, let's consider the context. Yeshua is moving up towards Jerusalem, and we

31:03 know what awaits him. The disciples may not fully comprehend at this point, but they are about to become the leaders of a countercultural faith movement that will require tremendous sacrifice and dedication on their account. They will face a great deal of opposition. As the talmud says Beginnings our heart. They are the emissaries who will be breaking new ground for the spreading of The Faith from Jerusalem Judea Samaria and to the ends of the Earth. Not only will they be given this enormous task, but they will be given the authority to wield their power in making decisions concerning who is included and who is excluded from

31:49 the body of Yeshua. As you might imagine. after the death burial resurrection and Ascension of Yeshua The apostles will have a tremendous responsibility in carrying forward the ministry that Yeshua began. There will be many opponents. There will be those who will try to infiltrate and destroy the sect from within. There will be those who mean well but unintentionally lead others astray. The talmadine will be in the position of authority to decide what to plant and nurture and what to uproot and remove from The Community of Faith.

32:35 through this lens these verses don't seem disjointed at all. Yeshua talks about the dangers of false teachers the need to show Mercy to the repentant and the necessity of removing one who is an obstacle. from within the community of faith he finishes by reminding the talmadim that this is nothing special that deserves a great reward. It is simply the normal life of those who will operate under yeshua's Authority. So while traffic jams are no fun. And financial struggles are difficult and we should surely continue to pray for those who are sick. I think a better application of this verse.

33:21 Is to say that the talmadine were given authority to remove those who are leading the faithful astray. The mulberry tree with its great root system and vitality could be removed if it was necessary. With this great Authority comes great responsibility. The talmadine would be given the power to decide who is in and who is out. For them to exercise their Authority fairly. They must have a proper view of themselves. At this point in the narrative Yeshua describes the servant and the master. Yeshua is about to give us disciples the authority to lead the movement that he began.

34:09 However If they view themselves as masters of this Kingdom, they will oppress the flock and lead them astray themselves. This is what Yeshua had just addressed with the pharisaical leaders in the prior chapter. Yeshua is reminding his talmadin that although they are about to become big shots in some sense. They must remember that they are merely Servants of their Master Yeshua. If This Were Yeshua is only Parable we might think that Yeshua is a cruel master However, we know better and so did the disciples. Of course. We remember Yeshua talking about the master being the one who serves.

34:57 Yeshua has clearly demonstrated his kindness and compassion to his followers and even to his opponents. He is about to become the epitome of sacrifice for the entire world even to this very day. When the talmadim are given Authority will they walk in the same Spirit or will they expect special? Will they expect special treatment because of their position and Authority? So what does this mean for us? We are not the first century Apostles of Yeshua. We did not witness his Earthly Ministry and we are not solely responsibility solely responsible for seeing his teachings spread throughout the world.

35:43 however Each of us has been given a measure of Kingdom Authority. We have all been given a sphere of influence. Where we represent Yeshua to others around us. At a minimum you have been given charge over your own personal responsibilities. as you know, even that can become overwhelming and if you think too highly of yourself people and circumstances and even nature is there to remind you of your limitations. As the proverb says pride comes before the fall. Yet many of us have far more responsibility than just governing our own life.

36:29 We have relationships where we are influencing those around us whether we realize it or not. If you are married you are wielding a certain measure of power in your spouse's life. If your parents you are responsible for your children until they reach adulthood and your actions continue to impact them even into their adult lives. You may be running a home overseeing a bank account running a business or have authority over your work responsibilities. It is important to know that you have a purpose upon this Earth. You have been given an area of authority an area of governance. How you view yourself will determine the

37:16 way that you oversee what God has given you to govern. Yeshua does not want us to become prideful about the good things that he has given us. We have been given these gifts to bring him glory and to serve others. If you can operate in a humble estimation of yourself your gifts and your Authority. You will obtain favor both with God and man. in conclusion Yeshua desires for us to guide ourselves and others wisely exercising compassion and faith and humbly serving the lord. As we prepare to enter a new week.

38:03 I encourage you to allow God to search your heart with the following questions. How am I contributing to the lives of others? How am I exercising faith and compassion and lastly? How do I view myself? shabbat shalom You've already smear. Yeah. Yeah, I don't I panabella. Be who naked? You sadonai panaville the assembly hashaloo.

38:51 You saw tonight? They are similar hashal. Om. The name for messiah Yeshua. Amen.