The Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews is the vicar of St. Hilda St. Patrick. The sermon for January 15 was preached extemporaneously based on the notes below. It was delivered as a response to John 1.29-42.
- John’s gospel doesn’t actually have Jesus’ baptism, just John the Baptizer telling his disciples that it happened as verification for him knowing that Jesus is the anointed
- Jesus comes back around. Because John has pointed Jesus out, tw of John’s disciples follow Jesus. They were prepared by John, waiting for Jesus.
- Have we been prepared? Are we waiting for Jesus? Are we following him?
- Gospel according to John is mystical and mysterious. Jesus doesn’t tell them where he’s staying, but invites them along the way.
- Jesus is constantly inviting us along the way. “Come and see”
- Unsure why the time matters, but maybe it was Friday, and they had to spend the night because they couldn’t go that far back after Sunset on the sabbath – so they spent more time with him
- Andrew hears Jesus speak and can’t keep it to himself. Something convinces him or moves him so deeply that he has to get his brother
- He can’t keep the Good News to himself. Do we?
- John’s gospel at this point doesn’t have Jesus teaching anything yet!
- John the Baptizer has had a vision, Andrew and other disciple hear something. What do we hear?
- Epiphany is historically 1) the life and ministry of Jesus 2) a season focused on evangelism: sharing the good news because of our changed lives. Simon’s life is so changed that Jesus changes his name.
- Think for a minute about how your life is changed by encountering Jesus. What is it that brings you back here?
- We’re here. We keep coming back. We’ve kept coming back over the last three years or we’re back now. Why?
- “Rebuilding is easier when you know that you are not actually rebuilding but building a new and different church. Some people will never come back. Work with those who are there and pray into a new future.” – Greg Brewer
- We have to pray into a new future working together. Let’s start now. If you have a smart phone and use Facebook, take it out and check in. Help your neighbors if they need it.
- Next part is uncomfortable but following Jesus leads to one place – the cross – so some discomfort along the way is part of the bargain.
- My challenge to you is to invite anyone who likes the check-in who is not a member or regular worshiper here to Evening Prayer and Potluck next week via direct message.
- “Hey! Thank you so much for liking my check-in at my church. _______ is why I keep coming back, and I’d love for you to come and see. Could you come to Evening Prayer and Potluck next Sunday?”
- Come and see.