Sunday, January 26, 2025

Theme

In this week’s text, Jesus begins to call disciples (followers). He is continuing to preach and teach, but the crowds are so overwhelming that he gets help from a fisherman, Simon (also called Peter). Simon Peter, and his fellow fishermen, have been fishing all night on lake Gennesaret (also known as the Sea of Galilee), but their nets have come up empty. Simon’s ancestors have likely been fishing these waters for generations, but have fallen on tough times. Herod Antipas, the Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, has recently built his new capital on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and has been profiting by taking over fishing in the area.

Simon gives of his time and fishing boat so that Jesus can speak to the people on the shore in a natural ample theater. Afterwards, Jesus tells Simon to try just one more time to cast out his nets, which he does (with only a little complaining). The result is so many fish that it almost sinks multiple boats.

That day, on the most successful fishing day of Simon’s entire life, he leaves everything to follow Jesus, to become a fisher for people.

Questions

– What have you given up to follow Jesus?

– What do you take with you into discipleship?

– What are you still holding onto, and how is it holding you back from experiencing the kindom of God?

Reflections:

Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Introit: There are a number of selections referencing our scripture from Luke, but this hymn’s reference is specifically to verse 11, where in verse 2 the text pleas that we may be like those that rose up and followed.

Opening Hymn: The word ‘vocation’ comes from the Latin word for ‘calling’. A new text for a pre-existing tune, “How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord” is a reflection on our Christian vocation.

Transition Hymn: For the month of January, “I Love You, Lord”.

Special Music: I will sing “I Will Follow”, words and music by Jeff Pardo and Matt Armstrong.

Responsive Hymn: Recalling Jesus’ call of the disciples, “You Walk Along Our Shoreline” draws a comparison between their mode of fishing with nets, which required more than one person, and our calling to bear witness in community.

Sending Hymn: The text is a call and response of sorts, with the first four verses in the voice of Christ, with the fifth as the singer’s response. “Will You Come and Follow Me” is subtitled ‘The Summons’.

Benediction: Our benediction for the month of January is the first verse of “God Be With You Till We Meet Again”.