Daily Dose of the Word of God - Matthew 4: 13-20

Erin Pacheco, Director of Worship

Transcript

Erin Pacheco  0:07  

Welcome to Elmhurst CRC’s Daily Dose of the Word of God. Today is Friday, February 28 and Sunday is coming. I’m Erin Pacheco. This week, we’re listening to God’s voice in the Gospels – the New Testament stories of Jesus. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 4:13-20.

Erin Pacheco  0:33  

Then Jesus left Nazareth, and went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the Sea of Galilee in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,     the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

Erin Pacheco 1:34  

A few years ago, I visited Israel and went to the Sea of Galilee. Somehow it always seems small in picture books, so I was surprised how big it was! I remember the breeze off the lake, the clouds overhead, the sun peeking through and glittering across the water — and imagining Jesus walking those same shores. His sandals on the streets of Capernaum. Peter and Andrew out in those fishing boats, unaware that this visitor from Nazareth was about to completely change their lives. The gospels introduce Jesus as this intriguing figure. Anchored in real history, real places, with dust between his toes — but announcing the inbreaking of the kingdom of God himself. Every encounter with Jesus was a fork in the road, a choice, an invitation. “Repent,” he says. “Follow me.” That’s still the case today. Perhaps the most important thing about you is who you think Jesus is. So, how would you answer the question: Who is Jesus? Does he challenge you? Surprise you?  What would turning to follow Jesus look like for you today? 

Erin Pacheco 3:11  

Let’s pray. God, thank you for sending Jesus, the light that this world so desperately needs. As we look at the life of Jesus this weekend, help us to see him more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly. Amen.