Traditional | 9:45 a.m. | 06.28.2026

Heat. Heat. Heat. Praise Praise Jesus Christ. Jesus Jesus Christ. May Jesus Christ be

May Jesus Christ be with his eternal son with his eternal son with his eternal son through all Jesus Jesus Christ. We pray. Please remain standing as we affirm Please remain standing as we affirm together our faith in the triune God together our faith in the triune God together our faith in the triune God with the Apostles Creed. I believe in with the Apostles Creed. I believe in with the Apostles Creed. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious Pilate, was suffered under Pontious Pilate, was suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third crucified, dead, and buried. The third crucified, dead, and buried. The third day he rose from the dead. He ascended day he rose from the dead. He ascended day he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and siteth at the right into heaven, and siteth at the right into heaven, and siteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. from hand of God the Father Almighty. from hand of God the Father Almighty. from thence he shall come to judge the quick thence he shall come to judge the quick thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy and the dead. I believe in the Holy and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of communion of saints, the forgiveness of communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and sins, the resurrection of the body, and sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

the life everlasting. the life everlasting. Amen. world without world without Amen. Please be seated. Please be seated. Good morning to all of you. I'm glad Good morning to all of you. I'm glad Good morning to all of you. I'm glad that you're here and worshiping with us that you're here and worshiping with us that you're here and worshiping with us here at Christ Church. At Christ Church here at Christ Church. At Christ Church here at Christ Church. At Christ Church at St. Luke's. That was only 21 years at St. Luke's. That was only 21 years at St. Luke's. That was only 21 years ago. 20 years ago I was there. Oh my ago. 20 years ago I was there. Oh my ago. 20 years ago I was there. Oh my goodness. Welcome to St. Luke's today goodness. Welcome to St. Luke's today goodness. Welcome to St. Luke's today and I'm glad you're here. Uh and welcome and I'm glad you're here. Uh and welcome and I'm glad you're here. Uh and welcome to those of you on live stream as well.

to those of you on live stream as well. to those of you on live stream as well. We're glad you're worship worshiping We're glad you're worship worshiping We're glad you're worship worshiping with us and um hope that you'll really with us and um hope that you'll really with us and um hope that you'll really participate in our service today and not participate in our service today and not participate in our service today and not just sort of watch. Um if you would just sort of watch. Um if you would just sort of watch. Um if you would after the service, I hope you'll come after the service, I hope you'll come after the service, I hope you'll come out to the gathering room and enjoy some out to the gathering room and enjoy some out to the gathering room and enjoy some fellowship and some refreshments. If I fellowship and some refreshments. If I fellowship and some refreshments. If I haven't had the chance to meet you, I haven't had the chance to meet you, I haven't had the chance to meet you, I would love the opportunity to do that as would love the opportunity to do that as would love the opportunity to do that as we uh kind of, you know, we're we want we uh kind of, you know, we're we want we uh kind of, you know, we're we want to connect with others. This isn't just to connect with others. This isn't just to connect with others. This isn't just you and Jesus. This is us in Jesus. And you and Jesus. This is us in Jesus. And you and Jesus. This is us in Jesus. And so I hope you'll come and and be a part so I hope you'll come and and be a part so I hope you'll come and and be a part of that as well. Um, please register of that as well. Um, please register of that as well. Um, please register your attendance. You can do that on St. your attendance. You can do that on St. your attendance. You can do that on St. Luke's app. You can do that. There's a Luke's app. You can do that. There's a Luke's app. You can do that. There's a card in your pew pocket if you're here card in your pew pocket if you're here card in your pew pocket if you're here in the uh sanctuary that says welcome in the uh sanctuary that says welcome in the uh sanctuary that says welcome and and you can put contact information and and you can put contact information and and you can put contact information on that and drop it in the offering on that and drop it in the offering on that and drop it in the offering plate later in the service. If you're plate later in the service. If you're plate later in the service. If you're online on our uh um web uh website online on our uh um web uh website online on our uh um web uh website platform, there's a little tab that says platform, there's a little tab that says platform, there's a little tab that says check in and you can do that uh that way check in and you can do that uh that way check in and you can do that uh that way as well. So, I have a number of uh as well. So, I have a number of uh as well. So, I have a number of uh announcements. First, I I if you have uh announcements. First, I I if you have uh announcements. First, I I if you have uh children and you entered the space, you children and you entered the space, you children and you entered the space, you probably got one of these uh children's probably got one of these uh children's probably got one of these uh children's activity bags. If you're an adult and activity bags. If you're an adult and activity bags. If you're an adult and would like one, you can ask the usher would like one, you can ask the usher would like one, you can ask the usher for one. And I give you permission if for one. And I give you permission if for one. And I give you permission if you have attention problems to play with you have attention problems to play with you have attention problems to play with your uh children's activity bag as an your uh children's activity bag as an your uh children's activity bag as an adult. But here's the thing. First of adult. But here's the thing. First of adult. But here's the thing. First of all, they're very cool. But the second all, they're very cool. But the second all, they're very cool. But the second thing is they're kind of going missing thing is they're kind of going missing thing is they're kind of going missing on us. and you're taking them home. Um, on us. and you're taking them home. Um, on us. and you're taking them home. Um, leave them in the uh um there's a box

leave them in the uh um there's a box leave them in the uh um there's a box outside on your way out of the sanctuary outside on your way out of the sanctuary outside on your way out of the sanctuary and that lets us fill them for next week and that lets us fill them for next week and that lets us fill them for next week uh because um they're not disposable. uh because um they're not disposable. uh because um they're not disposable. They're in intended to be used over and They're in intended to be used over and They're in intended to be used over and over. So anyway, uh they're very cool over. So anyway, uh they're very cool over. So anyway, uh they're very cool and they do make um the service better and they do make um the service better and they do make um the service better for our kids as they're here. Uh a few for our kids as they're here. Uh a few for our kids as they're here. Uh a few other things that are coming up. Um our other things that are coming up. Um our other things that are coming up. Um our pastor's book club is coming. Ryan pastor's book club is coming. Ryan pastor's book club is coming. Ryan Tusensky is leading a discussion of the Tusensky is leading a discussion of the Tusensky is leading a discussion of the gift of being yourself by David Benner gift of being yourself by David Benner gift of being yourself by David Benner and you have to um buy that so you can and you have to um buy that so you can and you have to um buy that so you can read it so you can be a part of the read it so you can be a part of the read it so you can be a part of the discussion. It's really a a a great discussion. It's really a a a great discussion. It's really a a a great book. U we would love for you to help us book. U we would love for you to help us book. U we would love for you to help us in our mercy closet on our Gethsemane in our mercy closet on our Gethsemane in our mercy closet on our Gethsemane campus. That's a um uh uh you can do campus. That's a um uh uh you can do campus. That's a um uh uh you can do that by volunteering, but you also can that by volunteering, but you also can that by volunteering, but you also can do that by making donations of clothing. do that by making donations of clothing. do that by making donations of clothing. And what we really need are men's and And what we really need are men's and And what we really need are men's and boys summer clothes. That's uh t-shirts boys summer clothes. That's uh t-shirts boys summer clothes. That's uh t-shirts and shorts and pants. Um and uh so you and shorts and pants. Um and uh so you and shorts and pants. Um and uh so you can drop those over at our our can drop those over at our our can drop those over at our our Gethsemane campus if you if you are Gethsemane campus if you if you are Gethsemane campus if you if you are cleaning out your closet or you have cleaning out your closet or you have cleaning out your closet or you have some other uh things that you'd like to some other uh things that you'd like to some other uh things that you'd like to donate. Uh our ministry spotlight table donate. Uh our ministry spotlight table donate. Uh our ministry spotlight table today focuses on um our backpack today focuses on um our backpack today focuses on um our backpack backpack tag contest. So, um, on in backpack tag contest. So, um, on in backpack tag contest. So, um, on in August, as the young people, as our, uh, August, as the young people, as our, uh, August, as the young people, as our, uh, students are going back to school, we're students are going back to school, we're students are going back to school, we're going to give each one of them a going to give each one of them a going to give each one of them a backpack tag. Um, and, uh, it'll have backpack tag. Um, and, uh, it'll have backpack tag. Um, and, uh, it'll have the theme love your neighbor on it. And, the theme love your neighbor on it. And, the theme love your neighbor on it. And, um, as God first loved us. And it's a um, as God first loved us. And it's a um, as God first loved us. And it's a way just to kind of give them St. Luke's

way just to kind of give them St. Luke's way just to kind of give them St. Luke's blessing as they head off every day to blessing as they head off every day to blessing as they head off every day to school. But we're doing a a contest school. But we're doing a a contest school. But we're doing a a contest where the kids get to uh submit an where the kids get to uh submit an where the kids get to uh submit an opportunity for the artwork to go on opportunity for the artwork to go on opportunity for the artwork to go on those. And it there are submission forms those. And it there are submission forms those. And it there are submission forms and get your kids crayons out and um let and get your kids crayons out and um let and get your kids crayons out and um let them design something that can go on them design something that can go on them design something that can go on that backpack tag. And then finally, let that backpack tag. And then finally, let that backpack tag. And then finally, let me just say a word. Um, I know many of me just say a word. Um, I know many of me just say a word. Um, I know many of you have been very concerned about the you have been very concerned about the you have been very concerned about the tragedy in Venezuela and um, the uh, tragedy in Venezuela and um, the uh, tragedy in Venezuela and um, the uh, earthquakes there and the incredible earthquakes there and the incredible earthquakes there and the incredible loss of life and just the devastation of loss of life and just the devastation of loss of life and just the devastation of trying to for them to function right trying to for them to function right trying to for them to function right now. And uh, we've done some research. now. And uh, we've done some research. now. And uh, we've done some research. Uh, unfortunately the United Methodist Uh, unfortunately the United Methodist Uh, unfortunately the United Methodist Committee on Relief UMPOR does not have Committee on Relief UMPOR does not have Committee on Relief UMPOR does not have boots on the ground in um, Venezuela. boots on the ground in um, Venezuela. boots on the ground in um, Venezuela. And so as we looked for alternatives to And so as we looked for alternatives to And so as we looked for alternatives to that um uh we've settled on World that um uh we've settled on World that um uh we've settled on World Central Kitchen um WCK and uh so we're Central Kitchen um WCK and uh so we're Central Kitchen um WCK and uh so we're just recommending that you make that just recommending that you make that just recommending that you make that gift directly to them. If you make it to gift directly to them. If you make it to gift directly to them. If you make it to us, we're just going to send it right uh us, we're just going to send it right uh us, we're just going to send it right uh right to them. Um but you might do your right to them. Um but you might do your right to them. Um but you might do your own research and see if there's another own research and see if there's another own research and see if there's another organization that uh speaks to you. Um organization that uh speaks to you. Um organization that uh speaks to you. Um we've been told that the Kinjun Navy, I we've been told that the Kinjun Navy, I we've been told that the Kinjun Navy, I think they're called, are there working think they're called, are there working think they're called, are there working as well. That might be something. but um as well. That might be something. but um as well. That might be something. but um just find some way to respond uh because just find some way to respond uh because just find some way to respond uh because that's what we do as Christians and that's what we do as Christians and that's what we do as Christians and certainly uh do your best to support certainly uh do your best to support certainly uh do your best to support them in prayer. So uh we start uh or them in prayer. So uh we start uh or them in prayer. So uh we start uh or continue our our series right now on

continue our our series right now on continue our our series right now on holiday with Jesus as we're looking at holiday with Jesus as we're looking at holiday with Jesus as we're looking at the geography of where Jesus did the geography of where Jesus did the geography of where Jesus did ministry. And last week we looked at ministry. And last week we looked at ministry. And last week we looked at Nazareth, his hometown. And this week Nazareth, his hometown. And this week Nazareth, his hometown. And this week we're looking at Galilee and Capernaum we're looking at Galilee and Capernaum we're looking at Galilee and Capernaum and what they uh represent and uh the and what they uh represent and uh the and what they uh represent and uh the call of the disciples in that place. call of the disciples in that place. call of the disciples in that place. Let's uh listen now as we hear our Let's uh listen now as we hear our Let's uh listen now as we hear our scripture read this morning from the scripture read this morning from the scripture read this morning from the Gospel of Matthew. Now when Jesus heard Gospel of Matthew. Now when Jesus heard Gospel of Matthew. Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew that John had been arrested, he withdrew that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea in the his home in Capernaum by the sea in the his home in Capernaum by the sea in the territory of Zebulun and Napali so that territory of Zebulun and Napali so that territory of Zebulun and Napali so that what had been spoken through the prophet what had been spoken through the prophet what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled. Land of Isaiah might be fulfilled. Land of Isaiah might be fulfilled. Land of Zebulun, land of Napali, on the road by Zebulun, land of Napali, on the road by Zebulun, land of Napali, on the road by the sea across the Jordan, Galilee of the sea across the Jordan, Galilee of the sea across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sat in the Gentiles, the people who sat in the Gentiles, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And darkness have seen a great light. And darkness have seen a great light. And for those who sat in the region and for those who sat in the region and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light has dawned. From shadow of death, light has dawned. From shadow of death, light has dawned. From that time Jesus began to proclaim, that time Jesus began to proclaim, that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." As he walked by the Sea of come near." As he walked by the Sea of come near." As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his is called Peter, and Andrew, his is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea, for brother, casting a net into the sea, for brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers. And he said to them, they were fishers. And he said to them, they were fishers. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers "Follow me, and I will make you fishers "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people." Immediately they left their of people." Immediately they left their of people." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from nets and followed him. As he went from nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James, there, he saw two other brothers, James, there, he saw two other brothers, James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John, in son of Zebedee, and his brother John, in son of Zebedee, and his brother John, in the boat with their father, Zebedee,

the boat with their father, Zebedee, the boat with their father, Zebedee, mending their nets. And he called them. mending their nets. And he called them. mending their nets. And he called them. This is the word of God for the people This is the word of God for the people This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Call me Lord as you call the stone. Call me Lord as you call the stone. Fill me Lord. Fill me Lord. Fill me Lord. Keep me from harm. Keep me from harm. Keep me from harm. Let all the tools Let all the tools Let all the tools within within within cease cease cease and fold me Lord and fold me Lord and fold me Lord and fold me in and fold me in and fold me in your God, we know that you speak to us in so God, we know that you speak to us in so many ways. You speak to us through your many ways. You speak to us through your many ways. You speak to us through your word.

word. word. You speak to us through other people. You speak to us through other people. You speak to us through other people. You speak to us through the still small You speak to us through the still small You speak to us through the still small voice of the spirit that is inside of voice of the spirit that is inside of voice of the spirit that is inside of each of us. each of us. each of us. And yet so often we do not recognize the And yet so often we do not recognize the And yet so often we do not recognize the timber of your voice timber of your voice timber of your voice or we cannot hear it over the disqu or we cannot hear it over the disqu or we cannot hear it over the disqu within us or the den around us. God, I pray that you would break God, I pray that you would break through. through. through. That you would break through the walls That you would break through the walls That you would break through the walls that we have built up of our own that we have built up of our own that we have built up of our own turning away, turning away, turning away, our own anxieties, our own anxieties, our own anxieties, our own following our own path that our own following our own path that our own following our own path that makes it hard for us to hear you. makes it hard for us to hear you. makes it hard for us to hear you. I pray that you would break through all I pray that you would break through all I pray that you would break through all of what is around us. All of the of what is around us. All of the of what is around us. All of the distractions, distractions, distractions, all of the things that keep us busy, all all of the things that keep us busy, all all of the things that keep us busy, all of the things that occupy our thoughts of the things that occupy our thoughts of the things that occupy our thoughts and take us over.

and take us over. and take us over. Because Lord, we want to hear you so Because Lord, we want to hear you so Because Lord, we want to hear you so that we might follow you more closely. that we might follow you more closely. that we might follow you more closely. God, we want to be your disciples God, we want to be your disciples God, we want to be your disciples that we might be the people in the world that we might be the people in the world that we might be the people in the world that others would see and know you that others would see and know you that others would see and know you through. through. through. God, I pray that you would stir our God, I pray that you would stir our God, I pray that you would stir our hearts that as we think about the things hearts that as we think about the things hearts that as we think about the things in the world that weigh us down, whether in the world that weigh us down, whether in the world that weigh us down, whether it is the tragedy in Venezuela, it is the tragedy in Venezuela, it is the tragedy in Venezuela, the loss of life, the loss of the loss of life, the loss of the loss of life, the loss of livelihoods, livelihoods, livelihoods, the loss of places to live, God, that the loss of places to live, God, that the loss of places to live, God, that you would open us up to be generous you would open us up to be generous you would open us up to be generous there and so many other places that we there and so many other places that we there and so many other places that we might share our resources us. might share our resources us. might share our resources us. I pray that we might be your disciples. I pray that we might be your disciples. I pray that we might be your disciples. That other people would see you through That other people would see you through That other people would see you through us in our community as well in our us in our community as well in our us in our community as well in our neighborhoods, neighborhoods, neighborhoods, in our workplaces, in our workplaces, in our workplaces, in our groups of friends, in our groups of friends, in our groups of friends, in our families.

And I pray Lord that in our own personal And I pray Lord that in our own personal lives for all the things that we are lives for all the things that we are lives for all the things that we are carrying, the things that feel heavy, carrying, the things that feel heavy, carrying, the things that feel heavy, that are weighing us down, God, that you that are weighing us down, God, that you that are weighing us down, God, that you would be our relief. would be our relief. would be our relief. That you would help us to unclench these That you would help us to unclench these That you would help us to unclench these things that we are holding in our hands things that we are holding in our hands things that we are holding in our hands and give them to you and give them to you and give them to you that you might walk with us every single that you might walk with us every single that you might walk with us every single day. day. day. God, we love you and we offer this God, we love you and we offer this God, we love you and we offer this prayer in the name of Jesus who is our prayer in the name of Jesus who is our prayer in the name of Jesus who is our savior and taught us to pray. Our savior and taught us to pray. Our savior and taught us to pray. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give done on earth as it is in heaven. Give done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us this day our daily bread. And forgive us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those us our trespasses as we forgive those us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not who trespass against us. And lead us not who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

power and the glory forever. Amen. power and the glory forever. Amen. I'd like to invite our ushers to come I'd like to invite our ushers to come I'd like to invite our ushers to come forward to receive our gifts and our forward to receive our gifts and our forward to receive our gifts and our tithes and our offerings as we pour tithes and our offerings as we pour tithes and our offerings as we pour ourselves out for others. Others here at ourselves out for others. Others here at ourselves out for others. Others here at St. Luke's, others in our community, St. Luke's, others in our community, St. Luke's, others in our community, others in the kingdom. Oh Lord my God. Oh Lord my God. How great.

Oh Lord my God Oh Lord my God and thy in awesome wonder. and thy in awesome wonder. and thy in awesome wonder. Consider all the worth I have made. I see the stars. I see the stars. I hear the rolling thunder. I hear the rolling thunder. I hear the rolling thunder. Thy power throughout Thy power throughout Thy power throughout the universe display then sings my soul. then sings my soul. I see your sing. I see your sing. I see your sing. How great how How great how How great how great. How great great. How great great. How great are And hear the bird sing sweetly in the And hear the bird sing sweetly in the tree.

tree. tree. and sings my soul how great and I look and sings my soul how great and I look and sings my soul how great and I look down so so great. And when I think And when I think that God is not scary, that God is not scary, that God is not scary, send him to die. send him to die. send him to die. My s can take it in My s can take it in My s can take it in my soul. at all the falls at all the falls my burden that bearing. my burden that bearing. my burden that bearing. He bled and died to take away my sin and He bled and died to take away my sin and He bled and died to take away my sin and see my soul.

my God. my God. How great when Christ shall come with shout of when Christ shall come with shout of acclamation and take me home. and take me home. What joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow Then I shall bow in humble adoration and there proclaim and there proclaim my God how great my God how great my God how great Oh Oh Lord my God

Oh Lord my God my God. my God. my God. Lord my God. Heat.

Heat. Hey, Heat. Join me in a word of prayer. Join me in a word of prayer. Oh God, open us up. Open our eyes that Oh God, open us up. Open our eyes that Oh God, open us up. Open our eyes that we might see through your eyes the we might see through your eyes the we might see through your eyes the world. Open our ears that we might hear world. Open our ears that we might hear world. Open our ears that we might hear your word in the midst of these words. your word in the midst of these words. your word in the midst of these words. and open our hearts that your word might and open our hearts that your word might and open our hearts that your word might fall in. fall in. fall in. And then, oh Lord, in response, open our And then, oh Lord, in response, open our And then, oh Lord, in response, open our hands that we might give and serve and hands that we might give and serve and hands that we might give and serve and love. love. love. Amen. Every once in a while, uh, as I'm Every once in a while, uh, as I'm reading scripture, I come across reading scripture, I come across reading scripture, I come across something that makes me think that's something that makes me think that's something that makes me think that's just crazy. just crazy. just crazy. like um like um like um it says it says it says you are to you are to you are to um eat the body of Jesus and drink the um eat the body of Jesus and drink the um eat the body of Jesus and drink the blood of Jesus. And you think, well, blood of Jesus. And you think, well, blood of Jesus. And you think, well, even if you're just just having a even if you're just just having a even if you're just just having a representation of that in with wine and representation of that in with wine and representation of that in with wine and bread, that just seems still like a bread, that just seems still like a bread, that just seems still like a weird thing to say.

weird thing to say. weird thing to say. and or um where in Acts where it says um and or um where in Acts where it says um and or um where in Acts where it says um well the disciples took everything they well the disciples took everything they well the disciples took everything they had and they they shared everything in had and they they shared everything in had and they they shared everything in common and they um they sold their common and they um they sold their common and they um they sold their possessions and distributed to any as possessions and distributed to any as possessions and distributed to any as had need. had need. had need. I think to myself that sounds like a I think to myself that sounds like a I think to myself that sounds like a cult. cult. cult. Like if my daughter came to me and said, Like if my daughter came to me and said, Like if my daughter came to me and said, "Hey, I ran across this guy and he's "Hey, I ran across this guy and he's "Hey, I ran across this guy and he's here's what he's asked me to do. I'm here's what he's asked me to do. I'm here's what he's asked me to do. I'm going to sell everything I have and going to sell everything I have and going to sell everything I have and we're going to distribute it and I'm we're going to distribute it and I'm we're going to distribute it and I'm like, let's talk and be sure this is like, let's talk and be sure this is like, let's talk and be sure this is what you want to do, right? So, when you what you want to do, right? So, when you what you want to do, right? So, when you read scripture, you know, we're so read scripture, you know, we're so read scripture, you know, we're so familiar with it, we're sort of that familiar with it, we're sort of that familiar with it, we're sort of that sometimes it doesn't jar us like maybe sometimes it doesn't jar us like maybe sometimes it doesn't jar us like maybe it should. Well, today I think is one of it should. Well, today I think is one of it should. Well, today I think is one of those. Our passage today is here are those. Our passage today is here are those. Our passage today is here are these guys, these these fishermen um uh these guys, these these fishermen um uh these guys, these these fishermen um uh u Simon Peter, his brother Andrew, James u Simon Peter, his brother Andrew, James u Simon Peter, his brother Andrew, James and John who father was also a and John who father was also a and John who father was also a fisherman. They're fishing on the lake fisherman. They're fishing on the lake fisherman. They're fishing on the lake and um Jesus walks by and says, "Hey, and um Jesus walks by and says, "Hey, and um Jesus walks by and says, "Hey, come follow me. I'll make you fish for come follow me. I'll make you fish for come follow me. I'll make you fish for people." And they go, "Oh, okay."

people." And they go, "Oh, okay." people." And they go, "Oh, okay." And they get up from their boat and they And they get up from their boat and they And they get up from their boat and they follow him immediately. It says follow him immediately. It says follow him immediately. It says immediately. It's not like they said, immediately. It's not like they said, immediately. It's not like they said, "Hey, let's talk about this whether we "Hey, let's talk about this whether we "Hey, let's talk about this whether we want to." No. I don't know. They just want to." No. I don't know. They just want to." No. I don't know. They just got up and went. got up and went. got up and went. What in the world? What in the world? What in the world? What possessed these God? What was what What possessed these God? What was what What possessed these God? What was what was their motivation? What did they was their motivation? What did they was their motivation? What did they expect they were signing on for when expect they were signing on for when expect they were signing on for when they just decided to up and follow they just decided to up and follow they just decided to up and follow Jesus? Jesus? Jesus? I uh there there is this uh Philip Yansy I uh there there is this uh Philip Yansy I uh there there is this uh Philip Yansy wrote a book called Disappointment with wrote a book called Disappointment with wrote a book called Disappointment with God. And in it, he he writes this. True God. And in it, he he writes this. True God. And in it, he he writes this. True atheists do not, I presume, feel atheists do not, I presume, feel atheists do not, I presume, feel disappointed with God. They expect disappointed with God. They expect disappointed with God. They expect nothing and receive nothing. But those nothing and receive nothing. But those nothing and receive nothing. But those who commit their lives to God, no matter who commit their lives to God, no matter who commit their lives to God, no matter what, instinctively expect something in what, instinctively expect something in what, instinctively expect something in return. return. return. What do you think that this these What do you think that this these What do you think that this these fishermen expected in return? What did fishermen expected in return? What did fishermen expected in return? What did they expect they were signing up for? they expect they were signing up for? they expect they were signing up for? Here's what I hope you'll do. Uh let Here's what I hope you'll do. Uh let Here's what I hope you'll do. Uh let this be an opportunity to think about this be an opportunity to think about this be an opportunity to think about what are what do you expect?

what are what do you expect? what are what do you expect? What were you signing on for if you What were you signing on for if you What were you signing on for if you chose to be a follower of Jesus? What chose to be a follower of Jesus? What chose to be a follower of Jesus? What did you think would come of that? did you think would come of that? did you think would come of that? So I've done some research about what um So I've done some research about what um So I've done some research about what um the scholars and others believe might the scholars and others believe might the scholars and others believe might have been what was in the mind of those have been what was in the mind of those have been what was in the mind of those disciples when they chose to follow disciples when they chose to follow disciples when they chose to follow Jesus. It may be that they were um Jesus. It may be that they were um Jesus. It may be that they were um expecting to be in a place of earthly expecting to be in a place of earthly expecting to be in a place of earthly power that in fact they would be a part power that in fact they would be a part power that in fact they would be a part of overthrowing the Roman occupation. of overthrowing the Roman occupation. of overthrowing the Roman occupation. So um here's one of the places that um So um here's one of the places that um So um here's one of the places that um that we we can learn a little bit that we we can learn a little bit that we we can learn a little bit through geography. through geography. through geography. So the scripture that we read this So the scripture that we read this So the scripture that we read this morning um says, "Now when Jesus heard morning um says, "Now when Jesus heard morning um says, "Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew that John had been arrested, he withdrew that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. to Galilee. to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home at He left Nazareth and made his home at He left Nazareth and made his home at Capernaum by the sea in the territory of Capernaum by the sea in the territory of Capernaum by the sea in the territory of Zebulun in Naftali." So uh this is a Zebulun in Naftali." So uh this is a Zebulun in Naftali." So uh this is a little confusing for a number of little confusing for a number of little confusing for a number of reasons. One is that Nazareth is in reasons. One is that Nazareth is in reasons. One is that Nazareth is in Galilee. So it's not like he was leaving Galilee. So it's not like he was leaving Galilee. So it's not like he was leaving Nazareth and then going to Galilee. he Nazareth and then going to Galilee. he Nazareth and then going to Galilee. he was already in Galilee. Um Nazareth was was already in Galilee. Um Nazareth was was already in Galilee. Um Nazareth was his hometown. We talked about that last his hometown. We talked about that last his hometown. We talked about that last week. But um second, it's a little odd week. But um second, it's a little odd week. But um second, it's a little odd because if he was really fleeing the one because if he was really fleeing the one because if he was really fleeing the one who had had uh imprisoned John, he would who had had uh imprisoned John, he would who had had uh imprisoned John, he would be fleeing Herod Antipos and Herod was be fleeing Herod Antipos and Herod was be fleeing Herod Antipos and Herod was the is the ruler over Galilee.

the is the ruler over Galilee. the is the ruler over Galilee. So why Galilee? Well, because Galilee So why Galilee? Well, because Galilee So why Galilee? Well, because Galilee was a hotbed of Jewish resistance. It was a hotbed of Jewish resistance. It was a hotbed of Jewish resistance. It was where the Zealots were from. It was was where the Zealots were from. It was was where the Zealots were from. It was all over Galilee. There were these small all over Galilee. There were these small all over Galilee. There were these small bands. It's a very rural area. And there bands. It's a very rural area. And there bands. It's a very rural area. And there were these small bands of of Jewish were these small bands of of Jewish were these small bands of of Jewish resistors. Uh often they were called resistors. Uh often they were called resistors. Uh often they were called they were called Zealots. Um they would they were called Zealots. Um they would they were called Zealots. Um they would they would um if you if you look on your they would um if you if you look on your they would um if you if you look on your map, you'll see Galilee. It's in the map, you'll see Galilee. It's in the map, you'll see Galilee. It's in the northwest quadrant. And that whole rural northwest quadrant. And that whole rural northwest quadrant. And that whole rural area was where the the Zealots would area was where the the Zealots would area was where the the Zealots would fund their um their activities through fund their um their activities through fund their um their activities through crime. The Zealots would charge people crime. The Zealots would charge people crime. The Zealots would charge people um taxes to pass by on the roads. Um you um taxes to pass by on the roads. Um you um taxes to pass by on the roads. Um you you know you can think about if you read you know you can think about if you read you know you can think about if you read about some of the terrorist about some of the terrorist about some of the terrorist organizations in other countries they organizations in other countries they organizations in other countries they you know how they would fund through you know how they would fund through you know how they would fund through kidnapping and other things to sort of kidnapping and other things to sort of kidnapping and other things to sort of support their work. Well, that's what support their work. Well, that's what support their work. Well, that's what the Zealots were doing. In fact, many the Zealots were doing. In fact, many the Zealots were doing. In fact, many believe that when it says that two believe that when it says that two believe that when it says that two criminals were crucified on either side criminals were crucified on either side criminals were crucified on either side of Jesus, the word sometimes is of Jesus, the word sometimes is of Jesus, the word sometimes is translated robbers, but what it really translated robbers, but what it really translated robbers, but what it really means is is um zealots. These these were means is is um zealots. These these were means is is um zealots. These these were political reactionaries political reactionaries political reactionaries and radicals. And so um when he says and radicals. And so um when he says and radicals. And so um when he says that it may be that these guys, these that it may be that these guys, these that it may be that these guys, these fishermen in Galilee were those were fishermen in Galilee were those were fishermen in Galilee were those were were just had this sense that you know were just had this sense that you know were just had this sense that you know it's time it's time to overthrow the the

it's time it's time to overthrow the the it's time it's time to overthrow the the Romans. In fact, if you look even at the Romans. In fact, if you look even at the Romans. In fact, if you look even at the end of after Jesus um resurrection, he end of after Jesus um resurrection, he end of after Jesus um resurrection, he says uh he he says this in Luke says uh he he says this in Luke says uh he he says this in Luke in Luke 24:21 as they as these people in Luke 24:21 as they as these people in Luke 24:21 as they as these people are walking to in the walk to Emmas, are walking to in the walk to Emmas, are walking to in the walk to Emmas, they said, "But we had hoped that he was they said, "But we had hoped that he was they said, "But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel," the one who was going to redeem Israel," the one who was going to redeem Israel," meaning put Israel back in charge again. meaning put Israel back in charge again. meaning put Israel back in charge again. Or in Acts one, the Jesus appears to Or in Acts one, the Jesus appears to Or in Acts one, the Jesus appears to them and to the disciples and they say, them and to the disciples and they say, them and to the disciples and they say, "Lord, are you at this time going to "Lord, are you at this time going to "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" restore the kingdom to Israel?" restore the kingdom to Israel?" They still believed that that he had They still believed that that he had They still believed that that he had come to to to come to to to come to to to put Israel back in power again. Now, put Israel back in power again. Now, put Israel back in power again. Now, most of us that would not be our most of us that would not be our most of us that would not be our expectation, would it? We didn't sign up expectation, would it? We didn't sign up expectation, would it? We didn't sign up to be Christians so that we would have to be Christians so that we would have to be Christians so that we would have earthly power. earthly power. earthly power. But I will say that some of us believe But I will say that some of us believe But I will say that some of us believe our Christian faith should give us a our Christian faith should give us a our Christian faith should give us a sense of influence and we want to use it sense of influence and we want to use it sense of influence and we want to use it to have a good influence to have a good influence to have a good influence and and frankly there are some who and and frankly there are some who and and frankly there are some who believe that that Christians ought to be believe that that Christians ought to be believe that that Christians ought to be the ones in power. There's not a big the ones in power. There's not a big the ones in power. There's not a big jump from Jewish nationalism to jump from Jewish nationalism to jump from Jewish nationalism to Christian nationalism.

Christian nationalism. Christian nationalism. that sense of no, this is really all that sense of no, this is really all that sense of no, this is really all about power. So, here's another option. So, here's another option. Many believe that what the disciples Many believe that what the disciples Many believe that what the disciples were really looking for was miracles. were really looking for was miracles. were really looking for was miracles. You see, when Jesus said the kingdom of You see, when Jesus said the kingdom of You see, when Jesus said the kingdom of God has come near or is at hand, he's God has come near or is at hand, he's God has come near or is at hand, he's saying that the messianic age in in in saying that the messianic age in in in saying that the messianic age in in in uh had come to pass. That it was time, uh had come to pass. That it was time, uh had come to pass. That it was time, it was beginning, that it was launching it was beginning, that it was launching it was beginning, that it was launching with him. with him. with him. And um they they would have known what And um they they would have known what And um they they would have known what that meant. They would have they would that meant. They would have they would that meant. They would have they would have thought about Isaiah 35. Then the have thought about Isaiah 35. Then the have thought about Isaiah 35. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened and eyes of the blind shall be opened and eyes of the blind shall be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped and the the ears of the deaf unstopped and the the ears of the deaf unstopped and the lame man shall leap like a deer and the lame man shall leap like a deer and the lame man shall leap like a deer and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy. tongue of the mute will sing for joy. tongue of the mute will sing for joy. They would have thought that these They would have thought that these They would have thought that these miracles were going to happen miracles were going to happen miracles were going to happen and they thought I want to be a part of and they thought I want to be a part of and they thought I want to be a part of that. I want to join in that. And in that. I want to join in that. And in that. I want to join in that. And in fact if you go to Capernaum that is what fact if you go to Capernaum that is what fact if you go to Capernaum that is what happened. Capernaum was was was Jesus happened. Capernaum was was was Jesus happened. Capernaum was was was Jesus home base. Uh let me tell you about home base. Uh let me tell you about home base. Uh let me tell you about Capernaum. It was a town of about a Capernaum. It was a town of about a Capernaum. It was a town of about a thousand people. Uh that was a a thousand people. Uh that was a a thousand people. Uh that was a a midsized town for Galilee. Um it had a midsized town for Galilee. Um it had a midsized town for Galilee. Um it had a Roman garrison there. Uh where they Roman garrison there. Uh where they Roman garrison there. Uh where they would collect taxes as people. So uh you would collect taxes as people. So uh you would collect taxes as people. So uh you you read in our scripture this morning you read in our scripture this morning you read in our scripture this morning that um they went to Capernaum by the that um they went to Capernaum by the that um they went to Capernaum by the sea. Um that it it uh that it was on the sea. Um that it it uh that it was on the sea. Um that it it uh that it was on the road by the sea. That's the viais which road by the sea. That's the viais which road by the sea. That's the viais which was the road that ran from Damascus to

was the road that ran from Damascus to was the road that ran from Damascus to uh to the ocean. And it's how uh so as uh to the ocean. And it's how uh so as uh to the ocean. And it's how uh so as they passed through down this via then they passed through down this via then they passed through down this via then the Romans would tax them as they came the Romans would tax them as they came the Romans would tax them as they came through collect customs taxes as they through collect customs taxes as they through collect customs taxes as they moved through and so it was a place that moved through and so it was a place that moved through and so it was a place that had some influence. Uh so Jesus goes had some influence. Uh so Jesus goes had some influence. Uh so Jesus goes there and immediately he begins to do there and immediately he begins to do there and immediately he begins to do miracles. If you go there today, you can miracles. If you go there today, you can miracles. If you go there today, you can see how uh um how the houses were all see how uh um how the houses were all see how uh um how the houses were all kind of edgetoedge there. They were kind of edgetoedge there. They were kind of edgetoedge there. They were actually built onto walls with common actually built onto walls with common actually built onto walls with common walls where families would live in these walls where families would live in these walls where families would live in these large compounds together. And there is a large compounds together. And there is a large compounds together. And there is a Franciscan church there. That's pretty Franciscan church there. That's pretty Franciscan church there. That's pretty amazing. So the the first miracle that amazing. So the the first miracle that amazing. So the the first miracle that Jesus does is he goes in and heals Simon Jesus does is he goes in and heals Simon Jesus does is he goes in and heals Simon Peter's mother-in-law. Peter's mother-in-law. Peter's mother-in-law. And what they have found there, the And what they have found there, the And what they have found there, the archaeologists have found what they archaeologists have found what they archaeologists have found what they really believe is Simon Peter's home. really believe is Simon Peter's home. really believe is Simon Peter's home. And um there's fairly good evidence for And um there's fairly good evidence for And um there's fairly good evidence for this. And it it had become in the first this. And it it had become in the first this. And it it had become in the first century a home church. And they would century a home church. And they would century a home church. And they would worship there. And the Franciscans built worship there. And the Franciscans built worship there. And the Franciscans built this spaceship-like church on top of it this spaceship-like church on top of it this spaceship-like church on top of it that you can look down through the glass that you can look down through the glass that you can look down through the glass to see the actual St. Peter's uh uh to see the actual St. Peter's uh uh to see the actual St. Peter's uh uh house. Um, but that's where he did his house. Um, but that's where he did his house. Um, but that's where he did his miracles.

miracles. miracles. Capernaum, the area just around it, if Capernaum, the area just around it, if Capernaum, the area just around it, if you look on your map, what you'll see is you look on your map, what you'll see is you look on your map, what you'll see is that it's very close to place that's that it's very close to place that's that it's very close to place that's called Taga, which is where he changed called Taga, which is where he changed called Taga, which is where he changed the um uh the the fish and the loaves. the um uh the the fish and the loaves. the um uh the the fish and the loaves. It's where all of those miracles. So It's where all of those miracles. So It's where all of those miracles. So they got to experience these these they got to experience these these they got to experience these these disciples got to experience uh the the disciples got to experience uh the the disciples got to experience uh the the the lame walking and the hungry being the lame walking and the hungry being the lame walking and the hungry being fed and lepers cleansed and uh and fed and lepers cleansed and uh and fed and lepers cleansed and uh and demons cast out and all of these things demons cast out and all of these things demons cast out and all of these things right in this tiny little area around right in this tiny little area around right in this tiny little area around Capernaum. And he spent two and a half Capernaum. And he spent two and a half Capernaum. And he spent two and a half years of his ministry just right there years of his ministry just right there years of his ministry just right there in that one little area. in that one little area. in that one little area. um they got to experience what they um they got to experience what they um they got to experience what they perhaps had been expecting. perhaps had been expecting. perhaps had been expecting. But let me ask you, do you expect But let me ask you, do you expect But let me ask you, do you expect miracles? miracles? miracles? Did you sign up to be a a follower of Did you sign up to be a a follower of Did you sign up to be a a follower of Jesus thinking, "Ah, this is going to Jesus thinking, "Ah, this is going to Jesus thinking, "Ah, this is going to bring some miracles into my life." bring some miracles into my life." bring some miracles into my life." Most of us, I think, probably would say, Most of us, I think, probably would say, Most of us, I think, probably would say, "No, I didn't really expect that."

But I'll tell you, when it gets really But I'll tell you, when it gets really personal personal personal and someone we love is ill or some and someone we love is ill or some and someone we love is ill or some really difficult situation is happening really difficult situation is happening really difficult situation is happening in our lives and we pray, "God, in our lives and we pray, "God, in our lives and we pray, "God, please work a miracle. please work a miracle. please work a miracle. Please work a miracle in this one. Please work a miracle in this one. Please work a miracle in this one. You you did it before. Can't you do it You you did it before. Can't you do it You you did it before. Can't you do it again?" And sometimes sometimes that again?" And sometimes sometimes that again?" And sometimes sometimes that happens, happens, happens, but sometimes not. but sometimes not. but sometimes not. and healing has to come in a different and healing has to come in a different and healing has to come in a different way. way. way. And and so And and so And and so we tend to to um to reach for that that we tend to to um to reach for that that we tend to to um to reach for that that moment, moment, moment, but most of us didn't sign up expecting but most of us didn't sign up expecting but most of us didn't sign up expecting miracles. miracles. miracles. Here's the third possibility. Maybe the Here's the third possibility. Maybe the Here's the third possibility. Maybe the disciples were just signing up for disciples were just signing up for disciples were just signing up for heaven. heaven. heaven. You see, um there's this common You see, um there's this common You see, um there's this common misconception that the early uh that misconception that the early uh that misconception that the early uh that what we call first century or second what we call first century or second what we call first century or second temple Jews didn't believe in life after temple Jews didn't believe in life after temple Jews didn't believe in life after death. But in fact, that's not true. Uh death. But in fact, that's not true. Uh death. But in fact, that's not true. Uh there were three sects of Judaism.

there were three sects of Judaism. there were three sects of Judaism. They were the Pharisees, the Essenes, They were the Pharisees, the Essenes, They were the Pharisees, the Essenes, and the Sadducees. The Pharisees and the and the Sadducees. The Pharisees and the and the Sadducees. The Pharisees and the Essenes both believed in a kind of Essenes both believed in a kind of Essenes both believed in a kind of eternal life. The uh Pharisees believed eternal life. The uh Pharisees believed eternal life. The uh Pharisees believed in a day of resurrection when the dead in a day of resurrection when the dead in a day of resurrection when the dead shall be raised and the world shall be shall be raised and the world shall be shall be raised and the world shall be put right very much like Christians do. put right very much like Christians do. put right very much like Christians do. The um uh the Essenes believed in a uh The um uh the Essenes believed in a uh The um uh the Essenes believed in a uh immortal soul and that when we died that immortal soul and that when we died that immortal soul and that when we died that immortal soul went to be purified and immortal soul went to be purified and immortal soul went to be purified and then spent time in a place of bliss in then spent time in a place of bliss in then spent time in a place of bliss in heavenly places very much with this idea heavenly places very much with this idea heavenly places very much with this idea of us like go like like we would say go of us like go like like we would say go of us like go like like we would say go to heaven. So that may be what they were to heaven. So that may be what they were to heaven. So that may be what they were thinking. Now the Sadducees did not thinking. Now the Sadducees did not thinking. Now the Sadducees did not believe in eternal life at all. And um believe in eternal life at all. And um believe in eternal life at all. And um that here's how you remember that. That that here's how you remember that. That that here's how you remember that. That is why they were so sad. You see uh is why they were so sad. You see uh is why they were so sad. You see uh that's how you will remember that they that's how you will remember that they that's how you will remember that they did not believe in it. But the others did not believe in it. But the others did not believe in it. But the others did. And maybe that's what the disciples did. And maybe that's what the disciples did. And maybe that's what the disciples were thinking. You know what? I want to were thinking. You know what? I want to were thinking. You know what? I want to be I want to live a righteous life. I'm be I want to live a righteous life. I'm be I want to live a righteous life. I'm going to sign up for this to with this going to sign up for this to with this going to sign up for this to with this guy and I'm going to experience life in guy and I'm going to experience life in guy and I'm going to experience life in the eternal, life in the hereafter.

the eternal, life in the hereafter. the eternal, life in the hereafter. And for many of us, that's all we were And for many of us, that's all we were And for many of us, that's all we were in for. For many people, it's like, I in for. For many people, it's like, I in for. For many people, it's like, I signed up to be a follower of Jesus, to signed up to be a follower of Jesus, to signed up to be a follower of Jesus, to be a believer in Jesus, so that when I be a believer in Jesus, so that when I be a believer in Jesus, so that when I reach the end of my earthly life, reach the end of my earthly life, reach the end of my earthly life, there's something after for me. there's something after for me. there's something after for me. I I want to be with Jesus, I want to I I want to be with Jesus, I want to I I want to be with Jesus, I want to experience resurrection. I want the experience resurrection. I want the experience resurrection. I want the people I want to be and see the people I people I want to be and see the people I people I want to be and see the people I love again. And you know, maybe that's love again. And you know, maybe that's love again. And you know, maybe that's enough. enough. enough. But it it I will tell you this, that's But it it I will tell you this, that's But it it I will tell you this, that's not what seemed to drive Jesus most. not what seemed to drive Jesus most. not what seemed to drive Jesus most. What seemed to drive Jesus most? In What seemed to drive Jesus most? In What seemed to drive Jesus most? In fact, what is the prayer he taught us? fact, what is the prayer he taught us? fact, what is the prayer he taught us? Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. more earth as it is in heaven. more earth as it is in heaven. more interested in getting heaven to earth interested in getting heaven to earth interested in getting heaven to earth than us Christians to heaven. than us Christians to heaven. than us Christians to heaven. Um there is that sense in which that we Um there is that sense in which that we Um there is that sense in which that we have to ask ourselves, are we really have to ask ourselves, are we really have to ask ourselves, are we really following Jesus if all we care about is following Jesus if all we care about is following Jesus if all we care about is that someday I'm going to go to heaven.

that someday I'm going to go to heaven. that someday I'm going to go to heaven. You know, there's this move from that we You know, there's this move from that we You know, there's this move from that we have to make from being a believer in have to make from being a believer in have to make from being a believer in Jesus to being a follower of Jesus. Jesus to being a follower of Jesus. Jesus to being a follower of Jesus. And that that's what Jesus says is the And that that's what Jesus says is the And that that's what Jesus says is the you know yes it's true that we are saved you know yes it's true that we are saved you know yes it's true that we are saved by faith but faith without works is by faith but faith without works is by faith but faith without works is dead. And when Jesus says not everyone dead. And when Jesus says not everyone dead. And when Jesus says not everyone who says Lord Lord will enter the who says Lord Lord will enter the who says Lord Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven but only those who do kingdom of heaven but only those who do kingdom of heaven but only those who do the will of my heavenly father will the will of my heavenly father will the will of my heavenly father will enter the the kingdom kind of makes you enter the the kingdom kind of makes you enter the the kingdom kind of makes you jump a little. jump a little. jump a little. You think to yourself You think to yourself You think to yourself well am I allin really? Am I doing God's well am I allin really? Am I doing God's well am I allin really? Am I doing God's will? No, the the the truth is that may be No, the the the truth is that may be what our expectations are. And that's a what our expectations are. And that's a what our expectations are. And that's a good one. But here's what I would say is the the But here's what I would say is the the fourth one that I think might really be fourth one that I think might really be fourth one that I think might really be what was driving these disciples, and what was driving these disciples, and what was driving these disciples, and it's the one that resonates with me it's the one that resonates with me it's the one that resonates with me personally the most.

I think they they expected to live a I think they they expected to live a transformed and meaningful life. transformed and meaningful life. transformed and meaningful life. I can just imagine them sitting in their I can just imagine them sitting in their I can just imagine them sitting in their in their fishing boats. in their fishing boats. in their fishing boats. The James and John, it says, were The James and John, it says, were The James and John, it says, were mending their nets. Can you think of mending their nets. Can you think of mending their nets. Can you think of anything more anything more anything more tedious tedious tedious than that? They're mending their nets than that? They're mending their nets than that? They're mending their nets and they're thinking to themselves, "Is and they're thinking to themselves, "Is and they're thinking to themselves, "Is this all there is? this all there is? this all there is? Is this is this what life's about? just Is this is this what life's about? just Is this is this what life's about? just mending my nets and cast, you know, mending my nets and cast, you know, mending my nets and cast, you know, fishing all day every day. fishing all day every day. fishing all day every day. I keep thinking of when I was younger I keep thinking of when I was younger I keep thinking of when I was younger and learned to play the guitar. One of and learned to play the guitar. One of and learned to play the guitar. One of the first songs I learned was Cat the first songs I learned was Cat the first songs I learned was Cat Stevens Father and Son. You know that Stevens Father and Son. You know that Stevens Father and Son. You know that song? He says, "I don't want to work song? He says, "I don't want to work song? He says, "I don't want to work away doing what they all say, work hard, away doing what they all say, work hard, away doing what they all say, work hard, boy, one day you'll find you have a job boy, one day you'll find you have a job boy, one day you'll find you have a job like mine." Dad says, like mine." Dad says, like mine." Dad says, they didn't want just a job like dad. they didn't want just a job like dad. they didn't want just a job like dad. They wanted something more. And Jesus They wanted something more. And Jesus They wanted something more. And Jesus says, "The kingdom of of of heaven is at says, "The kingdom of of of heaven is at says, "The kingdom of of of heaven is at hand. Follow me. I'll make you fish for hand. Follow me. I'll make you fish for hand. Follow me. I'll make you fish for people. I'll make you have a life that people. I'll make you have a life that people. I'll make you have a life that matters. I'll make you give yourself to matters. I'll make you give yourself to matters. I'll make you give yourself to something that makes a difference."

something that makes a difference." something that makes a difference." When I was young and came to Christ, I I When I was young and came to Christ, I I When I was young and came to Christ, I I was so idealistic. was so idealistic. was so idealistic. And I I wanted more than anything to And I I wanted more than anything to And I I wanted more than anything to live a a life that would make a live a a life that would make a live a a life that would make a difference. I wanted to be when I read difference. I wanted to be when I read difference. I wanted to be when I read the teachings of Jesus, I wanted to feed the teachings of Jesus, I wanted to feed the teachings of Jesus, I wanted to feed the hungry. I wanted to be a part of the hungry. I wanted to be a part of the hungry. I wanted to be a part of clothing the naked and and curing the clothing the naked and and curing the clothing the naked and and curing the sick and visiting the stranger, sick and visiting the stranger, sick and visiting the stranger, embracing the outcast, all of those embracing the outcast, all of those embracing the outcast, all of those things that Jesus taught. I wanted to be things that Jesus taught. I wanted to be things that Jesus taught. I wanted to be that person full of forgiveness and that person full of forgiveness and that person full of forgiveness and love. I wanted to live that life and to love. I wanted to live that life and to love. I wanted to live that life and to make a difference in the world and to to make a difference in the world and to to make a difference in the world and to to to sort of change the world, to move the to sort of change the world, to move the to sort of change the world, to move the needle in some way, shape, or form. And needle in some way, shape, or form. And needle in some way, shape, or form. And I think that's what the disciples wanted I think that's what the disciples wanted I think that's what the disciples wanted too. That's why they signed up. too. That's why they signed up. too. That's why they signed up. They wanted to to to live a life that They wanted to to to live a life that They wanted to to to live a life that seemed to really matter. Here's what happens to us sometimes Here's what happens to us sometimes though. Over time, it we give ourselves though. Over time, it we give ourselves though. Over time, it we give ourselves to those things and and sometimes it to those things and and sometimes it to those things and and sometimes it feels like it's um the myth of Seisphus feels like it's um the myth of Seisphus feels like it's um the myth of Seisphus where he pushes the rock up the hill and where he pushes the rock up the hill and where he pushes the rock up the hill and then it just rolls back down again and then it just rolls back down again and then it just rolls back down again and you think, "Okay, I'm working at this.

you think, "Okay, I'm working at this. you think, "Okay, I'm working at this. I'm working at this, but is the needle I'm working at this, but is the needle I'm working at this, but is the needle really moving? I mean, is the world really moving? I mean, is the world really moving? I mean, is the world really a better place?" But as followers of Jesus, what Jesus is But as followers of Jesus, what Jesus is promising is that we live a life of promising is that we live a life of promising is that we live a life of hope. And that hope is certainly the hope. And that hope is certainly the hope. And that hope is certainly the opportunity to go to heaven, but it's opportunity to go to heaven, but it's opportunity to go to heaven, but it's also a hope that one day that our work also a hope that one day that our work also a hope that one day that our work will pay off. That we don't have to. will pay off. That we don't have to. will pay off. That we don't have to. It's not completely up to us. That Jesus It's not completely up to us. That Jesus It's not completely up to us. That Jesus promises that the work that he says the promises that the work that he says the promises that the work that he says the work that began in you will be brought work that began in you will be brought work that began in you will be brought to completion on the day of Jesus to completion on the day of Jesus to completion on the day of Jesus Christ. That the work you give will will Christ. That the work you give will will Christ. That the work you give will will um will actually matter. That's why in 1 um will actually matter. That's why in 1 um will actually matter. That's why in 1 Corinthians 15, he says um don't give Corinthians 15, he says um don't give Corinthians 15, he says um don't give up. stay after it because the work is up. stay after it because the work is up. stay after it because the work is not in vain. not in vain. not in vain. Right? So we live this life of hope, of Right? So we live this life of hope, of Right? So we live this life of hope, of believing that things can be better and believing that things can be better and believing that things can be better and of giving ourselves to them. of giving ourselves to them. of giving ourselves to them. And we can live that life. And we can live that life. And we can live that life. Here's what to expect.

Here's what to expect. Here's what to expect. You can expect a life of hope. You can expect a life of hope. You can expect a life of hope. You can expect a life of community. You can expect a a You can expect a a a life of humbling love a life of humbling love a life of humbling love because when you decide, I want to be a because when you decide, I want to be a because when you decide, I want to be a follower of Jesus, not just a believer. follower of Jesus, not just a believer. follower of Jesus, not just a believer. Here's what I promise that you will Here's what I promise that you will Here's what I promise that you will experience. experience. experience. You'll experience this sense of, "Wow, I You'll experience this sense of, "Wow, I You'll experience this sense of, "Wow, I sure fall short. sure fall short. sure fall short. I'm not doing it. I want to do it. I'm I'm not doing it. I want to do it. I'm I'm not doing it. I want to do it. I'm trying to do it. I'm growing and doing trying to do it. I'm growing and doing trying to do it. I'm growing and doing it, but I I I still don't put others it, but I I I still don't put others it, but I I I still don't put others needs ahead of mine all the time. needs ahead of mine all the time. needs ahead of mine all the time. I I still am not forgiving seven times I I still am not forgiving seven times I I still am not forgiving seven times 70. 70. 70. I haven't put anger out of my mind. I haven't put anger out of my mind. I haven't put anger out of my mind. I'm not living that life as fully as I I'm not living that life as fully as I I'm not living that life as fully as I as I'm called to live. as I'm called to live. as I'm called to live. And yet And yet And yet Jesus loves me more than anything.

Jesus loves me more than anything. Jesus loves me more than anything. Anyway, Anyway, Anyway, I am accepted and loved I am accepted and loved I am accepted and loved just as I am. just as I am. just as I am. What a a glorious feeling What a a glorious feeling What a a glorious feeling to know God's love even though you to know God's love even though you to know God's love even though you aren't where you'd like to be, even aren't where you'd like to be, even aren't where you'd like to be, even though you haven't reached the call. It is that uh amazing opportunity to It is that uh amazing opportunity to know that whatever comes our way know that whatever comes our way know that whatever comes our way friends friends friends if your expectations are that choosing if your expectations are that choosing if your expectations are that choosing to be a follower of Jesus will make life to be a follower of Jesus will make life to be a follower of Jesus will make life easier easier easier that's not what the scripture tells us. that's not what the scripture tells us. that's not what the scripture tells us. In fact, he says, "In this world, you In fact, he says, "In this world, you In fact, he says, "In this world, you will have trouble." will have trouble." will have trouble." But the promise is that God will never But the promise is that God will never But the promise is that God will never forsake us, never leave us, will give us forsake us, never leave us, will give us forsake us, never leave us, will give us the strength to face each of those the strength to face each of those the strength to face each of those challenges that come our way. challenges that come our way. challenges that come our way. and that we can live this life that and that we can live this life that and that we can live this life that leans in to experiencing God's presence leans in to experiencing God's presence leans in to experiencing God's presence to working for God's ministry and to working for God's ministry and to working for God's ministry and mission to to to join in his amazing mission to to to join in his amazing mission to to to join in his amazing work of changing the world and that one work of changing the world and that one work of changing the world and that one day that will in fact come to pass and day that will in fact come to pass and day that will in fact come to pass and we'll get to be a part of it.

we'll get to be a part of it. we'll get to be a part of it. But first But first But first we have to make the decision to follow. we have to make the decision to follow. we have to make the decision to follow. Not just to believe in Jesus, but we Not just to believe in Jesus, but we Not just to believe in Jesus, but we have to make a decision that I want to have to make a decision that I want to have to make a decision that I want to follow him. follow him. follow him. I want to live and love as he taught, as I want to live and love as he taught, as I want to live and love as he taught, as he showed and and demonstrated. he showed and and demonstrated. he showed and and demonstrated. And that will give us a life of And that will give us a life of And that will give us a life of transformed transformed transformed a transformed life of meaning and a transformed life of meaning and a transformed life of meaning and purpose. purpose. purpose. Let's pray together. gracious and loving Let's pray together. gracious and loving Let's pray together. gracious and loving God. God. God. Who knows exactly why those disciples Who knows exactly why those disciples Who knows exactly why those disciples made that decision, made that decision, made that decision, but as they stepped out to um but as they stepped out to um but as they stepped out to um to follow your son Jesus Christ, to follow your son Jesus Christ, to follow your son Jesus Christ, what they experienced was amazing what they experienced was amazing what they experienced was amazing miracles all around them. miracles all around them. miracles all around them. being a part of ushering in this kingdom being a part of ushering in this kingdom being a part of ushering in this kingdom of God of God of God which we believe will one day come to which we believe will one day come to which we believe will one day come to pass and we'll get to be a part of it.

pass and we'll get to be a part of it. pass and we'll get to be a part of it. Give us the courage to take that step Give us the courage to take that step Give us the courage to take that step and to choose to follow you. and to choose to follow you. and to choose to follow you. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen. So our closing hymn is number 344. This So our closing hymn is number 344. This is one of my favorite hymns. Uh it's is one of my favorite hymns. Uh it's is one of my favorite hymns. Uh it's we're going to sing it's in English and we're going to sing it's in English and we're going to sing it's in English and Spanish and we're only going to sing the Spanish and we're only going to sing the Spanish and we're only going to sing the English part. Uh there's two verses. English part. Uh there's two verses. English part. Uh there's two verses. It's Lord, you have come to the lake It's Lord, you have come to the lake It's Lord, you have come to the lake shore. Why don't you stand as we sing it shore. Why don't you stand as we sing it shore. Why don't you stand as we sing it together? are wise.

are wise. You only ask me You only ask me You only ask me to follow to follow to follow me. me. me. Oh Lord, Oh Lord, Oh Lord, in your eyes you have searched me in your eyes you have searched me in your eyes you have searched me and must and must and must have spoken my name. Now my post Now my post will shine behind me will shine behind me will shine behind me by your side. by your side. by your side. I will seek out the seas. You You know so well my possessions my carries my carries no gold and no you will find there you will find there and labor.

Oh Lord, Oh Lord, with your eyes you have searched me with your eyes you have searched me with your eyes you have searched me and was Now my left Now my left will shine on behind me. So go bear witness to the love of God in So go bear witness to the love of God in this world so that those to whom love is this world so that those to whom love is this world so that those to whom love is a stranger will find in you generous a stranger will find in you generous a stranger will find in you generous friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, love of God, and communion of Christ, love of God, and communion of Christ, love of God, and communion of the Holy Spirit be with you now and the Holy Spirit be with you now and the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Amen.