August 27th Virtual Worship
| The Order of Worship |
|---|
| The Bells Call Us To Worship |
| Prelude |
| Call to Worship |
| Hymn of Adoration |
| Confession of Sin |
| Kyrie |
| Assurance of Pardon |
| Greeting of Peace |
| Gloria |
| Scripture Reading: Mathew 16:13-20 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Who Do You Say that I Am? |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Jenna Crafts
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Who Do You Say that I Am?
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
[Reading above - Matthew 15:21-28]
This story of Jesus has corroboration with some variation in Mark 8:27-30, and in Luke 9:18-21. This is the first and only time in Mathew’s gospel of the direct confession of Jesus as the Messiah (from the Hebrew) or Christ (from the Greek). Messiah/Christ means one who is anointed and appointed by God for a Divine mission. In the first century in Israel there was an expectation that the eschaton, the fulfillment of time, was approaching. Many expected the appearance of a Messiah to initiate this fulfillment, marked by the vindication of martyrs, the ascendancy of Israel as a light to the nations, and the everlasting reign of God on earth bringing Shalom—comprehensive well-being for all of creation. This passage begins the engagement of these expectations by first establishing the identity of Jesus as Messiah/Christ. The remainder of the gospel explores Jesus’ own understanding of his Divine mission and what that will mean for his followers.
Questions for Reflection:
The location of this story is Caesarea Philippi, a Roman city dedicated to the memory of Augustus who desired and demanded to be referred to as the Son of God and the Prince of Peace. How does this place add to the meaning of the declaration that Jesus is Messiah, the Son of the Living God?
Peter’s declaration of the identity of Jesus confers to Peter a leadership role among Jesus’ followers. What about Peter and his declaration serves as an example for us as servant-leaders of the way of Jesus?
Why do you think Jesus ordered his disciples to remain quiet about his identity?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Jesus as Messiah and Son of the Living God suggests that Jesus is the embodiment of a God who is gracefully present and working with and through us to achieve Divine purposes. How might you express the meaning of this identity through story, poetry, journaling, art, music, movement, or action? How might this expression inspire service that advances grace and peace?
A Practice to Deepening Discipleship
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice. Use the journal as a way to:
jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures, respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes, make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons, create a to-do list of discipleship actions, list questions you want to explore, write prayers, stories, poems, or letters, be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
