January 3rd Virtual Worship

January 3, 2021 Pastor Marc Hayden

Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Matthew Leone, Rene Vazquez

Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden

Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger

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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:

Journeying with John, What Are You Looking For?

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!”

The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

[Reading above - John 1: 35-42]

This story demonstrates a theme used throughout John’s gospel: seeing clearly leads to knowing truly, and what is known leads to testimony (from the commentary of Alexandra R. Brown). To hear and to follow are distinguishing and ongoing activities of discipleship. John also uses “to stay” thirty-four times in his gospel, not only to indicate a physical place but also a connection to spiritual presence. “Staying with Jesus” leads to seeing the deeper truth of Jesus’ identity. Discovering the truth about Jesus motivates one to share the invitation to see, hear and stay.

Questions for Reflection:

What is your story of seeing, hearing, and discovering something significant about Jesus that led you to follow? Who pointed the way for you?
In what ways does Jesus represent “what you are looking for”?
To whom are you extending the invitation “come and see”?