Sermon For Epiphany 2:
John 1:43-51 - Something Good Can Happen in NazarethI like the story of the young woman who wanted to
go to college, but her heart sank when she read the question on the application
blank that asked, "Are you a leader?" Being both honest and
conscientious, she wrote, "No," and returned the application,
expecting the worst. To her surprise, she received this letter from the college:
"Dear Applicant: A study of the application forms reveals that this year
our college will have 1,452 new leaders. We are accepting you because we feel it
is imperative that they have at least one follower."
In our text for this morning, Phillip comes to Nathanael and proclaims that he
has found the one whom Moses wrote about. He is Jesus of Nazareth. While we do
not know what expression Nathanael had on his face when he responded, I think
that it is safe to say that his response revealed a cynical sneer. "Can
anything good come from
You see, the church has the same problem. The church is full of those sure of
themselves. We may even get to the point where we believe very little that we
are told. We sit back under the fig tree with the sneer of a Nathanael and we
ask, "Can anything good come from [Name your Church], Can anything good
come from our Youth Group; can anything good come from [name a program of the
church]." People come in and out the doors of this church with a critical
eye. Skepticism is not a modern virtue. Doubting Thomases have been around since
the dawn of time. By nature we don't want to be led. We want to lead. But, in
the church, it is imperative that we have followers. In fact it is imperative
for all of us to be followers.
Nathanael learned this. He was skeptical at first but he was transformed. He
became a follower because Phillip invited him.
Let me ask you: What was it that Phillip saw in Christ that moved him to follow,
that stirred him so to invite his friend Nathanael. Come and see what? What did
Phillip see in Jesus of Nazareth? I want to attempt to answer that question this
morning. Come and see what?
1. Come and see souls redeemed.
2. Come and see lives transformed.
3. Come and see the heavens opened.
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