Yardley United Methodist Church
Jan 25 - The Calling And Ministry of God

      • Isaiah 9:1–4NRSVUE

      • Matthew 4:12–23NRSVUE

      • Psalm 40NRSVUE

      • John 4:31–42NRSVUE

  • The Calling and Ministry of God

    Bible Passage: Matthew 4:12–23, Isaiah 9:1–4

    Summary: These passages illustrate the profound calling of Jesus and the prophetic declaration of light breaking into darkness, emphasizing the initiation of a transformative ministry to humanity.
    Application: This sermon encourages believers to understand their own call to follow Christ and participate in His ministry, urging them to step out of darkness into His light, thus bringing hope to those around them. It also reassures those feeling lost or unsure of their purpose that God has a specific call for them.
    Teaching: The sermon teaches that God's ministry begins with a personal call to individuals and expands into a larger mission that impacts the world. It emphasizes the importance of responding to God's call as a community and as individuals, illustrating the power of following Christ's example in daily life.
    How this passage could point to Christ: This theme underscores Christ as the fulfillment of the prophetic word in Isaiah, being the light that breaks into darkness, calling individuals to a greater purpose. His calling of the first disciples serves as a model for how He invites all believers into His ministry.
    Subtitle: The Invitation to Light in the Shadow of Empire
    Text: Matthew 4:12–23; Isaiah 9:1–4
    Big Idea: In the face of deepening shadows, Jesus invites us to trade our fear for a greater allegiance, leading courageously by bringing the light of His Kingdom to broken places.
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    I. Introduction: A Light That Does Not Withdraw (Matthew 4:12-16)

    We begin with a crisis. Matthew 4:12 tells us, “Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee”. John the Baptist, the voice of truth, had been silenced by the state, Herod.
    In our current context, we understand this tension. We know what it feels like when government tightens its grip and the cost of speaking truth rises.
    But I encourage you to look closely at Jesus’ movement here. He does not withdraw to hide; He withdraws to engage.
    He moves specifically to the populous city of Capernaum, on the northernmost rim of the Sea of Galilee. This was not a random choice. Historically, this region was the first to be crushed by the Assyrian empire under King Shalmaneser V. It was a place scarred by military expansion, forced tribute, and the humiliation of domination and conquest.
    Reflective Statement: When you look at oppressive circumstances around us today, do you feel the temptation to retreat into silence, or do you see it as the very place where God’s light is needed most?
    Transition: Jesus purposefully walked into the region known for its history of trauma to show us that the shadow of the oppressor is exactly where the Light of the World does His best work.

    II. The Invitation to Hope (Isaiah 9:1-4)

    Matthew quotes Isaiah to explain this moment: “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light”. In Isaiah’s day, this "darkness" was the reality of calamity, foreign occupation, and the “rod of their oppressor”—a metaphor for the heavy burdens and domineering rule imposed by the empire. The text promises that God will break “the yoke of their burden” just as He did in the day of Midian. This is an invitation to hope.
    When we lead courageously amidst oppression, we are not just resisting a regime; we are participating in the breaking of yokes. The arrival of Jesus signals that liberation from oppression has begun. He signals the light of a new day has come.
    Reflective Statement: What "yoke" of fear or hopelessness are you carrying right now? Jesus invites you to see that His light is strong enough to shatter the heavy yoke across your shoulders.
    Transition: But this liberation requires a shift in our hearts. It requires a new allegiance.

    III. The Invitation to a New Allegiance (Matthew 4:17)

    From that time, Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near”. We often hear "repent" as a command to feel bad about our behavior. But in the shadow of oppression, repentance is a courageous act. It is a change of mind and loyalty.
    It is the “peculiar business of Christ to establish the kingdom of heaven” as a rival reality to the kingdoms and authorities of this world. To repent is to refuse to normalize the darkness. It is an invitation to align yourself with the righteous Davidic king whose reign brings peace and justice, standing in sharp contrast to the war and affliction of earthly oppressors.
    Reflective Statement: Are you living by the rules of the shadow empire, or are you ready to accept the invitation to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of Light?
    Transition: This Kingdom is not built on military might or a police state, but on a community of people willing to answer a radically different calling.

    IV. The Invitation to Disruptive Purpose (Matthew 4:18-22)

    Jesus walks by the Sea of Galilee and offers a simple invitation: “Follow me”.
    Notice the disruption.
    Simon and Andrew were casting a net; James and John were mending their nets with their father; a family business.
    In a time of economic uncertainty and political instability, holding onto your "nets"—your financial security and your social standing—is the safe thing to do. But Jesus invites them to something greater: “I will make you fishers of people”.
    This wasn't just about evangelism; it was a call to gather together those who are willing to follow Jesus in radical obedience.
    The Cost: They left their nets (economy) and their father (social structure) immediately. It took real courage.
    The Courage: Leading courageously means we cannot wait for a "safer" climate to follow the call of God. We prioritize the call of God above the safety of the family business or the approval of popular culture.
    Reflective Statement: If Jesus walked into your home or workplace today—into the middle of your security—and said "Follow me," what would be the hardest thing for you to leave behind? It’s certainly something to seriously consider.
    Transition: And, once we accept this invitation to follow, what does our leadership actually look like in a dark world?

    V. The Invitation to Heal (Matthew 4:23)

    Jesus went throughout Galilee teaching, proclaiming the good news... and curing every disease and every sickness. Forces of oppression often acts maintain control by inflicting pain or neglecting the vulnerable.
    The Kingdom of God pushes back by healing.
    Jesus freed those who were oppressed by demon possession—people who were under the control of hostile spiritual forces.
    This is our model for servant leadership in Christ. We resist the "shadow of death" by becoming agents of new and flourishing life.
    We Teach: We speak truth where there is propaganda and suspicion.
    We Heal: We tend to the physical and spiritual needs of those held back and held down.
    We Proclaim: We announce that a better King and Kingdom has arrived; is near even now.
    Reflective Statement: Who in your sphere of influence has been crushed? How is God inviting you to bring healing to them this week?
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    Conclusion: Leading as Light-Bearers

    The calling of God is an invitation to courageously follow Christ and engage in His transformative ministry, bringing light and hope into the world.

    The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light.
    Today, Jesus extends an invitation to you. He invites you to stop retreating in fear. He invites you to drop the nets of false security. He invites you to repent—to shift your allegiance from the empire of darkness to the Kingdom of Heaven.
    Will you accept the invitation to be the light where the shadow is deepest?
Yardley United Methodist Church
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