Under the Fig Tree
Scripture: John 1:43-51 (NRSVue)
The Magi responded to Jesus by kneeling before him and offering gifts. Another vital response to Jesus is getting up off our knees and following him. For the Christian, leadership is really about followership, listening to Christ’s call, and inviting others to “come and see” with us what Jesus is all about. Our gospel reading looks at two disciples who answered Jesus’ call in the beginning of his ministry—Philip and Nathanael. But the call of Christ doesn’t stop with them. As modern-day disciples, we’re part of the ongoing call and response to Jesus today. Faith in Christ isn’t static, it’s a movement, an active verb. It’s going and following where Christ beckons—often into the unknown.
YouTube video links
8:30 am service: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dGhorlMwLks
11:00 am service: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=og6NNK6MJn8
January 14, 2024
- 8:30 am – Alternative Worship Service Bulletin (click)
- 11:00 am – Traditional Worship Service Bulletin (click)
All of Immanuel’s Worship Service Videos are available on our YouTube Channel.
All of Immanuel’s Sermons are available in our Library of Sermons.
Sermon Art: “Nathanael under the fig tree” by John DelHousaye
Bible Study Questions – John 1:43-51 (NRSVue)
- What do you think it was like for John the Baptist to be so popular and then when Jesus came on the scene to point to him and then to even “give” disciples over to him? How might we learn from him in our lives today?
- What do you think of Andrew, an ex-John the Baptist follower, now a Jesus follower, dragging his brother Simon (Peter) to meet Jesus?
- Our gospel reading is about Jesus finding others and others finding Jesus. Do you think we can find Jesus before he finds us?
- There are a lot of invitations and opportunities to respond in this passage. What are the best ways for us to respond to Jesus’ call?
- When Jesus asked “What are you looking for?” what do you think the disciples answered?
- What are some modern-day examples of “what good can come from Nazareth? (judging by appearances)
- Why is Jesus worth following?
Recent Sermons
Be a Practicing Blessologist
March 03, 2024
Letting Go for Dear Life
February 25, 2024
A Bow in the Clouds
February 18, 2024