Lectionary Readings — Seventh Sunday after Pentecost — July 7, 2024
2 Samuel 5:1-5;9-10; Psalm 48; 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-13
Call to Worship (based on Mark 6:1-13)
Leader: Jesus faced rejection in His hometown but continued His mission.
People: We seek courage to follow His example, even in adversity.
Leader: He sent His disciples with nothing but faith, trusting in God’s provision.
People: We trust in God to provide for our needs as we serve Him.
Leader: The disciples proclaimed repentance, healed the sick, and cast out demons.
People: We are called to share God’s love, healing, and hope with the world.
Leader: Let us worship God, who empowers us to bring His message to others.
People: We open our hearts to God’s calling today.
Leader: May our worship strengthen our faith and commitment.
All: Amen.
Opening Prayer (based on Psalm 48)
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father,
We gather today to praise and glorify Your holy name. Great are You, Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, Your holy mountain. Your beauty and majesty fill us with awe and wonder.
As we reflect on Psalm 48, we are reminded of Your steadfast love and protection. You are our fortress, our guide, and our refuge. In Your presence, we find peace and strength.
Lord, as we come together in worship, may Your Spirit move among us. Open our hearts to Your word and guide our thoughts to honor You. Help us to see Your hand in our lives and to trust in Your unfailing love.
We thank You for being our ever-present help in times of trouble. Just as Your holy city is established forever, so too is Your covenant with us. We stand secure in the knowledge that You are with us, leading us and sustaining us.
As we praise You today, may our worship be pleasing in Your sight. Fill us with Your peace and joy, and strengthen our faith as we journey together in Your love.
In Jesus' name, we pray.
Amen.
Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].
[Note: All Scripture is taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.]
Introduction
Share a personal or contemporary story about facing rejection or stepping out in faith.
Briefly introduce the passage from Mark 6:1-13, setting the scene of Jesus’ return to His hometown and His commissioning of the disciples.
I. HOMETOWN REJECTION
Familiarity and Unbelief: Discuss how Jesus' familiarity in His hometown led to disbelief among the people.
Scripture Reference: "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" (Mark 6:3).
Explanation: Highlight the challenges of being unrecognized or undervalued by those who think they know us best.
Application: Encourage the congregation to recognize the value and potential in those around them, and to not let familiarity breed contempt.
II. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Jesus’ Limited Miracles: Explain why Jesus performed few miracles in His hometown due to their lack of faith.
Scripture Reference: "And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them." (Mark 6:5).
Explanation: Discuss the impact of unbelief on the workings of faith and miracles.
Application: Challenge the congregation to cultivate faith and trust in God’s power, even in seemingly ordinary or familiar settings.
III. HIS COMMISSIONING OF THE DISCIPLES
Sending with Simplicity: Describe Jesus sending the disciples out with minimal provisions, emphasizing dependence on God.
Scripture Reference: "He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts." (Mark 6:8).
Explanation: Highlight the importance of trusting in God's provision and the power of simplicity in mission.
Application: Encourage the congregation to step out in faith, trusting God to provide for their needs as they serve Him.
IV. HEALING AND HERALDING
Proclaiming and Healing: Emphasize the dual mission of preaching repentance and healing the sick.
Scripture Reference: "So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them." (Mark 6:12-13).
Explanation: Discuss the balance of spiritual and physical ministry in the disciples’ work.
Application: Motivate the congregation to engage in holistic ministry, addressing both spiritual and physical needs of those around them.
Conclusion
Reflect on the Journey: Summarize the key points of the sermon: dealing with rejection, embracing humble beginnings, relying on God’s provision, and balancing preaching with acts of service.
Personal Application: Challenge the congregation to apply these principles in their lives, stepping out in faith and serving others with a holistic approach.
Closing Prayer: Offer a prayer for courage, faith, and a renewed commitment to follow Jesus’ example in mission and ministry.
Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers
