Welcome to the show! We’re glad to have you back with us or joining us for the first time. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, or so it is said. It dispels fear, “the blues”, rumors, and is an antidote to dishonesty. Light runs through the four passages for this Sunday in explicit and implicit ways. In Isaiah and Matthew, God’s light is breaking in on those who live in darkness. The Psalmist declares the Lord is his light, so he praises God for shelter in times of trouble. Paul addresses the report of division in Corinth and attempts to shed light on their common bond in Jesus’ cross.

Three years ago, we offered some commentary about the movie Amistad, suggested using a jeweler’s eyepiece to examine a gem for flaws, and translated the word “left” in Matthew as “divorced.” See if these or other ideas may spark some creativity for your sermon!

Matthew 4:12-23 – [01:58]

Matthew 4:12-23 worksheetDownload

When you download the worksheet, you will notice a lot of bright yellow highlighting. David came up with ideas that he thought could work in either Matthew or Isaiah and wanted to make that connection obvious. For example, the images of Mercury’s deep, dark places could work as an EYE smart illustration for either passage. For MATH smart in Matthew, try using some magnets to demonstrate Jesus’ draw on the fishermen he calls. Try casting a net for a BODY smart special effect, and as a bonus, you can talk about how fish tend to come toward the surface of the water at dawn for NATURE smart. We have a lot to offer in MUSIC smart. Also, David found a way to retell this story using musicians! We have some questions for personal reflection in SELF smart.

* EYE smart – [04:31]* Here’s a video of Mercury’s north pole.* MATH smart – [07:03]* Here are some simple demonstrations you can do with a hanging ring magnet and some bar magnets.* BODY smart – [07:48]* Net casting in the backyard* How to Use a Cast Net The Online Fisherman* MUSIC smart – [09:00]* Sing Hey for the Carpenter by John Bell* Hail the Fisherfolk by Dave Brown.