Busy Cleaning Nets

 A Sermon for Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church

26^th January 2025

 

Isaiah 6:1-8

Luke 5.1-11

I have a friend who has, over the years,

            occasionally invited me to go fishing with him.

 

Reflecting on this now, I realise how much his descriptions of fishing

            —the patience required, the moments of sudden unexpected action,

                        and the trust that eventually all the effort will be rewarded—

            mirror the themes of our passage this morning from Luke’s gospel.

 

Fishing, I’m told, requires a willingness to embrace uncertainty

            and a readiness to act when the moment is right,

and these speak to like the life of discipleship

            that Jesus offered to the fishermen by the sea of Galilee.

 

My friend tells me of the excitement of the catch,

            the thrill of the chase, and all that!

 

He’s shown me countless photos of himself

            proudly holding record-breaking carp,

and he speaks eloquently of the peacefulness

            of sitting for hours in God’s creation

with time to think, reflect, and receive from God.

 

Well, I have to say, I can’t see it myself!

 

I may be speaking from a position of ignorance,

            but it all sounds to me like a lot of time

            and not a lot to show for it.

 

Certainly, this had been the experience of Simon, James, and John

            —fishing partners incorporated, Sea of Galilee, Founded 18AD.

 

They had spent the best part of the last decade

            learning their profession as fishermen.

 

Night after night, they would set out in their boats,

            making their way into a sea brim-full of fish

            in the hope of bringing home a reasonable catch.

 

They had the equipment, the theory, and the lake.

            Yet on the morning Jesus came along, they had no fish.

 

It’s a vivid image—professionals with years of experience,

            their best equipment, their hard-won knowledge,

            and yet: empty nets.

 

And then along comes Jesus, not a fisherman but a carpenter,

            telling them to go out again and try something new.

 

Into the deep waters,

            where the risks are greater but so are the rewards.

 

Let’s step back for a moment.

 

Simon, James, and John were no novices.

            They were seasoned professionals

            who understood the intricacies of their trade.

 

They knew the best times to fish,

            the precise locations on the Sea of Galilee

                        where fish were most likely to gather,

            and how to read the weather patterns

                        to ensure a safe and successful outing.

 

Their years of practice had honed their skills to an art.

            Yet here they were, on this particular morning,

            with nothing to show for all their expertise.

 

It’s against this backdrop of their deep knowledge and disappointing results

            that Jesus’ command to try again

                        —in a way that defied their professional instincts—

            stands out so starkly.

 

These were people who knew their stuff,

            their nets were carefully cleaned and mended, the holes just the right size:

                        big enough to let the tiddlers through,

                        small enough to catch the fish worth catching.

 

They had everything in place for success—everything except fish.

 

And, to make things worse, when Jesus shows up,

            it turns out he’s brought a crowd with him,

            people longing to hear the word of God.

 

The problem is, there isn’t really anywhere for him to stand

            where he can make himself heard.

 

So he asks Simon if he can borrow his boat,

            and after teaching the crowd, Jesus turns to Simon

            and suggests they set out into deeper water and try again.

 

Imagine Simon’s internal reaction:

            “It’s time for bed. The fish are all hiding today.

            Who does this carpenter think he is?”

 

Yet somehow, Simon’s respect for Jesus prevails.

            “If you say so,” he replies, and lets down the nets.

 

What happens next is nothing short of miraculous.

            The catch is so abundant that the nets begin to break,

            and the boats start to sink.

 

Simon, overwhelmed, falls to his knees,

            recognising in this moment not only Jesus’ power but his own unworthiness:

            “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”

 

But Jesus’ response takes things in a different direction:

            “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.”

 

And so, when they brought their boats to shore,

            they left everything and followed him.

 

Isaiah’s Vision: A Call to Deeper Trust

Before diving into the lessons we might draw from Luke’s fishing story,

            let’s reflect for a moment on our Old Testament reading from Isaiah 6:1-8,

which provides a striking parallel

            to Simon Peter’s experience.

 

In Isaiah’s vision, he encounters the overwhelming glory of God,

            filling the temple with majesty and holiness.

His immediate reaction is one of unworthiness:

            "Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips!"

This prefigures Simon Peter’s similar response

            as he falls to his knees before Jesus,

            overcome by a sense of his own inadequacy:

            "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!"

 

But in both stories,

            God’s response is not condemnation but commissioning.

 

Isaiah’s lips are touched with a burning coal,

            symbolising purification and readiness for mission.

 

Peter hears Jesus’ words of reassurance:

            "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people."

 

Both men are called not because they are perfect,

            but because they are willing to respond in faith.

 

This is a reminder to us that God’s call often comes when we feel least qualified,

            and it is God’s grace alone that equips us for the task ahead.

 

Going Deeper in Our Spirituality

This year, we have committed ourselves as a church

            to deepening our relationship with God and with one another.

 

Jesus’ call to Simon Peter to venture into deeper waters

            is not just a metaphor for mission;

            it is also an invitation to go deeper in our spiritual lives.

 

Isaiah’s encounter with God shows us that deep spirituality

            begins with a recognition of God’s holiness

            and of our need for his cleansing grace.

 

Just as Isaiah’s lips were touched with the coal,

            so we too are transformed

            when we open ourselves to God’s refining presence.

 

One of the ways we are doing this as a community

            is through our monthly ‘Breathing Space’ meetings,

            and I do hope you will be staying for this today

            after coffee at the end of the service.

 

These gatherings provide an opportunity to pause, to reflect,

            and to grow in our relationship with Jesus

            through the Spirit that inspires us.

 

In these quiet, prayerful times, we share our experiences,

            articulate our faith, and listen for the voice of God calling us deeper.

 

Like Simon lowering his nets at Jesus’ command,

            these moments require trust, vulnerability,

            and an openness to what God might reveal to us.

 

Deepening our spirituality isn’t always comfortable.

            It may involve facing aspects of ourselves we’d rather avoid

            or allowing God to reshape our priorities.

 

But just as Simon Peter discovered abundance in the deep waters

            and Isaiah was empowered to say, "Here am I; send me,"

so we too will find that when we make space for God,

            we encounter grace, renewal, and the joy of a closer walk with Christ.

 

This story is not just about fish, you see.

            It’s about calling, transformation,

            and the willingness to trust Jesus enough to go deeper.

 

So what lessons might we draw for 2025?

 

1. The Risk of Deep Water

Jesus calls Simon to leave the shallow waters

            and head into the deep.

 

For us today, this might mean addressing

            some of the most pressing and uncomfortable issues in our world

                        —climate change, systemic racism, economic inequality—

            and recognising that the answers may not be simple or immediate.

 

It could involve stepping into relationships or ministries

            that challenge our assumptions and stretch our faith.

 

The deep water is a place of risk,

            but it is also where true transformation and abundance are found.

 

For us as a congregation, the deep might represent

            stepping into areas of ministry where the outcomes are uncertain

            —engaging with marginalised communities, tackling systemic injustices,

                        or starting initiatives that challenge the status quo.

 

It might mean committing to conversations about diversity and inclusion,

            or facing the discomfort of addressing issues like mental health,

            poverty, or environmental responsibility in a meaningful way.

I hope you’ve all got 9^th March in your diaries for the afternoon with Evelyne

            where we will be taking a fun but challenging look at the biodiversity crisis,

            and what we can do to address this.

 

The deep is daunting,

            but it’s where transformation happens.

 

In the same way, we are often called to step out of our comfort zones.

            As a church, it’s tempting to stay in safe, familiar places,

            engaging only with those who are already here

                        or with those who fit our expectations.

 

But Jesus’ call is to cast our nets where the risks are higher

            —to engage with people and communities that may challenge us,

            stretch us, and even, at times, frustrate us.

 

In her commentary, Karoline Lewis writes that this story

            illustrates the surprising and unsettling nature of discipleship.

 

It’s not about maintaining the status quo;

            it’s about being open to transformation.

 

Are we, as a church, willing to risk breaking our nets and rocking our boat

            for the sake of the catch Jesus promises?

 

Think about the ways in which our world has changed in recent years.

            The cost-of-living crisis has left many struggling to make ends meet.

            Political uncertainty has created fear and division.

 

And in the church, the challenge of engaging younger generations

            remains a pressing issue.

 

These are our deep waters

            —places of need, vulnerability, and potential.

 

Will we venture into them, trusting Jesus to provide?

 

2. The Call to Collaboration

When Simon’s nets began to break, he called his partners for help.

            This is a powerful reminder that we cannot do this work alone.

 

The church is not a solitary endeavour but a collaborative one.

            And in 2025, as we navigate the challenges of our time,

                        partnerships—with other churches, other faith communities,

                        and even secular organisations—are more important than ever.

 

Our work with London Citizens is a great example.

 

Just last year we partnered with other local organisations

            to campaign for fairer wages for healthcare workers across our city,

            resulting in several major employers committing to the Living Wage.

 

This collaborative effort not only brought justice to hundreds of workers

            but also demonstrated the power of working together

            to bring about meaningful change.

 

This tangible impact reminds us of what can be achieved

            when we step out in faith and work collaboratively

            for justice and the common good.

 

It’s a reminder that when we trust Jesus to guide us,

            the results can exceed our expectations.

 

By joining with others, we amplify our voice and extend our reach,

            working together for justice, equity, and the common good.

 

But this kind of collaboration requires humility and trust.

            It means being willing to share the catch,

            even when it threatens to break our nets.

 

3. The Danger of Empty Nets

Simon’s initial response to Jesus was one of scepticism:

            “We have worked all night and caught nothing.”

 

How often do we, as individuals or as a church,

            feel this same sense of futility?

 

We’ve tried everything, but the nets are still empty.

 

Jesus’ response to Simon reminds us

            that success in ministry is not about our efforts alone

            but about our willingness to obey his call.

 

It’s not about having the best equipment

            or the most sophisticated strategies

but about trusting that Jesus knows where the fish are.

 

Are we willing to let him direct our efforts,

            even when it goes against our instincts?

 

4. The Call to Inclusivity

When we cast our nets into deep water,

            we don’t get to choose what we catch.

 

The kingdom of God is inclusive,

            drawing in people from all walks of life.

 

Are we prepared to welcome those whom Jesus sends our way,

            even when it’s messy or uncomfortable?

 

This might mean opening our doors to those experiencing chaos in their lives

            and navigating the complexities that come with offering real support.

 

It could involve welcoming people with challenging pasts

            or those whose lifestyles and perspectives

            stretch our understanding of community.

 

These situations are not always easy,

            but they reflect the radical love and hospitality of the kingdom of God.

 

Are we willing to let go of our preconceptions and preferences

            to embrace the diversity of God’s kingdom?

 

The abundance of the catch in this story is a sign of God’s generosity.

            God’s grace is not limited by our expectations or boundaries.

 

This abundance challenges us to expand our vision

            and to be a community that reflects the radical inclusivity of God’s love.

 

A Question for Us

So where are we as Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church in 2025?

 

Are we out in the deep water, casting our nets with faith and courage?

            Or are we moored in the shallows,

            cleaning our nets and reminiscing about past catches?

 

The choice before us is clear.

 

We can play it safe, remaining anchored in comfort and familiarity,

            or we can take the risk of trusting Jesus and venturing into the unknown.

 

It’s not an easy choice.

 

The deep water is daunting, and the catch may be overwhelming.

            But it is also where Jesus is calling us to go.

 

As we move forward together,

            may we have the courage to let down our nets,

the humility to work with others,

            and the faith to trust that Jesus will provide.

 

And may we, like Simon, James, and John,

            leave everything and follow him.

Induction Sermon for Richard and Fran

A Sermon for the induction of Richard and Fran Bellingham

to the Ministry at Camberley Baptist Church

18 January 2025

Luke 4.14-30
 
It’s such a joy to be here today for this special occasion,
          as we welcome Richard and Fran into their new roles of ministry
          here at Camberley Baptist Church.
 
An induction service is a significant moment,
          not just for Richard and Fran, but for the whole church.
 
It’s a time of new beginnings, fresh possibilities,
          and joyful anticipation of what God will do
          among and through you all in the years ahead.
 
But it’s also a moment for honesty,
          and I speak here as one with over a quarter of a century
          of ordained ministry under my belt!
 
Ministry is rarely straightforward,
          and neither is the life of a congregation.
 
Both are full of moments of beauty and blessing,
          but also challenges and complexities.
 
Today’s reading from Luke’s Gospel is a stark reminder of this.
 
In Luke 4, we find Jesus at the very start of his public ministry,
          fresh from his baptism and his time of testing in the wilderness.
 
His first sermon, delivered in his hometown synagogue,
          begins with extraordinary promise:
“Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
 
It’s a moment of supreme optimism and anticipation:
 
He’s announcing the arrival of the kingdom of God,
          proclaiming good news to the poor, release for captives,
          and the beginning of the year of the Lord’s favour.
 
It’s an electrifying moment, full of hope and excitement.
 
But as the sermon unfolds, the mood shifts.
          The crowd goes from amazement to anger,
          and before long, they’re driving Jesus to the edge of a cliff.
 
I’m hoping we don’t re-enact this particular biblical scene today!
 
The turn of the crowd’s move is a dramatic reversal,
          and one that speaks to the heart of what it means to follow God’s call
          —whether as ministers or as members of a congregation.
 
This story challenges us to consider what happens
          when the message of God’s kingdom disrupts our expectations.
 
It invites us to think about how we respond
          to the prophetic voices God places among us,
          even when they make us uncomfortable.
 
And it reminds us that ministry,
          whether it’s Jesus’ in Nazareth
          or Richard and Fran’s here in Camberley,
is a calling to speak God’s truth
          and to lead God’s people, even when it’s not easy.
 
As we reflect together on this story,
          I hope we’ll hear not only its challenges but also its hope.
 
Because at its heart, this is a story
          about the relentless, boundary-breaking love of God
          —a love that refuses to stay confined to the familiar or the comfortable.
 
And it’s a love that calls each one of us, in our own way,
          to join in the work of proclaiming the good news of God’s kingdom,
          here and now.

Richard and Fran,
          today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your ministry,
          one rooted in this place, among these people.
 
You’ve been called here to be ministers of the gospel,
          to proclaim the good news of God’s kingdom,
and to lead this community in its mission
          to embody Christ’s love in the world.
 
But as today’s reading reminds us,
          the call to ministry is not always easy.
 
In Luke 4, Jesus announces his mission
          in the synagogue of his hometown, Nazareth.
 
It’s a mission full of hope and liberation, and we know it well:
          good news to the poor, freedom for the oppressed,
          and the year of the Lord’s favour.
 
Who could argue with any of that?
 
But even as he speaks these gracious words,
          the crowd’s mood begins to shift.
 
They recognise him—not as the prophet he is,
          but as the child he once was,
          as Joseph’s son, the carpenter’s boy.
 
And isn’t that one of the challenges of ministry?
          When we are seen not as a title or a role
                   but as a human being,
          complete with all the ordinariness that entails.
 
You’ll encounter moments when people will look to you
          not so much for your leadership, or your words of wisdom,
but with disappointment born of shared humanity,
          the weight of expectations and the burden of assumptions.
 
And yet, the call to ministry is not about meeting those expectations
          —it’s about faithfulness to the God who has called you.
 
Ministry often requires a prophetic voice
          —a willingness to speak the truth in love,
          even when that truth is uncomfortable.
 
Like Jesus in Nazareth,
          you may find that speaking this truth
          sometimes stirs up resistance.
 
Prophets are not without honour except in their hometown,
          or in their new church family, for that matter.
Sometimes it’s not so much contempt as indifference,
          that comes from familiarity.
 
There will be times when the message God places on your hearts
          might challenge this congregation to think differently,
          to act boldly, to step out of its comfort zones.
 
But remember this:
          prophetic ministry is not about being harsh or combative.
 
It’s about seeing as God sees
          and speaking God’s truth with courage and grace.
 
It’s about being rooted in love
          —love for God, love for the people you serve,
          and love for the wider world God longs to redeem.
 
This congregation, too, has a prophetic role.
 
Your task as ministers is to nurture and equip the people here
          to discern and live out their calling
—to be a prophetic community that challenges injustice,
          cares for the vulnerable,
          and embodies the kingdom of God in this place.

While Richard and Fran have been called to lead,
          ministry is never a solo endeavour.
 
It is always rooted in the life of a community
          —a people gathered by God to be the body of Christ in the world.
 
Today’s induction service is a reminder of that.
 
Richard and Fran are being set apart for particular roles,
          but their ministry will only flourish as part of a shared commitment
          to God’s mission here in Camberley.
 
In Luke 4, we see a tension
          between Jesus and his hometown community.
 
These were the people who had watched him grow up,
          shared meals with his family,
          and prayed alongside him in the synagogue.
 
Yet when he stood before them,
          proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favour,
          they couldn’t see past their own preconceptions.
 
“Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked,
          as if his familiarity disqualified him
          from speaking prophetically into their lives.
 
This tension isn’t unique to Nazareth.
          It’s a challenge that every faith community faces.
 
How do we respond to the people God calls to lead us,
          especially when their message stretches or unsettles us?
 
And how do we, as a church, support our leaders in their ministry
          while also recognising that we share
          in the responsibility for the mission of God?
 
The role of the community is crucial.
 
Ministry is not something Richard and Fran will do to, or for, this congregation;
          it is something they will do with you.
 
It’s a partnership, a shared journey of discernment,
          where ministers and congregation listen together for God’s voice,
          seek God’s vision, and work together to make that vision a reality.
 
This requires trust. It requires humility.
          And it requires a willingness to embrace the prophetic voices among you
                   —not just Richard and Fran’s voices,
          but also the quieter voices of those on the margins,
                   those who might see the world differently
                   or ask uncomfortable questions.
 
Community is where prophetic ministry comes alive.
          It’s in the worship you offer together,
                   the conversations you have over coffee,
          the decisions you make in meetings,
          and the ways you serve the wider world.
 
It’s in your willingness to encourage one another,
          to challenge one another,
          and to hold one another accountable to the gospel of Christ.

Richard and Fran, your calling to ministry here at Camberley Baptist Church
          is a prophetic one.
 
Like Jesus in the synagogue at Nazareth,
          you are tasked with proclaiming good news to the poor,
                   freedom for the oppressed,
                   and the year of the Lord’s favour.
 
It’s a beautiful, hopeful, and transformative mission
          —but it’s also a challenging one.
 
Prophetic ministry is not about predicting the future;
          it’s about seeing the present through God’s eyes
          and inviting others to imagine a world as it could be under God’s reign.
 
It’s about asking difficult questions,
          challenging systems of injustice,
and calling people to align their lives more fully with the kingdom of God.
 
This is the heart of the ministry you are stepping into together,
          here in this community.
 
Camberley Baptist Church is full of potential
          to be a beacon of light and hope in this town.
 
There are people here who are longing
          for connection, truth, and transformation.
 
Some may already be part of this congregation;
          others are out there in the community,
waiting to see how God might use this church
          to make a difference in their lives.
 
Your mission is to help this congregation
          discern how they are called to meet those needs,
          to be a prophetic voice of love and justice in Camberley and beyond.
 
But this will take courage.
          As we saw in Nazareth, prophetic voices are not always warmly received.
 
Sometimes the hardest thing to do
          is to invite people to see the world differently,
to challenge comfortable assumptions,
          or to confront hard truths.
 
There may be times when the call to prophetic ministry
          feels like a lonely road.
 
But remember this: you are not walking it alone.
          You have each other.
          You have the support of the wider Baptist family.
And most importantly, you have the presence of the Spirit,
          who equips and strengthens you for this task.

One of the most striking things about today’s reading from Luke
          is the way Jesus disrupts the expectations of his audience.
 
At first, the people of Nazareth are a bit proud of him,
          in a slightly condescending way:
—“Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they say,
          marvelling at his words.
 
But their pride quickly turns to anger
          when Jesus challenges their assumptions.
 
He reminds them that God’s mission has always been bigger than Israel,
          pointing to Elijah’s work with the widow in Zarephath
          and Elisha’s healing of Naaman the Syrian.
 
What angered them wasn’t just that Jesus was calling them to change
          —it was that he was calling them to see the world differently.
 
He was challenging their belief
          that God’s blessings were reserved for them,
                   their community, their nation.
 
He was inviting them into a bigger vision,
          one where the boundaries they had drawn no longer held.
 
And that same challenge comes to us today.
 
God’s vision for the church, for Camberley Baptist,
          for Richard and Fran’s ministry,
is far bigger than we often allow ourselves to imagine.
 
It stretches beyond our walls, beyond our comfort zones,
          and beyond the limits we place on what we think is possible.
 
This church has the potential to reflect that bigger vision.
 
As you partner with Richard and Fran in ministry,
          you are called to embody the boundless love of God
          —a love that crosses boundaries of race, class,
                   nationality, and background.
          —a love that transcends all the barriers of identity
                   that keep people from each other and from God.
 
You are called to be a community that welcomes the stranger,
          uplifts the vulnerable, and proclaims the good news
          of Jesus Christ in both word and deed.
 
But this isn’t easy.
 
Like the people of Nazareth, we all have our boundaries,
          our assumptions, and our comfort zones.
 
Part of Richard and Fran’s ministry
          will be to help you see beyond those boundaries
—to challenge you, to encourage you,
          and to guide you into a fuller understanding
          of what it means to live out God’s kingdom.
 
And the good news is that God goes with you in this.
 
The Spirit who anointed Jesus to proclaim good news to the poor
          is the same Spirit who anoints and empowers Richard, Fran,
          and every member of this church.
 
With God’s Spirit at work,
          the possibilities for what you can achieve together are endless.

Today is a day of celebration, of hope, and of commissioning.
 
Richard and Fran, you are stepping into a prophetic ministry here in Camberley,
          one that will call for courage, wisdom, and deep love.
 
You are here to lead, to challenge, to encourage, and to nurture.
          And you are not alone.
 
This congregation is here to walk with you, to pray for you,
          and to join you in the work of building God’s kingdom in this place.
 
Together, you have the opportunity to be a community
          that reflects God’s bigger vision
          —a vision of justice, mercy, and boundless grace.
 
And to the congregation,
          as you welcome Richard and Fran into this new chapter,
may you open your hearts to the Spirit’s leading.
 
Be ready to listen, to be challenged,
          and to dream bigger dreams
          for what God might do in and through you.
 
The year of the Lord’s favour is not just something
          Jesus proclaimed long ago in Nazareth
          —it’s something that is here and now.
 
God’s kingdom is breaking in among us,
          and we are invited to be part of that work.
 
So may you go forward together with courage and hope,
          trusting in the God who calls, equips,
          and goes with you every step of the way.
 
And may you proclaim with your lives the good news
          that today, this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.
 
Amen.
 

Prophetic Courage

A Sermon for Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church

19th January 2025

Luke 4.14-30 

As we reflect on today’s Gospel reading,
            it’s striking to consider that Jesus’ inaugural sermon
                        in the synagogue at Nazareth
comes to us just days before another inaugural moment
            —the presidential inauguration in the United States.
 
While President-elect Trump prepares to take office
            with promises of building walls and asserting national dominance,
Jesus begins his ministry by proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favour:
            a vision of liberation, inclusion, and justice
            that transcends borders and boundaries.
 
The contrast couldn’t be more profound.
 
One inaugural address may centre on power, protectionism, and exclusion,
            while the other calls for the breaking down of barriers,
            the lifting up of the oppressed, and the radical inclusivity of God’s kingdom.
 
As we hear these words from Luke’s Gospel,
            we are invited to consider which vision
            will guide our lives, our communities, and our world.
 
Will we align ourselves with the ways of empire
            or with the ways of God’s kingdom?
 
So, to the gospel text; Jesus’ return to Galilee
            marks the beginning of a profound moment in his ministry.
 
Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit,
            he has been teaching in synagogues and gaining widespread acclaim.
 
People are talking about him,
            and his reputation precedes him as a teacher and prophet of great authority.
 
It’s within this context that he comes to his hometown of Nazareth,
            to the synagogue where he likely grew up worshipping,
            surrounded by people who knew him as a child.
 
This setting—intimate, familiar, and full of expectations—
            creates both an opportunity and a challenge.
 
The Gospel of Luke presents this moment
            as Jesus’ inaugural sermon.
 
He is handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah,
            and he deliberately chooses to read from Isaiah 61,
            a passage filled with hope and liberation.
 
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,” he reads,
            “because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
            and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free,
            to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”
 
With these words, Jesus declares the essence of his mission:
            to embody and enact God’s kingdom
            —a kingdom characterised by justice, freedom, and healing.
 
But then comes the moment that turns everything on its head.
 
As he rolls up the scroll and sits down to teach,
            he says, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
 
It’s a radical claim.
            He isn’t merely talking about the promise of Isaiah
                        as something distant or future-oriented;
            he’s saying it’s happening right now, through him.
 
This bold statement sets the stage for everything that follows
            —both the amazement and the outrage.
 
Why is this moment so significant?
            Because it challenges the listeners
                        to see beyond their expectations and prejudices.
            It invites them to embrace a vision of God’s kingdom
                        that is far broader than they imagined,
            one that crosses boundaries of race, class, and nationality.
 
And it asks something of us too.
            How do we respond when Jesus disrupts our comfortable assumptions
                        and calls us into a new way of being?
 
This is the question we carry with us as we step into today’s Gospel reading.
 
When Jesus reads from Isaiah and declares,
            “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing,”
            he isn’t merely offering an interpretation of a familiar text.
 
He is claiming that the promises of liberation, healing, and justice
            spoken through the prophet are being realised through him.
 
It’s a moment of breathtaking audacity and clarity.
            In that synagogue, surrounded by people who knew him as Joseph’s son,
            Jesus makes a claim about his identity and mission that cannot be ignored.
 
The passage he reads is carefully chosen.
 
Isaiah’s words speak of good news to the poor, release for captives,
            sight for the blind, and freedom for the oppressed.
 
These aren’t abstract ideas;
            they’re concrete realities for people suffering
            under the weight of poverty, oppression, and injustice.
 
By choosing this text, Jesus signals that his ministry
            will prioritise those on the margins
            —the excluded, the vulnerable, the overlooked.
 
The “year of the Lord’s favour” evokes the Jubilee year,
            a time when debts are forgiven, land is restored,
            and communities are reset to reflect God’s justice and abundance.
 
Jesus proclaims that this radical reordering of society begins now.
 
But the power of Jesus’ proclamation
            lies not only in what he says but in how he embodies it.
 
He doesn’t speak as a detached commentator;
            he speaks as the anointed one
            through whom these promises are being fulfilled.
 
This is no ordinary teaching moment.
            It’s a declaration that God’s kingdom is breaking into the world
            in a new and transformative way.
 
Initially, the congregation’s reaction is one of amazement.
            They marvel at his gracious words
            and are struck by the authority with which he speaks.
 
But their amazement quickly turns to scepticism and hostility.
            They ask, “Is not this Joseph’s son?”
 
Their familiarity with Jesus becomes a stumbling block.
            How can someone so ordinary, so local,
            claim such an extraordinary role?
 
Their doubts reveal a deeper issue:
            an inability to see beyond their own expectations
            of who God can use and how God can act.
 
Jesus anticipates their resistance.
            He references two stories from Israel’s prophetic tradition
                        —Elijah and the widow in Zarephath,
                        and Elisha and Naaman the Syrian.
 
In both cases, God’s blessings extend
            beyond Israel’s borders to Gentiles.
 
These examples are not chosen at random;
            they underline the universal scope of God’s mission.
 
Jesus challenges the congregation
            to see that God’s grace is not confined to their community or nation.
 
It’s a message that disrupts their sense of entitlement and exclusivity.
            But this disruption is too much for them to bear.
 
Their initial amazement turns to outrage,
            and they attempt to drive Jesus out of town.
 
The radical inclusivity of God’s kingdom
            —the idea that salvation and liberation are for everyone,
                        not just a select few—
            is a hard truth to accept.
 
Yet it remains central to Jesus’ proclamation.
            For those willing to hear it, this message is good news.
 
It invites us to expand our vision, to break down barriers,
            and to join in God’s work of justice and restoration.
 
The Nazareth congregation’s shift from amazement to rejection
            underscores a profound truth about human nature.
 
We are often eager to celebrate messages of hope and liberation
            —as long as they don’t disrupt our comfort or challenge our assumptions.
 
But when the Gospel confronts us with uncomfortable truths,
            we are tempted to resist, just as the people of Nazareth did.
 
In their rage, the congregation attempts to silence Jesus.
            They drive him out of the synagogue and to the edge of a cliff,
            intending to kill him.
 
Yet Jesus, undeterred, walks away.
 
This act of rejection does not derail his mission;
            it underscores the cost of prophetic ministry.
 
The way of the prophet—and the way of the kingdom—
            is often met with resistance,
            but it remains the way of truth and life.
 
This story invites us to examine our own responses to the Gospel.
            How do we react when Jesus’ words
                        challenge our assumptions or call us to change?
            Are we willing to embrace the radical inclusivity of God’s kingdom,
                         even when it disrupts our comfort?
            And how do we treat the prophetic voices in our midst?
These are the questions that linger
            as we reflect on this moment from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.
 
To be a prophet is to see the world as God sees it
            and to speak God’s truth into a disordered world.
 
It is a calling that demands courage, clarity,
            and a willingness to stand apart from the crowd.
 
Prophets are not simply predictors of the future;
            they are truth-tellers who challenge the status quo,
            often at great personal cost.
 
Jesus embodies this prophetic role perfectly.
 
His proclamation in Nazareth confronts deeply held assumptions
            and forces his listeners to confront their own prejudices.
 
This is the essence of prophetic ministry
            —to shine a light on the places where our human values
            fall short of God’s kingdom vision.
 
Yet, as Jesus demonstrates, such truth-telling is rarely welcomed.
 
The prophet’s words disrupt and disturb,
            calling people to repentance and transformation.
 
For Jesus, the rejection he faces in Nazareth
            is a microcosm of the resistance he will encounter throughout his ministry.
 
From religious leaders to political authorities,
            those invested in maintaining the status quo will oppose his message.
 
And yet, Jesus remains steadfast.
            He does not compromise the truth to gain approval or avoid conflict.
 
He continues to proclaim God’s kingdom,
            knowing that his path will ultimately lead to the cross.
 
For those of us seeking to follow Jesus,
            this prophetic role is both an invitation and a challenge.
 
We are called to be truth-tellers in our own time,
            speaking out against injustice
            and advocating for the values of God’s kingdom.
 
This can be daunting. It often feels safer to remain silent,
            to avoid rocking the boat.
 
But the Gospel compels us to act.
 
The challenges of prophetic ministry are many.
            It requires us to confront our own fears and insecurities.
            It demands that we risk rejection and criticism.
 
And it asks us to trust that God’s Spirit will sustain us,
            even when the path is difficult.
 
Yet the rewards of prophetic courage are profound.
            In speaking God’s truth, we participate in God’s work
            of redemption and transformation.
 
Through prophetic courage, we become vessels
            through which God’s kingdom breaks into the world.
 
At Bloomsbury, we are uniquely positioned
            to embrace this prophetic calling.
 
As a church committed to justice, inclusion, and compassion,
            we have the opportunity to be a beacon of hope in our city.
 
But this requires each of us to play our part.
            Whether through words, actions, or prayers,
            we are all called to contribute to the work of God’s kingdom.
 
The challenge here is for us take courage from the example of Jesus.
            To speak truth boldly, even when it is uncomfortable.
            To stand with those on the margins, even when it is costly.
 
And as we do so, we need to decide to trust that, in doing so,
            we are living out the calling of the Gospel.
 
For this is what it means to be a prophetic people
            —to embody the radical, boundary-breaking love of God in all that we do.
 
In 2025, the challenges Jesus addressed in his proclamation
            resonate just as profoundly as they did in Nazareth.
 
We live in a world grappling with systemic inequality, environmental crises,
            the plight of refugees, the resurgence of nationalism,
            and the marginalisation of vulnerable groups.
 
The prophetic call to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour
            invites us to confront these issues with courage and hope,
            embodying the Gospel in our context.
 
First, the call to bring good news to the poor
            challenges us to address the growing economic disparities in our society.
 
The gap between rich and poor has widened,
            with many struggling to meet basic needs
            while others accumulate unimaginable wealth.
 
As followers of Jesus, we are called to advocate for economic justice,
            support policies that uplift the marginalised,
            and engage in acts of generosity that reflect God’s abundance.
 
Second, Jesus’ proclamation of release to captives and freedom for the oppressed
            urges us to confront systems of oppression that bind people in our time.
 
Whether it is systemic racism, modern slavery, or unjust immigration policies,
            we are called to be voices for liberation.
 
This includes standing in solidarity with those who are marginalised
            and using our resources and influence
            to dismantle structures that perpetuate inequality.
 
Third, Jesus’ call for recovery of sight to the blind
            reminds us of the need for spiritual and societal healing.
 
In a polarised world, where misinformation and division cloud our vision,
            we are called to be peacemakers and truth-tellers.
 
This requires listening deeply to others,
            seeking understanding across differences,
            and embodying the reconciling love of Christ in our interactions.
 
Finally, the proclamation of the year of the Lord’s favour
            challenges us to embody hope in the face of despair.
 
The climate crisis, political instability,
            and societal divisions can feel overwhelming.
 
Yet, as people of faith, we are called to live as signs of God’s kingdom,
            demonstrating through our actions that another way is possible.
 
Whether it is through sustainable living, community organising, or acts of kindness,
            we can bear witness to the transformative power of God’s love.
 
Our commitment here at Bloomsbury to the values and practices
            of justice, inclusion, and compassion
            is a testament to the prophetic spirit that animates our community.
 
As we look to the future, let us recommit ourselves to this mission,
            trusting that the Spirit of the Lord is upon us.
 
Together, let us proclaim the good news, challenge injustice,
            and embody the radical inclusivity of God’s kingdom in 2025 and beyond.
 
So as we come to the end of our reflection on Jesus’ proclamation in Nazareth,
            we are reminded that his words are not confined to the past.
 
They resonate powerfully in our present,
            calling us to action in a world that desperately needs
            the hope, healing, and liberation of God’s kingdom.
 
The challenge before us is clear.
 
Will we, like the people of Nazareth, resist the radical inclusivity of God’s grace?
            Or will we open our hearts to the transformative power of the Gospel,
            even when it disrupts our comfort and calls us to change?
 
We need to take to heart the example of Jesus,
            who remained steadfast in his mission
            despite rejection and resistance.
 
His unwavering commitment to proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favour
            inspires us to persevere in our own calling as followers of Christ.
 
We are not alone in this work;
            the same Spirit that anointed Jesus empowers us
            to speak truth, challenge injustice,
            and embody the love of God in all that we do.
 
And as we leave this place, let us carry with us the vision of God’s kingdom
            —a vision of justice, freedom, and compassion that knows no boundaries.
 
Let us commit to being a prophetic people,
            standing with the marginalised, speaking out against oppression,
            and living as signs of hope in a broken world.
 
And may we find courage in the knowledge that God goes with us,
            equipping us for the work ahead.
 
For in Christ, the year of the Lord’s favour is not just a promise
            —it is a reality that we are called to embody here and now.
 
Amen.