January 25th, Sermon & Ministry Resources

"Following the Light" (Matthew 4:12-23)

Lectionary Readings — Third Sunday after the Epiphany — January 25th, 2026

Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 4-9; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23

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Call to Worship (based on Matthew 4:12-23)

Leader: The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light has dawned.

People: We gather as those who have seen the light of Christ and come to worship Him.

Leader: Jesus came proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

People: The kingdom of God is here among us, and we turn our hearts toward Him.

Leader: Jesus called to the disciples, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.”

People: We hear His call to follow, to leave behind our old ways and embrace His purpose for our lives.

Leader: Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

People: Help us to respond with that same urgency and faith, ready to follow wherever He leads.

Leader: Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching, proclaiming the good news, and curing every disease and sickness.

People: We come to encounter the living Christ, who still teaches, heals, and brings good news to all who seek Him.

All: Let us worship the Lord with glad and willing hearts!

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Opening Prayer (based on Isaiah 9:1-4)

Let us pray:

Loving Father,

We gather this morning as people who have known darkness, and yet we come seeking the light that only You can give. We thank You that You are the God who sees us in our shadows and uncertainties, in our burdens and our weariness, in our waiting and our longing.

You have promised that those who walk in darkness will see a great light, and so we come today with expectant hearts, asking that Your light would dawn upon us afresh. Where we carry heavy yokes of worry, of grief, of struggle, we ask for Your liberating grace. Lift from our shoulders the burdens we were never meant to bear alone, and replace our heaviness with the joy of Your presence.

You are the God of breakthrough and deliverance, the God who turns our mourning into dancing and our despair into hope. So meet us here in this sacred moment. Multiply our joy as we worship You together. Let our praise rise before You like the celebration of harvest, as we remember all You have done and trust in all You will do.

May this time of worship be a time of encounter with Your light, Your freedom, and Your unfailing love.

In the name of Christ, our Light and our Deliverer, Amen.

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[NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon]

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Sermon Outline: "FOLLOWING THE LIGHT"

Based on Matthew 4:12-23

INTRODUCTION:

• Context: John the Baptist has been arrested; Jesus begins His public ministry

• Geography matters: Jesus moves to Capernaum, a strategic location on the trade routes

• This passage marks a pivotal transition in Jesus’ ministry and in salvation history

I. CHRIST BRINGS LIGHT TO THE DARKNESS

A. The Reality of Darkness

B. The Fulfillment of Prophecy

C. The Great Light Arrives

II. CHRIST CALLS US TO REPENTANCE

A. The Kingdom Message

B. The Meaning of Repentance

C. The Urgency of Response

III. CHRIST COMPELLS US TO FOLLOW

A. The Personal Invitation

B. The Radical Nature of Discipleship

C. The Promise of Purpose

IV. CHRIST COMMISSIONS US FOR MINISTRY

A. The Three-Fold Ministry of Jesus

B. The Scope of His Work

C. Our Call to Continue His Work

CONCLUSION:

A. The Pattern for Discipleship

B. The Challenge Before Us

C. The Promise We Carry

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Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers