scripture #4

Our fourth scripture is from the gospel of Matthew--a famous story of Jesus walking on water. And, perhaps even more incredibly, a story of one of his disciples, Peter, walking on water (even if he only made it a few steps before he doubted himself...).

matthew 14:22-33
Jesus Walks on the Water
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’

28 Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ 29He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’

What does Peter's story have to say to you, today?

Scripture #3

Our third scripture passage comes from the book Isaiah. There, the prophet (Isaiah) delivers a word from God, for the people of Israel. It starts from where we are: in a world that needs to change, and gives us a vision of a new possibility. Read what he says:

Isaiah 41:17-20

¹⁷When the poor and needy seek water,
and there is none,
and their tongue is parched with thirst,
I the Lord will answer them,
I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
¹⁸I will open rivers on the bare heights,
and fountains in the midst of the valleys;
I will make the wilderness a pool of water,
and the dry land springs of water.
¹⁹I will put in the wilderness the cedar,
the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive;
I will set in the desert the cypress,
the plane and the pine together,
²⁰so that all may see and know,
all may consider and understand,
that the hand of the Lord has done this,
the Holy One of Israel has created it.



What do you hear Isaiah saying to us, today?

Scripture #2

Our second scripture passage is

mark 4:30-4:32

30 He also said, ‘With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? ³¹It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; ³²yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.’

What meaning might this parable have for you, in the midst of your volunteer work?

Scripture #1

Our first scripture passage is Matthew 22:36-40:

‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, ‘ “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’

As you read this scripture now, alongside your volunteer work in Mid-City, what insight to you have into its meaning?

Invitation to Reflection

Whether you are in one of our Wesley Mission Project Small Groups or not, we invite you to reflect on your experiences as you volunteer in Mid-City.

Each week, we invite you to reflect on these questions. If you are in a small group, you will be invited to share about them--you might also keep a journal about them.

1- First, think of a moment that sticks with you, and describe that moment. Write down a few ideas about this occasion and its significance. Reflect on this experience and how it will affect the future work of our church project.

2- What were the feelings that came forth in you in the midst of it?
For example, was it a moment of success or frustration? Did you feel a connection with a child or adult, or did you come upon a roadblock in communication? Did you feel confident about what you were trying to accomplish, or did you feel like you didn't know exactly what to do next? Did you find the experience life-giving or life-draining?

3- Where did you sense God moving in this experience? (Did you feel God's presence or absense?)

4- How will you pray about it this week?

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Every two weeks, we will post a new scripture passage on this site, and invite you to share comments and experiences from your work.