Annual Theme

When Philip spoke to his brother, Nathanael, about Jesus it didn't go how you might expect. Nathanael wanted to know something about Jesus, and Philip didn't know much--he'd barely met the guy, after all!--but he knew that Jesus was the one Moses and the Prophets had spoken about; he knew he was the son of Joseph; and he knew he was from Nazarth. That's not a lot to go on, and Nathanael probably didn't know Joseph, and he certainly wasn't certain that Jesus was the one spoken about by Moses and the Prophets, but he knew about Nazareth! It was a dump! And he asked about what he knew: "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" It was a good question in some ways, but the wrong one. Philip's answer, though, didn't try and fight him over tertiary matters, instead here merely offered hopel "Come and see" (John 1.43–46). 

This year's theme at Smoky Hill is based around all that is involved in this interchange. Philip knew about Jesus and knew he was different because he was a Light in a Dark World and a City on a Hill, neither of which could or should be hidden from the world, but noticed and known. But Jesus was also someone who was refreshing like a Cup of Cold Water, and gave of himself as a Free Sacrifice that cost him everything rather than nothing. Jesus' calling changed everything about how he acted, so that when others might abandon people, Jesus (like Paul would later be found in a Philippian Jail) was Still There. And it was from Jesus' actions--towards his disciples, apostles, and the world as a whole--that the people of the world Knew Him. But Jesus was also known by his words--he was always preaching the kingdom of heaven, in his home and On His Way. This lead people to ask him about who he was, and what he was talking about, and why he believed and taught what he did. When They Asked, he answered with words filled with hope, truth, and love.  These words weren't merely empty preaching, but lived out, Displayed in His Body, and no matter where people saw him--whether out and among the crowds or In His Home,  they saw the same Jesus committed to the same message and acting in the same ways. When people saw this Jesus, it's no surprise that they felt comfortable telling their friends and relatives--just like Philip did to Nathanael--to Come and See, because none of this is Of This World. 

Christians are nothing more and nothing less than followers of Jesus who are trying to act like him. That's what we're trying our best to do at Smoky Hill, and if you're looking for something--meaning, purpose, truth, service, help understanding this dark world--we invite you to journey along with us.

Come and See.