Pr. DFD

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Friday prior to Epiphany 2

John 2:1-11–The custom is to prepare an invitation list for a wedding. The invitation signifies you are important to the one inviting you. It indicates further that you are wanted. The unknown couple in the Gospel put Jesus on their invitation list. And they could be glad they did! Jesus honors them with His presence. He met their needs of wine. He saved the reception from failure. Have you invited Jesus to come into your marriage, your work, your life?

For many, life is empty. Our lives may be as empty as the stone jars. When we come to Jesus, as Mary did, for help, Jesus not only fills us up to the brim, but gives us an excess. The six stone jars provided 120 – 180 gallons of wine! Note, too, the generosity of Jesus in feeding the 5,000 – twelve baskets were left over. Jesus is able not only to meet our needs, but to exceed them.

Without wine, the rabbis had said, “there is no joy.” Thus a situation of considerable embarrassment if not disgrace has risen for this couple and for Mary the mother of our Lord, who apparently had considerable responsibility for the wedding feat arrangements.

The statement, “they have no wine,” is a request for help, not necessarily the expectation of a miracle. Just like the Nike commercial, Mary told the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do. “Just do it!” She had learned to respect His words. If the servants had not obeyed, there would have been no wine out of water. A miracle will take place in our lives when we “do whatever He tells us.” To obey is a test of faith when the command seems illogical and ridiculous. The need was wine and Jesus commands getting water! He has other seemingly illogical demands: “Give and it shall be given you,” “He who loses his life shall find it.”

A prayer for newness of life in Christ–Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness and put upon ourselves the armor of life, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility, that in the last day, when He shall come again in glory to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal.[2]

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Epiphany 2 reflection

While on Earth, Jesus did amazing miracles. The first one we read of in the gospels was a loving act that served a faceless nameless couple.

In the story of the wedding at Cana, we notice that Jesus cares about all things, even our own human enjoyment of life. We also recognize that Jesus continues to work miracles in our lives, in ways large and small.

Hymn: #60 My Faith Looks Up to Thee

Law/Gospel Theme: The miracles of Jesus demonstrate that He truly is the son of God, capable of anything and everything. We see many amazing miracles of healing power and life transformation through Christ’s miracles. In this event, we see the power of following instructions.

Jesus told the servants to fill jars with water, and that simple act of obedience enabled His miracle. We can be vessels of God when we listen to Him and do as He says.

Prayer: Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness and put upon ourselves the armor of life, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility, that in the last day, when He shall come again in glory to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal.[1]

Hymn: # 61 My Hope is Built on Nothing Less Vv. 1-2

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.

In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit.

That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

–John 2:2-11

On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me?

My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

Hymn: # 61 My Hope is Built on Nothing Less Vv. 3-4

Our text reminds me of certain marketing campaigns which have by now come and gone but at the time we were quite profitable and helpful.

Remember the appeal for Gallo wines? “We will serve no wine … until it’s time.”

The Nike Company coined the phrase “Just Do It!”

This is not a new concept. Consider the advice of Mary. “His mother said to the servants, ‘Whatever he tells you…DO!’” When life’s pressures and challenges come our way, we are called to do what the Savior bids us … Just Do It!

Faith follows Christ especially -

> When problems present themselves in life.

> When the solution seems senseless.

> When the Savior gives us a command to act.

Faith will naturally follow Christ especially -When problems present themselves in life.

Mary tells us, “They have no wine.” This nameless, faceless couple ran out of wine, which might seem insignificant to us. Yet what challenges do you face?

Might it be finances? Maybe a special needs child? Possibly a lingering illness?

For Mary it was a major challenge. They have no more wine! Her trouble was enough for her to go directly to Jesus for help.

What are the major problems and challenges which we must face? To each individual - the challenge is unique. Yet there is a common thread for each of us.

These trials they test and try our faith.

But with each test. With each trial. We have nowhere to look except to our Lord and Savior Jesus. He is our only hope. Our only solution. Nothing else and no one else will do. When problems present themselves - we must turn to Him alone.

Faith follows Christ when problems present themselves. Faith must also be present when the solution seems silly or senseless.

Often it appears that the commands the Lord gives to us are ridiculous and absurd. So often the ways of the Lord appear to be so strange to us. They seem to us at times to be out of place.

Yet the Lord knows our needs and provides a solution to our situation.

Instead of trying to second-guess God faith trusts in the cure for we have complete confidence in the Great Physician.

Faith follows Christ when He gives the command to act, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. They did so…”

Faith is called into action. That was the whole point of Mary’s instruction – whatever He tells you – just do it! Faith recalls the Lord’s acts of mercy which He has performed repeatedly in the past and believes that He cannot and will not change.

John will conclude with these words, “This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.”

Faith’s focus is found in Jesus. As we begin a New Year may Christ be found at the center of all our activities with of course, the good advice of Mary, “Whatever He tells you –just do it!

Thank you, Jesus for your love and care. Thank you for everyday miracles. And for caring about everything we do. Help us to listen to you and do your will.

The Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers for the sick and suffering.

The Lord has given us the beauty of worship and the gift of fellowship with one another. We thank you Lord for gathering us on this day.

The Lord has given us life in a nation of opportunities and liberty; with public services such as fire and police protection, ambulances, food pantries, schools, libraries, and hospitals. We thank you Lord for our national life.

The Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.

The Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.

We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.

Image of the Wedding at Csana copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Thursday prior to Epiphany 2

[1]

1 Corinthians12:1-11– The Spirit transforms from “Jesus be cursed” to “Jesus is Lord.”

Can we be different and yet one? The church has always been threatened with divisions. It happened in the 1^st Century; it happens today in the 21^st Century. To have peace and unity, must all church members agree and be alike? According to the text, the church is unique in that she can have unity with diversity. This unity is the same Spirit in all, but there is a variety of gifts from the one Spirit. As long as there is one good, sweet spirit in a congregation, it is a blessing for the church to have a diversity of gifts.

Note this will be the first of a series of readings from St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians congregation. In this particular reading Paul is emphasizing the gifts of the Spirit. Important to remember as you read this lesson is that Paul is making it very clear that the spiritual gifts are not at all in contrast to what we could call “material gifts or “intellectual gifts.” The gifts of the Spirit, indeed, are part and parcel of the whole of life, enriching and supporting life as a total entity. The Spiritual, intellectual, and material are not separable, each of us is one being in whom these various aspects of life show forth through the Spirit’s particular gifts to us.

The apostle begins by reminding the Corinthians that the main work of the Holy Spirit is to lead people to faith in Jesus. This is the Spirit’s greatest gift to men.

In addition to faith, the Lord has given the Corinthians a variety of other spiritual gifts. It is also significant that these gifts had not been given only to a select few in the congregation who would then be in a privileged class. Instead, Paul states that every Christian had received gifts from the Holy Spirit to manifest His presence in their lives. (v.7) Note also that these gifts to be used for the common good were not solely for one’s personal enjoyment and edification.

A prayer for steadfast faith–Almighty God, our heavenly Father, of Your tender love towards us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and come to life everlasting. 2

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Wednesday prior to Epiphany 2

[1]

Isaiah 62:1-5– God will transform Jerusalem form desolation to delight

Isaiah uses the analogy of marriage to express the relationship of Judah to God. He marries His people, His land. It is not the first marriage for God. Like Hosea, He takes His people back again and again. He remarries His people to Himself. What does this say about God’s attitude toward His people? God loves His people “The Lord delights in you” (verse 4). God make His people new – they take, like a bride takes her husband’s name, His name: “You shall be called My delight is in her” (verse 4). God rejoices over His people, “So shall your God rejoice over you” (verse 5). God and His land make a happy couple.

The book of prophecy which foretells the coming of the Messiah now deals with the people who will follow that Messiah. Through the prophet, God promises that he will vindicate His people and save them from their past and they will have a new home. Instead of being forsaken and desolate, they will be God’s delight and will be married to God, Notice how the terminology of the lesson indicates the change of name and status which accompanied the change in status and name of a woman when she married.

The words are addressed to Zion and Jerusalem. In this context the designations refer to the Old Testament church. The message is on that needs to be heard and cannot be kept silent. The message points forward to the church’s future brightness and glory. Zion/Jerusalem will be called by a new name. The word “new” indicates something different, distinctive, fresh and unique. The church would receive a new identity from the LORD. (vs.2) The church will be the LORD’s “beautiful crown” and a “royal diadem” or “kingly turban.”

Collect for the likeness of Christ—O God, by the patient suffering of Your only-begotten Son; You have beaten down the pride of the old enemy. Now help us, we humbly pray, rightly to treasure in our hearts all that our Lord has of His goodness born for our sake that after His example we may bear with patience all that is adverse to us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. [2]

Monday, January 13, 2025

Tuesday prior to Epiphany 2

[1]

Psalm128; key verse, verse 5—May the Lord bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem. The blessedness of the godly man is the theme for this week’s psalm. It is another word for wisdom concerning hearth and home. The key verse is thought to be a Levitical or priestly benediction or a word of instruction to those assembled from their homes coming to worship at Jerusalem.

Psalm 128

The Wellbeing of Home and Nation

I. The Sanctity of our Home life. (128:1-4)

A. The Secret of the Lord’s Blessing (128:1a)

1. A Proper Center: The Lord

2. A Proper Circumference: The Law (128:1b)

B. The Scope of the Lord’s Blessing (128:203)

He will take care of:

1. Our Finances (128:2a)

2. Our Feelings (128:2b)

3. Our Future (128:2c)

4. Our Family (128:3)

C. The surety of the Lord’s Blessing (128:4)

II. The Security of our Homeland (128:5-6)

A. Security at the Center (128:5a)

B. Security in the City (128:5b)

C. Security for the Country (128:6) [2]

Collect for Psalm 128: Lord Jesus, from your opened side your bride, the Church, was formed, and sanctified in your cleansing blood. Make your Church a fruitful vine, with many children who will rejoice with you at your table and celebrate your goodness now and forever .[3]

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Monday prior to Epiphany 2

[1]

Psalm 36:5:9, Antiphon, Song of Solomon 2:4—The Lord brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love. See also Numbers 2:2 and Psalm 20:5 – The king’s love for his bride is displayed for all to see like a large military banner. So is the Father’s love for you. Great is His faithfulness.

The Theme for Epiphany 2, “God’s Glory Manifested In Transforming Power,” can be seen in all three lessons for the week. In the Old Testament lesson, (Isaiah 62:1-5) God marries His people. God will transform Jerusalem from desolation to delight. In the Epistle lesson, (1 Corinthians12:1-11) the Sprit transforms from “Jesus be cursed” to “Jesus is Lord!” Here the gifts of the Spirit will be outlined for us. In the Gospel lesson, (John 2:1-11) the wedding at Cana, Christ transforms water into wine. Here He manifests His glory and His disciples put their faith in Him.

When Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana, it was “the first of His signs,” by which He “manifested His glory” (John 2:11).

It pointed to His coming “hour,” when He was lifted up on the Cross for the forgiveness of sins and the life of the world (John 2:4; 12:23–32). The glory of the cross is incomprehensible apart from the Word and Spirit of God, but disciples of Jesus recognize that glory in the signs of His Gospel, and so they believe in Him. Jesus does not wait for His disciples to discover Him on their own, but He seeks out the forsaken and the desolate and unites them to Himself. He adorns them with His own beautiful righteousness and delights in them “as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride” (Isaiah 62:4–5). Purified by the washing of water with His Word in Holy Baptism, His disciples confess that “Jesus is Lord,” and they return thanks to Him “in the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3), as they drink the good wine that He pours out for them, which is the new testament in His blood.[2]

Collect for Epiphany 2 Almighty and everlasting God, who governs all things in heaven and on earth , mercifully hear the prayers of Your people and grant us Your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [3]

[2] Lectionary Summary from the LCMS Commission on Worship

Saturday, January 11, 2025

EPIPHANY 2 - Series C - study notes

Isaiah 62:1–5
1 Corinthians 12:1–11
John 2:1–11

The Divine Glory Is Manifested in the Signs of Christ

Almighty and everlasting God, who governs all things in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the prayers of Your people and grant us Your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

When Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana, it was “the first of His signs,” by which He “manifested His glory” (John 2:11).

It pointed to His coming “hour,” when He was lifted up on the Cross for the forgiveness of sins and the life of the world (John 2:4; 12:23–32). The glory of the cross is incomprehensible apart from the Word and Spirit of God, but disciples of Jesus recognize that glory in the signs of His Gospel, and so they believe in Him. Jesus does not wait for His disciples to discover Him on their own, but He seeks out the forsaken and the desolate and unites them to Himself. He adorns them with His own beautiful righteousness and delights in them “as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride” (Isaiah 62:4–5). Purified by the washing of water with His Word in Holy Baptism, His disciples confess that “Jesus is Lord,” and they return thanks to Him “in the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3), as they drink the good wine that He pours out for them, which is the new testament in His blood.

John 2:1

Καὶ τῇ [a]ἡμέρᾳ τῇ τρίτῃ γάμος ἐγένετο ἐν Κανὰ τῆς Γαλιλαίας, καὶ ἦν ἡ μήτηρ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐκεῖ·

On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.

The third day...a climatic event...six days after the baptism...a wedding came to pass... Mary referred to as mother of Jesus, again referred to as the same at the cross, see John 21:2 "Nathaniel of Cana"

Could this be the wedding of Nathaniel and Jesus' sister?

John 2:2

ἐκλήθη δὲ καὶ ὁ Ἰησοῦς καὶ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν γάμον.

Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples.

They were called/invited, even Jesus, to the wedding. Jesus is invited Mary and the disciples were there.

John 2:3

καὶ ὑστερήσαντος οἴνου λέγει ἡ μήτηρ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ πρὸς αὐτόν· Οἶνον οὐκ ἔχουσιν.

When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.”

With no wine the feast is over. To leave early or run out was an embarrassment. See the genitive absolute. Mary's concern, "bring your salvation now!" Restore your people..." see Amos 9:13, Isa. 25

John 2:4

καὶ λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί, γύναι; οὔπω ἥκει ἡ ὥρα μου.

And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.”

What’s it to me and to you woman my hour is not yet come.

"Is my concern also that of yours woman...my hour is not come." Our concerns are different here...

Difference between cross and glory. Yet Mary’s word to Jesus, "go and be the savior"

"We will serve no wine until it's time"

John 2:5

λέγει ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ τοῖς διακόνοις· [c]Ὅ τι ἂν λέγῃ ὑμῖν ποιήσατε.

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

His mother said to the sevenths whatever he might say to you do.

Were the servants the disciples?

John 2:6

ἦσαν δὲ ἐκεῖ [d]λίθιναι ὑδρίαι ἓξ [e]κατὰ τὸν καθαρισμὸν τῶν Ἰουδαίων κείμεναι, χωροῦσαι ἀνὰ μετρητὰς δύο ἢ τρεῖς.

Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.

There were six stone jars containing x 9 gallons two or three.

Six is the number of man, and water into wine is a miracle of transformation.

a. As six is the number of man and the Son of Man is in their midst – the God-man was among them. Water and wine were in the same vessel! Humanity was carrying deity and this first miracle would prove it.

b. Six is also the number of days measuring when man was created. Adam was created on the sixth day. There are 6 days before the Sabbath and 6 days = 6000 years of biblical genealogy from Adam till now. Soon, at the end of the 6th day, God will transform us and we shall be changed from the natural to the divine – in His image. Mortal shall put on immortality.

Greek two or three measures μετρητὰς (metrētas); a metrētēs was about 10 gallons or 35 liters

Set these apart. The Verb used is "to draw from a well." The old law is set aside...in the new age we shall drink wine. The new wine of Christ offers salvation, life, a new covenant in my blood, new water, new wine.

120 gallons was needed for immersion washings.

John 2:7

λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Γεμίσατε τὰς ὑδρίας ὕδατος· καὶ ἐγέμισαν αὐτὰς ἕως ἄνω.

Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.

The Jesus said, “fill the water pots with water and they filled them to the top/brim.”

No longer do you wash with it now you drink it. Nothing but Christ and what Christ does wins for you salvation.

The laws regulations pointed to Christ and only found significance in Christ.

John 2:8

καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· Ἀντλήσατε νῦν καὶ φέρετε τῷ ἀρχιτρικλίνῳ· [f]οἱ δὲ ἤνεγκαν.

And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it.

He said to them, draw some and they bore it to the wedding planner/wine steward.

John 2:9

ὡς δὲ ἐγεύσατο ὁ ἀρχιτρίκλινος τὸ ὕδωρ οἶνον γεγενημένον, καὶ οὐκ ᾔδει πόθεν ἐστίν, οἱ δὲ διάκονοι ᾔδεισαν οἱ ἠντληκότες τὸ ὕδωρ, φωνεῖ τὸν νυμφίον ὁ ἀρχιτρίκλινος

When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom

Now when the wedding planner had tasted the wine didn't know from where it is. He did not know from where it was. But the servants, they knew, the ones who had drawn it out.

John 2:10

καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· Πᾶς ἄνθρωπος πρῶτον τὸν καλὸν οἶνον τίθησιν, καὶ ὅταν [g]μεθυσθῶσιν τὸν ἐλάσσω· σὺ τετήρηκας τὸν καλὸν οἶνον ἕως ἄρτι.

and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.”

The better wine. Every man presents the better wine first...you have reserved/kept the better wine until now. The new covenant, testament is better than the old. Can't put it into old skins.

John 2:11

ταύτην [h]ἐποίησεν ἀρχὴν τῶν σημείων ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐν Κανὰ τῆς Γαλιλαίας καὶ ἐφανέρωσεν τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐπίστευσαν εἰς αὐτὸν οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ.

This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

The whole point of the miracle – that His disciples believe in Him.