Showing posts with label The Baptism of our Lord. Show all posts

Friday, January 9, 2026

Saturday prior to Epiphany 1 – The Baptism of our Lord

Isaiah 40:3; Mathew 3:1-6—Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is “To Jordan Came the Christ the Lord” (LSB #406/407). As you read and study the words of this hymn, you will find the story of Christ’s ministry and your salvation. As we begin a New Year, may each day be dedicated to living our baptismal life in the Name of our Lord and Savior.

This hymn, which comes from late in Luther’s life (1541), is classified by the Lutheran Book of Worship as an Epiphany season offering. That is fitting, although it was originally conceived by Luther to support musically the teaching of the Catechism on the sacrament of Baptism. The Baptism of our Lord marks the epiphany or manifestation of the mystery of the Holy Trinity at the inauguration of our Lord’s messianic ministry. The Voice from heaven attests Jesus’ Sonship and seals this attestation with the anointing of the Spirit in the figure of the dove who in turn drives Jesus into battle with the unholy spirits. In Luther’s hymn, it is just this coordination of Baptism and the Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, which is taken up from the gospel narrative and developed, in the patristic tradition. Indeed, what is striking is Luther’s grounding in this hymn of the baptismal death of the sinner and resurrection of the believer in the narrative theology of Trinitarian advent.

The word spoken by God the Father to Jesus the Beloved Son and sealed with the anointing of the Spirit in the figure of the dove (verse one) becomes the same word spoken to every Christian in sacramental baptism (verse two), as if to say: “You, too, are my beloved son/daughter here united with your brother, Jesus Christ, by sharing in the Spirit His death and resurrection.” This mediation of Christ’s filial relation to God as Father to the believer’s new relation to God is possible because, as verse three shows, Luther’s narrative interpretation of the Baptism story connects it with the Transfiguration story to anticipate the Easter vindication of the Crucified One. Jesus is not refuted! He is not defeated! He is risen! So He proves indeed to be God’s gracious Word of mercy to all humanity. Therefore, Listen to Him![2]-

[1] The Baptism of our Lord, © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2]https://www.vasynod.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/December-1-2012.pdf

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Friday prior to Epiphany 1 – The Baptism of our Lord

[1]

Matthew 3:13-17—God accepts Jesus as His Son at His baptism. The Epiphany season deals with the manifestation of God’s glory in Jesus. At Jesus’ baptism, God is glorified in Jesus by the voice of God declaring Jesus as His Son, and by the appearance of the dove, indicating the gift of the Spirit. Jesus received the Spirit and was declared by God to be His Son. Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism differs in two ways from the other Synoptic accounts. Matthew tells of John’s reluctance to baptize Jesus who insists upon it in order that He might fulfill righteousness and identify with all who need repentance. The big question is, if Jesus were sinless why would He want John’s baptism of repentance? The other difference is that God’s voice of acceptance and approval of Jesus is addressed to the spectators: “This is my beloved Son.” Mark and Luke make it a personal experience: “Thou art my beloved Son.”

Just as God, the Father initiated the earthly ministry of H8is Son with the miraculous appearance of the Spirit and the Sacrament of Holy Baptism; so we initiate our pilgrimage through life when the Word and the Sacraments miraculously create faith in us at our baptism. The Holy Spirit does this all as gift.

John the baptizer underscores the life and death urgency of baptism for us and our loved ones and for those to come at the baptism of Jesus. The living God as Father, Son and Spirit reveals Himself at the baptism of Jesus and in our baptism.

As the Father rejoiced at the baptism of His Son in whom He was well pleased, we can rejoice that our children, loved ones, and we have become well pleased to God through baptism.

Collects for Epiphany: Lord God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory.”

Father, You revealed Your Son to the nations by the guidance of a star. Lead us to Your glory in heaven by the light of faith. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever.

Father, You make known the salvation of mankind at the birth of Your Son. Make us strong in faith and bring us to the glory You promise. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.[2]

[1] The Baptism of our Lord, © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Thursday prior to Epiphany 1 - The Baptism of our Lord

[1]

Acts 10:34-43—God accepts us by forgiving us for Jesus’ sake (verse 43). The glory of God is seen in the anointing of Jesus as Messiah by the gift of the Spirit and in His life of doing good, made possible by God’s being with Him. Peter, in a sermon to Cornelius, tells the story of the Gospel. The passage is a part of Peter’s sermon to Cornelius and his family in Caesarea. It marks the giving of the Gospel to the Gentiles. In this sermon Peter reminded his listeners how Jesus, after His baptism when He received the Spirit, went about preaching and healing. Peter says he was one of the witnesses to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Faith in Jesus brings forgiveness of sin. How does this lesson relate to Jesus’ baptism? Peter sees Jesus’ baptism as the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, testifies to the fact that at baptism Jesus received the Spirit and power to carry out His ministry, and tells Cornelius that forgiveness, which is endemic to baptism, comes from faith in Jesus.

“But in every nation, anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him.” (Acts 10:35

The key to this verse is that God accepts those who fear and obey Him, It is Jesus Christ alone who has done just that. The glory of God is seen in the appointing of Jesus as Messiah by the gift of the Spirit and in His life of doing good, made possible by the Father being with Him.,

The great marvel of Christmas is that God becomes human. The great marvel of Epiphany is that this man is also true God. Being both true God and true man; Jesus is the Savior of all men. For those of Jewish origin at the time of the early church this was a tremendous challenge to faith. Even the Apostle Peter, after being filled with the Holy Ghost on Pentecost could believe this truth only virtue of a special vision from, God. (Vv.9-16)

In the book of Acts Cornelius is the third Gentile to become a member of the household of faith. (The Ethiopian eunuch Acts 8:27; while Nicolas the proselyte becoming the first in Acts 6:5) In this special outreach of the Lord He teaches us again in a very special way just who is acceptable to God. How does one become acceptable to God? If you can meet two conditions; fear God and do what is right.

Man’s problem is that he often does not understand the consequences of sin, namely, God’s just anger and our eternal separation from Him. There is more than just feeling guilty. Every person of every land in every condition of life is affected by sin. The consequences in this life and in eternity are dreadful unless one is rescued from them by God through His Son Jesus.

This is where good news comes for even though there is not one person who can fear God and do right God still can accept you for Jesus’ sake. Jesus is the only one who feared God perfectly; He did what is right for your benefit. He has delivered every person from the guilt, punishment and slavery of sin so that in His life, new life now and life in eternity is now yours.

A Collect for the Baptism of our Lord: Almighty, eternal God, when the Spirit descended upon Jesus at His baptism in the Jordan, You revealed Him as Your own beloved Son. Keep us, Your children born of water and the Spirit, faithful to our calling. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. [2]

[1] Baptism of Jesus, © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Wednesday prior to Epiphany 1 - The Baptism of our Lord

[1]

Isaiah 42:1-91—God chooses and delights in His Servant. Epiphany deals with light. God chooses His servant to be the light of the nations. Epiphany is the season for world outreach with the Gospel. The Lord describes the character and work of His Servant. This is the first of four servant songs in Isaiah. In verses 1-4 the Servant is described as chosen and well-pleasing to the Lord, Spirit-filled, patient, and faithful. In verses 5-9, the work of the Servant is to bring the light of salvation to the world, justice, and He shall be a covenant of the people. How does this passage relate to Jesus’ baptism? As the Servant was anointed with the Spirit, Jesus at His baptism received the Holy Spirit. As the Servant was “chosen, in whom my soul delights,” at His baptism, God’s voice said, “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” As the Servant was given a task (vv. 6-7), Jesus’ ministry began at His baptism.

The days since Christmas are short compared to the approximately thirty years between Jesus’ birth and His baptism by John. Yet, many in our day have already forgotten why Jesus’ birth was so important. Others, as in Jesus’ day, with eager or curious expectation to see what His mission in life will be.

The baptism of Jesus “begins” His public ministry. Like the President of the United State’ inaugural address; this lesson outlines the credentials and anticipated program for the coming years.

As the promised Messiah; Jesus identifies with the past. He identifies with all people from Adam to John, who need to be baptized for forgiveness. He claims a heritage with God’s covenant people Israel. Indeed, His is Israel rolled into one.

As the promised Messiah; Jesus identifies with the present. Those living at His time. In the babe of Bethlehem God has sent His own Son. (Psalm 2:7) As the Messiah He is also the “chosen servant” foretold by Isaiah, with whom God is “well pleased,” that is, whom God has accepted by grace to be His sacrifice for sin. Jesus is baptized “to fulfill all righteousness,” for now. The fulfillment of God’s plan has begun, but Jesus’ mission moves from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

As the promised Messiah; Jesus mission points to the future. He has come primarily to suffer and die so that by repentance and forgiveness through His righteousness the Kingdom of God may come. In your baptism you participate in the death of Christ, (Romans 6) as you identify with the “New Israel” saved by baptismal grace.

As the coming Epiphany season stands between our celebration of Christ’s birth and His passion, we remember that He came to manifest God’s good favor (grace) by humbly offering Himself for the sins of the world.

A Collect for the Baptism of our Lord: Father in heaven, at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan you proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized into Christ faithful in their calling to be your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life.[2]

[1] Baptism of Jesus, © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Monday, January 5, 2026

Tuesday prior to Epiphany 1 - The Baptism of our Lord

[1]

Psalm 29 —The voice of God is the theme for Psalm 29 as seen in the thunderstorm - sometimes frightening, suggestive of terrifying cataclysms at the end of the world. In the torrent of rain, the ear-splitting thunderclaps, the blaze of lightning, and the roaring wind that sets the great forests in motion, the psalmist hears God’s voice. For God made and orders them all (verses 1-10). Let the hosts of heaven sing His glory (verses 1-2) – and may He bless His people on earth. (Verse 11) The style of this psalm is very similar to ancient Canaanite poetry. Sirion (verse 6): 9,000 ft. Mt. Hermon, on the Israel/Lebanon border .Kadesh (verse 8): a place in the desert south of Beersheba.

Psalm 29 – The Voice of the LORD in a storm

This wonderful song is simply titled A Psalm of David. In poetic beauty it describes the strength of a storm and understands it as the voice and power God. In so doing it repeats the name of the LORD eighteen times and uses the phrase “the voice of the LORD” seven times. This psalm has no other elements. It is pure praise. It does not call upon us to do anything because the psalm itself is doing the only thing it is concerned about. It is praising God.[2]

Collect for Psalm 29: Lord our king, your voice sounds over the waters as you reign above the flood. Help us, who are born again by water and the Holy Spirit, to praise your wonderful deeds in your holy temple; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen [3]

[1] Baptism, © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-29

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Monday prior to Epiphany 1 - The Baptism of our Lord

[1]

Psalm 2:7-11, 12c; antiphon, Isaiah 42:1a—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, Behold My servant, whom I uphold, My chosen in whom My soul delights. The Father accepts the Son at His baptism and so the work of Jesus’ active public ministry has begun. From this Sunday through Easter we will witness those active acts the Savior did to win for you salvation. The psalmist and the prophet Isaiah rejoice for that day. We join them with our prayers and praises.

Psalm 2 – The Reign of the LORD’s anointed

Like many psalms, the theme of Psalm 2 is emphasized in the final verse. We can defy God and perish, or we can surrender to Him and be blessed. The psalm itself does not identify its author, but Acts 4:25-26 clearly attributes it to David.[2]

God Accepts You

The theme of acceptance harmonizes with baptism. At this time God accepts the repentant sinner, washes away the dirt of sin in the waters of baptism, and adopts the believer as His child, making him His Servant and delights in him. God finds those who fear Him to be acceptable to Him (Epistle Lesson Acts 10:34-43). At Jesus’ baptism, we hear God’s voice, “This is my beloved Son.” The Epistle Lesson closes by assuring those with faith that for Jesus’ sake their sins are forgiven. By faith we accept God’s acceptance of us.

The Spirit is prominent in the three lessons. Some erroneously refer to a water and a Spirit baptism as though there were two baptisms. Christian baptism is both at the same time and consequently there is, as Paul says, one baptism. The Prayer refers to Jesus’ being anointed with the Spirit. In Psalm 29 we hear God’s voice “upon the waters.” Luther’s Hymn of the Day tells the story of Jesus’ baptism.

Collect for Psalm 2: Lord God, you give the people of the world to be the inheritance of your Son; you crowned him as king of Zion, your holy city, and gave him your church as his bride. As he proclaims the way of your eternal kingdom, may we serve him faithfully, and so know the royal power of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. [3]

[1] Baptism, © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-2/

Saturday, January 3, 2026

THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD study notes

First Sunday after the Epiphany

Isaiah 42:1–9
Romans 6:1–11
Matthew 3:13–17

The Holy Triune God Is Manifested and Reveals Himself to Us in Holy Baptism

Collects for the Baptism of our Lord: Father in heaven, at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan you proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized into Christ faithful in their calling to be your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life.

Almighty, eternal God, when the Spirit descended upon Jesus at His baptism in the Jordan, You revealed Him as Your own beloved Son. Keep us, Your children born of water and the Spirit, faithful to our calling. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever.

The Baptism of our Lord is an “epiphany” of the one true God in the flesh and blood of Jesus. He is the chosen servant of the Lord, anointed with the Spirit for the rescue of God’s people and to “bring forth justice to the nations” (Isaiah 42:1).

Thus, He makes all things new, and He is given “as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations” (Isaiah 42:6).

In the waters of the Jordan, He takes His place with sinners and takes all the sins of the world upon Himself. He undergoes the Baptism of repentance in order to “fulfill all righteousness” for us (Matthew 3:15).

He submits Himself to the curse of sin and death in order to redeem us. We are baptized with a Baptism like His, thereby dying and rising with Him, so that “we will also live with him” (Romans 6:8).

Indeed, all of us who are baptized into Christ Jesus are anointed with His Spirit and named by His Father as beloved and well-pleasing sons and daughters.

The message of Jesus and John is the same. "Repent for the kingdom is here..." "Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sin." Repent, be baptized "and you will receive the gift of the Spirit."

God accepts Jesus as His Son at His baptism. The Epiphany season deals with the manifestation of God’s glory in Jesus. At Jesus’ baptism, God is glorified in Jesus by the voice of God declaring Jesus as his Son, and by the appearance of the dove, indicating the gift of the Spirit. Jesus received the Spirit and was declared by God to be his Son. Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism differs in two ways from the other Synoptic accounts. Matthew tells of John’s reluctance to baptize Jesus who insists upon it in order that he might fulfill righteousness and identify with all who need repentance. The big question is, if Jesus were sinless why would he want John’s baptism of repentance? The other difference is that God’s voice of acceptance and approval of Jesus is addressed to the spectators: “This is my beloved Son.” Mark and Luke make it a personal experience: “Thou art my beloved Son.”

Matthew 3:13–17

The Baptism of Jesus

Matthew 3:13

Τότε παραγίνεται ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλιλαίας ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰορδάνην πρὸς τὸν Ἰωάννην τοῦ βαπτισθῆναι ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.

Why the Jordan?

- Jordan where sin/death are left behind

- Israel crossed over forgetting sin and receiving life.

-Matthew 3:14

ὁ δὲ ωάννης διεκώλυεν αὐτὸν λέγων· Ἐγὼ χρείαν ἔχω ὑπὸ σοῦ βαπτισθῆναι, καὶ σὺ ἔρχῃ πρός με;

John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

Jesus becomes the serpent who is lifted up for life. Jesus refers himself to the serpent nailed for life.

John knows who Jesus is. It makes no sense.

Matthew 3:15

ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτόν· Ἄφες ἄρτι, οὕτως γὰρ πρέπον ἐστὶν ἡμῖν πληρῶσαι πᾶσαν δικαιοσύνην. τότε ἀφίησιν αὐτόν.

But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.

"Permit it" Ἄφες ἄρτι, οὕτως is same word for forgiveness "let it be"

Look at the pronouns Jesus says "us" all together. As with John he uses you, me.

These are Jesus' first words in Matthew's gospel, "let it be so."

Matthew 3:16

βαπτισθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς [d]εὐθὺς ἀνέβη ἀπὸ τοῦ ὕδατος· καὶ ἰδοὺ [e]ἠνεῴχθησαν οἱ οὐρανοί, καὶ εἶδεν [f]πνεῦμα θεοῦ καταβαῖνον ὡσεὶ [g]περιστερὰν ἐρχόμενον ἐπ’ αὐτόν·

And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him,[a] and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;

Matthew 3:17

καὶ ἰδοὺ φωνὴ ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν λέγουσα· Οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ υἱός μου ὁ ἀγαπητός, ἐν ᾧ εὐδόκησα.

and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son,[b] with whom I am well pleased.”

- Heavens are open

-Spirit descents came down as a dove

Genesis 8:6-12, The end of wrath the dove is a preacher of peace.

Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

The Baptism of Jesus copyright Ed Rijos, Higher Things

Saturday, January 4, 2025

BAPTISM OF OUR LORD - Series C study notes

Isaiah 43:1–7

Romans 6:1–11

Luke 3:15–22

The Triune God Opens Heaven to You in Holy Baptism

Collect for Epiphany 1 – Father in heaven, at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized in His name faithful in their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

The Baptism of our Lord is an “Epiphany” of the one true God in the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ. In divine mercy, He takes His place with sinners and takes their sin upon Himself. “When all the people were baptized,” Jesus submitted Himself to a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 3:21). He had no sins of His own, but He took the sins of the world upon Himself and so was baptized into His own death. Therefore, “when you pass through the waters,” He is with you (Isaiah 43:2). He created you for His glory, and He has redeemed you with His blood, that you may be His own and live with Him in His Kingdom (Isaiah 43:1, 7). As you are baptized with a baptism like His, so also are you united with Him in His death and resurrection that you “might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). For all who are baptized into Christ Jesus receive His anointing of the Holy Spirit and are named by His Father as beloved and well-pleasing sons and daughters.

How many baptisms are there? Luke emphasizes the anointing of the Spirit in connection with baptism. The Holy Spirit comes to us in and through our baptism. In the Gospel lesson “water baptism” and “spirit baptism” are mentioned. In verse 16 John the Baptizer says he baptizes with water but a greater than he will baptize with the Spirit and fire. Water and Sprit baptism are one and the same. The Spirit comes with the Word manifested by the sign of water.

Baptism is essentially a spiritual matter, a covenant between God and the believer. It is not a mere external matter of applying water to a person. You are a true and complete Christian by virtue of your baptism. This is your birthright, where faith is born. Its purpose and power cannot be taken away from you.

Luke 3:15-22

Luke 3:15

Προσδοκῶντος δὲ τοῦ λαοῦ καὶ διαλογιζομένων πάντων ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν περὶ τοῦ Ἰωάννου, μήποτε αὐτὸς εἴη ὁ χριστός,

As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ,

Luke 3:16

ἀπεκρίνατο λέγων πᾶσιν ὁ Ἰωάννης· Ἐγὼ μὲν ὕδατι βαπτίζω ὑμᾶς· ἔρχεται δὲ ὁ ἰσχυρότερός μου, οὗ οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανὸς λῦσαι τὸν ἱμάντα τῶν ὑποδημάτων αὐτοῦ· αὐτὸς ὑμᾶς βαπτίσει ἐν πνεύματι ἁγίῳ καὶ πυρί·

John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Luke 3:17

οὗ τὸ πτύον ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ διακαθᾶραι τὴν ἅλωνα αὐτοῦ καὶ συναγαγεῖν τὸν σῖτον εἰς τὴν ἀποθήκην αὐτοῦ, τὸ δὲ ἄχυρον κατακαύσει πυρὶ ἀσβέστῳ.

His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Luke 3:18

Πολλὰ μὲν οὖν καὶ ἕτερα παρακαλῶν εὐηγγελίζετο τὸν λαόν·

So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people.

Luke 3:19

ὁ δὲ Ἡρῴδης ὁ τετραάρχης, ἐλεγχόμενος ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ περὶ Ἡρῳδιάδος τῆς γυναικὸς τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ καὶ περὶ πάντων ὧν ἐποίησεν πονηρῶν ὁ Ἡρῴδης,

But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done,

Luke 3:20

προσέθηκεν καὶ τοῦτο ἐπὶ πᾶσιν, καὶ κατέκλεισεν τὸν Ἰωάννην ἐν φυλακῇ.

added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison.

Luke 3:21

Ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν τῷ βαπτισθῆναι ἅπαντα τὸν λαὸν καὶ Ἰησοῦ βαπτισθέντος καὶ προσευχομένου ἀνεῳχθῆναι τὸν οὐρανὸν

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened,

Luke 3:22

καὶ καταβῆναι τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον σωματικῷ εἴδει ὡς περιστερὰν ἐπ’ αὐτόν, καὶ φωνὴν ἐξ οὐρανοῦ γενέσθαι· Σὺ εἶ ὁ υἱός μου ὁ ἀγαπητός, ἐν σοὶ εὐδόκησα.

and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son;[a] with you I am well pleased.”[b]

a. Or my Son, my (or the) Beloved

b. Some manuscripts beloved Son; today I have begotten you

Sources:

Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Saturday, December 30, 2023

THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD - Series B notes

THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD - Series B

(The First Sunday after the Epiphany)

Father in heaven, at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make us all who are baptized in His name faithful in their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Genesis 1:1–5
Romans 6:1–11
Mark 1:4–11
In Holy Baptism, the Triune God Reveals Himself and Recreates Us in His Image

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Then, as “the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2), God spoke His Word: “‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). In the same way, “the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ” (Mark 1:1) brings about the new creation through the waters of Baptism by the same Word and Spirit of God. When John the Baptist came, “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,” Jesus also came “and was baptized by John in the Jordan” (Mark 1:4, 9). Although He had no sins of His own, He took His stand with sinners in His Baptism and took the sins and mortality of the world upon Himself. He was baptized into His own death, by which the heavens are opened and the Spirit is given to us. God the Father is well pleased with His beloved Son and raises Him from the dead. As we share His Baptism and are “united with him in a death like his” (Romans 6:5), we also share His resurrection unto “newness of life” (Romans 6:4).

Mark 1:4–11

1:4

ἐγένετο Ἰωάννης [a]ὁ βαπτίζων ἐν τῇ [b]ἐρήμῳ κηρύσσων βάπτισμα μετανοίας εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν.

John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Mark 1:5

καὶ ἐξεπορεύετο πρὸς αὐτὸν πᾶσα ἡ Ἰουδαία χώρα καὶ οἱ Ἱεροσολυμῖται [c]πάντες, καὶ ἐβαπτίζοντο [d]ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ ἐν τῷ Ἰορδάνῃ ποταμῷ ἐξομολογούμενοι τὰς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν.

And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

Mark 1:6

καὶ ἦν ὁ Ἰωάννης ἐνδεδυμένος τρίχας καμήλου καὶ ζώνην δερματίνην περὶ τὴν ὀσφὺν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἔσθων ἀκρίδας καὶ μέλι ἄγριον.

Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.

Mark 1:7

καὶ ἐκήρυσσεν λέγων· Ἔρχεται ὁ ἰσχυρότερός μου ὀπίσω μου, οὗ οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανὸς κύψας λῦσαι τὸν ἱμάντα τῶν ὑποδημάτων αὐτοῦ·

And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.

Mark 1:8

ἐγὼ ἐβάπτισα [g]ὑμᾶς ὕδατι, αὐτὸς δὲ βαπτίσει ὑμᾶς [h]ἐν πνεύματι ἁγίῳ.

I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

The Baptism of Jesus

Mark 1:9

Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις ἦλθεν Ἰησοῦς ἀπὸ Ναζαρὲτ τῆς Γαλιλαίας καὶ ἐβαπτίσθη [i]εἰς τὸν Ἰορδάνην ὑπὸ Ἰωάννου.

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

Mark 1:10

καὶ [j]εὐθὺς ἀναβαίνων [k]ἐκ τοῦ ὕδατος εἶδεν σχιζομένους τοὺς οὐρανοὺς καὶ τὸ πνεῦμα [l]ὡς περιστερὰν καταβαῖνον [m]εἰς αὐτόν·

And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

Mark 1:11

αὶ φωνὴ ἐγένετο ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν· Σὺ εἶ ὁ υἱός μου ὁ ἀγαπητός, ἐν [n]σοὶ εὐδόκησα

And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son;[a] with you I am well pleased.”

Time in the Word - The Baptism of our Lord

Time in the Word
1-6 January, 2024
The Baptism of our Lord

Collect for the Baptism of our Lord—Father in heaven at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized in His name faithful to their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

The first Sunday after the Epiphany is a special day – the baptism of our Lord. In the early church Epiphany was celebrated in terms of Jesus’ baptism. In keeping with the festival, the liturgical color is white. The Gospel lesson records the events of John baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River. With His baptism Jesus will begin His earthly public ministry. John comes preaching repentance and baptizing in the Jordan. He prepares the way for Jesus by telling the people that one is coming who will baptize with the Spirit. Then comes Jesus from Nazareth and is baptized by John. According to Mark, this is a personal experience of Jesus, for He alone saw the dove and heard the Father’s voice. From this moment Jesus is the Son of God.

Monday, January 01, 2024—Psalm 2:7-11, 12c—The Antiphon, is taken from Isaiah 42:1a “Behold my servant whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights.” In ancient times the term “servant” meant something like “trusted envoy” or “confidential representative” but here there is more. This is the Lord’s chosen one, the one in whom the Lord delights, the one in whom the Lord’s Spirit is given. This is a prediction of Christ who comes to make our salvation a reality. With His baptism, not only does the Savior begin His ministry, but from here on there can be no turning back. Salvation will find its completion at a bloody and cruel cross and an empty tomb.

Tuesday, January 02, 2024—Psalm 29—The key verse of this psalm is verse 3, “The Voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.” The Voice of God is the theme for Psalm 29 which blends with the theme for this coming Sunday that the Voice of the Father was heard by the Savior. In the thunderstorm, sometimes frightening, suggestive of terrifying cataclysms at the end of the world.

Wednesday, January 03, 2024—Genesis 1:1-5—The Old Testament lesson for the Baptism of our Lord reminds us once again that the Voice of God is important. In ten phrases the Creator of the Universe speaks the world into existence. Sunday’s Old Testament lesson will focus on Day 1. Merely by speaking God brought all things into being – see also Psalm 33:6, 9 and Hebrews 11:3. God’s first creative word called forth light in the midst of the darkness. Light is necessary for making God’s creative works visible and life possible. As you have been baptized, God is re-creating faith in a once sin-darkened heart.

Thursday, January 04 2024—Romans 6:1-11—Paul will explain both the when and how of the Christian’s death to sin. Baptism is a means by which we enter into a vital faith relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a means of receiving God’s grace, and it depicts graphically what happens as a result of the Christian’s union with Christ. Through faith we are united with Christ, just as through our natural birth we are united with Adam.

As we fell into sin and became subject to death in father Adam, so we now have died and been raise again with Christ – with baptism effects.

Friday, January 05, 2024 - Mark 1:4-11—Sunday’s Gospel reading is St. Mark’s account of the baptism of our Lord. In Jesus’ baptism, God the Father proclaimed Jesus His Son, whom He loves.

In His baptism, our sins are washed onto Jesus, and the baptismal waters sanctified, that they might wash our sins off us. We, too, are beloved of God. The day of our Baptism is one of the greatest days in our lives, when our old man was drowned in those sacred waters, and our new selves, righteous and holy, were brought forth to “live before God in righteousness and purity forever.”

The Father declares that Jesus is His Son. Here Jesus receives the knowledge of His identity, His self-understanding, and of His mission in life as the Messiah. Wasn’t Jesus God’s Son prior to His baptism or does this mean that this is the first time Jesus came to a realization of who He was? It is important to note that we only know who we are and what we are to do in relation to the Father. When we know whose we are, we know who we are. Baptism for us is the time of adoption as children of God. By His grace we are accepted as children of His kingdom. Baptism is the initiation and incorporation into the body of Christ.

Saturday, January 06, 2024— Matthew 3:13-17; Hebrews 2:17; Luke 4:18; 2 Corinthians 4:21 - The hymn of the day for the Baptism of our Lord is, To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord (LSB 405). In this hymn references are made to the Savior’s baptism. The Theme for the day emphasizes baptism as the time of the Spirit’s reception and the beginning of ministry.

Let us honor Christ’s baptism and celebrate this feast in holiness. Be cleansed entirely and continue to be cleansed. Nothing gives such pleasure to God as the conversion and salvation of human beings, for whom his every word and every revelation exist. He wants you to become a living force for all humanity, lights shining in the world. You are to be radiant lights as you stand beside Christ, the great light, bathed in the glory of him who is the light of heaven. You are to enjoy more and more the pure and dazzling light of the Trinity. For now you have received — through not in its fullness — a ray of its splendor, proceeding from the one God, in Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom be glory and power forever and ever. (Leo the Great)

Prayers for Epiphany – O God, by the leading of a star You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, who know You by faith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Most merciful God, You gave Your eternal Word to become incarnate of the pure Virgin. Grant Your people grace to put away fleshly lusts that they may be ready for Your visitation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Almighty God, You have poured into our hearts the true Light of Your incarnate Word. Grant that this Light may shine forth in our lives; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

For blessing on the Word – Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it; through Jesus Christ, my Lord.

A prayer before we study the Word – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our search is in vain. Invigorate the study of Your holy Word that, by due diligence and right discernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your holy faith.

Sources

LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES B © 1981 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Sunday, January 1, 2023

The Baptism of our Lord - 1st Sunday after the Epiphany - Series A

THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD

The First Sunday after the Epiphany

08 January 2023

Series -A

Isaiah 42:1–9

Romans 6:1–11

Matthew 3:13–17

The Holy Triune God Is Manifested and Reveals Himself to Us in Holy Baptism

Thus, He makes all things new, and He is given “as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations” (Isaiah 42:6).

Indeed, all of us who are baptized into Christ Jesus are anointed with His Spirit and named by His Father as beloved and well-pleasing sons and daughters.

The message of Jesus and John is the same. "Repent for the kingdom is here..." "Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sin." Repent, be baptized and you will receive the gift of the Spirit."

The Holy Trinity and Holy Baptism – January 8, 2020

Rev. Dr. Daniel J Brege

First Sunday After Epiphany,

(Matthew 3:13-17)

As the number of cults increase and as paganism is displacing Christianity in many lands, preachers must be more consciously persistent about preaching the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Not that most sermons need be expositions of this essential doctrine, but pastors would do well to point out the frequent references to the True God—one essence with three distinct persons—permeating the Scriptures.

At the Baptism of our Lord the doctrine of the Holy Trinity is quite apparent. In this most wonderful account we observe the only occasion where the Holy Spirit takes upon himself a form—that of a dove. From this temporary morphing of the Spirit we observe him to be separate from the Son and the Father. Then from the voice that acclaims Jesus to be My beloved Son, we hear the voice of the Father, again a distinctly separate third person in the one God. There are three distinct God-persons, but one God.

Consider now how the doctrine of the Holy Trinity is echoed in various New Testament Baptism texts.

Of course the foundational Baptism text—Matthew 28: 19, 20—reveals that disciples are made as they are baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The word name is singular, as there is but one divine essence, and yet there are three distinct persons, each possessing this name.

Consider then the first application of Christian Baptism as recorded in Acts 2:38,39: Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself. Again we see the name noted in Matthew 28:19 as owned 100% by each God-person, and the three persons are again identified: Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Lord our God (God the Father). Clearly the work of the Holy Trinity explains Holy Baptism.

Observe the doctrine of the Holy Trinity linked to Baptism in 1 Corinthians 6:11. St. Paul explains to those who had been caught up in the filthiness of sin, that in Holy Baptism they were wonderfully washed: But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Observe again the name possessed by all three persons, and recognize all three persons compactly identified: Lord Jesus Christ, Spirit of our God [the Father].

Paul identifies two persons of the Trinity as he writes an apparent Baptism concept in Galatians 3:5: Does God lavish His Spirit on you and work miracles among you because you practice the law, or because you hear and believe? The Apostle then in verses 26, 27, identifies two persons of the Holy Trinity as he links faith and sonship with Baptism: You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. The true God is clear: God (the Father) lavishes His Spirit (uniquely in Baptism) and we are sons of God (the Father) as we are clothed with Christ Jesus (the Son of God) in Baptism. One need only go a few verses further to find a condensed mentioning of each person of the Holy Trinity, relating our sonship established in Baptism: And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

Look up also Ephesians 1:13,14 (Baptism is the seal of the Spirit); Titus 3:5-8; John 3:1-16. Each text speaks of Baptism, explaining such talk by referencing the three persons of the Holy Trinity. Pastors, preach then the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, and proclaim its unique connection to Holy Baptism.

Matthew 3:13–17

The Baptism of Jesus

Matthew 3:13

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.

Why the Jordan?

- Jordan where sin/death are left behind

- Israel crossed over forgetting sin and receiving life.

Matthew 3:14

ὁ δὲ ωάννης διεκώλυεν αὐτὸν λέγων• Ἐγὼ χρείαν ἔχω ὑπὸ σοῦ βαπτισθῆναι, καὶ σὺ ἔρχῃ πρός με;

John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

Jesus becomes the serpent who is lifted up for life. Jesus refers himself to the serpent nailed for life.

John knows who Jesus is. It makes no sense.

Matthew 3:15

ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτόν• Ἄφες ἄρτι, οὕτως γὰρ πρέπον ἐστὶν ἡμῖν πληρῶσαι πᾶσαν δικαιοσύνην. τότε ἀφίησιν αὐτόν.

But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.

"Permit it" Ἄφες ἄρτι, οὕτως is same word for forgiveness "let it be"

Look at the pronouns Jesus says "us" all together. As with John he uses you, me.

These are Jesus' first words in Matthew's gospel, "let it be so."

Matthew 3:16

βαπτισθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς [d]εὐθὺς ἀνέβη ἀπὸ τοῦ ὕδατος• καὶ ἰδοὺ [e]ἠνεῴχθησαν οἱ οὐρανοί, καὶ εἶδεν [f]πνεῦμα θεοῦ καταβαῖνον ὡσεὶ [g]περιστερὰν ἐρχόμενον ἐπ’ αὐτόν•

And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him,[a] and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;

Matthew 3:17

καὶ ἰδοὺ φωνὴ ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν λέγουσα• Οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ υἱός μου ὁ ἀγαπητός, ἐν ᾧ εὐδόκησα.

and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son,[b] with whom I am well pleased.”

- Heavens are open

-Spirit descents came down as a dove

Genesis 8:6-12,The end of wrath the dove is a preacher of peace.

Friday, January 9, 2026

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Monday, January 5, 2026

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Saturday, January 3, 2026

Isaiah 42:1–9Romans 6:1–11Matthew 3:13–17

Saturday, January 4, 2025

Saturday, December 30, 2023

Genesis 1:1–5Romans 6:1–11Mark 1:4–11 In Holy Baptism, the Triune God Reveals Himself and Recreates Us in His Image

Time in the Word1-6 January, 2024The Baptism of our Lord

LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES B © 1981 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OHSchnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Sunday, January 1, 2023

Isaiah 42:1–9
Romans 6:1–11
Matthew 3:13–17

Genesis 1:1–5
Romans 6:1–11
Mark 1:4–11
In Holy Baptism, the Triune God Reveals Himself and Recreates Us in His Image

Time in the Word
1-6 January, 2024
The Baptism of our Lord

LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES B © 1981 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use