Epiphany 3

January 26, 2014

Epiphany 3

Matthew 4:12-25

Witness and Mercy

Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities and stretch forth the hand of Your majesty to heal and defend us; through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen

The message of Epiphany is this – Jesus demonstrates His authority with His words and His actions. Do you believe this?  Many have grown weary of empty words and failed promises. Words can be deceiving.

Actions can make us just as skeptical. Actions can be deceiving. What’s the motivation behind certain actions? What’s the reason? What’s the rationale behinds these actions? Can we trust this Jesus by His words and actions today? Or is He too just another con man?

Jesus Demonstrates the Father's Reign with Power

1. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom. “News about him spread all over Syria. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis,^[b] Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed Him.”

Jesus taught the truth about the kingdom. In fact, Christ’s power to heal proves His words are true. And what is His message? In a word, repent!

Truth be told, people who say, “God never gives you more than you can handle” are lying to you. They are giving you yet another list of things to do so that God will somehow stand up and take notice. Nonsense! You’re more than a puppy who gets a treat every time you behave or act nicely. Truth be told – your sin condemns you. You can’t handle it! It’s too much!

So stop trying! Get over yourself! Repent; that is, believe Jesus’ promises! He did what you could never do. He lived a perfect life. He exchanged His perfect life for your poor miserable, imperfect life. He offered Himself on the cruel and bloody cross as a payment for your sin.  Now, His perfection is handed over to you. It is now your own. The Father looks at you as if you had never sinned. You are flawlessness because, and only because, you are in Christ. Cling to Jesus and His promises. He makes you a new person. You are His. He will not leave you. He loves you more than you will ever know. And in Him, your sin is no more. There is no more guilt. All that is left is His redeeming love.   

Jesus speaks the truth then backs up this truth with healing. Jesus’ words alone should be sufficient to believe in Him.  The Father gave no possible reason for doubt when He sent His Son into the world! But if these words of Jesus seem too good to be true consider His acts of healing.

2. Healing every disease and sickness among the people.   People brought to Jesus all who were ill with various diseases. “Those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, the paralyzed. He healed them.”  

 The religious elite attributed Christ’s power to the devil.  “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.” -Matthew 12:24, Jesus proclaimed boldly that it was the work of the Holy Spirit.  “And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges”. -Matthew 12:27

The “healing” (Gr. - therapeuo) ministry of Jesus was only in support of His teaching and preaching. He validated His message and authority by the healing and other miracles that He performed. It’s one thing to say, “I forgive you!” But to back up those words with actions of power is quite another thing. It would only be an act of cruelty to say to a crippled man, “get up and walk” unless you had the power to heal.

Jesus never performed miracles simply to display His power. He never performed miracles to draw attention to Himself.  It was always to authenticate His message. He healed to identify Himself as the Savior the Father had promised.

The miraculous works of Christ that came in the form of healing the sick and demon-possessed were undeniable marks of His identity.

What are the marks of your identity dear Christian? You share the same changeless Christ to an ever-changing world looking for light, life and hope. Our life together is a clear witness of the wounded, crucified and risen Christ coupled with acts mercy and care.  You back up those words of redemption with actions of compassion that prove you really do care! 

Time in the Word - Epiphany 3

The Ministry of Light

The Epiphany theme of light is evident in both the Gospel and the Old Testament lesson — “have seen a great light.” Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise of that light. In Christ is the Epiphany (manifestation) of light. Epiphany deals with the revelation of the glory of God in Jesus. God’s glory is seen in the ministry of Jesus — he brings the kingdom to people through his three-fold ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing; a ministry to the whole person: soul, mind, and body. Paul sees the glory of God revealed in the cross — the means of deliverance from the oppression of sin, Satan, and death.

Since the Epistle lesson is given in-course and deals with the problem of internal church division, it does not harmonize with the theme of the other Lessons. The Gospel fulfills the promise of a light coming to the people of Galilee. This fulfillment is in the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. It is cause for celebration. By His ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing, Jesus brings the light of truth and grace to the world. Psalm 27 harmonizes with the theme of light — “The Lord is my light....” The Prayer asks for us to have a similar ministry of light.

Monday, 20 January 2014—Psalm 22:27-31; antiphon, Psalm 22:22—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, I will tell of Your name to my brothers, in the midst of the congregation I will praise You. Psalm 22 stands alone by itself. No other psalm pointed beyond itself so fully to the circumstances of Jesus at his crucifixion. John and Matthew will quote from this psalm as they give their accounts of Christ’s passion (see Matthew 27:46; 35, 39, 43 and John 19:23-24, 28). They proclaim the passion of Jesus as the fulfillment of this cry of the righteous sufferer. The author of the book of Hebrews placed the words of verse 22 on Jesus’ lips on Hebrews 2:12. No other psalm is quoted more frequently in the New Testament.   

Tuesday, 21 January 2014—Psalm 27:1-9—The words of these choice verses are David’s triumphant confidence in God to deliver him from all those who conspire to bring him down. His prayer presupposes the Lord’s covenant with David. David’s confidence in his Lord introduces the prayer David will pray in verses 7-12. The conclusion of the prayer (verses 13-14) echoes the confidence of verses 1-6 and asks the reader to wait patiently for that which is sure although not yet seen.

Wednesday, 22 January 2014— Isaiah 9:1-4—When Isaiah wrote these words, there was darkness in the land. Assyria conquered Zebulon and Naphtali and carried off the people to bondage. There was the darkness of oppression, homelessness, and forced labor. In today’s world there is also much darkness: loneliness, pain, bereavement, poverty, and addiction to drugs or alcohol. We rejoice that in Christ the light has begun to shine as Jesus begins His ministry. What is the joy of a Christian? It is basically the joy of having Christ. He is the Light of the world. To have Christ is to be free from the power and condemnation of sin and from the consequences of sin — death. Joy is a by-product of Jesus’ preaching the good news of salvation, His teaching the truth of God, and His ministry of healing to our bodies and minds.

Thursday, 23 January 2014—1 Corinthians 1:10-18—Fractions, dissensions, and cliques existed in the Corinthian church because there was a party spirit. A pastor (Apollos, Paul, Peter) was placed above Jesus. It was not Christ’s church but Dr. So-and-So’s church. Unity in a church is based upon the pre-eminence of Christ, not the personality of the pastor. Paul did not make a practice of baptizing people in order to avoid anyone’s claim he belonged to Paul rather than to Christ. Baptism tends to establish a loyalty between the pastor and the candidate.

Often it is heard, “He baptized me,” in the sense of adulating the pastor. The closer people get to Christ, the closer they get to each other in harmony and peace.

Friday, 24 January 2014—Matthew 4:12-25—Matthew sees Jesus beginning His ministry as a fulfillment of the Isaiah promise that deliverance would come to those taken captive by the Assyrians in Zebulon and Naphtali. Fulfillment implies that Jesus was more than a man, a prophet, or a teacher; He was the Son of God, the Messiah. Repentance (verse 17)—For John the Baptist, repentance was a condition for entering the kingdom of God. For Jesus, repentance was accepting the salvation already offered and present. Repentance is not a condition of grace but a response to it. Repentance is acknowledging God’s forgiveness and acceptance; it is a turning to God to accept his grace by faith.       

Saturday, 25 January 2014—1 Peter 1:20-23; Hebrews 7:25; John 13:34-35—Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is Son of God, Eternal Savior (LSB #842). This hymn is a prayer asking the Savior to direct us. We pray that He in love and pity would heal our wrongs and help our need. Each of us have burdens cares and struggles. Take these needs to your Savior in prayer. He knows your situation. He is more than able to address your need. 

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 humankind 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.

Collects for Epiphany 3: Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities and stretch forth the hand of Your majesty to heal and defend us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Almighty God, you sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom and to teach with authority. Anoint us with the power of your Spirit,  that we, too, may bring good news to the afflicted, bind upon the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives.

Collect for Psalm 27: Gracious Father, protector of those who hope in You: You heard the cry of Your Son and kept Him safe in Your shelter in the day of evil. Grant that Your servants who seek Your face in times of trouble may see Your goodness in the land of the living, through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  

Sources:

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series A by John Brokhoff © 1980 CSS Publishing Lima OH

For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

Artwork by Ed Riojas © Higher Things

Epiphany 2

Epiphany 2

19 January 2014

John 1:29-34

There are moments in our lives where we simply must share. The list is endless. The birth of a child. An engagement. A new job. Scroll down a Facebook news feed and you will see what’s happening in people’s lives. Some events are life changing…some are downright boring. Yet, it’s noteworthy for them!

It’s easy to talk about exciting things we have seen. When we experience something exciting we want to tell everyone; parents, family and friends. Sometimes people we might not really know.

In our Gospel for today (John 1:29-42) John tells us – “I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God. “ (vs.34) John would remind us that Jesus is the Son of God based on what he has seen and based on what he has witnessed.

John bore witness with his own eyes. “I saw it happen! My witness stands. This is the Son of God!” What did John see? He saw the Spirit descending in the form of a dove, lighting upon Jesus and remaining.

John’s message is simple. This is the Son of God. Sent in the fullness of time. Assumed human nature. And has the Holy Spirit bestowed on Him without measure. John simply reports the words He has heard from heaven. This is my beloved Son. As the Son of God, He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His baptism with the Holy Spirit gives life and light to all.  The testimony of John will always have its focus on Jesus.

A man is remembered by five attributes. His character. His conversation. His conduct. His contributions. His creed.

His character – who his is.

His conversation – what he says.

His conduct – what he does.                                                         

His contributions – what he gives.
His creed- what he believes.

With respect to Jesus’ character – It is flawless.

As to His conversation – even His enemies said, “Never a man spoke as He.” All were astonished at the powerful things He said. His words have resounded for over 2,000 years. Changing the lives of millions.

Jesus’ conduct – It was impeccable. He lived the perfect and sinless life.

And what did He contribute? Hope to the hopeless, sight to the blind. The lame man that asked for alms Jesus gave him legs. He gives eternal life to all who believe.

Jesus’ creed - He is the eternal, pre-existent Son of God. He proved this when He rose from the dead.

The message continues - The testimony of the early eyewitnesses cannot be denied. And we too have witnessed this in our own lives. A world still needs to hear and you are the voice, the arms, the feet of Christ. John bore witness and so do you. Continue and carry on even in this New Year. Gossip the Gospel Be a sermon in shoes!

Time in the Word - Epiphany 2

Called to Witness

The Epiphany season has three festivals: The Festival of the Epiphany (January 6), The Baptism of Our Lord (Epiphany 1), and The Transfiguration of Our Lord (Last Sunday after The Epiphany). Unlike other seasons, it opens and closes with a festival. The Sundays in between (Epiphany 2-8) are called “Ordinary” Sundays. 

The Old Testament lessons harmonize with the Gospel Lesson. Four of the seven Lessons are taken from Isaiah. The Epistle Lessons are given in semi “in-course” fashion from 1 Corinthians 1:1—4:5. Consequently, the Epistle is not intended to harmonize with the theme of the Gospel and the Old Testament lesson. The Epistle lends itself to a series of sermons on the church. The Gospel lesson lays the groundwork of Jesus’ public ministry, a transition from the ministry of John to the ministry of Jesus. Beginning with Epiphany 4, we will have an in-course (verse after verse) series on the fifth chapter of Matthew, the first of three chapters constituting the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-48).  Because Easter falls in late April this year, the season of Epiphany will last eight weeks in 2011.

In the Gospel the story of God is manifested in Jesus as the Messiah. John the Baptist refers to Jesus as the Lamb who is baptized by the Spirit and who baptizes with the Spirit. In the Old Testament Lesson, the Epiphany can be seen in God’s servant, Israel, who is to bring the light of salvation to the nations. Epiphany deals with the light and with the spreading of the light to the whole world. God is glorified in His servant (verse 3) who witness. In the Epistle Lesson, the glory of Christ can be seen in the power of the Gospel to make believers as in Corinth.

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 humankind 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.

Collects for Epiphany 2: Lord God, you showed your glory and led many to faith by the works of your Son. As he brought gladness and healing to his people, grant us these same gifts and lead us to perfect faith in Him.

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.

Collect for Psalm 40: Lord Jesus Christ, You became obedient to death and Your name was exalted above all others. Teach us always to do the Father’s will, so that, made holy by Your obedience and united to Your sacrifice, we can know Your great love in time of sorrow and sing a new song to our God now and forever.

Monday, 13 January, 2014—Psalm 19:1-4; antiphon, Psalm 19:4—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. These words are commonly prayed by the pastor before the sermon is delivered. The silent heavens speak, declaring the glory of their Maker to all who are on the earth. The heavenly lights are not divine nor do they control or disclose man’s destiny. Their glory testifies to the righteousness and faithfulness of the Lord who created them. For further reading and meditation, see Romans 1:19-20, Psalm 89:4-8, and Psalm 97:6.

Tuesday, 14 January, 2014—Psalm 40—The psalm is a prayer for help when troubles abound. While the cause of David’s distress is not specified, David acknowledges that they are occasioned by his sin. The prayer begins with praise of God for His past mercies (verses 1-5) and as testimony to the king’s own faithfulness to the Lord (verses 6-10).  These form the ground for his present appeal for help (verses 11-17).

Wednesday, 15 January 2014—Isaiah 49:1-6—Witnessing to all nations. The Lord calls His servant, Israel, to bring the light of salvation to the nations. Here we have the second of the servant songs in Isaiah. The servant tells how the Lord called and chose him before he was born. For the task of restoring Israel, he was equipped with a mouth “like a sharp sword” and was made like “a polished arrow.” Yet, he feels that his labor was in vain. Then the Lord speaks to him and becomes his strength. However, the Lord has broadened his task to bring light and salvation not only to Israel but also to the whole world.

Thursday, 16 January 2014—1 Corinthians 1:1-9—Witnessing produces the church. Paul thanks God for the grace given to the Corinthian church. In these opening verses of Paul’s Corinthian correspondence, he identifies himself in terms of spiritual gifts. Paul reminds them of “the church of God.” Their church is a part of the ecumenical church “called to be saints together with all those who in every place....”  Moreover, in these opening sentences, Paul puts his finger on the problem in the Corinthian church: spiritual gifts such as “all speech and knowledge” which most probably meant Gnosticism and Glossolalia.

While they are waiting for the return of Christ on the last great day, Paul assures them of God’s faithfulness in sustaining and purifying them.

Friday, 17 January 2014— John 1:29-41—Witnessing to Christ as the Messiah.  John the Baptist witnesses to Jesus as the Son of God. This is the closest John comes to reporting the baptism of Jesus. As Jesus comes to him, John the Baptist hails Him as the Lamb of God. He reports

seeing the dove of the Spirit coming upon Jesus at the baptism. John confesses that Jesus is greater than he is because Jesus baptizes with the Spirit while he baptizes only with water. Out of this personal experience John the Baptist declares that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.

The Epiphany theme comes to the forefront in today’s Gospel. John the Baptist witnesses to Jesus as the Messiah. Here is a revelation coming forth: this simple peasant from Nazareth is understood as Son of God, the promised Deliverer, Savior. When we deal with Jesus, we are dealing with God.

Saturday, 18 January 2014—Galatians 4:4-5; 2
Timothy 1:10; 1 John 4:9; Luke 1:30-35—Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is “The Only Son from Heaven” (LSB #402).  Who is Jesus? This is the question the world must address. The answer to this question is addressed in the season of Epiphany. St. Paul reminds us that at just the right time, a time set by the Father, He sent His Son, to be born of a woman. Jesus was truly human; He was born under the law to be subject to the Jewish law. Now those who are called by the Gospel are incorporated into the family of faith. Outside the weather might be cold and gloomy. The landscape appears to be lifeless. Yet new life is granted to us as we see Jesus who entered our world to be our Savior to win us back to full favor with the Father.

Sources:

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series A by John Brokhoff © 1980 CSS Publishing Lima OH

For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

Epiphany 1

January 12, 2014

Epiphany 1

The Baptism of our Lord

Matthew 3:13-17

What the What?

Almighty and eternal God, when the Spirit descended upon Jesus at His baptism in the 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.

Two steps forward… one-step back. One-step forward… two steps back!   Sometimes that's how life works.

The internet goes down because of the snow. Two steps forward, one-step back. The furnace goes out because of the cold. One-step forward…two steps back! The power goes out because of the wind!  No steps forward…three steps back! The water goes out because of a main break in town!

What the What! Enough already! Four steps back!

Two steps forward… one-step back. One-step forward… two steps back!   Three steps down...two steps up!

Jesus took three steps down.

• He enters time and space.
• He is baptized. 
• He suffers death by crucifixion.

These downward steps happen deliberately. In preparation for two big steps up. His resurrection and ascension.

Jesus makes it a habit of showing up where you wouldn't expect Him. Where do the shepherds find Him?  He’s housed in a stable. Resting in a manger. Not in a palace. Not in a mansion. The Magi find Him in Bethlehem. A tiny little town time forgot.  Not in David's Royal city of Jerusalem.

Now at the banks of the Jordan we find Jesus ready for baptism. He desires to be baptized by John who was preaching a message of repentance.

He is baptized into a baptism of repentance. John baptizes him in a baptism for sinners? What the What!  He is fulfilling all righteousness.

“Lord, what are you doing here?” By going to the water of the Jordan, Jesus is committing Himself to the way of the cross. He identifies with sinners.  He stands with them. He stands for them. This baptism will take Him there to a place for executing criminals.

What the What! That is certainly not a place where Jesus ought to belong. Or is it?  He is fulfilling all righteousness. By being baptized with sinners, Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem. His focus is on Calvary. There is no turning back.

Jesus, whose very name means, “The Lord saves”- is baptized; to fulfill all righteousness -“for He will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21

The entire salvation history of Israel is fulfilled in Jesus. He is Israel reduced to one. Everything the Lord God was doing with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, with Moses and Joshua, with David--all of God’s kind dealings with and for and through Israel--now come to fruition with the coming of the Christ.

The Father loves His Son and He loves what the Son is doing.

In Jesus' baptism, heaven opens.  The Father speaks. In your baptism, heaven opens, and the Father speaks. Heaven is opened and is now accessible to sinners. As your sins were washed away, you receive the righteousness Jesus fulfilled.

In Jesus' Baptism, the Holy Spirit descends.  In your baptism, you received the gift of His Holy Spirit, to enlighten and sanctify you.

Two steps forward one-step back. One-step forward two steps back!  Three steps down...two steps up.  

When you experience tough times in your life, remember Jesus had to take three steps down before He could take two steps up.

• He had to be born in a stable intended for sheep.

• He had to be baptized in a baptism intended for sinners.

• He had to die on a cross intended for criminals.

He did those things to help you. As a result: "God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians. 2:9-11).

Sometimes it works that way for us too. Sometimes the Father lets life humble us –– but we can be sure that He has not abandoned us. He might let us fall. But we live in faith. He will never let us fail. His baptism proves it! You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world -1 John 4:4 

Time in the Word - The Baptism of our Lord

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). 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.

Monday, 06 January, 2014—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.

Tuesday, 07 January, 2014—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.

Wednesday, 08 January 2014—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.

  

Thursday, 09 January 2014—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.

Friday, 10 January 2014—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.”

Saturday, 11 January 2014—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.

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, for ever and ever.

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 Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sources:

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series A by John Brokhoff © 1980 CSS Publishing Lima OH

For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

Artwork by Ed Riojas  © Higher Things

Christmas 2

Christmas 2

All 3 lessons

What this season of Christmas means to us

Introduction: On the 2nd Sunday after Christmas we have an opportunity to think through the basic meaning of Christmas. The rush and the roar of Christmas festivities are over. Now we can quietly contemplate what took place at Bethlehem. What in fact did take place close to 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem? The basic fact is that the Word became flesh for the ultimate purpose of reconciling us back to the Father. What does Christmas mean?

I. Christmas means that we are children of God by faith. In the Gospel lesson for today we are told that the Word is incarnate in Jesus Christ. The eternal Word of God became flesh in Jesus. We have seen His glory the glory of God is found in Jesus.

John will begin his gospel by putting it in the perspective of eternity. Before Jesus was born the Word existed and created the universe. In the fullness of time that Word comes in the person of Jesus who brings light, life, truth, grace and a perfect revelation of God in Jesus. He is the light that lights up everyone in Christ. John the Baptist was only a witness to that light that light up everyone in Christ. John the Baptist was only a witness to that light which the darkness of sin cannot extinguish. Those who believe in this Incarnate Word become children of God by the will of the Father. Believers receive this power through Him who is full of grace and truth.

Transition: Because of Christmas we are children of God by faith. But what kind of children?  We are adopted into God’s family.

II. Christmas means we are children of God by means of adoption. In our Epistle lesson Paul reminds us that in Christ God blessed us with spiritual blessings making us sons and daughters through grace.

Paul tells us we are “destined” (v.5) God has a destiny for us. He predestined us not to condemnation but to life through Christ. It is God’s will for all of us to be saved, to have life, and go to heaven. This has been God’s will even before the world was created. To accomplish this, He sent His Son to the world to die for us that we might become a people of God by faith. This is your destiny in Christ.

Transition: Christmas means we are children of God by faith. Christmas means we are children of God by adoption. Christmas means we are children of God by grace.

III. We are children of God by grace – In the Old Testament lesson Israel rejoices that God has clothed him with righteousness and salvation. Isaiah says, ”rejoice” (v.10) Christmas is a merry time but are we happy for the right reasons?

Christmas can be the most miserable time of the year if we are happy for the wrong reasons. If we can have a happy Christmas only because we receive gifts we wanted or because we had family and friends with us we have missed the true cause of Christmas gladness. Christians rejoice at Christmas not because of gifts and friends but because we “greatly rejoice in the Lord,” who came to earth as a human being to reveal to us God’s grace and truth. We rejoice in having a God so great and wonderful.

Conclusion: What is the meaning of Christmas? It’s children – children who celebrate and the children we have become – children of God by faith, children of God by adoption, children of God by grace.