Pr. DFD

Sunday, January 12, 2020

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 mid April this year, the season of Epiphany will last seven weeks in 2020.

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 the Epiphany Season: 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, 2020—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, 2020—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 2020—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 2020—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 2020—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, 16 January 2020—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.

 Morning Prayer Readings for this coming week

January 13 Monday Jesus Presented in Temple Luke 2

January 14 Tuesday The Wise Men Matthew 2

January 15 Wednesday Chapel

January 16 Thursday Flight into Egypt Matthew 2

January 17 Friday Jesus in the Temple Luke 2

 Catechism Review: What Baptism Indicates

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Sources:

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Epiphany 1 - The Baptism of our Lord

The Baptism of our Lord

12 January 2020

Matthew 3:14-18

[1]

"At the Jordan, in his thirtieth year, Christ reveals himself fully for the first time. John is shocked by Jesus’ desire to be baptized and says, “Shall I baptize you? I am not worthy.”

But Jesus responds, “Be content; this is the way it should be.” The Son, who is without sin, allows himself to be baptized for our example and our comfort. He does something here that is not required of him, whereas we do nothing that is not required of us.

More, we do what is evil. How will we ever get to the point of doing something not required? Christ is holier even than baptism, yet still allows himself to be baptized. Thereby he institutes baptism. So that accursed person who despises or ridicules baptism although they do not choose baptism, God’s Son does![2]

Jesus’ response might seem strange. “It is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” One would think that if anyone had “fulfilled all righteousness,” it was Jesus. When Jesus says it is “proper” He tells John it is right, fitting, and appropriate for Him to be baptized. Not what is apparent.

It is right for Jesus to be baptized. It is acceptable for Jesus, who knew no sin, to be standing in the water with you, who need repentance for sin. Jesus engages in that radical act of solidarity with sinners in order to “fulfill all righteousness.”

“God’s work, putting things right after all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism.”[3]

In his baptism Jesus was making a public declaration that he was going to take the side of God’s justice. God’s Justice -takes place not through vengeance but forgiveness. God’s justice takes place not through violence but compassion.

God’s justice takes place not through hostility but mercy. It is a justice that leads to peace. And in order to achieve God’s justice that rights the wrongs and creates the conditions in which all people can thrive, we have to employ God’s ways instead of ours.

He was going to set about promoting God’s work of righting the wrongs and lifting the burdens from the oppressed. How did Christ fulfill this office? With no sword, but the sword of righteousness. And with no power but the power of love, Christ defeated sin, evil and death by reigning from the cross.

And whether you are young or old, rich or poor, steeped in the faith or relatively new, we all crave a sense of identity. Sadly, this identity is peddled today as a product which is marketed and sold to susceptible persons with such false promises of success fortune and fame.

For this reason, there is no better time than the present to hear the word and promise that Jesus was born, ministered, lived, died, and was raised again to demonstrate in word and deed just how much God loves and accepts you.

Jesus starts by saying, “Let it be so now.” In other words, “Permit it for now, at this time.”

“Let it be so now,” Jesus says. And then he continues, “For thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” “It is fitting.” It fits what Jesus is doing to be baptized in this way. To be baptized, standing in with sinners. This is how Jesus is going to save sinners, by standing in with them, standing in for them, acting as their substitute.

Luther in his Epiphany sermon delivered in 1534 says, “Whoever is in sin, stick them in the baptismal water, and their sin will be extinguished. Whoever is in death, stick them in the baptismal water, and death will be swallowed up. For baptism has divine power, the power to break sin and death. That’s why we are baptized. If later we fall into error or sin, we have not thereby demolished our baptism; we return to it, and say, “God has baptized me, plunged me into the baptismal water of his Son, of the Father and the Holy Spirit. There I return, and I trust that my baptism will take away my sin—not for my sake, but for the sake of the man Christ, who instituted it.”[4]

The angel told Joseph years earlier about why this child was to be named Jesus. “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” And so now, thirty years later, here comes Jesus, living up to his name. He’s embarking on his saving mission, to save people from their sins, precisely by standing in for us, taking our place, beginning with this baptism and aiming for–yes, aiming for the cross. That’s why this baptism is so fitting.

“Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” And now Jesus goes forward as the substitute for sinners–this is to fulfill all righteousness. It fulfills God’s righteousness, God’s purpose and plan to save and rescue and redeem his people.

“To fulfill all righteousness” is to fulfill God’s righteousness. God’s righteousness is shown in keeping his promise, in his acting in history to deliver on his promises by delivering us from our sins. And this is what Christ has come to do. And now it begins, here at his baptism. What is so fitting about this is that it is precisely in his standing in for sinners that Christ will accomplish this. And just as the Father voiced his approval of Christ at his baptism, so the Father will approve of Christ’s death on the cross, when the Father then raises Christ from the dead on the third day.

And all of this now–God’s righteousness, Christ’s death, His resurrection, God’s forgiveness and eternal salvation–all of this now is delivered to you, applied to you, with your name on it, in your baptism. In the waters of Holy Baptism you were joined to the Jesus who stood in the waters of the Jordan and stood in your place on the cross.

That is what Christ has done when he baptized you. All your sins were washed away, by virtue of the man standing in the river and going to the cross. The Spirit of God came down on you, giving you a new heart, and bestowing God’s favor and blessing upon you. The Father’s voice came from heaven, declaring you to be his beloved child. Yes, dear Christian, in your baptism you are joined to Jesus, connected to Christ in his death and resurrection, buried with him into death, and raised with him in his resurrection. You are a new person now by baptism. You have a real purpose to your life, and you have a bright hope ahead of you. It’s a great thing to be baptized by Christ, which you are.

“To fulfill all righteousness.” That’s why it was fitting for Jesus to be baptized. For this righteousness, God’s righteousness, is fulfilled as Jesus goes forward from the Jordan to save you from your sins and to bring you all the blessings of the kingdom of heaven. And therefore that’s a fitting way for you to think of the Baptism of Our Lord and to live in the joy and blessing of your own baptism.[5]

Words- 1,290

Passive Sentences – 22%

Readability – 74.8%

Reading Level – 6.7

[1]Image Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

[4] Luther

[5] Charles Henrickson St. Matthew Lutheran Church Bonne Terri, Missouri

6 Text Week Matthew 3:14-18

Sunday, January 5, 2020

Family Life Center update

Foundation set

Epiphany 1 - The Baptism of our Lord - Series A

THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD Series A

(The First Sunday after the Epiphany)

(12 January 2020)

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.”

First Sunday After Epiphany, January 12, 2020 (Matthew 3:13-17)
Rev. Dr. Daniel J Brege

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

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

Time in the Word - Epiphany 1

Preparation for next week, Epiphany 1 – 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.

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 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.

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.

 Morning Prayer Readings for this coming week

January 6 Monday Epiphany Chapel

January 7 Tuesday Fiery Furnace Pt 2 Daniel 3

January 8 Wednesday Daniel Part 1 Daniel 6

January 9 Thursday Daniel Part 2 Daniel 6

January 10 Friday Birth of John Foretold Luke 1:5-25

 Catechism Review “What is Baptism?" "What does Baptism give/profit?"

Monday, 06 January, 2020—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, 2020—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 2020—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 2020—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 2020—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, 12 January 2020—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.

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Sources:

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Christmas 2

Christmas 2

05 January 2020

Luke 2:40-52

Jesus in the Temple

It is a new year and a new decade. As we recall Jesus’ trip to Jerusalem we will see that as Jesus developed, His mind also increased in knowledge and understanding. It is fitting for us to begin this New Year recalling the words of that familiar hymn, “With the Lord begin Thy task Jesus will direct it.” To that end let us pray, “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of these hearts be acceptable to You O Lord our Rock and our Redeemer.“– Psalm 19:14

Luke’s presentation of the early life of Jesus reads as follows, “And the child grew and became strong in Spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.”-v.40 Fast-forward twelve years. Jesus makes a return trip. To Jerusalem. To the temple. To listen to the scribes and the Elders. And to ask questions. This is His habit. This is His pattern. His MO, His Modus operandi. His profile. There is nothing strange or odd in Jesus’ behavior. We should not be surprised.

There are 41 events in the Gospels where the words amazed and astonished are used to describe people’s reaction to Jesus; where the people were either amazed or astonished in meetings Jesus. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. –v.41

In this snapshot of Jesus’ life we hear how the scribes, the teachers and other the people present were AMAZED at his understanding of scripture. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” –v.48

When do parents start seriously thinking about getting their child a cell phone? When they become teenagers. Because at the age of twelve, thirteen and fourteen kids begin hanging out together. Anyone who has lived with a twelve- year- old can related to this story. It could have happened today just as it did two thousand years ago.

According to Luke, the boy Jesus ends up in the temple instead of heading home with his family after the Passover.

Mary and Joseph assumed Jesus was with his friends. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. (Vv.44-45)

Although this is the only boyhood story about Jesus

Today is the first Sunday of a New Year. Many make New Year’s resolutions. Today’s reading makes a perfect resolution for us as a Friedheim family. Make this resolve…

1. That we might be regular in our worship attendance.

2. That we might grow.

1. “They found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teacher both listening to them and asking them questions.” – Luke 2:46

A. The trip to the temple in Jerusalem was for Jesus an annual event. “Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up according to custom.” That’s ninety miles. From Decatur to Anderson. And they would take this trip every single year.

B. Nothing would distract Him. His focus was complete. Mary and Joseph were frantic. Jesus was so focused that He lost all track of time. Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?" But they did not understand what he was saying to them. –Vv. 49-50

2. That we might grow.

A. And the child grew.

1. Became strong in spirit. As he began his ministry Jesus will return to Nazareth where he was raised and brought up. "And was his custom he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given him. He unrolled the scroll found the place where it was written..."The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." - Luke 4:16-21

2. He was filled with wisdom. According to the 1st Commandment "we must fear, love and trust in God above all things." "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom - all those who practice it have a good understanding." Psalm111.10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom - knowledge of the holy one is insight." Proverbs 9.10

3. The favor of God Was upon Him. It’s a new year. A new decade. Opportunities await us. - As we look to the future may our prayer be that of Moses as he writes in Psalm 90, "Let the favor of a the Lord our God be upon us and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands." v.17.

May this be our focus as we enter this New Year; whether you find yourself in your job, within the family circle, at school, on the farm, -while waiting in line or moving ahead - may this be our motto and prayer for 2020, "establish the work of our hands."

Transition: When Jesus sets the table, then the favor of the Lord our God will be upon us.

B. As Jesus grew there was an increase...

1. In wisdom and stature. We mark the progress of our students academically socially, physically, emotionally. There are certain benchmarks we hope to obtain in our business. Already there are plans being made for new planting and harvest season.

There are always opportunities for growth. A New Year is an excellent opportunity to set priorities, goals objectives. Will you meet them? Only time will tell.

2. Truth be told we each desire or at least enjoy the praise and favor of men. We wish to be liked as well as respected. We each want to be noticed. It's a good day when someone has paid attention. We each desire to be valued. Jesus receives the favor of both God and men.

Jesus' recognition of God and men is found in His life of service and sacrifice. "But Jesus called them to himself and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Matthew 20:25-28

Jesus came with a single purpose. To give his life as a ransom for you. In his love, mercy and pity Jesus stooped down to welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve. By His guiding hand begin this New Year confidently in Jesus' name.

"Thus Lord Jesus, ev’ry task be to You commended;

May Your will be done, I ask, until life is ended.

Jesus, in Your name begun be the day’s endeavor;

Grant that it may well be done To Your praise forever."[1]

Words- 1,360

Passive Sentences-11%

Readability- 75.8%

Reading Level – 5.7

Woodcut “The Boy Jesus in the Temple” by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden [The Book of Books in Pictures]) copyright ©WELS Permission granted for personal and congregational use.

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

January

It’s a new year and a new decade. The Gospel of Luke uses a census to explain the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Families had to register in their historical tribal town rather than where they lived. The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem about seventy miles would have taken a few days to travel. Their trek was probably longer as Mary was in her third trimester of pregnancy.

Today, the United States Census (plural "censuses" or "censi") is a decennial census mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the United States Constitution, which states: "Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States... according to their respective Numbers.... The actual Enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years."

In 2020, every household will receive an invitation to complete the census over the internet, by phone or by paper questionnaire. Back then persons traveled to register at the behest of the government. Today the government shows up at our doorstep requesting information.

As Joseph and his new bride traveled to register in Bethlehem the worship of Caesar was the official religion. His birth was the beginning of the New Year. His coming was considered good news. He was lauded for bringing peace and prosperity to the empire. Jesus came into a Romans world worshiping a “son of god” who brought good news and peace to all. Few noticed Christ’s coming. Seldom do today.

Back then, the people were subsistence farmers, raising one bag of food for themselves and one for King Herod or Caesar. Biblical scholar John Dominic Crossan said in an interview in Christian Century magazine. “I think it’s safe to say that by our standards, injustice was built into this system--10% at the top controlled virtually everything.” While the rich prospered, the peasants suffered. Today, income inequality gaps in earnings between America's most affluent and the rest of the country continues to grow.

Jesus entered our world at a particular time and place similar to our own, a world familiar with taxation, including a census. St. Paul explains it this way, “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law.” – Galatians 4:4 Jesus came to us as a child, raised in humility. Who would choose such an entrance? One who did not find equality with God something to be grasped. He emptied himself taking the form of a servant being born the likeness of men and became obedience to death even death on a cross. Such a contrast to the rulers and princes of this age.

As we enter now into the Epiphany season the death of Jesus is still in the future yet its shadow falls on the manger. He became our suffering servant. Caesar may have brought good news and peace. The peace the Father brings through His Son is the good news of salvation which is eternal. He keeps no calendar. Through the cross of His Son there is no record of wrong.