of “Epiphany”. Epiphany is a season that shows us the part of Christ’s life where He and His teaching is becoming known. It is a time of displaying and manifesting Christ in our personal and public lives.
About this Sunday: “Baptism of our Lord” is a
festival Sunday of the Church. It is always the first Sunday after the celebration of Epiphany (January 6th, every year). This Sunday is the beginning of a season which marks the “public” nature of Christ and His Christians. Reflecting on the Readings: • Isaiah 42:1-9 – The Coming Servant – Isaiah prophesies about the public ministry of Christ, which is the public service of the Church. Do you believe you are the servant of Christ? If you aren’t, what are you? • Psalm 29 – The Strength of Servants – The power of God’s servants comes from God, not from the servants themselves. What does God give you strength to do? • Acts 10:34-43 – No Servant Disqualified - “God shows no partiality,” says Peter. What things do you feel disqualify you from God’s plans? • Matthew 3:13-17 – Baptized Into Service - Why is Jesus Baptized?
Law and Gospel:
• Law: Are you “public” with your Christianity? Is your faith too much of a private thing? Or is it “on display” for all the wrong reasons? • Gospel: We “meet” Jesus under the water of His Baptism when we are Baptized. Under the water, He exchanges His life with ours – when we emerge, He has taken our sin from us and given us His righteousness in return.
Living the Lectionary Ideas:
• Learn: Do you know your Baptismal birthday? If not, find out what date it is and plan a way to celebrate it. • Do: As a Christian, you are called into the serving life of the church. If you aren’t already, talk to someone about helping at University Lutheran. • Live: Your life is united with Christ in Baptism. Live this week aware that He is in you and aware of what He might want to do through you.