The Epiphany Season
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook - SERIES C
A History of Epiphany
Next to Easter, Epiphany is the oldest season of the church year. In Asia Minor and Egypt, Epiphany was observed as early as the second century. The Festival of the Epiphany fell and still falls on January 6. It was observed as a unitive festival - both the birth and baptism of Jesus were celebrated at this time.
January 6 was chosen as Epiphany Day because it was the winter solstice, a pagan festival
celebrating the birthday of the sun god. In 331 B.C. the solstice was moved to December
25, but January 6 continued to be observed. Christians substituted Epiphany for the solstice.
The emphasis was upon the re-birth of light. In keeping with this time, the First Lesson for
Epiphany Day is appropriate: "Arise, shine; for your light has come."
The unitive Festival of Epiphany was divided when December 25 was chosen as the birthday of Jesus. The church in the East continued to celebrate Epiphany in terms of the baptism of Jesus while the Western church associated Epiphany with the visit of the Magi. For the East the baptism of Jesus was more vital because of the Gnostic heresy claiming that only at his baptism did Jesus become the Son of God. On the other hand, to associate Epiphany with the Magi is appropriate, for the Magi did not get to Bethlehem until a year after Jesus' birth. By this time the holy family was in a house rather than in a stable. Consequently, the Magi could not have been a part of the manger scene as is popularly portrayed in today's Christmas scenes and plays. The new lectionary and calendar combine the two by placing the visit of the Magi on Epiphany Day and the Baptism of Jesus on Epiphany 1.
The Name of Epiphany
In the church year Epiphany Day is a major festival, similar to Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost. In spite of this, more churches ignore January 6 as the Day of Epiphany because it usually falls on a weekday. For Roman Catholics it is a day of obligation to attend Mass.
The name "Epiphany," means "Manifestation." The light manifests itself in the darkness, God reveals himself in Jesus, and the glory of God is seen in Jesus. In the course of history Epiphany was known by other names: Feast of the Manifestation, Feast of Lights, Feast of the Appearing of Christ, Feast of the Three Kings, and The Twelfth Day.
The Season of Epiphany
Six out of seven years the Festival of the Epiphany falls on a weekday. The Sundays after January 6 are entitled "Sunday after the Epiphany."
Epiphany is an accordian season. The number of weeks it is observed depends upon the date of Easter. If Easter comes early, the season is short; if it is late, the season of Epiphany is long. In early times the length of the Epiphany season ranged from three to ten weeks. From the sixth century, Epiphany was restricted to six Sundays at the most. In the Eastern church it was the custom to announce on Epiphany Day the upcoming date of Easter. The length of the season depended on the announced date.
Now the Epiphany season extends from six to nine Sundays. With the appearance of the new lectionary and calendar in 1970, the season was lengthened to a possible nine weeks be-cause the former pre-Lenten season of three Sundays was made a part of Epiphany.
The Color of Epiphany
The color used in the paraments denotes the mood and meaning of the season. White is used for three Sundays: Epiphany Day, The Baptism of our Lord (Epiphany 1), and Transfiguration. White is used for these three big days because it is a time of celebration. White expresses light, glory, victory, and celebration.
Green is used on the Sundays other than the above three. Green is the color of growth. During Epiphany we are to grow into a fuller realization of the nature of Christ as the Son of God. Sunday after Sunday there is growth in God's revealing his glory in Jesus.
The Meaning and Message of Epiphany
1. The Epiphany Star - Epiphany is associated with the star that led the Wise Men to the manger. The Epiphany star is a five-pointed star representing the Incarnation. It is not a six-pointed star, for this is the star of David, representing the Old Testament with its prophecies. It is not a seven-pointed star which is the star of perfection. Nor is it an eight-pointed star which stands for regeneration and is associated with baptism.
The purpose of the star of Bethlehem was to guide men to Christ. The star is help from above in
bringing us to Christ. This is one reason why Epiphany is the time for the church's emphasis upon evangelism.
The star also guides us into the truth of this new-born child in the manger. We are led to an ever-deepening understanding of the nature of Jesus. We are to come eventually to see that Jesus is God's Son as stated at his baptism, "You are my beloved son." Just before the Transfiguration, Peter gets the insight, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Epiphany ends on the mountain of Transfiguration with God again saying that Jesus is his beloved Son. One purpose of Epiphany is to bring people to this same conviction as preparation for Lent, for the meaning of the cross is in the fact that the man on the cross is "the Lamb of God."
2. The Epiphany Candle - Another symbol of the season is the candle which sheds its light into a dark world. Christ is the light of the world. He comes into the world as a baby, a small, frail candle. It is the nature of light to scatter and annihilate the darkness. Light brings enlightenment to mankind, resulting in vision and insight. Because of light, there is manifestation and revelation. During Epiphany we see the light of God in Jesus. He reveals, shows, manifests God. Light has certain characteristics. It is a given light. The light comes from God, from the star. Man is not the light. At best he can only reflect the light. It is a light that grows in intensity. The candle grows and grows until it becomes as bright as the sun. Throughout Epiphany the light of God's glory is seen increasingly in Jesus until the Transfiguration when his clothes and face are as bright as the sun. You may think of it in terms of concentric circles: a small circle around the flame of the candle until the last circle is as wide as the world. The baby Jesus grows to a mature man of thirty when he is seen as the Son of God. A third characteristic of light is that it gives itself. The candle gives light only by virtue of its burning itself up. Light to be light must give, expend, and die to self. At the end of Epiphany we see the light of Christ, at its brightest, but it burns itself out on the cross, only to be re-kindled on Easter.
Epiphany and the Church
1. A time of worship - Epiphany is a season of worship because it deals with the glory of God manifested in Jesus. The season begins with the Wise Men's coming to worship the newborn king. The season ends with the worship experience on Mount Transfiguration. When people see Jesus as God's Son, they instinctively fall down to worship him as Lord.
2. A Time to Witness - Epiphany is the season of light, and light shows and reveals. The light burns that all might see the truth and the way to God. It is the time for emphasis upon evangelism, the telling of the good news, the spreading of the light of Christ in a dark world. Christ is the light and Christians reflect that light in the world. They are light-bearers, and they are to go through life lighting candles.
3. A Time to Win - The universal Christ is the center of Epiphany. This is the teaching of Epiphany Day with the coming of the Gentile kings to worship Jesus as Lord. The light of Christ knows no end; it goes to the ends of the earth. He is the light to lighten the Gentiles. The church goes about her business of winning the world for Christ. The light of Christ is not to merely shine on Christians but through them to the salvation of humankind. During this season the church places emphasis upon the cause of world missions. It is the outreach time of the church.
THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD
January 6
The Lessons
Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:1-12 (C)
Ephesians 3:2-12 (L)
Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6 (RC)
Matthew 2:1-12
The light of God's glory has appeared.
The gospel is for all, including Gentiles.
The visit of the Wise Men.
Prayer of the Day
"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."
Theme of the Day: Christ is for All People
Gospel - The Gentile world worships the Christ.
Lesson 1 - Nations come to the light of God's servant.
Lesson 2 - Gentiles are included in God's plan of salvation.
Preaching Possibilities
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
1. The sermon might focus on the Wise Men. Why were they called "wise"? As in the Gospel lesson for the day, the Wise Men were more than men who studied the stars. History has called them Wise Men because they made a quest for God. Today men are wise if they seek God in Christ. The foolish seek other gods - power, prestige, possessions. In addition, Wise Men follow guidance. They saw a new star and followed the gleam. At Jerusalem they sought the guidance of Herod and his advisors. As a result of humble acceptance of guidance, they reached the Christ-child. Moreover, Wise Men then and now worship the King.
2. In the Gospel for the day we can see two kinds of worship. The one is a false worship based upon insincerity. Herod told the Wise Men "that I too may come and worship him." (v. 8) Out of fear for his position, Herod wanted to know where the new King was born. Today worship can be a guise for evil intentions. On the other hand, there is true worship practiced by the Wise Men: "They fell down and worshiped him." (v. 11) The sermon then can discuss what is true worship.
3. There is a sermon in the Gospel dealing with one's condition before and after Christ. Before the Wise Men came to Bethlehem, "they went their way." (v. 9) Before we are confronted with Christ, we too go our own way in life. Then the Wise Men came to the Child Jesus, worshiped, and gave gifts. In verse 12, it is said, "they departed to their own country by another way." When one bows down in worship before Christ, life is never the same again. Christ makes a difference in your life. The sermon may go on to say just what difference that is.
4. Under what sign do you live your life? Consider verse 2: "We have seen his star in the East." The Wise Men were Babylonian astrologers who were watchers and interpreters of the stars. A new star for them was a sign of the birth of a great king. Under what sign were you born and do you live? According to a Gallup poll, thirty-two million Americans, comprising twenty-two percent of the population, believe in astrology. Eight in ten can tell you under what sign of the zodiac they were born. How many church people can say under what sign they were born? This is an opportunity to expose the unChristian practice of believing in the zodiac for guidance. It is not a distant, silent star millions of miles from earth that has any influence on life, but the sign of the star of Christ.
5. Gifts. "They offered him gifts, gold and frankincense, and myrrh." (v. 11) At Christmas we receive the gift of God in Jesus. Epiphany is the time for believers to give a return gift to God by presenting gifts to Christ, as the Wise Men did. It is noteworthy that the Wise Men gave their gifts as a part of their worship. Giving something to God when we worship is a vital part of worship, an expression of faith and love. It should never be a collection we take in church but an offering, the offering of gifts to God in gratitude for the gift received. Note the price of the gifts the Wise Men offered - nothing cheap: "Opening their treasures." (v. Ii) The gifts also were meaningful, full of symbolism: gold because he was a king, frankincense because he was a priest offering the perfume of prayer, myrrh because he was a redeemer who died to save the world. What can you offer to one who has everything? What can man give to God? For the affluent at Christmas, it is a problem what to give to one who has everything. The Wise Men had the answer. Their gifts were fit for a king.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 60:1-6
1. You are not the light of the world. Verse 1: "Arise, shine; for your light has come." This may sound contradictory to Jesus' words, "You are the light of the world." You are the light of the world but only as a reflection. Man does not have in himself the light. He has no light to throw upon the dark places of the world. In fact, he is in the darkness along with the rest of humanity. The Lesson tells us that the light is in God, and that light came in Jesus to earth. Christians only reflect the light: "The Lord will arise upon you." (v. 2) The sermonic value in this is that it, for one thing, makes us realize that we are nothing in ourselves and leads us to humility. But, if we are to let our light shine, we must get in contact with the light of Jesus through personal devotions and public worship. The closer we come to Christ, the more we will reflect the light to those around us. The key to witnessing for Christ and doing good works is in drawing nigh and staying close to Christ, the light of the world. But, too, Christ can only be the light of the world to the extent that Christians reflect this light in their daily involvement with the world.
2. Scatter to gather. The Lesson teaches us that the light must first be scattered before there can be a gathering of people to Christ. The light of God must be scattered into the world as the light is reflected in us. How is this done? It involves the church's program of evangelism and missions. The rest of the Lesson tells us what will happen when the world sees the light of God in us. The nations will come to the light, to God. They will bring honor, gifts, and praise to God. We cannot expect people or nations to become Christian until the light of Christ is cast abroad to the world through Christians.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 3:1-12
1. Now it can be told (vv. 4-6). God reveals to the church through the author of Ephesians what his plan is for the world. Heretofore, the Jews were the chosen people of God, called out to be his portion. Through the Jews, God promised to bless the rest of the world. Salvation was considered to be only for the chosen people of God. This was the position of Jonah. Now, it is revealed that God wants the Gentiles to share in the Kingdom. Christ is for all men; he died for all. This implies that the church has an obligation to spread the Gospel to all nations that all might come into God's realm.
2. Can the church be exclusive? If it is the will of God, as the Second Lesson claims, to include all people (Jews and Gentiles) in the Kingdom, the church must fulfill that will. Thus, the unity of human-kind should be a reality in the church, for both Jew and Gentile are one in Christ. If they are one in Christ, they must be one in the body of Christ, the church. A true church then is not the true church which excludes people because of race, class, or condition in life. God's house is a place of prayer for all peoples.
This has implications for preaching, probably uncomfortable preaching in some churches. It simply means that membership in a church cannot be limited to one race or class of people. Jimmy Carter's Baptist church in Plains faced this problem when a black sought membership which was at first denied. Under pressure from the new president and national publicity, a majority of members later voted to allow non-whites to apply for membership.
Another implication is that a church's outreach must not be limited to one race or class. Evangelistic efforts should be made to the church's immediate neighborhood even if the people are different from the church's constituency.
THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD
(Epiphany 1)
The Lessons
Isaiah 61:1-4 (C)
God's servant is anointed by the Spirit to bring good news to the afflicted.
Verses 1-3 constitute Jesus' text for his inaugural sermon at Nazareth. The passage is the work of an unknown author of the sixth century B.C. when the Babylonian exiles returned to Jerusalem to find their city and temple in ruins. The Holy Spirit anoints the servant who gives a message of liberty, comfort, and encouragement to the people.
Isaiah 42:1-7 (L)
God anointed his servant with the Spirit to bring justice.
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 (RC)
Acts 8:14-17
Believers in Samaria receive the Holy Spirit upon the laying on of the hands of Peter and John.
Philip made converts in Samaria by preaching the Gospel. Though they believed in Christ and were baptized, they did not receive the Holy Spirit. Hearing this the Jerusalem leaders sent Peter and John to pray with the Samaritans and to lay their hands on them. Then they received the Spirit.
Acts 10:34-38 (L, C)
Peter testifies that Jesus was anointed with the Spirit.
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (C, L)
At his baptism the Spirit descended on Jesus as a dove and God's voice declared him to be his beloved Son.
With this passage Luke brings to a close the ministry of John the Baptizer. The question among the people is whether John is the Messiah. In answer he contrasts his baptism of water with the coming Christ's baptism of Spirit. Further, Luke discourages the view that John the Baptizer was equal to or superior to Jesus by not mentioning that John baptized Jesus. According to Luke, John was in prison (vv. 18-20) at the time of Jesus' baptism. The focus is on the Spirit's coming as a dove and on the voice of God assuring Jesus of his identity as the Son of God who is well-pleasing to the Father.
Prayer of the Day
"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."
Hymn of the Day
"To Jordan came the Christ, our Lord"
Theme of the Day: Anointed With the Spfrit
Gospel - At his baptism Jesus is anointed with the Spirit.
Lesson 1 - Yahweh anoints his servant to preach.
Lesson 2 - Believers are anointed by the Spirit through the laying on of hands.
On this Baptism of our Lord Sunday, only the Gospel deals with baptism. The emphasis is upon the anointing by the Spirit. Care needs to be taken that this festival is not a duplication of Pentecost Sunday. Baptism is seen as the occasion for the reception of the Spirit. In Lesson 2 the Spirit comes not at baptism but upon the laying on of hands. The Servant in Lesson 1 is called and enabled to preach good news by the reception of the Spirit. The Psalm refers to the glory of God, the theme of Epiphany. The prayer and hymn are related to Jesus' baptism.
Theme of the Season
Each Sunday's theme needs to be related to the season of Epiphany's theme: the manifestation of the glory of God in Jesus. The season begins with God's voice to Jesus ("Thou art my beloved Son") and ends with God's voice to the Disciples ("This is my beloved Son"). A candle symbolizes Epiphany: the shedding of light in a dark world. As the season progresses, the candle of God's glory in Christ increases until the climax of the Transfiguration when the candle is transformed into the brightness of the sun.
Theological Reflections
Gospel: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
1. Fire (v. 16). John testifies that Jesus will baptize with the Spirit and fire. Why combine "spirit" and "fire"? The Spirit is associated with God who is a "consuming fire." Moses encountered Yahweh at a burning bush. On Pentecost the Spirit came as cloven tongues of fire. Fire means life, warmth, zeal, and power. And God is all of these - and more!
2. Praying (v. 21). Jesus' baptism was a prayer experience. Prayer indicates that Jesus was communicating with his Father. It was a religious experience. The result was "the heaven was opened." Prayer does that - opens the gate of heaven that we might speak to God and that God might send his Spirit to us. This may raise a question concerning infant baptism. Can a tiny child have a prayer experience at Baptism?
3. Descended (v.22). The Spirit descended on Jesus at his baptism. It refers to the then-held view of a three-story universe with God and heaven above. We may disagree with this type of cosmology, but the truths are still there: (1) the Spirit comes from God; (2) the Spirit is received at baptism.
4. Thou (v. 22). The voice of God was directed to and intended for Jesus alone. According to Luke, many people were present when Jesus was baptized. God's voice was not for the group but for Jesus himself. Since baptism was a prayer experience between the Father and Son, it is natural for the message to be personal and individual. This reminds us that baptism is the time when a personal relationship with God is established. Note also the presence of the Trinity. A person is baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Jesus' baptism we have the Father's voice to the Son who received the Spirit.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 61:1-4
1. Anointed (v. 1). The Spirit is given to God's servant to proclaim good news to those in bondage. Similar to Pentecost, the Spirit gives the power to proclaim. When God gives to a person a task or mission, he provides the power to accomplish it through the Spirit. We are not given the Spirit to have and to hold for our benefit or for our enthusiastic and emotional enjoyment. The Spirit is given to those who have a need for him to fulfull the God-given mission. At his baptism, Jesus was anointed to fulfill his mission as God's Son.
2. Proclaim (v. 2). God's servant is called to "proclaim" as John the Baptizer was a witness to Christ. At Nazareth Jesus used this passage as a text for his first sermon. He began his ministry with preaching the good news of God's deliverance to the captives of sin. Effective preaching and witnessing still depend upon the possession of the Spirit.
3. Liberty (v. 1). In recent years liberation theology has come out of the third world which is economically and politically oppressed. "Let my people go" is the theme of God's message to those who enslave people. Our captivity is more than bondage to poverty, ignorance, or political suppression. We experience the bondage to sin, Satan, and death. Liberty is not in political revolution nor in Marxist policy but in God's deliverance through Christ.
Lesson 2: Acts 8:14-17
1. Apostles (v. 14). Apparently it took none other than the apostles to bring the Holy Spirit to the Samaritans. Why could not the Spirit come through Christians, not apostles? Philip, certainly filled with the Spirit, preached to the Samaritans and persuaded them to believe in Jesus as the Christ. Why was he not good enough or powerful enough to bring the Spirit to the Samaritans? Peter and John, top apostles, were sent to do the job. Is this the beginning of "apostolic succession"?
2. Samaria (v. 14). It did not take long for the Gospel to spread in strange places. Recall how despised the Samaritans were to the Jews. Remember how Jesus was criticized for his benevolent attitude to Samaritans. The Gospel is for all, even the depressed, deprived, and despised people. God shows no partiality to nations and races. Christ died for all people. Consequently, the church has always sent missionaries to the ends of the earth to proclaim the good news of the Gospel.
3. Hands (v. 17). By the laying on of hands after prayer, the Spirit comes to the Samaritan believers. At other times the Spirit came during the preaching of the Word and at baptism. In this case, the Spirit did not come even though they heard the Word and were baptized. The laying on of hands is a means of communication and transmission. The Spirit may come from God through a Spirit-possessed person to one longing for the Spirit. And the church still lays her hands for the transmission of the Spirit: baptism, confirmation, ordination, and healing.
Preaching Possibilities
Three Lessons
Isaiah 61:1-4; Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Sources of the Spirit
Need: How does one get the Spirit of God? It is a question many ask, even Christians. Many church members may feel as the Samaritan believers. They have heard the preached Word, they were baptized, and they believe in Jesus, but they feel a lack of the Spirit. The three lections show how the Spirit came and still comes. The Spirit may come to one in a particular way. But there is no one way to receive the Spirit.
Outline: How you may receive the Spirit -
a. Through the Word proclaimed - Lesson 1
b. Through the Sacraments (Baptism) - Gospel
c. Through the laying on of hands - Lesson 2
Gospel: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
1. What is Baptism All About? 3:21-22
Need: People generally have incorrect ideas about baptism: a sprinkling rite, a social christening, or a routine function of dedicating a child. The sermon can overcome these false ideas by showing what the text says.
Outline: What baptism is all about -
a. Regeneration at the reception of the Spirit - born-again - v. 22.
b. Adoption into God's family - "My beloved Son" - v. 22.
c. Ordination into God's service - the beginning of Jesus' ministry.
2. How Many Baptisms are There? 3:15-17, 21-22
Need: Some church people are of the opinion that there are two baptisms: water and Spirit. After the church's water baptism, they hold that one needs to be baptized of the Spirit. In the Gospel we have two baptisms: John's and Jesus'. John baptized with water (v. 16a). Jesus baptized with Spirit (v. 16b). However, the two were combined in Jesus' baptism, for during the water baptism, the Spirit descended on him. Consequently, there is only one baptism.
Outline: Elements of the one true baptism -
a. God's Word of forgiveness and eternal life.
b. Candidate's words of faith and repentance.
c. Visible seal of the covenant: water.
3. The Baptismal Experience. 3:21-22
Need: How many have had an experience of God at baptism? Indeed, infants cannot have a cons-cious experience. Even "believers" may not have had an experience with God at that time. Is it possible to have an unconscious baptismal experience? What is the experience, if any, on the part of those witnessing a baptism?
Outline: What a baptismal experience can be -
a. Public experience - baptism is not a private affair - v. 21
b. Prayer experience - a covenant is made between God and the candidate - v. 21
c. Private experience - "You ... with you" - v. 22
4. Visible Signs of Invisible Grace. 3:21-22
Need: A baptism takes place at a worship service. Do the worshipers really know what is happening? It is difficult for us to realize, understand, and appreciate invisible realities. Outward symbols are helpful in knowing what is happening at baptism.
Outline: Look and know -
a. Water - the seal of the covenant.
b. Dove - the gift of the Spirit.
c. Voice - the acceptance as a child of God.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 61:1-4
1. Baptized into Freedom. 61:1-4
Need: This Old Testament passage needs to be seen and used in connection with the festival of our Lord's baptism. The Spirit possessed by the Servant is the same Spirit received at Christian baptism. The Spirit makes us free and frees us to proclaim liberty to the afflicted. Surely the need for this message is great, because of the millions enslaved in sin, selfishness, and greed.
Outline: To be baptized with the Spirit is to be set free -
a. Free from the captivity of sin - v. 4
b. Free from mourning over the past - vv. 2-3
c. Free to rebuild one's life - v. 4
2. The Tree of Baptism. 61:3
Need: When a baptism occurs, God plants a tree in his Kingdom. Since the essential factor of baptism is God's Word, baptism is the time of planting the seed of the Word. It is the beginning of a new relationship with God. It is the initiation into God's Kingdom. It is a rebirth. What happens to that baptismal planting and the seed? Our text gives the answer.
Outline: When you were baptized -
a. God planted you as a seed in his Kingdom - "The planting of the Lord."
b. The seed grows into an oak tree - "They may be called oaks."
c. The tree produces fruit: righteousness - "Oaks of righteousness."
Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1-7
The Servant Church
In the first Lesson we have a servant song about Israel as God's servant who will be anointed with the Spirit to bring justice and light to the nations. The preacher can see the fulfillment of the prophecy in Jesus, and then the church as God's servant carrying on the work of Jesus in the world.
Here is a much needed conception of the church as God's servant. To be this the church needs to be anointed by the Spirit. (v. 1) As servant, the church will not use force but the compassion of love to attain her goals. (vv. 2, 3) She will not be discouraged in her work - in spite of setbacks in a hostile world. (v. 4)
What is the work of the church in the world? What are her goals and purposes? The Lesson gives the answer: (1) to bring justice to the nations (v. 1); (2) to be a covenant to the people (v. 6); (3) to be a light to the nations (v. 6); (4) to bring freedom and release to the oppressed.
What a role for the church! What a task for the church! How can the church do it? Answer: "I will put my Spirit upon him." (v. 1) When was the mission given? Answer: Baptism.
Lesson 2: Acts 8:14-17
1. A Link Missing in Your Chain of Christian Experience? 8:14-17
Need: As in the case of the rich young ruler, we may have one thing lacking. The Samaritan Christians had everything but one thing. The Spirit is lacking in many church members. Evidence for this is the apathy, indifference, and inactivity of church members. In an inductive style, the sermon will come to the missing link in Christian experience.
Outline: Do you as a Christian have this?
a. Knowledge of the Gospel? Yes - v. 14
b. Baptism in Christ? Yes - v. 16
C. Prayed for? Yes - v. 15
d. Holy Spirit? v. 17
2. Lay Your Hands on my Head. 8:17
Need: The Spirit came to the Samaritans at the laying on of hands. The laying on of hands is the physical transmission line from God to the believer. It is like bringing together two ends of a telephone wire. When they touch, the power and voice go from the speaker to the listener. Since the laying on of hands is seldom practiced except for very special occasions such as confirmation and ordination and since it is strange to many, the sermon answers some relevant questions.
Outline: Do you ask?
a. Why use hands to give the Spirit - v. 17
b. Whose hands are qualified - v. 14
c. When may hands be used? (Baptism, Confirmation, Ordination, Healing)
Lesson 2: Acts 10:34-38
What Good is Baptism?
In his sermon to Cornelius Peter refers to Jesus' anointing of the Spirit at his baptism. Then he tells what happened in Jesus' life as a result of this baptismal experience.
This is related to the congregation. Some do not think baptism is that important. They neglect to bring their children for baptism. When other people's children are baptized, they fret during the baptism in the regular worship service because it lengthens the service by a few minutes. One may claim he can be a Christian without baptism. This sermon would help people to see how essential baptism is to being and living the Christian way.
In the second Lesson we learn what baptism did for Jesus. What it did for him it can do for us. As a result of his baptism: (1) Jesus went about doing good (v. 38). Now the preacher will show how baptism motivates good works. (2) Jesus healed (v. 38) all oppressed by the devil. Think of how many folks today are oppressed by the devil. Baptism leads one to have compassion for the oppressed because in baptism he has experienced the love of God. (3) Jesus after his baptism had God with him (v. 38). This is the case with those baptized. Baptism is a covenant between God and the believer. God promises to be his God, to forgive, to deliver from evil, and to be with him always. God is faithful to his promises. In this convenantal relationship, a Christian senses always that God is with him.
EPIPHANY 2
Common, Lutheran
ORDINARY TIME 2
Roman Catholic
The Lessons
Isaiah 62:1-5
The Lord marries his people.
Picture the situation: The Exiles have returned from Babylon and find their capital city in ruins along with the temple. The prophet brings comfort and assurance that Yahweh will remedy the situation. The analogy of marriage is used. The Lord will re-marry his people and give them a new name as a bride gets a new name from her husband. Israel is the bride and Yahweh is the groom. Married to Yahweh, the bride-Israel will no longer be desolate or forsaken but she will be a delight to her husband.
1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (C, L)
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (RC)
The gifts of the Spirit.
This marks the beginning of Paul's teaching concerning the Spirit and his gifts. (11-14) The Spirit is the theme of the pericope: the Spirit enables one to confess Jesus as Lord and provides nine spiritual gifts. Among these gifts, speaking in tongues comes last on the list as the least important gift. The gifts are not to be used as an occasion for boasting because the ability is a gift of the Spirit and the gift was given to be used for the common good.
John 2:1-11 (C, L)
John 2:1-12 (RC)
Jesus turns water into wine at the wedding in Cana.
Epiphany is the season for our seeing the glory of God in Jesus. Last Sunday we saw his glory in the appearance of the Holy Spirit and the voice of God. Today God's glory is seen in the power of Jesus to change water into wine which resulted not only in a happy wedding reception but in faith. Yet, for Jesus this was not his hour. It was to come in his passion. At this first miracle we direct our attention to the last miracle, the cross, where God's glory is fully manifested in Jesus.
Prayer of the Day
"Lord God, you shared 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 also to perfect faith in him."
Hymn of the Day
"All praise to you, O Lord"
Theme of the Day: God's Glory in Transforming Power
Gospel - God's glory seen in Christ's transformation of water into wine.
Lesson 1 - God transforms his people from "forsaken" to "married."
Lesson 2 - God's Spirit transforms "Jesus be cursed" to "Jesus is Lord."
The Epiphany theme of the manifestation of God's glory in Christ continues today by dealing with transforming power. At a wedding in Cana Jesus by the power of God changes water into wine. Continuing the marriage metaphor, Yahweh marries the land and changes the people from desolate to delighted expressed in the giving of a new name. A series on 1 Corinthians begins with today's second Lesson affirming that the Holy Spirit enables one, who may have cursed Jesus, to say that Jesus is Lord. The psalm (Psalm 36:5-10) deals with the Epiphany theme of light. The prayer and hymn relate to the manifestation of God's glory in Jesus at Cana.
Theological Reflections
Gospel:
John 2:1-11
1. Invited (v. 2). It is significant that Jesus was invited to a wedding feast. It says something about Jesus and the regard in which he was held by the people. A holy man and a prophet might be a wet blanket to the festivities of singing and drinking. Jesus was one who could go to a party and have a good time. He shares in our joys as well as our troubles. Moreover, Jesus was no party crasher. He was invited. Never does Jesus force his way into people's lives. He waits for an invitation even as he invited, "Come to me."
2. My hour (v. 4). Jesus told his mother in response to her telling him that the party ran out of wine, "My hour has not yet come." Was it not his hour to come to the assistance of the hosts, not his hour to show his power and glory? No, he is referring to his hour of death when the glory of God would be fully seen in the Son. Already in the second chapter, John points us to the passion and shows that at the beginning of his ministry Jesus had the cross in mind as the mission of his life.
3. Whatever (v. 5). This word covers everything excluding nothing. Mary tells the servants to do whatever Jesus directs them to do. This was good advice, because the servants may have refused to do something which appeared to them as foolish: filling jars with water when wine was needed. Again, "whatever" reveals the faith and confidence Mary had in Jesus. She knew that whatever he asked them to do would be correct and praiseworthy.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 62:1-5
1. Married (v. 4). Marriage is a metaphor describing the relationship of God and his people. It is a meaningful concept, for marriage is a relationship between two parties based upon the solemn promise of faithfulness. God is the bridegroom and his people are the bride. God is pleased and proud of his bride, and he adorns her with a new name and a crown. This same figure of speech is used by Paul to describe the relationship between Christ and the church.
2. Delight (v. 4). Twice the prophet says that God delights in his wife, his people. This may be heard with a question mark in our minds. Does God really delight in people such as we - sinners, idolators, murderers, liars, adulterers, etc.? How can God delight in people of this calibre? In spite of ourselves, in spite of rebelliousness and disobedience, God still loves us, owns us as his own marriage partner, and blesses us. Amazing grace!
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
1. Say (v. 3). What do you say about Jesus? What you say is what you believe in your heart. Do you say Jesus is cursed or Jesus is Lord? The Holy Spirit gives one the desire and power to say the latter. On our own desire and strength we cannot confess Jesus is Lord. We do not decide for Jesus, nor to accept him, nor to follow him. The Spirit calls, guides, and leads us to see that Jesus is Lord. We are made Christians by the Spirit.
2. Varieties (v. 4). Thank God we are not all the same with the same gifts. It would be deadly monotonous and uniform. Paul stresses variety of gifts, of service, and of working. Each Christian is different with different gifts. This is the work of the Spirit to give to each an appropriate gift so that various needs can be met. Variety makes church life interesting, but it can also lead to church problems.
3. Each (v. 7). It is only a four-letter word, but it is impacted with significance. The Spirit does not miss a single person when it comes to giving gifts. To have the Spirit means to automatically have a gift. No one is without some ability to serve. Consequently, no Christian can claim, as many church members do, that he/she has no ability to serve in any capacity. Instead of 10 percent of the church's members doing 90 percent of the work, there should be 100 percent serving in various capacities.
Preaching Possibilities
An Overview of the Epiphany Season
The Epiphany season stands between two great festivals: the baptism of our Lord and the Transfiguration which is the Sunday before Lent.
1. The Gospel Lessons. For the upcoming seven Sundays the Gospels cover in semi-in-course fashion the fourth, fifth, and sixth chapters of Luke: Jesus begins his ministry in Nazareth, the call of Peter, and the sermon on the plain.
2. Lesson 2. Seven lections are from 1 Corinthians, chapters twelve, thirteen, and fifteen. Here we have an opportunity for a series of sermons dealing with subjects still alive today.
Sunday
Lesson 2
Subject
2
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Gifts of the Spirit
3
2 Corinthians 12:12-30
Unity in Diversity
4
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love is the greatest
5
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
What is the Gospel?
6
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
The Resurrection for real?
7
1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50
A Christian's second body
1 Corinthians 15:51-58
Victory over our worst enemy
Three Lessons
Isaiah 62:1-5; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11
Things Can Change
Need: Many of us doubt whether things can change for the better. Cynically we say, "The more things change, the more they are the same." And we doubt whether we personally can change. Can you make a silk purse out of a sow's ear? The Lessons inform and encourage us to believe that God can change us and our world. Note the presence of the Trinity in the Lessons.
Outline: Things can change -
a. God the Father changes people's condition - Lesson 1
b. God the Son changes water of life into wine - Gospel
c. God the Spirit changes skeptics to believers - Lesson 2
Gospel: John 2:1-11
1. Is Jesus on Your Invitation List? 2:1. The custom is to prepare an invitation list for a wedding. The invitation signifies you are important to the one inviting you. It indicates further that you are wanted. The unknown couple in the gospel put Jesus on their invitation list. And they could be glad they did! Jesus honored them with his presence. He met their needs of wine. He saved the reception from failure. Have you invited Jesus to come into your heart, your life, your marriage, your work?
2. Emptiness. 2:7 For many life is empty. Our lives may be as empty as the stone jars. This emptiness is expressed in the popularity of the song, "Fill my cup, Lord." When we come to Jesus, as Mary did, for help, Jesus not only fills us up to the brim, but gives us an excess. The six stone jars provided 120-180 gallons of wine! Note, too, the generosity of Jesus in feeding the 5,000 - twelve baskets were left over. Jesus is able not only to meet our needs, but to exceed them.
3. The Power To Transform. 2:9 Jesus as Son of God has God's creative and transforming power:
water into wine. Kierkegaard pointed out that Christians tend to do the opposite: we turn the exhilarating and enlivening wine of the gospel into something dreadfully flat and ordinary. The sermon may deal with the water of one's life which, placed into Jesus' hands, becomes rich, sweet and tasty as wine.
4. Trust and Obey. 2:5 Mary told the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do.She had learned to respect his words. If the servants had not obeyed, there would have been no wine out of water. A miracle will take place in our lives when we "do whatever he tells us." To obey is a test of faith when the command seems illogical and ridiculous. The need was wine and Jesus commands getting water! He has other seemingly illogical demands: "Give and it shall be given you." "He who loses his life shall find it."
5. Your Life Can be Better. 2:1-11 The passage tells us how life can be better, can be wine instead of water.
a. Invite Christ into your life - v. 2
b. Take your need to Christ - v. 3
c. Obey his commands - v. 5
d. Enjoy the results - v. 10
6. What This First Miracle Says About Jesus
a. He is the Son of God - vv. 9, 11
b. He has the power of God - vv. 6-9
c. He is compassionate - wants the party to be happy - v. 3
d. He is sociable - loves people, shares in their joy - vv. 1, 2
Lesson 1: Isaiah 62:1-5
1. God Is Married. 62:4-5 Isaiah uses the analogy of marriage to express the relationship of Judah to God. He marries his people, his land. It is not the first marriage for God. Like Hosea, he takes his people back again and again. He remarries his people to himself. What does this say about God's attitude toward his people?
a. God loves his people - "The Lord delights in you" - v. 4
b. God makes his people new - they take, like a bride takes her husband's name, his name: "You shall be called, 'My delight is in her' " - v. 4
c. God rejoices over his people - "So shall your God rejoice over you" - v. 5. God and his land make a happy couple!
2. From Desolation to Delight. 62:4 God can transform a people from defeat to victory, from shame to honor. At the time Jerusalem is a city of ruins. The people live in darkness. The land is desolate and forsaken. Foreigners take the crops and the people go hungry. The general feeling is that God has forsaken his people. Isaiah has hope and confidence that God will come and restore his people to honor and prosperity. He will marry his people, and the people will be crowned, given a name of honor, and there will be marital bliss. The water of national chaos can be changed into the wine of prosperity.
3. The Man Who Refused to be Silent. 62:1 Isaiah refused to be quiet. "Woe is me if I preach not ..." He sees his country in shambles, and he will not rest until God comes to the rescue. Here is a case of importunity, of persistence, of determination. Like Jacob, he wrestles through the night with God. The sermon may deal with the value and necessity of intercessory prayer.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 12:3-11
1. The Spirit Made Us Say It! Since today's second Lesson is the first in a series dealing with the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12-15), the preacher may wish to begin a series on the Spirit. In this case, the sermon would not harmonize with the day. On the other hand, today's second Lesson can harmonize with the over-all theme of Epiphany 2, the theme of "God's Glory Manifested in Transforming Power." Verse 3 deals with the power of the Spirit in changing from "Jesus be cursed" to "Jesus is Lord." In this sermon it can be shown that faith in Christ is the central gift of the Spirit to all Christians. The gift is basic to the other nine gifts listed later in the lesson. A possible title for the sermon: "The Spirit Made You Say It!"
2. Can We Be Different and Yet One? 12:4 The church is constantly threatened with divisions. To have peace and unity must all church members agree and be alike? According to this text, the church is unique in that she can have unity with diversity. The unity is the same Spirit in all, but there is a variety of gifts from the one Spirit. As long as there is one good, sweet spirit in a congregation, it is a blessing for the church to have a diversity of gifts.
3. The Truth About the Spirit's Gifts. 12:4-11 There is much confusion and misunderstanding about the gifts of the Spirit. The sermon could give the facts as found in the text:
a. A gift for everyone - no one is left out - v.7
b. Spirit gives the gift - v. 11
c. These abilities are not natural endowments but gifts. If gifts no one can claim credit for them or be proud of them
Next to Easter, Epiphany is the oldest season of the church year. In Asia Minor and Egypt, Epiphany was observed as early as the second century. The Festival of the Epiphany fell and still falls on January 6. It was observed as a unitive festival - both the birth and baptism of Jesus were celebrated at this time.
January 6 was chosen as Epiphany Day because it was the winter solstice, a pagan festival
celebrating the birthday of the sun god. In 331 B.C. the solstice was moved to December
25, but January 6 continued to be observed. Christians substituted Epiphany for the solstice.
The emphasis was upon the re-birth of light. In keeping with this time, the First Lesson for
Epiphany Day is appropriate: "Arise, shine; for your light has come."
The unitive Festival of Epiphany was divided when December 25 was chosen as the birthday of Jesus. The church in the East continued to celebrate Epiphany in terms of the baptism of Jesus while the Western church associated Epiphany with the visit of the Magi. For the East the baptism of Jesus was more vital because of the Gnostic heresy claiming that only at his baptism did Jesus become the Son of God. On the other hand, to associate Epiphany with the Magi is appropriate, for the Magi did not get to Bethlehem until a year after Jesus' birth. By this time the holy family was in a house rather than in a stable. Consequently, the Magi could not have been a part of the manger scene as is popularly portrayed in today's Christmas scenes and plays. The new lectionary and calendar combine the two by placing the visit of the Magi on Epiphany Day and the Baptism of Jesus on Epiphany 1.
The Name of Epiphany
In the church year Epiphany Day is a major festival, similar to Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost. In spite of this, more churches ignore January 6 as the Day of Epiphany because it usually falls on a weekday. For Roman Catholics it is a day of obligation to attend Mass.
The name "Epiphany," means "Manifestation." The light manifests itself in the darkness, God reveals himself in Jesus, and the glory of God is seen in Jesus. In the course of history Epiphany was known by other names: Feast of the Manifestation, Feast of Lights, Feast of the Appearing of Christ, Feast of the Three Kings, and The Twelfth Day.
The Season of Epiphany
Six out of seven years the Festival of the Epiphany falls on a weekday. The Sundays after January 6 are entitled "Sunday after the Epiphany."
Epiphany is an accordian season. The number of weeks it is observed depends upon the date of Easter. If Easter comes early, the season is short; if it is late, the season of Epiphany is long. In early times the length of the Epiphany season ranged from three to ten weeks. From the sixth century, Epiphany was restricted to six Sundays at the most. In the Eastern church it was the custom to announce on Epiphany Day the upcoming date of Easter. The length of the season depended on the announced date.
Now the Epiphany season extends from six to nine Sundays. With the appearance of the new lectionary and calendar in 1970, the season was lengthened to a possible nine weeks be-cause the former pre-Lenten season of three Sundays was made a part of Epiphany.
The Color of Epiphany
The color used in the paraments denotes the mood and meaning of the season. White is used for three Sundays: Epiphany Day, The Baptism of our Lord (Epiphany 1), and Transfiguration. White is used for these three big days because it is a time of celebration. White expresses light, glory, victory, and celebration.
Green is used on the Sundays other than the above three. Green is the color of growth. During Epiphany we are to grow into a fuller realization of the nature of Christ as the Son of God. Sunday after Sunday there is growth in God's revealing his glory in Jesus.
The Meaning and Message of Epiphany
1. The Epiphany Star - Epiphany is associated with the star that led the Wise Men to the manger. The Epiphany star is a five-pointed star representing the Incarnation. It is not a six-pointed star, for this is the star of David, representing the Old Testament with its prophecies. It is not a seven-pointed star which is the star of perfection. Nor is it an eight-pointed star which stands for regeneration and is associated with baptism.
The purpose of the star of Bethlehem was to guide men to Christ. The star is help from above in
bringing us to Christ. This is one reason why Epiphany is the time for the church's emphasis upon evangelism.
The star also guides us into the truth of this new-born child in the manger. We are led to an ever-deepening understanding of the nature of Jesus. We are to come eventually to see that Jesus is God's Son as stated at his baptism, "You are my beloved son." Just before the Transfiguration, Peter gets the insight, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Epiphany ends on the mountain of Transfiguration with God again saying that Jesus is his beloved Son. One purpose of Epiphany is to bring people to this same conviction as preparation for Lent, for the meaning of the cross is in the fact that the man on the cross is "the Lamb of God."
2. The Epiphany Candle - Another symbol of the season is the candle which sheds its light into a dark world. Christ is the light of the world. He comes into the world as a baby, a small, frail candle. It is the nature of light to scatter and annihilate the darkness. Light brings enlightenment to mankind, resulting in vision and insight. Because of light, there is manifestation and revelation. During Epiphany we see the light of God in Jesus. He reveals, shows, manifests God. Light has certain characteristics. It is a given light. The light comes from God, from the star. Man is not the light. At best he can only reflect the light. It is a light that grows in intensity. The candle grows and grows until it becomes as bright as the sun. Throughout Epiphany the light of God's glory is seen increasingly in Jesus until the Transfiguration when his clothes and face are as bright as the sun. You may think of it in terms of concentric circles: a small circle around the flame of the candle until the last circle is as wide as the world. The baby Jesus grows to a mature man of thirty when he is seen as the Son of God. A third characteristic of light is that it gives itself. The candle gives light only by virtue of its burning itself up. Light to be light must give, expend, and die to self. At the end of Epiphany we see the light of Christ, at its brightest, but it burns itself out on the cross, only to be re-kindled on Easter.
Epiphany and the Church
1. A time of worship - Epiphany is a season of worship because it deals with the glory of God manifested in Jesus. The season begins with the Wise Men's coming to worship the newborn king. The season ends with the worship experience on Mount Transfiguration. When people see Jesus as God's Son, they instinctively fall down to worship him as Lord.
2. A Time to Witness - Epiphany is the season of light, and light shows and reveals. The light burns that all might see the truth and the way to God. It is the time for emphasis upon evangelism, the telling of the good news, the spreading of the light of Christ in a dark world. Christ is the light and Christians reflect that light in the world. They are light-bearers, and they are to go through life lighting candles.
3. A Time to Win - The universal Christ is the center of Epiphany. This is the teaching of Epiphany Day with the coming of the Gentile kings to worship Jesus as Lord. The light of Christ knows no end; it goes to the ends of the earth. He is the light to lighten the Gentiles. The church goes about her business of winning the world for Christ. The light of Christ is not to merely shine on Christians but through them to the salvation of humankind. During this season the church places emphasis upon the cause of world missions. It is the outreach time of the church.
THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD
January 6
The Lessons
Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:1-12 (C)
Ephesians 3:2-12 (L)
Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6 (RC)
Matthew 2:1-12
The light of God's glory has appeared.
The gospel is for all, including Gentiles.
The visit of the Wise Men.
Prayer of the Day
"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."
Theme of the Day: Christ is for All People
Gospel - The Gentile world worships the Christ.
Lesson 1 - Nations come to the light of God's servant.
Lesson 2 - Gentiles are included in God's plan of salvation.
Preaching Possibilities
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
1. The sermon might focus on the Wise Men. Why were they called "wise"? As in the Gospel lesson for the day, the Wise Men were more than men who studied the stars. History has called them Wise Men because they made a quest for God. Today men are wise if they seek God in Christ. The foolish seek other gods - power, prestige, possessions. In addition, Wise Men follow guidance. They saw a new star and followed the gleam. At Jerusalem they sought the guidance of Herod and his advisors. As a result of humble acceptance of guidance, they reached the Christ-child. Moreover, Wise Men then and now worship the King.
2. In the Gospel for the day we can see two kinds of worship. The one is a false worship based upon insincerity. Herod told the Wise Men "that I too may come and worship him." (v. 8) Out of fear for his position, Herod wanted to know where the new King was born. Today worship can be a guise for evil intentions. On the other hand, there is true worship practiced by the Wise Men: "They fell down and worshiped him." (v. 11) The sermon then can discuss what is true worship.
3. There is a sermon in the Gospel dealing with one's condition before and after Christ. Before the Wise Men came to Bethlehem, "they went their way." (v. 9) Before we are confronted with Christ, we too go our own way in life. Then the Wise Men came to the Child Jesus, worshiped, and gave gifts. In verse 12, it is said, "they departed to their own country by another way." When one bows down in worship before Christ, life is never the same again. Christ makes a difference in your life. The sermon may go on to say just what difference that is.
4. Under what sign do you live your life? Consider verse 2: "We have seen his star in the East." The Wise Men were Babylonian astrologers who were watchers and interpreters of the stars. A new star for them was a sign of the birth of a great king. Under what sign were you born and do you live? According to a Gallup poll, thirty-two million Americans, comprising twenty-two percent of the population, believe in astrology. Eight in ten can tell you under what sign of the zodiac they were born. How many church people can say under what sign they were born? This is an opportunity to expose the unChristian practice of believing in the zodiac for guidance. It is not a distant, silent star millions of miles from earth that has any influence on life, but the sign of the star of Christ.
5. Gifts. "They offered him gifts, gold and frankincense, and myrrh." (v. 11) At Christmas we receive the gift of God in Jesus. Epiphany is the time for believers to give a return gift to God by presenting gifts to Christ, as the Wise Men did. It is noteworthy that the Wise Men gave their gifts as a part of their worship. Giving something to God when we worship is a vital part of worship, an expression of faith and love. It should never be a collection we take in church but an offering, the offering of gifts to God in gratitude for the gift received. Note the price of the gifts the Wise Men offered - nothing cheap: "Opening their treasures." (v. Ii) The gifts also were meaningful, full of symbolism: gold because he was a king, frankincense because he was a priest offering the perfume of prayer, myrrh because he was a redeemer who died to save the world. What can you offer to one who has everything? What can man give to God? For the affluent at Christmas, it is a problem what to give to one who has everything. The Wise Men had the answer. Their gifts were fit for a king.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 60:1-6
1. You are not the light of the world. Verse 1: "Arise, shine; for your light has come." This may sound contradictory to Jesus' words, "You are the light of the world." You are the light of the world but only as a reflection. Man does not have in himself the light. He has no light to throw upon the dark places of the world. In fact, he is in the darkness along with the rest of humanity. The Lesson tells us that the light is in God, and that light came in Jesus to earth. Christians only reflect the light: "The Lord will arise upon you." (v. 2) The sermonic value in this is that it, for one thing, makes us realize that we are nothing in ourselves and leads us to humility. But, if we are to let our light shine, we must get in contact with the light of Jesus through personal devotions and public worship. The closer we come to Christ, the more we will reflect the light to those around us. The key to witnessing for Christ and doing good works is in drawing nigh and staying close to Christ, the light of the world. But, too, Christ can only be the light of the world to the extent that Christians reflect this light in their daily involvement with the world.
2. Scatter to gather. The Lesson teaches us that the light must first be scattered before there can be a gathering of people to Christ. The light of God must be scattered into the world as the light is reflected in us. How is this done? It involves the church's program of evangelism and missions. The rest of the Lesson tells us what will happen when the world sees the light of God in us. The nations will come to the light, to God. They will bring honor, gifts, and praise to God. We cannot expect people or nations to become Christian until the light of Christ is cast abroad to the world through Christians.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 3:1-12
1. Now it can be told (vv. 4-6). God reveals to the church through the author of Ephesians what his plan is for the world. Heretofore, the Jews were the chosen people of God, called out to be his portion. Through the Jews, God promised to bless the rest of the world. Salvation was considered to be only for the chosen people of God. This was the position of Jonah. Now, it is revealed that God wants the Gentiles to share in the Kingdom. Christ is for all men; he died for all. This implies that the church has an obligation to spread the Gospel to all nations that all might come into God's realm.
2. Can the church be exclusive? If it is the will of God, as the Second Lesson claims, to include all people (Jews and Gentiles) in the Kingdom, the church must fulfill that will. Thus, the unity of human-kind should be a reality in the church, for both Jew and Gentile are one in Christ. If they are one in Christ, they must be one in the body of Christ, the church. A true church then is not the true church which excludes people because of race, class, or condition in life. God's house is a place of prayer for all peoples.
This has implications for preaching, probably uncomfortable preaching in some churches. It simply means that membership in a church cannot be limited to one race or class of people. Jimmy Carter's Baptist church in Plains faced this problem when a black sought membership which was at first denied. Under pressure from the new president and national publicity, a majority of members later voted to allow non-whites to apply for membership.
Another implication is that a church's outreach must not be limited to one race or class. Evangelistic efforts should be made to the church's immediate neighborhood even if the people are different from the church's constituency.
THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD
(Epiphany 1)
The Lessons
Isaiah 61:1-4 (C)
God's servant is anointed by the Spirit to bring good news to the afflicted.
Verses 1-3 constitute Jesus' text for his inaugural sermon at Nazareth. The passage is the work of an unknown author of the sixth century B.C. when the Babylonian exiles returned to Jerusalem to find their city and temple in ruins. The Holy Spirit anoints the servant who gives a message of liberty, comfort, and encouragement to the people.
Isaiah 42:1-7 (L)
God anointed his servant with the Spirit to bring justice.
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 (RC)
Acts 8:14-17
Believers in Samaria receive the Holy Spirit upon the laying on of the hands of Peter and John.
Philip made converts in Samaria by preaching the Gospel. Though they believed in Christ and were baptized, they did not receive the Holy Spirit. Hearing this the Jerusalem leaders sent Peter and John to pray with the Samaritans and to lay their hands on them. Then they received the Spirit.
Acts 10:34-38 (L, C)
Peter testifies that Jesus was anointed with the Spirit.
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (C, L)
At his baptism the Spirit descended on Jesus as a dove and God's voice declared him to be his beloved Son.
With this passage Luke brings to a close the ministry of John the Baptizer. The question among the people is whether John is the Messiah. In answer he contrasts his baptism of water with the coming Christ's baptism of Spirit. Further, Luke discourages the view that John the Baptizer was equal to or superior to Jesus by not mentioning that John baptized Jesus. According to Luke, John was in prison (vv. 18-20) at the time of Jesus' baptism. The focus is on the Spirit's coming as a dove and on the voice of God assuring Jesus of his identity as the Son of God who is well-pleasing to the Father.
Prayer of the Day
"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."
Hymn of the Day
"To Jordan came the Christ, our Lord"
Theme of the Day: Anointed With the Spfrit
Gospel - At his baptism Jesus is anointed with the Spirit.
Lesson 1 - Yahweh anoints his servant to preach.
Lesson 2 - Believers are anointed by the Spirit through the laying on of hands.
On this Baptism of our Lord Sunday, only the Gospel deals with baptism. The emphasis is upon the anointing by the Spirit. Care needs to be taken that this festival is not a duplication of Pentecost Sunday. Baptism is seen as the occasion for the reception of the Spirit. In Lesson 2 the Spirit comes not at baptism but upon the laying on of hands. The Servant in Lesson 1 is called and enabled to preach good news by the reception of the Spirit. The Psalm refers to the glory of God, the theme of Epiphany. The prayer and hymn are related to Jesus' baptism.
Theme of the Season
Each Sunday's theme needs to be related to the season of Epiphany's theme: the manifestation of the glory of God in Jesus. The season begins with God's voice to Jesus ("Thou art my beloved Son") and ends with God's voice to the Disciples ("This is my beloved Son"). A candle symbolizes Epiphany: the shedding of light in a dark world. As the season progresses, the candle of God's glory in Christ increases until the climax of the Transfiguration when the candle is transformed into the brightness of the sun.
Theological Reflections
Gospel: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
1. Fire (v. 16). John testifies that Jesus will baptize with the Spirit and fire. Why combine "spirit" and "fire"? The Spirit is associated with God who is a "consuming fire." Moses encountered Yahweh at a burning bush. On Pentecost the Spirit came as cloven tongues of fire. Fire means life, warmth, zeal, and power. And God is all of these - and more!
2. Praying (v. 21). Jesus' baptism was a prayer experience. Prayer indicates that Jesus was communicating with his Father. It was a religious experience. The result was "the heaven was opened." Prayer does that - opens the gate of heaven that we might speak to God and that God might send his Spirit to us. This may raise a question concerning infant baptism. Can a tiny child have a prayer experience at Baptism?
3. Descended (v.22). The Spirit descended on Jesus at his baptism. It refers to the then-held view of a three-story universe with God and heaven above. We may disagree with this type of cosmology, but the truths are still there: (1) the Spirit comes from God; (2) the Spirit is received at baptism.
4. Thou (v. 22). The voice of God was directed to and intended for Jesus alone. According to Luke, many people were present when Jesus was baptized. God's voice was not for the group but for Jesus himself. Since baptism was a prayer experience between the Father and Son, it is natural for the message to be personal and individual. This reminds us that baptism is the time when a personal relationship with God is established. Note also the presence of the Trinity. A person is baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Jesus' baptism we have the Father's voice to the Son who received the Spirit.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 61:1-4
1. Anointed (v. 1). The Spirit is given to God's servant to proclaim good news to those in bondage. Similar to Pentecost, the Spirit gives the power to proclaim. When God gives to a person a task or mission, he provides the power to accomplish it through the Spirit. We are not given the Spirit to have and to hold for our benefit or for our enthusiastic and emotional enjoyment. The Spirit is given to those who have a need for him to fulfull the God-given mission. At his baptism, Jesus was anointed to fulfill his mission as God's Son.
2. Proclaim (v. 2). God's servant is called to "proclaim" as John the Baptizer was a witness to Christ. At Nazareth Jesus used this passage as a text for his first sermon. He began his ministry with preaching the good news of God's deliverance to the captives of sin. Effective preaching and witnessing still depend upon the possession of the Spirit.
3. Liberty (v. 1). In recent years liberation theology has come out of the third world which is economically and politically oppressed. "Let my people go" is the theme of God's message to those who enslave people. Our captivity is more than bondage to poverty, ignorance, or political suppression. We experience the bondage to sin, Satan, and death. Liberty is not in political revolution nor in Marxist policy but in God's deliverance through Christ.
Lesson 2: Acts 8:14-17
1. Apostles (v. 14). Apparently it took none other than the apostles to bring the Holy Spirit to the Samaritans. Why could not the Spirit come through Christians, not apostles? Philip, certainly filled with the Spirit, preached to the Samaritans and persuaded them to believe in Jesus as the Christ. Why was he not good enough or powerful enough to bring the Spirit to the Samaritans? Peter and John, top apostles, were sent to do the job. Is this the beginning of "apostolic succession"?
2. Samaria (v. 14). It did not take long for the Gospel to spread in strange places. Recall how despised the Samaritans were to the Jews. Remember how Jesus was criticized for his benevolent attitude to Samaritans. The Gospel is for all, even the depressed, deprived, and despised people. God shows no partiality to nations and races. Christ died for all people. Consequently, the church has always sent missionaries to the ends of the earth to proclaim the good news of the Gospel.
3. Hands (v. 17). By the laying on of hands after prayer, the Spirit comes to the Samaritan believers. At other times the Spirit came during the preaching of the Word and at baptism. In this case, the Spirit did not come even though they heard the Word and were baptized. The laying on of hands is a means of communication and transmission. The Spirit may come from God through a Spirit-possessed person to one longing for the Spirit. And the church still lays her hands for the transmission of the Spirit: baptism, confirmation, ordination, and healing.
Preaching Possibilities
Three Lessons
Isaiah 61:1-4; Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Sources of the Spirit
Need: How does one get the Spirit of God? It is a question many ask, even Christians. Many church members may feel as the Samaritan believers. They have heard the preached Word, they were baptized, and they believe in Jesus, but they feel a lack of the Spirit. The three lections show how the Spirit came and still comes. The Spirit may come to one in a particular way. But there is no one way to receive the Spirit.
Outline: How you may receive the Spirit -
a. Through the Word proclaimed - Lesson 1
b. Through the Sacraments (Baptism) - Gospel
c. Through the laying on of hands - Lesson 2
Gospel: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
1. What is Baptism All About? 3:21-22
Need: People generally have incorrect ideas about baptism: a sprinkling rite, a social christening, or a routine function of dedicating a child. The sermon can overcome these false ideas by showing what the text says.
Outline: What baptism is all about -
a. Regeneration at the reception of the Spirit - born-again - v. 22.
b. Adoption into God's family - "My beloved Son" - v. 22.
c. Ordination into God's service - the beginning of Jesus' ministry.
2. How Many Baptisms are There? 3:15-17, 21-22
Need: Some church people are of the opinion that there are two baptisms: water and Spirit. After the church's water baptism, they hold that one needs to be baptized of the Spirit. In the Gospel we have two baptisms: John's and Jesus'. John baptized with water (v. 16a). Jesus baptized with Spirit (v. 16b). However, the two were combined in Jesus' baptism, for during the water baptism, the Spirit descended on him. Consequently, there is only one baptism.
Outline: Elements of the one true baptism -
a. God's Word of forgiveness and eternal life.
b. Candidate's words of faith and repentance.
c. Visible seal of the covenant: water.
3. The Baptismal Experience. 3:21-22
Need: How many have had an experience of God at baptism? Indeed, infants cannot have a cons-cious experience. Even "believers" may not have had an experience with God at that time. Is it possible to have an unconscious baptismal experience? What is the experience, if any, on the part of those witnessing a baptism?
Outline: What a baptismal experience can be -
a. Public experience - baptism is not a private affair - v. 21
b. Prayer experience - a covenant is made between God and the candidate - v. 21
c. Private experience - "You ... with you" - v. 22
4. Visible Signs of Invisible Grace. 3:21-22
Need: A baptism takes place at a worship service. Do the worshipers really know what is happening? It is difficult for us to realize, understand, and appreciate invisible realities. Outward symbols are helpful in knowing what is happening at baptism.
Outline: Look and know -
a. Water - the seal of the covenant.
b. Dove - the gift of the Spirit.
c. Voice - the acceptance as a child of God.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 61:1-4
1. Baptized into Freedom. 61:1-4
Need: This Old Testament passage needs to be seen and used in connection with the festival of our Lord's baptism. The Spirit possessed by the Servant is the same Spirit received at Christian baptism. The Spirit makes us free and frees us to proclaim liberty to the afflicted. Surely the need for this message is great, because of the millions enslaved in sin, selfishness, and greed.
Outline: To be baptized with the Spirit is to be set free -
a. Free from the captivity of sin - v. 4
b. Free from mourning over the past - vv. 2-3
c. Free to rebuild one's life - v. 4
2. The Tree of Baptism. 61:3
Need: When a baptism occurs, God plants a tree in his Kingdom. Since the essential factor of baptism is God's Word, baptism is the time of planting the seed of the Word. It is the beginning of a new relationship with God. It is the initiation into God's Kingdom. It is a rebirth. What happens to that baptismal planting and the seed? Our text gives the answer.
Outline: When you were baptized -
a. God planted you as a seed in his Kingdom - "The planting of the Lord."
b. The seed grows into an oak tree - "They may be called oaks."
c. The tree produces fruit: righteousness - "Oaks of righteousness."
Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1-7
The Servant Church
In the first Lesson we have a servant song about Israel as God's servant who will be anointed with the Spirit to bring justice and light to the nations. The preacher can see the fulfillment of the prophecy in Jesus, and then the church as God's servant carrying on the work of Jesus in the world.
Here is a much needed conception of the church as God's servant. To be this the church needs to be anointed by the Spirit. (v. 1) As servant, the church will not use force but the compassion of love to attain her goals. (vv. 2, 3) She will not be discouraged in her work - in spite of setbacks in a hostile world. (v. 4)
What is the work of the church in the world? What are her goals and purposes? The Lesson gives the answer: (1) to bring justice to the nations (v. 1); (2) to be a covenant to the people (v. 6); (3) to be a light to the nations (v. 6); (4) to bring freedom and release to the oppressed.
What a role for the church! What a task for the church! How can the church do it? Answer: "I will put my Spirit upon him." (v. 1) When was the mission given? Answer: Baptism.
Lesson 2: Acts 8:14-17
1. A Link Missing in Your Chain of Christian Experience? 8:14-17
Need: As in the case of the rich young ruler, we may have one thing lacking. The Samaritan Christians had everything but one thing. The Spirit is lacking in many church members. Evidence for this is the apathy, indifference, and inactivity of church members. In an inductive style, the sermon will come to the missing link in Christian experience.
Outline: Do you as a Christian have this?
a. Knowledge of the Gospel? Yes - v. 14
b. Baptism in Christ? Yes - v. 16
C. Prayed for? Yes - v. 15
d. Holy Spirit? v. 17
2. Lay Your Hands on my Head. 8:17
Need: The Spirit came to the Samaritans at the laying on of hands. The laying on of hands is the physical transmission line from God to the believer. It is like bringing together two ends of a telephone wire. When they touch, the power and voice go from the speaker to the listener. Since the laying on of hands is seldom practiced except for very special occasions such as confirmation and ordination and since it is strange to many, the sermon answers some relevant questions.
Outline: Do you ask?
a. Why use hands to give the Spirit - v. 17
b. Whose hands are qualified - v. 14
c. When may hands be used? (Baptism, Confirmation, Ordination, Healing)
Lesson 2: Acts 10:34-38
What Good is Baptism?
In his sermon to Cornelius Peter refers to Jesus' anointing of the Spirit at his baptism. Then he tells what happened in Jesus' life as a result of this baptismal experience.
This is related to the congregation. Some do not think baptism is that important. They neglect to bring their children for baptism. When other people's children are baptized, they fret during the baptism in the regular worship service because it lengthens the service by a few minutes. One may claim he can be a Christian without baptism. This sermon would help people to see how essential baptism is to being and living the Christian way.
In the second Lesson we learn what baptism did for Jesus. What it did for him it can do for us. As a result of his baptism: (1) Jesus went about doing good (v. 38). Now the preacher will show how baptism motivates good works. (2) Jesus healed (v. 38) all oppressed by the devil. Think of how many folks today are oppressed by the devil. Baptism leads one to have compassion for the oppressed because in baptism he has experienced the love of God. (3) Jesus after his baptism had God with him (v. 38). This is the case with those baptized. Baptism is a covenant between God and the believer. God promises to be his God, to forgive, to deliver from evil, and to be with him always. God is faithful to his promises. In this convenantal relationship, a Christian senses always that God is with him.
EPIPHANY 2
Common, Lutheran
ORDINARY TIME 2
Roman Catholic
The Lessons
Isaiah 62:1-5
The Lord marries his people.
Picture the situation: The Exiles have returned from Babylon and find their capital city in ruins along with the temple. The prophet brings comfort and assurance that Yahweh will remedy the situation. The analogy of marriage is used. The Lord will re-marry his people and give them a new name as a bride gets a new name from her husband. Israel is the bride and Yahweh is the groom. Married to Yahweh, the bride-Israel will no longer be desolate or forsaken but she will be a delight to her husband.
1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (C, L)
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (RC)
The gifts of the Spirit.
This marks the beginning of Paul's teaching concerning the Spirit and his gifts. (11-14) The Spirit is the theme of the pericope: the Spirit enables one to confess Jesus as Lord and provides nine spiritual gifts. Among these gifts, speaking in tongues comes last on the list as the least important gift. The gifts are not to be used as an occasion for boasting because the ability is a gift of the Spirit and the gift was given to be used for the common good.
John 2:1-11 (C, L)
John 2:1-12 (RC)
Jesus turns water into wine at the wedding in Cana.
Epiphany is the season for our seeing the glory of God in Jesus. Last Sunday we saw his glory in the appearance of the Holy Spirit and the voice of God. Today God's glory is seen in the power of Jesus to change water into wine which resulted not only in a happy wedding reception but in faith. Yet, for Jesus this was not his hour. It was to come in his passion. At this first miracle we direct our attention to the last miracle, the cross, where God's glory is fully manifested in Jesus.
Prayer of the Day
"Lord God, you shared 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 also to perfect faith in him."
Hymn of the Day
"All praise to you, O Lord"
Theme of the Day: God's Glory in Transforming Power
Gospel - God's glory seen in Christ's transformation of water into wine.
Lesson 1 - God transforms his people from "forsaken" to "married."
Lesson 2 - God's Spirit transforms "Jesus be cursed" to "Jesus is Lord."
The Epiphany theme of the manifestation of God's glory in Christ continues today by dealing with transforming power. At a wedding in Cana Jesus by the power of God changes water into wine. Continuing the marriage metaphor, Yahweh marries the land and changes the people from desolate to delighted expressed in the giving of a new name. A series on 1 Corinthians begins with today's second Lesson affirming that the Holy Spirit enables one, who may have cursed Jesus, to say that Jesus is Lord. The psalm (Psalm 36:5-10) deals with the Epiphany theme of light. The prayer and hymn relate to the manifestation of God's glory in Jesus at Cana.
Theological Reflections
Gospel:
John 2:1-11
1. Invited (v. 2). It is significant that Jesus was invited to a wedding feast. It says something about Jesus and the regard in which he was held by the people. A holy man and a prophet might be a wet blanket to the festivities of singing and drinking. Jesus was one who could go to a party and have a good time. He shares in our joys as well as our troubles. Moreover, Jesus was no party crasher. He was invited. Never does Jesus force his way into people's lives. He waits for an invitation even as he invited, "Come to me."
2. My hour (v. 4). Jesus told his mother in response to her telling him that the party ran out of wine, "My hour has not yet come." Was it not his hour to come to the assistance of the hosts, not his hour to show his power and glory? No, he is referring to his hour of death when the glory of God would be fully seen in the Son. Already in the second chapter, John points us to the passion and shows that at the beginning of his ministry Jesus had the cross in mind as the mission of his life.
3. Whatever (v. 5). This word covers everything excluding nothing. Mary tells the servants to do whatever Jesus directs them to do. This was good advice, because the servants may have refused to do something which appeared to them as foolish: filling jars with water when wine was needed. Again, "whatever" reveals the faith and confidence Mary had in Jesus. She knew that whatever he asked them to do would be correct and praiseworthy.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 62:1-5
1. Married (v. 4). Marriage is a metaphor describing the relationship of God and his people. It is a meaningful concept, for marriage is a relationship between two parties based upon the solemn promise of faithfulness. God is the bridegroom and his people are the bride. God is pleased and proud of his bride, and he adorns her with a new name and a crown. This same figure of speech is used by Paul to describe the relationship between Christ and the church.
2. Delight (v. 4). Twice the prophet says that God delights in his wife, his people. This may be heard with a question mark in our minds. Does God really delight in people such as we - sinners, idolators, murderers, liars, adulterers, etc.? How can God delight in people of this calibre? In spite of ourselves, in spite of rebelliousness and disobedience, God still loves us, owns us as his own marriage partner, and blesses us. Amazing grace!
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
1. Say (v. 3). What do you say about Jesus? What you say is what you believe in your heart. Do you say Jesus is cursed or Jesus is Lord? The Holy Spirit gives one the desire and power to say the latter. On our own desire and strength we cannot confess Jesus is Lord. We do not decide for Jesus, nor to accept him, nor to follow him. The Spirit calls, guides, and leads us to see that Jesus is Lord. We are made Christians by the Spirit.
2. Varieties (v. 4). Thank God we are not all the same with the same gifts. It would be deadly monotonous and uniform. Paul stresses variety of gifts, of service, and of working. Each Christian is different with different gifts. This is the work of the Spirit to give to each an appropriate gift so that various needs can be met. Variety makes church life interesting, but it can also lead to church problems.
3. Each (v. 7). It is only a four-letter word, but it is impacted with significance. The Spirit does not miss a single person when it comes to giving gifts. To have the Spirit means to automatically have a gift. No one is without some ability to serve. Consequently, no Christian can claim, as many church members do, that he/she has no ability to serve in any capacity. Instead of 10 percent of the church's members doing 90 percent of the work, there should be 100 percent serving in various capacities.
Preaching Possibilities
An Overview of the Epiphany Season
The Epiphany season stands between two great festivals: the baptism of our Lord and the Transfiguration which is the Sunday before Lent.
1. The Gospel Lessons. For the upcoming seven Sundays the Gospels cover in semi-in-course fashion the fourth, fifth, and sixth chapters of Luke: Jesus begins his ministry in Nazareth, the call of Peter, and the sermon on the plain.
2. Lesson 2. Seven lections are from 1 Corinthians, chapters twelve, thirteen, and fifteen. Here we have an opportunity for a series of sermons dealing with subjects still alive today.
Sunday
Lesson 2
Subject
2
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Gifts of the Spirit
3
2 Corinthians 12:12-30
Unity in Diversity
4
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love is the greatest
5
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
What is the Gospel?
6
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
The Resurrection for real?
7
1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50
A Christian's second body
1 Corinthians 15:51-58
Victory over our worst enemy
Three Lessons
Isaiah 62:1-5; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11
Things Can Change
Need: Many of us doubt whether things can change for the better. Cynically we say, "The more things change, the more they are the same." And we doubt whether we personally can change. Can you make a silk purse out of a sow's ear? The Lessons inform and encourage us to believe that God can change us and our world. Note the presence of the Trinity in the Lessons.
Outline: Things can change -
a. God the Father changes people's condition - Lesson 1
b. God the Son changes water of life into wine - Gospel
c. God the Spirit changes skeptics to believers - Lesson 2
Gospel: John 2:1-11
1. Is Jesus on Your Invitation List? 2:1. The custom is to prepare an invitation list for a wedding. The invitation signifies you are important to the one inviting you. It indicates further that you are wanted. The unknown couple in the gospel put Jesus on their invitation list. And they could be glad they did! Jesus honored them with his presence. He met their needs of wine. He saved the reception from failure. Have you invited Jesus to come into your heart, your life, your marriage, your work?
2. Emptiness. 2:7 For many life is empty. Our lives may be as empty as the stone jars. This emptiness is expressed in the popularity of the song, "Fill my cup, Lord." When we come to Jesus, as Mary did, for help, Jesus not only fills us up to the brim, but gives us an excess. The six stone jars provided 120-180 gallons of wine! Note, too, the generosity of Jesus in feeding the 5,000 - twelve baskets were left over. Jesus is able not only to meet our needs, but to exceed them.
3. The Power To Transform. 2:9 Jesus as Son of God has God's creative and transforming power:
water into wine. Kierkegaard pointed out that Christians tend to do the opposite: we turn the exhilarating and enlivening wine of the gospel into something dreadfully flat and ordinary. The sermon may deal with the water of one's life which, placed into Jesus' hands, becomes rich, sweet and tasty as wine.
4. Trust and Obey. 2:5 Mary told the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do.She had learned to respect his words. If the servants had not obeyed, there would have been no wine out of water. A miracle will take place in our lives when we "do whatever he tells us." To obey is a test of faith when the command seems illogical and ridiculous. The need was wine and Jesus commands getting water! He has other seemingly illogical demands: "Give and it shall be given you." "He who loses his life shall find it."
5. Your Life Can be Better. 2:1-11 The passage tells us how life can be better, can be wine instead of water.
a. Invite Christ into your life - v. 2
b. Take your need to Christ - v. 3
c. Obey his commands - v. 5
d. Enjoy the results - v. 10
6. What This First Miracle Says About Jesus
a. He is the Son of God - vv. 9, 11
b. He has the power of God - vv. 6-9
c. He is compassionate - wants the party to be happy - v. 3
d. He is sociable - loves people, shares in their joy - vv. 1, 2
Lesson 1: Isaiah 62:1-5
1. God Is Married. 62:4-5 Isaiah uses the analogy of marriage to express the relationship of Judah to God. He marries his people, his land. It is not the first marriage for God. Like Hosea, he takes his people back again and again. He remarries his people to himself. What does this say about God's attitude toward his people?
a. God loves his people - "The Lord delights in you" - v. 4
b. God makes his people new - they take, like a bride takes her husband's name, his name: "You shall be called, 'My delight is in her' " - v. 4
c. God rejoices over his people - "So shall your God rejoice over you" - v. 5. God and his land make a happy couple!
2. From Desolation to Delight. 62:4 God can transform a people from defeat to victory, from shame to honor. At the time Jerusalem is a city of ruins. The people live in darkness. The land is desolate and forsaken. Foreigners take the crops and the people go hungry. The general feeling is that God has forsaken his people. Isaiah has hope and confidence that God will come and restore his people to honor and prosperity. He will marry his people, and the people will be crowned, given a name of honor, and there will be marital bliss. The water of national chaos can be changed into the wine of prosperity.
3. The Man Who Refused to be Silent. 62:1 Isaiah refused to be quiet. "Woe is me if I preach not ..." He sees his country in shambles, and he will not rest until God comes to the rescue. Here is a case of importunity, of persistence, of determination. Like Jacob, he wrestles through the night with God. The sermon may deal with the value and necessity of intercessory prayer.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 12:3-11
1. The Spirit Made Us Say It! Since today's second Lesson is the first in a series dealing with the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12-15), the preacher may wish to begin a series on the Spirit. In this case, the sermon would not harmonize with the day. On the other hand, today's second Lesson can harmonize with the over-all theme of Epiphany 2, the theme of "God's Glory Manifested in Transforming Power." Verse 3 deals with the power of the Spirit in changing from "Jesus be cursed" to "Jesus is Lord." In this sermon it can be shown that faith in Christ is the central gift of the Spirit to all Christians. The gift is basic to the other nine gifts listed later in the lesson. A possible title for the sermon: "The Spirit Made You Say It!"
2. Can We Be Different and Yet One? 12:4 The church is constantly threatened with divisions. To have peace and unity must all church members agree and be alike? According to this text, the church is unique in that she can have unity with diversity. The unity is the same Spirit in all, but there is a variety of gifts from the one Spirit. As long as there is one good, sweet spirit in a congregation, it is a blessing for the church to have a diversity of gifts.
3. The Truth About the Spirit's Gifts. 12:4-11 There is much confusion and misunderstanding about the gifts of the Spirit. The sermon could give the facts as found in the text:
a. A gift for everyone - no one is left out - v.7
b. Spirit gives the gift - v. 11
c. These abilities are not natural endowments but gifts. If gifts no one can claim credit for them or be proud of them
