Second Sunday After The Epiphany
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VII, Cycle A
Object:
Seasonal Theme
The dawning on many who Jesus was and the dawning of a new light into the dark world as promised.
Theme For The Day
The call of the disciples of Jesus and our call to discipleship as well. There is also our equipment to be a disciple.
Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 49:1-7
Command And Promise
In this poem, one of the servant songs, the author is having a conversation with himself and a dialogue with God. They are the words of a sensitive and pious servant of God who saw himself called to go beyond serving God by leading the people back from their slavery and exile. He is to be a light to other nations as well (v. 6b).
Notice verse 4. They are the words of a discouraged servant of God. It is not so much the hard work which tires the servant but the lack of response which deflates him. I can relate to this! I'll bet you can too. Then comes God's answer -- there is more work to do (v. 6b).
Then comes a nexus between command and promise. As we carry out God's mission to all the world, we become aware of God's power enabling us to do the task much better than what we could do on our own. There is the option that even though Israel is now dispersed, one day she will be honored as great among the nations. If we apply the first part of this poem to an individual servant of God, we probably cannot apply this promise of earthly glory as a result of our servanthood. Perhaps only escatalogically could it work.
New Testament Lesson
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Partners With Christ
We begin reading in order from 1 Corinthians today continuing throughout this entire season of Epiphany. You might want to explain that to your people before the reading of the New Testament lesson. A brief background of the Corinthian correspondence would be in order.
This is a passage of introduction and thanksgiving. Paul introduces himself as one chosen by God, writing to others chosen by God. He wants for them peace. He calls these early Christians holy people dedicated to being God's people. The word here for holy means a great deal. Its root tells us of separation. We are a people different from other people. We are people who are being made more holy. Now comes the promise (v. 9): God has selected us not only to believe in Jesus, but also be a "partner" with the Christ. Introduced in verse 1 is the president of the synagogue at Corinth during Paul's time there. Sosthenes is an intriguing Bible character who probably followed Crispus after his presidency and then conversion to Christianity. He was beaten for being a supporter of Paul. Probably one of the seventy, he must have become a Christian sometime after that beating and now brings greetings alongside Paul to this congregation.
The Gospel
John 1:29-42
Lamb Of God
This is a rather simple portion of John's Gospel. In verses 29, 30, and 31, John identifies Jesus as much more than one of the people he had baptized. He calls him the "Lamb of God." This image could stand for the Passover Lamb of the Jews which was sacrificed. Or it might be he had in mind the conquering hero of God as the Jews thought of the Lamb symbol (as strange as that might seem to us). Also the prophets had used this metaphor in Jeremiah 11:19 and Isaiah 53:7. Both of these passages relate one who by his suffering would save his people.
In verses 32 to 34, John gives his own eye witness account of Jesus' baptism and the spirit coming over him -- proof to him this was God's own son. In verses 35-39, there is recorded the calling of the first disciples: the sons of John, Andrew and his brother Simon, whom Jesus renamed Cephas or Peter.
Explaining verse 30b might be a good theological exercise for the preacher, but I doubt it would prove very edifying to the listeners of your message. It's just a difficult idea to grasp.
Preaching Possibilities
All three readings for this week are pregnant with possibilities. This is not a collection of readings which cry out for hooking together. Here are a few ideas about each reading taken separately.
A. The Old Testament Lesson in Isaiah 49 might resonate with a tired and discouraged preacher. But it also has real possibilities for the tired and burned-out Christian lay person. We can assure them even the prophet Isaiah got discouraged because the results of his efforts were so minimal. But the joy comes in being sure you are called to serve and lead God's people. And there are nice promises here:
1. God chose me (vv. 1b, 5, and 7b).
2. God makes me strong (v. 5b).
3. God makes me a light for others (v. 6b).
4. We can trust God and take God's salvation to everyone on earth.
There is a possible connection between the promise of God in v. 7 and 1 Corinthian 1:9. I doubt this would be as fruitful as simply going with the Old Testament text and letting it stand on its own. I believe it is workable to say this servant song was read by Jesus as his calling. When I read it I find encouragement in my own times of discouragement and so can you.
B. The New Testament Lesson in 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 lends itself to biographical sermonizing.
1. We could explore what we know about Sosthenes:
a. a super Jew and president of Synagogue,
b. one beaten for associating with Paul whose Christian preaching they resented,
c. one mentioned here as greeting the congregation with Paul so he must have converted, and
e. one who may have been one of the seventy sent out.
2. You might also go with the personality of Paul:
a. one called by God to be an apostle,
b. who brings God's kindness and peace,
c. who identifies spiritual gifts, and
d. who wants us to be partners with the Christ.
C. If you want to hook up the Old Testament and New Testament lessons, it might be with Isaiah 49:7 and 1 Corinthians 1:9 under the theme: "We are partners with Jesus Christ and we are God's chosen ones."
D. The Gospel is also full of possibilities. A sermon based on words in the text would be fruitful: Lamb of God (vv. 29 and 36), the Spirit (vv. 32 and 33), Rabbi (v. 36), and Messiah (v. 41).
E. If you must put all three scriptures together consider this: three whom God called --
1. Isaiah the discouraged servant,
2. Sosthenes the converted follower, and
3. Peter the brother of Andrew.
4. You could add Paul, the self-claimed apostle, and make it four.
Because it is the beginning of the season of Epiphany, we ought to get the disciples called and beginning their ministry. So I'll go with their call in John 1.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
1. You might start your sermon with a brief review of the past few weeks:
A. the birth in Bethlehem,
B. the visit of the Wise Men,
C. the baptism of Jesus by John, and now
D. the call of the disciples.
2. The transition from John to Jesus is in our Gospel reading -- two of John's disciples followed Jesus home. There are various kinds of calls to discipleship here. Talk about those two followers of John who sensed there was more to it than law and repentance. So they simply stayed with Jesus and learned. Their call was to come and see. This would be Andrew.
3. Then there was the call of Simon Peter through his brother Andrew (use v. 42). Talk about those to whom we might bring the call to discipleship. Andrew began with his own family and perhaps that's our best place to begin as well. It's not the easiest and it wasn't for Andrew either. After all, this was the big fisherman -- headstrong, impetuous, usually putting his foot in his mouth when he spoke.
4. And now move to a third call -- another disciple, one we often neglect, the one who recorded this story for us so we could read it. Perhaps it was John, the son of Zebedee and brother of James. Then talk about what it meant for him to give up the "Zebedee and Sons Galilee Fishing Company" in order to follow.
5. Perhaps it was John the Elder, whose call and discipleship went unrecognized and yet was so very valuable to the world wherever this Gospel has been read.
6. Now transition to the focus that not only Bible heroes and heroines are called, but so are we called to be disciples here in our church, out in the world where we live, and in our daily lives.
7. Then move to talk about some equipment for accepting our call to discipleship. In the Old Testament lesson we learn we have encouragement for days when our efforts produce so little results. From the New Testament lesson we learn there will always be others who will stand by our side and help like Sosthenes with Paul. And our call is none other than a call to partnership with Christ himself.
8. A wrap-up would be to return to John the Baptizer who also heard a call from God and served as a bridge from the old covenant with God to the new one. His discipleship was to announce the coming of the Messiah and always to point to Jesus the Christ rather than himself, a model for us as well.
Prayer Of The Day
Dear God, the one who calls us to a discipleship of servanthood and empowers us to do it well, keep your promises with us also, that we might know your encouragement in times of discouragement and your presence in times of opportunity. Bless us in our partnership with you. Amen.
Note: The above Gospel lends itself to a sermon on discipleship. Next week's Matthew 4:12-23 does the same. Please consider a two-part sermon on discipleship these two weeks. The first one (above) can be on the call and equipment and the second part can be on what a Christian disciple does in the world.
Possible Stories
Kathryn Gulbranson, then a Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary student, was giving a children's sermon about the call. Holding up a telephone, she asked the children, "... and how do we dial for Grandma and Grandpa?" The answer from a little one was, "... be sure to dial 0 first, so they have to pay for it."
In Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath on PBS television, the preacher said, "I used to have these channels swarming with people baptized. I'm not a preacher anymore. I lost the calling. I used to have it, but I don't have it anymore." The call is to be a disciple and we must be good stewards of the call itself.
A special on 60 Minutes, October 18, 1987, was about Sister Emmanuel who lives in the garbage dump of the city of Cairo. She claims she has "married the slums." Sixty-two years old, her theory is that you must live with the people you serve. They raised one million dollars and built a hospital. She has to fight the parents to get the children into school. One of her concerns is the women beaten by husbands she calls "beaten slaves of the garbage." This woman began life as a pampered daughter of a rich businessman. What is it that moves some people to help?
The dawning on many who Jesus was and the dawning of a new light into the dark world as promised.
Theme For The Day
The call of the disciples of Jesus and our call to discipleship as well. There is also our equipment to be a disciple.
Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 49:1-7
Command And Promise
In this poem, one of the servant songs, the author is having a conversation with himself and a dialogue with God. They are the words of a sensitive and pious servant of God who saw himself called to go beyond serving God by leading the people back from their slavery and exile. He is to be a light to other nations as well (v. 6b).
Notice verse 4. They are the words of a discouraged servant of God. It is not so much the hard work which tires the servant but the lack of response which deflates him. I can relate to this! I'll bet you can too. Then comes God's answer -- there is more work to do (v. 6b).
Then comes a nexus between command and promise. As we carry out God's mission to all the world, we become aware of God's power enabling us to do the task much better than what we could do on our own. There is the option that even though Israel is now dispersed, one day she will be honored as great among the nations. If we apply the first part of this poem to an individual servant of God, we probably cannot apply this promise of earthly glory as a result of our servanthood. Perhaps only escatalogically could it work.
New Testament Lesson
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Partners With Christ
We begin reading in order from 1 Corinthians today continuing throughout this entire season of Epiphany. You might want to explain that to your people before the reading of the New Testament lesson. A brief background of the Corinthian correspondence would be in order.
This is a passage of introduction and thanksgiving. Paul introduces himself as one chosen by God, writing to others chosen by God. He wants for them peace. He calls these early Christians holy people dedicated to being God's people. The word here for holy means a great deal. Its root tells us of separation. We are a people different from other people. We are people who are being made more holy. Now comes the promise (v. 9): God has selected us not only to believe in Jesus, but also be a "partner" with the Christ. Introduced in verse 1 is the president of the synagogue at Corinth during Paul's time there. Sosthenes is an intriguing Bible character who probably followed Crispus after his presidency and then conversion to Christianity. He was beaten for being a supporter of Paul. Probably one of the seventy, he must have become a Christian sometime after that beating and now brings greetings alongside Paul to this congregation.
The Gospel
John 1:29-42
Lamb Of God
This is a rather simple portion of John's Gospel. In verses 29, 30, and 31, John identifies Jesus as much more than one of the people he had baptized. He calls him the "Lamb of God." This image could stand for the Passover Lamb of the Jews which was sacrificed. Or it might be he had in mind the conquering hero of God as the Jews thought of the Lamb symbol (as strange as that might seem to us). Also the prophets had used this metaphor in Jeremiah 11:19 and Isaiah 53:7. Both of these passages relate one who by his suffering would save his people.
In verses 32 to 34, John gives his own eye witness account of Jesus' baptism and the spirit coming over him -- proof to him this was God's own son. In verses 35-39, there is recorded the calling of the first disciples: the sons of John, Andrew and his brother Simon, whom Jesus renamed Cephas or Peter.
Explaining verse 30b might be a good theological exercise for the preacher, but I doubt it would prove very edifying to the listeners of your message. It's just a difficult idea to grasp.
Preaching Possibilities
All three readings for this week are pregnant with possibilities. This is not a collection of readings which cry out for hooking together. Here are a few ideas about each reading taken separately.
A. The Old Testament Lesson in Isaiah 49 might resonate with a tired and discouraged preacher. But it also has real possibilities for the tired and burned-out Christian lay person. We can assure them even the prophet Isaiah got discouraged because the results of his efforts were so minimal. But the joy comes in being sure you are called to serve and lead God's people. And there are nice promises here:
1. God chose me (vv. 1b, 5, and 7b).
2. God makes me strong (v. 5b).
3. God makes me a light for others (v. 6b).
4. We can trust God and take God's salvation to everyone on earth.
There is a possible connection between the promise of God in v. 7 and 1 Corinthian 1:9. I doubt this would be as fruitful as simply going with the Old Testament text and letting it stand on its own. I believe it is workable to say this servant song was read by Jesus as his calling. When I read it I find encouragement in my own times of discouragement and so can you.
B. The New Testament Lesson in 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 lends itself to biographical sermonizing.
1. We could explore what we know about Sosthenes:
a. a super Jew and president of Synagogue,
b. one beaten for associating with Paul whose Christian preaching they resented,
c. one mentioned here as greeting the congregation with Paul so he must have converted, and
e. one who may have been one of the seventy sent out.
2. You might also go with the personality of Paul:
a. one called by God to be an apostle,
b. who brings God's kindness and peace,
c. who identifies spiritual gifts, and
d. who wants us to be partners with the Christ.
C. If you want to hook up the Old Testament and New Testament lessons, it might be with Isaiah 49:7 and 1 Corinthians 1:9 under the theme: "We are partners with Jesus Christ and we are God's chosen ones."
D. The Gospel is also full of possibilities. A sermon based on words in the text would be fruitful: Lamb of God (vv. 29 and 36), the Spirit (vv. 32 and 33), Rabbi (v. 36), and Messiah (v. 41).
E. If you must put all three scriptures together consider this: three whom God called --
1. Isaiah the discouraged servant,
2. Sosthenes the converted follower, and
3. Peter the brother of Andrew.
4. You could add Paul, the self-claimed apostle, and make it four.
Because it is the beginning of the season of Epiphany, we ought to get the disciples called and beginning their ministry. So I'll go with their call in John 1.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
1. You might start your sermon with a brief review of the past few weeks:
A. the birth in Bethlehem,
B. the visit of the Wise Men,
C. the baptism of Jesus by John, and now
D. the call of the disciples.
2. The transition from John to Jesus is in our Gospel reading -- two of John's disciples followed Jesus home. There are various kinds of calls to discipleship here. Talk about those two followers of John who sensed there was more to it than law and repentance. So they simply stayed with Jesus and learned. Their call was to come and see. This would be Andrew.
3. Then there was the call of Simon Peter through his brother Andrew (use v. 42). Talk about those to whom we might bring the call to discipleship. Andrew began with his own family and perhaps that's our best place to begin as well. It's not the easiest and it wasn't for Andrew either. After all, this was the big fisherman -- headstrong, impetuous, usually putting his foot in his mouth when he spoke.
4. And now move to a third call -- another disciple, one we often neglect, the one who recorded this story for us so we could read it. Perhaps it was John, the son of Zebedee and brother of James. Then talk about what it meant for him to give up the "Zebedee and Sons Galilee Fishing Company" in order to follow.
5. Perhaps it was John the Elder, whose call and discipleship went unrecognized and yet was so very valuable to the world wherever this Gospel has been read.
6. Now transition to the focus that not only Bible heroes and heroines are called, but so are we called to be disciples here in our church, out in the world where we live, and in our daily lives.
7. Then move to talk about some equipment for accepting our call to discipleship. In the Old Testament lesson we learn we have encouragement for days when our efforts produce so little results. From the New Testament lesson we learn there will always be others who will stand by our side and help like Sosthenes with Paul. And our call is none other than a call to partnership with Christ himself.
8. A wrap-up would be to return to John the Baptizer who also heard a call from God and served as a bridge from the old covenant with God to the new one. His discipleship was to announce the coming of the Messiah and always to point to Jesus the Christ rather than himself, a model for us as well.
Prayer Of The Day
Dear God, the one who calls us to a discipleship of servanthood and empowers us to do it well, keep your promises with us also, that we might know your encouragement in times of discouragement and your presence in times of opportunity. Bless us in our partnership with you. Amen.
Note: The above Gospel lends itself to a sermon on discipleship. Next week's Matthew 4:12-23 does the same. Please consider a two-part sermon on discipleship these two weeks. The first one (above) can be on the call and equipment and the second part can be on what a Christian disciple does in the world.
Possible Stories
Kathryn Gulbranson, then a Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary student, was giving a children's sermon about the call. Holding up a telephone, she asked the children, "... and how do we dial for Grandma and Grandpa?" The answer from a little one was, "... be sure to dial 0 first, so they have to pay for it."
In Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath on PBS television, the preacher said, "I used to have these channels swarming with people baptized. I'm not a preacher anymore. I lost the calling. I used to have it, but I don't have it anymore." The call is to be a disciple and we must be good stewards of the call itself.
A special on 60 Minutes, October 18, 1987, was about Sister Emmanuel who lives in the garbage dump of the city of Cairo. She claims she has "married the slums." Sixty-two years old, her theory is that you must live with the people you serve. They raised one million dollars and built a hospital. She has to fight the parents to get the children into school. One of her concerns is the women beaten by husbands she calls "beaten slaves of the garbage." This woman began life as a pampered daughter of a rich businessman. What is it that moves some people to help?
