Third 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 and the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. The light begins to dawn around Galilee.
Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 9:1-4
A Song Of Hope
First given by Isaiah as God's word to the people, we Christians have claimed this passage of hope for our own. It is a beautiful hymn of faith and we read it a few weeks ago on Christmas as a promise of the Messiah coming as light to a world of darkness. We use it often as a song of hope. I guess it has been chosen for this Sunday because of the Epiphany season with its theme of dawning (v. 2) and light into a world of darkness. We have a strong theme of savior (v. 3) who after centuries of oppression and suffering comes to redeem the people and establish a new kingdom. Here is the light of joy coming into a dark world. This is the "light at the end of the tunnel" and a hymn of thanksgiving for it. It certainly will preach, but you may have already covered this ground a few weeks ago.
New Testament Lesson
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
A Divided Church
William Barclay in his Daily Study Bible unpacks this passage for us and provides great preaching material for a congregation's life and loyalty. He tells us the Corinthian Church was divided like a torn piece of clothing.
1. There were those whose loyalty was to Paul. They were probably a group of Gentiles who were using their new-found religion as an excuse to do as they liked.
2. Those who belonged to Apollos were Jews from Alexandria. They had intellectualized Christianity and were turning it into a philosophy.
3. Those who belonged to Cephas (Hebrew for Peter) were Jews who tried to teach that Christians must still observe the Jewish law.
The last few words in verse 12 might mean Paul is claiming for himself that he is following Christ. The above is an outline of sermon moves in itself for a message at the installation of a new pastor, the departure of a pastor, or just simply a quarreling congregation.
As a teacher of preaching, I cannot resist calling attention to verse 17b (ever notice how many times the meat is in the "b" portion of the verses?). The Contemporary English Version of the Bible puts it nicely: "He sent me to tell the good news without using big words that would make the cross of Christ lose its power" (1 Corinthians 1:17b). We preachers can easily give in to word inflation. That is in order to impress our hearers with our knowledge or is simply using the vocabulary of theologians and theological education.
Consider reading more about this weakening of the power of the gospel in my book, The Preacher's Edge, CSS Publishing, Lima, Ohio, p. 103.
The Gospel
Matthew 4:12-23
The Call To Discipleship
As Matthew often does, he establishes that Jesus' relocation from his childhood Nazareth to Capernaum on the north shore of Galilee was proof of his being the promised Messiah. We have the light to people in the dark promised in our Old Testament lesson coming to fruition in verse 16.
Verse 17 carries the main theme of Jesus' preaching: "Turn back to God! The kingdom of heaven will soon be here" (Matthew 4:17). Mark probably wrote it first from what he heard Peter preach. It is identical with the preaching theme of his cousin John.
Then comes the call to discipleship of at least four Galilee fishermen: brothers Andrew and Peter and brothers James and John. It's the beginning of something great: lay people called to follow Jesus and be his disciples and called at their place of work. This "calling" follows the baptism in the Jordan, followed by the temptations of just what kind of ministry it would be. Then he is recruiting learners and followers to carry on the task.
There is some evidence in John 1:35-42 that there had been previous contact with these disciples. It may not be accurate to describe this calling as a magical event in which four fisher persons suddenly were moved to do this discipleship without any previous thought.
Preaching Possibilities
A. We can use two of the readings today and concentrate on the light beginning to dawn on the people of Palestine (especially Galilee) who lived in darkness.
1. In Isaiah 9:2 the promised light comes to enslaved and abused people (v. 4).
2. In Matthew 4:16 the folks up on the north shore of Galilee lived in the dark shadow of death and Jesus became their light in an otherwise dark and scary future life.
But don't we have to use this week to talk about the call to discipleship? Sometimes the scriptural story is so compelling, it is a mistake to ignore it and preach on other portions of the Gospel no matter how much we would like to do so.
The Epiphany here is that a new kind of ministry is beginning and a new kind of kingdom is being established. It is a ministry of discipleship and a kingdom of heaven. And it brings light to darkness.
B. If last week we started a two-part sermon on discipleship then today we continue. If last week was focused on the call and the equipment for discipleship, then this week we can continue with what a Christian disciple does out in the world. The three scripture readings throw a light on that subject.
1. Isaiah 9 -- the light of Christ is brought to those who live in the darkness of oppression and slavery.
2. 1 Corinthians 1 -- the loyalty of following Christ brings unity to a church divided and brings healing where there is discord and division. That's God's power at work.
3. A Christian disciple brings the good news to all who will listen and brings the light of Christ to those who fear death and live in darkness.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
1. Begin with a brief summary of the events in Jesus' life so far: Born in Bethlehem, escaped to Egypt, and raised in a family in Nazareth. Then came the baptism in the Jordan by cousin John when it became clear to Jesus who he was. Next he was tempted to do various kinds of distorted ministries. Now that's settled, it's time to begin his public ministry. But wait; he will need help. It can't be done all alone. So he recruits some fishermen to learn and help carry on after he departs. They are called disciples and their call is a lot like our call to discipleship -- their equipment is the Holy Spirit.
2. Now today -- if it is true we are all called to be Christ's disciples, then what do we do in the world? Our readings help us with that answer today:
a. We bring God's love and light to people who are oppressed and enslaved in our day (Isaiah): for instance, the woman oppressed by chauvinistic practices in our culture, or that person of different skin color discriminated against, or the uneducated by the educated, or those in the world living under oppressive governments.
b. Saint Paul says that we also bring healing and unity in the congregation which may divide over loyalties which are false.
c. And we give the message of the cross in simple language to all who will listen (1 Corinthians).
3. Matthew not only tells us those who follow Jesus as his disciples are to learn how to witness to others (v. 2) but also gives us what the content of our message should be. It is to be the same theme as John and Jesus: "Turn back to God! The kingdom of heaven will soon be here" (v. 17).
4. So we are called like Andrew and Peter and James and John. We are called to be learners and servants and we are equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit. Our mission is freeing the oppressed, bringing light to those in the dark, promoting peace and unity in the congregation and bringing the gospel to those who need to hear it. And we are to do it humbly as servants of God. We have the promise, the calling, the equipment, and the good news.
5. Now move to a so what? That is, what are the specific challenges you can ask the congregation to join you in accepting in your life style and discipleship?
6. Close with a story of your own or one listed below. Or even better, begin with a portion of a story which you finish here. It will preach.
Prayer Of The Day
Almighty God, who calls us to a ministry of discipleship, renew that sense of call in our lives and equip us mightily to carry out the responsibilities of being your disciples here at (name) Church. As you did on the seashore of Galilee, call us again and again and give us the desire to follow as you would have us follow. In the name of Jesus, the Christ. Amen.
Possible Stories
In interviewing Hong Kong Christians about how they were preparing for the Chinese takeover in July 1997, I heard some inspirational answers. Their solution was to learn all the Bible they could in case they don't have access any longer, to learn how to minister to each other in case there are no pastors, and to learn how to witness to the gospel so that the faith might live on. Oh, that we in the United States might sense that same urgency in the practice of our faith.
I saw an ad for a brake and muffler shop that read: "We stand behind our exhaust systems and in front of our brake systems." Just like that, people must read our lives of discipleship as having integrity. The Native American calls it "walking the walk and talking the talk."
Larry Mize on April 12, 1987, won the Masters golf tournament at Augusta, Georgia, in a sudden-death playoff with Greg Norman. The chip shot bounced a few times and the crowd began to cheer long before the ball went into the cup -- a 140-foot shot! It was a lot like hitting a home run or bowling a strike and somehow knowing it before it is completed. Is this possible in answering the call to discipleship? Can we feel the Spirit's assurance early? Or God's will?
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 and the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. The light begins to dawn around Galilee.
Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 9:1-4
A Song Of Hope
First given by Isaiah as God's word to the people, we Christians have claimed this passage of hope for our own. It is a beautiful hymn of faith and we read it a few weeks ago on Christmas as a promise of the Messiah coming as light to a world of darkness. We use it often as a song of hope. I guess it has been chosen for this Sunday because of the Epiphany season with its theme of dawning (v. 2) and light into a world of darkness. We have a strong theme of savior (v. 3) who after centuries of oppression and suffering comes to redeem the people and establish a new kingdom. Here is the light of joy coming into a dark world. This is the "light at the end of the tunnel" and a hymn of thanksgiving for it. It certainly will preach, but you may have already covered this ground a few weeks ago.
New Testament Lesson
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
A Divided Church
William Barclay in his Daily Study Bible unpacks this passage for us and provides great preaching material for a congregation's life and loyalty. He tells us the Corinthian Church was divided like a torn piece of clothing.
1. There were those whose loyalty was to Paul. They were probably a group of Gentiles who were using their new-found religion as an excuse to do as they liked.
2. Those who belonged to Apollos were Jews from Alexandria. They had intellectualized Christianity and were turning it into a philosophy.
3. Those who belonged to Cephas (Hebrew for Peter) were Jews who tried to teach that Christians must still observe the Jewish law.
The last few words in verse 12 might mean Paul is claiming for himself that he is following Christ. The above is an outline of sermon moves in itself for a message at the installation of a new pastor, the departure of a pastor, or just simply a quarreling congregation.
As a teacher of preaching, I cannot resist calling attention to verse 17b (ever notice how many times the meat is in the "b" portion of the verses?). The Contemporary English Version of the Bible puts it nicely: "He sent me to tell the good news without using big words that would make the cross of Christ lose its power" (1 Corinthians 1:17b). We preachers can easily give in to word inflation. That is in order to impress our hearers with our knowledge or is simply using the vocabulary of theologians and theological education.
Consider reading more about this weakening of the power of the gospel in my book, The Preacher's Edge, CSS Publishing, Lima, Ohio, p. 103.
The Gospel
Matthew 4:12-23
The Call To Discipleship
As Matthew often does, he establishes that Jesus' relocation from his childhood Nazareth to Capernaum on the north shore of Galilee was proof of his being the promised Messiah. We have the light to people in the dark promised in our Old Testament lesson coming to fruition in verse 16.
Verse 17 carries the main theme of Jesus' preaching: "Turn back to God! The kingdom of heaven will soon be here" (Matthew 4:17). Mark probably wrote it first from what he heard Peter preach. It is identical with the preaching theme of his cousin John.
Then comes the call to discipleship of at least four Galilee fishermen: brothers Andrew and Peter and brothers James and John. It's the beginning of something great: lay people called to follow Jesus and be his disciples and called at their place of work. This "calling" follows the baptism in the Jordan, followed by the temptations of just what kind of ministry it would be. Then he is recruiting learners and followers to carry on the task.
There is some evidence in John 1:35-42 that there had been previous contact with these disciples. It may not be accurate to describe this calling as a magical event in which four fisher persons suddenly were moved to do this discipleship without any previous thought.
Preaching Possibilities
A. We can use two of the readings today and concentrate on the light beginning to dawn on the people of Palestine (especially Galilee) who lived in darkness.
1. In Isaiah 9:2 the promised light comes to enslaved and abused people (v. 4).
2. In Matthew 4:16 the folks up on the north shore of Galilee lived in the dark shadow of death and Jesus became their light in an otherwise dark and scary future life.
But don't we have to use this week to talk about the call to discipleship? Sometimes the scriptural story is so compelling, it is a mistake to ignore it and preach on other portions of the Gospel no matter how much we would like to do so.
The Epiphany here is that a new kind of ministry is beginning and a new kind of kingdom is being established. It is a ministry of discipleship and a kingdom of heaven. And it brings light to darkness.
B. If last week we started a two-part sermon on discipleship then today we continue. If last week was focused on the call and the equipment for discipleship, then this week we can continue with what a Christian disciple does out in the world. The three scripture readings throw a light on that subject.
1. Isaiah 9 -- the light of Christ is brought to those who live in the darkness of oppression and slavery.
2. 1 Corinthians 1 -- the loyalty of following Christ brings unity to a church divided and brings healing where there is discord and division. That's God's power at work.
3. A Christian disciple brings the good news to all who will listen and brings the light of Christ to those who fear death and live in darkness.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
1. Begin with a brief summary of the events in Jesus' life so far: Born in Bethlehem, escaped to Egypt, and raised in a family in Nazareth. Then came the baptism in the Jordan by cousin John when it became clear to Jesus who he was. Next he was tempted to do various kinds of distorted ministries. Now that's settled, it's time to begin his public ministry. But wait; he will need help. It can't be done all alone. So he recruits some fishermen to learn and help carry on after he departs. They are called disciples and their call is a lot like our call to discipleship -- their equipment is the Holy Spirit.
2. Now today -- if it is true we are all called to be Christ's disciples, then what do we do in the world? Our readings help us with that answer today:
a. We bring God's love and light to people who are oppressed and enslaved in our day (Isaiah): for instance, the woman oppressed by chauvinistic practices in our culture, or that person of different skin color discriminated against, or the uneducated by the educated, or those in the world living under oppressive governments.
b. Saint Paul says that we also bring healing and unity in the congregation which may divide over loyalties which are false.
c. And we give the message of the cross in simple language to all who will listen (1 Corinthians).
3. Matthew not only tells us those who follow Jesus as his disciples are to learn how to witness to others (v. 2) but also gives us what the content of our message should be. It is to be the same theme as John and Jesus: "Turn back to God! The kingdom of heaven will soon be here" (v. 17).
4. So we are called like Andrew and Peter and James and John. We are called to be learners and servants and we are equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit. Our mission is freeing the oppressed, bringing light to those in the dark, promoting peace and unity in the congregation and bringing the gospel to those who need to hear it. And we are to do it humbly as servants of God. We have the promise, the calling, the equipment, and the good news.
5. Now move to a so what? That is, what are the specific challenges you can ask the congregation to join you in accepting in your life style and discipleship?
6. Close with a story of your own or one listed below. Or even better, begin with a portion of a story which you finish here. It will preach.
Prayer Of The Day
Almighty God, who calls us to a ministry of discipleship, renew that sense of call in our lives and equip us mightily to carry out the responsibilities of being your disciples here at (name) Church. As you did on the seashore of Galilee, call us again and again and give us the desire to follow as you would have us follow. In the name of Jesus, the Christ. Amen.
Possible Stories
In interviewing Hong Kong Christians about how they were preparing for the Chinese takeover in July 1997, I heard some inspirational answers. Their solution was to learn all the Bible they could in case they don't have access any longer, to learn how to minister to each other in case there are no pastors, and to learn how to witness to the gospel so that the faith might live on. Oh, that we in the United States might sense that same urgency in the practice of our faith.
I saw an ad for a brake and muffler shop that read: "We stand behind our exhaust systems and in front of our brake systems." Just like that, people must read our lives of discipleship as having integrity. The Native American calls it "walking the walk and talking the talk."
Larry Mize on April 12, 1987, won the Masters golf tournament at Augusta, Georgia, in a sudden-death playoff with Greg Norman. The chip shot bounced a few times and the crowd began to cheer long before the ball went into the cup -- a 140-foot shot! It was a lot like hitting a home run or bowling a strike and somehow knowing it before it is completed. Is this possible in answering the call to discipleship? Can we feel the Spirit's assurance early? Or God's will?
