The Baptism Of Our Lord
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Cycle A, THIRD EDITION
THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1--9 (C, E); Isaiah 42:1--4, 6--7 (RC)
Yahweh describes the character and work of his Servant. This is the first of four servant songs in Isaiah. In verses 1--4 the Servant is described as chosen and well--pleasing to Yahweh, Spirit--filled, patient, and faithful. In verses 5--9, the work of the Servant is to bring the light of salvation to the world, justice, and he shall be a covenant of the people. How does this passage relate to Jesus' baptism? As the Servant was anointed with the Spirit, Jesus at his baptism received the Holy Spirit. As the Servant was "chosen, in whom my soul delights," at his baptism God's voice said, "This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased." As the Servant was given a task (vv. 6--7), Jesus' ministry began at his baptism.
Lesson 2: Acts 10:34--43 (C); Acts 10:34--38 (RC, E)
Peter, in a sermon to Cornelius, tells the story of the gospel. The passage is a part of Peter's sermon to Cornelius and his family in Caesarea. It marks the giving of the gospel to the Gentiles. In this sermon Peter reminded his listeners how Jesus, after his baptism when he received the Spirit, went about preaching and healing. Peter says he was one of the witnesses to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Faith in Jesus brings forgiveness of sin. How does this pericope relate to Jesus' baptism? Peter sees Jesus' baptism as the beginning of Jesus' ministry, testifies to the fact that at baptism Jesus received the Spirit and power to carry out his ministry, and tells Cornelius that forgiveness, which is endemic to baptism, comes from faith in Jesus.
Gospel: Matthew 3:13--17 (C, RC, E)
Baptized by John, Jesus received the Spirit and was declared by God to be his Son. Matthew's account of Jesus' baptism differs in two ways from the other Synoptic accounts. Matthew tells of John's reluctance to baptize Jesus who insists upon it in order that he might fulfill righteousness and identify with all who need repentance. The big question is, if Jesus were sinless why would he want John's baptism of repentance? The other difference is that God's voice of acceptance and approval of Jesus is addressed to the spectators: "This is my beloved Son." Mark and Luke make it a personal experience: "Thou art my beloved Son."
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 29 (C, RC); Psalm 89:1--29 (E) - "The voice of the Lord is upon the waters" (29:3).
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 The Lord"
Theme Of The Day: 1. The Baptism Of The Spirit
Gospel - Jesus received the Holy Spirit at his baptism - Matthew 3:13--17
Lesson 1 - Yahweh anoints his Servant with the Spirit - Isaiah 42:1--9
Lesson 2 - God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit - Acts 10:34--43
The Spirit is prominent in the three lessons. Some erroneously refer to a water and a Spirit baptism as though there were two baptisms. Christian baptism is both at the same time and consequently there is, as Paul says, one baptism. The Prayer refers to Jesus' being anointed with the Spirit. In Psalm 29 we hear God's voice "upon the waters." Luther's Hymn of the Day tells the story of Jesus' baptism.
Theme Of The Day: 2. God Accepts You
Gospel - God accepts Jesus as his Son at his baptism
Lesson 1 - God chooses and delights in his Servant
Lesson 2 - God accepts us by forgiving us for Jesus' sake (v. 43)
The theme of acceptance harmonizes with baptism. At this time God accepts the repentant sinner, washes away the dirt of sin in the waters of baptism, and adopts the believer as his child, making him his Servant and delights in him. God finds those who fear him to be acceptable to him (Lesson 2). At Jesus' baptism, we hear God's voice, "This is my beloved Son." Lesson 2 closes by assuring those with faith that for Jesus' sake their sins are forgiven. By faith we accept God's acceptance of us.
EPIPHANY SEASON AND EPIPHANY 1
1. Gospel: The Epiphany season deals with the manifestation of God's glory in Jesus. At Jesus' baptism, God is glorified in Jesus by the voice of God declaring Jesus as his Son, and by the appearance of the dove, indicating the gift of the Spirit.
2. Lesson 1: Epiphany deals with light. God chooses his servant to be the light of the nations. Epiphany is the season for world outreach with the gospel.
3. Lesson 2: The glory of God is seen in the anointing of Jesus as Messiah by the gift of the Spirit and in his life of doing good, made possible by God's being with him.
Need For Preaching On Baptism
Baptism is often considered a subject that does not involve the members of the congregation. It usually happened to them when they were infants. It is a once--only event in their lives. In confirmation instruction, they were taught the meaning of baptism. So, why preach on the subject annually?
1. There may be adults in the worship service or adults known to members who have not been baptized.
2. There may be parents in the service who are neglecting to bring their children for baptism.
3. Some in church today may have been baptized but not confirmed. These need to be reminded that an adult response is necessary when one is baptized as an infant.
4. There are misunderstandings and ignorance concerning baptism, such as, baptism as christening, baptism as the dedication of the child, the modes of applying water in baptism, and the responsibilities and qualifications of sponsors in infant baptism.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
1. Baptism as adoption. Baptism is a sacrament, not a human ordinance. It is a means of grace. In baptism there is a God--happening. At this time God adopts the candidate as his child. He becomes a member of God's kingdom and is initiated into the body of Christ, the church. This infers that a human is not a child of God by virtue of physical birth, only a creature of God. Baptism is primarily what God does for the sinner. Only of secondary importance is the response on the candidate's part. If baptism is adoption by God into the kingdom, was Jesus' baptism an adoption as God's Son? Unlike a sinful human, Jesus did not become God's Son at his baptism, for he always was the Son of God who participated in the creation of the universe, and received the acceptance and approval of God and a declaration by God to the public that Jesus was the Messiah.
2. Baptism as ordination. Jesus' baptism was God's call to enter his public ministry to seek and save the lost. The Spirit's coming was God's anointing Jesus as Messiah, Son of God. The Spirit is given to those who are called to perform a mission for God, for the Spirit gives the power to accomplish the task. The Holy Spirit is not given for personal enhancement or enjoyment, but for a vocation. Likewise, a Christian is ordained at his baptism to serve God in the world by witnessing to the kingdom of God. This ordination of baptism makes Christian a priesthood of believers. Clergy are ordained for a specific task in the church: the preaching of the Word and the administering of the Sacraments.
3. Baptism and the Spirit. At his baptism, Jesus is given the Spirit, probably not for the first time but here in a full measure. In like manner, people who are baptized receive the Spirit. How does the Spirit come? How can one know that the Spirit has come? There is no descending dove to indicate the Spirit is present. The Spirit comes in and with the Word. The Word and Spirit are inseparable. The Word comes at baptism in terms of God's command and promise. The Spirit in the Word results in regeneration and the candidate is reborn. All truly baptized people are born--again Christians. Later experiences with God are not born--again experiences but are responses and a realization of what God has done in baptism.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Matthew 3:13--17
1. Accepted But Not Accepted. "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
Need: Most of us accept people only if we approve of them - with words, attitudes, and lives. This results in our judging others and isolating those we do not approve. Christians need to learn to accept people though they do not approve of their behavior. We do this with goods. Unless there is the seal of approval on the article, we will not accept or pay for it. With people, it must be different: acceptance in spite of disapproval.
Outline: In the text we find acceptance and approval.
a. God accepts and approves of Jesus at his baptism.
1. Acceptance: "my beloved Son."
2. Approval: "with whom I am well pleased."
b. Secular world: no acceptance without approval.
c. Christian: acceptance without approval.
2. The Two Greatest Days Of Your Life. 3:16--17
Need: Many do not understand the significance or the importance of their birthdays and their re--birthday. When they are fully understood, these two days become the greatest days of one's life. The baptism of Jesus reminds us of his rebirth in the Spirit. Just a few weeks ago we celebrated his birthday in Bethlehem. In ancient time Epiphany was observed as a unitive festival: the birth and baptism were celebrated on Epiphany Day. Later, the birth was celebrated on December 25 and Epiphany was retained as the day of his baptism. Our people need to combine the two as they once were, for they are two sides of the coin of one's life.
Outline: The two greatest days of your life.
a. Your physical birth - the gift of life.
b. Your spiritual birth - baptism: the gift of eternal life.
1. Your adoption as a child of God.
2. Your calling as a servant of God.
3. A Spiritual Booster Shot. 3:16--17
Need: We are inclined to think of baptism as a once--in--a--lifetime event. For some, it happened when they were only a few weeks old and it is supposed to be good for life. Baptism is not repeatable because of the nature of baptism. Baptism needs to be renewed by the repeated renewal of baptismal vows. God is ever faithful and he needs not repeat his promises to us, but we forget or break our baptismal promises. It is similar to an infant's inoculation. After a certain period of time, the child must receive booster shots to make the original shot effective. Similarly, a Christian needs a booster shot to keep his baptism effective in his life by the reaffirmation of his baptismal promises. A special service has been prepared for this purpose.
Outline: Why we need to re--affirm our baptism.
a. A renewed repentance for sins since baptism.
b. A repeated confession of faith.
c. A re--established relationship with God.
d. An increased gift of the Spirit.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1--9
1. The Servant God Wants You To Be. 42:1
Need: This pericope is one of the four servant poems in Isaiah. The servant is described and his work indicated. Christians interpret the servant as Christ. Christians are the servants of the Servant. In this passage we learn the nature of a true servant of God.
Outline: The servant God wants you to be.
a. A servant who has God's favor - "in whom my soul delights."
b. A Servant possessed of the Spirit - "I will put my Spirit upon him."
c. A servant who works for justice - "He will bring forth justice."
2. Blessed To Bless. 42:6--7
Need: We are God's chosen people, the new Israel. This is often understood in terms of honor and privilege. God means it for service. He blesses us that we might bless the world. We are chosen to serve. This is not an excuse to become proud or to feel superior to other people. It is a call to servanthood. Christians need to understand God's purpose in calling us to be his people.
Outline: God's dealings with his people.
a. He blesses them - v. 6a.
b. He blesses them to bless.
1. To be light to the nations - v. 6.
2. To liberate the oppressed - v. 7.
Lesson 2: Acts 10:34--43
1. Who Is Acceptable To God? 10:35
Need: This verse opens up the possibility of salvation to non--Christians who have not heard of Christ. It is a radical position Peter has taken as he preaches to Cornelius, a Gentile. They who fear God and live righteously are acceptable to God regardless of race or religion. Where then is the need of Christ? Who truly fears God as he should? Who always does what is right?
Outline: How you can be acceptable to God.
a. Can you meet the conditions?
1. Fear God - v. 34.
2. Do what is right - v. 34.
b. If you fail to meet the conditions.
1. God accepts us for Jesus' sake.
a. He feared God perfectly for us.
b. He did what was right for our benefit.
2. The Secret Of Success. 10:38
Need: Almost everybody wants to be a winner, a success. The one who had the greatest success in history was Jesus. He succeeded in living a perfect life, in overcoming sin and Satan, in accomplishing his mission on earth. What was his secret? The text gives the foolproof secret for every person.
Outline: "God was with him."
a. Because God is with you in Spirit - "anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit."
b. Because the Holy Spirit gives you power - "and with power."
1. The power to do good - "He went about doing good."
2. Healing the oppressed - "Healing all that were oppressed by the devil."
Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1--9 (C, E); Isaiah 42:1--4, 6--7 (RC)
Yahweh describes the character and work of his Servant. This is the first of four servant songs in Isaiah. In verses 1--4 the Servant is described as chosen and well--pleasing to Yahweh, Spirit--filled, patient, and faithful. In verses 5--9, the work of the Servant is to bring the light of salvation to the world, justice, and he shall be a covenant of the people. How does this passage relate to Jesus' baptism? As the Servant was anointed with the Spirit, Jesus at his baptism received the Holy Spirit. As the Servant was "chosen, in whom my soul delights," at his baptism God's voice said, "This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased." As the Servant was given a task (vv. 6--7), Jesus' ministry began at his baptism.
Lesson 2: Acts 10:34--43 (C); Acts 10:34--38 (RC, E)
Peter, in a sermon to Cornelius, tells the story of the gospel. The passage is a part of Peter's sermon to Cornelius and his family in Caesarea. It marks the giving of the gospel to the Gentiles. In this sermon Peter reminded his listeners how Jesus, after his baptism when he received the Spirit, went about preaching and healing. Peter says he was one of the witnesses to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Faith in Jesus brings forgiveness of sin. How does this pericope relate to Jesus' baptism? Peter sees Jesus' baptism as the beginning of Jesus' ministry, testifies to the fact that at baptism Jesus received the Spirit and power to carry out his ministry, and tells Cornelius that forgiveness, which is endemic to baptism, comes from faith in Jesus.
Gospel: Matthew 3:13--17 (C, RC, E)
Baptized by John, Jesus received the Spirit and was declared by God to be his Son. Matthew's account of Jesus' baptism differs in two ways from the other Synoptic accounts. Matthew tells of John's reluctance to baptize Jesus who insists upon it in order that he might fulfill righteousness and identify with all who need repentance. The big question is, if Jesus were sinless why would he want John's baptism of repentance? The other difference is that God's voice of acceptance and approval of Jesus is addressed to the spectators: "This is my beloved Son." Mark and Luke make it a personal experience: "Thou art my beloved Son."
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 29 (C, RC); Psalm 89:1--29 (E) - "The voice of the Lord is upon the waters" (29:3).
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 The Lord"
Theme Of The Day: 1. The Baptism Of The Spirit
Gospel - Jesus received the Holy Spirit at his baptism - Matthew 3:13--17
Lesson 1 - Yahweh anoints his Servant with the Spirit - Isaiah 42:1--9
Lesson 2 - God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit - Acts 10:34--43
The Spirit is prominent in the three lessons. Some erroneously refer to a water and a Spirit baptism as though there were two baptisms. Christian baptism is both at the same time and consequently there is, as Paul says, one baptism. The Prayer refers to Jesus' being anointed with the Spirit. In Psalm 29 we hear God's voice "upon the waters." Luther's Hymn of the Day tells the story of Jesus' baptism.
Theme Of The Day: 2. God Accepts You
Gospel - God accepts Jesus as his Son at his baptism
Lesson 1 - God chooses and delights in his Servant
Lesson 2 - God accepts us by forgiving us for Jesus' sake (v. 43)
The theme of acceptance harmonizes with baptism. At this time God accepts the repentant sinner, washes away the dirt of sin in the waters of baptism, and adopts the believer as his child, making him his Servant and delights in him. God finds those who fear him to be acceptable to him (Lesson 2). At Jesus' baptism, we hear God's voice, "This is my beloved Son." Lesson 2 closes by assuring those with faith that for Jesus' sake their sins are forgiven. By faith we accept God's acceptance of us.
EPIPHANY SEASON AND EPIPHANY 1
1. Gospel: The Epiphany season deals with the manifestation of God's glory in Jesus. At Jesus' baptism, God is glorified in Jesus by the voice of God declaring Jesus as his Son, and by the appearance of the dove, indicating the gift of the Spirit.
2. Lesson 1: Epiphany deals with light. God chooses his servant to be the light of the nations. Epiphany is the season for world outreach with the gospel.
3. Lesson 2: The glory of God is seen in the anointing of Jesus as Messiah by the gift of the Spirit and in his life of doing good, made possible by God's being with him.
Need For Preaching On Baptism
Baptism is often considered a subject that does not involve the members of the congregation. It usually happened to them when they were infants. It is a once--only event in their lives. In confirmation instruction, they were taught the meaning of baptism. So, why preach on the subject annually?
1. There may be adults in the worship service or adults known to members who have not been baptized.
2. There may be parents in the service who are neglecting to bring their children for baptism.
3. Some in church today may have been baptized but not confirmed. These need to be reminded that an adult response is necessary when one is baptized as an infant.
4. There are misunderstandings and ignorance concerning baptism, such as, baptism as christening, baptism as the dedication of the child, the modes of applying water in baptism, and the responsibilities and qualifications of sponsors in infant baptism.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
1. Baptism as adoption. Baptism is a sacrament, not a human ordinance. It is a means of grace. In baptism there is a God--happening. At this time God adopts the candidate as his child. He becomes a member of God's kingdom and is initiated into the body of Christ, the church. This infers that a human is not a child of God by virtue of physical birth, only a creature of God. Baptism is primarily what God does for the sinner. Only of secondary importance is the response on the candidate's part. If baptism is adoption by God into the kingdom, was Jesus' baptism an adoption as God's Son? Unlike a sinful human, Jesus did not become God's Son at his baptism, for he always was the Son of God who participated in the creation of the universe, and received the acceptance and approval of God and a declaration by God to the public that Jesus was the Messiah.
2. Baptism as ordination. Jesus' baptism was God's call to enter his public ministry to seek and save the lost. The Spirit's coming was God's anointing Jesus as Messiah, Son of God. The Spirit is given to those who are called to perform a mission for God, for the Spirit gives the power to accomplish the task. The Holy Spirit is not given for personal enhancement or enjoyment, but for a vocation. Likewise, a Christian is ordained at his baptism to serve God in the world by witnessing to the kingdom of God. This ordination of baptism makes Christian a priesthood of believers. Clergy are ordained for a specific task in the church: the preaching of the Word and the administering of the Sacraments.
3. Baptism and the Spirit. At his baptism, Jesus is given the Spirit, probably not for the first time but here in a full measure. In like manner, people who are baptized receive the Spirit. How does the Spirit come? How can one know that the Spirit has come? There is no descending dove to indicate the Spirit is present. The Spirit comes in and with the Word. The Word and Spirit are inseparable. The Word comes at baptism in terms of God's command and promise. The Spirit in the Word results in regeneration and the candidate is reborn. All truly baptized people are born--again Christians. Later experiences with God are not born--again experiences but are responses and a realization of what God has done in baptism.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Matthew 3:13--17
1. Accepted But Not Accepted. "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
Need: Most of us accept people only if we approve of them - with words, attitudes, and lives. This results in our judging others and isolating those we do not approve. Christians need to learn to accept people though they do not approve of their behavior. We do this with goods. Unless there is the seal of approval on the article, we will not accept or pay for it. With people, it must be different: acceptance in spite of disapproval.
Outline: In the text we find acceptance and approval.
a. God accepts and approves of Jesus at his baptism.
1. Acceptance: "my beloved Son."
2. Approval: "with whom I am well pleased."
b. Secular world: no acceptance without approval.
c. Christian: acceptance without approval.
2. The Two Greatest Days Of Your Life. 3:16--17
Need: Many do not understand the significance or the importance of their birthdays and their re--birthday. When they are fully understood, these two days become the greatest days of one's life. The baptism of Jesus reminds us of his rebirth in the Spirit. Just a few weeks ago we celebrated his birthday in Bethlehem. In ancient time Epiphany was observed as a unitive festival: the birth and baptism were celebrated on Epiphany Day. Later, the birth was celebrated on December 25 and Epiphany was retained as the day of his baptism. Our people need to combine the two as they once were, for they are two sides of the coin of one's life.
Outline: The two greatest days of your life.
a. Your physical birth - the gift of life.
b. Your spiritual birth - baptism: the gift of eternal life.
1. Your adoption as a child of God.
2. Your calling as a servant of God.
3. A Spiritual Booster Shot. 3:16--17
Need: We are inclined to think of baptism as a once--in--a--lifetime event. For some, it happened when they were only a few weeks old and it is supposed to be good for life. Baptism is not repeatable because of the nature of baptism. Baptism needs to be renewed by the repeated renewal of baptismal vows. God is ever faithful and he needs not repeat his promises to us, but we forget or break our baptismal promises. It is similar to an infant's inoculation. After a certain period of time, the child must receive booster shots to make the original shot effective. Similarly, a Christian needs a booster shot to keep his baptism effective in his life by the reaffirmation of his baptismal promises. A special service has been prepared for this purpose.
Outline: Why we need to re--affirm our baptism.
a. A renewed repentance for sins since baptism.
b. A repeated confession of faith.
c. A re--established relationship with God.
d. An increased gift of the Spirit.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1--9
1. The Servant God Wants You To Be. 42:1
Need: This pericope is one of the four servant poems in Isaiah. The servant is described and his work indicated. Christians interpret the servant as Christ. Christians are the servants of the Servant. In this passage we learn the nature of a true servant of God.
Outline: The servant God wants you to be.
a. A servant who has God's favor - "in whom my soul delights."
b. A Servant possessed of the Spirit - "I will put my Spirit upon him."
c. A servant who works for justice - "He will bring forth justice."
2. Blessed To Bless. 42:6--7
Need: We are God's chosen people, the new Israel. This is often understood in terms of honor and privilege. God means it for service. He blesses us that we might bless the world. We are chosen to serve. This is not an excuse to become proud or to feel superior to other people. It is a call to servanthood. Christians need to understand God's purpose in calling us to be his people.
Outline: God's dealings with his people.
a. He blesses them - v. 6a.
b. He blesses them to bless.
1. To be light to the nations - v. 6.
2. To liberate the oppressed - v. 7.
Lesson 2: Acts 10:34--43
1. Who Is Acceptable To God? 10:35
Need: This verse opens up the possibility of salvation to non--Christians who have not heard of Christ. It is a radical position Peter has taken as he preaches to Cornelius, a Gentile. They who fear God and live righteously are acceptable to God regardless of race or religion. Where then is the need of Christ? Who truly fears God as he should? Who always does what is right?
Outline: How you can be acceptable to God.
a. Can you meet the conditions?
1. Fear God - v. 34.
2. Do what is right - v. 34.
b. If you fail to meet the conditions.
1. God accepts us for Jesus' sake.
a. He feared God perfectly for us.
b. He did what was right for our benefit.
2. The Secret Of Success. 10:38
Need: Almost everybody wants to be a winner, a success. The one who had the greatest success in history was Jesus. He succeeded in living a perfect life, in overcoming sin and Satan, in accomplishing his mission on earth. What was his secret? The text gives the foolproof secret for every person.
Outline: "God was with him."
a. Because God is with you in Spirit - "anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit."
b. Because the Holy Spirit gives you power - "and with power."
1. The power to do good - "He went about doing good."
2. Healing the oppressed - "Healing all that were oppressed by the devil."
