The Baptism of Our Lord
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.
Theme For The Day
Even as Jesus' baptism called and commissioned him to ministry, so our baptism is our commissioning to ministry in our daily lives.
Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 42:1-9
Characteristics Of A Servant
As we consider the baptism of Jesus and the beginning of Jesus' ministry, Isaiah lays out for us what had been promised. God chose him and gave him spirit. He will be humble, a servant, and gentle. He will work for justice all over the world. The very source of life promises this (v. 5). He will bring light and hope to nations. He will bring healing and freedom. He will not tolerate idols or humans to share his glory. Jesus will be the promised servant with these characteristics -- and it all begins with his baptism in the Jordan. Through God's will and Jesus' life and death, God's wishes will be declared, God's justice established, and God's light will come to all nations.
New Testament Lesson
Acts 10:34-43
Peter Tells Cornelius
Peter is preaching to Cornelius. The idea that God treats all people alike is also in Romans 2:11. This paves the way for the gospel to be taken to Gentiles as well as Jews. Beginning with verse 38, we have the idea that Jesus' ministry began with his baptism by John and moved to the cross in Jerusalem. And it seems that Jesus' receiving the Holy Spirit (v. 38) and power was the foundation for Jesus' public ministry. In verses 40 and 41 we have the disciples' own testimony to Jesus' death and resurrection, and then in 42 the mandate to share this good news.
The Gospel
Matthew 3:13-17
The Baptism Of Jesus
Here we have Matthew's account of Jesus' baptism by his cousin John which is the heart of the theme of this day. On the surface the story seems so simple and easy. But when we think a little more deeply we must admit to puzzling questions:
Why would Jesus want to be baptized by his cousin?
Was it to set an example for later on when Christian baptism was available?
Was it an act of support for his cousin?
Or could he have done this to please his mother and brothers?
Or was Jesus not yet aware of who he was and so felt he needed it?
Most likely all of these questions should be answered with a "probably not!" Perhaps this was a time when Jesus became aware of certain things about himself. God had chosen him as the promised Messiah and because of it he would have to go to the cross. Perhaps he frequently told of that day along the Jordan as a watershed experience in his own spiritual life. Peter heard it often preached so Mark and Matthew placed it in their Gospel narratives.
A mistake we so regularly make on this observance is to liken this baptism of John, which was possibly an initiatory rite into the Essene community at Qumran, as the same as Christian Baptism. We must remember this was before the benefit of the crucifixion and resurrection was available to us. The voice heard at his baptism is quoting Psalm 2:7 and our Old Testament reading, Isaiah 42:1 which describes the suffering servant.
Whatever the reason (or reasons) for his baptism, we do know it was the beginning of his ministry. Perhaps it was a little like an ordination or commissioning, or inauguration of the public ministry of Jesus. It might be more appropriate to preach about the ministry of the baptized this day than to stress the significance of Christian baptism.
Preaching Possibilities
A. Since the season is Epiphany (dawning upon us or someone) we could go with that idea in the Gospel and talk about what that day in the wilderness meant to these persons.
1. Mary, Jesus' mother, and his brothers -- a time of being faithful to the family religious traditions.
2. John the Baptist -- recognized by the Messiah as valid and worthwhile.
3. To Jesus' heavenly parent God -- who saw a special plan beginning whereby God would be with the people.
4. To Jesus himself who was affirmed as God's son with a ministry to carry out.
B. The Acts account is also very fruitful preaching: "One of Peter's better sermons."
1. God has no favorite and loves us all -- as we must do if we are truly God's people (v. 34).
2. God gave the Holy Spirit to Jesus and God will give her to us as well (v. 38).
3. God provides a remedy for us when evil has us in its grip (v. 38b).
4. We are to be witnesses to what God did for us all. We have been chosen to do this (vv. 41b and 42).
5. The message we have been chosen to give is Jesus on the cross and out of the grave for us (vv. 38b-41).
C. Of course the passage from Isaiah 42 gives us a chance to preach on servant ministry (v. 42:1).
1. We are given God's spirit (v. 1).
2. We are to bring justice on his behalf (vv. 1b and 6).
3. We are to be humble as he was (vv. 2 and 3).
4. People around the world long for our message (v. 4b).
5. The very creator of this world and source of life speaks to us (v. 5).
6. We are to bring God's light and hope to those in darkness (v. 6).
7. We are to bring healing (v.7).
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
Let's use this second worship service of Epiphany to talk about our ministry, because we are called to do so just like Jesus on the banks of the Jordan.
1. Begin by re-telling the story of Jesus' baptism. Tell your listeners this was the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. Tell them how Isaiah had promised just such a ministry as Jesus was about to undertake (chapter 42).
2. Then move to the fact that we also, because of our baptism, are called to do ministry.
a. From the Old Testament we learn it is to be a spirit-filled servant ministry which will bring justice and peace. We learn it is a servant ministry that is to be done humbly. It is a ministry that reveals the source of life, promises light for the dark, and hope. It is a healing ministry.
b. Now go to the Acts lesson. Again we have the promise of being equipped with God's powerful spirit.
1. Our ministry is to be inclusive to all kinds and sorts of people -- no room for prejudice or racial hatred (v. 34).
2. Our ministry is one of witness (vv. 41b and 42) not only for what it means to those who hear our testimony, but also to us who speak it. And the content of what we are witnesses to is found in verses 39-41 of Peter's sermon.
c. Now move to the Gospel and John's baptism by saying this was the launching of Jesus' ministry just as our baptism affirms we now are to be a minister in the world and ought to get started. We, too, might describe a voice from heaven saying of us, "This is my own daughter or son, I am pleased with her/him."
Prayer Of The Day
O God our heavenly Parent, even as you affirmed your son Jesus on this day and began his ministry, affirm and call us as your ministers in our world where we live, work, and play. Help us to do it in such a way that we are inclusive disciples with no bigotry toward any person. Equip us with the spirit of power and inspiration that we might be witnesses as well. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Possible Stories
When Lutheran Bishop Wayne Weissenbuehler of Denver spoke to the Invitation to Service event at California Lutheran University, he told this story: An Episcopal Bishop signaled for the acolyte to bring a pitcher of water and pour over his hands before communion. "Wait a minute," the Bishop said. "This isn't water; this is wine." The acolyte promptly replied, "It was water when I put it in there." May the water of our baptism turn into the wine of our ministry (vocation).
Nelvin Vos says, "... ministry is not something we go and do; rather it is something you do as you go." I like that. Each day, whatever our work, study, play, living at home experiences, gives us opportunity to do ministry.
I often watched in early morning as the doves perched on the upper rim of our fountain, waiting for the fountain to come on and begin to fill the upper basin so they could drink and bathe in it. When the water finally trickled, the upper basin had to fill before any water flowed to the larger lower one. And so we do our ministry from the overflow of our Baptismal waters and many wait for us.
A "Heads Up" Reminder:
As we begin this season of Epiphany, please note that most of the scripture readings are from three books: the Old Testament is mainly from Isaiah, the New Testament from 1 Corinthians, and the Gospel from the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew's account. An introduction to the books and authors might be appropriate one of the next two Sundays. Speak about the book and the author in each case. To whom the book was written in the case of Matthew and 1 Corinthians will add to the interest and comprehension of your preaching as well.
The dawning on many who Jesus was and the dawning of a new light into the dark world.
Theme For The Day
Even as Jesus' baptism called and commissioned him to ministry, so our baptism is our commissioning to ministry in our daily lives.
Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 42:1-9
Characteristics Of A Servant
As we consider the baptism of Jesus and the beginning of Jesus' ministry, Isaiah lays out for us what had been promised. God chose him and gave him spirit. He will be humble, a servant, and gentle. He will work for justice all over the world. The very source of life promises this (v. 5). He will bring light and hope to nations. He will bring healing and freedom. He will not tolerate idols or humans to share his glory. Jesus will be the promised servant with these characteristics -- and it all begins with his baptism in the Jordan. Through God's will and Jesus' life and death, God's wishes will be declared, God's justice established, and God's light will come to all nations.
New Testament Lesson
Acts 10:34-43
Peter Tells Cornelius
Peter is preaching to Cornelius. The idea that God treats all people alike is also in Romans 2:11. This paves the way for the gospel to be taken to Gentiles as well as Jews. Beginning with verse 38, we have the idea that Jesus' ministry began with his baptism by John and moved to the cross in Jerusalem. And it seems that Jesus' receiving the Holy Spirit (v. 38) and power was the foundation for Jesus' public ministry. In verses 40 and 41 we have the disciples' own testimony to Jesus' death and resurrection, and then in 42 the mandate to share this good news.
The Gospel
Matthew 3:13-17
The Baptism Of Jesus
Here we have Matthew's account of Jesus' baptism by his cousin John which is the heart of the theme of this day. On the surface the story seems so simple and easy. But when we think a little more deeply we must admit to puzzling questions:
Why would Jesus want to be baptized by his cousin?
Was it to set an example for later on when Christian baptism was available?
Was it an act of support for his cousin?
Or could he have done this to please his mother and brothers?
Or was Jesus not yet aware of who he was and so felt he needed it?
Most likely all of these questions should be answered with a "probably not!" Perhaps this was a time when Jesus became aware of certain things about himself. God had chosen him as the promised Messiah and because of it he would have to go to the cross. Perhaps he frequently told of that day along the Jordan as a watershed experience in his own spiritual life. Peter heard it often preached so Mark and Matthew placed it in their Gospel narratives.
A mistake we so regularly make on this observance is to liken this baptism of John, which was possibly an initiatory rite into the Essene community at Qumran, as the same as Christian Baptism. We must remember this was before the benefit of the crucifixion and resurrection was available to us. The voice heard at his baptism is quoting Psalm 2:7 and our Old Testament reading, Isaiah 42:1 which describes the suffering servant.
Whatever the reason (or reasons) for his baptism, we do know it was the beginning of his ministry. Perhaps it was a little like an ordination or commissioning, or inauguration of the public ministry of Jesus. It might be more appropriate to preach about the ministry of the baptized this day than to stress the significance of Christian baptism.
Preaching Possibilities
A. Since the season is Epiphany (dawning upon us or someone) we could go with that idea in the Gospel and talk about what that day in the wilderness meant to these persons.
1. Mary, Jesus' mother, and his brothers -- a time of being faithful to the family religious traditions.
2. John the Baptist -- recognized by the Messiah as valid and worthwhile.
3. To Jesus' heavenly parent God -- who saw a special plan beginning whereby God would be with the people.
4. To Jesus himself who was affirmed as God's son with a ministry to carry out.
B. The Acts account is also very fruitful preaching: "One of Peter's better sermons."
1. God has no favorite and loves us all -- as we must do if we are truly God's people (v. 34).
2. God gave the Holy Spirit to Jesus and God will give her to us as well (v. 38).
3. God provides a remedy for us when evil has us in its grip (v. 38b).
4. We are to be witnesses to what God did for us all. We have been chosen to do this (vv. 41b and 42).
5. The message we have been chosen to give is Jesus on the cross and out of the grave for us (vv. 38b-41).
C. Of course the passage from Isaiah 42 gives us a chance to preach on servant ministry (v. 42:1).
1. We are given God's spirit (v. 1).
2. We are to bring justice on his behalf (vv. 1b and 6).
3. We are to be humble as he was (vv. 2 and 3).
4. People around the world long for our message (v. 4b).
5. The very creator of this world and source of life speaks to us (v. 5).
6. We are to bring God's light and hope to those in darkness (v. 6).
7. We are to bring healing (v.7).
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
Let's use this second worship service of Epiphany to talk about our ministry, because we are called to do so just like Jesus on the banks of the Jordan.
1. Begin by re-telling the story of Jesus' baptism. Tell your listeners this was the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. Tell them how Isaiah had promised just such a ministry as Jesus was about to undertake (chapter 42).
2. Then move to the fact that we also, because of our baptism, are called to do ministry.
a. From the Old Testament we learn it is to be a spirit-filled servant ministry which will bring justice and peace. We learn it is a servant ministry that is to be done humbly. It is a ministry that reveals the source of life, promises light for the dark, and hope. It is a healing ministry.
b. Now go to the Acts lesson. Again we have the promise of being equipped with God's powerful spirit.
1. Our ministry is to be inclusive to all kinds and sorts of people -- no room for prejudice or racial hatred (v. 34).
2. Our ministry is one of witness (vv. 41b and 42) not only for what it means to those who hear our testimony, but also to us who speak it. And the content of what we are witnesses to is found in verses 39-41 of Peter's sermon.
c. Now move to the Gospel and John's baptism by saying this was the launching of Jesus' ministry just as our baptism affirms we now are to be a minister in the world and ought to get started. We, too, might describe a voice from heaven saying of us, "This is my own daughter or son, I am pleased with her/him."
Prayer Of The Day
O God our heavenly Parent, even as you affirmed your son Jesus on this day and began his ministry, affirm and call us as your ministers in our world where we live, work, and play. Help us to do it in such a way that we are inclusive disciples with no bigotry toward any person. Equip us with the spirit of power and inspiration that we might be witnesses as well. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Possible Stories
When Lutheran Bishop Wayne Weissenbuehler of Denver spoke to the Invitation to Service event at California Lutheran University, he told this story: An Episcopal Bishop signaled for the acolyte to bring a pitcher of water and pour over his hands before communion. "Wait a minute," the Bishop said. "This isn't water; this is wine." The acolyte promptly replied, "It was water when I put it in there." May the water of our baptism turn into the wine of our ministry (vocation).
Nelvin Vos says, "... ministry is not something we go and do; rather it is something you do as you go." I like that. Each day, whatever our work, study, play, living at home experiences, gives us opportunity to do ministry.
I often watched in early morning as the doves perched on the upper rim of our fountain, waiting for the fountain to come on and begin to fill the upper basin so they could drink and bathe in it. When the water finally trickled, the upper basin had to fill before any water flowed to the larger lower one. And so we do our ministry from the overflow of our Baptismal waters and many wait for us.
A "Heads Up" Reminder:
As we begin this season of Epiphany, please note that most of the scripture readings are from three books: the Old Testament is mainly from Isaiah, the New Testament from 1 Corinthians, and the Gospel from the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew's account. An introduction to the books and authors might be appropriate one of the next two Sundays. Speak about the book and the author in each case. To whom the book was written in the case of Matthew and 1 Corinthians will add to the interest and comprehension of your preaching as well.
