Brothers and sisters, Greetings in the name of Jesus our Savior. We have entered the season of Epiphany. As we read the Scriptures, consider the various ways Jesus’ identity and purpose are revealed. This evidence is given to assure you that He came to save you from your sin, and to reconcile you to God, with the assurance of eternal life with Him in heaven.
Please mark your calendars and plan to attend our shrimp boil fundraiser Saturday January 24 from 11am to 2 pm. Price is set at $15 per plate. Bulk shrimp will also be for sale.
January 11 is the first Sunday after the Epiphany. Traditionally the service on this Sunday commemorates the baptism of Jesus. We will follow the liturgy of Divine Service One beginning on page 151 of the LSB hymnal. We will review Luther’s Small Catechism’s summary (p. 325 LSB) of Scripture’s teaching on baptism. Hymns chosen for the day are #394 Songs of Faithfulness and Praise; #404 Jesus, Once With Sinners Numbered; #598 Once in Blest Baptismal Waters; and #381 Let Our Gladness Have No End.
Scriptures assigned by the three-year lectionary are Psalm 29:1-4, 10-11; Isaiah 42:1-9; Romans 6:1-11; and Matthew 3:13-17.
In the Old Testament lesson, God speaks through the prophet Isaiah, describing the promised Messiah as a Servant. The Messiah will be endowed with the Holy Spirit. He will bring God’s justice, He will encourage the weak, He will overcome the consequences of sin— healing , freeing, and restoring His people. This mercy work is fulfilled by Jesus the Christ (meaning anointed one, in Hebrew ‘Messiah’).
St. Paul begins his letter to the Romans, by reminding them and us that we are all sinners, deserving God’s punishment. Then Paul reminds the Romans and us that Jesus came to shed His blood for us. In doing so, Jesus underwent the punishment we deserve and brought us into a right relationship with God that is received through faith. Jesus brings peace between God and sinners. In the epistle lesson from chapter 6 to be read Sunday, Paul encourages us to turn from sinning, to live as people who have been forgiven and joined to Jesus in baptism. He describes discipleship as being dead to sin and walking as those alive in Christ. Jesus did that for us. That is why it is so necessary to be connected to Him by baptism and faith.
The gospel lesson is St. Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism. His baptism is a surprise. Baptism is for the forgiveness of sin, and faith leading to repentance. But Jesus is not sinful. He has no need for forgiveness or repentance. So, why was Jesus baptized? His answer, ‘to fulfill all righteousness’. What does it mean to fulfill all righteousness? I encourage you to re-read the Old Testament and Epistle lessons for some answers to that question. And be in Church to listen to the sermon.
COLLECT: Father in heaven, at the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son, and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized in His name faithful in their calling as Your children, and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about schedules or Sunday’s Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
