Living the Lectionary

Baptism of our Lord

Season: Epiphany
Week of January 9

“Called into service”

About the Season: This Sunday begins the season

of “Epiphany”. Epiphany is a season that shows us
the part of Christ’s life where He and His teaching is
becoming known. It is a time of displaying and
manifesting Christ in our personal and public lives.

About this Sunday: “Baptism of our Lord” is a

festival Sunday of the Church. It is always the first
Sunday after the celebration of Epiphany (January 6th,
every year). This Sunday is the beginning of a
season which marks the “public” nature of Christ and
His Christians.
Reflecting on the Readings:
• Isaiah 42:1-9 – The Coming Servant – Isaiah
prophesies about the public ministry of Christ,
which is the public service of the Church. Do
you believe you are the servant of Christ? If
you aren’t, what are you?
• Psalm 29 – The Strength of Servants – The
power of God’s servants comes from God, not
from the servants themselves. What does God
give you strength to do?
• Acts 10:34-43 – No Servant Disqualified -
“God shows no partiality,” says Peter. What
things do you feel disqualify you from God’s
plans?
• Matthew 3:13-17 – Baptized Into Service -
Why is Jesus Baptized?

Law and Gospel:

• Law: Are you “public” with your Christianity? Is
your faith too much of a private thing? Or is it
“on display” for all the wrong reasons?
• Gospel: We “meet” Jesus under the water of
His Baptism when we are Baptized. Under the
water, He exchanges His life with ours – when
we emerge, He has taken our sin from us and
given us His righteousness in return.

Living the Lectionary Ideas:

• Learn: Do you know your Baptismal birthday?
If not, find out what date it is and plan a way to
celebrate it.
• Do: As a Christian, you are called into the
serving life of the church. If you aren’t already,
talk to someone about helping at University
Lutheran.
• Live: Your life is united with Christ in Baptism.
Live this week aware that He is in you and
aware of what He might want to do through
you.