#ComeSunday : Read the scripture and download the order of worship to prepare for 10:00 am Sunday worship and Weekly Bible studies!
Mark 1:4-11 (Common English Bible)
4 John the Baptist was in the wilderness calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins. 5 Everyone in Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went out to the Jordan River and were being baptized by John as they confessed their sins. 6 John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He announced, “One stronger than I am is coming after me. I’m not even worthy to bend over and loosen the strap of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
9 About that time, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10 While he was coming up out of the water, Jesus saw heaven splitting open and the Spirit, like a dove, coming down on him. 11 And there was a voice from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I find happiness.”
Summary:
Epiphany Sunday is about seeing Christ, about the manifestation of Messiah, deliverance and salvation in the person of Jesus. On this Epiphany, which coincides with the remembrance of Jesus’ baptism, we are reminded that Jesus finds favor from God in the midst of the wilderness. Jesus’ public ministry begins when he is baptized by John the Baptist in the wilderness and the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus like a dove.
Like Jesus, as we trust in God, we too can find favor in the wilderness and faith for the journey ahead. God will see us through.
Reflection Questions:
- What is a word, phrase or image that comes to mind when you read or hear the text?
- What does this scripture teach you about favor?
- What does God invite you to do, change or be through this passage?