13 jan 19 b

Light on the Lessons Isaiah 43:1-7; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 The Baptism of Our Lord (First Sunday after the Epiphany); Cycle C; January 13, 2019 Participant Resources I Getting Started 1. We are assured that God says, “You are mine.” What comfort and what challenge does that truth present to you? 2. In what ways do you experience the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? 3. Some refer to the Christian life as “walking wet”? To what do you think that “wet” refers? What do you think the expression means? Check the Texts 1. Isaiah 43:1-7 These words are addressed to the exiles in Babylon when it appeared that Cyrus was about to allow them to return home. A. Read 42:18-25. How does the tone of this section compare with 43:1-7? What point do you think verses 19-20 make? Verses 21 and 22 pose a contrast; how would you describe it? In verses 24-25, what is the LORD’s role in the exiles’ present plight? To what do you think the images of “fire” and “fury of war” in verse 25 refer? (Clue: Think just before the exile) What then is implied about the function of the exile? B. In 43:1, what do you think is the significance of “called you by name”? To what does 43:2 allude? Isaiah considers the return from exile to be like a “second Exodus.” How does 43:2 suggest the way the “second Exodus” differs from the first? C. What term for the LORD is used in 43:3a, 45:15, and 49:26? Why is this term appropriate to this context? How does the LORD express his commitment to Israel in verse 43:3b? How does 43:4 expand on 43:3b? D. How does Isaiah 11:11-12 connect with 43:5-6? What connection can you see between 43:7c and 43:1c with Genesis 2:16 (in connection with Genesis 1:26)? 2. Acts 8:14-17 The Samaritans occupied the territory between Galilee in the north and the region around Jerusalem called Judea. While they shared some traditions with normative Judaism, they once had their own temple on Mt. Gerizim, and pursued different legal traditions. In Jesus day, orthodox Jews considered them to be unclean heretics and avoided contact with them. A. Read 8:4-24 to gain a sense of the context for this lesson. Who initiates this mission? Where is the mission? Who is Simon? What did the people think of him, verse 10? From a literary standpoint, what dramatic moment does verse 10 set up? What happened to him in verse 13? Why was he so fascinated, as described in verse 13b? B. Who are the new characters introduced in verse 14? What did these new characters do, verses 15-17? What distinction is made in verse 16? How did the apostles convey their gift? What difference do you find between Acts 2:38 and Acts 19:5-6, compared with verses 15-16? How does Acts 10:44-48 differ from verse 17? What do these variations suggest to you? C. What was Simon’s reaction, verses 18-19? What was Peter’s reaction, verses 20-23? Acts 5:1-11 tells of another incident that involves misuse of money; how did the outcome of that incident differ from this one involving Simon? 3. Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 Luke 3:1-18 was studied in the Second and Third Sunday in Advent. Reread this whole section to establish the context for today’s lesson. A. What does Luke 3:18 call John’s message? How do 3:3 and 3:15-17 define the content of that message? B. “John the Baptist is the last prophet of the old era. In the New Testament, he marks the transition to the new era of Christ.” How do verses 3:15-17 support that statement? Luke also wrote Acts, making a two-volume work, Luke-Acts. How does Acts 2:1-4 pick up on Luke 3:16b? What point do you think Luke is making? C. What is Jesus doing, verses 21-22, when he receives the Holy Spirit? What had happened just previously? Who is the voice in 22b? What event does Luke 9:28-26 record? The voice speaks in verse 35; what does the voice add to what was said at Jesus’ baptism? D. Compare three baptismal accounts: Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, and Luke 3:21-22. Which of the accounts might support the interpretation that only Jesus saw the dove and heard the voice? Which seem to suggest that all in attendance heard the voice and saw the dove? What does John 1:32-34 say? III What Does It All Mean? 1. “si-mo-ny (n.) the buying or selling of a church office or ecclesiastical preferment” What do you think is the origin of that term? 2. Many of us think of ourselves as able, autonomous persons capable of making sound, independent decisions. Yet biblically we are a people totally claimed by God. To what degree does that conflict affect your spiritual life and your behavior in society? How do you deal with the conflict? 3. In Luther’s day, many sincere Christians felt they could never please God and were terrified of God’s judgment. Today most Christians feel more comfortable with God because they understand his grace in Jesus Christ. But some say we’ve gone too far with our cozy Daddy; a little astringent “fear of the Lord” would push us to take God’s way seriously. What do you think? What do you think is the best motivation for striving after a faithful Christian life? 4. What difference does the fact that you are baptized into Christ make in your attitude toward yourself? Your relationships with others? Your sense of the importance of social justice? 5. How have you experienced God’s strength in your life? 6. “The process of growth in Christ or sanctification is that of bringing more and more of our life under the lordship, the authority, of Christ.” What do you think of that statement? How well does it reflect your aspirations? What do you find most difficult to turn over to Christ? 7. What are you most looking forward to in this new year? IV Into the Week 1. You go home and someone asks, “What did you learn today?” How do you reply? 2. Reflect this week to identify one thing you know God wants you to do that you are not doing. Pray about it. Why is it difficult? What can you do to break through?