The Epiphany of Our Lord: � �� �The Lord God Is Manifested in the Incarnate Son

�Is. 60:1-6; Eph. 3:1-12; Matt. 2:1-12; Psalm 24� � �

�

Exegesis of the LectionaryStudying, expounding, and interpreting the Bible readings through the Church Year

Memorization Verses: Is. 60:1 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.Ephesians 3:8-9 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things.

Matthew 2:2 , “Where is he who has been

born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”Psalm 24:3-4  Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place?  He who has clean hands and a pure heart,    who does not lift up his soul to what is false    and does not swear deceitfully.

Epiphany – manifestation, striking appearance   ἐπιφάνεια•Epiphany (or Theophany "vision of God”), which traditionally falls on January 6, is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. Western Christians commemorate principally (but not solely) the visitation of the Biblical Magi to the Baby Jesus, and thus Jesus' physical manifestation to the Gentiles. Eastern Christians commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, seen as his manifestation to the world as the Son of God. In classical Greek ἐπιφάνεια was used of the appearance of dawn, of an enemy in war, but especially of a manifestation of a deity to a worshipper. In the New Testament the word is used in to refer either to the birth of Christ or to his appearance after his resurrection, and five times to refer to the Second Coming.

3. a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.

What is a personal “epiphany” moment for your spirituality? (Because of ___________ I understand _______________ about God in a deep and meaningful way—WOW!)

Use your prayer notes. Use a verse from the

bible to reflect on. Pray about God

Manifest P raise

R epentanceA ppreciationY ouE veryoneR esolve

Prayer Activity

       

…Lord in your mercy.…Hear our prayer.1. Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ and for all people according to their needs.2. Once, O Lord, You led the Magi and brought them into the presence of Christ by the light of a star. Shine the light of Your Word on those still living in darkness, that they may be brought into Christ’s marvelous light and believe in Him whom You have sent...3. May Your light shine on us and through us in our words and works of faith. Send forth Your blessing upon the proclamation of Your Word that those who hear may believe and believing have life in Your

name. Bless Matthew, our Synod President, ________ our District President, ____________ our pastor(s), and all pastors, missionaries and church workers and bring to fruit their faithful labors for Your kingdom...4. May Your light shine in our world for the correction of error and the promotion of virtue. Bless Barak our president, _____ our governor and all elected and appointed civil servants. Guide them in the pursuit of justice and peace for all the people. Protect and defend those who protect and defend us against all enemies...

Use your prayer notes. Use a verse from the

bible to reflect on. Pray about God

Manifest. P raise

R epentanceA ppreciationY ouE veryoneR esolve

Prayer Activity

5. May Your light shine upon those whose lives are touched by struggle, sorrow, illness, despair and death. Come to the aid of [____________and] all who have asked for our prayers and grant them healing, strength, comfort and peace according to Your will. Encourage the caregivers and all who practice the medical arts...6. May Your light shine upon the new year; teach us to number our days and apply our hearts to that which is good and wise. Receive the talents and abilities we call our own and, as once You received the gifts of the Magi, we pray You to accept the tithes and offerings we bring as signs of our

gratitude and faith...7. May Your light shine in our hearts that we may come in faith to Your table, and receive to our benefit the blessings You promise in this communion of Your Son’s body and blood. Give to this congregation unity of doctrine that nothing may detract from our faithful witness to the truth...8. May Your light shine on us and bring forth the fruits of repentance in our daily lives. Give us confidence in Your Word that we may embrace Your holy will without fear. Hear and answer us, we pray, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

LSB 3951. “O Morning Star, how fair and bright! You shine with God’s own truth and light, Aglow with grace and mercy! Of Jacob’s race, King David’s son, Our Lord and master, You have won Our hearts to serve You only! Lowly, holy! Great and glorious, All victorious, Rich in blessing! Rule and might o’er all possessing!2..“Come, heavenly Bridegroom, Light divine, and deep within our hearts now shine; There light a flame undying! In Your one body let us be As living branches of a tree, Your life our lives supplying. Now, though daily Earth’s deep sadness May perplex us And distress us,Yet with heavenly joy You bless us.3..“Lord, when You look on us in love, At once there falls from God above A ray of purest pleasure. Your Word and Spirit, flesh and blood Refresh our souls with heavenly food. You are our dearest treasure! Let Your mercy Warm and cheer us! O draw near us! For You teach us God’s own love through You has reached us.

4. “Almighty Father, in Your Son You loved us when not yet begun Was this old earth’s foundation! Your Son has ransomed us in love To live in Him here and above; This is Your great salvation. Alleluia! Christ the living, To us giving Life forever, Keeps us Yours and fails us never!5. “O let the harps break forth in sound! Our joy be all with music crowned, Our voices gladly blending! For Christ goes with us all the way— Today, tomorrow, every day! His love is never ending! Sing out!  Ring out! Jubilation! Exultation! Tell the story!Great is He, the King of Glory!6. “What joy to know, when life is past, The Lord we love is first and last, The end and the beginning! He will one day, oh, glorious grace, Transport us to that happy place Beyond all tears and sinning! Amen!  Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Crown of gladness! We are yearningFor the day of Your returning!”

1. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches.  I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”  (Revelation 22:16).

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What are the major points of your text? How does your topic fit the pericope

theme? How does it connect to the other texts?

How is it unique?

Group Time The Lord God Is Manifested in the Incarnate Son

Isaiah 60:1-6 The Future Glory of Israel 60 Arise, shine, for your light has

come,    and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,    and thick darkness the peoples;but the LORD will arise upon you,    and his glory will be seen upon you.3 And nations shall come to your light,    and kings to the brightness of your rising.

4 Lift up your eyes all around, and see;    they all gather together, they

come to you;your sons shall come from afar,    and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.5 Then you shall see and be radiant;    your heart shall thrill and exult,[a]

because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you,    the wealth of the nations shall come to you.6 A multitude of camels shall cover you,    the young camels of Midian and Ephah;    all those from Sheba shall come.They shall bring gold and frankincense,    and shall bring good news, the praises of the LORD.

Ephesians 3:1-12 The Mystery of the Gospel

Revealed 3 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner

for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is[a] that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

7 Of this gospel I was made a

minister according to the gift ofGod's grace, which was given me by the working of his power.8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in[b

] God who created all things,10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.

Matthew 2:1-12 The Visit of the Wise Men 2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem

of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men[a] from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose[b] and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;for from you shall come a ruler    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men

secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Psalm 24 The King of Glory A Psalm of David. 24 The earth is the LORD's and the

fullness thereof,[a]

    the world and those who dwell therein,2 for he has founded it upon the seas    and established it upon the rivers.

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?    And who shall stand in his holy place?4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,    who does not lift up his soul to what is false    and does not swear deceitfully.5 He will receive blessing from the LORD

    and righteousness from the God of his salvation.6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,    who seek the face of the God of Jacob.[b] Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O gates!    And be lifted up, O ancient doors,    that the King of glory may come in.8 Who is this King of glory?    The LORD, strong and mighty,    the LORD, mighty in battle!9 Lift up your heads, O gates!    And lift them up, O ancient doors,    that the King of glory may come in.10 Who is this King of glory?    The LORD of hosts,    he is the King of glory! Selah

Share Time: EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD (January 6) Isaiah 60:1–6Ephesians 3:1–12Matthew 2:1–12 The Lord God Is Manifested in the Incarnate Son The Feast of the Epiphany centers in the visit of the Magi from the East. In that respect, it is a “Thirteenth Day” of Christmas; and yet, it also marks the beginning of a new liturgical season. While Christmas has focused on the Incarnation of our Lord—that is, on God becoming flesh—the season of Epiphany emphasizes the manifestation or self-revelation of God in that same flesh of Christ. For the Lord Himself has entered our darkness and rises upon us with the brightness of His true light (Is. 60:1–2). He does so chiefly by His Word of the Gospel, which He causes to be preached within His Church on earth—not only to the Jews but also to Gentiles (Eph. 3:8–10). As the Magi were guided by the promises of Holy Scripture to find and worship the Christ Child with His mother in the house (Matt. 2:5–11), so does He call disciples from all nations by the preaching of His Word, to find and worship Him within His Church (Is. 60:3–6). With gold they confess His royalty; with incense, His deity; and with myrrh, His priestly sacrifice (Matt. 2:11).

Sing it!

1 We three kings of Orient are:Bearing gifts we traverse afar--Field and fountain, moor and mountain--Following yonder star.

Chorus:Oh, star of wonder, star of night,Star with royal beauty bright,Westward leading, still proceeding,Guide us to thy perfect light.

2 Born a King on Bethlehem's plain:Gold I bring to crown Him again,King forever, ceasing never,Over us all to reign.[Chorus]

3 Frankincense to offer have I,Incense owns a Deity nigh;Prayer and praising, all men raising,Worship Him, God on high.[Chorus]

4 Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom--Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,Sealed in the stone cold tomb.[Chorus] 

5 Glorious now behold Him arise:King and God and Sacrifice;Alleluia, Alleluia!Earth to heaven replies.[Chorus]

First S. a. the Epiphany or Baptism of Our Lord

1 Kings 8:6-13 / Joshua 3:1-3, 7-8, 13-17 or Is. 42:1-7

Rom. 12:1-5 or 1 Cor. 1:26-31Luke 2:41-52 or Matthew 3:13-

17Psalm 50:1-15 or Psalm 85The Glory of the Lord Returns

to the Temple in the Boy Jesus OR In His Baptism, Jesus Takes

His Place with Sinners

Next Week…

The Glory of the Lord Returns to the Temple in the Boy Jesus

1 Kings 8:6-13 The Ark Brought into the Temple; Solomon Blesses the Lord

Rom. 12:1-5 A Living Sacrifice; Gifts of Grace;

Luke 2:41-52 The Boy Jesus in the Temple;

Psalm 50:1-15: God Himself is Judge;

OR In His Baptism, Jesus Takes His Place with Sinners

Joshua 3:1-3, 7-8, 13-17 Israel Crosses the Jordan; or

Is. 42:1-7 The Lord's Chosen Servant;

1 Cor. 1:26-31 Christ the Wisdom and Power of God;

Matthew 3:13-17 The Baptism of Jesus;

Psalm 85 Revive Us Again

TEMPLE: 1 Kings 8:6-13; Rom. 12:1-5; Luke 2:41-52; Psalm 50:1-15; 1 Kings 8:6-136 Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of theLORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the Most Holy Place, underneath the wings of the cherubim.7 For the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, so that the cherubim overshadowed the ark and its poles. 8 And the poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the Holy Place before the inner sanctuary; but they could not be seen from outside. And they are there to this day. 9 There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone that Moses put there at Horeb, where the LORD made a covenant with the people of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. 10 And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the LORD, 11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORDfilled the house of the LORD.Solomon Blesses the LORD 12 Then Solomon said, “The LORD[a] has said that he would dwell in thick darkness. 13 I have indeed built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever.”Romans 12:1-5A Living Sacrifice 12 I appeal to you therefore, brothers,[a] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.[b]2 Do not be conformed to this world,[c] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you maydiscern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.[d]

Gifts of Grace 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according tothe measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members,[e] and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.Luke 2:41-52The Boy Jesus in the Temple 41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it,44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple,sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents[a] saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold,your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?”[b] 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature[c] and infavor with God and man.Psalm 50:1-15God Himself Is JudgeA Psalm of Asaph.50 The Mighty One, God the LORD,    speaks and summons the earth    from the rising of the sun to its setting.2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,    God shines forth.

3 Our God comes; he does not keep silence;[a]

    before him is a devouring fire,    around him a mighty tempest.4 He calls to the heavens above    and to the earth, that he may judge his people:5 “Gather to me my faithful ones,    who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”6 The heavens declare his righteousness,    for God himself is judge! Selah7 “Hear, O my people, and I will speak;    O Israel, I will testify against you.    I am God, your God.8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you;    your burnt offerings are continually before me.9 I will not accept a bull from your house    or goats from your folds.10 For every beast of the forest is mine,    the cattle on a thousand hills.11 I know all the birds of the hills,    and all that moves in the field is mine.12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you,    for the world and its fullness are mine.13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls    or drink the blood of goats?14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,[b]

    and perform your vows to the Most High,15 and call upon me in the day of trouble;    I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

BAPTISM: Joshua 3:1-3, 7-8, 13-17; Is. 42:1-7; 1 Cor. 1:26-31; Matthew 3:13-17; Psalm 85

Joshua 3:1-3, 7-8, 13-17 Israel Crosses the Jordan 3 Then Joshua rose early in the morning and they set outfrom Shittim. And they came to the Jordan, he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. 2 At the end of three days the officers went through the camp 3 and commanded the people, “As soon as you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, then you shall set out from your place and follow it.7 The LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. 8 And as for you, command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, ‘When you come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan,you shall stand still in the Jordan.’”13 And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap.”14 So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, 15 and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banksthroughout the time of harvest), 16 the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho. 17 Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.Isaiah 42:1-7 The LORD's Chosen Servant 42 Behold my servant, whom I uphold,    my chosen, in whom my soul delights;I have put my Spirit upon him;    he will bring forth justice to the nations.2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,

    or make it heard in the street;3 a bruised reed he will not break,    and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;    he will faithfully bring forth justice.4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged[a]

    till he has established justice in the earth;    and the coastlands wait for his law.5 Thus says God, the LORD,    who created the heavens and stretched them out,    who spread out the earth and what comes from it,who gives breath to the people on it    and spirit to those who walk in it:6 “I am the LORD; I have called you[b] in righteousness;    I will take you by the hand and keep you;I will give you as a covenant for the people,    a light for the nations,7     to open the eyes that are blind,to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,    from the prison those who sit in darkness.1 Corinthians 1:26-31 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards,[a] not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, eventhings that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,29 so that no human being[b] might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him[c] you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness andsanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written,“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”Matthew 3:13-17 The Baptism of Jesus 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him,[a] and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son,[b] with whom I am well pleased.”Psalm 85 Revive Us Again; To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah.85 LORD, you were favorable to your land;    you restored the fortunes of Jacob.2 You forgave the iniquity of your people;    you covered all their sin. Selah3 You withdrew all your wrath;    you turned from your hot anger.4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation,    and put away your indignation toward us!5 Will you be angry with us forever?    Will you prolong your anger to all generations?6 Will you not revive us again,    that your people may rejoice in you?7 Show us your steadfast love, O LORD,    and grant us your salvation.8 Let me hear what God the LORD will speak,    for he will speak peace to his people, to hissaints;    but let them not turn back to folly.9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,    that glory may dwell in our land.10 Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;    righteousness and peace kiss each other.11 Faithfulness springs up from the ground,    and righteousness looks down from the sky.12 Yes, the LORD will give what is good,    and our land will yield its increase.13 Righteousness will go before him    and make his footsteps a way.