Readings for the Day:
Isaiah 42:1-9: God’s servant is endowed with God’s spirit in order to bring justice to the nations. The servant will not exercise authority boisterously or with violence, or will weariness ever prevent the fulfilling of the servant’s task. God’s old promises have been fulfilled; the servant’s new assignment is to bring light to the nations.
Acts 10:34-43: Peter crosses the sharp religious boundary separating Jews from Gentiles and proclaims the good news of God’s inclusive forgiveness in Jesus’ name to Cornelius, a Roman centurion. As a result of Peter’s preaching, Cornelius and his family become the first Gentiles to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 3:13-17: Before Jesus begins his ministry, he is baptized by John, touched by the Spirit, and identified publicly as God’s child.
‘From Sunday & Seasons, copyright 2025 Augsburg Fortress’
Questions To Ponder:
1— How are you longing to be reassured of God’s plan or larger purposes at this time in your life? (Isaiah 42:1-9)
2—How do you hear Peter striving to adjust to the new mission of the church in his time? (Acts 10:34-43)
3—What does your baptism mean to you at this point in your life? (Matthew 3:13-17)
4—How do these texts speak to you today?
Prayer: O God our Father, at the baptism of Jesus you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized into Christ faithful to their calling to be your daughters and sons, and empower us all with your Spirit. Amen.