Isaiah 42:1 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.

1. Jesus is not exercising ____________ yet.

2. Jesus comes to ____________ with ____________.

3. Those who are in Christ have a ____________ of ____________.

Scripture Readings
Isaiah 43:1-7
Romans 6:1-11
Luke 3:15-22

Take It With You!

As we learn how to live as disciples of Jesus Christ, here helpful tools will be offered to aid in your study.

That is why this day is called Epiphany, the Festival of the Manifestation, because the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit manifest themselves. The Holy Spirit appears in the lovely form of an innocent dove. Among all birds, a dove is known for its gentle nature, peaceful and not aggressive. So the Holy Spirit reveals himself in the friendliest of forms to show he is not wrathful toward us, but wants to help us become holy and rescue us through Christ.

The Son, who does not require it for his person, nonetheless, allows himself to be baptized, revealing himself not only as an example, but also for the sake of grace, that we might gladly receive baptism and be sure that by it we have a gracious God when we follow Christ's example and command, allowing ourselves to be baptized.

The Father's voice resounds, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." It is a new voice, the likes of which no one had heard from heaven before. It would not be surprising if heaven and earth had trembled at the sound of God's speaking. I would have fallen on my face if I had heard God's voice. But this voice is different from the voice at Mt. Sinai where God also spoke from heaven. There his voice was so terrible that the earth quaked, the hills trembled, and the people feared for their lives. Here, however, it was all friendliness, grace, and compassion.

Martin Luther, Third Sermon for Epiphany 1534