January 8, 2023 —
Jesus is “the Christ” (Greek), “the Messiah” (Hebrew). Both words mean the same thing, namely, “the Anointed One.” At his baptism, Jesus was officially anointed into his three-fold office as our eternal Prophet, High Priest, and King. As our Prophet, Jesus taught the Word of God while on earth and continues to be the One who sends out preachers of His Word. As our High Priest, Jesus offered Himself as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world, and still intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father. As our King Jesus rules the whole universe for the good of His people, the church.
As we think of our Lord’s Baptism we should also ponder our own. Not only were we cleansed of our sins at our baptisms—something Jesus didn’t need—but like Him, we were anointed “under-priests” to serve Him in His kingdom.
In our Old Testament Lesson the Lord outlines through Isaiah the work the Servant of the Lord (Messiah) would be anointed to carry out: “I will appoint you to be a covenant for the people, to be a light for the nations….” Isaiah also describes His methodology and style: I am placing my Spirit on him. He will announce a just verdict for the nations. He will not cry out. He will not raise his voice. He will not make his voice heard in the street. A bent reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not snuff out. He will faithfully bring forth a just verdict.”
In our 2nd Lesson Peter preaches that Jesus is the Messiah, the Anointed One. “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the Devil, because God was with him.”
The Gospel Lesson is Matthew’s account of Jesus baptism. Jesus, the 2nd person of the Trinity was affirmed by the Father, the 1st person of the Trinity through His Words which boomed out from heaven and the Holy Spirit, the 3rd Person of the Trinity designated Jesus as the One by descending on Him in the form of a dove.
Our Sermon will focus on Jesus’ Mission as outlined by Isaiah: “The Anointed Servant of the Lord”: His Anointing, His Assigned Task, and His Methodology and Style
This Week’s Lessons:
Isaiah 42:1–7 (sermon text)
Acts 10:34–38
Matthew 3:13–17
Psalm 45