Isaiah 49: 3,5-6; Psalm 39(40); 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; John 1:29-34
Second Isaiah’s servant songs were written after the Israelites had been released from their captivity in Babylon. The servant, chosen before he was born, is to take God’s salvation to the whole world, as well as to Israel.
The psalm offers thanks to God for rescue from danger. Doing God’s will is the best sacrifice we can offer, trusting in God’s Law and his plans for us.
From now until Lent we read from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, written from Ephesus about 56AD. Paul cannot stop talking about the centre of his life: Jesus, who called him to be his envoy. Those in the “assembly called by God in Corinth”, are called to be holy, part of the universal fellowship of believers, and subject to Christ’s authority. He blesses them with grace – God’s unconditional love – and peace.
John’s Gospel does not have Jesus being baptised. Instead, after the Baptist insists to questioners from Jerusalem that he is not the Messiah, he recognises Jesus. Uniquely he describes Jesus as the Passover sacrificial “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”, the “Chosen one of God”, who “baptises with the Holy Spirit”. This gift of new life in God, is greater than the cleansing given by John’s baptism with water.
Psalm Response: Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.
Chris