Prepare

In today’s gospel lesson we find Jesus “withdrawing” to Galilee. This happens right after Jesus’ temptation in the desert. Jesus often withdraws in order to pray or be alone. This time, we can assume that this is not only a departure toward a new place, but also leaving a situation with Herod that may have been dangerous for him. By Matthew’s account, today’s reading is the introduction to Jesus’ ministry. Pay attention to his movement. What is Jesus up to, and how can we think about this in terms of our own ministry?

When we read scripture (or anything, really), we often imagine ourselves as the main character. There’s a temptation to read and identify as the “good” individuals, consuming good news as if it is the story of our own victory. In some ways, this may be true and helpful in times of deep sorrow. This week, attempt to read the lessons and listen for a story of someone else’s. Think of those in your community who are struggling. Maybe it’s unhoused neighbors you drive by, immigrants who no longer feel safe to go to work or school, or anyone who might be feeling hopeless. Imagine how the scripture this week might read to them.

A note for the closing activity: you’ll need a ball or skein of yarn.

Opening Exercise

Think about a favorite saying, phrase, or quote and share it with the group. Is there a story behind why this stands out to you? How does it make you feel when you hear it? How have these words shaped you or impacted you, and why? Why do you think we are so deeply impacted by song lyrics, poetry, words, or sayings?

Texts to Read Aloud

Isaiah 9:1–4

Matthew 4:12–23

Repentance as Fulfillment

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is quite active. Jesus hears, travels, fulfills a prophecy, preaches, walks, calls people into ministry, teaches, and heals. For the author of Matthew, it is important to begin the story of Jesus’ ministry with a declaration of who this ministry is for. Maybe the traveling and Jesus’ call for repentance feel like a few dots on the plot line moving the story forward, but really they are a recalibration for the reader to understand what Matthew is setting them up for.

Professor Eugene Park describes this in his commentary in a helpful way. He explains that, “[w]hen this vision of the ‘Rule/Kingdom of God’ was not realized, and when the earthly rulers, be they Israelite kings or rulers of foreign empires colonizing Israel, abused their power and committed various forms of injustice against the people of God, prophets arose and proclaimed the forgotten vision of ‘What would it be like if God directly ruled?’ In this context, the kingdom of God has an inherently anti-imperial and anti-establishment ethos. It reflects an intense yearning for a sociopolitical order based on the will of God for justice and fairness.”*

In other words, Jesus was not a new king coming to overthrow and then keep business as usual. He was not interested in the status quo of power. Rather, Jesus brought hope and the promise of justice to those who were deep in the despair of injustice. This promise was not just for a specific people, but for everyone.

In the calling of the disciples, we witness a ministry that even Jesus could not carry on alone. We are reminded that on this faith journey, we need others—especially those who experience things differently than we ourselves do. We need their hurts, their celebrations, and their gifts. As Jesus began gathering his fellow leaders, who would continue bringing the “Rule of God,” he did not gather the community’s powerful, but rather their common folk and the often overlooked.

In previous weeks, we read about John the Baptist, who paved the way for Jesus’ ministry, and his call for repentance. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near”—Jesus not only takes on John’s message, but also makes the shift into ministry. The light that John spoke about is now alight in the land and on the move.

Repent may feel icky or seem strange, but it doesn’t have to be. Consider how it is used in this lesson. It is a call of invitation. Come and follow. Come and join this community. Come and heal. Come and tell the good news. The disciples leave their families and sources of connection to go and start a new community, one that will change the world as they, and we, know it.

Reflection

• How does today’s reading change your perception of the word repent? Share why or why not.

• Who is someone, or a group of people, you think might find hope in the Isaiah and gospel lessons?

• Who might be intimidated by it?

• If you were to keep this story close to you this week, how might it change your actions?

• What is something about today’s reading that challenges you?

• What is something about today’s reading that brings you hope?
  

Closing Prayer & Activity

For our closing prayer, we’re going to “net” our prayers together. The person who opens will hold the end of the yarn and then toss the ball to the next person. When you receive the ball, you’ll hold the “end” before tossing it to the next person as we “weave,” or make, a net with our prayers.

Three rounds of sharing as prayer:

1. Something you’re thankful for

2. A prayer concern

3. Something you want to be a part of this week

At the end of the prayer, take a look around. We bring all kinds of things with us when we come into places of worship. Some of us bring doubts, and others bring joy. Some of us have had the best week, and others aren’t sure where we will find the energy for another one. When we share the load, and when we allow our joys, sorrows, and hopes to be woven together, we create a web of love that is stronger together. As we go into our week, may we be reminded that we are not alone.

Biography

Ashley Hamel serves as the Director of Discipleship at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church and runs the Young Professional group, The Epworth League, in Houston, Texas. She loves curating spaces of belonging where people can experience their belovedness. When not working, you can find her taking her dogs on walks around the bayou, scoping out antique shops, and taking photos of the beauty in the world around her.

*https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/third-sunday-after-epiphany/commentary-on-matthew-412-23-7

Prepare

Today marks the second Sunday after Epiphany when we again consider the baptism of Jesus and the different symbols used to describe him, as well as others. The Gospel of John begins proclaiming the good news of Christ in a way that is quite confusing at first glance, abruptly dropping us into John’s story. We read who John is not and who Jesus is said to be. Alongside this Gospel reading, in Psalm 40, we read a thanksgiving for all the ways God shows up for the psalmist in the midst of despair and fear. 

Both passages present different symbols and names used for God, inviting us to wonder about them and the symbols we use today. How are those symbols helpful? How do they limit who we know or hope God is? Finally, we will write a poem by invoking the names and symbols that help us understand God. In that way, we too will declare the goodness of God in a world that is not a stranger to despair and fear. 

Opening Exercise

Symbols: Take a look at the symbols below and try to guess what they mean.

1.       2.       3.      4.

Symbols are a way to explain things without words. We use symbols as bumper stickers on our cars or water bottles to show what we’re for (or against). We have symbols decorating our sanctuaries and places of worship to tell the stories of our faith. Symbols can hold power to represent more than we can explain in words. 

• What are some symbols that have importance to you?
  • Why do they resonate with you?
• Are there any symbols in your church that seem confusing?
  • What would make it less confusing?
• Are symbols always helpful?
  • Why or why not?

Texts to Read Aloud

Psalm 40:1-11

John 1:29-42

Who Do We Say God Is?

The church really likes her symbols, and she comes by it honest. Today we read how John attempts to explain who Jesus is to those who have yet to encounter him or his ministry, which has not yet come to be: “Lamb of God,” “Spirit like a dove,” “Rabbi,” and “Messiah.” Names and symbols can do the heavy lifting of topics or ideas that feel too big to explain. The way we talk about things matters and carries implications. All kinds of symbols surround us every day. We put symbols in the forms of stickers on our cars and cases. We put signs and flags in our yards as symbols of what we stand for, or who we represent. Symbols have the power to bring people together in solidarity, or to cause harm by declaring hate. In the church we use symbols to tell the story of who God is, and who we are in relationship to our Creator. 

Another kind of symbol we encounter in the text is that of a name. We see it in the way John declares who Christ is, and we see it when Jesus renames Simon to Peter. Throughout scripture we read of God naming themself “I AM”. Others give a name to God by declaring who God is and how God has appeared to them. Then, in the Psalm for today, we read a poem of thanksgiving filled with imagery of an attempt to explain who God is. 

These kinds of symbols and images continue to be important to the faithful today. How we talk about who God is matters. In a time that can feel like all scrolling is doom scrolling, what we put into words and art can be a prayer for the world. Anne Lamott is an author and activist who says that prayer can be put into one of three categories: Help, Thanks, and Wow. I wonder what it might look like to create a piece of art, a symbol, that tells one of these stories: a story of help or lament, a story of thanksgiving, and a story of praise. We will spend the rest of our time together talking and creating. Just as John pointed and said, “Look,” may our words and images point those around us again toward the Messiah in our midst. 

Reflection Question: 

• Why do you think Jesus renamed Simon to Peter? What does each name translate to, and do you think that matters?
• What names have you heard used for God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit? Why do you think it matters what kind of language we use to describe God? What about art?
• What symbols do you see Christians using in social spaces today?
• Do you think that modern Christian symbols have cultural impact? 

Closing Activity and Prayer:

For the closing prayer try out Anne Lamott’s “Help Thanks Wow” format. Do a popcorn-style prayer together leaving pause for each category. If you have time, you can also try writing a poem or drawing your own symbol for how you’ve experienced God this week or hope to in the week ahead.

Biography:

Ashley Hamel serves as the Director of Discipleship at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, and runs the Young Professionals group, The Epworth League in Houston, Texas. She loves curating spaces of belonging where people can experience their belovedness. When not working you can find her taking her dogs on walks around the Bayou, scoping out antique shops, and taking photos of the beauty in the world around her. 

Sign Answers:

1. Greek traffic sign for school crossing guard.
2. A Christian symbol of a dove, representing the Holy Spirit and/or peace.
3. In the UK, this is a historical marker.
4. In South Holland, this is a sign to warn motorists of the neighborhood cat who’s deaf.

Prepare

This week’s Gospel reading is brief and familiar, so looking back at Matthew’s opening chapters helps us see the context for Jesus’ baptism and the figures who prepared the way.

Matthew begins with a genealogy, reminding us that Jesus’ story is rooted in humble beginnings. Then we meet Joseph, who responds to angelic messages with courage—adopting Jesus, honoring his vow to Mary, and protecting the Holy Family from Herod’s wrath. Next comes the Magi, who defy Herod’s orders through civil disobedience, ensuring Jesus remains safe.

Finally, some years later, John the Baptist appears in the wilderness, preaching repentance and baptizing in the Jordan. Crowds gather—Jews and Gentiles alike—as John calls out injustice among both the royal family and religious leaders. Like the prophets before him, John points beyond himself to the One who is greater, preparing hearts for Christ’s arrival.

As many worshipping communities affirm baptismal promises on this Baptism of the Lord Sunday, these chapters remind us that even Jesus entered the waters with guidance and support. From the start, Matthew shows that discipleship is communal—woven through family, neighbors, and prophetic voices. Jesus’ life bears witness to this truth: we walk the journey of faith together, grounded in God’s promises and strengthened by one another.

Opening Exercise

Did you make a resolution this year? Maybe your resolution matches one of these most popular resolutions from a recent YouGov.com US poll.

• What immediate thoughts do you have about this list? 
• How many of these most popular resolutions are personal or internally focused? 
• How many are community-based or externally focused? 
• What do you believe these resolutions say about our society or culture?

Texts to Read Aloud

Isaiah 42:1-9

Matthew 3:13-17

Preparing the Way for New Things

A power couple in the ancient Roman pantheon, deities Janus and Jana were guardians of beginnings, transitions, and

John baptizes Jesus*

Matthew’s brief account of Jesus’ baptism is a hinge moment. Jesus arrives from Galilee; John hesitates. Jesus insists. The waters receive him. The Spirit descends like a dove, and a voice from heaven declares, “This is my Son, the beloved.”

Why does Jesus insist on baptism? He does not need repentance like the others John baptized. Yet, Jesus chooses solidarity—stepping into our story to launch God’s new creation. As at Christmas, this is another incarnation moment. “To fulfill all righteousness” is not a checkbox; it’s a covenantal act—God joining humanity and opening a path forward. The Spirit’s descent and God’s voice make this a communal blessing: God’s life poured out for the world in a very public way for the first time in Matthew’s Gospel. This is not just an origin story for Jesus’ public ministry—it’s a sacramental reveal of God’s way in the world: relational, embodied, transformative.

Standing beside Jesus in the water is John—a trending wilderness prophet dressed in camel’s hair, eating locusts, and calling out the injustices perpetrated by kings and religious elites. John is popular—very popular. Crowds flock to him: Roman soldiers, Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor. He calls people back to covenant faithfulness, modeling a kind of fiery devotion to God and neighbor that is not dressed in fancy robes or crowns.

John could have refused to baptize Jesus because this was a new and different kind of baptism. He could have grown jealous or seen Jesus as a threat. He could have capitalized on or even monetized his wilderness fame. Instead, he uses his influence to spotlight Jesus. His viral quote: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Instead of trying to gain more followers, John freely chooses to point many away from himself and loose his flock to Jesus’ care. That’s not just humility—it’s a countercultural resolution in a world obsessed with riches, followers, and fame. If John had a New Year’s resolution, it might read: “Less me, more Messiah.”

So what does this mean for our double gaze this January—looking back with wisdom and forward with hope? This new year and this holy day give us a chance to revisit our baptismal identity. It’s an opportunity to reaffirm our baptism daily and to let the promises made at baptism define this new year. It’s an invitation to posture ourselves like John in practicing prophetic hospitality—using your influence to point to Jesus in tangible ways for the good of creation or aligning more fully to what the Church is already doing, bringing justice to broken systems and communities. 

Finally, may we stay open to the new things God may be doing in our life together, even if it causes a moment of hesitation, as we look to Jesus daily and follow after his ways in 2026.

Reflection Questions

1. What all happens at Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:13–17? 
2. Why does John the Baptist hesitate to baptize him?
3. How does baptism reflect both remembrance and new beginning?
4. John uses his influence to point others to Jesus instead of building his own fame. This year, what is one concrete way you could “decrease” and point others to Jesus—one action you can commit to for the next month (examples: a weekly act of service, a social-media habit, inviting a friend to church or youth group, joining a justice project)?

Closing Activity

Ask each person to choose one promise from the Baptismal covenant (“Affirmation by the Assembly,” Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 237), or to create a new year’s resolution based upon one of these promises. Write it down or discuss ways that the group might make these resolutions come alive and really stick in 2026.

Closing Blessing or Prayer

Consider closing with a Remembrance of Baptism. Prepare a bowl of water and use the words from the Thanksgiving for Baptism in Setting One (ELW, p. 97) or a similar liturgy. After speaking the liturgy, make the sign of the cross on each person’s hand or forehead with water, encouraging them to remember their baptism. Use chosen names to honor each person as they present themselves today.

If a Remembrance of Baptism is not possible or is already part of your worship, consider another closing. Psalms are not just ancient poetry—they are prayers. Psalm 29 offers a powerful reminder that, despite the turmoil in our world and nation, God reigns above all. God does not condone evil but calls us to honor God’s will and partner with our Creator in bringing wholeness to a broken world. Close by reading Psalm 29 together as a prayer.

Biography

Aaron Shoppa serves as the Program Director for Youth Ministry with the ELCA. His greatest joy in this vocation is connecting with other youth leaders across the nation and deeply listening and engaging with their hopes and concerns as they live out this important ministry. While not at work, Aaron keeps busy chasing three young kids around the house and attending to his millennial midlife-crisis by planting way too large of a vegetable garden. 

* JESUS MAFA. John baptizes Jesus, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=48290 [retrieved January 7, 2026]. Original source: http://www.librairie-emmanuel.fr (contact page: https://www.librairie-emmanuel.fr/contact).

Note from the Editor:

This week on Faith Lens, we’re revisiting a post from the archive. Originally published several years ago, the article still speaks with quiet strength and hope today. As Advent draws to a close, this reflection offers a grounding reminder at just the right moment: Emmanuel, God is with us. In a season that invites us to name our fears and watch for God’s nearness, this piece remains a faithful word for young people and leaders alike.

One more note: in partnership with ELCA Children’s Ministry and ELCA Youth Ministry, the ELCA Youth Gathering is launching a new quarterly newsletter, Faith Foundations, created especially for volunteer and paid youth ministry leaders. Each issue will include practical resources, ministry insights, and tools you can use right away in your context. Sign up now and get the first issue sent right to your inbox next spring.

Warm-up Question

How many times per week, would you estimate, that you make a choice of what to do or what not to do based on fear?

What Makes You Afraid?

Fear can be a highly powerful motivator. We can be afraid of consequences (from parents, teachers, coaches, school administrators) or we can be afraid of what happened last time we did that (a small child touching a hot stove). Some of us have phobias – fear of the dark, of spiders, of snakes (to name a few). Did you know that there is even a name for the fear of Santa Claus? Not surprisingly, it’s Clausophobia.

Sometimes fear motivates us in ways we’d rather not talk about. Other times we avoid doing something we’d otherwise do for fear of what our peers might think or say. Or we avoid trying something new for fear of failure.

For some people, these fears can be crippling. PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) and some phobias keep people from acting because of the strong painful memories and fears often associated with past experiences. Researchers in the United Kingdom and in Japan are working on techniques that might allow people to “re-wire” their brains and overcome those fear-filled memories.

Even if our fears are not extremely strong and limiting, fear affects all of us to some degree and can keep us from engaging in life to the fullness that’s intended for us.

Discussion Questions

• What kinds of fears do you have? What are you afraid of? Can you isolate why? Was there a specific experience that made you afraid?
• What are things you wish you could do but are afraid to try?

Read Text Aloud

Matthew 1:18-25

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

Joseph was afraid. He was afraid to take Mary as his wife, because she was having a baby that wasn’t his. He was afraid of what it would mean for him; he was afraid of what others might think. But he also was afraid to publicly accuse her of infidelity, so he wanted to send her away quietly. But the angel knew what was going on and told him not to be afraid.

Not only did the angel command Joseph not to be afraid but he told Joseph to name the child something that could combat fear. Emmanuel means “God is with us.” God is with us. We are not alone. Perhaps knowing this and trusting this can help to combat the fears that are inside all of us.

Discussion Questions

• When do you need a reminder that God is with you?
• Who do you know who might need a reminder that God is with them?

Activity Suggestions

Make an Emmanuel rock. This can be as simple as taking a small stone and painting a cross (or other symbol) on it. Carry the Emmanuel rock in your pocket. It can remind you that Emmanuel – God is with you. Make tw0 Emmanuel rocks – keep one for yourself and give one away.

Closing Prayer

Good and gracious God, come into our world as Emmanuel. Come into our world and banish fear. Come into our world and banish darkness. Amen.

Written by Seth Moland-Kovash and originally posted on December 18, 2016.

Opening Activity

Place a large piece of soft cloth on each table for this activity. It’s best if the cloth is blue to match the Advent season. As participants find their seats, invite them to touch the piece of soft cloth. What thoughts, feelings, or memories stirred as they touch it?

Some examples might include:

• a memory of a soft blanket that is special to them
• a thought given to those who have made the fabric
• a feeling of being safe and warm in a coat, etc.

Before reading, invite participants to listen for Jesus’ words about people who wear soft robes.

Read Text Aloud

Matthew 11:2-11

Leading Softly

This gospel lesson invites us to consider whom we look to for leadership. In this Season of Advent, we await a Messiah whom we already know is Jesus. However, have we ever taken the time to wonder why we see Jesus as our leader? It is not enough to think of Jesus only as our Savior from sin. We must also wonder why we follow him. This is the question John the Baptist sent to Jesus from his prison cell: ‘Are you the one we are waiting for?

To this question Jesus responds:

“… the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with a skin disease are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.” (Matt. 11:5)

Jesus is a true leader because those who suffer, those who are on the margins, and those facing real struggles in their daily lives are being cared for by him. Jesus’ leadership is not limited to the spiritual. It is lived out in tangible, earthly ways. His leading allows humanity to have hope, a new chance at life, and to flourish in the present moment.

In our present moment, there are leaders today whose actions undermine proven medical care, disrupt people’s lives, and push people deeper into poverty. They promise a return to a fabled, great past. They promise to be leaders for all. However, their actions are showing us that they are not what Jesus proves real leadership to be.

Today’s gospel lesson encourages us to turn to Jesus, and to trust only in his leadership. As we do so, we are invited to continue his work of healing those who are sick, giving new chances at life for those who need it, and helping those who are impoverished. We are encouraged to not trust those who live in lavish homes and dress in nice fabric, but rather to trust in Jesus (and those who follow his example of true leadership). As we wait for the Messiah, whom we know already is Jesus, we also wonder why we follow him as our leader.

Our answer is clear: Jesus causes “the blind [to] receive their sight, the lame [to] walk, those with a skin disease [to be] cleansed, the deaf [to] hear, the dead [to be] raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.” (Matt. 11:5, edited)

Ending Activity

• What do you think Jesus meant when he seemed to cast some judgment at those who wear soft robes?
• Think back to what memory, feeling, or thought was first stirred when you touched the soft blue fabric. What might it mean for that thought to influence how we follow Jesus?
• Some examples of this might be:

• • if the memory was of a soft blanket that is special to them, could they work on creating a soft blanket to be gifted to hospitalized children or refugees?
  • if the thought that came up was for those who have made the fabric, could they research companies that treat their workers ethically and do some holiday shopping at their stores?
  • if the feeling that arose was that of being safe and warm in a coat, could they donate some warm, winter clothes to their local charity?

Remind everyone that we are invited to lead like Jesus, to trust only in his leadership, to lift up leaders who lead like him, and to be leaders ourselves who act like Jesus.

Ending Prayer

Remind all participants that, as followers of our leader Jesus, our leadership means that we make a positive difference in this world. However, as Lutherans we must always remember that our work and leadership is not the end-all-be all. Jesus is, after all, the Messiah.

What might you do in the week ahead as followers of our leader Jesus? A good place to start might be remembering that, no matter what, Jesus is Savior and Leader of all.

Introduce them to the following prayer and encourage them to pray it after they finish each day’s work:

Lord,

it is night.

The night is for stillness.

Let us be still in the presence of God.

It is night after a long day.

What has been done has been done;

what has not been done has not been done;

let it be.

Let our fears of the of the world and of our own lives

rest in you.

The night is quiet.

Let the quietness of your peace enfold us,

all dear to us,

and all who have no peace.

The night heralds the dawn.

Let us look expectantly to a new day,

new joys,

new possibilities.

In your name we pray.

Amen.

Bio

David Larson-Martínez is a consecrated deacon of the Lutheran Diaconal Association and an ordained pastor serving at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. A graduate of Valparaiso University and Luther Seminary, he grew up in Cuernavaca, Mexico and now happily calls the Twin Cities home. David treasures his large cross-border family—his mom, five siblings, and a growing crew of nieces and nephews who live in both Mexico and the United States.