Lectionary Bible Commentary for January 13

January 13 Sermon – “A River & a Beach”

Acts 8:14-17

-       Laying on of hands & the Holy Spirit. This started the tradition of pastors laying hands and blessing confirmands when they join the church

-       Who were the Samaritans? Jews who remained in Israel during the exile to Babylonia.  When exiled Jews returned, there was great friction between the two groups.

-       This is a rehearsing of the Day of Pentecost!

-       We believe that baptism and the giving of the Holy Spirit are connected.

-       When we remember our baptism, we remember that God has given us the Holy Spirit.

-       Who is the Holy Spirit? The presence of Jesus in the world.

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

-    John the Baptism was baptizing as a way of challenging people to be God’s people, the light of the world, the sign of God’s presence in the world.

-       John is preparing the people for the 2^nd great exodus story, not from Egypt, but from slavery to sin. He points to Jesus, not Moses as the one who would lead them.

-       During that time, Herod, who was working for the Romans was rebuilding the 2^nd Temple.  He saw himself as the “King of the Jews.”  John the Baptist pointed people to Jesus who was the true “King of the Jews.”
-    The people were attracted to John and his message because of their longings for
      renewal.
-    The water is symplic of the renewal we long for in our lives and in our church.