Advent 2�By the Preaching of Repentance, We Are Prepared for the Coming of the Lord

Is 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7,

Exegesis of the LectionaryStudying, expounding, and interpreting the Bible readings through the Church Year

THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Advent 1 (1 December 2013)

 Isaiah 2:1–5; Romans 13:(8–10) 11–14; Matthew 21:1–11 or Matthew 24:36–44; Psalm 122

 

The Lord Comes in Meekness and Humility to Save Us Now The Lord Jesus enters Jerusalem “humble, and mounted on a donkey,” riding on “a beast of burden” (Matt. 21:5), as He Himself bears the sins of the world in His body. Now He comes by the ministry of the Gospel to save us from sin, death, the devil and hell. Therefore, we sing, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matt. 21:9). For we are called “to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob,” His holy Church, “that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths” (Is. 2:3). By His Word, we “walk in the light of the LORD” (Is. 2:5). That is to live in love, which “does no wrong to a neighbor” (Rom. 13:10). We “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light,” for “salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11, 12). Hence, the entire Christian life is a time to wake and watch, “for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming” (Matt. 24:42).

Last week:

Advent 1: The Second Advent of ChristJohn 1:1-5, 9-14, Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 2:14-18

Exegesis of the LectionaryStudying, expounding, and interpreting the Bible readings through the Church Year

If Christ had arrived with trumpets and lain in a cradle of gold, his birth would have been a splendid affair. But it would not be a comfort to me. He was rather to lie in the lap of a poor maiden and be thought of little significance in the eyes of the world. Now I can come to him. Now he reveals himself to the miserable in order not to give any impression that he arrives with great power, splendor, wisdom, and aristocratic manners. But upon his return on that Day, when he will oppose the high and the mighty, it will be different. Now he comes to the poor, who need a Savior, but then he will come as a Judge against those who are persecuting him now.

Luther on Advent:

Excerpt from a sermon on the Nativity, 1530

Advent Devotional: Prayer Activity1. Draw or list attributes

that you associate with the PHYSICAL Jesus.

2. What did Jesus look like? Make a guess and draw a portrait.

3. Write one sentence of thanksgiving for Jesus dwelling on earth. Why is it important?

WATCH for the following:

Words and their meaning

Analysis of structure

Teaching of Theology

Christ

Historical Context

John 1:14, Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 2:14-18

 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, andthe Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life,[a

] and the life was the light of men.5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own,[b] and his own people[c] did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him,who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received,grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God,[e] who is at the Father's side,[f] he has made him known.

John 1: 1-5, 9-14

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,[b] being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:5-8

4 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Hebrews 2:14-18

THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Advent 2 (8 December 2013)

 

Isaiah 11:1–10; Romans 15:4–13;

Matthew 3:1–12; Psalm 72:1–7

 

By the Preaching of Repentance, We Are Prepared for the Coming of the Lord

 “John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, ‘Repent’” (Matt. 3:1–2). His preaching of repentance for the forgiveness of sins prepared people for the coming of Christ into the world. John’s work was historically complete with the incarnate advent of Jesus, but his vital ministry continues in preaching Law and Gospel. The Son of God has come in the flesh, “a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots” (Is. 11:1), and continues to bear the fruits of righteousness. His good tree of the cross is “a signal for the peoples” (Is. 11:10), by which He calls the nations to repentance. “With the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips” (Is. 11:4), He slays the wicked and brings the dead to life, making sons of Abraham out of lifeless stones. So also the “root of Jesse” comes to us, “even he who arises to rule the Gentiles” (Rom. 15:12), that “we might have hope” and be filled “with all joy and peace in believing” (Rom. 15:4, 13).

This week:

Preparation

•John the Baptist prepared for the coming of the lord. •How do you prepare for Christmas—the celebration of our lord’s coming?

Use your prayer notes. Use a verse from the

bible to reflect on. Pray about the Lord’s

coming. P raise

R epentanceA ppreciationY ouE veryoneR esolve

Prayer Activity

Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs. O Lord, Your prophet John the Baptist prepared the way for Your Son by preaching repentance. Grant to us a repentant faith, that for the sake of the One whose way John prepared, we might be saved from Your righteous wrath over our sins and prepared to receive the advent of Your Son today in His Holy Eucharist. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer. O Lord, the preaching of repentance and forgiveness from the mouth of John the Baptist continues today in the Preaching Office, which You have created so that we might receive saving faith in You. Give courage to pastors as they boldly proclaim repentance and forgiveness in the name of

Jesus to Your holy people… O Lord, grant to Your people endurance and encouragement, that in their everyday callings they might live in such harmony with one another that together we glorify You in our work. Bless those vocations You have especially established to provide for us, including spouses and parents, children and teachers, breadwinners and employers, that all people might learn the value of honest labor and give thanks to You for their daily bread…

Use your prayer notes. Use a verse from the

bible to reflect on. Pray about Lord’s

coming. P raise

R epentanceA ppreciationY ouE veryoneR esolve

Prayer Activity

5 Father in great love You sent St. John the Baptist to call all to lives of repentance, that they might welcome Your Son and His kingdom. Give Your people grace in these Advent days to open their hearts and hands to all in need, expressing in their deeds the faith of their heart. 6 Lord, Your apostle, St. Paul, taught us that we may be sure that You will bring to completion the good work You have begun in us. In such confidence we commend to Your merciful hands all who are sick and suffering, grieving or lonely, [especially_______________]. Cease not to work in them,

loving Master, sustaining their faith and providing them comfort until they stand whole and filled with glory before Your throne. 7 Holy One, because we in ourselves could not abide the Day of Your coming in judgment, Your Son gave up His body and blood for our forgiveness and now gives it to us as the very righteousness by which we may stand before You without shame. Stir up in Your children faith to receive His coming to us in the Eucharist with joy. AMEN.

LSB 344

1 On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cryAnnounces that the Lord is nigh;Awake and hearken, for he bringsGlad tidings of the King of kings!

2 Then cleansed be ev'ry life from sin;Make straight the way for God within,And let us all our hearts prepareFro Christ to come and enter there.

3 We hail Thee as our Savior, LordOur refuge and our great reward;Without Thy grace we waste awayLike flow'rs that wither and decay.

4 Lay on the sick Thy healing handAnd make the fallen strong to stand;

Show us the glory of Thy faceTill beauty springs in ev'ry place.

5 All praise, eternal Son, to TheeWhose advent sets Thy people free,Whom with the Father we adoreAnd Holy Spirit evermore.

Meet w/teams3-5 min per box

What are the major points of your text? How does your topic fit the pericope

theme? How does it connect to the other texts?

How is it unique?

Group Time By the Preaching of Repentance, We Are Prepared for the Coming of the Lord

Isaiah 11:1-10

The Righteous Reign of the Branch

11 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,    and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.2 And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him,    the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,    the Spirit of counsel and might,    the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD.He shall not judge by what his eyes see,    or decide disputes by what his ears hear,4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,    and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,    and with the breath of his lipshe shall kill the wicked.5 Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist,    and faithfulness the belt of his loins.

6 The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,    and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together;    and a little child shall lead them.7 The cow and the bear shall graze;    their young shall lie down together;    and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra,    and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den.9 They shall not hurt or destroy    in all my holy mountain;for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD    as the waters cover the sea.10 In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.

Romans 15:4-13

)4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant youto live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs,9 and in

order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,    and sing to your name.”10 And again it is said,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”11 And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,    and let all the peoples extol him.”12 And again Isaiah says,

“The root of Jesse will come,    even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;in him will the Gentiles hope.”13 May the God of hope fill you with alljoy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Matthew 3:1-12

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

3 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:‘Prepare[a] the way of the Lord;    make his paths straight.’”4 Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan,confessing their sins.7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees

and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood ofvipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 Hiswinnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Psalm 72:1-7

Give the King Your Justice

Of Solomon.

72 Give the king your justice, O God,    and your righteousness to the royal son!2 May he judge your people with righteousness,    and your poor with justice!3 Let the mountains bearprosperity for the people,    and the hills, in righteousness!4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,

    give deliverance to the children of the needy,    and crush the oppressor!5 May they fear you[a

] while the sun endures,    and as long as the moon,throughout all generations!6 May he be like rain that falls onthe mown grass,    like showers that water the earth!7 In his days may the righteous flourish,    and peace abound, till the moon be no more!

Third S. in Advent (Gaudete)

The Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ Brings True Rejoicing, Even Under the Cross

Is. 35:1-10James 5:7-11Matt. 11:2-15Psalm 146

Next Week…

Isaiah 35:1-10The Ransomed Shall Return35 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad;    the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus;2 it shall blossom abundantly    and rejoice with joy and singing.The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,    the majesty of Carmel andSharon.They shall see the glory of theLORD,    the majesty of our God.3 Strengthen the weak hands,    and make firm the feeble knees.4 Say to those who have an anxious heart,    “Be strong; fear not!Behold, your God    will come with vengeance,with the recompense of God.    He will come and save you.”5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,    and the ears of the deaf unstopped;6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer,    and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.For waters break forth in the wilderness,    and streams in the desert;7 the burning sand shall become a pool,    and the thirsty ground springs of water;in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down,    the grass shall become reeds and rushes.8 And a highway shall be there,    and it shall be called the Way of Holiness;the unclean shall not pass over it.    It shall belong to those who walk on the way;    even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.[a]

9 No lion shall be there,    nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;they shall not be found there,    but the redeemed shall walk there.10 And the ransomed of the LORDshall return    and come to Zion with singing;everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;

    they shall obtain gladness and joy,    and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.James 5:7-11Patience in Suffering7 Be patient, therefore, brothers,[a] until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, takethe prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.Matthew 11:2-152 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word byhis disciples 3 and said to him, “Are youthe one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers[a

] are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John:“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man[b

] dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet?[c] Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.10 This is he of whom it is written,“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,    who will prepare your way before you.’

11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence,[d] and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear,[e

] let him hear.Psalm 146Put Not Your Trust in Princes146 Praise the LORD!Praise the LORD, O my soul!2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live;    I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.3 Put not your trust in princes,    in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth;    on that very day his plans perish.5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,    whose hope is in the LORD his God,6 who made heaven and earth,    the sea, and all that is in them,who keeps faith forever;7     who executes justice for the oppressed,    who gives food to the hungry.The LORD sets the prisoners free;8     the LORD opens the eyes of the blind.The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;    the LORD loves the righteous.9 The LORD watches over the sojourners;    he upholds the widow and the fatherless,    but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.10 The LORD will reign forever,    your God, O Zion, to all generations.Praise the LORD!