Week 1: The Baptism of the Lord
January 10, 2021
Primary Text: Mark 1:4-11
Topic(s): Baptism, Holy Spirit, Acceptance, Making Room
Big Idea of the Message: Just as Jesus went into the waters of Baptism, so too should we dive down into the waters of our faith.
Application Point: Remember your Baptism (even if you don't remember it). Remember that when we make room for God in our lives, He shows up.
The baptism of Jesus is another manifestation of Christ, another epiphany. Christ’s baptism inaugurates his mission. In an analogous way, our Baptism inaugurates our mission as Christians. This Sunday marks a transition from the Christmas season to Ordinary Time. In a way, today’s feast is the high point of the Christmas season. Before Jesus’ birth, angels announced to Mary and to Joseph who Jesus would be. At his birth, the shepherds and the Magi recognize Jesus as the Messiah. At his baptism, Jesus accepts that he is God’s son and inaugurates that mission.
Discussion Questions:
Primary Text: Mark 1:4-11
Topic(s): Baptism, Holy Spirit, Acceptance, Making Room
Big Idea of the Message: Just as Jesus went into the waters of Baptism, so too should we dive down into the waters of our faith.
Application Point: Remember your Baptism (even if you don't remember it). Remember that when we make room for God in our lives, He shows up.
The baptism of Jesus is another manifestation of Christ, another epiphany. Christ’s baptism inaugurates his mission. In an analogous way, our Baptism inaugurates our mission as Christians. This Sunday marks a transition from the Christmas season to Ordinary Time. In a way, today’s feast is the high point of the Christmas season. Before Jesus’ birth, angels announced to Mary and to Joseph who Jesus would be. At his birth, the shepherds and the Magi recognize Jesus as the Messiah. At his baptism, Jesus accepts that he is God’s son and inaugurates that mission.
Discussion Questions:
- What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
- Why do you think Jesus chose to be baptized?
- In your life, how have you lived differently because of your baptism?
- In your life, how have you made room for God? Are there empty bookshelves in your heart, what are your filling them with?
- If your "bookshelves" are full, what do you need to get rid of in order to make more room for God?