Sermon 1st February 2026 – 4th Sunday after Epiphany Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 – Opposite qualities

 Sermon 1^st February 2026 – 4^th Sunday after Epiphany

Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 – Opposite qualities

 

Today, we reflect on a profound message from the Apostle Paul which challenges our understanding of wisdom, power, and identity as followers of Christ. Paul begins with a bold statement: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” What a contrast Paul reveals – and nothing in between – it’s either a message of foolishness or salvation. It’s so true. Many think we are foolish for believing what they believe to be a fairly tale – a man made story no different to other novels of fiction. To many the cross is just a fashion accessory. But in reality it is a symbol of suffering, shame, and death used by the Roman world in Jesus’ time. But through Jesus the cross has been transformed from suffering and death to salvation and hope.

 

In a world that values strength, success, and intelligence, the idea that God would choose the path of the cross seems absurd.  Yet, Paul asserts that this “foolishness” is where true power lies. What does it mean for us today?  It leads us to examine the ways we seek power and strength in our lives, sometimes at odds with the message of the cross. Paul quotes Isaiah, asserting that God will destroy the wisdom of the wise and bring to nothing the understanding of the intelligent. The world’s wisdom often leads us to pride and self-reliance, while God’s wisdom requires humility and dependence, or as Paul says of Jesus – he emptied himself. That is what Paul will go on to discover for himself in 2nd Corinthians with his “thorn in the flesh – and that when he is weak then he is strong.

 

Our achievements and intellect can direct our faith to reliance on ourselves, distancing us from the grace we are called to embrace.  We must recognize that God often chooses the weak and the foolish in the eyes of the world to reveal His truth.

And then Paul gets very personal. Paul reminds the Corinthians, “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called.” Many were not wise by human standards, influential, or of noble birth.This is a radical reminder of how God views us—not through the lens of worldly standards, but through the lens of grace. In Christ, our identity is not determined by our status, accomplishments, or intellect, but by God’s love for us. (John 3:16) It’s like what God said to Moses about why he chose Israel out of all the other possibilities –

In Deuteronomy 7 it says:

For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you.

As Paul says in 2 Corinthians, in Christ we are a new creation.

 

Each of us is chosen, not for our merit, but because of God’s grace and love. Paul concludes by proclaiming that Christ Jesus has become for us wisdom from God. Christ is the embodiment of the wisdom and power of God.  In our own lives, we often chase after wisdom in human terms—more degrees, titles, and awards. Just as Paul does, Jesus also teaches that true blessing is found in the opposite of the what the world points us to for strength. Jesus says:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

This highlights humility and reliance on God.  It is an acknowledgment that we are spiritually bankrupt without Jesus.

When we realize our need for grace, we open ourselves to the Kingdom.

 

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. They will be comforted knowing that death leads to eternal life in Heaven with God with no more suffering or death. Unlike the world that sees death as the end, we, through Christ, see death as the beginning.

 

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Those who are meek are not weak; they possess the strength to trust in God’s timing and justice.

 

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. This desire for righteousness drives us toward God’s standards. God has a hunger for righteousness as Paul points out in 2 Corinthians – God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. This hunger is met when we seek God’s presence, His Word, and His ways to know true inner peace.

 

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. And that’s because mercy reflects God’s character.  In showing mercy to others, we mirror God’s love. The LORD is full of compassion and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love.

As we forgive and show compassion, we ourselves experience God’s grace.

 

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. When our hearts are aligned with God’s purpose, we can experience His presence in our lives. To see God is to experience His presence in a real and profound way.

 

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Peacemakers actively work to resolve conflicts and promote harmony.  In doing so, they reflect God’s reconciling nature.  We become agents of peace in a world being torn apart with division.

 

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Persecution is a reality for those who stand firm in their faith.  And it comes in many forms – physical, spiritual, emotional. Jesus assures us that enduring hardship for His name’s sake aligns us with the Kingdom.  Our suffering is not in vain; it is how Christ’s power rests on us which sees Paul even rejoicing in his suffering that leads to hope.

 

“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Throughout bible history those who speak God’s truth have been rejected and persecuted. But as Jesus says – love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

 

These are all opposite kingdom qualities to the worldly qualities that we are told we should aspire to. They are qualities that the world tells us that there is something wrong with us. However, the true wisdom lies in knowing Jesus and acknowledging our need for Him.

 

As we grow in this relationship, we discover our identities as beloved and redeemed children of God, sent forth to share this incredible message of hope with the world. So we are urged to ask ourselves: Where do we seek wisdom and power?

Do we become discouraged by our perceived lack of strength or status? The message of the cross invites us into a different reality, one where our weaknesses are not a hindrance, but a gateway to experience God’s grace more fully. Let us embrace the foolishness of the cross, and in doing so, become examples of divine wisdom, love, and grace. Let us carry this message proudly into the world, knowing that there is power in our vulnerability and strength in our faith in Christ.

Sermon 18th January 2026 – 2nd Sunday after Epiphany Text John 1:29-42 – Come and see Jesus

 Sermon 18th January 2026 – 2^nd Sunday after Epiphany

Text John 1:29-42 – Come and see Jesus

 

John the Baptist declaration today would have echoed across the Jordan River: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”.  What would the people have thought of that  statement? These words are not just poetic—they are revolutionary. They reveal Jesus’ identity, His mission, and the invitation extended to all who hear. John identifies Jesus not as a warrior, king, or prophet first, but as a lamb.

In Jewish tradition, lambs carried deep meaning:

Passover lamb: whose blood marked freedom from slavery in Egypt. In the Passover, the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from the angel death.  In Jesus, through his Body and Blood in the Sacrament of Holy Communion we find the ultimate fulfillment of our salvation – freed from eternal judgement.

Sacrificial lamb: offered daily in the temple for forgiveness.

Isaiah’s suffering servant: “like a lamb led to the slaughter.”

By calling Jesus the Lamb of God, John declares that Jesus fulfills all these images—He is the one who has come to liberate, forgive, and suffers for the world’s redemption. John admits: “I myself did not know him.” Recognition of Jesus comes not from human insight but divine revelation. It’s what Luther says in the small catechism:

I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.

It’s what Jesus revealed to Peter at his confession of Jesus as the Christ in Matthew 16:

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.

John’s recognition came as the Spirit descended like a dove which confirms Jesus as the chosen one from God. In the same way the Holy Spirit is given to us in our Baptism where we too are adopted as chosen children of God. This reminds us that faith is not simply intellectual—it is Spirit-given recognition of who Jesus truly is. James says similar in his letter –

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

To gaze upon Jesus as the Lamb of God signifies more than acknowledgment; it invites us into a relationship—one built on faith and trust. John knows that he is not the light but came only as a witness to the light. So he points his own disciples toward Jesus: “Behold, the Lamb of God!”

Jesus now begins to appoint his own disciples and Andrew and another disciple follow Jesus, asking, “Rabbi, where are you staying?”  Jesus replies, “Come and see.” Their immediate response is to follow Jesus.  This is a pivotal moment of discipleship.  When John pointed someone out, he was not just revealing Jesus' identity but also summoning his followers to a decision—to leave their old lives behind and embark on a new journey.

This is the heart of discipleship: not abstract knowledge, but an invitation to dwell with Jesus, to experience His presence. The disciples ask Jesus a simple yet profound question, “Rabbi, where are you staying?”  This inquiry reveals a deep desire to know Christ more intimately.  When we follow Jesus, we are invited not just to observe from a distance but to enter into His presence and abide with Him.

How often do we ask Jesus, “Where are you staying?”  Do we seek His presence in our daily lives?  Are we making space for Him in our busy schedules, our families, and our hearts? The invitation to "stay" with Jesus is an invitation to fellowship, prayer, and growth.  It is in these quiet moments that we cultivate our faith and deepen our relationship with Him.

Andrew then brings his brother Simon, who receives a new name: Cephas (Peter) revealing further that encountering Jesus transforms identity and purpose. In a world full of distractions, we are called to fix our eyes on Jesus, the Lamb who takes away sin.  What would it look like for us to behold Him daily—in prayer, scripture, and service? Like John, we are not the light, but we point others to the Light.

Who in your life needs you to hear, “Look, here is the Lamb of God”? Discipleship begins with curiosity and grows through encounter.  Jesus doesn’t give a lecture—He offers relationship.  Are we willing to step into His presence and invite others to do the same? Simon became Peter, the rock.  Jesus renames and repurposes us too which begins in our Baptism where we are reborn as Children of God.

What new identity might Christ be shaping in you? John’s words still echo today: “Behold, the Lamb of God.”  They are both proclamation and invitation.  To behold Jesus is to see the one who carries our sin, who calls us to follow, and who transforms our lives.  John is not simply naming a man; he is announcing hope for the world.  As we reflect on our own lives, do we grasp who Jesus is?  Are we willing to behold Him as the Lamb who takes away our sins, our burdens, and our shame? Are we attuned to God’s voice calling us to follow Christ more deeply?  It requires letting go of distractions, doubts, and even some comforts.  It may mean changing our priorities, rekindling our faith, or stepping outside our comfort zones to share the love of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.

Let us be like Andrew, not only come and see, but also go and tell—so that others may behold the Lamb and find life in Him.