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The only miracle of Jesus mentioned in all four Gospels is the miracle of the feeding of the Five Thousand with the five loaves of barley bread and the two fish.
(Donald Guthrie in John in The New Bible Commentary p942, Table titled “The miracles of Jesus Christ” in Good News Study Bible p1065)
[Matthew 14: 13 – 21, Mark 6: 30 – 44, Luke 9: 10 – 17, John 6: 1 – 15]
Matthew, Mark and Luke, in their Gospels, use the Greek word “ichthus” in their accounts which is translated as fish (Strong’s NT2486) , which does read plainly as ‘fish’.
However, in contrast, John in his Gospel used the Greek word ”osparion” (Strong’s NT3795) .
I consulted 11 English versions of the New Testament.
In seven versions, the words “ichthus” and “opsarion” are both translated as “fish” in all four Gospel accounts.
[New American Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New Revised Standard Version, New English Bible, New Living Translation, English Standard Version, Today’s English Version (Good News Bible)]
However, in four versions, the King James Version, the New King James Version, the Amplified Version, and the New International Version, the translators have made an effort to highlight the use of these different words, for, where they translate “Ichthus” as “fish”, they translate “opsarion” as “small fish”.
Does it really matter, because a fish is a fish, right? Well, apparently not.
William Barclay in his Commentary on John’s Gospel, and Henry Morton in his book “In the Steps of the Master”, both point out that what John is describing by using the word “osparion” is a small sardine-like fish, readily caught by fishermen in the Sea of Galilee, that has been dried and pickled so as to make it into a type of relish to add to the plain barley rolls that was a common meal for people in Galilee at the time of Jesus.
(William Barclay in The Gospel of John The Daily Study Bible series p202 & 203, Henry Morton in In the Steps of the Master p212) Henry Morton adds,
“This is a wonderful instance of the vivid local colour which has been detected in the Fourth Gospel, because no one unacquainted with the life and speech of Galilee could have employed this word.” (Henry Morton in In the Steps of the Master p212)
Why is this of importance? Because we have the confidence that it was John, the fisherman of Galilee and Disciple of Jesus, who wrote the Gospel bearing his name.
We have the confidence that John is recording actual events that took place during the Ministry of Jesus, and the actual words of Jesus spoken during his Ministry. We have the confidence that what we read in the New Testament is the dependable Word of God, which we can trust to provide for us the instruction and guidance, the encouragement and reproof which God seeks to pass onto us. Let us, then, approach the Word of God with this confidence and place our whole trust in the words that we read, and our whole trust in our God, who has given us His holy Word.
Prayer of Praise
from Uniting in Worship Red Book p290, An Aust Prayer Book p184, The Book of worship pp35 to 38, Invocations & Benedictions p106, Opening Prayers p9, A Year of Prayer pp244 to 245)
All Nations sing your praise, Almighty God, all Peoples sing of your merciful kindness, because of the great hope that is represented in the incarnate Jesus Christ, your Word clothed in our likeness.
For in Christ we see the brightness of your glory and the fullness of your love for your Creation. For in Christ we see the blessing that is ours because you walk with us and share every minute of our lives.
We praise you God that you are in control. You are in control of the future, of our futures.
We praise you because you continue to call each one of us to come, to come to you in love, to come with you as you lead us into the dark and unknown future.
We praise you because you are the one person in whom we can put our whole trust, knowing that you will never leave us nor allow us to feel alone nor unwanted.
We worship you today, Almighty God, and offer to you our utmost praise and thanks. May you be glorified and honoured all the days of our life and for Time everlasting. Amen.
You are invited to listen to or join in singing the Hymn ‘My heart and voice I raise’
(TiS225 AHB160 MHB115)
Benjamin Rhodes
Prayer of Confession
(from Uniting in Worship Red Book p290, An Aust Prayer Book p184, The Book of worship pp35 to 38, Invocations and Benedictions p106)
Merciful God, we remember at this time your purpose in sending the Light upon the Earth, to open the eyes of the sinful to your condemnation of their words and actions and intent, and to reveal to those living in the darkness of sin the despair of continuing in such a lifestyle.
We too acknowledge that we are no different to those of the World. We confess that we too transgress your Law of Love and Obedience.
Merciful God, we humble ourselves before you, knowing how prone we are to wander away from your pathway, knowing how easily we let go of your hand and seek to go our own way.
There are so many things in life that we allow to clamour for our attention and to distract us. But we fail to hear the soft calling of your voice, seeking us to come and sit quietly beside you. We confess our neglect and ask for your forgiveness.
We rush about with our daily tasks. We hurry to do the things that we feel need to be finished, or the things that give us excitement. But we fail to heed the call to spend time with others.
We fail to recognise the need in another’s life, the need for comfort, for companionship, for a hand to hold theirs. We confess our neglect and ask for your forgiveness.
Merciful God, our guilt and disgrace before you are without question, and you stand in judgement before us.
Take away our sins and renew our souls, so that we may know the joy of sins forgiven and of our spirits being in fellowship with You.
Have mercy upon us and incline our hearts to listen to your voice and to follow your commands. May our lives thus honour you better than our tongues are able.
May we know with assurance the righteousness that is ours because you have loved us so dearly and have bought our reconciliation by the cross and death of your beloved son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Assurance of Forgiveness
(from Ephesians 3: 11 & 12)
The Apostle Paul writes to the Church in Ephesus that God achieved His secret Plan for the World through Jesus Christ, in that, in union with Christ and through our faith in him, we can boldly seek to be in the very presence of God, with our sins having been forgiven and having been cleansed of all unrighteousness. Let us accept what Paul says at face value and with total confidence, and we should act upon Paul’s words, for indeed, God has forgiven our sins and God has cleansed us of all that is unrighteous and displeasing to Him
Thanks be to God.
Prayer of illumination
Almighty, gracious Father, for as much as our whole salvation depends upon our true understanding of your holy Word, grant to all of us that our hearts, being freed from worldly affairs, may hear and comprehend your holy Word with all diligence and faith, that we may rightly understand your gracious will, cherish it, and live by it with all earnestness, to your praise and honour, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
(Prayer of Martin Bucer: 1538)
(https://www.reformedworship.org/article/september-1991/pioneer-reformed-worship-celebrating-500th-anniversary-martin-bucer)
Reformed Worship 21 © September 1991 Worship Ministries of the Christian Reformed Church. Used by permission.
Bible Readings
Psalm 2:
1 Why do the nations rage? Why do the peoples hatch their futile plots? 2 The kings of the Earth revolt and their rulers conspire together against the LORD and His anointed King. 3 “Let us free ourselves from their rule,” they say, “let us throw off their control.”
4 From His throne in Heaven the LORD laughs at them in scorn, and derides them. 5 Then He rebukes them in anger, and He terrifies them in His fury. 6 “On Zion, my sacred hill,” He says, “I have enthroned my King.”
7 “I will announce,” says the King, “what the LORD has declared. He said to me, ‘You are my son, today I become your father. (Luke 3: 22) 8 Ask of me what you will: I will give you Nations as your inheritance, the ends of the Earth as your possession.’”
Isaiah 42:
.1..The LORD says,
“Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight, I have filled him with my Spirit, and he will bring justice to every Nation. (Luke 3: 22) 2 He will not shout or raise his voice or make loud speeches in the streets. 3 He will not break a bruised reed, nor snuff out a smouldering wick. He will faithfully bring lasting justice to every Nation. 4 He will never falter or be discouraged, he will establish justice on the Earth, where distant lands eagerly wait for his teaching.”
Acts 10:
34 Peter began to speak,
“I now see how true it is that God has no favourites, and treats everyone on the same basis. 35 In every Nation, regardless of race, those who fear God and who do what is right are acceptable to Him. 36 He sent His message to the people of Israel giving the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 I need not tell you what happened lately throughout all of Judea, starting from Galilee after John preached his message of baptism, 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.
[Revised Standard Version, Today’s English Version, New English Bible]
This is the Word of God.
Praise to you Almighty God.
Luke 3:
21 After all the people had been baptised, Jesus also was baptised. While he was praying, Heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from Heaven saying, “You are my own dear son, I am pleased with you.” (Psalm 2: 7, Isaiah 42: 1)
This is the Gospel of our Lord.
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
[Revised Standard Version, Today’s English Version, New English Bible]
You are invited to listen to or join in singing the Hymn ‘Lord, your almighty word’
(AHB61 TiS447 and MHB803)
John Marriott
Sermon
“Jesus also was baptised” Luke 3: 21
We read in Luke 3: 21 that Jesus was baptised by his cousin John, in the River Jordan.
The question that has been asked by theologians over the centuries is “Why? Why did Jesus choose to be baptised?”
The preaching of John the Baptist was clear:
“Turn away from your sins and be baptised.” (Luke 3: 3)
But there is one thing of which all of the Apostles were in agreement, “Jesus did not sin”.
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5: 21, “Christ was without sin.”
Peter writes in 1 Peter 2: 22, “Christ committed no sin.”
John writes in 1 John 3: 5, “There is no sin in Christ.”
If Jesus was without sin, if he was sinless, why be baptised for the forgiveness of sin. How could he be baptised for the forgiveness of sin? Such an act would appear to be superfluous, or even inappropriate. (Michael Wilcock in The Message of Luke p55)
Yet, several things were achieved and confirmed in this act of Jesus being baptised.
Firstly, Jesus, “by submitting to the baptism of John, publicly placed his seal of approval on John’s ministry in the clearest possible way.” (G Coleman Luck in Luke The Gospel of the Son of Man p40) Jesus is confirming to John the worth of what John was doing. Jesus is confirming to all who heard John preaching, that John was indeed the Prophet of God.
Secondly, because of John’s ministry, “throughout the whole of the country, there was an unprecedented movement towards God”. (William Barclay in The Gospel of Luke p33) In his baptism, Jesus was identifying himself with this movement and with the people in their search for God. (William Barclay in The Gospel of Luke p33) Michael Wilcock writes that throughout his life, Jesus was a man who lived among sinful men, and at no point was this made more explicitly than when he accepts baptism along with them. (Michael Wilcock in The Message of Luke p55)
Thirdly, this “movement towards God” was the sign for Jesus that the “day had come” for him to say “goodbye’ to Nazareth and to (the life of) the village carpenter”, and “to go out upon his larger task”. (William Barclay in The Gospel of Luke p33) His baptism signified the break with his life up to that point in time and the beginning of his Ministry on Earth.
Fourthly, before he was to embark on his ministry, Jesus “had to be sure that he was right” in what he was doing and as to where it was to lead. (William Barclay in The Gospel of Luke p33) And we read from Luke’s account:
And a voice came from Heaven saying, “You are my own dear son, I am pleased with you.”
(Luke 3: 22)
The voice of God came to Jesus and confirmed for Jesus “that he had made the right decision”.
(William Barclay in The Gospel of Luke p33)
When God said to Jesus, “You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you.” (Luke 3: 22) ,we understand that this is, in part, a quote from Psalm 2: 1, where King David is writing of God’s future chosen King whose reign, King David readily acknowledged, would be greater than his. We understand that it was also, in part, a quote from Isaiah 42: 1, where we read “The LORD says, ‘Here is my servant, … the one I have chosen, with whom I am pleased.’”
God was acknowledging to Jesus his obedience to God’s will and purpose in the World.
God was acknowledging to Jesus that his obedience to God’s will would lead him to Calvary and the resurrection.
(William Barclay in The Gospel of Luke p33)
Further in this passage from Isaiah 42, we read that the LORD’s servant “will bring light to the Nations”. (Isaiah 42: 6c) Is not this what we read of Jesus, for did not Simeon say the same thing when he saw the infant Jesus in the Temple?
“With my own eyes I have seen (God’s) salvation” Simeon states, “which (God) has prepared in the presence of all peoples: a light to reveal (God’s) will to the Gentiles”? (Luke 2: 30 to 32a)
This passage from Isaiah 42 continues saying that, through His servant, that God “will make a covenant with all peoples”. (Isaiah 42: 6b)
Is not this to which Jesus referred at the Passover Supper, where he held up a cup and, giving thanks to God, said to the Disciples, “Drink of it, for this is my blood, which seals God’s covenant, my blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”? (Matthew 26: 27 & 28)
Fifthly, the passage in Luke 3: 22 continues, saying “and the Holy Spirit came down upon (Jesus) in bodily form like a dove.” The Prophet Isaiah foretold this as we read in today’s reading from Isaiah 42: 1.
“The Spirit of the Lord endowed an individual with an authority that only God possessed.” The presence in an individual of the Spirit of the LORD was “a clear indication of God’s authority at work in that person, exercising an authority that was only God’s to give.”
(John Walton, Victor Matthews and Mark Chavalas in The IVP Bible Background Commentary on the Old Testament p255 & 305)
Thus, we see that not only was Jesus receiving God’s approval for his role as the promised Messiah, but also that Jesus was being empowered and endowed with God’s authority to fulfill God’s will in the World. The Apostle Peter readily testified to this in his speech to Cornelius and to those who had gathered in the house of Cornelius and his family to hear what Peter had to say about Jesus of Nazareth, when Peter said to them,
“I need not tell you what happened lately throughout all of Judea, starting from Galilee after John preached his message of baptism, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.”
(Acts 10: 37 & 38)
Michael Wilcock writes that in the words that God spoke at the baptism of Jesus, He was revealing to the World that Jesus, unlike all other people, was the only one acceptable to God, and that Jesus, like no other person, was in a true relationship with God.
(Michael Wilcock in The Message of Luke p56)
Coleman Luck notes that at the baptism of Jesus, “each of the three Persons of the Trinity are distinctly manifested; the Son is being baptised on Earth, the Holy Spirit descends on him from above, and the voice of God speaks from Heaven.
(G Coleman Luck in Luke The Gospel of the Son of Man p41)
When God spoke at the baptism of Jesus, it was to reveal that Jesus, the “Son of Man” was also the divine “Son of God. (G Coleman Luck in Luke The Gospel of the Son of Man p41) When God spoke at the baptism of Jesus, it was to reveal to the World that His great plan for the forgiveness of sins and for the reconciliation of Humanity to Himself was being fulfilled in and through His Son, Jesus.
In Micah’s prophecy, he states that the ruler to be born in Bethlehem would “bring (God’s) peace” (Micah 5: 5) The great choir of angels who appeared to the shepherds while they were in the fields around Bethlehem, sang their praises of God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest Heaven, and peace on Earth to those with whom He is pleased.”
(Luke 2: 14)
It is said of Caesar Augustus that his reign was one of peace and stability. But scholars have acknowledged that his was a harsh peace, a peace that was costly, a peace that was imposed upon the people, for, in the words of one writer, “the reason (there was no social or political unrest was because) the people (had been) bludgeoned (by the social, political and military powers of the time) into (submitting to the will of Augustus)”.
(G C Morgan in The Gospel according to Luke p34 – 35, quoted in G Coleman Luck in Luke The Gospel of the Son of Man p31)
God’s peace, in contrast, is one of ‘shalom’, of fulfillment, of completeness, of being at rest and in commune with God. “This peace is realised by those who received God’s Son.” (G Coleman Luck in Luke The Gospel of the Son of Man p32) It is not a peace imposed upon us, nor a peace of our own making, but a peace given by God’s grace and mercy. For, as the Apostle Paul writes, “Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord, Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5: 1)
At this beginning of a new year, let us move forward with this hope and hold firmly to this promise. For, indeed, we eagerly hear God’s voice and eagerly rejoice at His Good News of sadness turned into joy, of mourning turned into gladness, of release from poverty and captivity, and of healing for the broken-hearted. (Prayers for the Seasons of God’s People Year C p 35 & 36)
Let us join with the angels and sing of glory to God for the great things He has done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
You are invited to listen to or join in singing the Hymn ‘O love how deep, how broad, how high’
(TiS194 AHB6 MHB62)
Verse 1 of 7
O love how deep, how broad, how high!
it fills my heart with ecstasy
that God, the Son of God, should take
our mortal form for mortals’ sake.
Verse 2 of 7
He sent no angel to our race
of higher or of lower place,
but wore the robe of Human frame
himself, and to this lost World came.
Verse 3 of 7
For us he was baptised, and bore
his holy fast, and hungered sore;
for us temptations sharp he knew;
for us the Tempter overthrew.
Verse 4 of 7
For us he prayed, for us he taught,
for us his daily works he wrought,
by words and signs and actions, thus
still seeking not himself but us.
Verse 5 of 7
For us to wicked hands betrayed,
scourged, mocked, in purple robe arrayed,
he bore the shameful cross and death;
for us at length gave up his breath.
Verse 6 of 7
For us he rose from death again,
for us he went on high to reign,
for us he sent his Spirit here
to guide, to strengthen and to cheer.
Verse 7 of 7
To him whose boundless love has won
salvation for us through His Son,
to God, the Father glory be
both now and through Eternity.
Attributed to Thomas a Kempis,
translated by Benjamin Webb
Offering
Offering Prayer
(https://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/files/resources/baptism-of-the-lord-eng.pdf)
Prayers for Others
Loving God, we pray that you will come with power into your World to make your loving kindness and peace known and honoured in every land. We pray for peace across the Nations of the World, especially those traumatised by violence and civil war. Shine your love on the waste of our conflict and sorrow and give peace among the Nations and peace in our hearts.
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the sick, those who are disabled, those in hospital, those facing death. Show them the light of the Gospel, provide helpers and carers and medical resources, and bring healing and wholeness to both body and soul.
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the lonely, the lost, the housebound, and the vulnerable that, in the midst of their suffering, they will experience the loving arms of Christ.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for those in need, those who are struggling because of domestic violence and break-down, those who are suffering from harmful behaviour and hurting relationships. Heal, restore, and renew their lives, now and into the future.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty God, you anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit, and revealed him as your beloved Son; grant that we who are baptised into his name may give up our lives to your service, and be found worthy of our calling.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil,
For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,
Now and forever. Amen.
You are invited to listen to or join in singing the Hymn ‘Through all the changing scenes of life’
(MHB427 AHB30 TiS112)
Verse 1 of 6
Through all the changing scenes of life,
in trouble or in joy,
the praises of my God shall still
my heart and tongue employ.
Verse 2 of 6
Of His deliverance I will boast,
till all that are distressed
from my example comfort take,
and charm their griefs to rest.
Verse 3 of 6
O magnify the Lord with me,
with me exalt His name,
when in distress to Him I called,
he to my rescue came.
Verse 4 of 6
The hosts of God encamp around
the dwellings of the just,
deliverance He affords to all
who in His mercy trust.
Verse 5 of 6
O make but trial of His love,
experience will decide
how blest they are, and only they,
who in his truth confide.
Verse 6 of 6
Fear Him, ye saints, and you will then
have nothing else to fear,
come, make His service your delight,
your wants shall be his care.
Nahum Tate
Nicholas Brady
Benediction
God assures us when He states:
“I make plans and carry them out. I have understanding and I am strong.” (Proverbs 8: 14)
Let us face each day trusting that whatever happens in our individual lives or in the wider World, that it is God’s will and His plans that will prevail. May this truth encourage us to face the coming year with confidence and with the reassurance that God’s love follows us every step of our lives. And may the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, rest upon you and remain with you always. Amen.
You are invited to listen to or join in singing the Benediction Song
“By gracious powers so wonderfully sheltered” TiS617
Verse 1 of 1
By gracious powers so wonderfully sheltered,
and confidently waiting come what may,
we know that God is with us night and morning
and never fails to greet us each new day.
We shall remember all the days we live through
all of our life before our God we lay.
Dietrich BonhofferTranslated by Frederick Pratt Green
Service for Sunday 17th July 2022, which was conducted by Mr Ian Kerr. 
Service for Sunday 26th February 2023, which was conducted by Mr Geoffrey Webber 
Service for Sunday 26th July 2020 – Rev Louis van Laar: 
Service for Sunday 5th July 2020 – Rev Louis van Laar 