Breaking Open the Word

In John 1, we encounter the powerful testimony of John the Baptist, witnessing to the coming of Jesus. The significance of a second reading, akin to a witness statement, is that it reinforces the importance of Mark’s purpose in testifying to Jesus as the one who is to come.

Isaiah 61 prophesies the anointing and mission of the Messiah, which entails bringing good news, healing, freedom, and comfort to the brokenhearted. It challenges us to embrace our duty as believers to live out the presence of Christ in our communities, by proclaiming the Gospel, ministering to the needs of others, and providing solace to the hurting.

Through our actions, we can exemplify the transformative power of Christ and bring hope to those around us.

How powerful is the cry of a baby? Can you ignore it?

1. In some respects, the repeated testimony of John the Baptist read again on consecutive Sundays, may seem odd.
   1. Last week was the testimony of Mark. This week is the testimony of John.
   2. How much more truth does repeating the testimony add to the sense of reality?

2. The testimony of John the Evangelist interrupts the great Hymn to the Word (John 1), abruptly challenging the flow of the beautiful prose.

1. Once John the Evangelist is clarified, the writing returns to the Hymn, picking up the testimony of John after the Hymn is over.
   1. To what extent is this because there may have been some confusion over who John the Baptist was?
   2. What other biblical texts can you recall that may also emphasise the roles of Jesus and John?

3. Isaiah 61 details quite strongly the expected role of the Messiah. At various points in the gospels, the “Messianic Mission” is clearly articulated based on the writings found in the prophets.

1. Read in the Gospel of Luke Jesus quoting Isaiah 61.1-2. Every Sabbath, seven people would read in the Synagogue: the Rabbi, a Levite, and five ordinary Israelis.
   1. What are the areas of mission that the Messiah is expected to fulfil?
   2. What are the possible requirements of the Body of Christ concerning this mission?

4. Micah 6.8 asks the reader, “What does the Lord require?” This is consistent with the teachings of the prophets and the law.

1. Looking at Mark 1, John 1, Luke 4, Isaiah 61 and Luke 4, how consistent is the testimony of John?
   1. Are all Christians called to exercise all these gifts or excel in the skills given?
   2. Read 1 Corinthians 12. How are we many yet still only one body?

5. Many people only want to engage in the story of the manger at Christmas. The so-called Lutheran Carol makes a claim that “no crying he makes”. 

1. Luke makes it abundantly clear that the child was born in poverty and, as such, would have been demanding in terms of feeding and nurturing.
   1. How realistic is it to romanticise the gospel as a testimony containing only comfortable news?
   2. Is the crying of the Christ-child a voice of one in the wilderness?

Prayer Points

Start by entering a deep stillness that allows your inner and outer ears to not only hear the Word of God, but to listen for the cry in the wilderness.

“Christ is near” it seems to say.

Given the need for justice, mercy and pilgrimage on the Way with God, give thanks for the gift(s) that you have received from God.

Focus on one thing is not right. How can your gift from God make a difference in terms of advocacy, safety, justice or mercy?