Second Sunday after the Epiphany John 1:43-51

Preaching Commentary

Context

Jesus' Ministry Begins

This passage is from the first chapter of John’s gospel and describes the beginning of Jesus’ ministry—fitting for the beginning of a new year. A congregation following the lectionary will have heard the opening section of John two weeks prior, on the second Sunday after Christmas; verses 19-28 are in the Year B lectionary for the third Sunday of Advent; the next 14 verses that form the bridge to this week’s passage are in the lectionary for Year A, and so it would be reasonable to provide a summary of Jesus’ baptism and, especially, the calling of the very first disciples from this section. This summary of vv. 29-42 could be more…