2nd Sunday of Epiphany

Texts: Isaiah 42:1–9; Acts 10:34–43; Matthew 3:13–17

The Christian faith affirms that life is not accidental but divinely ordered. Scripture consistently teaches that God calls individuals and anoints them in order to fulfil specific purposes within His redemptive plan. To be called is to be summoned by God into relationship and mission, while to be anointed is to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out that mission faithfully. The season of Epiphany reminds us that God reveals not only who Jesus is but also why He came. In Christ, we see clearly that divine calling is always accompanied by divine empowerment and directed towards a God-given purpose.

We shall be discussing the following:

1. Called by God: The Servant Revealed

In Isaiah 42, God introduces His chosen Servant with words of affirmation and delight:

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight.”

This Servant is called by God, sustained by God, and entrusted with God’s mission. His calling is not marked by loudness or force, but by gentleness, faithfulness, and perseverance. He brings justice without crushing the weak or extinguishing the faint.

This prophetic passage points directly to Jesus Christ. Long before His public ministry began, God had already declared His calling and defined His purpose—to restore what is broken, to heal the wounded, and to bring light to the nations.

This shows that, God’s calling always precedes public recognition, and His purposes are redemptive rather than destructive.

2. Anointed by the Spirit: The Son Affirmed – (Matthew 3:13–17)

The baptism of Jesus Christ of Nazareth marks a decisive moment in His ministry. As He emerges from the water, heaven is opened, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Here, Jesus is anointed—not with oil, but with the Holy Spirit. This divine anointing affirms His identity and empowers Him for His mission.

This scene reveals the work of the Trinity: the Father speaks, the Son obeys, and the Spirit empowers. Jesus does not begin His ministry by human initiative, but by divine commissioning.

This also affirms that, God never sends without empowering; calling without anointing leads to frustration, but divine anointing equips us to fulfil divine purpose. He calls to equip for service.

3. Sent for a Purpose: The Gospel Proclaimed – (Acts 10:34–43)

In Acts 10, Peter proclaims the heart of the gospel: God shows no partiality. Jesus Christ was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, went about doing good, healed those oppressed by the devil, was crucified, and raised from the dead. His calling and anointing were not for Himself alone, but for the salvation of all who believe—both Jews and Gentiles.

Peter makes it clear that Jesus’ mission is universal, inclusive, and life-giving. Through Him, forgiveness of sins is proclaimed, and new life is offered to all.

Brothers and sisters in the Lord, what we have to know is that, God’s purpose in Christ is inclusive, redemptive, and transformative.

Application for us Today

As we celebrate Epiphany, we are reminded that in Christ, we too are called and anointed for a purpose. While our callings may differ in form and function, our mission remains the same: to bear faithful witness to the Lord  Jesus Christ in word and deed. Like Jesus, we are called by grace, empowered by the Spirit, and sent into the world to reflect God’s light within our families, churches, communities, and vocations. You have been called and anointed for specific purposes.

Conclusion

Jesus Christ is the chosen Servant, the beloved Son, and the anointed Saviour. He was called by the Father, anointed by the Spirit, and sent for the salvation of the world. As His people, may we recognise our own calling, rely fully on God’s anointing, and faithfully fulfil the purpose for which God has placed us in this generation.

Amen.

By: SKY