Isaiah 42:1-9

12 min read

Bring Justice #

First Sunday after the Epiphany, Baptism of the Lord, Ordinary Time
When to use: January 11, 2026

Worship Tools #

Worship Outline #

Additional Scriptures

Psalm 29; Matthew 3:13–17; Acts 10:34–43

Preparation

If in person, prepare large colored paper footprints for two Focus Moments. If online, invite people beforehand to trace a pair of their shoes and cut out several footprints to use during the second Focus Moment.

This is a perfect Sunday to include the sacrament of baptism. An optional section is provided below.

Instrumental Prelude

Arrange an instrumental prelude of lesser-known baptismal hymns such as “By the Well, a Thirsty Woman” CCS 500 and “Come as a Child” CCS 503.

Welcome

In a new year, time may already feel like it is spinning too fast. We may be marching to deadlines, sorting out finances, seeking care for Earth and all creatures, or deepening our relationship with God.

Sometimes we march to voices that call us from discipleship. Today we will look at marching with purpose as we continue into the new year.

Gathering Hymn

“Come Away from Rush and Hurry” CCS 83

OR “God of Wonder, God of Thunder” CCS 18

Call to Worship, Affirming God’s Sovereignty

Part 1: Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,

ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

Part 2: Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;

worship the Lord in holy splendor.

Part 1: The voice of the Lord is over the waters;

the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over mighty waters.

Part 2: The voice of the Lord is powerful;

the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

Part 1: May the Lord give strength to his people!

Part 2: May the Lord bless his people with peace!

—Psalm 29:1–4, 11

Hymn of Affirmation

“Herr, du mein Gott / You Are My God” CCS 12

Encourage multilingual singing.

OR “God of Wonder, God of Thunder” CCS 18

Invocation

Response

Focus Moment — Part 1

Invite a few volunteers (include children) to place footprints through the worship space leading to the baptismal font or a large picture of Jesus’s baptism while you share:

Matthew 3:13–17 recounts Jesus traveling from Galilee to John at the Jordan River. Though John felt unworthy, Jesus insisted and explained why it was necessary. John consented; Jesus was baptized and came up from the water with God’s affirming Spirit upon him.

Hymn of the Journey

As the hymn is sung, invite the young and young at heart to follow the footprints to the font or picture, then return to seats before the hymn ends.

“With a Steadfast Faith” CCS 649

OR “Take the Path of the Disciple” CCS 558

[Optional] Sacrament of Baptism

Insert here if candidates are prepared.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:13–17

Charge to the Baptismal Candidate(s)

Baptism(s) and Hymn

Use “O God in Heaven, We Believe,” CCS 493. If multiple baptisms, intersperse stanzas, or sing two before and two after.

Disciples’ Generous Response

Statement

Many of us remember when tithing was seen as one budget line item. Today we embrace whole‑life stewardship and generosity: time, giftedness, testimony, and money. Early in the year, prayerfully consider how you will offer time, talent, testimony, and treasure. Generously sharing our witness, resources, ministry, and sacraments is a disciple’s response to God’s generous gifts.

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Prayer for Peace

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 42:1–9

Optional: Reverently ring a chime or bell three times.

Statement

Long nights can feel oppressive. So can poverty, injustice, illness, and isolation. When discouraged, we find peace in words of comfort and promise.

Light the peace candle.

Today’s prayer for peace is offered through music ministry: “When the Darkness Overwhelms Us” CCS 314. Let the words challenge and comfort. If streaming, secure permission. Alternatively, have the text read with quiet solo accompaniment. Add an Amen.

Prayer

Ministry of Music OR Reading: “When the Darkness Overwhelms Us” CCS 314

Message

Based on Isaiah 42:1–9

Focus Moment — Part 2

Invite volunteers to place additional footprints leading to the exit doors while CCS 95 is sung. Online: invite people to arrange footprints toward their front door.

Today’s theme mirrors the closing hymn CCS 95, “We Are Marching in the Light of God.” From Isaiah 42:5–6: Read scripture.

We walk with God’s creation and hear the prophetic call to be a light to the nations.

Picture Jesus walking with purpose to the Jordan to meet John, beginning a faithful journey of ministry and witness.

Please stand as able and sing CCS 95 in all languages. Let us symbolically march in the light of God on our faith journeys.

Hymn of Marching in God’s Light

“Siyahamb’ Ekukhanyen’ Kwenkhos’ / We Are Marching in the Light of God” CCS 95

Because this hymn is foundational to the service, encourage multilingual singing. If unfamiliar, sing along with the CCS audio recording. Consider drumming and percussion, and simple motion actions.

Ask the congregation to remain after the Sending Forth scripture for directions.

Sending Forth

Doctrine and Covenants 152:4a, d

Walk in the light of God! Go in peace.

Postlude Reprise: “We Are Marching in the Light of God” CCS 95

Invite people to leave following the footprint path while the music is played again. Online: invite people to follow their footprints to the front door.

Sacred Space: Small-Group Worship Outline #

Gathering

Welcome

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly. Light the peace candle.

Guided prayer with silent pauses: Breathe peace into our frenzied souls; breathe reconciliation into our relationships; breathe healing into nations; breathe renewal into Earth’s wounded systems. May our breathing connect us to you and to all you love. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Walking in the Light

Invite silence and visualization of a path of light. After each line, pause ~15 seconds:

May my loved ones be embraced in God’s light.

May my family walk in the light of Christ.

May my friends receive the gift of love and light.

May my acquaintances sense the presence of light through our interactions.

May the one with whom I am in conflict be surrounded by the light of Christ.

May my community be blessed by the eternal light of God’s love and grace.

Amen.

Invite brief sharing.

Sharing Around the Table

Isaiah 42:1–9 NRSVue (gender‑inclusive adaptations)

[Read the passage.]

Reflection: The first Servant Song asks, who is the servant? Isaiah voices a call and characteristics from God’s perspective. Christians hear Jesus’s baptismal “delight” language echoed here. At times “my servant” refers to Israel, suggesting a communal call. God’s Spirit empowers gentle, persistent justice and teaching. The servant is “a light to the nations,” opening eyes and freeing those in darkness. God distinguishes former things from “new things” now declared.

Questions

  1. What images arise when God declares “new things” to come?
  2. How does the passage feel if the servant is Isaiah? Jesus? Us?
  3. What qualities of justice align with “a bruised reed they will not break, and a dimly burning wick they will not quench”?

Sending

Generosity Statement

Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint.

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:9

Offering basket is available for ongoing small‑group ministries. Prayer:

Revealing God, may generosity flow from your boundless grace and unending love. Shape our response into humble service. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

CCS 442, “When Jesus Came to Jordan”

Closing Prayer


Optional Additions Depending on Group

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Communion Scripture

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 NRSVue

Communion Statement

All are welcome at Christ’s table. Communion remembers Jesus’s life, death, resurrection, and presence. In Community of Christ, it renews our baptismal covenant and forms disciples for mission. Receive it as blessing, healing, peace, and community. In preparation, sing CCS 520, “God Extends an Invitation.”

Bless and serve bread and wine.

Thoughts for Children

On this first Sunday after Epiphany, we remember Jesus’s baptism by John—an important step in Jesus’s life and ministry. Today, people are baptized when old enough to choose to follow Jesus’s example, walking in his footsteps of love.

Game: Follow the Leader around the room; then discuss what following Jesus’s footsteps looks like. What did Jesus do? How can we do those things? Close by thanking children and returning to seats.

Sermon Helps #

Exploring the Scripture

Epiphany celebrates God’s revelation to humanity—from Magi to Jesus’s baptism—and Isaiah’s witness to God’s servant. The first Servant Song (Isaiah 42:1–9) identifies God’s chosen servant as beloved; delight is essential to covenant. The Spirit endows the servant with quiet, persistent justice and teaching. God is Creator who gives breath, calls, guides, protects, and declares “new things” before they arise. The servant’s mission—light for the nations, opening eyes, freeing captives—echoes Isaiah 61 and Jesus’s mission in Luke 4. Israel’s mission becomes Christ’s mission; now it is ours.

Central Ideas

  1. God calls us chosen and delights in us. Baptism affirms this covenant.
  2. God is revealed as Caller, Guide, Protector, Healer, and Just.
  3. God’s mission of justice and peace became Christ’s mission; it is now our mission.

Questions for the Speaker

  1. How have you—or your congregation—experienced the call to be servants?
  2. How is God as Creator of “former” and “new” things revealed in your life?
  3. How are you living your baptismal promise as covenant and servant ministry?
  4. How well are we carrying out Christ’s mission that is our mission?

Lessons #

Adult Lesson #

Focus Scripture Passage

Isaiah 42:1–9

Lesson Focus

Personal calling and justice; Jesus’s baptism

Objectives

The learners will…

  • explore Isaiah 42 as prophecy pointing to Jesus,
  • discuss calling in today’s church,
  • consider why this text informs Jesus’s baptism by John.

Supplies

  • Paper and pens
  • Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Ed.
  • Bible
  • Community of Christ Sings (CCS)

Notes to Teacher

Read “Exploring the Scripture” for Isaiah 42:1–9 (Year A: Old Testament), pp. 34–35.

Gather

15% of time

Invite one or two testimonies of calling to priesthood or other ministries. Note similarities, differences, and stages. Pray.

Engage

35% of time

Discuss assigned portions (or whole passage). Connect to testimonies. Discuss “calling” via Isaiah 42:9’s “new things” and what passes away. Read Matthew 3:13–17 and explore how Isaiah 42 illumines “fulfill all righteousness.”

Respond

35% of time

Mission Initiative: Pursue Peace on (and for the) Earth. Re‑read Isaiah 42:1–9, noting justice themes.

  • How does justice in this passage relate to Peace on/for Earth?
  • What justice does the prophecy expect of God’s Servant?
  • Where do you see this justice today?
  • What role can you play in local peace and justice?

Send

10% of time

What injustice has God placed on your heart? Identify a first step and research needs and partners. Set time this week to explore.

Bless

5% of time

Sing “Seek Ye First” CCS 599. Offer a blessing for those pursuing peace on and for the Earth.

Youth Lesson #

Focus Scripture Passage

Isaiah 42:1–9

Lesson Focus

Called to serve God!

Objectives

The learners will…

  • reflect on gifts, talents, and skills,
  • uncover hope in Isaiah’s words,
  • create commitment statements to serve family, school, and community.

Supplies

  • Paper and pens
  • “Paper Chains” handout (per student)
  • Scissors and staplers
  • Index cards
  • Bible; Community of Christ Sings (CCS)

Notes to Teacher

Read “Exploring the Scripture” for Isaiah 42:1–9 (Year A), pp. 34–35.

Gather

15% of time

Write personal gifts/skills; exchange papers; share observations (repeated responses, blessings experienced).

Engage

35% of time

Introduce Epiphany and Isaiah’s exilic context. Read Isaiah 42:1–9 (twice). Identify hopeful words. Explain servant as Israel called to carry God’s justice and hope; discern relevance today.

Ask: What is the servant’s responsibility and how is it accomplished? How can you serve God’s mission?

Respond

35% of time

Create a personal “paper chain” of gifts. Exchange strips so everyone contributes to everyone’s chain. Assemble chains as a sign of sacred diversity and communal bond.

Send

10% of time

Define “servant leadership.” Brainstorm exemplars (e.g., MLK Jr., Gandhi, Jesus, Mother Teresa, local mentors). Write a simple commitment statement on an index card; keep and track completions this week.

Bless

5% of time

Sing “Make Me a Servant” CCS 597.

Children’s Lesson #

Focus Scripture Passage

Isaiah 42:1–9

Lesson Focus

Serve God with your heart, words, and actions.

Objectives

The learners will…

  • understand what it means to be God’s servant,
  • sketch a mental image of the text,
  • visualize service with a “Who, Why, How, What” chart,
  • pray a simple body prayer of commitment.

Supplies

  • Chart paper/poster and markers
  • Ball or shuttlecock (to illustrate “serve” over a net)
  • Serving tray or towel (to illustrate restaurant “server”)
  • Bible or Lectionary Story Bible, Year A (Milton/Kyle)
  • White paper (one per child) and pencils
  • “Pictures for the Who/Why/How/What Chart” (cut apart)
  • Glue/tape
  • Book: One Smile (McKinley/Byrne), or an apple with knife and towel
  • Community of Christ Sings (CCS)
  • Optional: calendar

Notes to Teacher

Read “Exploring the Scripture” for Isaiah 42:1–9 (Year A), pp. 34–35. Prep the chart (hidden until use).

Gather

15% of time

Playful misdirection on “servant” (sports serve, restaurant server, then clarify God’s servant of love and generosity, honoring everyone’s worth).

Engage

35% of time

Older: explain Epiphany timeline and focus. Younger: show Isaiah illustration (story Bible). Define “justice” simply: doing what is right or deserved. Do a three‑read quick‑sketch of a paraphrased “Servant Poem” (Isaiah 42:1–9). Share sketches.

Being a Servant of God

Invite visualization of oneself as a servant. Reveal chart.

Who? Write “YOU!”

Why? Younger: “God needs us and we love God.” Older: “God needs us to bring justice and light.” Discuss.

Respond

35% of time

How? Attach heart icon. Serve humbly and with love. Attach mouth icon; brainstorm servant words (invite to play, stop unkindness, write notes, etc.). Attach hands icon; brainstorm servant actions (help neighbors, donate, listen, etc.).

What? Read One Smile or do the apple/seed illustration (finite seeds, infinite apples) to show unseen impact. Discuss: “We will never know how many people we touch when we serve God”—not our motive, but a hopeful result.

Send

10% of time

Body prayer (call and echo): with heart, words, actions; trust God’s promise; “I am ready to be your servant.”

Bless

5% of time

Sing “Make Me a Servant” CCS 597.

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