Sermon Brainwave 1064: Second Sunday after Epiphany - January 18, 2026

Join hosts Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson for Sermon Brainwave as they explore the readings for the Second Sunday after Epiphany (January 18, 2026).

This episode examines how John the Baptist serves as the primary witness to Jesus' identity in John's Gospel, highlighting the importance of testimony and discipleship.

The hosts dive deep into John 1:29-42, examining how John the Baptist functions not as the one who baptizes Jesus, but as the testifier and witness to who Jesus is. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels where Jesus performs signs before people follow him, in John's Gospel, people are drawn to Jesus simply because of who he is—revealed through testimony. The conversation explores the significance of the "Lamb of God" title, connecting it to Passover imagery and God's provision and protection throughout Israel's history.

The hosts discuss how this passage invites contemporary disciples to consider: What have you seen? What will you see? And to whom will you testify? They emphasize that in John's Gospel, revelation comes not primarily through divine acts but through Jesus' identity being witnessed to and shared among people. The episode also explores translation challenges in Psalm 40's opening ("I waited and waited") and the communal nature of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians.

This is the first of four consecutive weeks featuring readings from 1 Corinthians, offering preachers an opportunity to develop a thematic series during this short Epiphany season (only four Sundays this year).