Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Sermon Text: Isaiah 6:1-8

Other readings: Romans 10:13-17 and Luke 5:1-11

 

  1. Review Isaiah 6:1-8. What similarities and differences does the artist’s rendition below have with those verses?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Link to image)

 

  1. The Gospel reading is Luke 5:1-11. How are Peter and Isaiah’s reactions similar? What task are they both given?
     
  2. God sent Isaiah directly. In our Second Lesson from Romans 10:13-17, Paul does not envision preachers suddenly feeling “called” into ministry in God’s church. How do pastors in the New Testament church start preaching?
     
  3. Have you / did you ever considered public ministry as a pastor, teacher, or staff minister in the church? What are some unique privileges that come with public ministry?



 

 


 

  1. There is plenty to point out on both sides. Noticeably missing is the train of God’s robe and his throne.
     
  2. Both Peter and Isaiah clearly confessed to God their total sinfulness. Both Peter and Isaiah were called to publicly proclaim God’s Word to people. In many ways, they were to be like pastors.
     
  3. Pastors are sent. God gives a group of believers the ability and authority to call pastors to serve them publicly with law and gospel.
     
  4. Answers will vary for the first question. There are many unique privileges in ministry, but this is the best one: you get many chances to be like the angel to Isaiah! When people are worried about their sins, you get to comfort them with this gospel message, “God has taken away your guilt; your sin is atoned for.”