Gospel Lesson Plans
Epiphany means several things: a gift is received; the gift must be shared. Jesus appears to be suggesting a rhythm, a balance to our lives. We go inward to be with God, to receive; we go out in the world to share what we have been given – still with God. We are called to balance the pouring out of our love with the resting in God. We are called to heal by just showing up, by laying on hands, by sharing what we have. This good news that was for the few people who heard it up close and personal is ours because they reached out and shared it. It will belong to those who have not yet heard, if we accept our call to share the story by how we live out our lives and as St. Francis said, “with words, if necessary.”
Old Testament Lesson Plans
The Sundays after Epiphany contain stories that show forth the divinity of Jesus and the great power of God. We hear miracles, teachings, and events that make manifest God’s saving action in the world. We begin at the beginning: Genesis and the creation of the world. Then we hear stories of the prophets God called to tell the world of God’s goodness and mercy and often of the people’s need for repentance.We hear stories of healing, of promise, and of hope. We come to know that we are part of a long history of God’s love and redemption. We consider how we might share this good news with others.
Note: there are also special lesson plans for the first four Sundays after Epiphany, that were written by Episcopal Migration Ministries.
| Year B | Scripture | Gospel Lesson Plan | Old Testament |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baptism of the Lord | Genesis 1:1-5 Mark 1:4-11 | Receiving the Gift and Offering the Gift | Light and Dark |
| Second Sunday after the Epiphany | 1 Samuel 3:1-10,(11-20) John 1:43-51 | Come and See | The Call of Samuel |
| Third Sunday after the Epiphany | Jonah 3:1-5,10 Mark 1:14-20 | Follow Me | Jonah Brings the Word of God |
| Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany | Deuteronomy 18:15-20 Mark 1:21-28 | Who is this Jesus? | The Prophet of God |
| Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany | Isaiah 40:21-31 Mark 1:29-39 | Prayer and Action | The Lord is Everlasting |
| Last Sunday after the Epiphany | 2 Kings 2:1-12 Mark 9:2-9 | Epiphanies | Elijah and Elisha |