Bible Study Guide
For Wednesday Bible Study (Leader Absent)
Sunday: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
Lectionary: 64
This session follows a "loose lectio" format:
Read the passage aloud slowly.
Sit in silence for 2–3 minutes.
Invite participants to share words, images, or movements of the text that stood out.
Use the guiding questions as needed—not all must be answered.
First Reading
Isaiah 49:3, 5–6
The LORD said to me: You are my servant,
Israel, through whom I show my glory.
Now the LORD has spoken
who formed me as his servant from the womb,
that Jacob may be brought back to him
and Israel gathered to him;
and I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD,
and my God is now my strength!It is too little, the LORD says, for you to be my servant,
to raise up the tribes of Jacob,
and restore the survivors of Israel;
I will make you a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
Expository Notes
This is the Second Servant Song from Isaiah, traditionally read both of Israel and prophetically of Christ.
God’s servant is chosen from the womb, emphasizing divine initiative rather than human achievement.
The mission expands outward: restoration of Israel is not enough—God’s salvation is destined for all nations.
The servant reveals God’s glory not through dominance, but through obedience and mission.
Guiding Questions
What word, phrase, or image stays with you after hearing this reading?
How does God describe the identity and mission of His servant?
Why do you think God says restoring Israel alone is “too little”?
Where do you sense God calling His light to reach beyond familiar boundaries today?
Gospel
John 1:29–34
John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel.”John testified further, saying,
“I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven
and remain upon him.
I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,
‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,
he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
Expository Notes
John identifies Jesus publicly, not as teacher or miracle-worker, but as the Lamb of God.
The title points toward sacrifice, Passover, and the removal of sin.
As in Isaiah, the focus is not self-promotion but being made known by God’s action.
The descent and remaining of the Spirit reveals Jesus’ unique identity and mission.
Guiding Questions
What strikes you about how John speaks of Jesus?
Why do you think the image of a “lamb” is used here?
What does it mean that the Spirit “remained” on Jesus?
How does this Gospel fulfill the mission described in Isaiah?
Linking the Readings (Optional Reflection)
Isaiah speaks of a servant who will be a light to the nations.
John points to Jesus as the one through whom that light is revealed.
The servant’s mission is fulfilled not through power, but through self-gift.
Closing Prayer (Optional)
Lord Jesus,
You are the Servant and the Lamb,
chosen from before time
and revealed for the salvation of the world.
Open our eyes to recognize You,
our hearts to receive Your light,
and our lives to bear witness to You.
Amen.