The readings for the second Sunday after the Epiphany are taken from Isaiah 49:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; and John 1:29-42.
The physics are simple: the Word of God comes to us and draws us along so that we follow. Isaiah has much to reveal about the promised Savior. He is the Redeemer of all people, Gentiles as well as Jews. From His mouth comes words that are like a sharp, two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). He is the Seed of Abraham and the true Israel who will bring all people out of our captivity to sin, death, and the devil.
Paul made apparent in 1 Corinthians that the word “church” means three things: set apart, called, and those who call on the name of the Lord. Calling on the name of the Lord means remaining in His Word, and thus enriched in every way, you have the testimony of Christ confirmed in you, and thus you are confirmed to the end. The sacrament of Baptism is not the beginning of our Christian life, but the confirmation of that life which the Word and Spirit of God have been working in us already (John 3:1-9).
John revealed how Jesus was unknown, even to John, until He was revealed to Israel via Baptism and the Holy Spirit. Disciples followed and asked where Jesus was staying. Jesus’ command to these followers is universal and enduring: “Come and see.”