The Unfinished Masterpiece

Happy Epiphany!

The term "Epiphany" in a biblical context refers to the manifestation or revelation of something previously hidden or unknown. While the word "Epiphany" itself may not appear in the Bible, the concept is found in various biblical passages, especially in the New Testament. In Christian tradition, the term "Epiphany" is closely associated with the celebration of the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world, particularly to the Gentiles, as symbolized by the visit of the Magi (Wise Men) to the infant Jesus.

There are three primary biblical events associated with the Epiphany:

1. The Visit of the Magi (Wise Men): This is the most well-known event connected to the Epiphany. In Matthew 2:1-12, we read about the Magi who came from the East, following a star, to worship the newborn Jesus. Their arrival symbolizes the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles and the recognition of Jesus as the King of kings.

2. The Baptism of Jesus: In Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, and Luke 3:21-22, the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist is seen as an epiphanic moment. At Jesus' baptism, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven proclaims, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased." This event marks the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah to the world.

3. The Wedding at Cana: In John 2:1-11, the account of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana is seen as an epiphany. This miracle reveals Jesus' divine power and glory, as well as His mission to bring joy and abundance to those who believe in Him.

In essence, the biblical definition of Epiphany encompasses the idea of a significant and profound revelation or manifestation of God's presence, glory, and purpose in the person of Jesus Christ. It is a celebration of the moment when the identity and mission of Jesus are made known to a wider audience, beyond the confines of His immediate family and followers. Epiphany emphasizes that Jesus came not only for a particular group but for all people, Jew and Gentile alike, and that His message of salvation is meant to be shared with the world.

I’d like to tell you a parable (a story) that encompasses this idea of Epiphany (revelation or manifestation of God's presence, glory, and purpose in the person of Jesus Christ) in our own lives.

Sermon Illustration: "The Unfinished Painting"

In a bustling city, there lived a group of friends who shared a passion for art. Every week, they gathered in a cozy studio to create beautiful paintings of all kinds.

One sunny afternoon, as they sat around a table covered in paintbrushes and canvases, they noticed something intriguing. In the center of the room stood an unfinished painting unlike any they had seen before. It depicted a captivating cityscape, but the canvas was missing some details, and the colors were scattered chaotically.

As they contemplated the painting, a retired art teacher from the neighborhood walked in. She had heard about their curiosity and decided to offer her perspective. With a warm smile, she said, "Dear friends, this painting symbolizes the journey of our lives. Just as it remains incomplete, so do we. But that doesn't mean we're not good enough."

The friends leaned in, eager to hear more. "You see," she continued, "each element of this painting represents a moment in our lives—a challenge, a triumph, or a lesson learned. Some parts are vibrant and vivid, while others are darker and more complex. Some blend seamlessly, while others clash in unexpected ways. But it's the sum of these elements that makes the painting beautiful, just as it's the culmination of our experiences that shapes who we are."

She picked up a paintbrush and held it up for all to see. "This brush, much like us, is not perfect. It has bristles that fray and a handle that's worn. Yet, when it's used to add its touch to the canvas, it becomes an integral part of the whole, contributing to the overall masterpiece."

The friends nodded in agreement and began to work on the painting together. They realized that it wasn't about having all the right strokes or being flawless. It was about embracing the imperfections of the painting and recognizing with time and faithfulness it would be complete. With each stroke, the cityscape on the canvas came into focus, and it was more beautiful than they had ever imagined.

In the end, they understood that life, like the unfinished painting, is a journey of growth, learning, and becoming. None of them were complete, but together, they created something beautiful. They learned that being good enough meant accepting their flaws and realizing they were an essential part of the greater masterpiece of life.