The Good News of Epiphany – January 30, 2026
Read: Matthew 4:12-23
Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 (EHV)
The Good News of Epiphany
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Each year has its own seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Which is your favorite?
Each church year has its own seasons, too. We just finished the Christmas season, where we celebrate Jesus’ birth. Now we’re in the Epiphany season (say it like this: ee-PIH-fuh-nee). Epiphany is an old word. It means “to show” or “to be made known.” It can also mean a big “aha!” moment—when something suddenly makes sense. People long ago used it to talk about the moment one of their gods appeared.
That helps us understand the church season of Epiphany. During Epiphany, God shows us who Jesus really is. Jesus is not just a baby in a manger. He is God’s Son, sent to save the world.
The Bible tells us that Jesus traveled through Galilee, just like the prophet Isaiah said he would hundreds of years earlier. He taught in synagogues (that’s like a Jewish church). And what did Jesus teach? He taught “the good news of the kingdom.” That means God loves sinners, forgives them, and welcomes them into his family. Anyone who is sorry for their sin and trusts in Jesus belongs to God’s kingdom.
Jesus didn’t just say these things—he showed them. He healed sick people. He made blind people see and hurting people well again. The Bible says he healed “every disease and sickness.” Only God can do that. So Jesus clearly showed who he was.
And yet . . . some people still did not believe him. They saw the miracles. They heard his words. But they still said no. Before we wonder how they could do that, we should think about ourselves. You believe in Jesus. You know who he is. But sometimes we don’t act like it.
Jesus told people the good news everywhere he went—but sometimes we stay quiet about our faith. Jesus helped people who were hurting—but sometimes we don’t want to help when it’s inconvenient. When that happens, we deny Jesus with our actions. So here’s the big question: Will Jesus deny us? No! That’s the good news of Epiphany. Jesus, the Son of God, appeared to forgive sinners—people like us. If you trust in him, you are forgiven.
Now God gives you a special job: May people who see you have their own “epiphany.” May they see Jesus’ love, kindness, and forgiveness shining through you.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for sending your Son to appear to us. May we be a mirror that reflects his love and forgiveness. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Why are you happy that Jesus came to earth?
- If you could talk to Jesus face-to-face, what would you want to say to him?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What does epiphany mean? (Try explaining it in your own words.)
- What are some ways Jesus showed that he is the Son of God? (Think about miracles, teaching, forgiveness, resurrection.)
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why do you think some people still rejected Jesus, even after seeing miracles?
- Why is it important for the church to celebrate the Epiphany?
