13th Disciple

What are we about?

13th Disciple is a men’s Bible study for Christian men who want to grow in faith, brotherhood, and authenticity. We meet weekly at local bars and restaurants around town to share food, drinks,  Scripture, and real conversation about what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life.

Rooted in ELCA Lutheran theology, our discussions focus on grace, community, and living out faith through courage and service. Each study is designed for men of all ages and backgrounds—whether you’re new to the Bible or a lifelong believer.

Expect honest talk, laughter, prayer, and encouragement to live boldly as Christian men in today’s world. 

Join us for fellowship, good conversation, and a faith that meets real life.

  Readings for Thursday January 15th 2026

Second Sunday after Epiphany

13th Disciple

Theme: Called, Claimed, and Sent 

Texts: Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42

Welcome/Warm-up Question: What’s a label or role you’ve carried in life—good or bad—that shaped how you saw yourself? 

(Work, family, church, failure, success, etc.)

1. 🕰️Historical & Literary Context: What do we need to know about the original setting?

Isaiah 49:1-7

• Part of Second Isaiah (Isaiah 40–55), written during Israel’s exile in Babylon (6th century BC).

• The people feel defeated, displaced, and forgotten—politically powerless and spiritually discouraged.

• This passage introduces the Servant of the Lord, called before birth and sent not only to Israel but to the nations.

• Economically and socially, Israel is dependent and humiliated—this is a promise spoken into weakness, not strength.

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

• Written by Paul around AD 53–55 to a divided church in Corinth, a wealthy, morally complex port city.

• The church struggles with status, leadership rivalries, and identity.

• Paul opens not with correction, but with grace and gratitude, grounding their identity in what God has already done.

• This sets the tone for the whole letter: God’s faithfulness, not human achievement.

John 1:29-42

• The Gospel of John, traditionally attributed to the apostle John, written late in the 1st century.

• John the Baptist points away from himself toward Jesus—witness over self-promotion.

• The language echoes Passover imagery (Lamb of God), connecting Jesus to liberation and sacrifice.

• This section transitions from testimony to invitation: disciples begin following Jesus not because they understand everything, but because they are called.

2. 📖Read the Passage Aloud 

• Isaiah 49:1-7       1 Corinthians 1:1-9       John 1:29-42

3. 👀Observation: What words or phrases stand out?

4. ⚖️ Law and Gospel — What challenge is here? What comfort?

5. ✝️ Christ Connection — How does this text connect to Jesus?

6. ⛪ Today’s Church — How does this shape us as a community?

7. 💬Real Life for Christian Men: What’s one step you can take this week to live out your faith more boldly or authentically as a Christian man?

8. 🙏 Prayer

13th Disciple Weekly Bible Lesson Archive

• Week of Sunday June 15th 2025 (1st Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

• Week of Sunday June 22nd 2025 (2nd Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

• Week of Sunday June 29th 2025 (3rd Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

• Week of Sunday July 6th 2025 (4th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

• Week of Sunday July 13th 2025 (5th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday July 20th 2025 (6th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday July 27th 2025 (7th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday August 3rd 2025 (8th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday August 10th 2025 (9th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday August 17th 2025 (10th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday August 24th 2025 (11th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday September 7th 2025 (13th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday September 14th 2025 (14th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday September 21st 2025 (15th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday September 28 2025 (16th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday October 5th 2025 (17th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday October 12th 2025 (17th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Thursday October 16th 2025 (18th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Thursday October 26th 2025 (Reformation Sunday) NO STUDY

•  Week of Thursday October 30th 2025 (All Saints Sunday) PDF Version

•  Week of Thursday November 6th 2025 (22nd Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Thursday November 13th 2025 (23rd Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Thursday November 20th 2025 (23rd Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Thursday November 27th 2025 (First Sunday in Advent) NO STUDY

•  Week of Thursday December 4th 2025 (Second Sunday in Advent) PDF Version 

•  Week of Thursday December 11th 2025 (Third Sunday in Advent) PDF Version 

•  Week of Thursday December 11th 2025 (Fourth Sunday in Advent) PDF Version 

•  Week of Thursday January 8th 2026 (First Sunday after Epiphany) PDF Version 

•  Week of Thursday January 15th 2026 (Second Sunday after Epiphany) PDF Version 

•  Week of Thursday January 22nd 2026 (Third Sunday after Epiphany) PDF Version 

•  Week of Thursday January 29th 2026 (Fourth Sunday after Epiphany) PDF Version 

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2025-2026 Season Meeting Dates and Locations (UPDATED)