Easter 6 Series A study notes

 Acts 17:16–31

1 Peter 3:13–22

John 14:15–21

The Lord Jesus Comforts Us with the Preaching of His Resurrection

“The God who … gives to all mankind life and breath and everything” (Acts 17:24–25) wants all people to seek Him that they might “feel their way toward him and find him” (Acts 17:27). But in our sinful ignorance, we humans turn instead to idols “formed by the art and imagination of man” (Acts 17:29). Therefore, God appointed the Man of Righteousness, Jesus Christ, and “has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). Because He lives, we also live (John 14:19) in His forgiveness, and thus we love Him and keep His commandments (John 14:15). While the risen Lord prepares us for His ascension, He will not leave us “as orphans” (John 14:18), but He gives “another Helper,” the Holy Spirit, to be with us forever (John 14:16) through the preaching of “Jesus and the resurrection” (Acts 17:18). Because He “suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous” (1 Peter 3:18), we “honor Christ the Lord as holy” and are always “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks” for the reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15). Our Baptism “now saves” us “as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21).

John 14:15–21

Jesus promises the Holy Spirit

15 Ἐὰν ἀγαπᾶτέ με, τὰς ἐντολὰς τὰς ἐμὰς τηρήσετε·

 If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 

16 κἀγὼ ἐρωτήσω τὸν πατέρα καὶ ἄλλον παράκλητον δώσει ὑμῖν ἵνα ᾖ μεθ’ ὑμῶν εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, 

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,[a] to be with you forever,

Παράκλητον- Advocate, or Counselor; see also 14:26; 15:26; 16:7 

17 τὸ πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας, ὃ ὁ κόσμος οὐ δύναται λαβεῖν, ὅτι οὐ θεωρεῖ αὐτὸ οὐδὲ γινώσκει· ὑμεῖς γινώσκετε αὐτό, ὅτι παρ’ ὑμῖν μένει καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν ἔσται.

even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

18 Οὐκ ἀφήσω ὑμᾶς ὀρφανούς, ἔρχομαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς.

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 

19 ἔτι μικρὸν καὶ ὁ κόσμος με οὐκέτι θεωρεῖ, ὑμεῖς δὲ θεωρεῖτέ με, ὅτι ἐγὼ ζῶ καὶ ὑμεῖς ζήσετε.

Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 

20 ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ [h]γνώσεσθε ὑμεῖς ὅτι ἐγὼ ἐν τῷ πατρί μου καὶ ὑμεῖς ἐν ἐμοὶ κἀγὼ ἐν ὑμῖν.

In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 

21 ὁ ἔχων τὰς ἐντολάς μου καὶ τηρῶν αὐτὰς ἐκεῖνός ἐστιν ὁ ἀγαπῶν με· ὁ δὲ ἀγαπῶν με ἀγαπηθήσεται ὑπὸ τοῦ πατρός μου, κἀγὼ ἀγαπήσω αὐτὸν καὶ ἐμφανίσω αὐτῷ ἐμαυτόν.

Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

-The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

-ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

-Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘The Resurrection of our Lord’© WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

-LCMS Lectionary notes © 2018

-Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing

Saturday prior to Ester 5

[1]

John 6:32-35 – is the inspiration for the hymn “At the Lambs High Feast we Sing“{LSB 633}. The manna, which came from heaven, was from God. The Father still “gives” the true bread from heaven, which is life through His Son Jesus Christ. Who is this bread of heaven? Jesus answers for us in Vs. 35 “I am” the bread of heaven.

The disciples were encouraged to take a Siesta to “rest for a while” And in that rest the disciples were strengthened for the journey and their work. Where do you find this rest?  You are do what the great physician describes today this very hour as you are taking time from your busy schedule and hurried lives to spend time with the Savior.

The body can literally shut down if it is not give rest. Man was created to be constantly on the go with any time set aside for rest. At creation the Lord established the 7th day for rest and reflection.

You are doing this each time you come to His meal. You are doing this each time you come to Bible class and in your prayer and devotional times. With the focus on the Savior you will be rejuvenated to continue on in the life and plan the Savior has for you. This is why you come to worship services; to reflect on the mercies and blessings the Savior has given to you. And what are these blessings? Forgiveness, life, salvation.  Restrictions are being lifted so we can soon worship together. When you have that opportunity take advantage of gathering around Christ’s gifts of life and salvation.

There is forgiveness in Jesus Christ. All sin is forgotten and forgiven period! As the Savior traveled to the cross and rose from the sealed tomb He has won for us complete and total forgiveness from all our sin.

He gives us life. Life to be lived in eternity but also life which starts now! Because we are forgiven we are given the opportunity to live abundant and transformed lives. A forgiven life is what He gives us – living our lives blessing and forgiving others is our gift back to Him.

He gives us salvation. That’s nothing more than receiving the gifts of God with thanksgiving with thankful hearts we bless and worship God. 

This world will continue to be filled with its own agendas, plans schedules and programs. When it appears that life has got you stressed to the limit when you can be stretch no further take a time out to be with the Savior. As your great physician He has written you this prescription; “Come unto Me all ye that are weary and heavy ladened and I will give thee rest. Take my yoke and learn from Me for I am gentle and humble in heart for my yoke is easy and burden is light.”

Heavenly Father, though we do not deserve Your goodness Your still provide for all of our needs of body and soul. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we might acknowledge Your gifts, give thanks for all Your benefits and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ our Lord. [2]

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[1] Te Deum copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Collect for Proper 11 Series B, Lutheran Service Book copyright © Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis 

 

Friday prior to Ester 5

[1]

– Psalm 31 – This Psalm is a prayer when confronted by a conspiracy so powerful and open that all David’s friends abandoned him. According to Luke 23:46, Jesus applied verse 5 “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” to His own circumstance. Those who share in His sufferings at the hands of all sorts of forces are encouraged to hear and use this psalm in light of what Jesus has endured for us. Notice that Jesus dismisses His own spirit.

Jesus' death is different from any other.

“The wages of sin is death” - the Bible tells us. Each man must die as a result of sin. We will face death because of our common corrupt nature - found in every person who has ever taken the breath of life. Jesus' death is different, as He never sinned.

The Bible further tells us; "It is appointed for man once to die and after this comes judgment" We will face the judgment seat of God once we die. There will be a day or reckoning for every soul upon this earth. Again, not so with Jesus. His was a perfect sacrifice. As He was innocent and yet charged and judged. Yet He bore our punishment for us - that His sentencing might be sufficient for the sin of the entire world.

Jesus' death is absolutely voluntary - no one else- including His enemies or the devil himself -can take His life from Him. The death of Jesus is a supreme sacrifice. Jesus tells us plainly, "No one takes My life from Me - I lay it down and I take it up again."

Jesus dismisses His life voluntarily. He does it of His own will. This selfless act is necessary and essential to your salvation.

It had to be voluntary for God to be just. There is an element of justice with God. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a life for a life. Each sin must be dealt with. Total payment must be made. The debt for sin must be paid. Jesus Christ by His voluntary death paid the ultimate price for sin.

 

It had to be voluntary for God to be God. People can't kill God. We can ignore Him. We can defy Him. We can abandon and disown Him. But we can't kill Him. The devil thought in his heart of hearts that he had killed the Lord of life. Not so! Remember those words of Jesus, "No one takes My life from Me - I lay it down and I take it up again.” That's why Jesus could pray "Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit."

It had to be voluntary to display fully His love. The death of Jesus was not a selfish act. It was a labor o life to demonstrate fully His love for us. Jesus says in John chapter three: "God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life."

See what manner of love the Farther has for us that we might be the children of God. As the Son has given up His life for you now you are free and your sins they are no more!

Merciful Father, Your patience and loving-kindness  toward us has no end. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may always think and do those things which are pleasing in Your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord.[2]

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[1] The Crucifixion copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Collect for Proper 22 Series B, Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

Thursday prior to Ester 5

[1]

 Jesus said, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” – John 14:6

We never want to lose sight of Easter. Because every Sunday is a celebration of The Resurrection. Because Christ lives, He is the way, truth and life.

Your life in Christ is always in the present.  In light of Easter Jesus is our only way to the Father. After all, what other man has ever returned from the dead?

Only when we do the Jesus truth, in the Jesus way, do we get the Jesus life.

For without the way. There is no going. Without the truth. There is no knowing. Without the life. There is no living.

Without the way. There is no going.  Hold onto this promise. "I am the way." Jesus won't let you down now. 'I am the Way.' In Him you see the Father. In Him you will meet God. His teachings will guide your feet. His presence will sustain your spirit. In all the twists and turns your future path may take, hold fast to Jesus, He is the Way.

"In my Father's house are many dwelling places."- John14:2 Jesus said, “I am the Way.”

"I go to prepare a place for you." -John14:3 Jesus said, “I am the Way.”

"I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also," –John 14:3 Jesus said, “I am the Way.”

"If you know me, you will know my Father also." -John14:7 Jesus said, “I am the Way.”

"From now on you do know him and have seen him." -John14:7 Jesus said, “I am the Way.”

"Whoever has seen me has seen the Father." -John14:9 Jesus said, “I am the Way.”

Jesus is the Way. He is the truth. Without the truth. There is no knowing.

Jesus is the way for those who dwell in an abyss of misery, futility and pain.  Jesus is the way for those going through the motions. Jesus is the way for those who fear their questions are too basic. So bring your questions. Even your hardest questions to the God Jesus makes known.

 For this God can handle them. Indeed, this God wants them. And when you are next to your wits end. When your hearts are troubled. And your blood pressure is racing with anxiety -- look to Jesus, the one who preached God's mercy and taught God's love.   Who healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, and made the lame to walk. And then conquered death so that even the grave can no longer claim you. Because what you see in Jesus...this is what God looks like. This is who and what God is. Love, perfect love, for you, for all of us, and the whole world.

Jesus is the Way. He is the truth. He is the life. Without the life. There is no living.

The life you live is not your own. The life you live is rooted in Christ. "You are, for the sake of Christ, loved and treasured and of value in this world.  Apart from your perception. Another's evaluation. Or your own feelings or failures. It’s a reality that comes from outside of you, hanging there on the cross."[2]

This does not mean that we are free from suffering, failure or loss. We often fail and fail miserably. The stuff of self identity is the difference between the words "do" and "done".  In the words of John the Baptizer, "I must decrease. He must increase." The life you live is not your own. The life you live finds its identity in Jesus Christ.

St. Paul reminds us, "And since Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you." - Romans 8:10-11.

The life you live is not your own. The life you live finds its identity in Jesus Christ

O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.[3]

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[1] Baptized into Christ copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Pr. James Wetzstein, Chapel of the Resurrection, Valparaiso, IN  29 March 2014

[3] Collect for Easter 5, Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St., Louis

 

Wednesday prior to Easter 5

 

1 Peter 2:2-10 – God’s people are a chosen, holy people. As living stones. In a spiritual house. Christians are God’s people. Peter’s letter is considered a sermon to newly-baptized people. As newborn children, they now need spiritual milk until they grow into maturity. The new Christians are likened to living stones in a spiritual house with Jesus as the cornerstone holding them together. Again, they are likened to a spiritual priesthood, which offer spiritual sacrifices. These Christians are the new Israel; God’s chosen people, a holy nation, and a royal priesthood. Because they received God’s mercy in Christ, they have changed from a “nobody” to a “somebody.”

Peter is alluding to a verse from Isaiah 28:16, which Jesus interpreted to refer to himself (See Matthew 21:42).

This verse refers to Jesus as a living stone—an allusion to his resurrection—Christ is alive. The original readers of this letter—mostly Gentiles—had earlier worshiped idols made of inanimate stone—dead—lifeless—having no power to help them. They would surely understand the contrast between those dead idols and their living Christ.

Consider this irony. Peter, whom Jesus gave the Greek name ‘Petros,’ which means rock (Matthew 16:18), now speaks of Christ as a “living stone”—and, in the next verse, will speak of his readers as living stones. However, Peter uses a different word for rock here—the same word that Jesus used when talking about the stone that the builders rejected (Matthew 21:42; see also Acts 4:11).

“Rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, precious. “(v. 4b). Jesus was rejected, whose rejection led directly to Jesus’ cross. However, God the Father had chosen Jesus so “that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus was the Father’s “beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17; 17:5)—precious in the Father’s sight.  The Father now looks at you through the lens of Calvary’s cross.

“You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house“(v. 5a). By virtue of their  connection to Christ, these new Christians have also become living stones—suitable for incorporation into a spiritual house—God’s temple—Christ’s church.

So, what does this all mean? It means you have value importance and worth.  The temptation is to find your importance from within yourself – hence the term “self-worth,” coupled with, “my happiness,” “my truth,” ‘my journey.”  But the consequence can be worse if we see only failure and disappointment.  The Father determines and sees you as precious – more precious than gold. This is why the Savior redeemed you. That you might be His own and live under Him in His kingdom to serve Him in everlasting, innocence and blessedness.

The Father’s final attempt to create a new people is the church. With Noah, God made a new people. He tried again with Abraham. In Christ the Father makes a new people.  Notice the marks of this “new people,” created out of nothing; chosen, different –‘holy,’ commissioned as priests, to ‘declare the wonderful deeds of God. Your value is in the Father’s estimate of you.

Today, many suffer from self-depreciation. They have no respect for themselves. They feel of no account, – worthless. They consider themselves to be “nobodies.” Peter assures us that the Father made somebody out of a nobody. He grants mercy to you. He calls you through His gospel to be received by Him. He chooses you to serve – at this time and place.

Your sufficiency is in Christ. This makes you unique – a child of God – a somebody in this world.

Image: “All Saints,” copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Tuesday prior to Easter 5

 

Acts6:1-9, 7:2a, 51-60 –Today’s reflection is based on the first reading for this coming Sunday.

The apostolic church has problems of growth. The ministry was so busy that spiritual functions are being neglected. Just keeping up with the daily needs of this fledgling congregation was simply overwhelming. A number of members started complaining about some being neglected. The Greek-speaking widows were not given their share when the food supplies were handed out each day.

This was more than a simple criticism. Remember there were no social systems in place. There was no safety net. Neither was there any government programs promising a stimulus check or a bail out. Widows had no rights. When they were ignored they went without.

Jesus had already addressed this issue before.  Remember the incident in the temple as Jesus observed contributions being dropped into the collection box? (See Luke 21:1-3)  A poor widow gave two cents – all she had - as opposed to the “big bucks” and “generous contributions” of others.  She gave.  She had none other to support her.

There was a generous loophole at the time of Christ.  Children could contribute funds, designated for caring for their elderly parents, and assign them to charity. Thus, they would be free of any obligation of caring for their parents. Says Jesus, “Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift committed to God), he is no longer permitted to do anything for his father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by the tradition you have handed down.” – Mark 7:10-13

It doesn’t take a church program or a committee for you to act. Together we serve God and our neighbor. You have the opportunity to become the hands and feet the fingers and toes of Christ. When you see a need – meet it.

Do you know of someone who is isolated? Reach out to them. Are they in need of groceries? Make a delivery. Drop off a meal.  Do you have extra space in your garden? Zucchini green bean and summer squash grows in abundance!

Lives are being impacted by your compassion and care through your acts of generosity and kindness. True, no one can see a virus. Neither do others often see your charity. But it exists, all the same, in many tangible ways.   

This is your opportunity – to be a sermon in shoes. The story of the 1^st Century Church in today’s lesson is that the church responded to a great need. This is your occasion to serve.  Thank you for your service. As the Savior has said, “‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ – Matthew 25:40

Remember - God loves to use weak and insignificant people to do great things for the Gospel. “The word of God increased and the number of disciples multiplied.” V. 7 The point of the lesson is simple. God’s people believe the gospel and they responded.

Lift High the Cross copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Monday prior to Easter 5

 

Psalm 146 -The Antiphon for next Sunday’s Introit is taken from Vs.2, “I will praise the Lord all my life, I will sing praise to My God as long as I live.” This Psalm is an encouragement to trust in the Lord. This is the first of five Hallelujah Psalms which closes out the book of Psalms. Having walked with the Savior observing His Passion during Lent we now rejoice in the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation which is ours through the cross and empty tomb.

 The hymn or song of praise used in the order of Matins is the Te Deum which is a Latin phrase meaning literally, “we praise you.”

In our worship we praise the Lord for all of the blessings He has showered down upon us. Our circumstances often time can overwhelm us, so we are at least persuaded to place our confidence in something or someone “other.”

This psalm contrasts trust in human beings with trust in the LORD.

“Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish” (Psalm 146.3–4).

Though the psalm begins with “Put not your trust in princes,” it is evident that the focus is not on a supreme human ruler but on the fact that he is just a mere man (note the parallel to ‘princes’ is ‘a son of man’).

Another human is not a firm source of confidence since, like all others, he too will die and his plans not come to fruition.

On the other hand, the LORD alone is worthy of trust:

He is the creator of all things (v 6)

He metes out justice on earth (v 7)

He supplies food to the poor and hungry (v 7)

When one who has been wrongly imprisoned is set free, it is the LORD’s doing (v 7).

When a blind person is made well, it is only a result of the LORD’s will (v 8)

When a person has been cast down by troubles or oppression, only the LORD can make him stand erect (v 8)

The LORD takes the side of the widow and fatherless when they are wronged (v 9)

But he stands against the wicked person in his attempt to gain unjustly (v 9)

“The LORD reigns forever…to all generations!” (v 10).

This psalm is a reminder that only the LORD is a firm source of confidence in life.

The hymn writer encourages us:

Trust not in rulers; they are but mortal;
Earth-born they are and soon decay.
Vain are their counsels at life's last portal,
When the dark grave engulfs its prey.
Since mortals can no help afford,
Place all your trust in Christ, our Lord.
Allelujah, allelujah![1]

 

Lord Jesus Christ, whose grace always proceeds and follows us, help us to forsake all trust in earthly gain and to find in You our heavenly treasure; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen [2]

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[1] Praise the Almighty, My Soul Adore Him, Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[2] Collect for Proper 23 Series B Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Image copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things