Lent 1

SUNDAY: February 21, 2021                   Lent 1 -Matthew 5: 1-2

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Today we direct our thoughts to the words and teachings of Jesus in what is commonly referred to as His Sermon on the Mount. Matthew simply tells us that Jesus directed His disciples to go to a certain mountain where He would teach them.

Teaching on mountains are common themes and images throughout the Scriptures. Moses saw the burning bush and had his first encounter with God. He received the Ten Commandments on a mountain.   God spoke to Elijah on the mountain. The Lord was found not in the wind, an earthquake, not in the fire but in the sound of a gentle blowing.

Peter would remind us, “For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, "This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased"-- and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.” – 2 Peter 1:16-18

When Jesus sat with His disciples on the mountain one greater than Moses begins to teach. Jesus, the man sent by God to redeem the world speaks to us as no one can. As Rabbis typically would sit down to teach Jesus the greatest teacher of all opens His mouth that we may apply His words to wisdom. 

Lent is a time for learning. During this season learn from Him who has done all things well. Listen to Jesus as He speaks God’s truth. 

Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life, grant us perfectly to know Your Son, Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth and the life, that following His steps we may steadfastly walk in the way that leads to eternal life; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.  [2]

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan; Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as You know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find You mighty to save; through Jesus Christ Your Son my Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. [3]

O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [4]

[1] Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts copyright © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

[2]  Collect for the right knowledge of Christ, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publish House, St, Louis

[3]  Collect for First Sunday in Lent, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

[4] Collect for Lent 1 Lutheran Service Book  © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis