DAY 31: March 24, 2021 Wednesday of Lent 5- Matthew 7: 13-20
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. – Matthew 7:13-20
Our sins are described as the path on which we, as repentant children of God seek to walk. Luther reminds us, “The true disciple remain on the hard path or enter through the narrow gate, namely, the Word of God saying, “I am helpless. May God help me. It all rests in His hands. He promised and said: ‘Just cling to the Word, and I will uphold you. When you find yourself in any extremity or distress, you will learn to continue in God’s Word. This will liberate me on the narrow way that leads to life, lest I stumble or stray. [2]
Just as there are two ways, the good and the bad, so there are two kinds of prophets. One can identify false prophets by what they teach, especially by what they teach about the person and mission of Jesus. Luther: “You must hold on to the chief part, the summary, of Christian teaching and accept nothing else: That God has sent and given Christ, His Son, and that only through Him does He forgive us all our sins, justify and save us. [3]
Keep us, O Lord, from one generation to another, and let not us, who have clung to Thy foundation, be carried away with this present world, but arise to be our Comforter in trouble, and by the bestowal of joy wipe away our sorrows; [4]
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, renew in us the gifts of Your mercy; increase our faith, strengthen our hope, enlighten our understanding, widen our charity, and make us ready to serve You; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen [5]
Lord Jesus Christ, You released many from their bondage to sin, death, and the devil as healer of the nations. But when it came time to release You, the crowd chose a murderer instead. Through our co-crucifixion with You in the waters of our Baptism, may be continually be released from our sins as we confess You to be our everlasting King; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [6]
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[1] Wolves
in sheep’s clothing copyright © Ed Riojas Higher Things
[2]
Lutheran Study Bible copyright © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
[3] Luther’s Works American Edition 21:243
copyright © Concordia Publishing St. Louis Fortress Philadelphia, 1955-86
[4]© 2005
Lutheran Liturgical Prayer Brotherhood
[5]Collect
for Wednesday of Lent 5, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm
[6] Collect for Wednesday of Lent 5, Lutheran Service
Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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