Ezekiel 2:8–3:11
Ephesians 4:7–16
Matthew 9:9–13
St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
Our Ascended Lord gives gifts to His Church. In particular He gave apostles and evangelists like St. Matthew, prophets like Ezekiel, and still gives pastors and teachers (Eph. 4:8, 11). All are for the common good, empowered by the same Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7, 11). They speak Christ’s truth in love to wind- and wave-tossed children so that the saints may be equipped, served, and built up as the body of Christ(Eph. 4:12–15). Christ is not only the Head of this body; He is her Good Physician (Matt. 9:9–13). He has come not for the well but for the sick, not for the righteous, but for sinners—even notorious tax collectors like Matthew. Christ’s team of spiritual physicians must serve faithfully. Their instrument is “Thus says the Lord God,” to be spoken “whether they hear or refuse to hear” (Ezek. 3:11).
To those stubborn, rebellious patients who believe they need no physician, the Word of lamentation, mourning, and woe must be fearlessly spoken: God’s Law calls to repentance. To those who recognize their trouble and sickness, the salve of the Gospel is to be applied. So Christ works to save us, as Matthew’s Gospel records.
Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things
Lectionary summary copyright LCMS commission on worship
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