Pr. DFD : Epiphany 6

Showing posts with label Epiphany 6. Show all posts

Friday, February 14, 2025

Saturday prior to Epiphany 6

1 Peter 1:20 - This week’s hymn of the week, “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise.” Peter would remind us, “He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.” The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross wasn't improvised. God didn't make it up in response to the unfolding events of history. Peter writes that Christ was known before the world was founded. Jesus existed in eternity past as the one whose blood would cover the sins of all who receive salvation. Jesus' birth, life, death, resurrection, and return to the Father were always God's plan to save you. Always. Jesus was always the answer to the questions asked by the prophets. Jesus is the fulfillment to which the Old Testament prophecies were pointing. In this Epiphany season Jesus is made manifest as the promised coming one.

Taking Matthew 1: 1-11 as his theme for stanzas 1-3, the hymn likens the journey of the wise men who came to worship the Christ to our own Christian pilgrimage. The pattern of these stanzas is "as they … so may we." Stanzas 4 and 5 are a prayer that our journey on the "narrow way" may bring us finally to glory where Christ is the light (Rev. 21:23) and where we may perfectly sing his praise.

Throughout stanza 2, Jesus is manifested as “prophet, priest and king supreme”; thus we confess that Jesus is anointed with the Holy Spirit to be our chief prophet and teacher, our only high priest and our eternal king.

The refrain ends by confessing that “God in flesh [is] made manifest.” By faith we confesses that Jesus took to himself, through the working of the Holy Spirit, from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, a truly human nature.

A prayer for newness of life in Christ – Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness and put upon ourselves the armor of life, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility, that in the last day, when He shall come again in glory to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal. [2]-

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Friday prior to Epiphany 6

[1]

Luke 6:17-26 – The Gospel harmonizes with the Old Testament lesson, “Cursed is the man who trusts in man…Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord.” Blessed are those – whether rich or poor, hungry or well-fed, happy or sad, hated or well-liked, who trust in God to fill their need. The New English Bible translates Luke 6:20 –“How blessed are you who are in need.” Matthew 5:3 – “How blessed are those who know their need of God.” This reduces itself to the basic need for change of values, from material to spiritual.

Herein the Savior describes those who are his own.

They are poor in spirit; they know of their need for a Savior. The Psalmist writes, “Then I acknowledge my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’ and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” – Psalm 32:5

They hunger after a righteousness they do not have of their own effort. Examples of such include the dying thief on Calvary’s hill, the prodigal son, and David who prayed with a contrite heart.

They weep; as did Peter. “Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken; ‘Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.”

They bear the cross. We hear the Savior’s cry; “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you, who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling.” – Matthew 23:37

God’s grace turns poverty into riches, hunger into satisfaction, weeping into laughter.

Collect for humility – O God, You resist the proud and give grace to the humble. Grant us true humility after the likeness of Your only Son that we may never be arrogant and prideful and thus provoke Your wrath but in all lowliness be made partakers of the gifts of Your grace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.[2] –

Who was St. Valentine, and why do we celebrate him on February 14?

1. The St. Valentine who inspired the holiday may have been two different men.

Officially recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, St. Valentine is known to be a real person who died around A.D. 270. However, his true identity was questioned as early as A.D. 496 by Pope Gelasius I, who referred to the martyr and his acts as “being known only to God.” One account from the 1400s describes Valentine as a temple priest who was beheaded near Rome by the emperor Claudius II for helping Christian couples wed. A different account claims Valentine was the Bishop of Terni, also martyred by Claudius II on the outskirts of Rome. Because of the similarities of these accounts, it’s thought they may refer to the same person. Enough confusion surrounds the true identity of St. Valentine that the Catholic Church discontinued liturgical veneration of him in 1969, though his name remains on its list of officially recognized saints.

2. In all, there are about a dozen St. Valentines, plus a pope.

The saint we celebrate on Valentine’s Day is known officially as St. Valentine of Rome in order to differentiate him from the dozen or so other Valentines on the list. Because “Valentinus”—from the Latin word for worthy, strong or powerful—was a popular moniker between the second and eighth centuries A.D., several martyrs over the centuries have carried this name. The official Roman Catholic roster of saints shows about a dozen who were named Valentine or some variation thereof. The most recently beatified Valentine is St. Valentine Berrio-Ochoa, a Spaniard of the Dominican order who traveled to Vietnam, where he served as bishop until his beheading in 1861. Pope John Paul II canonized Berrio-Ochoa in 1988. There was even a Pope Valentine, though little is known about him except that he served a mere 40 days around A.D. 827.

3. Valentine is the patron saint of beekeepers and epilepsy, among many other things.

Saints are certainly expected to keep busy in the afterlife. Their holy duties include interceding in earthly affairs and entertaining petitions from living souls. In this respect, St. Valentine has wide-ranging spiritual responsibilities. People call on him to watch over the lives of lovers, of course, but also for interventions regarding beekeeping and epilepsy, as well as the plague, fainting and traveling. As you might expect, he’s also the patron saint of engaged couples and happy marriages.

4. You can find Valentine’s skull in Rome.

The flower-adorned skull of St. Valentine is on display in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome. In the early 1800s, the excavation of a catacomb near Rome yielded skeletal remains and other relics now associated with St. Valentine. As is customary, these bits and pieces of the late saint’s body have subsequently been distributed to reliquaries around the world. You’ll find other bits of St. Valentine’s skeleton on display in the Czech Republic, Ireland, Scotland, England and France.

5. English poet Geoffrey Chaucer may have invented Valentine’s Day.

The medieval English poet Geoffrey Chaucer often took liberties with history, placing his poetic characters into fictitious historical contexts that he represented as real. No record exists of romantic celebrations on Valentine’s Day prior to a poem Chaucer wrote around 1375. In his work “Parliament of Foules,” he links a tradition of courtly love with the celebration of St. Valentine’s feast day–an association that didn’t exist until after his poem received widespread attention. The poem refers to February 14 as the day birds (and humans) come together to find a mate. When Chaucer wrote, “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day / Whan every foul cometh there to choose his mate,” he may have invented the holiday we know today.

6. You can celebrate Valentine’s Day several times a year.

Because of the abundance of St. Valentines on the Roman Catholic roster, you can choose to celebrate the saint multiple times each year. Besides February 14, you might decide to celebrate St. Valentine of Viterbo on November 3. Or maybe you want to get a jump on the traditional Valentine celebration by feting St. Valentine of Raetia on January 7. Women might choose to honor the only female St. Valentine (Valentina), a virgin martyred in Palestine on July 25, A.D. 308. The Eastern Orthodox Church officially celebrates St. Valentine twice, once as an elder of the church on July 6 and once as a martyr on July 30.[3]

[3] https://www.history.com/news/6-surprising-facts-about-st-valentine

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Thursday prior to Epiphany 6

[1]

Corinthians 15:12-20 – St. Paul would argue “If there is no resurrection, we all remain dead.” If there is no resurrection, there is no accountability to God. This will affect our human values, for as Paul said, we can then say, “Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die.” Yet in these passages Paul assures us of the indispensability as well as the factuality of the resurrection. It is the keystone in the arch of the Christian faith. Remove the keystone and everything galls. Yet, it is not possible to remove the keystone, because the resurrection is true as an historical fact of reality.

Paul would reminds us in Romans 8:11 “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit which dwells in you.” The Spirit will raise you up just as Christ was raised. What does this mean? The LORD seals your forgiveness. He gives you the hope of eternal life as He will change your body for life in heaven.[2]

Collect for purity – Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You and worthily magnify Your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. [3] –

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Wednesday prior to Epiphany 6

[1]

Jeremiah 17:5-8 – A contrast of one who does and does not trust in the Lord. Whom will you trust; trust in God or trust in humankind? Jeremiah describes a man who trusts in God in terms of a tree. Compare this with the Psalm for today. (Psalm 1)The person who trusts in God is like a tree planted, “like a tree planted by water” rooted, grounded, stable, secure. Jeremiah further explains this planted is provided for “sends out its roots by the stream.” Roots go to the water for refreshment, renewal, strength. Finally, this tree is productive, “it does not cease to bear fruit.”

We are planted “like a tree planted by water.” Where are you grounded? Is it in yourself and your own strength or in the LORD? A tree which has a good water supply is going to grow. So it is with you. The Lord is the source of all you need. That person who is rooted in God is stable and secure.

The LORD provides. Jeremiah reminds us that the one who trust in the LORD, like a good tree, “Sends out its roots by the stream.” The roots provide food for growth. Roots go to the water for refreshment, renewal, and strength. When roots are fed when the drought comes; that tree will survive. When hard times come how will you stand? Your strength comes from the LORD. Only he can provide for what sustains you.

You are also productive. Now we are in the dead of winter; a time of dormancy. Yet soon cherry, apple and crabapple trees will be in full bloom. Spring will come. A well maintained tree will produce. “It does not cease to bear fruit” Jeremiah reminds us. So also the heart which is rooted in Christ will bear much fruit.

The one who trusts in Christ has stability in life; they have a source of strength, bearing fruit in all circumstances. Christ is your master gardener. He has promised to tend to your every concern. Resist not His pruning. He will water and care for you to make you strong in Him. Like a strong forest, remain ever green in Jesus.

Collect for Epiphany 6– O Lord, graciously hear the prayers of Your people that we who justly suffer the consequence of our sin may be mercifully delivered by Your goodness to the glory of Your name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [2]

Monday, February 10, 2025

Tuesday prior to Epiphany 6

[1]

Psalm 1 (antiphon; v.2) – This week’s Psalm is in harmony with the Psalm which makes up the Introit for this coming week. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” The Solid Declaration of the Formula of Concord in the Augsburg Confession says, “The Law is a mirror in which God’s will and what pleases Him are exactly portrayed. This mirror should be constantly held up to the believers and be diligently encouraged for them without ceasing.” (FC SD VI 4)

Luther wrote that the Psalter is the Bible in miniature. If so, then the opening six verses are the portal leading into a treasure-house of communion with God. Who is the one who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners . . . but his delight is in the law of the Lord and on His Law he meditates day in night? First, it is Christ. Secondly, it is all of us who have been incorporated into Christ—the holy Christian Church. The new man, created by Baptism that comes forth daily and arises to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Christians Live by Faith in Christ and Rejoice in the Promise of His Resurrection

“Cursed is the man who trusts in man,” for all the strength of his flesh is like the grass that fades away (Jeremiah 17:5). The one who turns away from the Lord may have food and money and laugh for now, but he “shall mourn and weep” in the judgment (Luke 6:24–25). But “the man who trusts in the Lord” is blessed with all that he needs, “like a tree planted by water.” When heat comes, he survives (Jeremiah 17:7–8). For the Lord has come in the flesh to heal the people of all their diseases, to cleanse their spirits with forgiveness, and to preach the Gospel of the kingdom of God to the poor (Luke 6:18–20). As all of this is by way of His cross, it is solely by faith in the promise of His resurrection that Christians “rejoice” and “leap for joy” (Luke 6:21–23).

“If Christ has not been raised,” our faith is in vain and we are most to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:14–19). But, in fact, just as “Christ died for our sins,” so has He also “been raised from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:3, 20). [2]

Collect for Psalm 1: Lord God, in your loving wisdom you have set us beside the foundation of life, like a tree planted by running streams. Grant that the cross of your Son may become our tree of life in the paradise of your saints, through Jesus Christ our Lord. [3]

[2] Lectionary Summary provided by the LSMS Commission on Worship

Saturday, February 8, 2025

Epiphany 6 Series C study notes

February 16 2025
Jeremiah 17:5-8
Psalm 1 (antiphon v. 2)
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Luke 6:17-26

O Lord, graciously hear the prayers of Your people that we who justly suffer the consequences of our sin may be mercifully delivered by Your goodness to the glory of Your name.

Christians Live by Faith in Christ and Rejoice in the Promise of His Resurrection

“Cursed is the man who trusts in man,” for all the strength of his flesh is like the grass that fades away (Jer. 17:5). The one who turns away from the Lord may have food and money and laugh for now, but he “shall mourn and weep” in the judgment (Luke 6:24–25). But “the man who trusts in the LORD” is blessed with all that he needs, “like a tree planted by water.” When heat comes, he survives (Jer. 17:7–8). For the Lord has come in the flesh to heal the people of all their diseases, to cleanse their spirits with forgiveness, and to preach the Gospel of the kingdom of God to the poor (Luke 6:18–20). As all of this is by way of His cross, it is solely by faith in the promise of His resurrection that Christians “rejoice” and “leap for joy” (Luke 6:21–23). “If Christ has not been raised,” our faith is in vain and we are most to be pitied (1 Cor. 15:14–19). But, in fact, just as “Christ died for our sins,” so has He also “been raised from the dead” (1 Cor. 15:3, 20).

Jesus Ministers to a Great Multitude

Luke 6:17

Καὶ καταβὰς μετ’ αὐτῶν ἔστη ἐπὶ τόπου πεδινοῦ, καὶ ὄχλος [a]πολὺς μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ, καὶ πλῆθος πολὺ τοῦ λαοῦ ἀπὸ πάσης τῆς Ἰουδαίας καὶ Ἰερουσαλὴμ καὶ τῆς παραλίου Τύρου καὶ Σιδῶνος,

And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon,

Jesus comes down, descends, to a flat space…

Vv.17-18

Three groups

> Disciples – (the 12 and the 70?) – came to hear (they are blessed)

> Folk from Judea and Jerusalem –came to be healed of their diseases (Woes)

> Folk from Tyre and Sidon – troubled with unclean spirits (Those who need to hear…)

Luke 6:18

οἳ ἦλθον ἀκοῦσαι αὐτοῦ καὶ ἰαθῆναι ἀπὸ τῶν νόσων αὐτῶν· καὶ οἱ ἐνοχλούμενοι ἀπὸ πνευμάτων [c]ἀκαθάρτων ἐθεραπεύοντο·

who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured.

Troubled – plagued

They came to hear and be healed.

Luke 6:19

καὶ πᾶς ὁ ὄχλος [d]ἐζήτουν ἅπτεσθαι αὐτοῦ, ὅτι δύναμις παρ’ αὐτοῦ ἐξήρχετο καὶ ἰᾶτο πάντας.

And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.

Note- The whole crow

The Beatitudes

3 x Blessed

1 x Rejoice

2 x Woe

Luke 6:20

Καὶ αὐτὸς ἐπάρας τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ εἰς τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ ἔλεγεν· Μακάριοι οἱ πτωχοί, ὅτι ὑμετέρα ἐστὶν ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ.

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

Luke 6:21

μακάριοι οἱ πεινῶντες νῦν, ὅτι χορτασθήσεσθε. μακάριοι οἱ κλαίοντες νῦν, ὅτι γελάσετε.

“Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

Luke 6:22

Μακάριοί ἐστε ὅταν μισήσωσιν ὑμᾶς οἱ ἄνθρωποι, καὶ ὅταν ἀφορίσωσιν ὑμᾶς καὶ ὀνειδίσωσιν καὶ ἐκβάλωσιν τὸ ὄνομα ὑμῶν ὡς πονηρὸν ἕνεκα τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου·

“Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!

What you hear you will later preach and thus you will be hated…

Luke 6:23

χάρητε ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ καὶ σκιρτήσατε, ἰδοὺ γὰρ ὁ μισθὸς ὑμῶν πολὺς ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ· κατὰ [e]τὰ αὐτὰ γὰρ ἐποίουν τοῖς προφήταις οἱ πατέρες αὐτῶν.

Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, (right now here before your face…) your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

It is here and now for a Jesus is the prize

Jesus Pronounces Woes

Luke 6:24

πλὴν οὐαὶ ὑμῖν τοῖς πλουσίοις, ὅτι ἀπέχετε τὴν παράκλησιν ὑμῶν.

“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.

You already have your comfort/encouragement. Woe to you when you find comfort in yourself…your comfort is only what moth and rust can destroy.

Luke 6:25

οὐαὶ ὑμῖν, οἱ ἐμπεπλησμένοι [f]νῦν, ὅτι πεινάσετε. [g]οὐαί, οἱ γελῶντες νῦν, ὅτι πενθήσετε καὶ κλαύσετε.

“Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. “Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.

This too shall pass.

Luke 6:26

Οὐαὶ ὅταν [h]καλῶς ὑμᾶς εἴπωσιν [i]πάντες οἱ ἄνθρωποι, κατὰ [j]τὰ αὐτὰ γὰρ ἐποίουν τοῖς ψευδοπροφήταις οἱ πατέρες αὐτῶν.

“Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.

Sources:

Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘The Sermon on the Mount’ © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Saturday, February 11, 2023

Epiphany 6

Matthew 5:27-37
Jesus places a new interpretation of the laws of Moses

12 February 2023

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in You. Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without You, give us the help of your grace that in keeping Your commandments we may please You both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.[1]

Someone once caught WC Fields reading the Bible.

"What are you doing?" the person asked.

"Looking for loopholes." growled Fields.

You may go to a choice restaurant. The menu will say, “a la carte.” Under the a la carte section, you only chose those parts of the menu that seem the best for you. And so, you chose this or that. That is how some people view the Commandments. They select those parts of the Commandments that they want to obey.

Under such an arrangement. One may choose to follow certain commandments. But other commandments. Those not so attractive. May be ignored. The draw. Is to choose only those commandments, which are important to you. We live in a time that could be called, “a la carte” Christianity. Where I am free. To choose only those parts of Christian morality. Which are important to me.

We live in an age when everybody has now become his or her own priest and pope. People become their own priest as they develop their own closeness to God. They do not need an intermediary. They seek God. On their own terms. He arrives at my every call. But only when I need Him. He is conveniently absent. When I don’t.

Moreover. They become their own pope. That is. They think to themselves. “I will determine what is right and wrong for me. Don’t judge me. Don’t impose your values on me. I am. The final authority. I decide those things which are right or wrong for me.” I Alone. Determine my truth. My values. For this is my journey I am one. After all. It is my story. We live in an age where many Christians have determined for themselves - declaring - I will do what I think is right. I do not listen to the counsel of others.

Today’s gospel. Is one of the most intense accounts of Jesus’ teaching. “You have heard it said…” He begins each part of His teaching. Then He goes on to say, “Yet I say to you.”

Jesus does what He said He would do. He does not abolish the laws of God – He fulfills them. Jesus never said, “You have heard you shall not kill, and I say, in some cases…well, it’s okay.” To the contrary, Jesus’ teaching always requires more – Don’t be angry. Or name call.

In fact, Jesus says, “If you are going to offer your gift at the altar and remember that you brother has something against you, leave the gift. First, be reconciled.” There are no loopholes. Found in Jesus' words. No compromises. No deals. No escape hatches.

We are called to keep the commandments. Of course! However. We are called to much more. Jesus said, “You have heard it was said you shall not murder - and I say to you that if you are angry with your brother or sister - you will be liable to judgment." "You have heard that it was said, you shall not commit adultery, and I tell you that everyone who looks with lust at another has already committed adultery..." "You have heard that it was said, you shall love your neighbor, and I say to you, love your enemies. And pray for those who persecute you..."

What is left for you to do? Nothing! What is left for the LORD to do? Everything! Christ alone is righteous. He alone kept the Law perfectly. He never hated his brother. He never lusted in his heart. He was righteous before the Father.

He lived a perfect life. In fact. His. Was the only perfect life. Which he lived to bestow on you.

Christ’s righteousness is for you! Jesus kept the Law perfectly. For you. At the cross. God the Father laid on Jesus your sin. Guilt. And shame. Sacrificed on the cross. He put to death your sin. Your guilt. He bore the punishment you deserve. In exchange. You receive the perfect righteousness of Christ.

“Come to me.” He speaks. “…all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

Your burden is light. Because Jesus has taken the weight of your sin. His righteousness. Which is freely given. Is received as a gift. The Law always kills. Always convicts. Always destroys. But Christ brings you back to life. Restored. Redeemed. Forgiven. You are His.

How then shall we live? Do we go on sinning as we did before? St. Paul has written, “Let it not be!” “How can we who died to sin still live in it?” “Consider yourselves. As dead to sin. But alive only to God.”

Return to your Baptism. Repenting of your sins daily. Then. Serve your neighbor in love. Which flows out of the righteousness you have in Christ.

Continually we shall be tempted. Daily we struggle with sin in this world. We are barred from Eden. Yet the Father’s promises. Given in baptism. Will never leave you. Return to the promise in Baptism. Christ has put to death all your sins in the washing of water and the Word.

So, we repent. Before God and our neighbor. And receive the forgiveness we have though Jesus Christ’s perfect righteousness.

This righteousness from Christ. Finds its expression in the love we show to our neighbor. The life of a Christian is cross-shaped. There is a vertical dimension. Between God and man.

The horizontal dimension is between a man and his neighbor. The Father takes the initiative.

And grants us righteousness. Through Christ’s death and resurrection. You receive in faith through the hearing of the Gospel. That righteousness. Manifests itself. In works of love toward the neighbor.

Performing. And doing good works. Has nothing to do with earning points with God. Rather. It is a natural expression of faith. Which showers our neighbor with works of mercy and love.

The Christian life does make demands. Those demands. Are met only in Christ. Because He is perfectly righteous. And just. You are now perfect. Righteous. And just. Trust what Jesus has done for you. And in love. Serve your neighbor.

Words – 1,155
Passive Sentences -6.8%
Flesch Reading Ease – 86%
Flesch – Kincaid Grade Level –2.7

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Epiphany 6 Series A

Deuteronomy 30:15–20

1 Corinthians 3:1–9

Matthew 5:21–37

Christ Sets Life before Us so that We Can Walk in His Ways

O Lord, graciously hear the prayers of Your people, that we who justly suffer the consequences of our sin may be mercifully delivered by Your goodness to the glory of Your name; through Jesus Christ Your Son, our lord...

The God who reveals Himself in His incarnate Son promises life and blessing to all who obey His commandments “by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules” (Deuteronomy 30:16). However, we are “people of the flesh” and “infants in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1) among whom “there is jealousy and strife” (1 Corinthians 3:3).

Jesus must instruct us against the human ways of anger, adultery, divorce and false witness (Matthew 5:21–37), because all who live in these ways “shall surely perish” (Deuteronomy 30:18). On the cross He died to forgive our sins and free us from the ways of curse and death. Since Jesus Christ is our “life and length of days” (Deuteronomy 30:20), we can be reconciled to our brother, live in chastity and marital faithfulness, and speak with honesty. He who serves from His cross also offers His gift of reconciliation at His altar, and we can be at peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ who are “God’s field, God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9).

Gilligan's Island - a commentary on the 7 deadly sins.

The island is a direct representation of HELL. Nobody on the island wants to be there, yet none are able to leave. Each one of the characters represents one of the 7 deadly sins:

Gilligan - SATAN - Gilligan is the person who put them there. He prevents them from leaving by foiling all of their escape plots. Also, it is HIS Island. He always wears red.

The Skipper, Jonas Grumby - captain of the SS Minnow - ANGER, GLUTTONY - The Skipper represents two sins: GLUTTONY - no explanation needed; and ANGER - he violently hits Gilligan on each show.

The Professor - Roy Hinkley PhD -PRIDE - The Professor represents PRIDE - he is an annoying know-it-all. He can make a radio out of a cocoanut but can't repair the SS Minnow.

Mr. Thurston Howell III - GREED - He takes a suitcase full of money on a three hour tour.

Mrs. Eunice Lovelle Wentworth Howell - SLOTH - Mrs. Howell represents SLOTH - she has never lifted a finger to help on any of their escape plans.

Ginger Grant - The movie star - LUST Ginger represents LUST - she wears skimpy outfits, is obsessed with her looks.

Mary Ann Summers - ENVY - she is forever jealous of Ginger's beauty.

Sinful Desire
Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege

The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany,
(Matthew 5:21-37)

Man’s fallenness began with and now continues with sinful desire. Even before they grabbed the forbidden fruit Adam and Eve sinned with their desire to have it. Such sinful desire is often called coveting, which can be defined as a longing for something that over-rides the longing for God and His ways. Such desire then displaces God, and is the very foundation of sin. No wonder the Rabbis of Jesus’ day equated coveting with idolatry. St. Paul thus wrote: Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead…to covetousness, which amounts to idolatry (Col. 3:5). The self-righteous Pharisee named Saul thus came to realize his sinfulness by recognizing his covetous heart (Rom. 7:7).

In Sunday’s Gospel the designer of the world warned:…everyone who looks on a woman to lust for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart (v. 28). Sexual coveting is sin. Fighting this warning people are prone to ask, “What is so wrong with lusting after a woman (or man)?” Or they might ask, “Why is adultery so bad?” Simply put, the world’s designer wants to protect families. He wants to uniquely protect children. He wants to protect the holy institution of marriage, partly because it is a constant biblical illustration of His relationship to His people. God wants to protect what even pagan Greek philosophers realized, that faithful marriage between a man and a woman is foundational to culture and government.

There are other reasons why sexual coveting is clearly wrong and hurtful, but one reason it is wrong is that it harms the person doing such lusting. It is likely that our Lord’s warning about sexual coveting hits the majority of adults with the guilt caused by the law. However, as is the case with most every sin, sexual coveting can become addictive. And those Christians caught in such addiction bear an extreme weight of guilt. This heavy weight is common in our current society.

Such lust often finds expression in today’s addiction to pornography. Many, certainly some who are baptized children of God, are caught in this web of pornography. The following web-related statistics are from Dr. Thad Polk who has studied the horrible results of addiction—uniquely pornography—on the human brain. (Dr. Polk is an LCMS Christian, professor at U of M): 70% of all pay-per-view expenditure on the internet is for pornography; 13% of web searches are for erotic content. Other statistics show that today’s pornographic addiction extends into members of Christian churches. Dr. Polk has shown that this addiction actually “restructures” the brain and has many negative effects on the porn addict, such as dissatisfaction with one’s sexual life, movement toward divorce, a negative view toward God’s institution of marriage and towards one’s wife, a perception that a woman is an object to be used, and a preoccupation with pornography that consumes his relationships, his money, his work and other important parts of his life. [Information is from Dr. Polk’s presentation to the COP, 2/2020]

Because some in the secular world recognize the harm done by pornography, they have developed various methods for reversing such addiction. These methods can be employed effectively. We as the Christian Church however have the ultimate means for dealing with addiction to pornography. Our means is drawn from the cross of Jesus. Such sinners (including the majority of people who are not addicts but are yet convicted by the law) are privileged to confess their sin and receive absolution, that is forgiveness. This forgiveness is given by a specific public or private absolution, but it is also given in the reception of the body and blood of Jesus in the Supper. In this powerful forgiveness of Christ—necessarily applied again and again to a recovering addict—the Christian is able to begin anew and be strengthened to struggle against this evil. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Anger - Matthew 5:21-26

Matthew 5:21

Ἠκούσατε ὅτι ἐρρέθη τοῖς ἀρχαίοις• Οὐ φονεύσεις• ὃς δ’ ἂν φονεύσῃ, ἔνοχος ἔσται τῇ κρίσει.

You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.'

Matthew 5:22

ἐγὼ δὲ λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι πᾶς ὁ ὀργιζόμενος τῷ ἀδελφῷ [d]αὐτοῦ ἔνοχος ἔσται τῇ κρίσει• ὃς δ’ ἂν εἴπῃ τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ• Ῥακά, ἔνοχος ἔσται τῷ συνεδρίῳ• ὃς δ’ ἂν εἴπῃ• Μωρέ, ἔνοχος ἔσται εἰς τὴν γέενναν τοῦ πυρός.

But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.

Matthew 5:23

ἐὰν οὖν προσφέρῃς τὸ δῶρόν σου ἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον κἀκεῖ μνησθῇς ὅτι ὁ ἀδελφός σου ἔχει τι κατὰ σοῦ,

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,

Matthew 5:24

ἄφες ἐκεῖ τὸ δῶρόν σου ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου καὶ ὕπαγε πρῶτον διαλλάγηθι τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου, καὶ τότε ἐλθὼν πρόσφερε τὸ δῶρόν σου.

leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Matthew 5:25

ἴσθι εὐνοῶν τῷ ἀντιδίκῳ σου ταχὺ ἕως ὅτου εἶ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ, μήποτέ σε παραδῷ ὁ ἀντίδικος τῷ κριτῇ, καὶ ὁ [f]κριτὴς τῷ ὑπηρέτῃ, καὶ εἰς φυλακὴν βληθήσῃ•

Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison.

Matthew 5:26

ἀμὴν λέγω σοι, οὐ μὴ ἐξέλθῃς ἐκεῖθεν ἕως ἂν ἀποδῷς τὸν ἔσχατον κοδράντην.

Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

Lust - Matthew 5:27-30

Matthew 5:27

Ἠκούσατε ὅτι ἐρρέθη• Οὐ μοιχεύσεις.

You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.'

Matthew 5:28

ἐγὼ δὲ λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι πᾶς ὁ βλέπων γυναῖκα πρὸς τὸ ἐπιθυμῆσαι αὐτὴν ἤδη ἐμοίχευσεν αὐτὴν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ.

But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Matthew 5:29

εἰ δὲ ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου ὁ δεξιὸς σκανδαλίζει σε, ἔξελε αὐτὸν καὶ βάλε ἀπὸ σοῦ, συμφέρει γάρ σοι ἵνα ἀπόληται ἓν τῶν μελῶν σου καὶ μὴ ὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου βληθῇ εἰς γέενναν.

If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.

Matthew 5:30

καὶ εἰ ἡ δεξιά σου χεὶρ σκανδαλίζει σε, ἔκκοψον αὐτὴν καὶ βάλε ἀπὸ σοῦ, συμφέρει γάρ σοι ἵνα ἀπόληται ἓν τῶν μελῶν σου καὶ μὴ ὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου εἰς γέενναν ἀπέλθῃ.

And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.

Divorce - Matthew 5:31-32

Matthew 5:31

Ἐρρέθη [h]δέ• Ὃς ἂν ἀπολύσῃ τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ, δότω αὐτῇ ἀποστάσιον.

It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.'

Matthew 5:32

ἐγὼ δὲ λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι [i]πᾶς ὁ ἀπολύων τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ παρεκτὸς λόγου πορνείας ποιεῖ αὐτὴν [j]μοιχευθῆναι, καὶ ὃς ἐὰν ἀπολελυμένην γαμήσῃ μοιχᾶται.

But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Oaths - Matthew 5:33-37

Matthew 5:33

Πάλιν ἠκούσατε ὅτι ἐρρέθη τοῖς ἀρχαίοις• Οὐκ ἐπιορκήσεις, ἀποδώσεις δὲ τῷ κυρίῳ τοὺς ὅρκους σου.

Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.'

Matthew 5:34

ἐγὼ δὲ λέγω ὑμῖν μὴ ὀμόσαι ὅλως• μήτε ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, ὅτι θρόνος ἐστὶν τοῦ θεοῦ•

But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,

Matthew 5:35

μήτε ἐν τῇ γῇ, ὅτι ὑποπόδιόν ἐστιν τῶν ποδῶν αὐτοῦ• μήτε εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα, ὅτι πόλις ἐστὶν τοῦ μεγάλου βασιλέως•

or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

Matthew 5:36

μήτε ἐν τῇ κεφαλῇ σου ὀμόσῃς, ὅτι οὐ δύνασαι μίαν τρίχα λευκὴν [k]ποιῆσαι ἢ μέλαιναν.

And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.

Matthew 5:37

ἔστω δὲ ὁ λόγος ὑμῶν ναὶ ναί, οὒ οὔ• τὸ δὲ περισσὸν τούτων ἐκ τοῦ πονηροῦ ἐστιν.

Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil. -

__________

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software
Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘The Sermon on the Mount’ © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use
LCMS Lectionary Summary © 2016
Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Time in the Word - Epiphany 6

Living the Law

The interpretation, understanding, and obedience of the law of God come forth from this week’s lections. The overall theme appears to be life in the light of the Law. The Gospel gives several examples of Jesus’ interpretation of the law of Moses. His view goes behind the letter to the spirit of the Law. In his last address, Moses appeals to his people to obey the Law and to live. To make the right interpretation there must be wisdom Paul in the epistle lesson teaches that the wisdom of God is revealed only to those of the Spirit. This explains how Jesus was able to rightly understand the Law. He had the Spirit of God and was taught by the Spirit. During this season our prayers must embrace both the understanding of God’s Law (Epistle lesson) and obedience (Old Testament lesson). We must pray to see and understand the things we ought to do with the grace and power to do them.

The Epiphany theme of the manifestation of God’s glory in Jesus continues in Epiphany 6/ In the Gospel, the glory of God in Jesus is seen in His interpretation of the law and in His authority as God’s Son, a greater than Moses – “And I say to you.” God’s glory is seen also in the Old Testament lesson where God in mercy makes a covenant with His people and promises them life if they accept and obey the terms of the covenant. Paul refers to Jesus as “the Lord of Glory” (v.8). Jesus is the true and able interpreter of God’s laws because He possessed the Spirit of God resulting in wisdom and understanding. The readings from Psalm 119 deal with the Law which for the Hebrews was God’s revelation of Himself to man. In other words, today we see the glory of God in Jesus in His understanding and interpretation of God’s law.

Monday, 06 February, 2023—Psalm 119:1-8; antiphon, Psalm 119:1—In the Introit for Sunday, the key verses remind us as is explained in verse 2, “happy are those who observe His decrees.” Coupled with the Old Testament lesson for this week we are reminded of the face that the Law is good and obedience makes one happy.

Tuesday, 07 February 2023—Psalm 119:9-16— As an acrostic psalm this section is focused on the Hebrew letter Beth. The Psalmist would have reason to praise the Lord for blessings received and deliverances granted because the Lord does not forsake His own.

Wednesday, 08 February 2023—Deuteronomy 30:15-20—Moses gives his people a choice of life and death. We live by obeying the Law.

The two-letter words “if” has theological implications. Our life depends on it. “If” people love and obey, they shall have life. “If” they are rebellious, they will experience death. This implies that life and death are results of meeting certain conditions. This means that we have free will to do one or the other. We are not an automation, not a victim of circumstances. We cannot blame God for our fate. Ultimately our condition depends upon the type of ‘if” we choose.

Thursday, 09 February 2023—1 Corinthians3:1-9—Those who have the spirit possess the wisdom of God, understand His gifts, and interpret spiritual truths. Live by interpreting the Law through the Spirit.

To be mature, Paul shares the wisdom of God. Last week, in Epiphany 5 we dealt with the wisdom of man. Then we learned that the gospel is not built on man’s wisdom. There is a greater wisdom, which Paul shares with the mature. When he preached, he gave the facts of the gospel. Facts dealing with the basics of Christ’s life, death, and Resurrection. Now comes the understanding of those facts, the doctrine, or the teaching. Mature Christians receive the teaching; the interpretation, understanding, and meaning of the facts. This maturity is not the modern “man come of age: in the sense of outgrowing God, but it is a growth into the wisdom of God.

Friday, 10 February 2023—Matthew 5:21-37—Jesus places a new interpretation on the law of Moses. Live by the spirit of the Law.

Jesus begins this section with these words, “And I say to you…” Who is this “I”? Who is presumptuous to go beyond what Moses said? Who does the “I” think he is – one greater than Moses, the might prophet of God? Here we confront Christological considerations. Jesus is speaking. Here we find a greater than Moses. In the words, “I say”. Jesus is placing Himself above all other religious teachers and prophets. How can he rightfully do this? Jesus speaks as God’s Son, the Word made flesh. He has the mind, the Spirit, and the essence of God the Father. As the Word of God, Jesus’ word is truth excelling all other teachers. Thus, the Scriptures testify of Him and we interpret them in the light of Christ.

Saturday, 11 February 2020—Isaiah 61:1-3; 1 Peter 1:20; Matthew 11:4-5; Revelation 19:1-16 - The Hymn for next week is they hymn 394 “Songs of thankfulness and praise.” As we are now mostly through the season of Epiphany we come to a clearer picture of who Jesus really is. Through His words and by His miracles we see Him as He is, our coming Savior, the one who has come to save us.

We are now in Epiphany. A season of revelation. A season of new understanding. A season where we begin to see Jesus as He is. By His words and deeds, He reveals Himself. He is your Savior who did not find it beneath Him to humble Himself and stoop to your level. He speaks in words you can understand. He displays His love for you in acts of mercy and care.

Of course, we don’t always get it. Sometimes we can’t always perceive what the Lord is doing in our life. But He is there. Always has. Always will. And for that we can be glad that He has promised to support, direct and order your life.

A Collect for the Epiphany Season: Father, You make known the salvation of humankind at the birth of Your Son. Make us strong in faith and bring us to the glory You promise. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Collects for Epiphany 6 : O God graciously hear the prayers of Your people that we who justly suffer the consequences of our sin may be mercifully delivered by Your goodness to the glory of Your name for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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