Jesus Appears to His Disciples

Exodus 12:1-14
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
April 4, 2010

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." - John 20:19-23

The Savior speaks just one word and the pain, excessive sorrow, the bitterness, the humiliation is all swept away - in just one powerful word – Peace! This one word from Christ calms the heart, removes all doubt, and drives away fear. The Peace of Christ can not be manufactured, is found nowhere in this world. It is impossible to describe but is experienced by those whose lives have been shaped by Him. Once you have it your life is forever changed, in an instant like those fearful disciples who were the first to experience it in that little room, with the doors barred and shut, in fear of the authorities, uncertain of tomorrow. Today we remember – we are Easter people. Today we proclaim “Christ is Risen He is Risen Indeed!” and we face the future with this new reality – Peace!

Almighty God, through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life. We humbly pray that we may live before You in righteousness and purity forever, through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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Collect for Easter Sunday Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis
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The Burial of Jesus

Lamentations 3:1-9
1 Peter 4:1-8
April 3, 2010

Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. - John 19:38-42

Jesus was subject to a speedy trial. His death by crucifixion lasted not a few days but three short hours. The Sabbath was about to begin He is buried in a new tomb in close proximity to the place where He had died. Everything was done in hast. His arrest was arranged in secret for fear of the crowd. His trial was conducted at night because it was expedient. He was sentenced to death and executed just prior to a major festival while so many people were distracted by the events happening in the city. Now His lifeless body would rest in the tomb. After the holiday there would be time for additional spices and mourning.

The events leading up to His death were unparalleled. His death was unlike any other. Nor would anything ever be the same once there was a return to His tomb. Today there is silence. We remember the events of yesterday we anticipate the joy of tomorrow and are left today to reflect how this one solitary life has changed us forever. The cross of yesterday and the empty tomb of tomorrow can not be separated. They are the tokens of your salvation.

Guard us waking, guard us sleeping, And when we die,
May we in Your mighty keeping all peaceful lie.
When the last dread call shall wake us, Then O Lord, do not forsake us,
But to reign in glory take us With You on high.

O God, creator of heaven and earth, grant that as the crucified body of Your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with Him the coming of the third day, and rise with Him to newness of life, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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God, Who Made the Earth and Heaven stanza three Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St Louis

Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial

Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Hebrews 10:16-25
April 2, 2010


When he was gone, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. "My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later." Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times! - John 13:31-38

After the resurrection Peter and Jesus have another heart to heart meeting. Three times Jesus would ask Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” John would remind us in his gospel account, “Peter was grieved because Jesus said to him for a third time do you love Me?” – John 21:17

Roman Catholics maintain that Peter was the first Pope. To this day Protestant parishes in Europe will place a rooster instead of a cross on the top of their spires as a not so friendly reminder of Peter’s seedy past. Not much has changed over the years. Have there been instances in our lives when we have not acted as becomes a child of God? Have you had to be reminded of that moment only to relive it once again?

Each of us can recall those moments in our lives in which we are not proud! Peter’s’ denial crushed him – but what he found was restoration by the Savior!

Peter’s freedom came at a price – the price of Jesus’ life. To be crushed by conscience and the Law is never a pleasant thing. But Christ’s redemption leads to recovery – to be reconciled to the Father and also to each other – all has been made possible by the Savior’s amazing grace!

Almighty God, graciously behold this Your family for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed and delivered into the hands of sinful men to suffer death upon the cross; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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The Lord's Supper

Exodus 12:1-42
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
April 1, 2010
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.” They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely not I?” “It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. “I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. - Mark 14:12-26

The Lord’s Supper is important because it was the last meal the disciples had with Jesus before He was crucified. Jesus had this mean to let the disciples know that they should continue this holy sacrament after His crucifixion. Communion is a sacrament during which the bread and wine are blessed and partaken of by worshipers as the body and blood are present there. Our church celebrates the Lord’s Supper by having communion every first, third, and fifth Sunday of every month and on feast day celebrations. We participate in communion because God says it cleanses us and takes away our sins. Than you God, for giving us this holy sacrament!

Meghan Manley

O Lord, in this wondrous Sacrament You have left us a remembrance of your passion. Grant that we may so receive the sacred mystery of Your body and blood that the fruits of Your redemption may continually be manifest in us; for You live and reign with the Father and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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The Parable of the Tenants

Isaiah 50:4-9a
Hebrews 12:1-3
March 31, 2010

He then began to speak to them in parables: "A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. But they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Then he sent another servant to them; they struck this man on the head and treated him shamefully. He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed. "He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, 'They will respect my son.' "But the tenants said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. "What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. Haven't you read this scripture: " 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?" Then they looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away. -Mark 12:1-12

Before we look at Mark, flip back and let’s take a look at the Old Testament. In Isaiah 5:1-7, God tells of His beloved who had a vineyard and what was done for this vineyard.

Everything that was necessary for this to be the best of all vineyards was done for this vineyard. All the rocks were cleared from the soil, the best seeds were planted, and the best of winemaking materials was put inside, and a hedge (a dense row of trees or shrubs, often of thorny, used as a fence to keep others out) was planted around it. The best grapes and choicest wine should flow from this vineyard.

Now jump ahead to Mark 12. Jesus now tells us about the wicked men who cared for this vineyard in place of the owner who was away. Many times he sent hired hands to check on the state of affairs, and repeatedly they went back beaten and empty-handed or were killed. Finally, he decides to send his own son, whom they also killed, figuring the inheritance would be theirs. In Mark, Jesus says that the wicked tenants would be destroyed and replaced with other tenants. Isaiah presents a different option. After finding sour, wild grapes, the man removes the hedge, allowing the vineyard to be trampled and destroyed, leaving it subject to the elements without any caretaking. Essentially, the vineyard is destroyed.

We are the vineyard and the wicked tenants, while God is the owner of the vineyard, His prophets and pastors the messengers, and Jesus Christ His Son. We surely deserve this type of destruction for yielding sin (sour grapes), but the beautiful message of Good Friday is that the destruction we deserve is placed upon Jesus. Instead of our destruction, the Son of God is destroyed for us so that, because of our baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection, we might once again be the pristine vineyard we once were.


Your soul in griefs unbounded,
Your head with thorns surrounded,
You died to ransom me.
The cross for me enduring,
The crown for me securing,
You healed my wounds and set me free.[1]

Seminarian Ryan Beffrey

[1] Lutheran Service Book Hymn Upon the Cross Extended stanza five © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis


Merciful and everlasting God, You did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all to bear our sins on the cross. Grant that our hearts may be so fixed with steadfast faith in Him that we fear not the power of sin, death, and the devil; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for Wednesday of Holy Week Lutheran Book of Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis

The Authority of Jesus Questioned

Isaiah 49:1-7
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
March 30, 2010

They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. "By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you authority to do this?" Jesus replied, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John's baptism—was it from heaven, or from men? Tell me!" They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' But if we say, 'From men'...." (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.) So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things." - Mark 11:27-33

Why was Jesus’ authority questioned? People could not decide whether His authority was from heaven or from man. Jesus had asked that question. If they said His authority was from heaven then He would ask them why didn’t you believe in Me. But if they said His authority came from man the authorities feared the people for all counted Him as important as John.

So, by whose authority does Jesus do these things? Is His power from man or from God? Consider His works. Consider His words. Think about it. There has been no one like Him. He is the one who has come to bear your sin and carry you making every burden light.

Elliot Gehres

Almighty and everlasting God, grant us by Your grace so to pass through this holy time of our Lord’s passion that we may obtain the forgiveness of our sins; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one god, now and forever.

Collect for Tuesday of Holy Week Lutheran Book of Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis

Jesus Clears the Temple - The Withered Fig Tree

Isaiah 42:1-9
Hebrews 9:11-15
March 29, 2010

The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard him say it. On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: " 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'" The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. When evening came, they went out of the city.

In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!" "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins -Mark 11:12-26

Our reading begins with the half of the story of the withered fig tree, which is commonly grouped with our main story. The story of Jesu clearing the temple I one of my personal favorites. Jesus is lawfully angry at all the people who are making His father’s house into a marketplace. Speaking Isaiah 56:7 to everyone in the temple He makes a lot of enemies, including the high priests who looked for ways to kill him for the first time. Our reading demonstrates how mislead the general public was by the high priests. It also give us some very clear guidelines for how the church is to be operated.

Andrew Blomenberg

Almighty God, grant that in the midst of our failures and weakness we may be restored through the passion and intercession of Your only-begotten Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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Jesus at the Temple

Isaiah 50:4-9a
Philippians 4:5-11
March 28, 2010

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you." Then he entered the temple area and began driving out those who were selling. "It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be a house of prayer'; but you have made it 'a den of robbers.'" Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words -Luke 19:41-48

For so many of us Psalm Sunday brings back memories of Confirmation. Confirmation for most of us is one of those major events in our life. Most of us don’t remember our Baptism (fortunately m grandmother had my baptismal certificate framed.) But we remember Confirmation. It ranks right up there with graduations, our wedding day, the birthdays of our children and other family members. In many congregations your confirmation verse would also be the text for your funeral.

Confirmation is one of those “growth markers” in our Christian faith. It is a time when we affirm that the faith into which we were baptized is our faith and we promise never to leave this “one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.” It is a promise to serve our Savior.

Growing up it was always my desire to be a teacher or a pastor. God has used me as both and I can never thank Him enough for such a privilege. Whether this Psalm Sunday brings memories of Conformation or not it is the beginning of Holy Week. Our prayers then is that we follow again the path of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that as we receive often His holy body and most precious blood that most blessed of all the Sacraments, we never depart from that path that leads us home to God.

Pr. Hinkle

Almighty and everlasting God, You sent Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Himself our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross. Mercifully grant that we may follow the example of His great humility and patience and be made partakers of His resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight

Exodus 10:21-11:8
2 Corinthians 4:13-18
March 27, 2010


Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. - Mark 10:42-52

Jesus heals a blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus. This is a transition from Jesus’ general ministry to His ministry in Jerusalem. The blind man persistently cried out for the “Son of David” to have mercy on him He raises such a fuss that Jesus’ attention was called to him. Jesus asks Bartimaeus what he wants and the answer was “sight.” Jesus attributed the healing to the beggar’s faith evidenced in his persistent cries for help and in his faith in Jesus to help him. Thought Jesus told him to go his way, he followed Jesus as he went toward Jerusalem.

Bartimaeus was blind and therefore was forced to beg. We do not know whether he was born blind or whether he was blinded by an accident or a disease. He was the kind or a blind man who had spiritual sight. He could see what few others say, that Jesus was the Messiah who could heal him even if it required a miracle. Many of us have good physical vision but we are spiritually blind just as the scribes and Pharisees were blind. If one has to be blind physically blindness is to be preferred.

Here we have two sons; the son of Timaeus and the son of David. The one is plainly human – helpless and handicapped. The other is the Messiah, the son of David, who is human but also divine. One son cries to another Son. Through the divine Son both can be sons of the Father.


Almighty God, we pray, show Your humble servants Your mercy that we, who out no trust in our own merits, may be dealt with not according to the severity of Your judgment but according to Your mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
Collect for the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost Lutheran Book of Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis

Jesus Again Predicts His Death - The Request of James and John

Exodus 9:13-35
2 Corinthians 4:1-12
March 26, 2010


They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. "We are going up to Jerusalem," he said, "and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise."

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask." "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. They replied, "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory." "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?" "We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared." When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Mark 10:32-45

The disciples of Jesus were without doubt a strange and peculiar group. Arrogant and rude conceited and condescending they were. Two of them asked permission to sit at the Savior’s side in glory to which the rest argued with them with much indignation. Were they upset that James and John had broached such a question or were they disgusted with themselves that the brothers Zebedee had beaten them to the punch? At the same time they were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. His disciples were probably astonished because of the determination with which Jesus proceeded to His goal. (See Isaiah 50:7) Astonished - because Jesus would not stop until He had reached His goal in Jerusalem. As for the crowed why were they afraid? There is always fear of the unknown. What would happen next? It is only after the resurrection of Jesus and His appearance to His disciples that all of the events of His passion make sense. Likewise for you - nothing in your life, your past, your present circumstance, nor the future makes any sense without the reality of the resurrection. As we journey through Lent we know the Lord is with us. We know that He orders our days and directs our steps. Yet sometimes we can become lost and overwhelmed by the burdens of living. Thus we are encouraged to walk daily with the Savior especially today in the midst of Lent – the cross looms before us – but with the cross there is the open tomb and the promise of hope and restoration. Always and forever we are Easter people.

Lord, we pray that Your grace may always precede and follow us that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for the Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost Lutheran Book of Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis

The Rich Young Man

Exodus 7:25-8:19
2 Corinthians 3:7-18
March 25, 2010

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'" "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!" "I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first." - Mark 10:17-31

Wealth prevented a young man from following Jesus. The lection deals with the power of wealth to keep one from entering God’s kingdom and thereby inheriting eternal life. (v.25) On the other hand, if wealth is secondary to Jesus, a rich man can enter the kingdom. (v.27) The occasion for this teaching is a man who asks Jesus how he can receive eternal life, life not necessarily in its quantitative but in its qualitative dimension. His kneeling shows that he really wants more than physical life; he comes begging. Does he see Jesus as the Son of God because he calls Jesus “good”? Jesus points out to him that only God is good. Though he obeys the commandments, he still does not have true life. Jesus perceives that his problems is wealth which keeps him from God, the Author of life. The man refuses to give up his welt hot follow Jesus and walks away from eternal life.

Look and love. How can we love if we do not see the person? Jesus looked at the young man and saw his fine qualities, eagerness for life, and bright potential as a follower. Often someone asks, “What does he see in her?” He sees something he can love. Also, Jesus looked at His disciples when they were discussing the possibility of rich people entering the kingdom. To get His point across, He looked at them. Look me in the eye when you say it and I will probably believe you!


Enlighten our minds, we pray, O God, by the Spirit who proceeds from You that, as Your Son has promised, we may be led into all truth; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
Collect for the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost Lutheran Book of Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis

Divorce - The Little Children and Jesus

Exodus 7:8-24
2 Corinthians 2:14-3:6
March 24, 2010

Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them. Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" "What did Moses command you?" he replied. They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away." "It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied. "But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. 9Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery."

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. - Mark 10:1-16

Jesus teaches the disciples concerning divorce and blesses children. This section deals with two accounts; marriage/divorce and Jesus’ love of children. In regard to marriage and divorce Mark has Jesu take the position that neither husband nor wife should get a divorce. For the Pharisees divorce is a legal matter; for Jesus, it is a divine matter – not what is legal but what is right. Jesus points out to the Pharisees that the legal right to get a divorce was due to a human’s sinfulness, but this was contrary to god’s intention that marriage is permanent. To substantiate this Jesu refers twice to the creation account.

Jesus receives children for marriage and children go together. Jesus urges that children should be brought to Him and teaches that one should receive the kingdom of God as a child in terms of openness and receptivity.

To enter the kingdom of God is not to be a child nor to be childish. A person enters the kingdom “like” a child. There is an innocence, openness, and a receptivity on the part of a child that a person wanting to enter the kingdom of God must have. A child is ready to believe and trust what an adult says. Children eagerly believe myths such as Santa Clause and the Tooth Fairy. They readily obey without questioning.

O God, whose almighty power is made known chiefly in showing mercy and pity, grant us the fullness of Your grace that we may be partakers of Your heavenly treasures; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH Collect for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost Lutheran Book of Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis

Causing to Sin

Exodus 5:1-6:1
1 Corinthians 14:20-40
March 23, 2010


And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where "their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.' Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other."- Mark 9:42-50

Any sacrifice is worth eternal life rather than going to hell forever which is described as eternal torment. Jesus refers to His followers as salt. He calls His followers to radical obedience rather than to accommodation to the world.

It is clear that Jesus believed in the reality of hell. He says that sinners go to hell unless they repent and seek forgiveness. The condition of hell is misery and torment. Here there is no thought that all people ultimately will be saved and live forever in heaven. Hell is a reality to Jesus and the church. We may not believe in the description of hell as a place of fire, but all can agree it is a condition of misery resulting from sin, separation from God.

Jesus wants His followers to enjoy the fullness of life. All that God created is good. However, if any part of us or any habit causes us to sin, we are to get rid of it. It would be better to abstain and deny ourselves certain pleasures and privileges than to allow one pleasure to ruin the whole.

Almighty God, we beseech thee graciously to behold this Thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed and given up into the hands of wicked men and to suffer death upon the cross; through the same Jesus Christ. Thy Son, our Lord.


Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
Collect for Good Friday The Lutheran Hymnal © 1940 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Who is Greatest? - Whoever Is Not Against Us Is for Us

Exodus 4:10-31
1 Corinthians 14:1-19
March 22, 2010

They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

"Teacher," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us." "Do not stop him," Jesus said. "No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.-Mark 9:33-41

Respect! Arethra Franklyn the queen of soul sang about giving it. Rodney Dangerfield the comedian complained that he never got it. Often we too, may feel that we get no respect – from our peers, from our parents, from our teammates, and from others around us. People often resort to bizarre means to get respect from others, but so often they end up as fools, still crying for – respect.

We are so concerned about getting respect from other people. What about respect from God? God respects all people in the sense that we all are important to Him. After all, He created us in still preserves us. Are we respectable enough by God’s standards to be in heaven one day with Him? How do we get from God the respect that makes us worthy of eternal life? Today our lesson asks the question how we get respect in God’s sight.

God’s respect is not earned. Our humility and service do not measure up to God’s perfect standard. Like the disciples, we would rather be served then serve. Even when we serve, our motive is often self-serving. We make comparisons: “I have served more than you have.” Pride creeps in to stain our service.

We labor under the false pretense if we think we can earn God’s respect by our humble serving. Jesus refused to seek people’s respect under a false pretense. They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it (v.30) The way to God’s respect is opened by honest admission that in ourselves we are not respectable people.

Keep, we pray You, O Lord, Your church with Your perpetual mercy; and because without You we cannot but fall, keep us ever by Your help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Lutheran Book of Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis

The Claims of Jesus About Himself

Exodus 3:16-4:12
Romans 12:1-12
March 21, 2010


The Jews answered him, "Aren't we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?" "I am not possessed by a demon," said Jesus, "but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." At this the Jews exclaimed, "Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that if anyone keeps your word, he will never taste death. Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?" Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. 56Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad." "You are not yet fifty years old," the Jews said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!" "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" 59At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. - John 8:48-59

Jesus did not want to give glory to himself, but only to his father in heaven.
Jesus was trying to make it clear to the Jews that he was of God and he did as his father had told him. The Jews had no understanding of this and wanted to kill Jesus. They were afraid of him and thought he was trying to take over there earthly kingdom.
We should also honor him. Of course, we should give honor to our earthly father but so much more important that we give honor to our heavenly father.
“If anyone keeps my word, He will never taste death” We will live forever, not on earth but in heaven. What a true glory that we will experience when we finally get to heaven.
Have you ever imagined what a wonderful place heaven would be? Whenever you read about heaven it is described in detail as so glorious, the music, the sights. It sounds so wonderful that anyone on earth cannot truly understand what awaits us there.
What a real gift this will be for all believers.

Bonnie Buuck

Almighty God, by Your great goodness mercifully look upon Your people that we may be governed and preserved evermore in body and soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for the Fifth Sunday in Lent Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis

The Healing of a Boy with an Evil Spirit

Exodus 2:23-3:15
1 Corinthians 13:1-13

March 20:2010

When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. "What are you arguing with them about?" he asked. A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not." "O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." "'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again." The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead." 27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer." They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise." 32But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. - Mark 9:14-30


Every confrontation between Jesus and Satan results in the victory of life over death. But no one could see it. No one could understand. This victory will come at a serious price. The devil does not give us easily. He takes what does not belong to him. He will not give up without a fight. A desperate father finds himself in a hopeless situation. His son has been both demon-possessed and epileptic. He’s fraught with fear. He wants healing for his son before the demon kills him. The boy, who had been sick since childhood, had experienced numerous vicious attacks. The demon had often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. He had faith. He brought his son to Jesus’ disciples. After all, they had been given charge over the demons. Yet even they could not help. All they could do was fuss and fight with the authorities and each other. Now His faith was shaken. “Lord I believe, help my unbelief!”

At Christ’s command evry demon must leave but not without a fight. The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead." But with the touch of the Savior the boy is redeemed, restored, forgiven. Jesus came to a wicked and unbelieving generation. Only by death and prayer can the demons be defeated. The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise. Only His death will cause Satan to fall.

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds are continually afflicted, may mercifully be relieved by the Passion of Thine only-begotten Son.

Collect for Wednesday of Holy Week The Lutheran Hymnal © 1940 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

The Transfiguration

Exodus 2:1-22
1 Corinthians 12:27-13:3
March 19, 2010

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what "rising from the dead" meant. And they asked him, "Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?" Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him."- Mark 9:2-13

The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ was and is an historic occasion. The challenge, is to answer the question “so what?” What does the fact that the Lord Jesus was transfigured mean to you living in the 21st Century? How is it relevant to your daily life? What is the Lord saying to us in this experience? Let us take a look.

The Lord’s glorious Transfiguration is an example to follow – go to a mountain of prayer. “Jesus went to a mountain where they were all alone.” Vs. 2 It was Jesus’ pattern to pray. It was Jesus’ pattern to get away from the crowd, away from the hustle of life, away from His plans and priorities. We too are busy people. There are commitments and deadlines, appointments and schedules that have to be kept. Yet, Jesus first priority was to His heavenly Father. He said to Mary and Joseph, “Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49) He said to his disciples, ‘But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) In the midst of our busy lives we need to turn off the computer, disengage the cell phone, walk away from our television series and spend both quality and quantity time with the Lord in prayer.

O God, in the glorious transfiguration of Your only-begotten Son You once confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of the ancient fathers, and in the voice that came from the bright cloud Yu wondrously foreshowed our adoption by grace. Therefore mercifully make us coheirs with our King of His glory, and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for the Transfiguration of our Lord Lutheran Book of Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

Peter's Confession of Christ - Jesus Predicts His Death

Exodus 1:6-22
1 Corinthians 12:12-26
March 18, 2010


Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets. "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ" Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life[c] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ. Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. - Mark 8:27-38

At Caesarea Philippi Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ. We have come to a crucial point in Jesus’ ministry. Before Jesus goes on to Jerusalem to die, He must be certain that His disciples grasp who He is. He asks the disciples what people are saying about Him. Now He asks them who they think He is> Peter responds, ‘You are the Christ.” Then Jesus explains that He must suffer, die and rise again. This does not fit into Peter’s understanding of the Messiah. He rebukes Jesus for saying it but Jesus in turn rebukes Peter as the mouthpiece of Satan. God wills for Jesus to suffer and die, not to go to the cross would be Satan’s wish. What He Himself must do, His followers also must do: self-denial, cross-bearing, and following Christ. In this self-giving, His followers will find themselves.

How does one come to Christ? Preachers say, “Come to Christ, accept Christ.” The laity ask; “How do you do this? Give us some handles.” Jesus answers the question: To come is to deny self, embrace a cross, and follow Jesus into a life of service and sacrifice. Who said discipleship was easy?

Almighty and everlasting God, grant us grace so to pass through this holy time of our Lord’s Passion that we may obtain the pardon of our sins; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
Collect for Tuesday of Holy Week The Lutheran Hymnal © 1940 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

The Yeast of the Pharisees and Herod - The Healing of a Blind Man at Bethsaida

Genesis 50:15-26
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
March 17, 2010

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. "Be careful," Jesus warned them. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod." They discussed this with one another and said, "It is because we have no bread." Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: "Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" "Twelve," they replied. "And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" They answered, "Seven." He said to them, "Do you still not understand?"

They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, "Do you see anything?" He looked up and said, "I see people; they look like trees walking around." Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Jesus sent him home, saying, "Don't go into the village.- Mark 8:14-25

When watching the news at night, it is easy to become discouraged by stories of our struggling economy. We might start to worry about our own situation and wonder whether our families will have enough to get by.

In Mark 8:14-21 the disciples find themselves in a similar situation when they forget to bring some bread with them to eat. Jesus sees that they are distressed and tells them “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod” (8:15). Jesus wants the disciples to keep from the sinful ways of the Pharisees and their teachings. He wants them to understand that real spiritual nourishment comes only from him.

However, instead of listening to Jesus the disciples continue to complain about the fact that they have no bread. They get so distressed over their empty stomachs that they forget that Jesus has already miraculously fed five thousand people and then four thousand people. Jesus reminds them by saying, “Do you not yet perceive or understand…and do you not remember when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand?” (8:18-19).

Like the disciples we often forget that God provides for all our needs, physical and spiritual. Though we may forget about our daily blessings, God does not forget us. In fact, the Father had you in mind when he sent his only begotten son to suffer and die for you, so that you would receive salvation and forgiveness of sins. Jesus gives himself to us through his word and sacraments so that we may have everlasting life with him in heaven.

During this season of Lent, remember that God not only provides for your physical needs, but your spiritual needs as well by the suffering Christ endured on your behalf.

Seminarian Brian Flemme

Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who amid so many adversities do fail through our own infirmities, may be restored through the Passion and intercession o f Thine only-begotten Son.

Collect for Monday of Holy Week The Lutheran Hymnal © 1940 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand

Genesis 49:29-50:14
1 Corinthians 11:17-34
March 16, 2010

During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance. His disciples answered, But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them? How many loaves do you have? Jesus asked. Seven, they replied. He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so. They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. The people ate and were satisfied. Afterwards the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. About four thousand men were present. And having sent them away, he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha. The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply and said, Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it. Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side. -Mark 8:1-10

Jesus fed 4,000 with seven loaves of bread and a few fish. They ended up with seven baskets of leftovers! Kinda like when Mom makes spaghetti – you have it for leftovers for days! This is one of Jesus’ many miracles. He shows compassion on the multitude and feeds them with what He has. After blessing it He gives it to the people. 4,000 men were fed, not to mention wives and children. In all it may have been about 12,000 fed! Wow! Jesus set the table and the people left satisfied.

Kathy Jenkins

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast sent Thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Him our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross that all mankind should follow the example of His great humility, mercifully grant that we may both follow the example of His patience and also be made partakers of His resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord.


Collect for Palmarum Sunday The Lutheran Hymnal © 1940 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.