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

4th word - "The word of Abandonment"

My God, why have You forsaken Me?

INTRODUCTION: Christ our Savior suspended on the cross cries out with a heart felt cry: "My God, why have You abandoned Me?" To understand these words is to understand not only what the cross preaches but also what Jesus hanging on that cross offers for a lost and dying world.
1. These words express the extent of Jesus' suffering.
A. Jesus endured enormous physical agony. Jesus endured a most shameful death. The Old Testament Scriptures remind us of the curse: "Cursed be anyone who hangs on a tree" Thus the sufferings Jesus endured from God were even more profound.
Roman citizens were exempt from crucifixion. It was reserved for the vilest of offenders. Crucifixion would take days for death to become a reality. It could take a week before crucifixion would run its full course. The cause of death by crucifixion was asphyxiation; a slow, methodical excruciating form of torture. Pain, dehydration, hallucinations were all accompanied this mad form of capital punishment.
B. The silence of God and nature demonstrate how profound the death of God's only begotten Son would become. The sun hid its face - there was a total eclipse of the sun from noon until 3 PM as darkness covered the earth.
C. What are we to make of all this? What was God the Father doing as His Son was dying? The Father was actually turning His back away from His Son. The Father abandoned His Son so that He would not have to abandon you for He bore your sins in His own body on the tree that dying to sin you might live unto righteousness.
2. Then there is the cause of Jesus' sufferings.
A. On the cross, abandoned by God and by man Jesus Christ was made sin for us. He carried our sin; He became sin for us. At the cross we see the great exchange all of the world's sin including your own is placed on the shoulders of Jesus. Jesus became sin for us. At the cross the Father accepts the Son's sacrifice and removed your sin, stills the Father's anger, and forgives your sin.
B. Thus, all of the world's sin was poured out on Him. "In Adam we have all been one; one huge rebellious man. We all have heard that lonesome voice that called us when we ran" Jesus became the world's substitute. All of the world's hatred, misery, sins and guilt have been transferred to the Son of Man. If the world's sin has been transferred to Him what else remains on you? There can be only one thing left -the Lord's innocence, righteousness and peace.
CONCLUSION: At the cross the Father abandoned the Son so that you and I could never experience being abandoned by God. Thanks be to Jesus for this most precious gift.

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

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.

March Madness is almost here

Here are my brackets for the four post season tournaments this year...

The College Insider.com Postseason Tournament has no set bracket. The CIT uses the old NIT model of determining future round opponents following the conclusion of the previous round. I'm liking Harvard and Southern Mississippi.

The College Basketball Invitational is a 16 team single elimination tournament. The final four teams are re-seeded and the championship is a best of three game series with the higher seed receiving home court advantage. Indiana State takes on a tough St. Louis team in the opening round played in Akron, OH I have Akron, Eastern Kentucky, Orgean State, and Prinston in the final four with Akron and Prinston in the championship. Akron wills themselves a championship in a close one.

The National Invitation Tournament a 32 team tournament which pre-dates the NCAA. Opening games are played on college campuses until the final four which is always played in New York City. I have Dayton, Mississippi, Northwestern and Mississippi State in the final four with Mississippi and Mississippi State battling it out for state bragging rights with State walking away in the championship. The NCAA will be played during Holy Week in Indianapolis. My Elite Eight are Northern Iowa, Ohio State, Butler, Xavier, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Duke and Notre Dame. My final four picks include Duke, New Mexico, Butler, and Ohio State. Ohio State will knock off Duke in the championship game on Easter Monday.

Disclaimer: I have watched little if any basketball this season as we do not have a dish and it has been quite a busy Advent - Lent. Still it's fun to fill out the brackets. One year Lydia filled out her brackets based on the team's color scheme and mascot and got seven of the elite eight, the final four and the champion all correct so anything is possible.

Logos found at each tournament's web site.

They're Back

Left for the winter 11.1.2009

Returned 3.15.2020

Welcome Back!

The Faith of a Syro-Phoenician Woman - The Healing of a Deaf and Mute Man

Genesis 49:1-28
1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1
March 15, 2010

Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. First let the children eat all they want, he told her, for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs. Yes, Lord, she replied, but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs. Then he told her, For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter. She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man. After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears. Then he spat and touched the man's tongue. He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, Ephphatha! (which means, Be opened!). At this, the man's ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. People were overwhelmed with amazement. He has done everything well, they said. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak. -Mark 7:24-37

Mark assures us that there is absolutely no reason to doubt any of God’s promises or wonder about the sufficiency of His plans for us. Why? Because His promises are all based on the One whose word and work are totally reliable. He has always delivered on what He has promised.

He has perfectly met all our needs. Mark convinces us to count on Jesus Christ because He has done all things well. “He has done all things well” says Mark. This is there definitive conclusion of the men who brought their deaf and speech-impaired from to Jesus for healing. It might sound strange the way Mark put it in the original Greek text but he writes it this way to bring out the emphasis of these friend’s exclamation “Well (Kalos) all things He has done!” A standard of excellence has been stamped on everything Jesus has done.

Jesus does everything well. Christ always does what is exactly appropriate, just, right and totally sufficient for the situation.

Everything that Jesus does is done in just the right way, the best way, - the perfectly sufficient and appropriate way. The friends of the man who was healed praise the Savior’s action which is all inclusive. Literally everything Jesus has done meets the standard of perfection.

These men were eyewitnesses of Jesus perfect healing of their friend in a way that was totally adequate and just for him. They observed Christ’s deep compassion for their friend and His penetrating understanding of the man’s need. They watched as Jesus sensitively led their friend away from the confusion and sensation of the crowds so he could focus his full attention on the Healer. They marveled when they saw the personal, reassuring, intimate touch Jesus gave to their friend’s ears and tongue. And their exuberant exaltation of Jesus could be contained no longer when their friend, so long imprisoned by his impediments, was set free for the joys of hearing and speaking. No wonder they couldn’t contain their testimony about the Lord, even though He requested their silence. Who wouldn’t want to tell the world? He has done all things well!

Grant, merciful Lord, to Your faithful people pardon and peace that we they may be cleansed from all their sins and serve You in a quiet mind; 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 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Lutheran Book of Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis

Time in the Word - Lent 5

The Theme for Lent 5, “Forecast of the Future” helps us see the purpose and the necessity of the cross. It is a one time act but has eternal consequences. In the Old Testament lesson (Isaiah 43:16-21) God will do a new thing for His people as He promises to do a new thing for His people, something good. In the Epistle lesson, (Philippians 3:8-14) Christians strain forward to the future goal of Christ. Paul says that he forgets the past and looks forward to the future. In the Gospel lesson, (Luke 20:9-19) Judgment will come to those who reject God’s Son. This is brought out in the parable of the wicked tenants. The Hymn of the day is a contemplative hymn which focuses on Christ’s crucifixion. It is one of the most powerful hymns in our hymnal.

Collect for Lent 5 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. Amen

Monday, 15 March 2010—Psalm 3:3-6, Antiphon, Psalm 3:8 Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessings be on Your people! Though threatened by many foes, the psalmist prays confidently to the Lord. A common feature in the prayers of the Psalter is a concluding expression of confidence that the prayer will be or will be heard. David’s confidence becomes a testimony to God’s people. As he stands before God the psalmist King David prays on behalf of the nation.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010—Psalm 126; key verse v3The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126 is a song of joy for restoration to Zion. If not composes for those who returned from Babylonian exile the place of exiles is not names it surely served to voice the joy of the restored community. The psalm divides into two stanzas of four Hebrew lines each with their initial lines sharing a common theme. Thematic unity is further served by repetition and other key words

Wednesday, 17 March 2010— Isaiah 43:16-21– In this passage4 God asks us to stop thinking and talking about all the good things God did for us in the past such as the Exodus from Egypt. Something better is going to happen to us – a new and better Exodus from the slavery of sin. God promises to do a new thing. (v.19) God will make a way out of bondage. (v.19) God will provide provisions on the way. (v.20) God will give you reason to praise Him. (v.21)

Thursday, 18 March 2010—Philippians 3:8-14 –In this reading Paul shows us how the past, present and future come together in a Christian’s life. We do not live in any on tense. All of time is involved in a Christian’s life. The past –we consider it refuse. (v.8) The present – we have Christ by faith. (v.9) The future – we look to the future goal of oneness in Christ. (V.12-14)

Friday, 19 March 2010 – Luke 20:9-20– In the parable packed with truths in allegorical form, the Savior teaches us.

He tells us about God – God is the owner of our world and is entitled to rent. God is patient with us. Three times He sent a servant, then a son. God’s patience has an end-judgment will be enacted. God has no other plan to reconcile us – Christ was His only Son. He can do no more. If the world does not accept Christ, nothing but destruction lies ahead.

He tells us about Christ. He is God’s Son. Other before Him were only “servants.” He holds a unique position with God the father, an intimacy and a oneness. He was sent by God – to receive us our obligation to God. Jesus has a mission. He was obedient to God’s will. He knew that his end was death at the hands of wicked men. His death was not an accident, not bad luck, not forced. In obedience to God, He faced the cross courageously and voluntarily. The parable announces His approaching end.

He tells us about mankind. Man is only a steward, not the owner. As such he owes God a return. Man is a rebel – in constant rebellion against God. He refuses to render to God what is God’s. He rejects servants and son. Man wants to be the owner-God. He refuses to give God his portion and hopes to take over the vineyard by killing the son. Man is prone to violence – beating and killing servants and son. Elijah was driven into the wilderness. Isaiah was sawn asunder. Zachariah was stoned to death before the altar. John the Baptizer was beheaded. Jesus was crucified.

Saturday, 20 March 2009—-Isaiah 53:3-6, Acts 4:11-12, Romans 4:23- Sunday’s hymn of the day is Stricken Smitten, and Afflicted (451 LSB). We move deeper into Lent and the cross now becomes the focal point of our Lenten journey. The cross can not be denied the Savior. This week’s hymn is one of the most profound hymns written in the Lent and Holy Week section of the hymnal. It speaks for itself. Take some time as you prepare for worship tomorrow to contemplate all the Savior has done for you.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House
Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C – John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH