Pr. DFD

Monday, August 20, 2018

Morning Prayer Reading 6 - Cain & Abel

Cain & Abel

Genesis 4:1-16

4 Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten[a] a man with the help of the LORD.” 2 And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. 3 In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6 The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted?[b] And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to[c] you, but you must rule over it.”

8 Cain spoke to Abel his brother.[d] And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 9 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” 10 And the LORD said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground. 11 And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. 12 When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” 13 Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is greater than I can bear.[e] 14 Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” 15 Then the LORD said to him, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him. 16 Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod,[f] east of Eden.

Footnotes:

a. Genesis 4:1 Cain sounds like the Hebrew for gotten

b. Genesis 4:7 Hebrew will there not be a lifting up [of your face]?

c. Genesis 4:7 Or is toward

d. Genesis 4:8 Hebrew; Samaritan, Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate add Let us go out to the field

e. Genesis 4:13 Or My guilt is too great to bear

f. Genesis 4:16 Nod means wandering

Illustration from a woodcut by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden (The Book of Books in Pictures). © WELS used by permission for personal and congregational use.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Proper 16

Proper 16 Series B

Isaiah 29:11–19

Ephesians 5:22–33

Mark 7:1–13

The True Tradition of the Church Is the Ministry of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, Her Savior

The true tradition of the Church is the Gospel, which is the preaching and administration of Christ Jesus.

Other traditions, although not commanded by God, may serve and support that sacred tradition of the Gospel. But the Church dare not “[reject] the commandment of God” in order to establish or hold to “the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8–9).

Sinful people attempt to draw near to the Lord “with their mouth” and to honor Him “with their lips,” while their hearts are far removed from Him (Is. 29:13).

Yet, He is “the Holy One of Israel,” who brings about salvation by His cross. Therefore, “the wisdom of their wise men shall perish,” but “the deaf shall hear” and “the eyes of the blind shall see” (Is. 29:14–19).

This mystery of Christ is profound, for He is the Husband of the Church, and He is her Savior. Not because of any works that she has done, but solely for the sake of His great love, He “gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word” (Eph. 5:25–26).

Almighty and merciful God, defend Your Church from all false teaching and error that Your faithful people may confess You to be the only true God and rejoice in Your good gifts of life and salvation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit. one God, now and forever.

Lord, cleanse us each day from our sins. We thank You that Jesus was made a fragrant sacrificial offering for us.

Mark 7:1-13

Tradition and Vain Worship

Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for being overly concerned with mad-made observances while failing to fulfill God's Commandments. Such hypocrisy still abounds, as most people worry more about human opinions that what God things. Given our own failures in this regard, it is a good thing that the Lord not only commands in His Word, but also graciously forgives and promises goodness.

1 Now when the Pharisees gathered to him,(and some of) with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem,

Καὶ συνάγονται πρὸς αὐτὸν οἱ Φαρισαῖοι καί τινες τῶν γραμματέων ἐλθόντες ἀπὸ Ἱεροσολύμων

2 they saw that (some) of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. (ritually)

καὶ ἰδόντες τινὰς τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ [a]ὅτι κοιναῖς χερσίν, τοῦτ’ ἔστιν ἀνίπτοις, ἐσθίουσιν [b]τοὺς [c]ἄρτους

Why did they not wash? Had Jesus told them not to? By observation? Like His teaching on fasting? Is Jesus taking on all the leadership had heaped upon them? What makes clean?

3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders,

οἱ γὰρ Φαρισαῖοι καὶ πάντες οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι ἐὰν μὴ πυγμῇ νίψωνται τὰς χεῖρας οὐκ ἐσθίουσιν, κρατοῦντες τὴν παράδοσιν τῶν πρεσβυτέρων,

4 and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.)

καὶ ἀπ’ [d]ἀγορᾶς ἐὰν μὴ [e]βαπτίσωνται οὐκ ἐσθίουσιν, καὶ ἄλλα πολλά ἐστιν ἃ παρέλαβον κρατεῖν, βαπτισμοὺς ποτηρίων καὶ ξεστῶν καὶ χαλκίων [f]καὶ κλινῶν—

5 And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?”

[g]καὶ ἐπερωτῶσιν αὐτὸν οἱ Φαρισαῖοι καὶ οἱ γραμματεῖς· Διὰ τί [h]οὐ περιπατοῦσιν οἱ μαθηταί σου κατὰ τὴν παράδοσιν τῶν πρεσβυτέρων, ἀλλὰ [i]κοιναῖς χερσὶν ἐσθίουσιν τὸν ἄρτον;

Spoken in anger. “Traditions of the Elders” –mentioned five times in these verses.

6 And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “ ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far(away) from me;

ὁ [j]δὲ εἶπεν [k]αὐτοῖς· Καλῶς ἐπροφήτευσεν Ἠσαΐας περὶ ὑμῶν τῶν ὑποκριτῶν, ὡς γέγραπται [l]ὅτι Οὗτος ὁ λαὸς τοῖς χείλεσίν με τιμᾷ, ἡ δὲ καρδία αὐτῶν πόρρω ἀπέχει ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ·

Jesus will yell as their presumed self-righteousness. Buying righteousness with gifts above the tithe. And they were lording it over those who did not.

These sacrifices were weak.

7 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’

μάτην δὲ σέβονταί με, διδάσκοντες διδασκαλίας ἐντάλματα ἀνθρώπων·

In vein they worship “Me”

8 You leave the commandment of God and hold to (cling to) the tradition of men.”

[m]ἀφέντες τὴν ἐντολὴν τοῦ θεοῦ κρατεῖτε τὴν παράδοσιν τῶν [n]ἀνθρώπων.

They set off, let go, leave behind, the commandments of God.

“Commandment” is singular – in Vv. 8,9 He gives an example. Yet it all hinges on the first commandment.

Vv. 9-13 Jesus gives a concrete example of the Pharisees' hypocritical piety. He describes them as failing to obey the 4th Commandment because they consider it more important to give special offerings than to support elderly parents. Such piety is ultimately self-serving and a sham.

9 And he said to them, “You have a fine way of a rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!

Καὶ ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς· Καλῶς ἀθετεῖτε τὴν ἐντολὴν τοῦ θεοῦ, ἵνα τὴν παράδοσιν ὑμῶν [o]τηρήσητε·

10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’

Μωϋσῆς γὰρ εἶπεν· Τίμα τὸν πατέρα σου καὶ τὴν μητέρα σου, καί· Ὁ κακολογῶν πατέρα ἢ μητέρα θανάτῳ τελευτάτω·

11 But you say, ‘If a man (should say to) tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban” ’ (that is, given to God)—

ὑμεῖς δὲ λέγετε· Ἐὰν εἴπῃ ἄνθρωπος τῷ πατρὶ ἢ τῇ μητρί· Κορβᾶν, ὅ ἐστιν Δῶρον, ὃ ἐὰν ἐξ ἐμοῦ ὠφεληθῇς,

"Corban" was an offering above and beyond the tithes required by the Mosaic Law.

The Pharisees and scribes expected the disciples and Jesus to follow their ritual practices, especially those involving washing. Jesus' quote of Isaiah is to rebuke the hypocrisy of His pharisaical accusers. This passage contrast insincere lip service with heartfelt obedience. See Isaiah 1:2-3

Jesus' rebuke is aimed the Pharisees; elevating of human tradition above divine commandment.

12 then you no longer permit him to do (nothng) anything for his father or mother,

[p]οὐκέτι ἀφίετε αὐτὸν οὐδὲν ποιῆσαι τῷ [q]πατρὶ ἢ τῇ [r]μητρί,

13 thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”

ἀκυροῦντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ τῇ παραδόσει ὑμῶν ᾗ παρεδώκατε· καὶ παρόμοια τοιαῦτα πολλὰ ποιεῖτε.

sources:

English Standard Version (ESV)

SBL Greek New Testament (SBLGNT)

Time in the Word - Pentecost 14 - Proper 16

Time in the Word

Preparing for Pentecost 14 –Proper 16

August 20-25, 2018

The True Tradition of the Church Is the Ministry of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, Her Savior

The true tradition of the Church is the Gospel, which is the preaching and administration of Christ Jesus. Other traditions, although not commanded by God, may serve and support that sacred tradition of the Gospel. But the Church dare not “[reject] the commandment of God” in order to establish or hold to “the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8–9). Sinful people attempt to draw near to the Lord “with their mouth” and to honor Him “with their lips,” while their hearts are far removed from Him (Isaiah 29:13). Yet, He is “the Holy One of Israel,” who brings about salvation by His cross. Therefore, “the wisdom of their wise men shall perish,” but “the deaf shall hear” and “the eyes of the blind shall see” (Isaiah 29:14–19). This mystery of Christ is profound, for He is the Husband of the Church, and He is her Savior. Not because of any works that she has done, but solely for the sake of His great love, He “gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word” (Ephesians 5:25–26).

Lord of all power and might, Author and Giver of all good things, graft in our hearts the love of Your name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord we pray. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in every need, continue to preserve Your Church in safety, govern her by Your goodness, and bless her with Your peace; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, August 20, 2018 – Psalm 26 – Next week’s Introit is an appeal for God to take account of David’s moral integrity, his unwavering trust, and his genuine delight in the Lord. This is not a boast of self-righteousness, but an appeal to God. The Antiphon is taken from verse 8, “I love the house where You live, O Lord, the place where Your glory dwells.”

Tuesday, August 21, 2018 – Psalm 119:129-136 – The appointed Psalm for next week is taken from the longest Psalm and it under the Hebrew letter Pe. The Psalmist recalls the righteousness of God’s law and how they are a delight to follow. As we focus on the Lord and His precepts, we find direction in living.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 –Isaiah 29:11–19The visitation of the Lord will bring death and destruction to Jerusalem. Yet the Lord promises to do wonderful things with His people. God desires genuine repentance, not hypocrisy. God has accomplished wonderful things for us through the gracious visitation of His son in our human flesh. In Jesus’ death and resurrection. God has turned the world upside down and removed our shame.

Thursday, August 23, 2018 –Ephesians 5:22–33For the Christian, the Gospel does not overturn the order of life, but gives it new meaning. Each human relationship is reinterpreted “in the Lord.” Wives, children, and servants look on their husbands, parents, and masters as representatives of the Lord and submit to them. Husbands, parents and masters likewise views the ones entrusted to them as Christ viewed the church with self-sacrificing love.

Friday, August 24, 2018 – Mark 7:1–13Good living comes from a believing heart. The prophet Isaiah had denounced the religious leaders of his day. Jesus uses a quotation form this prophet to describe the tradition of the elders as “rules taught by men.”

Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for being overly concerned with man-made observances while failing to fulfill God’s Commandments. Such hypocrisy still abounds, as most people worry more about human opinions that what God things. Given our failures in this regard, it is a good thing that the Lord not only commands in His Word, but also graciously forgives and promises goodness. Thus, we ought to pray, “Lord, cleanse us each day from our sins. We thank You that Jesus was made a fragrant, sacrificial offering for us.”

Saturday, August 25, 2018 –Luke 17:5– This verse is the inspiration for the hymn, “Oh for a Faith that Will Not shrink”. The disciples, feeling incapable of measuring up to the standards set forth by the Lord, cry out to Him, “Lord, increase our faith!” This is the cry of faith asking the Lord to supply us in every need.

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1) Parenting begins with parents remembering that they live in God’s kingdom ruled by God’s lavished love in Christ. The Gospel is the basis for parenting, not some how-to book with a list of rules. God’s underserved love in Christ reminds parents that having a child is not a right but a blessing. Parents do not merely produce children as an industry produces a product. They are entrusted with a child as a gift from God. All parenting flows from the gift of the heavenly Father.

Some thoughts concerning our worship life together …

Hearing the Word of God, the people respond with words of praise. The Gradual is a Proper. It is a portion of a psalm of other Scripture passage that provides a response after the Old Testament Reading. The Epistle lesson gives us God’s counsel on how His gracious Word is applied to the hearer and the Church. Often in this reading we hear how God’s Word accomplishes what it says-creating faith, bestowing forgiveness, strengthening God’s people in their struggles against sin, and enlivening in them the hope of eternal life.

This Week’s Morning Prayer Readings

Read and review the following Bible stories for each day…

Monday, August 20 – Cain & Abel – Genesis 4:1-16

Tuesday, August 21 – From Adam to Noah – Genesis 5:1-32

Wednesday, August 22 – Chapel Day

Thursday, August 23 - The flood –Genesis 6-9

Friday, August 24 - Tower of Babel – Genesis 11:1-9

From the Small Catechism – 3^rd & 4^th Commandments

Sources:

Luther’s Seal © Ed Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas Higher Things

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Pentecost 13 - Proper 15

Pentecost 13 – Proper 15

August 19, 2018

John 6:51-69

Eat & Live

The body and blood of Jesus are in, with and under the bread and wine given for us Christians to eat and to drink. Instituted by Christ Himself. This we believe, teach and confess. Yet, many fail to understand the importance and significance of the Lord’s Supper. Is it only a long, drawn-out service? Why is it that many within our Synod are recommending the weekly celebration of the Sacrament? Jesus does not mention the supper in these words exactly or precisely. There are, however, serious teachings for us to consider. By faith, you receive the whole Christ.

What is this Supper?

It is the receiving of Christ
It is uniting with Christ
It is living in Christ

1. It is the receiving of Christ – V.55 “For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink”

The power and presence in this supper is found in The Word of Christ. The hymn writer suggests and reminds us – “God’s Word is our great heritage.” Whenever the Christ is found. Whether it is read, taught, preached or shared there we find the power of God working and accomplishing its ordained purpose, which is to bring you closer to Him, strengthening your faith, increasing your faith.
Applying this word to those visible gifts the Savior has given to us will accomplish the very same things He intends with His spoken Word. In the Sacrament of Baptism and in His Supper Christ’s Word is given to you as a sign and a pledge of His love. It is The Word with a sign. A question could be asked, ‘how do I know Christ cares for me?” Look at the gifts He offers to you – He gives you His Word – It is His very promise. He has given you Baptism. Where you are incorporated into His family. He gives you His Supper. - Where His very body and blood is offered. In these gifts. Christ gives you Himself. As a sign of His love.

Transition: What is this supper? It is a receiving of Christ. It is also a uniting with Christ.

2. It is the uniting with Christ – V.56 “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.”

Whenever we come we remain in Him. What is it that we Christians need? We need to remain in Christ. When you come. You are remaining in Him. Families gather together. To enjoy each other. To connect with one another. Connection to the family is important within God’s Family. You come to be connected to Him – You commune with Him.

But Christ also comes in this meal – He is really present and comes to you in this meal. You come to remain in Him. He comes to remain in you! This has always been the Savior’s intention. – To come to you. John reminds us, “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1) Christ broke into time and space to deliver us from the bondage of sin. He comes to us every time this meal is offered. Christ has given you His sure and abiding word “whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me and I in him. (v.56)

Transition: What’s in this supper? It is a reception of Chris. It is a uniting with Christ. It is a living in Christ.

3. It is living in Christ – Vv.57-58 – “Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of Me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died but he who feeds on this bread will live forever. “

In these Words. We have recorded the 10^th time. Christ reminds us that He has come down to us. You live in Christ. Who refused to be absent. Or indifferent. His intention is to remain with you. Here is His promise – “The one who feeds on Me will live because of Me.”

We find purpose and meaning by what we do. During the Labor Day weekend we recall the various vocations and professions among us. We focus on who we are according to our life’s work. It’s a great opportunity for our youth. Especially as school has begun. To think of their future. – “What shall I be?” is a very important question to ask.

Yet we also remember today. Not only who you are. But WHOSE you are. You are a child of the lamb. Who was slain. Who now lives and reigns throughout all eternity. He has determined to come to you. In this special way. – In His Word. And in His meal. His intention has always been to abide and dwell with you.

What is this supper? We have visited three components this morning. It is a receiving of Christ. It is the uniting with Christ. It is a living in Christ. May the Lord so fellowship with you. As He come to you. In this significant way.

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Words-850

Passive Sentences-10%

Readability –83.6%

Reading Level -3.7

Image © Higher Things

Friday, August 17, 2018

Morning Prayer Reading 5 - The First Promise of a Savior

5 The First Promise of a Savior

Genesis 3:8-25

8 And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool[a] of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORDGod called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”[b] 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

14 The LORD God said to the serpent,

“Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field;

on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. 15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring[c] and her offspring;

he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

16 To the woman he said,

“I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to[d] your husband, but he shall rule over you.”

17 And to Adam he said,

“Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; 18 thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. 19 By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

20 The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.[e] 21 And the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.

22 Then the LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” 23 therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

Footnotes:

a. Genesis 3:8 Hebrew wind

b. Genesis 3:9 In Hebrew you is singular in verses 9 and 11

c. Genesis 3:15 Hebrew seed; so throughout Genesis

d. Genesis 3:16 Or shall be toward (see 4:7)

e. Genesis 3:20 Eve sounds like the Hebrew for life-giver and resembles the word for living

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut © WELS used with permission for personal and congregational use Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas Higher Things

English Standard Version (ESV)

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Morning Prayer Reading 4 - The Fall of Man

The Fall of Man

Genesis 3:1-7

3 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made.

He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You[a] shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise,[b] she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

Footnotes:

a. Genesis 3:1 In Hebrew you is plural in verses 1–5

b. Genesis 3:6 Or to give insight

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut © WELS used with permission for personal and congregational use Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas Higher Things

English Standard Version (ESV)

Sunday, August 12, 2018

Proper 15 notes

Proper 15 Series B

Proverbs 9:1–10 or Joshua 24:1–2a,14–18

Ephesians 5:6–21

John 6:51–69

Jesus Is the Word and Wisdom of God, Who Gives You Life and Light in His Flesh

Jesus is the divine Word by whom all things were made, who has become flesh and dwells among us. He gives His flesh “for the life of the world,” not only as a sacrifice for sin but as “the living bread” from heaven (John 6:51). Eat His flesh and drink His blood (John 6:54–57), and no longer walk in the darkness of sin, but walk in His light.

"Arise from the dead” and live in Him, because you are “light in the Lord” (Eph. 5:8, 14). Being filled with His Spirit, confess Him to “one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart” (Eph. 5:18–19).

Fear, love and trust in Him, “and serve him in sincerity and faithfulness” (Josh. 24:14). For He has brought you “out of the house of slavery” by His cross and resurrection, and now He does “great signs” in your sight (Josh. 24:17). Indeed, He is the divine wisdom, who has built His house, prepared His feast and set His table; He bids you to recline and eat of His bread and drink of the wine He has mixed (Prov. 9:1–5).

Jesus is the divine Word by whom all things were made, who has become flesh and dwells among us.

Collect for Pentecost 12- Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life, grant us to know Your Son, Jesus, to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow His steps in the way that leads to life eternal; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Jesus declares that He is the Living Bread that came down from heaven. It is through Him alone that we can be forgiven, that our sins can be removed, that we can partake of eternal life. Through Word and sacrament, Christ feeds us, bestowing faith and nourishing it. The bread that He gives does not just satisfy for a short time, like earthly food; whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.

Proper 15 Series B

John 6:51-58

ΚΑΤΑ ΙΩΑΝΝΗΝ 6:51-58 Greek NT: Nestle 1904

6:51 Ἐμάχοντο οὖν πρὸς ἀλλήλους οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι λέγοντες Πῶς δύναται οὗτος ἡμῖν δοῦναι τὴν σάρκα φαγεῖν;

I am the living bread that came down (descended) from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."

He gives His flesh at the cross and in the Supper.

6:52 - Ἐμάχοντο οὖν πρὸς ἀλλήλους οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι λέγοντες Πῶς δύναται οὗτος ἡμῖν δοῦναι τὴν σάρκα φαγεῖν;

The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"

How can He do it? Thinking in an earthly way, such as, “how can one be born again?” in John 3

They battle against each other.

6:53 - εἶπεν οὖν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς Ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἐὰν μὴ φάγητε τὴν σάρκα τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου καὶ πίητε αὐτοῦ τὸ αἷμα, οὐκ ἔχετε ζωὴν ἐν ἑαυτοῖς.

So Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.

First time he’s mentioned his blood. Some use this as an argument for infant communion. Drinking of blood was never done in pagan practice.

6:54 ὁ τρώγων μου τὴν σάρκα καὶ πίνων μου τὸ αἷμα ἔχει ζωὴν αἰώνιον, κἀγὼ ἀναστήσω αὐτὸν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ.

Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day;

τρώγων - an intensifying verb. see The Formula on the Supper, Article 7 we eat not in a capernetic way.

We comprehend by faith which comes in the Word.

6:55 -ἡ γὰρ σάρξ μου ἀληθής ἐστιν βρῶσις, καὶ τὸ αἷμά μου ἀληθής ἐστιν πόσις.

for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink.

6:56 ὁ τρώγων μου τὴν σάρκα καὶ πίνων μου τὸ αἷμα ἐν ἐμοὶ μένει κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτῷ.

Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them.

We remain see chapter 15 the reference to the vine/branch. This is jarring language. No one speaks in this way except Jesus. The Protestants turn these words into a metaphor.

6:57 καθὼς ἀπέστειλέν με ὁ ζῶν Πατὴρ κἀγὼ ζῶ διὰ τὸν Πατέρα, καὶ ὁ τρώγων με κἀκεῖνος ζήσει δι’ ἐμέ.

Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me.

6:58 - οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ ἄρτος ὁ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς, οὐ καθὼς ἔφαγον οἱ πατέρες καὶ ἀπέθανον· ὁ τρώγων τοῦτον τὸν ἄρτον ζήσει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα.

This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever (unto eternal life).”

This is an exulted view of Moses and the fathers from the people. Jesus is no respecter of persons. If you claim to be a follower of Moses you will follow me. He’s putting them in their proper place.

6:60 These words are hard/difficult. Peter will speak for the 12 these “disciples” a part of the 72, they too criticize.

6:61 -Jesus responds, “this offends you.” See also “we preach Christ, a scandal…” Matthew 11 13:41, Romans 9:33, John 16:1.

6:62 - You offended at this. What if you were to see the Son of Man ascended to where he was at first. A reference to the cross not Ascension according to Bultman. “Being lifted up” is where Jesus will demonstrate His glory. If you are offended by what you have seen thus far just you wait.” You will see him from whence he came.

6:63 - look at the verb for preaching. The flesh gives nothing. Contrast between spiritual/flesh is contrast between fallen nature and the new man. It must be given by the Spirit. See John 3 that which is born of flesh and spirit.