Advent 4 (year A)- Isaiah 7; Matthew 1

By the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Scripture readings are filled with anticipation of Christ's birth. The Old Testament selection from Isaiah 7:10-17 is a famous passage that prophesies the future of Israel. There are two aspects of the message: warning of judgment and hope for redemption. The hope in the prophecy is the sign of the child born of a virgin. This child will be called Immanuel, "God with us." Of course, Christians have always understood this prophetic hope as pointing to Jesus Christ.

Psalm 24 is a well-known praise of the Lord God as the king of glory who comes among His people. This psalm takes on special meaning in light of our anticipation of the coming of the Christ Child.

Romans 1:1-7 is the Apostle Paul's introduction of himself and his message to the church at Rome. In these verses, Paul emphasizes the reality of Christ's incarnation as the fulfillment of Scripture and the expression of divine grace.

Matthew 1:18-25 is a brief account of Jesus' birth from Joseph's perspective. It highlights his acceptance of the virgin birth under divine guidance. Joseph realizes the holiness of his betrothed and of her son. He is instructed to call Him Jesus, a name which comes from Hebrew meaning "the Lord will save." This brief account reminds us of two realities. It affirms the importance of Joseph's role in the plan for redemption, and it also points beyond Joseph to the greater importance of Jesus, the Redeemer. May the Gospel reading and all the Scriptures deepen our appreciation of the reasons for the celebration!

Advent 3 (year A)- James 5:7; Matthew 11:3

The readings for the Third Sunday of Advent emphasize the prophetic message and the hope for deliverance.   The first lesson from the Old Testament is in Isaiah 35:1-10. The imagery of this passage looks toward deliverance. Nature will be renewed and at peace, even among the beasts. Human beings will be strengthened and redeemed.

Psalm 146 emphasizes that one should trust in God, not in human leaders. God is the only true hope for all in the midst of earthly trials.

The reading from the New Testament is from the letter of James. The theme of James 5:7-11 is contained in the opening verse- "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord" (ESV). As Christians, we live between the times, between Christ's great work of redemption and its final triumph with His coming again. As we anticipate this, we live in patience and hope.

The Gospel from Matthew 11:2-15 shows John the Baptist in prison   He sends two of his followers to Jesus, and they ask if Jesus is the expected Messiah. We are not told why John asks. Perhaps he needed personal reassurance, and he probably also wanted his disciples to encounter Jesus. In any case, Jesus replies with a two-fold proclamation. First, He points to the redemptive acts taking place in His own ministry. Secondly, He points to the purpose and value of the prophetic work of John the Baptist. Then, our Lord concludes with an exhortation to His hearers to hear, that is, to be sensitive and perceptive to events. May we also be sensitive and perceptive to God's redemptive work!

Advent 2 (year A)- Isaiah 11:1-10; Matthew 3: 1-12

The readings for the Second Sunday of Advent focus on prophecy in differing ways. It has sometimes been said that there are two great characteristics of prophecy: foretelling or predicting and forth-telling or proclaiming. Both aspects are important. Biblical prophecy predicts certain future events in the divine plan; it also proclaims the message of divine redemption. During Advent, we see both in our readings.

The Old Testament lesson is the famous passage from Isaiah 11:1-10. It looks forward to a time when an ideal king will arise from the house of Jesse, king David's father.

Psalm 72:1-7 prays for the king and people to prosper and looks forward to the Messianic age.

The epistle reading comes from Romans15:4-13. The Apostle Paul speaks of the value of the Holy Scriptures, and he applies several Messianic prophecies to the saving work of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel selection is from Matthew 3:1-12. It concerns the work of John the Baptist. He fulfills certain prophecies from the past, and he is also the last of the Hebrew prophets pointing to the Messiah. He preaches repentance and redemption. May the same Holy Spirit which inspired the Biblical prophets inspire us to believe and live by their message!

Christ the King (year C)- Luke 23:27-43

Many Lutherans and other Christians observe the last Sunday on the church calendar, the Sunday before Advent, as Christ the King Sunday. Although this observance is only a few decades old, the Holy Scriptures are filled with references to Christ's kingship. In addition, since ancient times, Christian theology has often spoken of the three offices or functions of Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King. The readings for this day reflect this theme.

The Old Testament lesson from Malachi 3:13-18 refers to divine kingship indirectly. It speaks of a basic human option: serve evil (following natural human corruption) or serve good (transformed by divine grace).

The New Testament epistle reading is from Colossians 1:13-20. It speaks of the deliverance of believers from the dominion of evil into Christ's kingdom.

The Gospel from Luke 23:27-43 is set at Christ's crucifixion. Besides warnings and promises from Christ, there are repeated references to His kingship. Although crucified under the superscription Jesus Christ King of the Jews, He does not meet worldly expectations of a king because His kingdom is spiritual.  The penitent thief understands this and asks to be included in Christ's kingdom. May we also understand and accept Jesus' spiritual kingship in our lives!

Pentecost 23 (year C proper 28)- Malachi 4:1-6; Luke 21: 5-28

The readings for the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost reflect the approaching end of the church year and look to the end of all things and righteous divine judgment.

Malachi 4:1-6 warns of righteous judgment upon the wicked but also contains hope for those who repent.

Psalm 98 is a hymn praising God as the righteous judge.

2 Thessalonians 3: 6-13 contains practical advice for Christian living in the world. Believers should avoid being idle and live as befits those with faith in Jesus Christ.

Luke 21:5-28 deals with the coming divine judgment upon the Temple, Jerusalem, and humanity. Calamities will take place in this world, and believers in Christ will face opposition, persecution, betrayal, and sometimes even death. Nevertheless, the followers of Christ are to remain faithful as they trust in His guiding presence and hope for final redemption.

Confessional Teachings on the Saints

 Around All Saints Day and All Souls Day, one finds many references to prayers for and to departed saints. Some Christians place great emphasis upon invoking the prayers of the faithful departed. However, confessional Lutherans maintain our traditional teachings which we consider agreeable to the Holy Scriptures and consistent with the best teachings of the ancient church.

First, let us consider Lutheran teachings about the role of the departed saints. In Article XXI.1-5 of the Augsburg Confession, it is said that our churches teach that the faith and examples of the saints may be honored and followed according to our callings in life. However, we are not to invoke the saints or call upon them for help. Such a practice is not taught in Scripture, and it contradicts biblical teachings that Jesus Christ is our Mediator and Advocate. Furthermore, regardless of the intentions of the practitioners, the cult of the saints has an inherent tendency to violate the first commandment against idolatry.

Secondly, let us consider Lutheran teachings about prayers for the departed in Article XXIV.94-96 of the Apology of the Augsburg Confession. The Lutheran Confessions do not reject prayers for the departed as an expression of affection and honor. However, we do reject turning the Eucharist or Lord's Supper into some sort of meritorious or propitiatory sacrifice for the souls of the departed. Furthermore, in many places, particularly in Article XII.15 of the Apology, Lutherans strongly reject indulgences supposedly applied to the dead. (By the way, although Roman Catholic theory and practice have been reformed over the years, indulgences are still significant.)

In summary, regarding the faithful departed. Lutheran doctrine and practice seek to follow Scripture and to maintain the best of the ancient catholic tradition. We respect those who have preceded us in faith, we seek to follow their good qualities, and we ask divine mercy upon the whole church of God, living and departed. However, we also seek to avoid unbiblical abuses which tend to creep into human practices, May God keep us strong in Christ-centered faith!

Pentecost 20 (year C proper 25)- Luke 18: 9-17- Two Kinds of Sinners

The Gospel for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost is Luke 18:9-17, the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax-collector going to the Temple to pray. The Pharisee was a proud and presumptuous sinner who did not see his need for repentance and forgiveness, The Tax-collector was a penitent and humble sinner who sought and received divine mercy and pardon. This story warns us against pride and self-righteousness, and it encourages us toward repentance and humble faith in divine mercy. We should all pursue goodness and holiness, but even at our best, we are still sinners who must depend upon God's forgiveness, mercy, and grace.

Pentecost 18 (year C proper 22)- 2Timothy 2:1-14; Luke 17:11-19

For the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, the second or epistle reading is from 2 Timothy 2:1-14. Here, the Apostle Paul exhorts Timothy and us to be good soldiers of Christ. He uses military, athletic, and farming comparisons to emphasize commitment and discipline.  At the end of the passage, Paul presents what some consider to be an early Christian creed emphasizing the centrality of the work of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:11-13 says, "Here is a trustworthy saying:  If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself."

The Gospel reading is from Luke 17:11-19. On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus passed between Samaria and Galilee. He was met by ten lepers who asked Him to have mercy. When they were healed on the way, only one returned to thank Jesus, and he was a Samaritan. This reminds us that divine grace and healing are extended to all sorts of people. The response of the Samaritan leper is also a reminder that faith and gratitude are not limited to particular human groups. God in Christ cares for all, and through divine grace, grateful faith may appear where we least expect it.

Pentecost 6 (year C proper 11)- Luke 10:38-42

The Gospel for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost is from Luke 10:38-42, and it deals with the differing attitudes of Martha and Mary of Bethany. These two women and their brother Lazarus were Judean friends and followers of Jesus, and the Gospels show them receiving Him into their home on more than one occasion. This short account adds an important detail. The house actually belongs to Martha, and she is concerned about being a good hostess. Her presumably younger sister Mary is more relaxed, and she takes the time to sit at Jesus' feet and learn from His teaching.

Both women are doing good things, but Mary has chosen the good portion. She has a better attitude and higher priorities. Hard work and social duty have some value. Feeding guests is a good deed. Physical and material concerns are valid in earthly life. Yet, we must subordinate such matters to higher values. Sometimes, we need to place such external deeds on pause while we relax and pursue spiritual matters. In all our busyness, let us calm down and spend more time with Jesus!

Pentecost 4 (year C)- Luke 10:1-20

The Gospel for this Fourth Sunday after Pentecost is the account of the sending forth of the Seventy (or seventy-two in some manuscripts) in Luke 10:1-20. Most often, when we think of Jesus' followers in the New Testament, we focus on the Twelve. The Twelve were certainly important, but we always need to remember that others were involved in the Christian mission from the beginning.

The general mission of the Seventy is to prepare localities for the personal ministry of Jesus. This general mission has several facets. These disciples travel lightly and share the message of God's peace through acts of kindness and preaching the good news of the kingdom. Yet, the seventy disciples are also warned not to expect universal success. Some people and some places will not be open to Christ and His message. In such situations, the disciples are not to waste their time and energy. Rather, they are to warn people of the dangers of rejecting Christ and move on to minister elsewhere.

The situation of contemporary Christians is much like that of the Seventy. We still try to prepare people to receive Jesus Christ. We fulfill this mission through deeds of mercy and talking of our religious faith in Christ and His kingdom. But we also recognize that not everyone will be open to the Gospel. So at times, we must simply warn people of spiritual danger and move on. Finally, as Christ tells the disciples in Luke 10:20, let us not rejoice in the external successes of our ministry, "but rather rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

Pentecost 2 (year C proper 7)- Luke 8: 26-39

 The Gospel for this Second Sunday after Pentecost is an interesting episode from Luke 8:26-39. Jesus and the disciples sail across the Sea of  Galilee into the Gentile region of the Gerasenes. Upon landing, Jesus is met by a man possessed by multiple demons. When the demons are cast out, they enter into a herd of pigs which are driven mad and drown. This dramatic miracle shows the power of Jesus Christ, and then we see the remarkable reactions of the healed demoniac and of the other inhabitants of the region.

First, let us notice the reaction of the inhabitants. One might expect a positive amazement and perhaps even gratitude that the man and local society had been delivered from a long-standing problem. However, the populace does not react positively. They are more terrified of the divine power at work in Jesus than they had been of the demons afflicting the man. They just ask Jesus to go away.

Secondly, there is the totally different reaction of the healed man. He becomes a healthy and positive person. He is clothed, in his right mind, and in gratitude, he wishes to accompany Jesus. But Jesus gives the man a different mission. The man is called to return to his home in order to witness to God's work in his life. In Luke 8:39 (ESV), Jesus says, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And the man went away, telling everyone he met how much Jesus had done for him.

As Christians healed from our spiritual infirmities, we should seek to follow and serve Jesus. Perhaps, we may be asked to follow Him into new and strange places. Or perhaps, we may simply be asked to return home among family, friends, and neighbors. But wherever Jesus Christ calls us to serve Him, we should be faithful and witness to God's work through Christ.

Trinity Sunday (year C)- John 8:54-58

There is much to say about the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity.  It is appropriate that we focus on the doctrine of the Holy Trinity one week after celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. Although human beings can use both reason and poetic language to talk about the nature of theTriune God, our personal appreciation of this unique Christian teaching depends on the divine grace that the Holy Spirit pours into our hearts and minds. In other words, perceiving, confessing, and appreciating the doctrine of the Trinity is not a natural human ability but a gift of divine grace. 

There are numerous Scriptural passages that both maintain divine oneness and unity and refer to all three divine Persons.  For example, there are texts such as Matthew 3:16-17, John 3:5-16, Ephesians 2:18, 2 Corinthians 13: 14, and 1 Peter 1:2. These biblical teachings are also summarized and explained in the three ancient Creeds, the ancient church fathers, and statements in the Lutheran confessional documents. 

The lectionary Gospel this year is from John 8:54-58, and it points to a slightly different emphasis. It highlights one aspect of Trinitarian doctrine- the divinity of Jesus Christ. In first-century Palestine and at many times down to our current epoch, a key issue in discussions about the Trinity has been understanding who Jesus is. In John 8:54-58, Jesus asserts His unique relationship with God the Father.  And in response to those who dispute His claim, Jesus boldly proclaims, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58 ESV).

These words "I am" are a reference to the divine name revealed in Exodus 3. When Jesus uses these words about Himself, both He and His opponents know that He is claiming to share one nature with God the Father. Jesus' divinity is a basic and essential aspect of who He is and the saving work that He accomplishes. Only a divine Savior can overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil and save us from our sins. Only the divine Christ can lay down His life, take it up again, and offer us new and eternal life with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost (year C)- John 14:26

 Today is Pentecost. the fiftieth day after Easter, It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Christ's disciples in a powerful new way, and it has sometimes been called the birthday of the Christian Church. There are many things that we can say about the Holy Spirit, but today I would like to focus on one verse from the Gospel of John. In John 14:26, Jesus tells the disciples, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (ESV)

As Jesus looks toward the end of His earthly ministry with His approaching death, resurrection, and ascension, He promises His followers that divine aid will continue. God the heavenly Father will send the Paraclete or Helper to the disciples in Christ's name. Christians will still need teaching. In particular, they will continue to need reminding in a lively way of the teachings that Christ has already given. In other words, the central work of the Holy Spirit among Christians is to help them remember and apply the Gospel.

Unfortunately, through the centuries and into our time, many people have misunderstood and distorted this main work of the Holy Spirit among believers. They have gone to emotional and imaginative extremes. They have sometimes neglected Scripture and Christ's Sacraments in favor of some nebulous "spirituality." However, true spirituality inspired by the Holy Spirit must never be separated from the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no other Gospel that can save souls. So the Holy Spirit never contradicts the revelation in Christ. Rather the Holy Spirit recalls the Scriptural message, makes it alive, and helps us apply it in our situations!

Easter 5 (year C)- John 16:22- Sorrow and Joy

The Gospel for this Fifth Sunday of Easter is John 16:12-22. Like many selections during this season, these verses are from our Lord's Farewell Discourses to the Twelve on Maundy Thursday,  As on many occasions, the disciples are slow to grasp Jesus' teaching about His death and resurrection. To make His point real to them, in John 16:21, He compares the situation to motherhood. The labor pains are all too real, but the result is joyful. Jesus warns the disciples about the real pain and sorrow of death and separation, but He also predicts the joy of His renewed presence. Our Lord concludes in John 16:22, "And ye now, therefore, have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you" (KJV).

The Easter season focuses on how the disciples come to appreciate Christ's whole ministry, in particular His rejection, passion, and death, in light of His resurrection. His sufferings and the disciples' separation from Him do bring them great sorrow, but His resurrection brings them profound joy. And this joy is so powerful that it transforms them.  The disciples learn to follow Him in new and deeper ways. Experiencing the joy of His resurrection presence with them, they are empowered to serve Him through all the sorrows and joys of this world. 

Jesus' words about sorrow and joy still apply to believers. We still have earthly sorrows and joys. But there is a great joy that transcends our earthly conditions. This is the joy of knowing the presence of the risen Christ with us. Through the Holy Spirit working through His Word and His sacraments, we sense His presence with us in this life, and we anticipate living in His presence eternally. Alleluia! Christ is risen! 

Lent 2 (year C)- Luke 13:31-35

In the Gospel for the Second Sunday in Lent, Luke 13:31-35, we are reminded of Jesus' journey toward Jerusalem and the Cross. When warned that Herod Antipas, the Roman appointed ruler of Galilee, seeks His death, our Lord replies with determined realism. He says, "I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem" (Luke 13:33 ESV). Jesus knows the path that He must walk. He must fulfill His ministry and mission. He chooses to do what He has been called and sent to do. He trusts in God, His heavenly Father, and leaves the outcome in the Father's hands. 

Although our callings are not of the same magnitude as Christ's, we are called to respond in a similar way. As we journey through Lent and throughout the Christian life, there are physical and spiritual obstacles and dangers. But we must not be distracted from our Christian calling or mission. We must be persistent. We strive to do what we are called to do as believers. We live and act in faith today and tomorrow. We trust God, and we leave the future in His hands.

Lent 1 (year C)- Luke 4:1-13

The first or Old Testament reading for the First Sunday in Lent is Deuteronomy 26:1-11. This passage looks back to the history of the patriarchs and Israelite bondage in Egypt and looks forward to entry into the promised land. It a call to respond to God's graciousness by appropriate acts of devotion. 

Psalm 91:1-13 is a selection about divine deliverance, especially in times of trial. It has a two-fold relevance to this Sunday. It contains verses that were misinterpreted by Satan in the Temptation of Jesus, but it also represents the general outlook of Jesus in His trust in and dependence upon the Lord God.

The second or Epistle reading is from Romans 10:8b-13. Here the Apostle Paul speaks of "the word of faith." We are exhorted to confess and believe in Jesus Christ raised from the dead. Such faith is the means of our deliverance or salvation.

The Gospel from Luke 4:1-13 is one of the accounts of  Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. As our Lord prepared to begin His public ministry, He engaged in prayer and fasting, and at the end of this time, the Tempter sought to catch Jesus in a moment of weakness. Satan used three basic human needs as points of spiritual attack. First, there was the physical need to care for the body- in this case, the need for food. Secondly, there was the human need to control our surroundings- in this case, the political surroundings. Thirdly, there was the human desire for social contact and affirmation- in this case, the temptation to seek public adulation by a showy display. Although His human nature was tried, Jesus was able to resist these temptations because of His divine connection with the Father and the Holy Spirit. By overcoming sin in this and other ways throughout His earthly life, death and resurrection, Jesus won a victory for all humanity.

Sadly, we do not have the spiritual perfection of our Lord, and we often succumb to one temptation or another. Still we do have hope. Through our baptism and faith in Christ, His grace can strengthen us to resist many temptations and to seek repentance and renewal after our failures. Temptations to evil are bound to come, but there is good news. Jesus Christ has conquered Satan, sin and death, and He offers us His help each and every day!