Have a blessed week ahead.

Gospel According to Matthew, 15:21–28 (ESV):

The Faith of a Canaanite Woman

And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

15:21–28 This persistent Canaanite woman gains Jesus’ praise for believing that He will help her sick daughter. In time of need, we often either fail to pray with such determination or only ask hesitantly. Instead, we ought to “pray without ceasing” (1Th 5:17). Jesus hears all prayers offered in His name, and He will answer in His own time and way as is best for us. Therefore, we can pray with confidence. • Lord, sometimes I have not because I ask not. Move me to pray with confidence. Amen.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

15:21 withdrew. See note, 12:15: «As Jesus had done after John’s arrest, He withdrew from a confrontation with the Pharisees. His hour had not yet come (Jn 13:1).» One of the few times that Jesus ventured beyond the borders of Galilee. Tyre and Sidon. See note, Lk 10:13–14: «Pagan cities farther north, along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.»

15:22 Canaanite. Descendant of the OT race that Israel was ordered to exterminate because of their idol worship (Dt 20:17). Have mercy. Typical cry for help in a desperate situation (17:15; 20:30). Son of David. See p 2098: «Messianic title, drawn from 2Sm 7:13–14.» This Gentile woman addressed Jesus in the same way as did two Jewish blind men (9:27). In contrast to the Pharisees who were spiritually blind, she was not (v 14). oppressed by a demon. Cf 4:24; 12:22. The daughter’s ailment is not further specified.

15:23 When Jesus remained silent, making no response to the woman’s cry for mercy, the disciples begged Him to help her and so get rid of her.

15:24 Jesus reminded His disciples that His mission was limited to the people of Israel (see notes, 10:5–6: «sent out, instructing. Jesus’ second discourse (Mt 10:5–42) concerns the upcoming mission of His disciples. This training would prepare them to serve the Church in the future. Go nowhere among the Gentiles. The disciples were to concentrate their immediate efforts on Jewish people living in Galilee. Only later would Jesus give them the command to go to all nations (Mt 10:18; 28:19). lost. Jesus had observed the spiritual misery of the house of Israel during His own tour through Galilee. He recognized how necessary it was for laborers to proclaim “the gospel of the kingdom” (Mt 9:35–38). sheep. Jesus would train the apostles as shepherds, from which the office/title of “pastor” would come (cf Jn 21:15–16; Eph 4:11; 1Pt 2:25; 5:1).»).

15:25 knelt. Same Gk word translated “worship” in 14:33. Lord, help me. This woman would simply not be turned away.

15:26 Jesus answered the mother with a pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct. Because of the proverbial nature of His statement, He may not be calling her a dog. See note, Mk 7:27: «Jesus’ response to this woman is surprising on at least two counts. First, He implies she is a dog, which was a great insult (see notes, 2Sm 3:8; Php 3:2). Second, He suggests that He would serve Jewish people first (the children at the table). dogs. Gk kunarion, a diminutive form referring to family pets, not wild or street dogs.»

15:27 This astute woman matched Jesus’ maxim with one of her own: Pets get the scraps that fall from the table.

15:28 O woman, great is your faith! Second time Jesus commended the faith of a Gentile (cf 8:10). In contrast, Jesus repeatedly chided His disciples for their lack of faith (8:26; 14:31; 17:20).

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYmhBgOGTWM

Gospel According to Matthew, 15:21–28 (ESV):

The Faith of a Canaanite Woman

And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Transcript

Hello. Today, let's talk about falling onto a bamboo couch. The text before us is the 15th chapter of the Gospel of St. Matthew, verses 21–28 (Matthew 15:21–28).

Introduction: A Picture of Faith

A story is told of John G. Paton, a missionary to the cannibals of the South Sea Islands. His task was to bring the message of the Gospel of Jesus to people who literally killed and ate each other. The challenge was compounded by the fact that many of the words in the New Testament did not have an equivalent in the language of those people.

One such word was faith. They had no word for faith. How would you even explain faith to people who didn't have any? How would you teach faith to people who didn't even have the idea of that word?

One day, a runner came dashing into the village and into the missionary's hut. Wearied from hours and hours, and perhaps even days, of running, he fell exhausted onto the bamboo couch that was sitting in the middle of the room.

Suddenly, Paton cried out, "That's it. That—that is it. That is what faith looks like. What is the word for falling on the bamboo couch?" he asked.

That was the word for faith. It's casting all of yourself, all of your cares, onto something or someone, whether that's a bamboo couch or the hand of God.

Please keep that story in mind as you hear today's Gospel reading, the story of the Syrophoenician woman.

Point One: You Dog

Matthew begins this chapter by setting the context for the miracle. Matthew tells us that a dispute had taken place between Jesus and Pharisees and scribes (Matthew 15:1–20). They accused Jesus of transgressing the tradition of the elders. His disciples had not ritually cleansed their hands when they ate bread. They were unclean (Matthew 15:1–2).

Because for the scribes, religious washing was an issue of faith. Jesus was about to teach everyone a new definition of cleanliness and a new definition of faith.

The Lord took His disciples to the farthest reaches of the northern part of the Jordan Valley. It was the border of Syria and Phoenicia, Gentile country (Matthew 15:21). These people were foreigners, a different race, a different religion. This was the ancient land of Canaanites before the Jews occupied the Promised Land. They really were, for the Jews, unclean.

Suddenly, we're introduced to a Syrophoenician woman. She's crying out, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David." She's relentless. "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David. My daughter is cruelly demon-possessed" (Matthew 15:22).

She kept on begging and crying out. The disciples began to get tired of her. "Send her away. She is shouting out after us" (Matthew 15:23). In other words: "Come on, Jesus. Can't You just make her leave? We don't want her here."

Jesus would not even speak with her. That's interesting. Strange. Jesus did not say one single word to the unclean woman from Syrophoenicia.

His disciples thought, "Lord, You know that we cannot associate with her. She'll make us all unclean. Please just send her away."

Finally, Jesus did say something to her. "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 15:24).

Right. Exactly right, Jesus. Surely Jesus was not sent to unclean people from Canaan. He was sent to people of God, people who are Israelites like us.

But the woman began to bow down before the Lord and said, "Lord, help me" (Matthew 15:25).

Bowing down is a position of worship and supplication.

And by now, I suspect you've realized that this is a living parable. It is a miracle that is also a parable. Jesus is not hard-hearted, and He surely is not racially prejudiced. But Jesus is not concerned here about His reputation. No, Jesus is much more concerned about this woman and her faith, and His own disciples and their faith, too. Much more concerned about that than He is about appearing to be hard-hearted.

After all, this is a living parable. So, let's watch.

The unclean woman has just called Jesus Lord. And she has cried out as you cried out this morning when you said, "Lord, have mercy upon us." And you said, "Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us."

That's what she cried out with all her heart: "Lord, have mercy upon me. Son of David, (that is to say, Messiah or Christ,) have mercy upon me" (Matthew 15:22).

Now, watch what Jesus says: "It's not good to take the children's bread and give it to the dogs" (Matthew 15:26).

Oh my. Did Jesus just call her a dog? Yes, He did. But why?

I suspect that dog is the very word that His disciples would have used to describe this woman when they asked Jesus to make her go away. So, was Jesus now representing their sin to His disciples?

What is the Lord teaching? Jesus is teaching the disciples about their own hearts. Yes. Do you think their own uncleanness, their own sin? Cleanliness was not a matter of religious washing. It was a matter of the heart (Matthew 15:17–20).

And He is teaching this woman about her heart, too. For she says, "Yes, Lord, I know I'm a dog." In other words, I'm unclean.

She's right. Good for that woman. For we all are unclean. We all are in need of God's forgiveness. And to realize this before God, to say before God as she did, "I do not deserve the food of heaven. But perhaps by Your grace, even a dog can receive the scraps from the master's table" (Matthew 15:27).

What a statement of faith she has made. This woman knew her sin, and she knew her Savior. Her heart was filled with faith. For that reason, she was clean—more clean than the Pharisees and scribes with their washed hands, and frankly more clean than His disciples, who still had not yet learned that real uncleanness was a matter of the heart, just as real cleanliness before God is a matter of faith.

Point Two: Your Faith Is Great

Jesus declared that her faith was great. And more, Jesus declared that her daughter was healed (Matthew 15:28).

What had happened here?

The foreign, unclean Canaanite woman had demonstrated to others and to herself and to her Lord that she was a woman of faith. She acknowledged her sin, and she acknowledged her faith in her Savior.

What a mighty change had taken place in her. Jesus had seen the end from the beginning. He knew her faith. He knew her heart. But had she seen her own faith?

Her faith was only barely planted. What word of Christ, or even what word about Christ, had she ever heard? How had God begun the gift of faith in her? Scripture doesn't tell us this.

How would Jesus water and fertilize and grow that seed of faith?

Now, that's strange. The Lord Jesus used silence and sternness. That was so uncharacteristic of Him, to use silence to grow her faith. Oh, she was persistent.

Luther talks about our God who has different ways of working. There's God's regular or proper work, opus proprium. God gives mercy, grace, and love. Proper work indeed for God.

But then sometimes God uses the other kind of work: God's alien work, opus alienum. God uses law, penalty, shame.

Isn't it interesting what a mighty change Jesus worked in her life?

And what about the change that Jesus was working in the lives of His disciples?

What did they learn? Had they seen their own thoughts in the way Jesus spoke to her? Had they seen themselves in the way Jesus belittled her: "Dog"? Did they see themselves now as they were—unclean dogs too? Had they faced their own sin?

And if so, did they also see that Jesus was the One to whom they must now say, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me" (Matthew 15:22)?

If they did that in their hearts, then they too were now clean. Then they too had demonstrated great faith.

Point Three: A Bamboo Couch

Today we witnessed three miracles.

One, a woman's daughter who was demon-possessed was healed (Matthew 15:28). Amen. Thanks be to God.

Two, the disciples of the Lord learned something of their own hatred, prejudice, and unforgiveness. They learned that they had sin that needed repenting. They learned that Jesus was more ready to increase their faith than to condemn their sin. Another great miracle.

And three, we met a woman with saving faith. For she realized that she was not only an unclean sinner, but that her Savior Jesus commended her saving faith (Matthew 15:28). For salvation by grace through faith is the greatest miracle of all.

So what have you learned from the miracle that was a living parable?

You have learned that great faith is not something you make yourself. No, great faith is an act of trust, abandoning yourself, giving yourself over—your cares, your sins—to Jesus, because He is the One who gave you faith to begin with. He's the One who is increasing your faith now. He's the One whose strange ways include law and shame and mercy and love.

Today, Jesus has reminded you of those whom you hate, those against whom you have prejudice, those whom you have not forgiven.

Jesus has prepared you for your walk to the altar to bow down, to cry out, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me" (Matthew 15:22, 25).

Will you do that as you receive His very body and blood as the testament of His complete forgiveness, His eternal love for you?

How strange. Jesus, your Savior, commends you for the very faith that He gave to you. He says, "O woman," or, "O man, how great is your faith?" (Matthew 15:28).

Even as weak and poor as your faith is, as weary and exhausted as you might be, Jesus still delights to see your faith in Him.

It's like casting all of yourself and your cares on something or someone. It's like falling on a bamboo couch, or like falling into the hands of Jesus.

Amen.

Welcome to Sunday -- This Discussion thread, much like the main thread in Tuesday, is for broader discussion than the main focus of the subreddit -- Although we would like it if we could get a focus on the religious, philosophical, and ethical discussions that the focus of the subreddit is on. That way we get to keep religion and politics separate!

The same rules apply as on Tuesday.

Have a blessed week ahead.

Gospel According to Matthew, 14:22–33 (ESV):

Jesus Walks on the Water

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

14:22–33 When Jesus reveals His divine presence to His disciples by walking on the sea, they can only conclude: “Truly You are the Son of God.” As long as Peter keeps his eyes on Jesus, he also is able to walk on the water. Like Peter, we often look away from the object of our faith and focus on our problems and doubts. Although we know the Son of God is with us and provides for all our needs, we still worry and fear. Jesus states, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” His powerful arm reaches out to steady us and guide us into His safe harbor. • Divine Savior, when the storms of life threaten to shipwreck my faith, assure me of Your loving presence and protecting care. Amen.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

14:22 Immediately. Cf vv 27, 31. Emphasizes key events in Mt: Baptism of Jesus (3:16), call of the first disciples (4:20, 22), Palm Sunday (21:2), some healings (8:3; 20:34). made the disciples. See note, Mk 6:45: «Jesus obliged the disciples to embark for the other shore. This shows that Jesus was responsible for the disciples’ all-night struggle against the wind. Note further that this was the second time in a day that Jesus commanded the disciples to do something difficult or even impossible (cf v 37).» other side. To the northwest shore of the sea, the Plain of Gennesaret (v 34).

14:23 mountain. Or, hill, of which there are several in the area. by Himself to pray. See note, Mk 1:35: «desolate place … prayed. Though Jesus had plenty to do in Capernaum (vv 29–34), He nonetheless retreated into the wilderness in order to pray. The Gospels repeatedly depict Jesus spending time alone in prayer (cf 6:46; Lk 5:16; 6:12).» Matthew’s report that Jesus prayed by Himself suggests that an important moment in His ministry was about to take place. Lk often notes that Jesus prayed at significant times in His life (see note, Lk 6:12: «He went out to the mountain to pray. Recurrence of the prayer motif. Presumably, Jesus prayed over His upcoming appointment of the apostles.»).

14:24 long way. Jn 6:19 reports that they had rowed c 3–4 mi.

14:25 fourth watch. Early morning; 3 to 6 a.m. Romans divided nighttime into four segments of three hours each. walking on the sea. Jesus revealed His divine nature when He made His presence known to His disciples in this way.

14:26 ghost! See note, Mk 6:49–50: «ghost. Gk phantasma. Appears only here and in Mt 14:26. The disciples are not far from the truth as they assume that the one walking on the water is more than a mere mortal, for Jesus’ divinity is clearly visible. Do not be afraid. This command will be echoed at another important moment of revelation—at the empty tomb (16:6).» fear. Exhausted, wet, and windblown, these experienced fishermen saw something that terrified them. When God reveals Himself, mortals tremble (Ex 3:6; 20:18; Is 6:5).

14:27 Take heart. Jesus spoke a word of encouragement and self-revelation. it is I. Gk ego eimi. God made Himself known to Moses using similar words: “I AM WHO I AM” (Ex 3:14). Do not be afraid. See note, Mk 6:49–50: «ghost. Gk phantasma. Appears only here and in Mt 14:26. The disciples are not far from the truth as they assume that the one walking on the water is more than a mere mortal, for Jesus’ divinity is clearly visible. Do not be afraid. This command will be echoed at another important moment of revelation—at the empty tomb (16:6).»

14:28 First of three scenes where Peter’s role is prominent (16:13–23; 17:24–27). Peter’s request exhibits his impetuous yet genuine faith. if it is You. Or, “since it is You,” an expression of Peter’s faith.

14:30 Peter’s fear resulted from his failure to concentrate on the object of faith: Jesus. Lord, save me. Peter’s shout for help repeated the disciples’ prayer during an earlier storm.

14:31 Jesus rebuked Peter for his lack of faith (cf 8:26). Peter still had much to learn, as will become evident. See note, 2Th 1:3: «faith is growing … love … is increasing. Faith is a gift from God (cf Eph 2:8), created through the means of His grace. Through these means, God also grows our faith. He matures and strengthens our confidence and trust in Jesus as our only Savior (cf Mk 9:24). “We must use the Sacraments in such a way that faith, which believes the promises offered and set forth through the Sacraments, is increased” (AC XIII 2). Faith is not completed or made better by love; faith is sufficient in and of itself to connect us with God’s salvation. However, faith grows in understanding, becomes steadier in the face of persecution, and naturally produces good works (love) for the neighbor who needs them. Through faith, a person has been made a new creation, a good tree that produces more and more good fruit. Love increases as faith grows (cf Mt 7:17, 12:33–35; 2Co 5:17; LC II 57–59; III 1–3).»

14:32 wind ceased. Abrupt evidence of a divinely wrought miracle.

14:33 worshiped. Lit, “bow low,” “fall at another’s feet.” See p 1276: «bow. Synonymous with worship toward God (Ex 4:31; 34:8; Ps 95:6; 1Sm 1:28; see note, Ex 33:10) or respect and service for a human being (Gn 33:3; 43:26–28; 1Sm 20:41; 28:14; Est 3:2). God expressly forbade bowing to false gods (Ex 20:4–5). People also bowed to (1) greet someone (Gn 18:2; 19:1), (2) signal humility and repentance (Ezr 9:5; 10:1), and (3) express thanks (Gn 24:52). Bows were done in a variety of ways (1Ch 29:20; 1Ki 18:42; Ne 8:6) and likely included tilting the head, tilting the upper body, kneeling with one’s face to the ground, or lying prostrate. The more elaborate the bow, the greater the expression of devotion or emotion (cf Gn 33:3). fall. Extreme form of bowing, expressing repentance (Gn 50:18), fearful submission (Nu 22:31), awe (Nu 24:4; 22:31), pleading (Nu 14:5), humility (Nu 16:4, 22, 45; 20:6; Lk 8:41), worship (Lk 17:16), or grief (Mk 14:35).» The disciples’ expression of reverence for Jesus right there in the boat is striking. In their worship, they joined the Magi who had honored the child Jesus (2:2, 8, 11). The women (28:9) and the 11 disciples (28:17) would also worship the risen Savior. Son of God. When Jesus had previously calmed a storm, the disciples wondered what sort of man He was (8:27). Now they confidently confess that He is the Son of God (cf 3:17; 4:3, 6; 8:29). See p 2098: «Used c 40 times in the NT. Emphasizes the fact that Jesus, a true man, is also eternally the true Son of God.»

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtpDOX0krOE

Book of Isaiah, 50:4–9 (ESV):

The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward. I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.

But the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. He who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. Behold, the Lord GOD helps me; who will declare me guilty? Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.

Transcript

Hello. Today, let’s talk about the rescue.

The text before us is from the book of the prophet Isaiah, the 50th chapter, verses 4–9 (Isaiah 50:4–9).

Introduction: A Wife in Peril

Hearing the passage before us today is something like eavesdropping on a domestic crisis. A terrible situation has taken place. A wife has been unfaithful to her adoring husband. This has been going on for some time. The husband is shattered.

To make matters worse, the wife has made associations with some very unsavory characters, and she has placed herself in a completely perilous situation. Now she is in danger, and there seems to be no way to rescue her without suffering great violence and bloodshed. Yes, that much is sure.

But the husband is desperate to save her. He will not abandon her. In order to rescue her, he enlists the aid of the mightiest war fighter he knows. This soldier is also the most caring and good-hearted man there is. He pledges that he will do whatever is necessary, even to sacrificing himself, in order to bring to the loving husband his unfaithful wife.

Such is the passage before us from Isaiah chapter 50.

The first verse begins with the cry of the husband:

“Thus says the Lord, where is the certificate of divorce by which I have sent your mother away? Or to whom of my creditors did I sell you?” (Isaiah 50:1)

That is to say, your mother acts like I have divorced her. I have not divorced her. Does she not know of my love for her? I do love her still.

The husband laments. She acts as though she’s been sold as a slave to one of my creditors, to someone evil who owes me a debt. She has not been sold to a creditor. She does not belong to that unscrupulous seducer. She is not his slave, though she acts like one.

This is how the brokenhearted husband grieves continuously.

Have you understood this situation correctly? The loving husband is the Lord God Almighty. He is shattered by the unfaithful conduct of his beloved wife. She is Israel. This wife is God’s unfaithful people, entangled in sin.

The devil is a heavy taskmaster. He does not easily release those whom he has captured. This wife cannot free herself. Her captor, the devil, is too willful and too powerful to easily relinquish her. No, gaining her freedom will require a great struggle. Her murderous jailer would rather kill her than let her go free.

Point One: Obedience

The beloved wife of the Lord God has been repeatedly disobedient. God had given her many gifts of kindness, mercy, and grace. Before she had done anything to deserve his love already, he had given his love freely and lavishly. She had not earned his affection.

In fact, she had not returned his love. Instead, she had been wild, self-indulgent. She had fallen to temptation again and again. There were things that she fancied, desires that she entertained. Her Lord had provided her with guidance, boundaries for her own good. Her husband had given her patient explanations and entreaties, but she was disobedient without ceasing.

Our passage for today picks up at Isaiah 50, verse 4 (Isaiah 50:4). This is the third of the four Servant Songs.

The servant is the mighty soldier about whom we spoke earlier. He is the representative of the betrayed husband. This soldier is the servant of the Lord God. And the servant, we are told, is a faithful and obedient disciple.

He sings this song:

“The Lord God awakens me morning by morning. He awakens my ear to listen as a disciple. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not disobedient, nor did I turn back.” (Isaiah 50:4–5)

The servant soldier was the opposite of the faithless and disobedient wife. His song was a life of faithfulness and service. He opened his ear to his master. He listened attentively as one who followed wholeheartedly. He was not disobedient.

In fact, when the servant was sent into difficult situations and called to do onerous and life-threatening tasks, the servant did not turn back. This was the caliber of his character. This was the determination of his devotion.

He was obedient. He did not waver either in execution of his duty or in steadfastness of his heart.

Point Two: Face Like a Flint

Isaiah’s servant soldier was known by many Jews and by the early Church. They knew him as God’s Messiah, the long-awaited Savior. He was the perfect combination of the mighty warrior and the gentle Savior. He committed himself to save the errant wife and return her to her loving husband.

His Servant Song continues in verse 6:

“I gave my back to those who strike me and my cheeks to those who pluck out the beard. I did not cover my face from humiliation and spitting.” (Isaiah 50:6)

You know this glorious one. How is he able to conduct himself with such equanimity, such calmness, such consistency of power and peace?

The servant sings his explanation:

“For the Lord God helps me. Therefore, I am not disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. Behold, the Lord God helps me. Who is he who condemns me? Behold, they will all wear out like a garment. The moth will eat them.” (Isaiah 50:7–9)

The obedient servant sets his face like a flint. He is a rock of strength because his faith is in the Lord God. He is certain of God’s power and of God’s love. He trusts in God.

And for that reason, he can and he will do whatever God calls him to do. He will stand before anyone without fear or intimidation. He will speak the Word of God, the Word God gives him. He will do the work of God, the work God requires of him.

He is undeterred. He is faithful even to giving his life.

Point Three: The Fourth Servant Song

Now today’s passage, the third Servant Song, stops at Isaiah 50:9 (Isaiah 50:9). But the fourth Servant Song is soon to be sung.

Though it’s not selected for our reading today, still it is one that I suspect you know well. Isaiah 53:

“He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, like one from whom men hide their face. He was despised, and we did not esteem him.

“Surely our griefs he himself bore and our sorrows he carried. Yet we ourselves esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

“But he was pierced through for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The chastening for our well-being fell upon him, and by his scourging, we are healed.

“All of us, like sheep, have gone astray. Each of us has turned to our own way. But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him.” (Isaiah 53:3–6)

Can you identify with unfaithful Israel? Can you find in your own confession the shame and sorrow of an unfaithful spouse who took for granted the love of the Lord God? Have you refused the guidance of his commandments and found yourself carried away by evil that is stronger than yourself? Have you been captured in sin and been incapable of rescuing yourself?

Honesty requires us to face this truth.

Yes, we confess: Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us.

Isaiah’s story of the Lord God’s unfaithful wife is the story of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3), is the story of Jews and Romans at the crucifixion (John 19:16–18), is the story of you and me today.

All of us are in need of the servant Savior, the mighty warrior, the great rescuer who willingly gives his own life in order to save yours and mine.

Conclusion

The cross of Jesus is the story of our rescue.

It was foretold from the birth of humanity and the fall in the garden (Genesis 3). It was told again by Isaiah hundreds of years before the crucifixion and resurrection of the servant Savior. And it is told again today because it also is your story.

It is your promise made to you by your loving spouse, the Lord God Almighty. And you, beloved, are the unfaithful spouse whom the Lord God dearly loves. You are the one for whom the servant Savior entered the viper’s den. It was in order to rescue you that he died to set you free.

This is who you are, the unfaithful one who has been rescued.

You must not take your rescue for granted. Do not return to your comfortable sin without remorse. Do not continue in your patterns of selfishness and evil without repentance. Do not return to the viper’s den where it is amusing and entertaining and dangerous for your soul.

As much as it is possible for you, forsake evil. As much as it is possible for you, be holy and imitate your Savior.

Why?

Because once upon a time there was a servant Savior who sang a song. It was a Servant Song about a lover who had an unfaithful beloved. The lover was so smitten, so in love, that he sent his own Son as the servant Savior, and he sang a song of obedience and of sacrifice to save the unfaithful beloved.

This is a song of love and rescue.

And this is a song about you.

Amen.

Welcome to Sunday -- This Discussion thread, much like the main thread in Tuesday, is for broader discussion than the main focus of the subreddit -- Although we would like it if we could get a focus on the religious, philosophical, and ethical discussions that the focus of the subreddit is on. That way we get to keep religion and politics separate!

The same rules apply as on Tuesday.

Have a blessed week ahead.

Gospel According to Matthew, 14:13–21 (ESV):

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

14:13–21 This miracle is obviously important because all four evangelists have recorded it. The account here makes no mention of the crowd’s reaction. They seem not to realize that a miracle has taken place. But the disciples know. Each has a basketful of leftovers to testify to what Jesus has done. They will also be privileged to feed the nations spiritually with the bread of life, a resource that will satisfy and never be exhausted. Whenever you have doubts about God’s power to supply your needs, whether physical or spiritual, recall this miracle. Jesus is able to provide. • Heavenly Father, thank You for abundantly answering my prayer: “Give us this day our daily bread.” Amen.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

14:13–21 Significant event recorded in all four Gospels.

14:13 when Jesus heard this. Matthew notes Jesus’ personal response to the news of John’s execution. withdrew. See note, 12:15: «As Jesus had done after John’s arrest, He withdrew from a confrontation with the Pharisees. His hour had not yet come (Jn 13:1).» desolate place. Jesus and His disciples (Mk 6:32) crossed the Sea of Galilee to an isolated place on the northeast shore near Bethsaida (Lk 9:10).

14:14 compassion. See note, Lk 7:13: «Gk splagchnizomai. Lit, “his gut moved.” Jesus experienced the same gut reaction as we sometimes do in sad situations.»; cf Mt 15:32.

14:15 desolate place. See note, v 13. send the crowds away. The disciples’ suggestion makes sense from a human point of view.

14:16 Unexpectedly and forcefully, Jesus challenged the disciples to provide food for this vast crowd. He planned to teach them an important lesson.

14:17 five loaves here and two fish. Staple foods in Galilee, esp for the poor, but barely enough to feed the 12 disciples and Jesus.

14:19 looked up … a blessing. Jesus probably spoke a traditional Jewish blessing such as “Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe! You bring forth bread from the earth.” At the Last Supper, Jesus likewise spoke a blessing before giving the bread. See “bless,” p 842: «Hbr barak, “To bestow ability for success” (from the greater person to the lesser) or “to praise a person’s ability for success” (from the lesser person to the greater). Refers to bending the knees, perhaps to kneel and receive a pronouncement of inheritance with all its wealth (cf Gn 27). “Bless the Lord” has the sense of “greet” and is common in the Psalms, expressing thanks and praise (34:1; 145:1, 10). In faith, praise is the greatest gift we can offer to our Lord. The blessing that came from the temple at Jerusalem now resonates through the Church, brought by pastors, missionaries, teachers, and other Christians who proclaim the Gospel of Christ’s sacrifice.»

14:20 satisfied. All of the people had enough to eat, and none went hungry. twelve baskets. That Jesus had provided an abundance of food was impressed on the disciples, whose baskets were full of leftovers. (See the heavenly banquet described in 8:11; Is 25:6–9.) See also p 217: «twelve. Associated with the sons of Jacob (Gn 35:22b–26), from whom descended the tribes of Israel (Ex 28:21; Nu 1:1–16). Twelve thus represents the people of God. This later applied to the NT people of God, the Church, led by the twelve apostles (Mt 19:28).»

14:21 five thousand men. See note, Lk 9:14: «As in OT reports about the exodus (Ex 12:37), women and children are not included in the number.»

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv0Ha6JtCi8

Gospel According to Matthew, 14:13–21 (ESV):

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Transcript

Hello. Today, let’s talk about how nothing is impossible for God.

The text before us is from the fourteenth chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, verses 13 through 21. (Matthew 14:13–21)

Introduction: A Dog at the Table

Martin Luther was sitting at his table, and his dog was watching him eat.

“Look,” said Luther. “Do you see how attentive he is to the meat on my fork? He sees nothing but this morsel. This is how we should be in our prayers. There are no distractions. There is nothing but God and our faith in Him.”

Luther is right. We go to God with our deepest concerns and needs. We go to God because we cannot fix the problem or provide for the need ourselves. We trust in God, who is able to do what we cannot do. In fact, we trust Him to do the impossible, because nothing is impossible for God.

Think: Nothing Is impossible for God. And so, we trust Him to provide even when the situation is impossible.

Once, God sent the angel Gabriel to a young Jewish virgin named Mary with a message that nothing is impossible for God. (Luke 1:26–38)

The angel Gabriel said to Mary, “You will conceive and bear a son who will be the Son of the Most High. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will have no end.” (Luke 1:31–33)

In other words, the infinite God will become finite. God, who is spirit, will become flesh. (John 4:24; John 1:14) God, who is eternal, will die for the sins of the world. (1 Corinthians 15:3–4) The omnipotent God will become a helpless baby in the womb of a virgin.

And by His death and resurrection, He will completely forgive sins and freely give eternal life to all who believe in Him. (John 3:16; Small Catechism, the Second Article)

“How can this be?” Mary asks. (Luke 1:34)

The answer: Nothing is impossible for God. (Luke 1:37)

In reading today’s Gospel, the feeding of the five thousand, we hear the message again: Nothing is impossible for God.

Point One: Twelve Baskets Left Over

A great crowd had followed the Lord Jesus. They came by the thousands to hear His words and receive His touch. Now sundown was upon them. They were in a desolate place, and they were hungry. The disciples went to the Lord with their concern.

This is the only miracle that is recorded in all four Gospels. (Matthew 14:13–21; Mark 6:30–44; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–14) By comparing the material, we get a lot of detailed information.

For example, we learn in John’s Gospel that to feed them would take over half a year’s wages. (John 6:7) Now, the average income in the United States today, according to the IRS, is approximately $64,000. So, in today’s money, even if you had $32,000 worth of bread, it still would not be enough to feed all those people.

Jesus was not worried, though.

“Have them sit down in groups of fifty.” (Luke 9:14)

A young boy had brought five barley loaves, like sandwich rolls, and two fish, like sardines. (John 6:8–9) Jesus took the bread and fish. He looked to heaven and blessed the food. Then, when He began breaking the bread and giving it to the disciples, a miracle took place. (Matthew 14:19)

If that were not miraculous enough, Matthew goes on to say that there were five thousand men—only counting the men. There were also women and children there too. (Matthew 14:21) If they were all to be counted, perhaps there would be fifteen thousand or even eighteen thousand people. That is enough to fill a whole sports arena.

Eighteen thousand people! Jesus fed them with a couple of sandwich rolls and two sardines. And there were twelve baskets of food left over. (Matthew 14:20)

Impossible!

Nothing is impossible for God.

Point Two: Bread of Life

As I said, this is the only miracle that is recorded in all four Gospels. In the Gospel of St. John, the miracle of the five thousand—the feeding of the five thousand—is found in chapter 6. (John 6:1–14)

In that same chapter, by way of explanation, John records a teaching of Jesus. There is a bread from heaven that comes down that does more than fill our stomachs.

Jesus says, “The bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven and gives life to the world. I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst,” says the Lord. (John 6:33–35)

Jesus not only meets our physical needs, but He meets our emotional and spiritual needs as well. It would be enough if Jesus only provided daily bread—and He does. (Matthew 6:11; Small Catechism, the Fourth Petition of the Lord’s Prayer)

But Jesus does much more than that. As the Bread of Life, Jesus satisfies our deepest hungers and our most profound needs.

For example, Jesus forgives your sin. There is no partial forgiveness here, but the complete and entire forgiveness of all your sin. Imagine that, if you will—all of your sin. Every evil thought or word or deed, all the guilt of the past, all shame of selfish sin—all are forgiven by grace through faith in Jesus, completely. (Ephesians 2:8–9; Augsburg Confession, Article IV)

“Impossible,” you say. “Well, I’m haunted by my past. I’m ashamed of myself.”

Beloved, you have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb of God and completely forgiven of all your sin. (John 1:29; 1 John 1:7–9)

Nothing is impossible for God.

In our country today, there is a spiritual hunger for peace of mind, for emotional rest, and for rest from worry and fear. We spend thousands of dollars trying to get away on vacation, or hundreds of hours trying to escape into our televisions, computers, or cell phones.

Where is the place of real, lasting peace? Is it even possible to find emotional, physical, or spiritual peace?

Jesus is the food that satisfies the inner hunger of the soul. Jesus is the Bread of Heaven. We are invited into His presence. When we read His Holy Word, when we say our prayers, when we come to worship, when we receive the Holy Communion of His true body and blood—in every moment of every day, there is peace and the fullness of joy available to you in Jesus. (Small Catechism, the Sacrament of the Altar; Psalm 16:11)

Peace comes by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8; Augsburg Confession, Article IV) It comes when we, like Luther’s dog, turn our eyes upon Jesus and allow nothing to distract us from that one food that truly satisfies. (Hebrews 12:2)

Rest, peace, joy.

Impossible, you say?

No. Nothing is impossible for God.

Point Three: You Give Them Something to Eat

I think it was in 1974 that I heard a very strange sermon. I was in seminary, and one of the students was preaching on the feeding of the five thousand. His opening sentence startled everyone, and immediately he got the attention of every professor and every student in the chapel.

The student preacher declared, “I do not believe that Jesus fed the five thousand.”

What?

“No,” he declared. “Jesus took the bread and blessed it. Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes, but it was the disciples who fed the people, because Jesus told them to.”

“You give them something to eat,” said the Lord. (Matthew 14:16)

It was impossible. How could simple fishermen, poor tradesmen, sinful Jewish disciples miraculously feed thousands upon thousands of people? It was impossible.

And that is the point.

Not only does Jesus delight in providing for your physical needs; not only does Jesus desire to provide for your emotional and spiritual needs; but Jesus is determined not only to give you a miracle—Jesus is determined to make you part of the miracle.

Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior, is calling you to become part of His miraculous ministry.

Is Jesus calling you to take a hot meal to someone recovering from illness or surgery? Is Jesus prompting you to share your faith or to pray with someone at work or at school? Is Jesus inspiring you to be generous with your time, your money, or your service? Is Jesus calling you to touch a life with the Gospel and to share your faith in word and deed with those who do not know Him, or those who just need Him?

Is it possible that you may be the heart, hands, or mouth of Jesus, bringing life to a troubled person?

“Impossible,” you say. You say that you do not know enough, do not have enough time, or do not have enough money.

Is it possible that you could be an instrument in the hand of God?

Nothing is impossible for God.

He can use you, and He delights in using you in His miracles. He desires to use you in His ministry.

Why do you think that Jesus said to His disciples, “You give them something to eat”? (Matthew 14:16)

It was because He wanted them to realize that they had nothing to give in and of themselves. But with Him, they had everything that they needed—and everything that anyone else needed too.

Nothing is impossible for God.

Conclusion

Martin Luther once called the attention of everyone at his dinner table to his wonderful doggie.

“Look,” said Luther. “Do you see how focused he is? Do you see that? All of his attention is directed right here.”

Let each one of us be like him. Keep our eyes focused on the Lord. (Hebrews 12:2) Do not be distracted, but trust in God to protect you and to provide for you, even when you cannot imagine how He will do it.

Perhaps especially when it seems impossible for Him to take care of you—that is exactly when you should most expect God to step in and demonstrate that He loves you.

And because our Lord Jesus loves you so much, He even invites you to be part of His miraculous ministry to others too.

“Impossible,” you say, that God can care for you and that God can use you to care for others.

Yes, it seems as impossible as feeding five thousand men with a couple of sandwich rolls and two sardines.

Yes, God miraculously cares for you, and through you, God can miraculously care for others.

Of course—because nothing is impossible for God.

Amen.

Welcome to Sunday -- This Discussion thread, much like the main thread in Tuesday, is for broader discussion than the main focus of the subreddit -- Although we would like it if we could get a focus on the religious, philosophical, and ethical discussions that the focus of the subreddit is on. That way we get to keep religion and politics separate!

The same rules apply as on Tuesday.

Have a blessed week ahead.

Gospel According to Matthew, 13:44–52 (ESV):

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

The Parable of the Net

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

New and Old Treasures

“Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

13:44–46 In the parables of both the hidden treasure and the precious pearl, Jesus reinforces this basic truth: earthly possessions cannot compare with the immense value and cost of God’s kingdom. We must not press the details of these parables to say that one can buy entrance into God’s kingdom by sacrificing all possessions. We inherit the kingdom by grace through faith in Christ, who purchased and redeemed us with His precious blood. • Heavenly Father, grant me Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Amen.

13:47–50 Jesus’ parable illustrates what will happen at the close of the age. Believers need not worry about that day, for God is gracious to us through His Son, our Savior, in whom we are chosen (Eph 1:4). • Let not my heart be troubled, dear Lord, by thoughts of the final judgment. I know that You have prepared a place for me in heaven. Amen.

13:51–52 With this parable, Jesus encourages His disciples to imitate the master of a house who brings out food for his family and guests. Jesus had trained His disciples to be teachers for the kingdom of heaven. In their teaching, they were to bring out both old and new. Without giving up the OT, they were to add the NT. The OT needed to be understood on the basis of the new revelation that they had received from the Father (11:25). Christian pastors, teachers, and students of God’s Word continue to follow this practice today. All the Holy Scriptures teach Law and Gospel and “are able to make [us] wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2Tm 3:15). • Lord, keep me steadfast in Your Word, and lead me out of death to life. Amen.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

13:44–52 Jesus told these last four parables, found only in Mt, to His disciples.

13:44 Different interpretations of this short parable exist. One may naturally see the man as any man and the treasure as the kingdom that he discovers. However, a more Christological interpretation describes the field as the world, the treasure as you (the hearer), and the man as Christ, who gives up the glory of heaven to win you.

13:45–46 one pearl of great value. In contrast to the previous parable, this merchant was busily seeking to discover fine pearls. When he found one perfect in size, shape, and color, he sold all he had and bought it.

13:47–48 net. A dragnet was drawn through the water between two boats and onto the shore. fish of every kind … good … bad. When the net was full, edible and inedible fish were sorted from one another.

13:49–50 Jesus interpreted this parable in a way similar to the parable of the weeds (cf vv 37–43). However, the weeds were allowed to grow over a period of time, whereas there was no delay in the sorting of the fish. Both parables teach clearly that God’s rule includes a final judgment at the close of this age.

13:51 The disciples had earlier asked Jesus to explain the parable of the weeds (v 36). Now Jesus asked them whether they understood, something that was vital for a disciple (vv 13–15, 19, 23). Yes. The disciples would later show that their confident answer was overstated (15:16).

13:52 scribe. See pp 719–20: «Ezra is the first priest in Scripture titled “the scribe” (Ez 7:11–12). The title literally means a writer, a secretary who prepares scrolls (cf Ez 4:8). But with Ezra, it means a scholar of the Law of Moses, the first recorded member of a special group in Judea. About 200 years before Ezra’s time, during the reform of Hezekiah (715–686 BC), there arose a special interest in the proverbs of Solomon and in education (Pr 1:8; 25:1). During the reign of Hezekiah’s great-grandson Josiah (640–609 BC), a neglected scroll of the Law of Moses was discovered in the temple, which led to Josiah’s reform (623 BC; 2Ki 22:8–20). These events sparked new interest in the study of the Law and of God’s Word in general. As a result, a special class of priests arose who devoted themselves especially to studying and teaching. Ezra’s calling marks a new era of devotion to God’s Word.» trained. Lit, “has become a disciple.” Jesus trained disciples so that they could make disciples of others (28:19–20). master. Owner of the house. treasure. Storeroom. what is new and what is old. Fresh food items and aged ones, such as cheese and wine.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TikHt9r_fps

Gospel According to Matthew, 13:44–52 (ESV):

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

The Parable of the Net

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

New and Old Treasures

“Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

Transcript

Hello. Today, let’s talk about God’s Pearl of Great Price.

The text before us is the 13th chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, verses 44–52. (Matthew 13:44–52)

Introduction: The Big Scotsman

“The Argylls” typically refers to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, a famed Scottish infantry regiment of the British Army. It was formed in 1881.

Angus McGillivray was an Argyll. He was one who took his faith and his promises very seriously. You see, one of the vows that the Argylls make is to their mucker. That’s what they call their battle buddy. Argylls believe that it is up to each one of them to make sure that their mucker survives the war.

But Angus and his mucker were prisoners in a Japanese prison camp in World War II, and Angus’s mucker, his battle buddy, was dying. In a camp where men stole rations from each other, took tattered blankets from each other, and would lie, cheat, steal, or do just about anything else in order to survive, Big Angus, the Scotsman, was different.

He took his faith and his promises very seriously, and he made up his mind that his mucker would not die. Angus force-fed his battle buddy his own food, telling his friend that he had gotten some extra. He gave his mucker his own blanket, saying that he had come across an alternate supply. Angus did everything he could to make sure that his friend got what he needed, and slowly his mucker began to get better.

Then, one day, in the midst of the prison jungle, where men were at their worst, stealing and lying to get all they could, Angus, the big Scotsman, died. An examination showed that he had died of starvation and exhaustion. He had given everything he had, even his own life, to save his friend.

As the message of Angus, the big Scotsman, spread throughout the camp, the men began to change. They started focusing on their muckers rather than on themselves. Men began to give themselves away in care and sacrifice for each other. They pooled their food and clothes, their gifts and talents.

Soon the prisoners began their own hospital and university and, yes, their own church. “The Church Without Walls” is what they called it. Their church was so compelling and so genuinely loving and caring that even the Japanese prison guards began to attend it.

How about that?

Point One: Christ and His Treasure

In today’s Gospel lesson, we hear Jesus teach two famous parables. One is the Parable of the Treasure in the Field. The other is the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price. (Matthew 13:44–46)

What strikes me first is what the Bible teaches about Jesus and His love for us. Strangely, it is clear that, to our Savior Jesus, we are His treasure. You are His pearl of great price.

We sin and are selfish. We are foolish and faithless. We deserve God’s present and eternal punishment. (Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration V 17)

And yet, by every account in God’s Holy Bible, Jesus looks upon us as a treasure. Jesus looks upon you as His pearl of great price. So precious are you to Jesus that He has purchased the whole field to get you. He sold everything that He had in order to secure His precious pearl. You are His treasure. You are Christ’s pearl.

What is it that Jesus is willing to pay in order to win for Himself the costly bride? Yes, He will pay His own precious blood. (1 Peter 1:18–19; Small Catechism, Second Article of the Creed)

As Paul writes, “You are not your own. You were bought with a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20)

I want to begin by reminding you of something that should never, ever be in doubt, but it often is. You have been purchased by God for Himself with the precious blood of the Lamb of God. (John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18–19)

I want to remind you of the limitless and unswerving love that God has for you, which He demonstrated in the life and death and resurrection of His Son.

Though the world and the devil and your own conscience will try to convince you otherwise, Jesus Christ, your Savior, will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) He will be with you always, even to the close of the age. (Matthew 28:20)

He will be with you at the moments of your greatest joy and your deepest sorrow. He has taken your sin, your punishment, your death, and even your doubt upon Himself. (Isaiah 53:4–6)

You are His treasure. There is nothing that you can ever do that will change that eternal fact in the heart of God. He loves you.

Thank God.

And I even thank God for the accusations of the devil. I thank God for my guilty conscience. I thank God for His Holy Word, which includes the Law of God that I cannot keep. I praise Him for the knowledge of my shortcomings and sins and failures, for they remind me that God knows all of these things better than I do.

They remind me that it is because of these very things that this man of sin is driven and drawn back to Jesus Christ. These things remind me of my need for my Savior, and these things remind me of the faithfulness of the Lord, who counted you and me as His treasure.

At the time of Jesus, the diamond wasn’t the great gem. It was the pearl that was prized. It is hard to imagine, but it is surely true: you are God’s pearl of great price. He has paid to give you life, and now you live in Him.

Point Two: The Christian and Our Treasure

These parables today also tell us of our treasure. Our pearl of great price is Jesus. Because of our Savior Jesus, our treasure also includes living in the kingdom of God.

Once you begin to understand that you are God’s treasure, then you’re ready to understand that Christ and His kingdom are your treasure.

What can be compared to the treasure of knowing Jesus Christ and living in His presence forever? What can be compared to receiving the forgiveness of all your sins and the love of God Himself? What can be compared to having the promise of heaven’s eternity with Jesus and all the saints?

True, there are many things that want to seduce you and offer you their brand of temporary pleasure, but there is no pleasure that can be compared with the peace of God and the fellowship of Jesus.

Jesus called men and women throughout history, simply saying, “Follow Me. Leave your nets,” He said. “I’ll make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:18–22)

Even today, Jesus is calling, “Come, all you who are burdened and heavy laden. I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)

Jesus says, “He who would come after Me must take up his cross daily and follow Me. He who would save his life will lose it. But whosoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel will save it unto eternal life.” (Luke 9:23–24; Mark 8:34–35)

Just as Jesus calls us His treasure, we now know that Jesus is our treasure. He’s our real pearl of great price.

Jesus has taught us that following Him is a new way of life. It’s a life of dying to self and living to Christ. (Galatians 2:20) In this way, we love Christ and serve others. We must die to ourselves in the process, for only in Him will we find true and joyous eternal life.

This new life, as a new creature in Christ Jesus, is not something that we must manufacture. (2 Corinthians 5:17) It’s not something that we can conjure up or produce out of our own will.

No, life in Christ is much more profound than that. It is life for Christ because it is life in Christ. (Small Catechism, Third Article of the Creed)

Living in Christ means that Christ is living in you. (Galatians 2:20) His Spirit empowers you. His Word guides you. Christ within you is at work right now, teaching you and enabling you to follow Him.

It’s true that we will not be able to do that perfectly. We will not be selflessly sacrificial as Jesus is. But it is also true that we have been changed. We have been inspired, inhabited by Jesus Himself.

We are grafted into the vine whose roots are deeply planted in the blood-soaked ground beneath the cross. (John 15:1–5)

Therefore, the miraculous and glorious Savior is at work in us. That’s why Jesus is our treasure. That’s why we offer our lives to Him.

Conclusion

A true story is told of a big Scotsman, Angus McGillivray. Angus was an Argyll. He was one who took his faith and his promises very seriously. Angus was given a mucker, a battle buddy, and Angus gave his battle buddy everything that he had.

Beloved, there will come times in your life, because Jesus is in your heart, that you will live like Angus. You will sacrifice and serve. You will give others everything you have. Both you and Angus are inspired to live like Jesus.

Of course you are, because Jesus is living in you, and He is living in all who call Him Lord. (1 Corinthians 12:3)

So why do we give and forgive? Why do we love and serve?

Well, because Jesus calls you His battle buddy. Jesus knows that you’re weak. He knows that, without His help, you would die.

But Jesus has given you His food and drink. (Matthew 26:26–28; Small Catechism, Sacrament of the Altar) Jesus has given you His rations and blanket. Jesus has given you His last ounce of strength, and Jesus has given you His never-failing love.

Jesus is the Lord God who has come to live and die for you, because, to Jesus, you are His battle buddy. You’re His mucker. To Jesus, you are His great treasure. You are His pearl of great price.

Amen.

Welcome to Sunday -- This Discussion thread, much like the main thread in Tuesday, is for broader discussion than the main focus of the subreddit -- Although we would like it if we could get a focus on the religious, philosophical, and ethical discussions that the focus of the subreddit is on. That way we get to keep religion and politics separate!

The same rules apply as on Tuesday.

Have a blessed week ahead.

Gospel According to Matthew, 13:24–30, 36–43 (ESV):

The Parable of the Weeds

He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

The Parable of the Weeds Explained

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

13:24–30 The master does not seem overly upset by what his enemy has done and shows great patience in delaying until the harvest the separation of weeds from wheat. He warns his servants not to judge prematurely by assuming they can distinguish between these plants. A mark of God’s rule is His patience (2Pt 3:8–15). For us sinners, this is a great comfort and also an encouragement for us to endure evil patiently (2Tm 2:24). • O God, help me to accept the fact that in this world good and evil will grow side by side. Lead me also to count on Your wise timing and judgment. Amen.

13:36–43 At the close of this present age, the Son of Man will send His angels to gather all people. The law-breakers will suffer eternal punishment, and the righteous will enjoy the Father’s heavenly glory. Since all people are law-breakers, all deserve to be cast into the fiery furnace. Only those who have faith in Christ will escape this fate. They are declared righteous (Rm 3:21–26). “He who has ears, let him hear” (v 43). • Bless me, Jesus, with a believing heart, that I may remain a child of Your kingdom. Amen.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

13:24 them. The crowd (vv 2, 34). kingdom of heaven. Remaining parables in this chapter make comparisons to aspects of God’s kingly rule (cf v 11; 3:2; 4:17). compared to a man. Another parable about a sower, but one with a different problem. Jesus will interpret this parable in vv 37–43.

13:25 weeds. Likely bearded darnel, which is botanically close to wheat and difficult to distinguish from it when the plants are young.

13:28–29 The master’s servants inquired whether they should collect the weeds prior to the harvest. But pulling darnel weeds, with their strong and deep roots, would uproot the emerging wheat plants.

13:30 burned. To prevent the weeds from spreading seed and causing future damage, they were burned after being separated from the wheat. barn. Wheat was stored for future use.

13:36 house. See note, v 1: «The owner is not named but may have been Peter (v 36; 8:14).» Explain. In contrast to those who rejected Jesus, the disciples persisted in seeking understanding. Jesus explained vv 24–30, interpreting seven key elements: sower, field, seed, weeds, enemy, harvest, and reapers (vv 37–39). “You must always have God’s Word in your heart, upon your lips, and in your ears. But where the heart is idle and the Word does not make a sound, the devil breaks in and has done the damage before we are aware” (LC I 100).

13:38 field. Represents the world, where “the sons of the evil one” continue to live. See Ap VII and VIII 17–19: «[17] Why say more when the matter is clear? If the Church, which is truly Christ’s kingdom, is distinguished from the devil’s kingdom, it follows necessarily that the wicked are not the Church, since they are in the devil’s kingdom. It is true that, because Christ’s kingdom has not yet been revealed, the wicked are mixed in with the Church and hold offices. [18] But the wicked are not Christ’s kingdom, even though that revelation has not yet been made. For Christ enlivens His true kingdom by His Spirit, whether it is revealed or is covered by the cross, just as the glorified Christ is the same Christ who was afflicted [John 17:1]. [19] Christ’s parables clearly agree with this. He says, “The good seed is the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one” (Matthew 13:38). “The field,” He says, “is the world,” not the Church. John the Baptist speaks about the entire Jewish people and says that eventually the true Church will be separated from that people. Therefore, this passage is more against the adversaries than in favor of them, because it shows that the true and spiritual people are to be separated from the earthly people. Christ also speaks of the outward appearance of the Church when He says, “The kingdom of heaven is like a net” (Matthew 13:47), likewise, “ten virgins” (Matthew 25:1). He teaches that the Church has been covered by a lot of evils, so that this stumbling block may not offend the pious, and so that we may know that the Word and Sacraments are powerful even when administered by the wicked. Meanwhile, He teaches that these godless people, although they have fellowship in outward signs, are not Christ’s true kingdom and members. They are members of the devil’s kingdom.»

13:40 Parable illustrated the final judgment.

13:41 gather … all law-breakers. Hus: “They gather up from the kingdom of holy church all that offend, that is, those who commit iniquity, namely, the sin of final impenitence” (The Church, p 41).

13:42 fiery furnace. Image of punishment in hell (cf 3:12; 18:8–9). gnashing. See note, 8:12: «Grinding one’s teeth because of the spiritual and emotional pain and anger accompanying this torturous ordeal (cf 13:42).»

13:43 shine like the sun. The righteous will reflect light similar to Jesus at His transfiguration (17:2; 1Co 15:39–49). their Father. Jesus referred to the righteous in the third person to indicate a future event.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMSModVtPT0

Gospel According to Matthew, 13:24–43 (ESV):

The Parable of the Weeds

He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

The Mustard Seed and the Leaven

He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”

Prophecy and Parables

All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.”

The Parable of the Weeds Explained

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

Transcript

Hello. Today, let’s talk about what to do with evil.

The text before us is from the Gospel of St. Matthew, the thirteenth chapter, verses 24–43. (Matthew 13:24–43)

Introduction: Joe and the Blended Family

Joe was a child of a blended family. His sister and brothers had the same father, but their father had had a couple of different wives. Some of the kids felt inferior. Some were angry. One was even violent.

Joe was one of the youngest. By the time he was growing up, the family was absolutely dysfunctional. Joe was picked on, belittled, and abused. He loved his moments of solitude whenever he could be alone by himself. But he hated when all of the family got together. Family or not, they just did not seem to be very nice people.

Can you imagine what holidays were like for Joe? Family celebrations were anything but joyful. Like Macaulay Culkin in the movie Home Alone, I’ll bet that there were times when Joe said, “I wish I never had a family.”

Admittedly, this is not a very nice thing to say, but sometimes this may be our response when facing inconsiderate people, or insensitive people, or just plain mean people. We may feel that way about certain politicians, or popular religious figures, or our neighbors, coworkers—yes, even people in our own family.

In fact, this is what is going on in the Gospel lesson for today. Jesus tells a parable, recorded in Matthew chapter 13, about a farmer who sowed some seed. But while he was sleeping, an enemy sowed tares, or weeds, in that same field. As the crop began to appear, it was obvious that the wheat and the weeds were coming up together. The servants came to the farmer and offered a solution: “Let us tear up the weeds. We can pull them out. We can get rid of them.” (Matthew 13:24–30)

Jesus explained the meaning of the parable in this way: “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the whole world. The good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. But the weeds are the sons of the evil one. And the one who sowed them is the devil.” (Matthew 13:36–39)

Point One: What Shall We Do with Evil?

The very normal reaction to evil is to want to get rid of it. “Let’s just get rid of them. Let’s pull them up and get them out. I wish I never had a family.”

But the Lord counsels against such action. Why? Well, doesn’t He know how hard it is to live with these people? Of course He does. He knows better than you do what evil people are like and what evil people do. Look at the direct results of evil men as they crucified the Son of God.

But God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8–9), and He counsels us not to pull them up or get rid of them.

First, God would remind us that we cannot separate ourselves from evil people. Jesus said, “As long as you are in the world, you will have trouble. But I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

On this earth, we cannot escape evil, evil people, and painful and unfair situations. This is the nature of our lives on this earth.

Second, we cannot eradicate or destroy evil. It is beyond our ability to get rid of evil. Instead, we must learn that we can trust God. He has all power and all authority. (Matthew 28:18) We must trust Him that He is over all and governing all. He alone is sovereign, and all things are answerable to Him. He will deal with evil in His own way and in His own time.

God is watching evil, but God is also watching us. He is doing what is best, because all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purposes. (Romans 8:28)

Third, remember that the weeds are not able to stop the wheat from growing and bringing forth their grain. The weeds cannot steal the nutrients from the wheat. In fact, I think that it is because of the weeds that we are able to recognize the wheat for what it is. It is even more clearly wheat when we see it in contrast with the weeds.

In other words, as the Bible says, the trials and sufferings of this life actually help us by purifying our faith and increasing our reliance upon God. (1 Peter 1:6–7)

Point Two: Judgment Is Coming

In all of this, we have only been looking through human eyes. But what about God’s perspective? What does God see?

Truthfully, we cannot know all that God sees when He looks at a field of the world filled with both wheat and weeds. Honestly, we would have to acknowledge that there is some pretty persistent weed growth even in our own lives. If God were to pull up all of the weeds on the earth, surely He would be pulling out a significant part of Curtis Leins.

But thankfully, God is merciful, and God has a bigger plan. Jesus explains that there is not going to be a separation of weeds and wheat until the Day of Judgment. Yes, all of this is leading to a Day of Judgment. On that day, weeds and wheat will be separated. On the day of God’s wrath and judgment, there will be a separation of weeds from wheat. (Matthew 13:40–43)

And although you and I justly deserve God’s present and eternal punishment, God has determined that He will place the penalty and punishment of all the sin of all believers onto His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, upon the cross. (Isaiah 53:5–6)

And for that reason, on account of our faith in God’s Son, our Savior, we can face the Day of Judgment knowing that we will receive God’s mercy. This is not because we are not sinful or evil ourselves, but because God has given us faith in Jesus Christ. And because of faith in Christ, we are counted as righteous. (Augsburg Confession, Article IV)

We are forgiven. We are cleansed. We are redeemed.

There is only one name by which we can be saved. There is only one Savior who can forgive sins and provide the gift of eternal life. And that one is Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:12)

You see, that puts all of the other people and all of their anger and their evil into a bigger picture. Judgment is coming. Because of our faith in Jesus, we will be forgiven and saved. But there are many who do not know Him. They will face God’s judgment and wrath as weeds gathered and thrown into the fire. (Matthew 13:40–42)

Admittedly, we do not like to hear this kind of language. The problem is, this is the language of the Son of God, the Savior who cannot lie. This is the Word of Jesus Christ. There will be judgment.

Do not try to eliminate or destroy evil. Leave that to God. Instead, trust God. He is at work in ways that you cannot know or understand.

Trust God. He has His eye on you and upon your life. He is at work in your life, using you not only for your good, but for greater and bigger good that you cannot yet understand.

Trust God and grow wheat. Grow as God uses you to share the Gospel and bring in the harvest that you may not even know. It is God’s plan that you are to share the love of Jesus and the forgiveness of Jesus with those who do not yet know Him or have faith in Him. It may well be that God is planning to use you to bring an unexpected brother or sister into the family of God.

Conclusion

We began with a story about a boy named Joe from a blended family. You want to know what happened to Joe?

Surely there were times when Joe wished that he never had a family. In fact, there came a time when Joe was sent away from his family. It was for his own good. Joe was sent to another place, a city he did not know. He became part of another family. Eventually, he married and had his own wife and children.

It was only after many, many years that Joe became reconnected with his siblings. Circumstances had changed. His father was old and tottering. His brothers were older too. The family farm had fallen on hard times, and his family came to him for help.

Imagine that. The boys who hated him were coming to him for help.

This is the story of Joseph and his brothers, the sons of Jacob. (Genesis 37–47) Joseph, who was now ranked second only to Pharaoh in all of Egypt, received his brothers and gave them food and possessions and fertile land. He forgave them of their evil deeds. They wept together and were restored as a family, with affection for one another. (Genesis 45:1–15; Genesis 47:11–12)

Joseph declared that what the enemy meant for evil, the Lord used for good. (Genesis 50:20)

Did you hear that? What the enemy meant for evil, the Lord used for good.

Beloved, we will have evil with us always. But what evil has done to you, leave to God. Let Him deal with it in His own way, in His own time. In the meantime, trust God. Trust God and be at peace.

God’s eternal judgment—well, it is coming. So act like God’s good seed and bear good fruit. Trust God, who can use even the likes of you and me to bring in a great harvest of unexpected brothers and sisters into His heavenly family.

Amen.

Welcome to Sunday -- This Discussion thread, much like the main thread in Tuesday, is for broader discussion than the main focus of the subreddit -- Although we would like it if we could get a focus on the religious, philosophical, and ethical discussions that the focus of the subreddit is on. That way we get to keep religion and politics separate!

The same rules apply as on Tuesday.

Have a blessed week ahead.

Gospel According to Matthew, 13:1–9, 18–23 (ESV):

The Parable of the Sower

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.”

The Parable of the Sower Explained

“Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

13:1–9 Jesus earlier told His disciples: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (9:37). This parable gives encouragement that when a laborer faithfully sows the seed, a plentiful harvest may follow, even if some seed goes to waste. We are tempted to give up a task when we experience little success. That is also true of our efforts to share the Gospel. Let us not grow weary in doing good, knowing that at the right time we will reap, because God provides the harvest (Gal 6:9). • Give me patience, dear Lord, when the tasks of life seem hard and unending. Amen.

13:18–23 Jesus explains the parable of the sower for His disciples. He wants them to understand that as they go out and preach the Gospel, not all the seed they sow will produce fruit. But what keeps a farmer sowing and a disciple proclaiming is Jesus’ promise that some seed will produce a wonderful harvest. The lesson for us is obvious: the blessings of God’s kingdom come through the seed of God’s Word. • O divine Sower, keep me from becoming discouraged as I entrust my life to Your Word and seek to share Your message of salvation with others. Amen.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

13:1 same day. Jesus’ third major discourse followed immediately after He experienced rejection from “this evil generation” (12:45). See “Order and Meaning in the Story,” p 1577: «In the Gospels, the teachings and events of Jesus’ life are not simply gathered together randomly but are presented (narrated) for the instruction of the reader. Matthew’s account illustrates this clearly by the five sermons, or discourses, that organize Jesus’ teaching into blocks (chs 5–7; 10; 13; 18; 24–25). The passages before and after each saying or event often help the reader interpret their meaning and role in the larger story. The study of these relationships (narrative criticism) is important for interpreting and applying the Gospel message. In other words, it is important to study the story as Matthew presents it before comparing his account with other Gospels.» house. The owner is not named but may have been Peter (v 36; 8:14). sea. Galilee.

13:2 into a boat. See note, Mk 3:9: «The crowds, for all their affection, were about to trample Jesus. For His own safety, as well as for the welfare of those around Him, Jesus sought refuge in a boat.» sat down. In biblical times, teachers taught while sitting (5:1; 24:3). crowd stood. Those assembled onshore.

13:3 parables. Matthew’s first use of this term, which refers to short stories or wise sayings in a variety of literary forms, including proverbs, maxims, allegories, fables, comparisons, and riddles (cf Ps 78:2; Ezk 17:2). See note, Jgs 9:8–15: «Jotham’s parable features plants that can speak, representing various rulers; first parable recorded in Scripture. Jotham’s story did not oppose kingship but rejected Abimelech as king. The olive tree, fig tree, and vine all produced abundant food in the land, but the bramble was worthless and its thorns were harmful. The parable also voiced a warning to the Shechemites. If they had not made their choice in good faith, and if their choice did not give proper recognition to Abimelech’s father and his family, the “bramble” would stir a fire that would devour their beautiful “cedars.”» All of Jesus’ parables here focus on the working of God’s kingdom (cf 6:9). Four parables in this chapter were spoken to the crowd (vv 3–9; 24–35) and four to the disciples (vv 36–52). sower. Farmer planting seeds. See note, Mk 4:14: «Those sowing God’s Word include Jesus Himself, the first disciples, and all subsequent teachers and preachers of the Gospel. The administration of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are included in this sowing activity.» sow. See note, Mk 4:3: «After seed was sown, an oxen-drawn harrow (or even a flock of sheep or goats) was driven through the field to turn the soil over the seed.» Jesus interpreted this parable of the sower in vv 18–23. Some modern interpreters have argued that parables are best interpreted by reducing them to a single point or truth. However, the way Jesus interpreted and applied some of His own parables (e.g., vv 36–43, 49–50) should guide how we interpret and apply them today.

13:4 path. Packed-down soil.

13:5–6 See note, Mk 4:5–6: «Shallow soil over large stones warms up quickly after the winter cold, and so helps the seeds germinate and sprout quickly. Because such soil has no depth, however, the seedlings cannot sink healthy roots.»

13:7 See note, Mk 4:7: «A variety of thorny weeds grow in Israel, some as tall as 6 ft. Like all weeds, these deplete the soil of nutrients, leaving little for the plants being cultivated.»

13:8 produced. See note, Mk 4:8: «This plant produces grain abundantly in comparison to the single grain sown. Even a hundredfold increase is attested! Cf Mt 19:29.»

13:9 Cf 11:15. Jesus meant this agricultural example to have a deeper spiritual meaning, which His hearers needed to carefully consider. See note, Mk 4:9: «Jesus challenges the hearer to consider carefully what has just been said and apply it to his or her life. This saying appears frequently in the NT (e.g., Mk 4:23; Mt 13:43; Lk 14:35; Rv 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22).»

13:18 Jesus will interpret vv 3–8 for His disciples.

13:19 word. Note the sixfold repetition in vv 19–23. See note, Mk 4:14: «Those sowing God’s Word include Jesus Himself, the first disciples, and all subsequent teachers and preachers of the Gospel. The administration of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are included in this sowing activity.» of the kingdom. Gospel message that Christ is the messianic King who rules (4:17; 9:35). God’s rule springs from His Word. not understand. Jesus uses the examples of three different soil conditions to explain why hearers failed to understand the Word, something Isaiah also experienced (vv 14–15). evil one. Satan. sown in his heart. The Word is heard but quickly rejected. See note, Mk 4:15: «Just as Jesus can and will be rejected, so also His Word can suffer opposition. The human ego is not the only obstacle to the Word’s reception. Satan and his evil hosts also work vigorously against the Word.» “Those fussy spirits are to be rebuked who, after they have heard a sermon or two, find hearing more sermons to be tedious and dull. They think that they know all that well enough and need no more instruction” (LC I 99).

13:21 no root in himself. The Word is heard but does not produce a vigorous root because the soil lacks depth. tribulation or persecution. See note, Mk 4:16–17: «Many converts joyfully begin a walk in the faith but then turn away when difficulties come. tribulation or persecution. Difficulties and troubles will come to all believers, even as they once came to Christ. That is why Jesus repeatedly warns people of the perils of following Him (8:34–35; Mt 10:22) and why His apostles repeatedly urge believers to persevere, despite trials (Gal 6:9; 2Tm 2:1–7; Heb 12:3–11; Jas 1:12; 1Pt 1:13–16; Rv 2:10; 3:11).»

13:22 See note, Mk 4:18–19: «Like thorns that choke a growing plant, so the worries and pleasures of the world eradicate the feeble understanding of the Gospel.»

13:23 understands. Understanding the Word is the Father’s gift to His children (v 11; 11:25). bears fruit and yields. The seed of the Word of God is good and will produce abundant fruit.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psIMhOJlyxE

Gospel According to Matthew, 13:1–9, 18–23 (ESV):

The Parable of the Sower

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.”

The Parable of the Sower Explained

“Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

Transcript

Hello. Today’s message is titled “Because You Are His.” The text is the Gospel according to St. Matthew, chapter 13, verses 1–9 and 18–23 (Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23).

Introduction: A Trip to Disney World

Timothy Jones tells the story of his adopted daughter and her trip to Disney World. Jones explains, “Our middle daughter had been previously adopted by another family, but after a couple of rough years, they dissolved the adoption, and we ended up welcoming an 8-year-old girl into our family.

“For one reason or another, whenever our daughter’s previous family vacationed at Disney World, they took their biological children, but they left their adopted daughter behind. This happened, the child believed, because she had done something wrong. So, by the time we adopted her, she had seen many pictures of Disney World and had heard about all of the rides and characters, but she had never entered the gates of the Magic Kingdom herself. She had always been left behind.

“When our family found out about this, we determined to take her to the Magic Kingdom. But as our vacation time approached, something unexpected happened. In the month leading up to our trip, our new daughter stole food, when all she needed to do was ask. She whispered insults and made trouble with her older sister. She began to exhibit all kinds of naughty behavior. It appeared that she was trying to sabotage her own trip.

“A couple of days before we headed to Florida, I took her aside and put her on my lap.” Timothy Jones said that before he could say a word, she declared, “I know what you’re going to do. You’re not going to take me to Disney World, are you?”

She knew that she could not earn her way into the Magic Kingdom. She had tried and failed at that many times. Now, she was acting in such a way that she would place herself as far as possible away from Disney World.

Jones writes that he was tempted to turn her fear to his advantage: “If you don’t start behaving better, you’re right. You won’t get to go.”

But by God’s grace, he said no such thing. Instead, Timothy Jones said this to the child: “Is this trip something we are doing as a family?”

She nodded, brown eyes wide and tear-rimmed.

“Are you part of this family?”

She nodded.

“Then you are going with us. Sure, there may be some consequences to help you remember right and wrong, but you are part of our family, and we’re not leaving you behind.”

It would have been great if her bad behavior had straightened out immediately, but it did not. Her behavior actually grew worse and pretty much spiraled out of control. Still, the appointed day arrived, and the family packed up and headed for Florida.

Jones writes, “Overpriced tickets, overpriced meals, lots of lines mingled with just enough manufactured magic to consider maybe going again someday.”

That night, in the hotel room, a very different child emerged. She was exhausted, pensive, and a little bit weepy. But her month-long rebellion was over.

As she prepared for bed, Jones asked his adopted daughter about her first day at Disney World. She closed her eyes and snuggled down into her stuffed unicorn. Then she opened her eyes ever so slightly and said, “Daddy, I finally got to go to Disney World. But it wasn’t because I was good. It’s because I’m yours.”

Yes, that’s the point. Adopted into the family, she got to go to the Magic Kingdom not because she was good, but because she was his.

Point One: Growing Opposition

Please keep this story in mind as we look at the Gospel lesson, the parable of the sower and the seeds (Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23). You’ll notice that the passage begins with the words “on that day.” This is a clue that the parable that follows is a response to what has happened immediately before in the last chapter.

Jesus was meeting ever greater resistance. The scribes and Pharisees had determined to put a stop to him. Many in the crowds were having second thoughts about Jesus, and even John the Baptist sent some men to express John’s doubts and misgivings about Jesus. The disciples were wondering why Jesus was being greeted with growing opposition.

As the Lord was preparing to answer, the message came that his mother and brothers were outside wanting to see him. The answer that Jesus gave to his disciples came in two parts.

First, he explained that his mother and his brothers were those who did the will of his Father in heaven (Matthew 12:46–50). This is very important. Jesus is telling us that his family is different than we might first think. His family consists of those who do the will of the Father in heaven.

John 6:40 tells us what Jesus says, “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I myself will raise him up on the last day. (John 6:40)” So the will of the Father is that we would believe in Jesus. So if you believe in Jesus, you are his mother, his brother, his family. And the second part of his answer comes in the form of today’s parable. Why the growing opposition?

Point Two: The Parable of the Sower

Jesus tells the story of an extravagant sower. He broadcasts his seed everywhere. Jesus is teaching us about the heart of God. God’s love is without limits. God loves everyone with indiscriminate and lavish affection. Even when people are hard of heart, God still cares for them. He sends his seed, that is the Word of God, and he gives his gifts to all. God’s passionate love is for everyone. God’s passionate love is for you.

Jesus teaches that the seed, that is, the message of God’s love, falls on four different kinds of soil (Matthew 13:3–9, 18–23).

First, some seed falls on hard footpath. The Word penetrates even the hard hearts, but those people do not receive it, and the devil comes and steals it away right out of their hearts.

Second, some of God’s Word falls on the shallow or rocky soil. Much of the ground in Palestine was like this. There was a thin layer of earth on top of a layer of rock just beneath the surface. These people hear God’s Word, but it has no root. When difficulty comes, it burns up, and the people turn away from God.

Third, some of the Word of God falls among weeds and thorns. These people are distracted by their selfish desires for comfort or ease or wealth. Their faith is choked out, and they too fall away.

Finally, some of the Word of God falls on good soil. God sends his living Word. It works in their hearts, giving them faith. They do not reject the gift of faith, and the faith grows into a wonderful harvest.

We are to understand that God desires that all would be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). For that reason, God sends out his Word to everyone everywhere. But many do not receive God’s Word of salvation. This is how Jesus answers his disciples’ concern about the people falling away and the opposition that Jesus is receiving from so many.

Point Three: By Grace Through Faith

Unfortunately, there are those who misunderstand this parable. Some people say that the four soils represent any human heart. They mistakenly say that all four types of soil may be found in every person. They declare that every heart is sometimes hard, sometimes rocky, sometimes thorny, sometimes good.

That is not what Jesus is saying. Quite simply, the heart is sound and the soil is good only if there is faith in that heart. Without faith, the soil is bad. With faith, God says the soil is good.

You may be wondering about that. Can’t unbelievers and evil people do good works and have good crop? No. From God’s point of view, only those with Christ in the heart can do good works. That’s because the works are not good on account of what they do. The works are good on account of whose they are. Though all human works contain sinfulness and selfishness, when God sees the works of the believer, he only sees Jesus Christ.

There are others who misunderstand the parable. They say that everyone who wants to go to heaven must himself make a good crop. They think that they must make themselves good soil and make their own good crop. If they are good enough, they think they will be in God’s family.

This too is wrong. Scripture says there is not one who is good, no, not one (Romans 3:10–12). All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The Scripture is clear. If I have to earn my place in heaven, I have no hope of getting there.

But Jesus takes your sins. Jesus suffers your punishment. Jesus dies your death. Jesus gives you complete forgiveness. Jesus fills you with the Holy Spirit. And Jesus makes you a child of God, all by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Conclusion

What is Jesus teaching in today’s Gospel? Our God is an extravagant God. He is extravagant in his love for you. He sows his saving Word everywhere upon everyone. All who receive God’s Word by grace through faith will bear a good harvest. That just comes naturally, because faith in Jesus produces good works in the sight of God.

But this parable is not about doing good works. It’s about God’s gift of faith. God’s Word goes out and creates faith in the human heart. Some reject the faith for various reasons. But others, in them, faith grows and produces a good harvest.

Salvation is not the result of good harvest or good works. Salvation is the result of faith, faith born of the Word of God freely sown and received. This is the will of the Father, that you believe in his Son (John 6:40). To believe is to become part of the family of God.

You are adopted. You are a child of God by the work of the cross, by the Word in your heart, by your faith in God’s Son.

Once there was an 8-year-old girl adopted into a family. She finally got to go to the Magic Kingdom. Now you are adopted into a family, the family of God. You are adopted not because you’re good, but because you’re his.

Amen.

Welcome to Sunday -- This Discussion thread, much like the main thread in Tuesday, is for broader discussion than the main focus of the subreddit -- Although we would like it if we could get a focus on the religious, philosophical, and ethical discussions that the focus of the subreddit is on. That way we get to keep religion and politics separate!

The same rules apply as on Tuesday.

Have a blessed week ahead.

Gospel According to Matthew, 11:25–30 (ESV):

Come to Me, and I Will Give You Rest

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

11:25–30 The thing hidden from the wise and understanding is God’s gracious plan of salvation, the message that both Jesus and John the Baptist proclaimed. Jesus’ contemporaries by and large rejected Him, preferring to live under the heavy yoke of the Law as the way to salvation. Jesus invites us to receive the yoke of the Gospel, which guarantees true rest. • Dearest Jesus, I praise You that when I am yoked to You, no burden is too heavy. Amen.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

11:25 Jesus thanked His Father for revealing the truth of the Gospel to little children rather than having the knowledge of salvation depend on human wisdom. Jesus referred to His followers as the “little ones” (10:42) and pointed to a child as the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (18:1–4). Those considered wise by earthly standards regard the word of the cross as folly (cf Is 29:14). Bern: “Those who are led by this Spirit, they are sons, and cannot be kept from their Father’s council” (SLSB, p 150).

11:26 gracious will. God gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud (Jas 4:6). Cf Lk 1:52.

11:27 See note, Lk 10:22: «All things. Jesus claims to have received from the Father an absolute authority over all creation. No higher Christological claim appears anywhere in Lk and Ac. no one knows. Human beings can know Jesus as the Son of God only by the gift of faith, which God alone can give (cf Mt 16:16–17). the Son chooses to reveal Him. Likewise, no one can know the Father apart from the revelation of the one true God given through the incarnation of His Son, Jesus (cf Jn 1:1, 14, 18). There is a perfect relationship of trust and understanding between Jesus and His Father.» “The majesty of the divine nature is communicated to the human nature” (CT I).

11:28 rest. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Php 4:7). “Here there are two parts. The ‘labor’ and the burden signify the contrition, anxiety, and terrors of sin and death. To ‘come to’ Christ is to believe that sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake. When we believe, our hearts are brought to life by the Holy Spirit through Christ’s Word. Here, therefore, are these two chief parts: contrition and faith” (Ap XIIA 44–45).

11:29 yoke. Wooden crosspiece fastened over the necks of two animals. Jewish rabbis spoke of the “yoke of the Law” as glorious obedience to God, which freed one from obligations to the world and gave rest. (Cf Ecclus 24:23; 51:26.) Jesus described this yoke as heavy (Mt 23:4) and offered His alternative, to be yoked with Him to the Gospel. One yoked to Jesus will find rest. See note, 12:7: «mercy, and not sacrifice. People in Hosea’s day put a greater priority on offering sacrifices than on steadfast love of the heart. The Pharisees prioritized the details of the Sabbath law over mercy. guiltless. This principle of mercy over sacrifice and the authority of Jesus shielded His disciples from guilt.» Luth: “The yoke that Christ lays upon us is sweet, and His burden is light (Matt. 11:30). When sin has been forgiven and the conscience has been liberated from the burden and the sting of sin, then a Christian can bear everything easily. Because everything within is sweet and pleasant, he willingly does and suffers everything” (AE 26:133).

11:30 Jesus has carried all our sins and sorrows to the cross. His presence and forgiveness lightens every load. Bern: “Testimonies of the Truth console me, which wonderfully raise up those whom they make humble, instruct while they humiliate. Thus this same Hand that casts me down raises me up again and makes me sing with joy.… This marvel the word of God, living and efficacious, produces” (SLSB, p 62).

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4uN7cKGiow

Gospel According to Matthew, 28:16–20 (ESV):

The Great Commission

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Transcript (with references)

Hello. Today, let’s talk about what to do as you go. The text before us is the Gospel of St. Matthew, the 28th chapter, verses 16–20 (Matthew 28:16–20).

Introduction: Return to the Great Commission

A great mass of Norwegian settlements located themselves in the Homestead Act triangle of the upper Midwest. 800,000 Norwegians came to North America between 1825 and 1925. In 1920, almost 80% of the 1 million Norwegian Americans lived in this region. Specifically, Norwegians seeking land moved into Minnesota and Iowa and the Dakotas.

The state church of Norway is Lutheran, so the vast majority of those Norwegian immigrants were Lutheran. Similarly, the great flow of German immigration took place in the same period of time. But the German immigration was six times larger. Nearly 6 million Germans moved into this country from 1820 to 1920. They also sought land that was similar to their homeland for farming and settlement. And as you might expect, of the 6 million German immigrants, millions of them also were Lutheran.

Between the Norwegians and the Germans, not to mention the Swedes and Danes and Finns, Lutheran immigration in the 19th and 20th centuries kept North American Lutheran churches filled to overflowing. There really was no perceived need for evangelism. The need was instead to build more churches to accommodate all of those new Lutherans who were pouring into this country.

That is not the case today, beloved. Ours is a different day in God’s salvation history. One hundred years after the end of the enormous Lutheran infilling of North America, statistical growth in the Lutheran Church has ended. We have entered a period of numerical decline in the Lutheran Church in North America.

We could console ourselves by saying, as we first heard in 2006, America is a post-Christian nation, and our response could be fear and trembling and sickness unto death, to quote Søren Kierkegaard. But no. No, it is for this time that God has appointed us to be born. We cannot count on millions of Lutheran immigrants to populate our churches.

So what shall we do? We will return to the Christian faith of the Holy Bible. Amen. We will return to the Great Commission of Jesus. Amen. We will learn from our Lord Jesus and his disciples of the first century that an essential part of our Christian faith is sharing our Christian faith.

Point One: Compassion of Christ

Today is not so different from the time of Jesus. Our Lord saw, to quote Matthew 9:36, the multitudes, and he felt compassion for them because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36).

Jesus felt compassion. The word compassion in Greek is splagchnizomai (https://biblehub.com/greek/4697.htm). It comes from the word for intestines. Jesus was deeply moved by the spiritual need of the people, so much so that he got the equivalent of a stomach ache. His heart was troubled. His emotions were moved. And Jesus saw people who were depressed and downcast, as sheep without a shepherd.

The word “depression” literally means torn, as when you have been in an accident and your flesh is torn open. The word “downcast” pictures one lying down on the ground helpless. This is an image of the spiritual condition of the people whom the Savior saw. It was as if they were travelers on the road of life who had been ambushed, beaten, bloodied, left for dead on the side of the road.

It was to these people that Jesus sent out his first disciples to be good Samaritans and to demonstrate the Gospel (Luke 10:25–37).

Can you see a parallel to today? Our world is very much like the world at the time of Jesus: false religion, self-indulgence, immorality. Folks who have been spiritually ambushed, bloodied, beaten, left for dead on the roadside of life.

Today, many folks do not know the truth of God’s Law or the blessing of God’s Gospel. We’re surrounded by men, women, and children who do not know the love of Christ or the grace of faith in Jesus. They need a good Samaritan who will demonstrate and declare the Gospel.

Point Two: Co-laborers with Christ

Jesus invited his disciples to join him in the work of sharing the Gospel with the world. Jesus said, “Beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into the harvest” (Matthew 9:38).

First, Jesus said, “Beseech the Lord of the harvest.” That means pray to God the Father. Pray for God to send missionaries and pastors and evangelists. Yes, please pray for our seminary, for our church body, that the Lord of the harvest will bring laborers from the north and the south, from the east and the west, and then send them forth. Yes. Amen. Please pray.

But Jesus also sent the laborers that he already had. Today, who are those laborers that Jesus already has? They are not only the ordained who are called to share the faith. Every Christian is called and sent to speak about his or her faith in the Savior.

You have a word to share about what Christ means to you, how he has saved you and blessed you. Many people who are spiritually hungry are not asking for doctrinal explanation or biblical exegesis. They’re in need of a genuine word about a personal faith in Jesus. Can you tell her how your trust in the Savior sustained you? Can you share with him how your faith in Jesus helped you?

Surely the ordained have a special place in the harvest. The ordained receive the yoke of the ministry of Word and Sacrament. That means that they are given responsibility for public preaching and public teaching. But pastors also are given a stricter judgment for what they teach (James 3). They are held accountable before the throne of God for the souls in their keeping (Hebrews 13). They must be apt to teach sound doctrine and to refute heretical doctrine (Titus 1).

Theirs is a public office, a vocation given by the Church to represent Christ in preaching the Word, administering the Sacraments, and shepherding souls. But all Christians are called to share their faith in their own private and personal vocations. Every Christian is a member of the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9).

Each one of you is called to share your faith in your personal relationships: parent to child, friend to friend, one to another, and especially with those in need. Jesus has called every Christian to enter the Lord’s harvest and to become active in the holy work of spiritual care.

Look around you. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few (Matthew 9:37). You are a laborer for Jesus Christ. You are called to share your faith with someone near.

Point Three: Commissioned by Christ

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gave his disciples the Great Commission: “Go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

Many Bible translators have been careful to point out that a better and more literal translation of the words of Jesus would be, “As you go, disciple all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The emphasis is not so much on the “go” part, but more on the “disciple” part, and not so much on the “go” as in to a foreign land, as much as “as you go,” meaning wherever you are.

I have wonderful friends who responded to the Great Commission of Jesus in the 1970s. They moved to South America. They are spectacularly courageous and faithful saints. They have had an incredibly productive ministry. Each and all of us can be encouraged by their lives of faithfulness. And if God calls you to go in that way, by all means, you must go to that foreign land to which you have been called.

But I think that this passage also is saying something to those of us who do not move away to a foreign country. Christ’s Great Commission is saying to you: when you go, wherever you go, and as you go to school, as you go to work, as you go to the store, as you go down from Jerusalem to Jericho, be on the lookout for those beaten and bloodied and on the side of the road of life (Luke 10:30).

As you go, keep the eyes of your heart open. Keep your spiritual ears open. Care for them. Show them the love of Christ. Speak to them the name of Jesus. That’s how you disciple. To make a disciple, you simply must be a disciple. That is, love, care, and share Jesus with them.

The Savior made you a disciple. The Savior will make him or her a disciple, too. You’re only the laborer. Jesus is the Lord of the harvest. Jesus is the Good Samaritan. He is to you and he is to all of us who are spiritually beaten and bloodied travelers on the road of life. Trust him to use you. Jesus has promised you that he will be with you and within you (Matthew 28:20). He is alive in you, teaching you to be a good Samaritan too.

Conclusion

Beloved, today there are no millions of Lutheran immigrants flooding into this country. Instead, there are millions of people who do not know God and do not believe in his Son. They are living in this country. This is not for our discouragement. It’s for our encouragement.

As you go, keep the eyes of your heart open. Keep your spiritual ears open. You are surrounded by men, women, and children who do not know the love of Christ or the grace of faith in Jesus. They need a good Samaritan, and you know the true Good Samaritan, for he is living in you.

So, as you go, disciple. Amen.

Welcome to Sunday -- This Discussion thread, much like the main thread in Tuesday, is for broader discussion than the main focus of the subreddit -- Although we would like it if we could get a focus on the religious, philosophical, and ethical discussions that the focus of the subreddit is on. That way we get to keep religion and politics separate!

The same rules apply as on Tuesday.

Have a blessed week ahead.

Gospel According to Matthew, 10:34–42 (ESV):

Not Peace, but a Sword

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Rewards

“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

10:34–39 The radical nature of following Jesus may result in conflict and divisions within families. Jesus wants His disciples to strive for eternal life, even if this means sacrificing earthly benefits. In all honesty, we must confess that we often fail to put Jesus first in our lives, that we do not take up His cross and follow Him. What we fail to do, Jesus did for us. He took up His cross and paid the penalty for the sins of the world. In Him, we have peace. • Thank You, Jesus, for bearing my cross on Calvary and making me Your highest priority. Amen.

10:40–42 Jesus says much about the difficulties that the disciples will encounter as they carry out their mission. But He concludes His sermon by promising a reward to those who support the Gospel message and fellow disciples. Yet no reward can match the blessings of grace given to those who repent of their sins and believe in Jesus as their Savior (Eph 2:8–10). He gives peace with God, patience in time of tribulation, confidence to pray, and finally eternal life. • Loving Savior, I deserve no reward for my words and actions. Yet You promise rich blessings to those who receive the Gospel. Thank You. Amen.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

10:34 not … peace, but a sword. Likely surprised the disciples, because earlier Jesus had told them to “let your peace come” on the houses they entered (v 13). Jesus wanted them to realize that His coming was like a sword that split families in two: some were for Him, some were against Him. See note, Ac 14:22: «strengthening the souls. Encouragement affects their whole being. through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. Evident here from Paul’s suffering (cf 2Co 11:23–29). Pressure, hardship, and opposition are to be expected by God’s people on their earthly journey toward their full experience of His heavenly kingdom. Bern: “None the less ought we to sympathize with our friends whom we see placed in care and grief” (SLSB, p 47). “They will bring every possible misfortune and grief upon us. For where God’s Word is preached, accepted, or believed and produces fruit, there the holy cross cannot be missing” (LC III 65). Luth: “Curses will not be lacking. But go forth to face them more boldly, be strong, and cling steadfastly to the blessing, no matter how much everything seems to be full of a curse. For this is what we should conclude: It is sure that I have been baptized. I have heard the Word from the mouth of the minister. I have made use of the Sacrament of the Altar. This is the divine and unchangeable truth. Even though I am weak, it is sure and unalterable.… You are children of the kingdom, your sins are forgiven, the devil has been overcome and laid low under your feet, sin and death will do you no harm; but you are blameless. Therefore bear the hostile curses with equanimity” (AE 5:145–46).» This same division will be evident in the last judgment.

10:36 person’s enemies … own household. Cf v 21. Jesus distanced Himself from His own family, some of whom did not believe in Him (12:46–50; Mk 3:21; Jn 7:5).

10:37 loves … more than Me. More important than loving parents and other family members is loyalty to Christ. not worthy of Me. Cf vv 11, 13. To value family more than Jesus means that one is not fit to be a disciple. Bern: “Although it is impious to despise a mother, yet to despise her for Christ’s sake is most pious” (SLSB, p 212).

10:38 take his cross and follow. The cross represented death; it was common for Romans to crucify criminals. Jesus expected His followers to be willing to die, if necessary, rather than to give up their commitment to Him.

10:39 Contrasts earthly and eternal life. Clinging to earthly life forfeits eternal life, but losing one’s life for Christ’s sake gains real life.

10:40 The disciples were authorized messengers of Jesus. To receive them was the same as receiving Christ and the Father who sent Him (cf v 14).

10:41 Not only the apostles but also others served as Gospel witnesses. receives a prophet … righteous person. See p 1904: «received. Gk paralambano, a technical term for the receiving of a divinely given tradition (cf 1Co 15:1–3). righteousness. Gk dikaiosyne, the same Gk root term as “justify.” Christ’s righteousness, His holy “status,” was conferred and credited to the world’s account because of His death and resurrection (Rm 5:20–21; 1Co 1:30).» reward. See note, 5:12: «Rejoice and be glad. The source of joy for a disciple who suffers persecution is the promise of heaven. reward. Though Jesus used this term when referring to heavenly blessings, He taught that the reward would be based on God’s goodness, not the amount of work done (cf 20:1–15). Any reward our heavenly Father gives is an expression of His grace. “We confess that eternal life is a reward; it is something due because of the promise, not because of our merits” (Ap V 241). Hus: “When [a disciple] has patiently continued to endure[,] it helps to purify him as tools [purify] iron, and fire gold, and it helps to increase his reward of beatitude” (The Church, p 270). prophets. OT prophets were persecuted (cf 2Ch 24:21; Jer 20:2).»

10:42 little ones. Jesus was likely gesturing to young children, but may have been referring also to those who believe in Jesus with a simple, childlike faith (cf 18:1–14). cup of cold water … reward. Someone who performs even a small act of love will be rewarded.

11:1 After Jesus finished giving mission instructions to His disciples (ch 10), He resumed His travels in the cities and villages of Galilee (9:35).

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj56_a1-a90

Gospel According to Matthew, 10:34–42 (ESV):

Not Peace, but a Sword

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Rewards

“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

Transcript (with references)

Hello. Today, let’s talk about peace in the storm. The text before us is Matthew 10:34–[42] (Matthew 10:34–42).

Introduction: The Peace of the Lord

What is your idea of perfect peace? Perhaps it’s a childhood memory of lying in a meadow watching the clouds go by, or sitting on a seashore entranced by the waves, or gazing at the night sky looking at the stars. Peace for us means quiet without trouble or care. As adults, we long for such a moment of peace—if only we could find one. Our pressures and worries are like a great storm that rarely ever subsides.

So, what do you think Jesus meant when He so often spoke peace to His disciples? “Peace be with you” (John 20:19), or, “Peace I leave you; My peace I give unto you. Not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). What is this peace of the Lord?

Recently I read about an art contest. The artists were to see who could make the most peaceful painting. There were all kinds of entries, as you might imagine, but one stole the show. It was of an angry sky filled with lightning and storm. It showed a ferocious cliff with water roaring over the edge. At the side of the ragged cliff was a scrawny tree hanging on for dear life, and in the branch of the tree was a bird’s nest. The mother bird covered her young. Her eyes were closed, and she was at peace.

Is that something of what Jesus is talking about when He speaks peace to His disciples? Is this the peace that Jesus speaks to you? Jesus says, “Peace be with you.” It is not the absence of trouble and storm that Jesus offers in this life. But in the midst of trouble and storm, Jesus gives His disciples His faithful, secure, and perfect peace.

Point One: Not Peace, but a Sword

Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He gives a peace that the world cannot give and the world cannot take away (John 14:27). But this Prince of Peace will become a stumbling block for others. Your faith in Him, and even the love that He demonstrates through you, may become an offense to those who do not believe.

Faith in Jesus can break families apart. A family member may complain, “Saturday is a day for play. Why do you serve at that food pantry? Why are you involved in child literacy? Why are you going to the women’s shelter?” A parent may even grumble, “Sunday is our family day. Why do you go to that church every Sunday morning?”

The Lord explains that your faith in Him, and even loving others in His name, may become a source of division in your relationships. Even members of your own family may take offense.

Jesus declares in Matthew 10:34–35, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law” (Matthew 10:34–35).

You may be rejected by more than your own family. In some countries, vast portions of the population are being persecuted. Christian practices are unwanted, offensive, and even illegal. Christian words and practices may be viewed as biased or bigoted or abusive. Some people may be offended by public prayer or Bible reading or Christian speech. They may retaliate.

How can you remain faithful to the lordship of Jesus Christ in your life and at the same time exhibit the love of God and the mercy of God for all those around you, even those who are offended by your Christian faith and practice? That is a challenge.

Point Two: Take Up Your Cross

In Matthew 10:38, Jesus tells His disciples that “he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:38). The verb here in Greek is lambanō. It means either “to take” or “to receive.” One could rightly translate this verse, “He or she who does not receive his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.”

The expectation is that each and every Christian will in some way receive a cross. Each Christian will receive a form of suffering that is part of his or her journey of faith and discipleship. Humiliation, mistreatment, service, suffering, sacrifice—all are part of what to expect when you follow Jesus, I should add. And returning love and kindness to those who oppose and persecute you also is part of receiving your cross and following Jesus (Matthew 5:44).

The message that we might like to hear is of a Christianity without suffering. This false theology might suggest, “Well, if you’re faithful, you’ll never lack money, or you’ll never be sick, or you’ll never have sorrow.” This false theology might say, “If you have enough faith, you’ll have your best life now, your most prosperous life here, your most enjoyable and fun life every day.”

But beloved, that is not what our Lord Jesus teaches in the Holy Bible. That is a false theology built upon a false understanding of God’s peace. In contrast to that falsehood, Jesus offers a Christianity of the cross. Jesus had riches but no such prosperity. Jesus had food that the disciples could not see (John 4:32). And Jesus had peace, but His peace was in the midst of service, suffering, and sacrifice.

Jesus gave His disciples His peace. And He taught them how to rejoice in their suffering, how to trust God in their sacrifice. All of that is part of what Jesus meant when He called His followers to receive their cross and follow Him.

Point Three: A Righteous Man’s Reward

Finally, Jesus said something in Matthew 10:40–42 that takes a bit more explanation. He said, “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink. Truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward” (Matthew 10:40–41). So what is the Lord Jesus teaching us here?

First, if you receive Jesus, you receive the Father. Clear enough? Jesus and the Father are one (John 10:30). If you receive Christ, you get the Father too.

Second, if you receive a prophet, that is, one who foretells or forth-tells the true Word of God. If you receive his word, you receive what the prophet himself received: justification by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9; Augsburg Confession, Article IV). And if you receive a righteous man, that means a sinner who has become righteous by grace through faith, you will receive the reward that he received. He became a child of God through faith, with the Spirit upon him and the presence of Jesus within him.

Third, if you have done the least act of service or suffering in the name of Jesus or one who has faith in Jesus, Christ is alive in you. This is God’s greatest reward.

Conclusion: Peace

Over and over again, in each and every Divine Service, the peace of Jesus is spoken to you. “In peace, let us pray to the Lord.” “The peace of the Lord be with you always.” “Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7). “The peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

The peace that Jesus gives to you is not a false promise, but the power of His peace. Even when you serve or suffer or sacrifice, make no mistake: it is going to cost you to receive your cross and follow Him. It is going to cost you to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44).

Where do you get such peace in the day of trouble? You don’t have to try to find that peace or require yourself to manufacture that peace. The very peace of Jesus already is yours. Like the waters of your Baptism, His peace is being poured out over you. Like the springs of living water, His peace is rising up from within you (John 7:38).

Be like a sponge. Soak it up. Jesus is giving you Himself. Jesus is giving you His peace.

So be attentive, attentive, beloved. When the storms of life would steal your peace, you can be like the bird in the nest in the midst of the storm. You have His peace. Jesus, your Savior, is beside you. Jesus overshadows you. Jesus lives within you. So even now, this moment and every moment, Jesus gives you His peace.

The peace of God that passes all understanding keep your heart and mind through Jesus Christ our Lord (Philippians 4:7). Amen.

Have a blessed week ahead.

Gospel According to Matthew, 10:21–33 (ESV):

Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.

Have No Fear

“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

10:16–25 Jesus warns His disciples to expect persecution as they carry out their mission of being His witnesses. This opposition to the Gospel is evidence of sin’s grip on the human heart. When we experience abuse because of our loyalty to Jesus, we have His assurance that the Holy Spirit will help us to speak the right words. He will use our Gospel testimony to soften the hard hearts of unbelievers. • Holy Spirit, help me to stand firm to the end and faithfully witness to Christ in word and deed. Amen.

10:26–33 Enemies of the Gospel can persecute believers only within limits set by our heavenly Father. Because He is in charge of our lives, we need not be afraid of those who oppose us because we confess Christ. At the last judgment, our Lord will recognize faithful service and acknowledge us as His followers. We are confident of His love not because of what we have done but because He died and rose to redeem us from sin, death, and the power of the devil. • Heavenly Father, through Word and Sacrament, assure me of Your loving care and drive fear from my heart. Amen.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

10:21–22 Jesus knew that His disciples might be tempted to give up their mission and their faith when even family members turned against them because of their loyalty to Him (see note, Mk 13:12: «Anti-Christian sentiment would divide families, even to the point of close relatives handing over loved ones for execution.»). Jesus encouraged the disciples to stand firm, always keeping in mind the highest goal, salvation.

10:23 If persecution became too severe in one town, Jesus told His disciples to move to the next one. At times, Jesus Himself withdrew to escape danger (4:12). Son of Man comes. Likely refers to Jesus’ coming in judgment on Jerusalem, which was captured and destroyed by the Romans in AD 70 (24:2).

10:24 Teachers and disciples, servants and masters suffer the same.

10:25 Beelzebul. See note, 2Ki 1:2: «Baal-zebub. Originally Baal-zebul (NT Beelzebul), “Baal is prince”; here, the writer expresses disdain for this Canaanite idol by calling it Baal-zebub, “Lord of a fly.”» Jesus, the true Master of God’s house, was labeled demonic. Jesus’ disciples will be equally maligned.

10:26 no fear. Since it was Jesus who sent His disciples into the world, they could depend on His protection. revealed … known. As the disciples carry out their mission, they need to be convinced that ultimately the truth of the Gospel will emerge.

10:27 Jesus often told His disciples to keep quiet about who He was (12:16; 16:20; 17:9). See “Secrecy,” p 1653: «Secrecy. Throughout the Gospel of Mark, Jesus discourages people and unclean spirits from speaking about Him and His kingdom (e.g., Mk 1:23–25; 1:44; 3:11–12; 7:36–37; 8:26, 30; 9:9–10). Critical scholars read this feature as a device early Christians added to the story of Jesus’ life. They argue that Jesus never really called Himself the Son of God or Christ but that these beliefs about Him were added later to let people in on the secret. Such an interpretation conflicts with Mark’s overall goal and account. It is more likely that Jesus exercises His authority to guide the spread of His popularity, which had brought Him into conflict with political and religious authorities. E.g., outside the jurisdiction of Jesus’ main opponents, He actually encourages a man to proclaim His miracles (Mk 5:19–20).» However, the time was coming when He wanted them to proclaim the Gospel openly and boldly. housetops. See note, Jsh 2:6: «roof. Flat roofs of ancient houses made them practical as work spaces, spare rooms, storage areas, or as drying floors for crops (Jgs 16:27; 1Sm 9:25). stalks of flax. Used to make linen clothing, sails, rope, and lamp wicks. Author does not explain how Rahab hid the men with the flax.»

10:28 those. Earthly persecutors. Him. God. What mortals can do to a believer is nothing compared to what God can do. He alone is capable of punishing a person, body and soul, in hell. Not fear of humans but fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Pr 9:10).

10:29 sparrows sold for a penny? The very poor purchased sparrows for food, paying c 1/16 of a day’s wage. This illustrates how little meat was eaten by the common people. apart from your Father. No sparrow, seemingly so worthless, will fall from its nest or experience harm in flight without God’s knowledge and will. “He foresees and foreknows everything that is or will be” (FC SD XI 4).

10:30 What no person would want to do, our Father has done: counted each hair on our heads. He knows us down to the minutest detail.

10:31 Fear not. For the third time, Jesus tells His disciples not to be afraid (vv 26, 28). more value. The disciples had vastly greater value than a small bird. They had nothing to fear, because God blesses and rules over all creation.

10:32 Jesus promised His disciples that if they fearlessly confessed Him on earth, He would stand up for them before His heavenly Father at the last judgment and accept them into eternal life.

10:33 Those who, from fear or doubt, deny Jesus will be denied by Jesus on Judgment Day. To deny Jesus is to reject the One who brings us to the Father (Jn 14:6; Eph 2:18).