Sermons and Bible Studies from Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi
Questions on Baptism and Acts 14:19-28
Color: White Old Testament: Numbers 21:4–9 Psalm: Psalm 107:1–9; antiphon: v. 19 Epistle: 1 Timothy 2:1–6 Epistle: James 1:22–27 Gospel: John 16:23–33 Introit: Psalm 66:1–2a, 17, 19–20; antiphon: Isaiah 48:20b Verse: Liturgical Text; John 16:28 The Father Answers Our Prayers Because of Jesus “Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you” (John 16:23). To pray in Jesus' name is to pray as one who has been baptized. For it is in the water that He put His name upon you, claiming you as His own, making you a son of God with access to the Father. By His incarnation and crucifixion, our Lord Jesus broke through the barrier of sin which separated us from God, opening a portal to the Father. To pray in Jesus' name is to pray with faith in Him as the one Mediator between God and men, who gave Himself a ransom for all (1 Tim. 2:1–6). Like Moses in the wilderness, Jesus is our go-between and intercessor before the throne of heaven. He was lifted up for us on the cross that we might be saved and restored to fellowship with the Father (Num. 21:4–9). Looking into this perfect teaching of liberty (James 1:22–27) we pray with boldness and confidence as dear children of God. Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
Exodus 22:25-23:3
Color: White Old Testament: Isaiah 12:1–6 Psalm: Psalm 66:1–8; antiphon: v. 5 Epistle: James 1:16–21 Gospel: John 16:5–15 Introit: Psalm 98:1b, 3–4; antiphon: vv. 1a, 2b Verse: Psalm 118:16; Romans 6:9 Jesus Promises to Send His Holy Spirit, the Helper Though Jesus has departed from us visibly to the right hand of the Father who sent Him, yet this is to our advantage. For Jesus—who is Lord over all creation, who intercedes for us before the Father, who is preparing a place for us in heaven—has sent the Helper, the Spirit of Truth (John 16:5–15). “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” through Jesus Christ (James 1:17). The Holy Spirit helps us by taking what is Christ's and declaring it to us. In the Word of truth, the Spirit works repentance and delivers to us the forgiveness of sins, the righteousness of Christ, and victory over the devil. For the ruler of this world is judged and defeated by the cross. Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, we have been brought forth to new life in Him who is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. Confident of our resurrection with Christ we confess, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid” (Is. 12:2). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
Color: White Old Testament: Isaiah 40:25–31 Old Testament: Lamentations 3:22–33 Psalm: Psalm 147:1–11; antiphon: v. 5 Epistle: 1 John 3:1–3 Epistle: 1 Peter 2:11–20 Gospel: John 16:16–22 Introit: Psalm 66:3, 5, 8–9; antiphon: vv. 1–2 Verse: Psalm 111:9a; Luke 24:26 Those Who Wait on the Lord Shall Rejoice The people of God are pilgrims and sojourners in this world, looking ahead to a destination yet to come (1 Peter 2:11–20). Though we are now children of God, the fullness of what we shall be has not yet been revealed (1 John 3:1–3). We are those who wait on the Lord. “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him” (Lam. 3:25). Jesus tells us that the wait is just a little while. “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me” (John 16:16). Though you must experience sorrow for a time, though you must live as strangers in a world that is at enmity with Christ, yet your sorrow will be turned to joy when He returns. “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength” (Is. 40:31). The little while of weeping shall be replaced with an eternity of rejoicing in the presence of Christ the crucified and risen Savior. “And no one will take your joy from you” (John 16:22). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
Color: White Old Testament: Ezekiel 34:11–16 Psalm: Psalm 23; antiphon: v. 6 Epistle: 1 Peter 2:21–25 Gospel: John 10:11–16 Introit: Psalm 33:1, 18–20; antiphon: vv. 5b, 6a Verse: Luke 24:35b; John 10:14 The Good Shepherd Cares for His Sheep Our Lord Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11–16). He is not like the hireling, who cares nothing for the sheep and only for himself, who flees when he sees the wolf coming. Rather, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who seeks out His scattered sheep to deliver them (Ezek. 34:11–16). He gathers them and feeds them in rich pasture. He binds up the broken and strengthens the sick. He lays down His life for wandering and wayward sheep. On the cross, Christ bore in His body the attacks of the predators of sin and death and the devil for you that you might be saved. He now lives to restore your soul in the still waters of baptism, to lead you in the paths of righteousness by the voice of His Gospel, to prepare the table of His holy supper before you, that you may dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23). “For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Peter 2:25). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
More Questions and Answers
Color: White Old Testament: Ezekiel 37:1–14 Psalm: Psalm 33; antiphon: v. 6 Epistle: 1 John 5:4–10 Gospel: John 20:19–31 Introit: Psalm 81:1, 7a, 10, 16b; antiphon: 1 Peter 2:2a Verse: Matthew 28:7b; John 20:26a, c The Wounds of Christ Give Us Life “For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood” (1 John 5:7). These three point to Christ and flow from Christ. Jesus shows His disciples His hands side, from which blood and water flowed, saying “Peace be with you.” He presents the wounds which turn our fear to gladness and which restore us to the Father. Jesus breathes on His disciples and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:23). His breath, His words are Spirit and life. They raise up our dry, dead bones and give us new and everlasting life (Ezek. 37:1–14). Christ now gives His ministers to speak His forgiving, Spirit-filled words to the penitent in His stead. Our Lord continues to come to His people, presenting His wounds to us in the Sacraments of water and blood. He bids us to touch His side at His table, to receive His risen body and blood in true faith, that believing we may have life in His name. Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
Color: White Old Testament: Job 19:23–27 Psalm: Psalm 118:15–29; antiphon: v. 1 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 15:51–57 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 5:6–8 Gospel: Mark 16:1–8 Introit: Psalm 8:1, 5–6, 9; antiphon: Luke 24:5b–6b Gradual: Psalm 118:24, 1 Verse: 1 Corinthians 5:7b–8a, c Christ's Resurrection Means That We Will One Day Be Raised “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Cor. 5:7). By the shed blood of Christ, the Lamb of God, eternal death has passed over us. Now we pass with Christ through death into life everlasting. For Christ the crucified One is risen! The stone has been rolled away from the tomb, revealing that the tomb could not hold Him (Mark 16:1–8). Now our Redeemer lives eternally to save us from sin and Satan and the grave, and we can live in the sure hope of our own bodily resurrection with Christ. “After my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God” (Job 19:26). Feasting on the living Christ, who is our meat and drink indeed, we boldly say: “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? . . . But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:54–55, 57). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
Color: Black Old Testament: Isaiah 52:13—53:12 Psalm: Psalm 22; antiphon: v. 1 Psalm: Psalm 31; antiphon: v. 1 Epistle: 2 Corinthians 5:14–21 Gospel: John 18:1—19:42 Introit: Psalm 102:1–2, 12; antiphon: Isaiah 53:4a, 5a, 6a, c Gradual: Isaiah 53:1, 11b Tract: Psalm 140:1–7, 12–13 Behold the Lamb of God, Who Takes Away the Sin of the World Jesus, the Lamb of God, is led to the slaughter of His cross as the sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the world. “Despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Is. 53:3), He is the righteous Servant who justifies many by His innocent suffering and death. He bears our griefs and carries our sorrows; He is wounded for our transgressions; He is crushed for our iniquities; He suffers our chastisement, so that “with His stripes we are healed” (Is. 53:4–5). As the Son of God, He fulfills the Law for us in human flesh, and so fulfills the Scriptures (John 19:7, 24). For in Christ, “God was reconciling the whole world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them” (2 Cor. 5:19). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
Color: Black Old Testament: Isaiah 52:13—53:12 Psalm: Psalm 22; antiphon: v. 1 Psalm: Psalm 31; antiphon: v. 1 Epistle: 2 Corinthians 5:14–21 Gospel: John 18:1—19:42 Introit: Psalm 102:1–2, 12; antiphon: Isaiah 53:4a, 5a, 6a, c Gradual: Isaiah 53:1, 11b Tract: Psalm 140:1–7, 12–13 Behold the Lamb of God, Who Takes Away the Sin of the World Jesus, the Lamb of God, is led to the slaughter of His cross as the sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the world. “Despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Is. 53:3), He is the righteous Servant who justifies many by His innocent suffering and death. He bears our griefs and carries our sorrows; He is wounded for our transgressions; He is crushed for our iniquities; He suffers our chastisement, so that “with His stripes we are healed” (Is. 53:4–5). As the Son of God, He fulfills the Law for us in human flesh, and so fulfills the Scriptures (John 19:7, 24). For in Christ, “God was reconciling the whole world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them” (2 Cor. 5:19). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
Color: White Old Testament: Exodus 12:1–14 Old Testament: Exodus 24:3–11 Psalm: Psalm 116:12–19; antiphon: v. 17 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 11:23–32 Gospel: John 13:1–15 Gospel: John 13:1–15, 34–35 Introit: Psalm 67:1–3, 6b–7; antiphon: Galatians 6:14b; Liturgical Text Gradual: Psalm 111:4–5 Tract: Psalm 111:4–5; John 6:55–56 Let Us Love One Another, as Christ Jesus Has Loved Us “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes” (1 Cor. 11:26). By eating His body and drinking His blood, we proclaim to all the world that Jesus is, indeed, our Passover Lamb (Ex. 12:1–14), who was sacrificed for us on Calvary. In Christ, the Lord remembers us in mercy and remembers our sin no more; He forgives us all our iniquity. With such love, he “loved His own who were in the world,” and even loves us “to the end” (John 13:1). As He washes us and feeds us in love, let us love one another, just as He has loved us (John 13:34). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
John 12:12–19 Color: Red Old Testament: Zechariah 9:9–12 Psalm: Psalm 31:9–16; antiphon: v. 5 Psalm: Psalm 118:19–29; antiphon: v. 26 Epistle: Philippians 2:5–11 Gospel: Matthew 26:1—27:66 Gospel: Matthew 27:11–54 Introit: Psalm 22:1, 7–8, 11; antiphon: vv. 19, 21 Gradual: Psalm 73:23b–24, 1 Tract: Psalm 22:1, 4–5 The Cross and Passion of Our Lord Are the Hour of His Glory “Behold, your King is coming to you . . . humble and mounted on a donkey” (Zech. 9:9–12; Mt. 21:1–9). Our Lord rides in this humble fashion because He is entering Jerusalem to humble Himself even to the point of death on a cross (Phil. 2:5–11). His kingly crown will not be made of gold but of thorns, the sign of sin's curse. For His royal reign is displayed in bearing this curse for His people, saving us from our enemies by sacrificing His own life. The sinless One takes the place of the sinner so that the sinner can be freed and bear the name “Barabbas,” “son of the Father” (Matthew 26 and 27). It is at the name of this exalted Savior, Jesus, that we bow in humble faith. With the centurion who declared, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Mt. 27:54), we are also given to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:11). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
Exodus 21:28-22:15
Judges 13:2-5, 24-25; 14:5-9; 15:3-8; 16:4-22, 25-30
Color: Purple Old Testament: Genesis 22:1–14 Psalm: Psalm 43; antiphon: v. 5 Epistle: Hebrews 9:11–15 Gospel: John 8:42–59 Gospel: John 8:46–59 Introit: Psalm 43:3–5; antiphon: vv. 1–2a Gradual: Psalm 143:9a, 10a; 18:48a, c Tract: Psalm 129:1–4 Jesus Is Our Redemption In the temple Jesus said, “If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death” (John 8:51). For Jesus came to taste death for us—to drink the cup of suffering to the dregs in order that we might be released from its power. Clinging to His life-giving words, we are delivered from death's sting and its eternal judgment. Christ is our High Priest, who entered the Most Holy Place and with His own blood obtained everlasting redemption for His people (Heb. 9:11–15). He is the One who was before Abraham was, and yet is his descendant. He is the promised Son who carries the wood up the mountain for the sacrifice, who is bound and laid upon the altar of the cross. He is the ram who is offered in our place, who is willingly caught in the thicket of our sin, and who wears the crown of thorns upon His head (Gen. 22:1–14). Though Jesus is dishonored by the sons of the devil, He is vindicated by the Father through the cross. Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
Color: Purple Old Testament: Isaiah 49:8–13 Old Testament: Exodus 16:2–21 Psalm: Psalm 132:8–18; antiphon: v. 13 Second Reading: Acts 2:41–47 Epistle: Galatians 4:21–31 Gospel: John 6:1–15 Introit: Psalm 122:1–2, 6, 8; antiphon: Isaiah 66:10a, 11a Gradual: Psalm 122:1, 7 Tract: Psalm 125:1–2, 5b The Lord Feeds His People The Lord provided bread from heaven for His people in the wilderness (Ex. 16:2–21). Now He who is Himself the living bread from heaven miraculously provides bread for the five thousand (John 6:1–15). This takes place near the time of the Passover, after a great multitude had followed Jesus across the sea, and when He went up on a mountain. Seen in this way, Jesus is our new and greater Moses, who releases us from the bondage of Mount Sinai and makes us free children of the promise (Gal. 4:21–31). Five loaves become twelve baskets—that is, the five books of Moses find their goal and fulfillment in Christ, whose people continue steadfastly in the doctrine and fellowship of the twelve apostles, and in the breaking and receiving of the bread of life, which is the body of Christ together with His precious blood, and in the prayers (Acts 2:41–47). So it is that God's people “shall not hunger or thirst” (Is. 49:8–13). For He abundantly provides for us in both body and soul. Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
Finishing up Exodus 20
Acts 13:4-13:31
Color: Purple Old Testament: Exodus 8:16–24 Old Testament: Jeremiah 26:1–15 Psalm: Psalm 136:1–16; antiphon: v. 26 Psalm: Psalm 4; antiphon: v. 8 Epistle: Ephesians 5:1–9 Gospel: Luke 11:14–28 Introit: Psalm 25:1–2, 17–18, 20; antiphon: vv. 15–16 Gradual: Psalm 9:19, 3 Tract: Psalm 123:1–3a Jesus Overcomes the Strong Man Jeremiah was charged with speaking evil when he spoke the Word of the Lord (Jer. 26:1–15). So also, Jesus is accused of doing evil when in fact He is doing good. He casts out a demon from a mute man so that he is able to speak (Luke 11:14–28). But some said Jesus did this by the power of Beelzebub, Satan. Like Pharaoh of old, their hearts were hard (Ex. 8:16–24). They did not recognize the finger of God, the power of the Holy Spirit at work in and through Jesus. Jesus is the Stronger Man who overcomes the strong man. He takes the devil's armor of sin and death and destroys it from the inside out by the holy cross. He exorcizes and frees us by water and the Word. We were once darkness, but now we are light in Christ the Lord (Eph. 5:1–9). As children of light, our tongues are loosed to give thanks to Him who saved us. Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
Continuing through the 10 Commandments
Acts 12:18-13:3
Color: Purple Old Testament: Genesis 32:22–32 Psalm: Psalm 121; antiphon: vv. 1–2 Epistle: Romans 5:1–5 Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 4:1–7 Gospel: Matthew 15:21–28 Introit: Psalm 25:1–2a, 7–8, 11; antiphon: vv. 6, 2b, 22 Gradual: Psalm 25:17–18 Tract: Psalm 106:1–4 Holding God to His Word Jacob wrestled with God; he would not let Him go until he received a blessing from Him (Gen. 32:22–32). So it was with the Canaanite woman. Though Jesus seemed to ignore and reject her, she continued to call upon His name and look to Him for help (Mt. 15:21–28). Even when the Lord called her a little dog, she held on to Him in faith and would not let Him wriggle out of His words: “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” This Gentile woman shows herself to be a true Israelite, who struggles with God and man in Christ and prevails. “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire” (Mt. 15:27–28). This is the sanctifying will of God (1 Thess. 4:1–7)—to test your faith in order that it may be refined and strengthened. For tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope. And hope in Christ does not disappoint (Rom. 5:1–5). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
Digging into the Ten Commandments
Questions and Acts continued
Color: Purple Old Testament: Genesis 3:1–21 Old Testament: 1 Samuel 17:40–51 Psalm: Psalm 32; antiphon: v. 7 Psalm: Psalm 118:1–13; antiphon: v. 5 Epistle: Hebrews 4:14–16 Epistle: 2 Corinthians 6:1–10 Gospel: Matthew 4:1–11 Introit: Psalm 91:1–2, 9–10, 13; antiphon: vv. 15a, c, 16 Gradual: Psalm 91:11–12 Tract: Psalm 91:1, 4a, 15a, 16 Jesus Does Battle in Our Place In the Garden, man exalts himself to be a god in place of God (Gen. 3:1–21). He succumbs to the temptation of the devil, and eating of the forbidden fruit, he receives death. But in the sin-cursed wilderness, God humbles Himself to become man in place of man (Mt. 4:1–11). He does not eat but fasts and bears the onslaughts of the devil for us that we may be restored to life. Jesus stands as David in our place to do battle against the Goliath, Satan (1 Samuel 17:40–51). Though outwardly Jesus appears weak, yet He comes in the name of the Lord of hosts. He draws from the five smooth stones of the books of Moses and slings the Word of God. The stone sinks into the forehead, and the enemy falls. In Christ we are victorious over the devil. Let us therefore not receive the grace of God in vain (2 Cor. 6:1–10), but seeing that we have a great High Priest, let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain help in time of need (Heb 4:14–16). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
Color: Black Old Testament: Jonah 3:1–10 Old Testament: Joel 2:12–19 Psalm: Psalm 51; antiphon: v. 17 Psalm: Psalm 51:1–13; antiphon: v. 17 Epistle: 2 Peter 1:2–11 Gospel: Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21 Gospel: Matthew 6:16–21 Introit: Psalm 57:1–3a, c; antiphon: Liturgical Text Gradual: Psalm 57:1a, 3a Tract: Psalm 103:10; 79:8a, 9a Return to the Lord Your God with All Your Heart, for He Has Reconciled You to Himself “Consecrate a fast, call a solemn assembly; gather the people” (Joel 2:15–16). Lent, with its corporate fast, begins today. Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return(Imposition of Ashes, from Genesis 3:19). “Who knows, whether God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger” (Jonah 3:9)? We know. Faith believes that, for Christ's sake, “a broken and contrite heart our God will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love (Joel 2:13); therefore, we do not hesitate to return to him with all our heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning” (v.12). He raises the dead, as we shall see in forty days' time. Satan opposes such reconciliation and life. He would twist our discipline into self-serving pride (Matthew 6:1–12), leading us into unbelief and unfruitfulness until we fall from the Lord's precious and very great promises (2 Peter 1:4, 8). For this reason, our Lenten discipline not only gives something up but also takes up the sustenance and exercise of faith: hearing His Word and turning from ourselves—to God in prayer and to our neighbor with charity. Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection and love” (v. 5–7). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
Random questions during Bible Study
Color: Green Old Testament: 1 Samuel 16:1–13 Old Testament: Isaiah 35:3–7 Psalm: Psalm 89:18–29; antiphon: v. 20 Psalm: Psalm 146; antiphon: v. 2 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 13:1–13 Gospel: Luke 18:31–43 Introit: Psalm 31:1, 5, 9, 16; antiphon: vv. 2b–3 Gradual: Psalm 77:14–15 Tract: Psalm 100:1–3 Faith Alone The seeing are blind, while the one who is blind can see (Luke 18:31–43). Jesus tells the twelve that He is going up to Jerusalem to suffer and die and rise again, but they cannot understand or grasp what He is saying. The meaning of His words is hidden from their sight. However, as Jesus makes His way up to Jerusalem, a blind man calls out to Him for mercy. This blind man sees that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior, for he calls Him “Son of David.” Indeed, Jesus is the Lord's anointed, the keeper of sheep (1 Sam. 16:1–13) who goes to lay down His life for the sheep. He is the incarnate love of the Father who suffers long and is kind, who is not puffed up, who never fails us (1 Cor. 13:1–13). Jesus opens the eyes of the blind (Is. 35:3–7) to see Him not according to outward appearances of lowliness, but according to His heart of mercy and compassion. Those who behold Him thus by faith follow Him to the cross through death into life. Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
Exodus 20 continued.
Revelation 11:7-19
Color: Green Old Testament: Isaiah 55:10–13 Psalm: Psalm 84; antiphon: v. 4 Epistle: Hebrews 4:9–13 Epistle: 2 Corinthians 11:19—12:9 Gospel: Luke 8:4–15 Introit: Psalm 44:1–2, 7–8; antiphon: vv. 23, 25a, 26a Gradual: Psalm 83:18, 13 Tract: Psalm 60:1–2, 5 Scripture Alone The Sower sows the seed of His Word (Luke 8:4–15). This Word is living and powerful (Heb. 4:9–13) to conceive new life in those who hear it. But the planting of Christ is attacked by the devil, the world, and the flesh. Satan snatches the Word away from hard hearts. The riches and pleasures of this life choke off faith. Shallow and emotional belief withers in time of temptation and trouble. But see how Christ bears this attack for us! Christ's cross was planted in the hard and rocky soil of Golgotha. A crown of thorns was placed upon His head. Satan and His demons hellishly hounded and devoured Him. Yet, through His dying and rising again, He destroyed these enemies of ours. Jesus is Himself the Seed which fell to the ground and died in order that it might sprout forth to new life and produce much grain. In Him, the weak are strong (2 Cor. 11:19–12:9). He is the Word of the Father which does not return void (Is. 55:10–13) but yields a harvest hundredfold. Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
Introduction to the 10 Commandments
Acts 11:19-30
Color: Green Old Testament: Exodus 17:1–7 Psalm: Psalm 95:1–9; antiphon: v. 6 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 9:24—10:5 Gospel: Matthew 20:1–16 Introit: Psalm 18:1–2a, 27, 32, 49; antiphon: vv. 5–6a Gradual: Psalm 9:9–10, 18–19a Tract: Psalm 130:1–4 Grace Alone The people of Israel contended with the Lord in the wilderness (Ex. 17:1–7). They were dissatisfied with His provision. In the same way, the first laborers in the vineyard complained against the landowner for the wage he provided them (Matt. 20:1–16). They charged him with being unfair, but in reality he was being generous. For the Lord does not wish to deal with us on the basis of what we deserve but on the basis of His abounding grace in Christ. The first—those who rely on their own merits—will be last. “For they were overthrown in the wilderness” (1 Cor. 10:5). But the last, those who rely on Christ, will be first. For Christ is the Rock (1 Cor. 9:24–10:5). He is the One who was struck and from whose side blood and water flowed that we may be cleansed of our sin. Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
Revelation 11:1-7
Color: White Old Testament: Exodus 3:1–14 Old Testament: Exodus 34:29–35 Psalm: Psalm 2; antiphon: v. 7 Epistle: 2 Peter 1:16–21 Gospel: Matthew 17:1–9 Introit: Psalm 84:1–2a, 4, 10–11; antiphon: Psalm 77:18b Gradual: Psalm 45:2a; 110:1 Verse: Psalm 96:2–3 Jesus Is Transfigured and Manifests His Glory The Lord appeared to Moses in the light of the burning bush (Ex. 3:1–14). Later Moses' face would shine with the light of God's glory when he came down from Mount Sinai (Ex. 34:29–35). At the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appeared with the One who is the Light of Light Himself (Matt. 17:1–9). Jesus' glory as God shines with brilliant splendor in and through His human nature. By this epiphany, our Lord confirmed the prophetic word (2 Pet. 1:16–21), revealing that He is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. He manifested His majesty as the eternal Son of the Father, and He wonderfully foreshowed our adoption as sons (Collect). We who have been baptized into Christ's body are given a glimpse of the glory that we will share with Him in the resurrection on the Last Day. Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
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