Scripture First

What is Pentecost? When did this happen in relation to the crucifixion and resurrection? What is the significance of the tongues of fire? Dr. Croghan turns to Martin Luther's Small Catechism: "I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel." This is the Holy Spirit's work, to deliver the Gospel to you. The Holy Spirit comes to convict you of your sin. The conviction comes when you say, “Your sins are forgiven.” You have mercy. You have the Gospel. CARE OF SOULS - ADDICTIONIn Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life's challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. Because in the end, it's not about fixing people—it's about preaching the Gospel. Care of Souls - Addiction GOSPEL Acts 2:1-21 1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. 5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6 And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7 Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs -- in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." 12 All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" 13 But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine." 14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. 15 Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. 16 No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: 17  'In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. 18  Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. 19  And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. 20  The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day. 21  Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Ascension Day: the end of Jesus' ministry on Earth where Jesus no longer is with us in the flesh, but, as you'll hear Sarah Stenson teach, he is very much still active in creation. We discuss what it means for Jesus to have opened the minds of his disciples to understand the scriptures. This very moment is crucial for the Christian faith and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Lastly, we talk about what it means that Jesus was carried up into heaven. Many assume Jesus is apart from us in heaven, but Sarah explains that instead of leaving, Jesus is now present everywhere. CARE OF SOULS - ADDICTION In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life's challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the broken places of addiction not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about fixing people—it's about preaching the Gospel. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls - Addiction SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

“Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them.” Jesus gives us a command: keep my word. It can easily be read as an if / then statement: if you keep my word, then the Father will love you. But Lars Olson flips this text: when you have God's Word, you have God's love. How do we know God's love? Through his word. Through his Son. Sin gets named. Sin gets forgiven. And Jesus won't stop even though you do your best to get rid of him. You betray him. Deny him. Kill him. But he comes back from the dead and gives you an ever present Spirit to keep his word in your ear, forever forgiving your sins. CARE OF SOULS - ADDICTIONIn Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life's challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the broken places of addiction not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about fixing people—it's about preaching the Gospel. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls - Addiction SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

What does it mean for Jesus to be glorified? This week's lectionary text opens with, “When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified.” You'll hear Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson explain Jesus said this as Judas left the Last Supper to betray him. That is what God's glory is: Jesus' betrayal, death, and, ultimately, resurrection. Then we shift to discuss Jesus giving us a new commandment: “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” They teach us that love is the Law, not the Gospel. In fact, loving one another as Jesus loved us means we will suffer others' sins…and forgive them. EASTER SEASON GUIDE“Easter is not the end of the story. It's the beginning. Not the conclusion to a tragic season, but the breaking in of a new creation. Not a soft spring metaphor for fresh starts, but the announcement of a concrete, crucified, risen Christ alive for us and coming straight into our locked rooms.” Those are Pastor Mark Anderson's words describing the 7-week Season of Easter. Luther House of Study just released a week-by-week Easter Season planning guide that features planning outlines, Greek word details, sermon angles, liturgies, and hymn suggestions. Access the guide at the link in the show notes. Access the guide: https://lutherhouseofstudy.org/liturgical-year-planning-guides/  CARE OF SOULS - ADDICTIONIn Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life's challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the broken places of addiction not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about fixing people—it's about preaching the Gospel. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls - Addiction SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. http://bit.ly/SingtotheLordGOSPEL John 13:31-3531 When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33 Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, 'Where I am going, you cannot come.' 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life's challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on addiction—especially alcoholism: How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to addiction?What does faithful preaching sound like when standing before someone enslaved by alcohol?How can the pastor offer both law and gospel without moralism or despair?What does pastoral care look like beyond the pulpit—in hospital rooms, AA meetings, or family interventions? With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the broken places of addiction not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about fixing people—it's about preaching the Gospel. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls - AddictionSupport the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

The Good Shepherd chapter. Jesus has been contrasting himself as the Good Shepherd with the religious leaders as the thieves and the wolves. Now, he goes directly into their house and they ask him plainly, “Are you the Messiah?” Jesus responds, “I have told you, but you don't believe,” which spurs a good conversation with Dr. Chris Croghan about how faith comes from hearing and how the Holy Spirit convicts you of your sin. Then we discuss what it means to be one of Jesus' sheep. Without the shepherd, the sheep think, “the wolves have me, the devil has me, death has me; I can't live without this guy!” Jesus is giving them new life through his mercy. EASTER SEASON GUIDE “Easter is not the end of the story. It's the beginning. Not the conclusion to a tragic season, but the breaking in of a new creation. Not a soft spring metaphor for fresh starts, but the announcement of a concrete, crucified, risen Christ alive for us and coming straight into our locked rooms.” Those are Pastor Mark Anderson's words describing the 7-week Season of Easter. Luther House of Study just released a week-by-week Easter Season planning guide that features planning outlines, Greek word details, sermon angles, liturgies, and hymn suggestions. Access the guide at the link in the show notes. Access the guide: https://lutherhouseofstudy.org/liturgical-year-planning-guides/ CARE OF SOULS - ADDICTION In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life's challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the broken places of addiction not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about fixing people—it's about preaching the Gospel. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls - Addiction GOSPEL John 10:22-30 22 At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." 25 Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; 26 but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. 30 The Father and I are one."Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Still reeling from the most mind bending experience in human history: the Son of God being killed and raised from the dead, the disciples are back to their daily vocations only to have Jesus appear to them a third time. In this exchange, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him. Sarah Stenson teaches us the depth of Jesus and Peter's back and forth, including the brutal honesty and vulnerability of being confronted by your Savior who knows the depth of your betrayal. Jesus' call to follow him isn't a promise of glory, it's an invitation to suffer others' sins in the freedom of a Christian: you have a Savior who knows your heart and gives you mercy. EASTER SEASON GUIDELuther House of Study just released a week-by-week Easter Season planning guide that features planning outlines, Greek word details, sermon angles, liturgies, and hymn suggestions. Access the guide at the link in the show notes. Access the guide.CARE OF SOULS - ADDICTIONIn Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life's challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts: Care of Souls - AddictionGOSPEL Full Text: John 21:1-197 That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.9 When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." 16 A second time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep." 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go." 19 (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, "Follow me."Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Having betrayed Christ, the disciples lock themselves in a room out of fear of what their future holds. Jesus appears. Looking for revenge? No. He gives them the greatest gift: peace. Lars Olson explains that the peace Christ delivers is having no fear, worry, or anxiety about what is to come in the future. It is knowing that your past no longer determines what comes next for you. Jesus gives his authority to forgive sin. To deliver peace. See how that plays out with Thomas, and us today. EASTER SEASON GUIDE“Easter is not the end of the story. It's the beginning. Not the conclusion to a tragic season, but the breaking in of a new creation. Not a soft spring metaphor for fresh starts, but the announcement of a concrete, crucified, risen Christ alive for us and coming straight into our locked rooms.” Those are Pastor Mark Anderson's words describing the 7-week Season of Easter. Luther House of Study just released a week-by-week Easter Season planning guide that features planning outlines, Greek word details, sermon angles, liturgies, and hymn suggestions. Access the guide at the link in the show notes. Access the guide: https://lutherhouseofstudy.org/liturgical-year-planning-guides/ SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

The rolled stone. The lilies lining the sanctuary. Easter Sunday.In this Easter conversation, Sarah Stenson and Lars Olson encourage both pastors and laypeople to truly hear the shocking news in this text. Everyone anticipated finding Jesus' dead body. It was not in the tomb. All signs point to the incredible, monumental proclamation: He is Risen, He is Risen indeed! EASTER SEASON GUIDE“Easter is not the end of the story. It's the beginning. Not the conclusion to a tragic season, but the breaking in of a new creation. Not a soft spring metaphor for fresh starts, but the announcement of a concrete, crucified, risen Christ alive for us and coming straight into our locked rooms.”Those are Pastor Mark Anderson's words describing the 7-week Season of Easter. Luther House of Study just released a week-by-week Easter Season planning guide that features planning outlines, Greek word details, sermon angles, liturgies, and hymn suggestions. Access the guide at the link in the show notes. Access the guide: https://lutherhouseofstudy.org/liturgical-year-planning-guides/ COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

This episode is going to be a little different. No background music. No closing summary and calls to action. Why? Because we're grappling with the question, “Why did Jesus have to die?” in this conversation. Dr. Chris Croghan and Lars Olson do an incredible job calling out how everyone involved in Christ's final moments sinned against Him. From the betrayal to the power dynamics to the self-preservation, every single person called for Jesus to be crucified. Why did Jesus have to die? Because everyone demanded it. Including you. God repeatedly tells us His name is mercy. We don't believe Him. The only way you'll believe it is if His blood is on your hands. John 18:1–19:42: 3 So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” 5 They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replied, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, “I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.” 28 Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate's headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews replied, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” 35 Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” 9 But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 40 They shouted in reply, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a bandit. 10 Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” 12 From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.” 15 They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.” 16 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

In the first of two Holy Week bonus episodes, Lars Olson and Sarah Stenson break down what Jesus meant by giving us a new commandment to love one another in this Maundy Thursday text. Jesus demonstrates true humility by washing His disciples' feet. He also commands us to love one another. Many will read this as a command in the Law, as an expectation of what they're supposed to do. But what Jesus is depicting is what makes someone a disciple. A disciple is someone who betrays Christ. He's not demanding more love from you. He's giving you the thing that allows you to freely pour yourself out for your neighbor: faith in His mercy. GOSPEL John 13:1-17,31b-35 1 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 7 Jesus answered, "You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand." 8 Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me." 9 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" 10 Jesus said to him, "One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you." 11 For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, "Not all of you are clean." 12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord -- and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33 Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, 'Where I am going, you cannot come.' 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Palm Sunday. The Triumphal Entry. Dr. Chris Croghan explains how to preach this text ahead of Holy Week, especially when many people might hear this triumphant text, skip the cross on Good Friday, and the next thing they hear is Jesus is alive on Easter Sunday. Jesus had been predicting his death and resurrection but no one believed him, now, he's going to show that what he says, happens. The Jews had heard Zachariah's prophecy of the coming Messiah for thousands of years. Now, it's happening right in front of them. All of creation will rise up and confess that this is our God. HOLY WEEK GUIDE“The cross stands before us, and the empty tomb beyond it. Nothing will ever be the same. The road is narrow now. The hosannas will fade like the last notes of a half-remembered song, and in their place comes a malevolent, oppressive evil. Holy Week is upon us, and there is no turning back.”As we enter into Lent, we know that Holy Week lies on the other side of these 40 days. And though its completion is marked with triumphant joy, there is no “skip to the end” option here. The only way out is through, but it is not even our burden to bear — “We come only to hear, to receive, to be repented.”As you prepare for Holy Week, we invite you to take advantage of our brand new, free Holy Week Planning Guide, courtesy of Pastor Mark Anderson, which includes weekly planning outlines, Bible studies, activities, liturgies, and hymns. Access the guide: https://lutherhouseofstudy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HolyWeekPlanner.pdf SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

Mary uses a perfume worth a year's salary to wash Jesus' feet. Judas questions if that's the best use of that money.Sarah Stenson teaches us in this episode that Mary's acting out of faith. She's not worried about the consequences of her actions or what people will think of her. Judas, on the other hand, is acting under the devil's influence. The law is his identity. In an otherwise straightforward Law and Gospel text, Jesus adds a seemingly controversial line, “You always have the poor with you.” You'll want to hear how Sarah explains how to address this and where to put your righteousness. HOLY WEEK GUIDE “The cross stands before us, and the empty tomb beyond it. Nothing will ever be the same. The road is narrow now. The hosannas will fade like the last notes of a half-remembered song, and in their place comes a malevolent, oppressive evil. Holy Week is upon us, and there is no turning back.”As we enter into Lent, we know that Holy Week lies on the other side of these 40 days. And though its completion is marked with triumphant joy, there is no “skip to the end” option here. The only way out is through, but it is not even our burden to bear — “We come only to hear, to receive, to be repented.”As you prepare for Holy Week, we invite you to take advantage of our brand new, free Holy Week Planning Guide, courtesy of Pastor Mark Anderson, which includes weekly planning outlines, Bible studies, activities, liturgies, and hymns. Access the guide: https://lutherhouseofstudy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HolyWeekPlanner.pdf LENT GUIDE As we enter the 40-day season of Lent, Luther House of Study is offering a new Lent Planning Guide from Pastor Mark Anderson. He describes, “It seems to be set up for ‘What I have to do,' for pastors to start giving people examples of Christian living, but Lent is all about what God has done.” The guide offers the following free resources to help pastors preach the Gospel with clarity:Week-by-week reflections focused on baptism, repentance, grace, and more.Hymn suggestions that tie into each week's theme.Greek word studies that deepen the understanding of key theological concepts.Practical sermon and teaching ideas to help bring the message of Lent to life.Visit: Preparing for Lent with Pastor Mark Anderson - Luther House of Study GOSPEL John 12:1-81 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" 6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7 Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

The Parable of the Lost Sheep. The Parable of the Lost Coin. The Parable of the Prodigal Son. Lars Olson reminds us parables are a depiction of what God is doing for you, not a, “choose your own adventure,” of characters you're supposed to model your behavior after. When you hear the Parable of the Prodigal Son, listen for when the word of mercy hits both brothers. That is repentance. That is the season of Lent. The first son, after squandering everything, tries to explain to his father, but his father doesn't hear any of it. Here's a ring, here's a robe. You're my son, not a slave. The second son is bitter, seeing himself as a slave who's worked tirelessly for his father all these years. His father calls him son, and reminds him of his promise. The father is collecting sinners and showing them what he's doing for them. HOLY WEEK GUIDE As we enter into Lent, we know that Holy Week lies on the other side of these 40 days. And though its completion is marked with triumphant joy, there is no “skip to the end” option here. The only way out is through, but it is not even our burden to bear — “We come only to hear, to receive, to be repented.” As you prepare for Holy Week, we invite you to take advantage of our brand new, free Holy Week Planning Guide, courtesy of Pastor Mark Anderson, which includes weekly planning outlines, Bible studies, activities, liturgies, and hymns. Link to access the guide. GOSPEL Luke 15:1-3,11b-32 3 So he told them this parable: 11 Then Jesus said, "There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands." ' 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe -- the best one -- and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate.Link to Full TextSupport the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson explain that this text is difficult to preach because people ask theodicy questions: Why do bad things happen to good people? What can I do to avoid God's wrath? You've heard us discuss how God's mercy is unfair, but, in today's conversation, we talk about how God's wrath is unfair as well. Lastly, Jesus says unless you repeat, you will all perish. We ask, “Is repenting something we can do?” Spoiler: God is the one acting on you. HOLY WEEK GUIDE“The cross stands before us, and the empty tomb beyond it. Nothing will ever be the same. The road is narrow now. The hosannas will fade like the last notes of a half-remembered song, and in their place comes a malevolent, oppressive evil. Holy Week is upon us, and there is no turning back.”As we enter into Lent, we know that Holy Week lies on the other side of these 40 days. And though its completion is marked with triumphant joy, there is no “skip to the end” option here. The only way out is through, but it is not even our burden to bear — “We come only to hear, to receive, to be repented.”As you prepare for Holy Week, we invite you to take advantage of our brand new, free Holy Week Planning Guide, courtesy of Pastor Mark Anderson, which includes weekly planning outlines, Bible studies, activities, liturgies, and hymns. Access the guide: https://lutherhouseofstudy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HolyWeekPlanner.pdf LENT GUIDEAs we enter the 40-day season of Lent, Luther House of Study is offering a new Lent Planning Guide from Pastor Mark Anderson. He describes, “It seems to be set up for ‘What I have to do,' for pastors to start giving people examples of Christian living, but Lent is all about what God has done.” The guide offers the following free resources to help pastors preach the Gospel with clarity:Week-by-week reflections focused on baptism, repentance, grace, and more.Hymn suggestions that tie into each week's theme.Greek word studies that deepen the understanding of key theological concepts.Practical sermon and teaching ideas to help bring the message of Lent to life.Visit: Preparing for Lent with Pastor Mark Anderson - Luther House of Study GOSPEL Luke 13:1-91 At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. 4 Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them -- do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did."6 Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. 7 So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?' 8 He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.' "Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

This Lent text opens with some Pharisees warning Jesus, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.”Kiri and I ask Dr. Chris Croghan what are the religious leaders' motivation in warning him about a political threat?The key is in Jesus' response: we think it's our action that makes us right with God, but it's not. It's God's action. God doesn't desire sacrifice, he desires your heart. We want to avoid the consequence of our sin; God wants to deliver his forgiveness and mercy.HOLY WEEK GUIDE“The cross stands before us, and the empty tomb beyond it. Nothing will ever be the same. The road is narrow now. The hosannas will fade like the last notes of a half-remembered song, and in their place comes a malevolent, oppressive evil. Holy Week is upon us, and there is no turning back.”As we enter into Lent, we know that Holy Week lies on the other side of these 40 days. And though its completion is marked with triumphant joy, there is no “skip to the end” option here. The only way out is through, but it is not even our burden to bear — “We come only to hear, to receive, to be repented.”As you prepare for Holy Week, we invite you to take advantage of our brand new, free Holy Week Planning Guide, courtesy of Pastor Mark Anderson, which includes weekly planning outlines, Bible studies, activities, liturgies, and hymns. Access the guide: https://lutherhouseofstudy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HolyWeekPlanner.pdf LENT GUIDEAs we enter the 40-day season of Lent, Luther House of Study is offering a new Lent Planning Guide from Pastor Mark Anderson. He describes, “It seems to be set up for ‘What I have to do,' for pastors to start giving people examples of Christian living, but Lent is all about what God has done.” The guide offers the following free resources to help pastors preach the Gospel with clarity:Week-by-week reflections focused on baptism, repentance, grace, and more.Hymn suggestions that tie into each week's theme.Greek word studies that deepen the understanding of key theological concepts.Practical sermon and teaching ideas to help bring the message of Lent to life.Visit: Preparing for Lent with Pastor Mark Anderson - Luther House of Study GOSPEL Luke 13:31-3531 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." 32 He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33 Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' 34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35 See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.' "Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Jesus defeated sin, death, and the devil. That's a line you hear fairly often on this podcast. But what does it actually mean that Jesus defeated the devil?What is the devil? Who is the devil? What should we think of when we talk about the devil?These are the questions we ask Sarah Stenson as we discuss Jesus being tempted by the devil in the wilderness for 40 days. Sarah explains the devil's only tool is doubt. His only tool is unbelief. Unbelief is sin. The consequence of sin is death. But death doesn't have the final word over you. Christ's promise does. HOLY WEEK GUIDE“The cross stands before us, and the empty tomb beyond it. Nothing will ever be the same. The road is narrow now. The hosannas will fade like the last notes of a half-remembered song, and in their place comes a malevolent, oppressive evil. Holy Week is upon us, and there is no turning back.”As we enter into Lent, we know that Holy Week lies on the other side of these 40 days. And though its completion is marked with triumphant joy, there is no “skip to the end” option here. The only way out is through, but it is not even our burden to bear — “We come only to hear, to receive, to be repented.”As you prepare for Holy Week, we invite you to take advantage of our brand new, free Holy Week Planning Guide, courtesy of Pastor Mark Anderson, which includes weekly planning outlines, Bible studies, activities, liturgies, and hymns. Access the guide: https://lutherhouseofstudy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HolyWeekPlanner.pdf LENT GUIDEAs we enter the 40-day season of Lent, Luther House of Study is offering a new Lent Planning Guide from Pastor Mark Anderson. He describes, “It seems to be set up for ‘What I have to do,' for pastors to start giving people examples of Christian living, but Lent is all about what God has done.” The guide offers the following free resources to help pastors preach the Gospel with clarity.Visit: Preparing for Lent with Pastor Mark Anderson - Luther House of Study GOSPEL Luke 4:1-131 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. 3 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." 4 Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.' "5 Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And the devil said to him, "To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." 8 Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.' "9 Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,' 11 and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.' " 12 Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " 13 When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Jesus is Transfigured before Peter, John, and James. Moses and Elijah are on the mountaintop. God says to listen to his Son. Why is the Transfiguration significant? Why are Moses and Elijah on the mountaintop with Jesus? Why does God have to say to the disciples, and to you, to listen to Jesus? Many view Lent as a time to overcome sin. As Lars Olson teaches us, that's right, in a way, but it's not OUR struggle to overcome sin, it's Christ's. Both in this text and during Lent, people expect Jesus to show them the path of how to not sin. That's the key: he's going directly into your sin, exposing it on the cross, and forgiving it in His resurrection. LENT GUIDEAs we enter the 40-day season of Lent, Luther House of Study is offering a new Lent Planning Guide from Pastor Mark Anderson. He describes, “It seems to be set up for ‘What I have to do,' for pastors to start giving people examples of Christian living, but Lent is all about what God has done.” The guide offers the following free resources to help pastors preach the Gospel with clarity:Week-by-week reflections focused on baptism, repentance, grace, and more.Hymn suggestions that tie into each week's theme.Greek word studies that deepen the understanding of key theological concepts.Practical sermon and teaching ideas to help bring the message of Lent to life.Visit: Preparing for Lent with Pastor Mark Anderson - Luther House of Study SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”“If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also.”And the Big One itself, the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”When I read these lines, did your mind gravitate to, “This is how to be a ‘Good Person?”If so, you're not alone.Lars Olson and Dr. Chris Croghan points us to the key to this text, and the lens with which we need to view everything Jesus says in this text, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle?Why does Jesus heal diseases when he could do anything from creating a zebra, to causing the audience to grow six inches, to giving everyone a million dollars?What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God?These are the questions we ask Dr. Chris Croghan as we break down the blessings and the woes in this week's lectionary text on the Beatitudes. Dr. Croghan emphasizes how we are favored by God because he has given us his Word. This isn't something general. This is a specific promise, given to you. You have God's grace. CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

Despite not being a commercial fisherman, Jesus tells Simon Peter to let down his nets despite Simon Peter having fished all night and caught nothing. Sarah Stenson joins the podcast to explain how God's creative power is in full display in this text as well as Simon Peter's responses to Jesus: first, a confession of faith. Second, a plea for Jesus to get away from him. Lastly, Sarah teaches us what it means to truly be a “fisher of men.” CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

All who heard Jesus' first sermon spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words…until they tried to hurl him off of a cliff!Lars Olson joins the podcast to explain that what Jesus was doing with Isaiah is what preachers do with his words today: they take Jesus' words and say they are for you, right now. This flies in the face of what the hearers expect: they think the law is for their righteousness and justification. But God isn't waiting for us to get our act together. Jesus is seeking out sinners to forgive and deliver God's kingdom to those who don't deserve it. By exposing what's in our hearts, he drives us to sin against him. Which is exactly why he was sent: to forgive us and give us new life. CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

After Jesus is baptized and the Holy Spirit drives him out into the wilderness to be tempted for 40 days, Jesus returns to his hometown filled with the power of the Spirit. Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson teach us what it means for Jesus to have the full power of the Spirit before breaking down the Isaiah passage Jesus reads in the synagogue that talks about God anointing his Messiah.The hearers go from praising Jesus' teaching to wanting to kill him after Jesus says, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”Why did they flip so abruptly? As you'll hear, Jesus did not meet their expectations of a Savior. They thought they'd get someone who would lead them to military victory and financial fortune, not one of their classmates they grew up with saying he's God's favorite. But God's Word accomplishes what it says it will accomplish: convicting you in your sin and delivering God's mercy and forgiveness to you. CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

We're breaking down Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana in this week's conversation.First, Mary says to Jesus, “They have no wine.” This may seem like a mundane detail of the text, but, as Sarah Stenson teaches us, it reveals Mary's faith in Jesus and prompts us to ask how we can take that same mindset into prayer. Then we discuss the purpose of miracles. If Jesus came to become sin, take our sin away from us, forgive us, and give us new life, why does he do miracles? CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

In the First Sunday After Epiphany, Dr. Chris Croghan joins the conversation to discuss baptism:Why do we need to be baptized?What's the difference between our baptism today and those who were baptized by John the Baptist? Why was Jesus baptized if he never sinned? In short, your baptism convicts you of killing Christ and forgives you all your sins in one fell swoop. CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

The lectionary text for the first Sunday of 2025 is filled with options to focus a sermon on. Lars Olson joins Kiri and Mason to break down a few of them. First, we discuss the theologically packed first verse, “In the beginning was the Word.” Lars explains why this is an important claim: God's Word wasn't created, it's doing the creating.Next, we talk about verse 10, “He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him.” Lars discusses how John is filled with mind-being statements that we try to oversimplify to better fit what we want them to be. How can Jesus be God's Word that created the world yet be in the world He created? Lastly, we talk about verse 17, “The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” The law shows you your darkness. It doesn't save you from death, it pushes you toward it. Jesus didn't come to give us new or better commands. He's giving us a new reality in mercy. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

Mary and Joseph lose Jesus for several days after the Passover festival only to find him in the temple with the rabbis. Sarah Stenson teaches us the incredible confession Mary has when she says to the 12-year old Jesus, ‘Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.' She was in anguish thinking she had lost the Son of God. It's in this confession we can hear the promise delivered to both Mary and to us: Jesus came to end our anguish with his mercy. ADVENT PLANNING GUIDE Luther House of Study is pleased to announce a brand new Advent Planning Guide! Courtesy of Pastor Mark Anderson, this guide contains Advent weekly planning outlines, Bible studies, activities, liturgies, and hymns. Download the guide at lutherhouseofstudy.org/resources.CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

This week we're discussing Elizabeth, pregnant with John the Baptist, giving her sermon to Mary, pregnant with Jesus, and Mary's Magnificat in response. Sarah Stenson and Lars Olson point out the importance of Elizabeth being filled with the Holy Spirit before delivering her sermon to Mary. As you'll hear, Mary, and you and I today, are blessed because of what God has spoken to us. Then in Mary's Magnificat, Sarah and Lars zero in on Mary saying, “My soul magnifies the Lord.” They teach us that it's the great works of God that are being magnified. He is the one who is delivering his word of mercy. He is the one who is being unfair. He is the one who looks at us with favor. ADVENT PLANNING GUIDE Luther House of Study is pleased to announce a brand new Advent Planning Guide! Courtesy of Pastor Mark Anderson, this guide contains Advent weekly planning outlines, Bible studies, activities, liturgies, and hymns. Download the guide at lutherhouseofstudy.org/resources.COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

In this week's conversation, Lars Olson explains what the season of Advent is and why it's not simply a season of preparation ahead of Christmas: it's announcing Christ is here, now. Lars also teaches Kiri and me why Luke includes so many historical details about the political and religious leaders of the time and the significance of “the wilderness,” and why we encounter God there. Lastly, in a text with John the Bapist saying Jesus is near and quotes from Isaiah saying this is what God is going to do, it can be tempting for preachers to give a call to action before Jesus is born. Lars reminds us God has already delivered his promise and how preachers can effectively connect those dots in this text. ADVENT PLANNING GUIDE Luther House of Study is pleased to announce a brand new Advent Planning Guide! Courtesy of Pastor Mark Anderson, this guide contains Advent weekly planning outlines, Bible studies, activities, liturgies, and hymns. Download the guide at lutherhouseofstudy.org/resources.SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

In this week's conversation, Lars Olson explains what the season of Advent is and why it's not simply a season of preparation ahead of Christmas: it's announcing Christ is here, now. Lars also teaches Kiri and Mason why Luke includes so many historical details about the political and religious leaders of the time and the significance of “the wilderness,” and why we encounter God there. Lastly, in a text with John the Bapist saying Jesus is near and quotes from Isaiah saying this is what God is going to do, it can be tempting for preachers to give a call to action before Jesus is born. Lars reminds us God has already delivered his promise and how preachers can effectively connect those dots in this text. ADVENT PLANNING GUIDE Luther House of Study is pleased to announce a brand new Advent Planning Guide! Courtesy of Pastor Mark Anderson, this guide contains Advent weekly planning outlines, Bible studies, activities, liturgies, and hymns. Download the guide at lutherhouseofstudy.org/resources.COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

In a text about the signs of Christ's return, Sarah Stenson teaches us this week that Christians have always looked for the signs that Jesus is about to return. Even Martin Luther listed the events happening in Germany in a sermon about this text!But amidst the destruction, chaos, and fear listed here, there is an incredible promise. Christians who have received Jesus' word of promise do not have to be afraid: Jesus is coming again, just as he promised he would. All of creation will pass away, but God's word will not. In a direct echo of Genesis 1, God's word existed before creation and it'll exist after creation is destroyed.As you'll hear, Advent isn't a season of waiting. It's a season of delivering an incredible promise. Jesus came and delivered his judgment on us: sinner. But he is merciful and delivered his promise in our sin's place. ADVENT PLANNING GUIDE Luther House of Study is pleased to announce a brand new Advent Planning Guide! Courtesy of Pastor Mark Anderson, this guide contains Advent weekly planning outlines, Bible studies, activities, liturgies, and hymns. Download the guide at lutherhouseofstudy.org/resources.COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

Pilate asks Jesus a seemingly straightforward question, "Are you the King of the Jews?" As you'll hear Dr. Chris Croghan teaches us, it's anything but.If a king is truly sovereign, he cannot be put on trial. Yet here is Pilate putting Jesus on trial.Every time you question God, you're accusing him of being a liar. I don't think this is fair. I don't want my family member to have this disease. If I were God, I wouldn't be doing it this way.When you're being crushed under the weight of God's wrath, that's God flipping the trial on to you. It forces a confession out of you. Jesus wants his blood on your hands so he can proclaim mercy. ADVENT PLANNING GUIDE Luther House of Study is pleased to announce a brand new Advent Planning Guide! Courtesy of Pastor Mark Anderson, this guide contains Advent weekly planning outlines, Bible studies, activities, liturgies, and hymns. Download the guide at lutherhouseofstudy.org/resources.CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

Jesus and the disciples are back at the temple when the disciples exclaim, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” You might think this is the disciples admiring a beautiful church, but, as Lars Olson and Dr. Chris Croghan teach us, they're admitting the church building is an idol for them. Christ continues to point out the idols the disciples, and us today, continue to put above him. And the disciples have the gumption to ask Jesus to give them a warning ahead of God's wrath coming! Many, many Christians ask for the same thing when they listen to a sermon: tell me how to be a good person, how to live in the world, and how to accomplish God's will. But this is making yourself an idol. In your quest for self righteousness, you put yourself ahead of God. There's no way to avoid God's wrath. He's a jealous God, and he will remove your idols. But in God's wrath, he remembers his mercy. The wrath isn't the end. The end is still to come, in Christ. ADVENT PLANNING GUIDE Luther House of Study is pleased to announce a brand new Advent Planning Guide! Courtesy of Pastor Mark Anderson, this guide contains Advent weekly planning outlines, Bible studies, activities, liturgies, and hymns. Download the guide at lutherhouseofstudy.org/resources.CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

Jesus warns his disciples of the scribes who walk around in long robes, like to be greeted with respect, and have the best seats at banquets.We ask Lars Olson, what's so bad about wearing long robes and having good seats? He explains the scribes are using their position to gain admiration in every sphere of life at the expense of those they're called to protect: orphans, the poor, and widows. Then a poor widow comes and puts two small copper coins in the treasury, and Jesus explains it's more than the large sums of money given by the rich. The law says widows should be protected. What does the law actually do? Take every last cent from her. Jesus is calling us to a place where his will is our only hope, not our money. On the cross, Jesus had nothing except a promise from his father. ADVENT PLANNING GUIDE Luther House of Study is pleased to announce a brand new Advent Planning Guide! Courtesy of Pastor Mark Anderson, this guide contains Advent weekly planning outlines, Bible studies, activities, liturgies, and hymns. Download the guide at lutherhouseofstudy.org/resources.CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

Take a moment to answer this question to yourself: what is a saint?For All Saints Sunday, Sarah Stenson asks Kiri, Max, and Mason what we think a saint is, and we think it's a path you're on to become a better Christian. Sarah explains how this text gives us an understanding of what a saint is and who makes us a saint. Also, as you hear the Beatitudes, see if you notice yourself hearing them as instructions on how to live. CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

To discuss the Reformation Day text the lectionary gives us every year, we welcome Dr. Chris Croghan back to Scripture First to discuss what is truth. Jesus says to his disciples, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."What does it mean to know the truth? Dr. Croghan quotes Martin Luther: the root of all sin is unbelief. Jesus isn't the law to the woman who committed adultery. He was mercy. Everyone who doesn't believe Jesus is mercy is a slave to thinking he is the law. The truth will make you free. Free from what? Free from thinking you have to save your sinful self. Jesus has mercy on you. CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

James and John ask Jesus to grant them to sit in his glory at his right and left hands. As you'll hear Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan teaches us in this week's episode, they're focused on what they want instead of what God wants. Instead of thy will be done, it's my will be done. Jesus explains that whoever wishes to be first among you must be a slave to all. This Old World is King of the Hill; is this a new instruction? Should you be the biggest slave to get the most power? Jesus is not giving you a prescription of how to live. He's giving you a depiction of what your life will look like when you have faith in him. You will pour your life out for the neighbor. Your identity isn't in what you do, but what promise you've received. CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

A man asks Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Lars Olson explains how there's one word that unlocks this man's heart behind asking this question and why Jesus responds the way He does: and that word is “do.”Like this man, many Christians want a role to play in earning their salvation. They want instructions on how to be a good person. As you'll hear Lars teach, instead of preaching the Gospel, pastors can end up softening the Law. But that's not what Jesus does: He unleashes the full force of the Law until it crushes you. Then He delivers the greatest promise: mercy. CONFIRMATION Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. SING TO THE LORD To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

In this week's lectionary text, Jesus addresses some of the most hot-button issues when asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”Dr. Chris Croghan turns the heat up on those who are nervous to preach this text because it might offend someone: the law actually divides people and today's culture wars are about this law: love. Love doesn't win. It creates tribes and divides people. You love the things that serve you. There's no such thing as unconditional love. But that's why Jesus says the kingdom of God belongs to the little children: they trust that the next word out of God's mouth is a word of promise. That word kicks out the devil, deals with sin and death, and creates peace. CONFIRMATION Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or pastor. COURSES Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

The disciples report there is someone casting out demons in Jesus' name, and Jesus says whoever is for Him cannot be against him. This spurs our conversation with Sarah Stenson about what it means to be ecumenical: who can Lutherans share the altar and pulpit with? What does it mean to have, “right doctrine?”Sarah explains how right doctrine matters because it reflects Scripture. Right doctrine shows our righteousness is in Christ, not in our self-righteousness or human tradition. We also discuss what it means to be a stumbling block. In this lectionary text, Jesus is being terrifyingly serious: better if you'd be thrown into the sea with a millstone around your neck than to cause someone to stumble. Sarah explains that a stumbling block is something that causes us to sin. The forgiveness of sin, eternal life, salvation itself is at stake! But that's the beauty of this text. When you have Jesus coming out of your mouth, you will be preserved with your faith in Christ. CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. SING TO THE LORD To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

God tells the disciples to listen to Jesus. Jesus tells them exactly what's going to happen. Yet they don't understand. They argue about which of them is the greatest.Lars Olson and Sarah Stenson explain how Jesus saying, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all,” is not an instructional. If you try to be last, you're still putting yourself first. When you have faith, you'll be a servant of all. You won't be worried about who's first or who gets credit. You can pour yourself out for your neighbor. CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

Jesus puts His disciples on the spot by asking, “Who do you say that I am?” With nowhere to hide, Peter boldly proclaims, “You are the Messiah.” With that correct answer, Jesus clearly explains what it means to be the Messiah: He will suffer, die, and be raised. The only problem? Peter doesn't agree.In this week's conversation, we ask Lars Olson, why does Jesus call Peter, Satan? Satan tries to confuse God's Word by asking, “Did God really say?” And that's exactly what Peter is doing after Jesus explains what it means to have Him as the Messiah. We have our Messiah. What does that mean? We listen to His Word and recognize that He does exactly what He promised He would do. CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. SING TO THE LORD To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

Jesus goes deeper into the land of the Gentiles and encounters a woman who begs Jesus to cast out a demon possessing her daughter. He gives a curious answer: it wouldn't be fair for Him to heal her. But as you'll hear Dr. Chris Croghan teach, faith is what you put your trust in. This woman trusted that a crumb from Jesus could do anything because she had heard about Jesus' mercy. If faith comes by hearing, how does Jesus deliver to a deaf man? When you're feeling the full weight of the law bearing down on you, you'll experience Jesus proclaim: open your ears, get up, the resurrection is here.CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. GOSPEL - Mark 7:24-37 24 From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, 25 but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. 26 Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 He said to her, "Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." 28 But she answered him, "Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." 29 Then he said to her, "For saying that, you may go -- the demon has left your daughter." 30 So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. 31 Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32 They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. 34 Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened." 35 And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 They were astounded beyond measure, saying, "He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak."Support the Show.Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

In this week's lectionary text, Jesus confronts the Jews for their hypocrisy: they believe they're honoring God's law by going above and beyond what it requires with man-made traditions. Sarah Stenson teaches us that this hypocrisy isn't exclusive to the Jews in this story: it's all over Christianity today with the theological fights about music preferences, communion rules, and church membership distinctions. But Jesus points out that sin does not come from outside of us and the dogma we pursue; it comes from within. It's where your heart is. And that's the beautiful thing: God is in control of your heart. We're freed from chasing the right doctrine and can rest knowing the Holy Spirit gives us faith to know God is God and we're not. CONFIRMATION Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. GOSPEL Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23 1 Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, 2 they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. 3 (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; 4 and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) 5 So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, "Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?" 6 He said to them, "Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, 'This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; 7  in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.' 8 You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition." [9 Then he said to them, "You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition! 10 For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'Whoever speaks evil of father or mother must surely die.' 11 But you say that if anyone tells father or mother, 'Whatever support you might have had from me is Coban' (that is, an offering to God) -- 12 then you no longer permit doing anything for a father or mother, 13 thus making void the word of God through your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many things like this."]14 Then he called the crowd again and said to them, "Listen to me, all of you, and understand: 15 there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile." 16 NOTE: some manuscripts add “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” as verse 16.[17 When he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18 He said to them, "Then do you also fail to understand? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile, 19 since it enters, not the heart but the stomach, and goes out into the sewer?" (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20 And he said, "It is what comes out of a person that defiles.] 21 For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, 22 adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person."Support the Show.Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

When his disciples heard Jesus teach about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” Lars Olson and Dr. Chris Croghan explain how the disciples' assumption that they have the power or ability to accept Jesus' teaching is the same misunderstanding Christians have today assuming you have free will or the ability to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. But Jesus is talking to those who think they have the power to accept his teaching. They're bound. It's up to preachers to deliver the message that it's not about you accepting. It's about you hearing what Jesus is promising: the forgiveness of sins. CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. GOSPEL John 6:56-6956 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” 59 He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” 61 But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65 And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.”66 Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67 So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”Support the Show.Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

"I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” This is what Jesus says in this week's lectionary text. What does it mean to never be hungry? To believe and never be thirsty? Dr. Chris Croghan explains what it means that Jesus is the bread of life. To never be hungry and thirsty means you won't chase your needs or be worried about self preservation. That's a glimpse of eternal life. But how do we get this bread of life? It's the will of the Father to give you eternal life. Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

"I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” This is what Jesus says in this week's lectionary text. What does it mean to never be hungry? To believe and never be thirsty? Dr. Chris Croghan explains what it means that Jesus is the bread of life. To never be hungry and thirsty means you won't chase your needs or be worried about self preservation. That's a glimpse of eternal life. But how do we get this bread of life? It's the will of the Father to give you eternal life. Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

On the heels of eating their fill of loaves and fishes, the crowd tracked Jesus down on the other side of the Sea of Galilee looking for more of their needs to be met. Jesus tells them not to work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life. Sarah Stenson teaches Kiri and Mason why the crowd is confused about what they have to do to receive eternal life when Jesus tells them very clearly that He is the one who gives it freely. Though we often hear, “I am the bread of life,” in church, Sarah explains what Jesus actually meant when He said this and what it means for Christians today. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

This week, we're discussing the popular story of the Feeding of the 5,000. Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson teach Kiri and me the details that show what Jesus is doing in this story to produce faith in the people who ate the fish and loaves as well as in those who hear this story today. In this week's conversation, we ask Chris and Sarah:What's the difference between miracles and parables? Do they do different things? Why did Jesus set Philip up by asking, "Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?" when he already knew what he was going to do?And why did the 5,000 attempt to take Jesus by force and make him their king? SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

In this week's lectionary text, Jesus and His apostles attempt to get away from the crowds by heading to a deserted place by boat. The only issue? The people are so desperate to hear a Word from Jesus, they beat them to the other side of the sea on foot! Dr. Chris Croghan teaches Kiri, Max, and Mason what it means that, “God's Word is for you.” What does God's Word say and why is it good news for me, personally? The result? We hear what God's very nature is, and what He thinks of us. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel.