Messages from St. Andrew Lutheran Church of Middleton, Wisconsin.
As various GOAT debates rage on and sharp disputes about what constitutes greatness continue, have we forgotten what greatness is to God? In Matthew 18, Jesus reminds us. Let's align our definitions with his and strive for that.
Easter joy continues as Christ is STILL risen. He is risen, indeed! With that joy comes a freedom we have as God's people to daily, continually praise his holy name. As we conclude our look at Matthew 17, it's teaching time, then, as the Master Teacher helps us learn a lesson about both serving him and others with the Easter gospel we hold so dear.
Today we gather in quietness and darkness out of respect for the solemnity of the events we recall. "Good Friday" is, of course, a retroactive designation. At the time, due to their ignorance, Jesus' followers did not see his death as good. And by itself, it doesn't help sinners long term, but because of what happened on Easter morning, we can look back on the death of the Son of God and say that it was good. It was horrible, sad, and a true abomination of justice, but it was good. On Good Friday, sin and darkness lost. Grace and light won. Stand in awe of it today. Then, worship with us in the glorious light of Easter on Sunday.
On Maundy Thursday, Jesus knew his death was coming, but instead of fighting to prevent it, he calmly celebrated the Passover with his disciples so that he could give them an even greater meal. The Lord's Supper is his promise of love, presence, and forgiveness.
As we gather for Palm Sunday, we recall Jesus' entry into Jerusalem: triumphant, yet understated. The shouts of praise were soon revealed to be half-hearted, as are so many of ours. Study Philippians 2:5-11 to see Jesus' wholehearted approach.
"Unable" is a defeating word. It is often used to soften bad news. It often comes as a blow to the pride of humans who like to be able. This week, we can see ourselves in Jesus' disciples' inability as they fail in Matthew 17. But instead of giving them too much focus, we turn our eyes to the one who is able.
A Lenten devotion from Pastor Jonathan Bauer from Good New Lutheran Church
"Wow!" is a familiar response when we see, hear, or experience something amazing. In our lives, "Wow!" is exclaimed at seeing a natural wonder, the birth of a child, or an incident of historical importance. None of these can compare, though, to what three disciples witnessed on top of a mountain when Jesus was transfigured before them. In Matthew 17, we both see the Son of God revealed in all of his glory and hear his encouragement to us about how to react to his majesty.
A Lenten devotion from Mr. Steve Pelischek from Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel
If something "costs too much," that could be about price or about value. It might be that you don't have enough money, but it might also be that you don't think it's a fair trade. The wisdom that guides these decisions is often human wisdom, but we need guidance from God's Word when it comes to the value of our souls. Thankfully, we have it.
A Lenten devotion from Minister for Nurture Mark Kjenstad
A simple question is a vital one. A matter of opinion is not the same as a matter of truth that some people will get wrong. When Jesus asked the question about himself, a lot of people got it wrong, and they still do, but Matthew 16 records the right answer for us.
A Lenten devotion from Pastor Jon Bilitz, Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel
Jesus Christ is our Savior and Lord. We celebrate this truth throughout life and look ahead to an eternity with our God all because of who Christ is and what he accomplished in saving us from our sins. We also journey through life aware of the dangers that threaten us and seek to drag us away from our God. Matthew 16 urges us to not only be aware of these dangers, but to also flee to our God and his Word for safety and protection.
When we observe how God has caused and allowed history to unfold, so much of it seems unlikely. Why those people? Why those circumstances? In Matthew 15, we see an unlikely conversation and an unlikely result, but our perspective is not God's. May we always remember that God's mode of operating is different from ours; his way is mercy.
What is your favorite tradition for winter or for summer? For Christmas or Independence Day or your birthday? Our lives are full of traditions, and so is the Bible. Matthew 15 gives us some guidance on the value we place on traditions and when it might be appropriate to break them.
As we continue our reading of Matthew, the Holy Scriptures show us believers who had faith in God and his abilities to save them, yet they doubted because of some adversity. The true answer to doubt is not found in the great miracle that removes adversity, but in the voice of our Savior, so we gather as a family to hear his words and sing his praises.
According to a renowned cricket player, there's nothing more satisfying than hearing a big crowd go silent. If we leave Jesus out of satisfaction, then our satisfaction is bound to be lacking in some way. In Matthew 14, Jesus satisfies both physical and spiritual needs.
Scripture is much more than a guide for holy living. It reveals Jesus to us: our Savior, our Lord, and our friend. Scripture, though, does teach us many lessons we need to know for life and for death. As we continue our journey through the Gospel of Matthew, the soap opera that is John the Baptist's imprisonment and murder does just that, reminding us that "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).
In Matthew 13:53-58, Jesus is without honor because he is only a prophet in the minds of so many locals. Far be it from us to trivialize who Jesus is and what he has done. It's the same story it has been our whole lives, but it's still amazing and life-changing.
Where are you "supposed to be" in life? Where are you supposed to be at the beginning of 2026? As we gather for the first time in the new year, let's be sure to search for answers to such questions in Scripture. Ephesians 3:2-12 details the mystery of God's revelation to all people. All rights reserved. Music used by permission under CCLI #1600166, OneLicense #A-709447, and Worshipflow.com. Pre-service music all rights reserved by Koine (koinemusic.com) & Michael Schroeder. Video music used by permission.
It is easy this time of year to get so wrapped up in the chaos that we forget about the baby in the manger. We also forget that through him we are his children. Paul reminds us that God sent his Son to redeem us; therefore, we are children of God! That is true and lasting joy!
The day that God himself was veiled in flesh in order to save sinners is worth every bit of celebration. From the beginning, the solution to sin was the flesh and blood of the God of the universe. God bless your celebration of Jesus' birth. May the God who made his dwelling among us remind you of his love.
Lord, remind us how reliable our God is when we doubt. Read 1 Peter 2:4-6 and be reminded of God's great promise to you. Then join brothers and sisters in Christ who are experiencing all sorts of doubts, anxieties, and fears. Together we'll be reminded of what our God has done for us.
Bad stuff happens in life. We all know it. We all experience it. This side of heaven, Jesus never tells us otherwise and actually makes it clear, "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). Despite this humbling reality, we rejoice this Christmas season and always that we have a God who loves us, who carries us, and who leads us forward in his holy name . . . even when bad things happen. What a blessing. What a truth!
Sometimes these little words are the most important and the most important to be reminded of. We can all put happy fronts on social media and Christmas cards. We can also do a pretty good job in person, but we all have moments of loneliness, and they can easily be exacerbated during this Advent season. When that happens, may the Holy Spirit guide us to pray, "Lord, remind me that you are with us."
Advent can get frenzied and full of anxiety. As we await Jesus' final return and anticipate the celebration of his first arrival in our world, we need him to remind us of his lordship in our lives. Exodus 34 gives us insights into what the name of the Lord communicates. All rights reserved. Music used by permission under CCLI #1600166, OneLicense #A-709447, and Worshipflow.com. Pre-service music all rights reserved by Koine (koinemusic.com) & Michael Schroeder. Video music used by permission.
Throughout November, we have been thankful for the significant moments in our lives, for the people God puts in our lives, and for the fruits of faith seen around us. Now we thank our Creator for his grace. The God who provides daily bread and necessary weather patterns is the God who provides the salvation we need because of our sins.
It goes without saying that our God gives us so much to be thankful for. At the top of that list is the essence and power of the gospel message we hold so dear. Witnessing how this gospel equips us and others to serve his holy name is not, though, an opportunity to pat ourselves on the back and say, "well done." Instead, it's another opportunity to marvel at the timeless truth that "God is at hand" in our lives and in the lives of so many others.
Last weekend we pondered significant moments in our lives and God's hand for us in them. Today we consider specific individuals in our lives for whom we are thankful, joining in the apostle Paul's gratitude in Philippians 1:3-11. All rights reserved. Music used by permission under CCLI #1600166, OneLicense #A-709447, and Worshipflow.com. Pre-service music all rights reserved by Koine (koinemusic.com) & Michael Schroeder. Video music used by permission from Pond5.
This weekend begins a four-part series leading up to Thanksgiving. We will take time to pause and acknowledge the countless blessings God pours into our lives each day. It's easy to get caught up in routines and overlook his hand at work. Through this series, we'll learn to see God's activity in every moment, person, and circumstance. All rights reserved. Music used by permission under CCLI #1600166, OneLicense #A-709447, and Worshipflow.com. Pre-service music all rights reserved by Koine (koinemusic.com) & Michael Schroeder. Video music used by permission from Pond5.
Before us on Reformation weekend are more parables from Matthew 13! We all value things differently, but may we always put the highest value on God's Word, which tells us of our salvation in Christ alone.
Matthew 13 contains a number of parables in which Jesus teaches about the kingdom of God. He calls his own followers wheat and followers of the Evil One weeds. St. Andrew's mission is, and always has been, to gather wheat and continue to grow it.
When you communicate, is the message received always the message sent? Is the message received at all? What can influence these things? In Matthew 13, Jesus uses a story about agriculture to teach on different responses to his message. Which response are you?
The following is attributed to Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi: “There are three things that are important to every man in this locker room: his God, his family, and the Green Bay Packers, in that order.” Long before football existed, Jesus spoke about the importance of family in Matthew 12.
Have you ever looked for signs that something was right or true? In Matthew 12, Jesus' opponents demanded a sign, but Jesus had already been doing miracles. What do we consider a good sign? What should we consider a good sign? Let's hear from Jesus on the subject.
A loss of power changes everything and makes life much more difficult. How much more doesn't this hold true when it comes to our relationship with our Savior. For both eternity and for day-to-day life, it is of utmost importance to STAY CONNECTED TO JESUS. He is not only our power source when everything else stops working, he is also our guide, protector, and friend to lead us forward in his holy name.
Which is more important, the letter of the law or the spirit of the law? Is separating them ever legitimate? Jesus had something to say about that and more important things in Matthew 12.
We might go to our friends for support or fun, but when it comes to truth, we rely on what God reveals in his Word. Some of Jesus' words in Matthew 11:20-30 are not easy or pleasant, but they are true. And God is good, so Jesus doesn't leave it there; he tells us where we can find rest—in him alone.
How would you describe your life? While many answers could be offered, "chaos" is one that people use over and over again. That's not a new thing. Matthew 11 brings us into a chaotic time early in Christ's ministry, as John the Baptist and his followers look for clarification on who exactly this Jesus of Nazareth really was. As always, though, Christ brings "clarity amidst chaos." That's a promise for today. That's a promise for eternity.
In the second half of Matthew 10, Jesus states that several actions or inactions make one unworthy of him. Are you in these categories? How do we become worthy of Jesus? He has a lot to say about our fear, our confession, and whom we receive, so we learn from Jesus to be his disciples.
Jesus does not send us out the exact same way he sent out his twelve apostles, but he does send us out, so we can learn a lot from his words in Matthew 9 and 10, including, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.”
Jesus' miracles keep coming in Matthew 9. This time the Son of David gives sight and speech. He also gives these gifts to us, enabling us to see who he is and praise him for it.
Bad stuff happens in life. That's true for everyone, though the struggles and hardships and issues may vary. And yet Jesus Christ reigns supreme. God's people gather around God's Word knowing that we have a Savior who rules in both life AND death. That gives us hope for today. It also gives us assurance for eternity. We're glad you're here to worship with us today.
Jesus issues a simple invitation to a tax collector. He issues the same invitation to all of us. In the tax collector's case, some objected that he was a sinner, but if Jesus had come to call the righteous, he would not have called anyone. By God's grace, we follow Jesus too.
Perhaps in ignorance or in youth, you have made a bold claim and declared yourself the best at something. Bold claims are easy to disprove if they are wrong, but in Matthew 9, Jesus made bold claims with his words and actions. Unlike us, Jesus can always back up his claims. All rights reserved. Music used by permission under CCLI #1600166, OneLicense #A-709447, and Worshipflow.com. Pre-service music all rights reserved by Koine (koinemusic.com) & Michael Schroeder. Video music used by permission from Pond5.
Matthew 8:28-34 is a disturbing account, but as Jesus continues to show who he is with his actions, we can find comfort in his power and in his priority. God's Word before us touches on demon possession, rejecting Jesus, and even the role of creatures with whom we share the planet.
Jesus' miracles in Matthew's Gospel continue, but what we especially notice today is Jesus' authority. In some ways, it is like the authority we see and would expect, but in some ways it is very different. It is unquestionably an authority to follow.
Are you worthy? At times we all think we are worthy of this or that, but God's Word is clear we are not. Today Jesus teaches about the only one who is worthy and what he has done for you. We're glad you're here.
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