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Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 18:1-20. When Jesus teaches His disciples about greatness in the kingdom of heaven by placing a child in their midst, He turned upside down their expectations. In the ancient world, children were valued for the fact that they grew into adults. Jesus reverses such thoughts when it comes to the kingdom of heaven. To enter into the kingdom of heaven is to come as one entirely dependent upon Christ. Jesus values these little ones, and knows that sin would keep them out of the kingdom of heaven. All of Jesus’ disciples, therefore, must beware leading any little ones into sin or falling into sin themselves. The fire of hell is a reality that Jesus does not desire for anyone. Instead, as the Good Shepherd, He seeks after even one who is lost. Though we might scoff at such economics, Jesus values the one, and He calls His Church to the same type of love. His words concerning the brother who has s

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 17:14-27. As Jesus descends from His transfiguration, He is met by a man in need of His mercy. The man’s son is suffering physically due to demon possession. Although our modern world may ignore demonic affliction, God’s Word clearly teaches that Satan and his demons attack all that God does. They delight to afflict us spiritually and physically; God’s Word and prayer are the means by which our gracious Lord delivers to us the victory He has won. Even as Jesus laments His disciples’ lack of faith, He still delivers the boy from the demon by His powerful word. He instructs His disciples in their little faith, calling them to the faith like a mustard seed. Such faith may be small, but because it is focused on Christ and His promises, it receives the impossible that He does. Jesus points toward Himself as the One who does the impossible of saving us sinners in His death and resurrection,

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 17:1-13. Just as He had promised, Jesus begins to show His disciples the Son of Man coming in His kingdom. He takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain where He was transfigured before them. Just as the LORD had so often appeared to His people on a mountain in the Old Testament, so now He reveals Himself on a mountain in the New Testament. Jesus’ transfiguration reveals that He is truly God, of the same substance as the Father. Everything that Jesus does–His birth, death, resurrection, ascension, and return–He does as true God and true man. Even if we cannot comprehend this truth, we confess it. In well-intentioned misunderstanding, Peter interrupts the conversation Jesus was having with His prophets. The Father’s voice quickly interrupts Peter to point out the importance of listening to Jesus. The three disciples’ terror is only alleviated by Jesus’ human touch and the sight of Jesus only

Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 16:13-28. The question, “Who is Jesus?” is brought to the forefront by the Lord Himself. The answers from others recognize the Son of Man as a prophet, but they lack the trust that Jesus is true God. When Jesus turns the question on the disciples, Simon Peter speaks up for the whole group: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” He confesses the truth both of Jesus’ office and person; He is true God of the same substance of the Father. Jesus praises Peter’s confession as God-given and changes Peter’s name due to the beauty of his confession. Jesus does not set up Peter as a bishop over others, but gives the keys of the kingdom to the entire Church, which is built upon the confession that Jesus is the Christ. Jesus instructs His disciples that His office of Christ means that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer, die, and rise. Peter seeks to protect the Lord from this, but his eyes are now

Rev. Dr. Scott Murray, senior pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church in Houston, TX and 3rd Vice President for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, serving in the West Southwestern Region, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 16:1-12. As the Gospel of Matthew rises toward its climax in Peter’s confession of Christ, the opposition to Jesus along the way grows. Although the Pharisees and Sadducees were normally hostile toward each other, they united together against their common enemy, Jesus. In an attempt to test Jesus, they demand a sign from heaven from Him. Jesus sees through their hatred and mocks them in His answer. They know how to read the signs in the heavens concerning the weather, but they fail to recognize the Sun of Righteousness standing in front of them. The only sign they will get from Him is the very earthly sign of Jonah, Jesus’ third day resurrection from the dead. Abruptly setting aside His enemies, Jesus turns to teach His disciples. He knows the danger that even the smallest false te

Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 15:21-39. Though the Pharisees and scribes would have considered a Canaanite woman the epitome of uncleanness, her interaction with Jesus shows the true state of her heart. She comes out of the city to meet Jesus and beg for mercy for her daughter from the Son of David. The disciples are only annoyed, and Jesus initially refuses. The order of salvation is first to the Jew and then to the Gentile. The woman clings to this very promise, even when Jesus calls her a dog. She knows that the promise of salvation to the Jews will result in salvation for Gentiles as well, and she trusts that even these crumbs are enough. Jesus marvels at her faith and rescues her daughter from demon oppression. As He continues to travel, He continues to rescue people from the effects of sin as the God of Israel. When another large crowd gathers around Him, Jesus’ compassion moves Him to care for their physical hunger. Thou

Rev. Harrison Goodman, pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 15:1-20. Jesus’ teaching continues to grow more direct, and the opposition from the scribes and Pharisees only grows with it. They travel all the way from Jerusalem to question His failure to observe the tradition of the elders. Jesus pulls no punches. He doesn’t let His opponents determine the conversation; He reveals that they have forsaken the Word of God for the sake of their tradition. They have let their fence around God’s Word lead them to overturn God’s Word completely, using the 4th Commandment as their example. It’s not that their traditions were wrong for being traditions. Traditions are helpful when they direct us to what God has commanded. However, the scribes and Pharisees allowed their traditions to replace what God had commanded, leaving their hearts far from Him. Jesus turns to the crowd and His disciples to teach them that God is, in fact, concerned about cleanline

Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 14:22-36. The question, “Who is Jesus?” dominates the text. Jesus dismisses the crowds after the feeding of the 5,000 in order to give His disciples a clearer answer to this question. He sends them ahead of Him in the boat while He spends time alone in prayer. Jesus exemplifies the teaching that He has given to His disciples. After some time, He comes to them on the Sea, walking to them. He intends to draw near to them as their Savior. The disciples’ fear is connected to their confusion concerning Jesus’ identity; they think He is a ghost. Jesus takes away their fear by identifying Himself to them; He is God in the flesh here to be their Savior. Peter, however, meets Jesus with doubt. He questions Jesus’ Word and asks to step out of the boat with Jesus. The Lord graciously agrees, and Peter walks on water to Jesus. He doubts yet again, however, taking his eyes off Jesus and beginni

Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Church in Austin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 14:1-21. Herod’s bad conscience has him seeing John the Baptist. Even though Herod had beheaded the prophet, the king is afraid that John has been raised. The account of John’s beheading can be difficult to swallow. Herod’s extravagant birthday party and hasty oath, combined with a vengeful queen, mean death for John. Just as John preceded Jesus in life and ministry, so he precedes the Lord in death. Yet Jesus precedes John in resurrection, and so John has the promise of life eternal in the Savior along with all who trust in Jesus. When the Lord hears of John’s death, He withdraws from the crowds, yet they follow Him. His compassion for them continues even through His exhaustion. He spends the day healing the crowds, and at the end of the day He does not desire to send them away hungry. Though His disciples seem clueless, Jesus teaches them and trains them. S

Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 13:44-58. With two short parables, Jesus comforts His disciples that He has given His own life in order to purchase them to be His own treasured possession. Though the discipleship reading of these parables is true from the perspective of Biblical theology, reading these parables Christocentrically fits better with the context of Matthew 13. Parables of the kingdom of heaven include a central figure who is either God or Christ. So it is in the parables of the hidden treasures and pearl of great value. Jesus is the One who finds, goes, sells, and buys. His treasure is you, the sinner. You are His treasure, not because of your merit or worthiness, but because of His love for you. In the face of rejection and confusion, this comforts Jesus’ disciples then and now. Jesus concludes this discourse with the parable of the net, a fitting summary that recalls for His

Rev. Gaven Mize, pastor at Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hickory, NC, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 13:24-43. Jesus turns back to speak to the crowds with the parable of the weeds. He describes history from the beginning, when God planted the good seed of His people in the Garden, but Satan sowed the bad seed of unbelief in their ears. Throughout history, the Lord has been patient with wickedness and unbelief for the sake of gathering His elect to Himself. He continues to show this same patience to this day. Though this makes the kingdom of heaven seen rather unimpressive, Jesus reveals the reality through the parable of the mustard seed and the parable of the leaven. Though God’s reign in Jesus starts small, it grows and is effective where the means of grace are given and received. Though God’s kingdom is today hidden, it will be revealed in its fullness and triumph at the end. Jesus’ explanation of the parable of the weeds highlights the end times, when unbelievers will be gathe

Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 13:1-23. Jesus’ parables both reveal and hide. Those who do not believe may understand the surface words or story of the parables, but their true meaning concerning the Kingdom of God remains confusing. Those who do believe, however, are given further to rejoice in God’s reign in Jesus. This demonstrates God’s grace and election for salvation. The disciples are particularly blessed in this, as their own eyes and ears see and hear the Word made flesh; the same remains true for the Church today in the gift of the Gospel. Jesus’ first parable describes what is happening at the moment. He is sowing the seed of His Word to all who come to Him because He desires that all would be saved. The reality, however, is that some will not believe. The devil snatches away the Word from some, scoffers and skeptics who pay no attention to the Word. The sinful flesh attacks and leads some to fall away due to hatre

Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 12:38-50. Jesus’ ministry of teaching, healing, and exorcisms has revealed a great deal about Him, but the scribes and Pharisees ask for yet another sign out of their unbelief. Signs in the Scriptures are only beneficial when received in faith, so Jesus responds to their request by calling them out as a crooked and wicked generation. The only sign they will receive is the sign of Jonah, by which Jesus speaks about His upcoming death and resurrection for sinners. Even that sign is only rightly received when the accompanying preaching is received with faith. Jonah’s Word was received with faith by Nineveh; so much more should the Word made flesh be received with faith. Solomon’s wisdom was received with faith by the queen of the South; so much more should Wisdom incarnate be received with faith. Those who believed these shadows in the Old Testament will praise God for His just judgment against t

Rev. Adam Koontz, assistant professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 12:22-37. The opposition to Jesus takes a darker turn. After Jesus heals a demon-possessed man, the Pharisees claim that Jesus is in league with Satan. Jesus responds by addressing the silliness of their claim. If Satan has hired Jesus to cast out demons, then Satan is trying to destroy himself. The truth is the opposite. Satan is not engaged in a civil war, but is united in his attack against Jesus. This, however, is a fight that is not Satan’s to win. Jesus is the stronger man who binds Satan in order to take back from him those Satan is holding captive under sin and death. This means that there is no neutral ground; a person is either with Jesus or against Him. To speak of Jesus’ saving work as demonic is to sin against the Holy Spirit, rejecting the salvation that He would freely give to you in Jesus Christ. The Pharisees speak this way because th

Rev. Zelwyn Heide, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hannover, ND and Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 12:1-21. The Pharisees’ opposition to Jesus grows as they question His disciples’ work in eating grain on the Sabbath. Jesus directs their attention beyond the outward work to the true intention of the Law to guide sinners to Him. Jesus points out 1 Samuel 21, where David and his men were hungry and freely given food that was intended for priests. Jesus brings up the example of the priests, whose work on the Sabbath was not sacrilege because it was done in the temple at God’s command. Jesus is greater than the temple; He acts from mercy toward His people. Therefore, His disciples are guiltless because they are following Him as the true Lord. Yet the Pharisees’ opposition hardens further. They attempt to use a disabled man in the synagogue as a weapon against Jesus, but Jesus turns the tables on them. He conclusively shows that God’s intention for the

Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 11:20-30. Jesus has warned His apostles that their ministry would be rejected, and they have seen that rejection happening to their Lord. Jesus responds to those who have rejected Him with words of harsh judgment. Even cities like Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom, notorious for their wickedness in the Old Testament, had people who repented and believed in the true God. Yet when Jesus did the mighty work of forgiveness in Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, those cities refused to believe, and the judgment against them will be strong. Yet this does not mean that God’s kingdom has not come. Jesus thanks His Father for His gracious will to reveal Himself through Jesus to little children who have nothing but what they receive from the Father. Those who consider themselves wise on their own receive exactly what they want, a life apart from the one true God. Nonetheless, He still earnestly desires their salvati

Rev. Paul Pater, pastor at Shepherd of the Ridge Lutheran Church in North Ridgeville, OH and Hope Lutheran Church in Sheffield Village, OH, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 11:1-19. Jesus has just told His disciples the persecution they can expect in following after Him. Now He receives a question from John the Baptist, the man who went before Him. In prison, John knows the persecution that Christians face, but this does not seem to match up with the promises he had been preaching. He asks Jesus, therefore, if He really is the Christ. In answering, “Yes,” Jesus points John back to the deeds he has already seen, deeds of the Christ that the prophets had foretold. Chief among them for John stands the preaching of the good news to the poor. Such preaching is what John needs to sustain him in faith even as he remains in prison. The way of Jesus’ salvation is suffering and death into resurrection; those who remain in faith toward Him are blessed, for the world considers it foolishness. Jesus speaks

Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 10:24-42. Jesus tells His disciples that they will follow Him in suffering and the cross. Since the world has called Him evil, the disciples should expect the same. However, this hatred from the world need not make the disciples afraid as they proclaim publicly all the things Jesus has done in His death and resurrection. Their fear is rightly directed toward God, for He alone has power over body and soul. The true fear of God sees Him in Christ as a loving Father who has poured out the wrath sinners deserved upon Jesus. In this fear of God, there is nothing to fear. This emboldens the disciples to confess Jesus freely before the world. Jesus does not leave them with any illusions. The peace He brings between God and man will also result in division among people, even within families. True life, however, is not found in any earthly family relationship, but in Jesus Christ. He has gone the way of the

Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and chaplain for the International Center, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 10:1-23. After Jesus tells His disciples to pray for laborers in the Lord’s harvest, He answers that prayer by sending out the twelve as His apostles. These twelve men are sent to the twelve tribes of Israel to shepherd the lost sheep and bring in the Lord’s harvest. That work is done through the proclamation of the Lord’s Word. This Word is not dormant; it is living and active to bring God’s reign of forgiveness and all the accompanying blessings of healing and victory over death and the devil. As they go, the Twelve need not worry about their physical needs; their heavenly Father will provide for them through those who hear the Word in faith. Those who believe receive the peace with God that Jesus comes to bring; those who do not believe receive only God’s judgment. Jesus warns His disciples concerning such rejection ahead of time and comman

Rev. John Bussmann, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 9:18-38. Jesus has shown Himself the greater Moses in His preaching; now He shows Himself the greater Joshua in His conquest of sin, sickness, and death. Having just spoken about the new wine He brings, Jesus shows the truth of what that means as He gives new life to a girl who has died and a woman who is dying. The woman with a discharge of blood had life flowing out of her for twelve years, but through her touch of faith, Jesus saves His daughter. He does the same for the girl who has died. Because of His upcoming death and resurrection, Jesus is able to name death, the worst enemy of all, a temporary sleep from which He awakens His children. As such news about Jesus spreads, two blind men see in faith that Jesus is the Son of David; according to their faith, He heals them. As more come to Jesus to be healed, the crowds marvel even as the Pharisees disbelieve. Jesus looks upon the crowds