Grace Evangelical-Lutheran: March 2022

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Galatians 4,21-31. Laetare

Galatians 4,21-31 1922

Laetare 28

Rupert Founder of Salzburg, Apostle to the Bavarians in Regensburg ✠ 710

27. März 2022

1. ℣ Rejoice ye with Jerusalem and be glad with her:

℟ All ye who love her (Isaiah 66,10).

O Yahweh, the God of our salvation; as the grain seed sinks into the earth to death, so You sent Sent Your Son to die for our redemption; by this love shown to us, empower in us so that love springs forth from our faith for the benefit and good of our neighbors. Amen. (Korn, das in die Erde 133).

2. »Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written: Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband [Isaiah 54,1]. Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. But what does the Scripture say? Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman [Genesis 21,10]. So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.«

3. The Apostle Paul says there are only 2 options: 1. you can be under the law, or 2. you can be under the gospel. Paul then says that Christians are free, through the promise and under the gospel. The fallen nature of our sinful flesh, however, always seeks to resubmit itself under the law. Paul calls this for what it is: slavery to the law. This is what the Pharisees called for: full submission and obedience to the law so as to merit one’s righteousness before God. This meant both the Sinai covenant and every tradition of the elders that interpreted that covenant. Any violation of even the most minute aspect of the law was not to be tolerated.

4. Jesus’ most heated dialogues and harshest criticism occurred with these very Pharisees and their zealous enforcement of even the traditions of the elders as the law. In Luke 11, He even chastised them for concerning more about tithing herbs than justice or love. This same spirit was at work in the hearts of the Galatian Christians: they thought getting circumcised and following the kosher dietary code was more important than the gospel of Christ crucified. Pauls’s entire argument in his epistle to them is that this devotion to the law is detrimental, and even opposed, to the gospel.

5. Paul is not telling the to abandon the 10 Commandments. In every epistle he encourages Christians to live a God-pleasing life, and to be loving to each other as the Commandments teach us. Paul doesn’t have an issue with the moral law; his concern is the religious law of Judaism that is centered upon circumcision and the kosher diet. Many in Galatia believed that a Christian was obligated to get circumcised and eat kosher meals, or else their faith and salvation were questionable. They were connecting the law with the promise, and if the law was put aside then the promise would also be null and void.

6. Paul’s response is that the promise predated the law. Abraham is Paul’s premiere example. He asks: did Abraham’s inheritance come by the law or by the promise? Paul then answers: Abraham’s inheritance comes by the promise. There was no law for Abraham; that doesn’t even arrive until 430 years after Abraham! (Galatians 3,17-18). And why did God give the law? A: because of sin, and the law was to be in place until the Messiah arrived, for He would fulfill the law (Galatians 3,19). Paul says the law was a guardian and teacher to prepare us for the arrival of the Messiah (Galatians 3,24). Now that Christ has arrived, we are no longer under the law and there is no need for circumcision and a kosher diet, for in Christ we are justified by faith; circumcision and the kosher diet cannot add to the righteousness we already have through Christ.

7. We are sons and daughters of Abraham for we receive the inheritance as he did — by faith. Since we are baptized into Christ, we are Christ’s, and we are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise — just like Abraham (Galatians 3,29). This promise makes us are children of the promise. Paul’s gospel message is this: we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but is justified through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 2,16).

8. This calls for rejoicing! For freedom Christ has set us free (Galatians 5,1). Free to gather on Sunday and worship Him. Free to receive from His His gifts of grace, forgiveness and strength that He gives us in the Word and Sacraments. Free to love our neighbor as ourself (Galatians 5,14).

9. Send us Thy Spirit, teach us truth;

Thou Son, O set us free

From fancied wisdom, self-sought ways,

To make us one in Thee. (In Adam We Have All Been One lsb 569,5 Martin H. Franzmann 1907-76).

This is most certainly true.

10. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4,7). Amen.

11. Let us pray. O Lord God, Father of all mercy, graciously look on Your poor flock for whom Your dear Son Jesus Christ did not refuse to be betrayed into the hands of sinners, and endured the shameful death of the cross. Give us Your grace so that we may follow the example of Your dear Son and bear all suffering with patience, so that You, with Your beloved Son and the Holy Spirit may be glorified always. Amen. (Die pommersche Kirchen-Ordnung und Agenda 288.3; Stratman 35-36).

To God alone be the Glory

Gode ealdore sy se cyneþrymm

✠

All Scriptural quotations are translations done by The Rev. Peter A. Bauernfeind using the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, 4. Edition © 1990 by the Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, Stuttgart, and the Novum Testamentum Graece, Nestle-Aland 28. Revised Edition © 2012 by Deutsch Bibelgesellschaft, Stuttgart.

Saturday, March 26, 2022

1. Kings 19,1-13a. Oculi

1. Kings 19,1-13a 1822

Oculi 27

Archippus, relative of St. Paul. Colossians 4,17

20. Marz 2022

1. ℣ Mine eyes are ever toward Yahweh:

℟ for He shall pluck my feet out of the net (Psalm 25,15).

O our Lord Jesus Christ, when our sins make us sick, let us well remember how You died upon the tree of the holy cross and have taken upon Yourself all of our debts and paid them in full. Amen. (Wenn meine Sünd’ mich kränken selk 412,1 Justus Gesenius 1646).

2. »Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword (870 bc). Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying: „So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.“ Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and went and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying: „It is enough; now, O Yahweh, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.“ And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an Angel touched him and said to him: „Arise and eat.“ And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the Angel of Yahweh went again a second time and touched him and said: „Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.“ And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God. There he went to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the Word of Yahweh drew near to him, and He said to him: „What are you doing here, Elijah?“ He said: „I have been very jealous for Yahweh, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, thrown down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.“ And He said: „Go out and stand on the mount before Yahweh.“ And behold, Yahweh passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before Yahweh, but Yahweh was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but Yahweh was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but Yahweh was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a Low Whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there appeared a Voice to him and said: „What are you doing here, Elijah?“«

3. As 1. Kings 19 opens, the Prophet Elijah is on the run and hiding. He had bested the 450 prophets of Baal in Israel at Mt. Carmel; the prophets of Baal were all dead soon thereafter. (1. Kings 18). This angered King Ahab (8. king of Israel from 874-53 bc), and it infuriated his wife Jezebel (from Sidon, Lebanon; אִיזֶבֶל where is the prince; d. 850 bc); she issued orders for Elijah to be killed in retaliation to Elijah’s actions. Ahab and Jezebel were responsible for instituting Baal worship on a national scale in Israel (the 10 Tribes), and for violently getting rid of the prophets of Yahweh. Now Jezebel wanted revenge on Elijah.

4. Elijah fled to Judah, and then hid in the wilderness. He wanted to die. He thought he was the only one left in Israel who worshipped Yahweh. The king and queen wanted him dead. Elijah decided it was better to simply die and leave this wicked world.

5. How often have you felt like Elijah? It seems like you are the only one left who cares about Yahweh. The world and those around you seem intent on persecuting your faith and not having a scare for true, godly righteousness. Man’s inhumanity to manis rampant; violence seems to be the norm; wars and rumors of war sound forth loudly once again. Is there hope for this wicked world? Does anyone still worship Jesus? Is it best that the world devour itself and we simply greet the joy of eternal Paradise? That’s how Elijah felt, and he is one of the greatest prophets of all times.

6. How does Yahweh comfort him? Elijah takes a nap, and when he awoke an angel had prepared a meal for him to eat. He took another nap, then awoke and ate again. Yahweh first dealt with Elijah’s physical needs. He was exhausted and hungry; this can often make despair or depression worse, so Yahweh gives Elijah the needed sleep and nourishment he needed to strengthen his physical body. Then Y deals with Elijah’s spiritual needs. You are not alone Elijah. I, Yahweh, am with you, and there are still 7000 in Israel who worship Me. There is strength and encouragement in community that gathers in the Name of Yahweh. Finally, Yahweh gives Elijah a task, because his work isn’t complete. An important task of a prophet was to anoint the king who has Y’s favor. Elijah is told to anoint a new king for Syria and also a new king for Israel (1. Kings 19,15-18). Then he is told to anoint his prophetic successor, Elisha (1. Kings 19,19). Elijah is encouraged: he isn’t alone, Yahweh is still working in this fallen world and His gospel will continue to be proclaimed.

7. Lent is similar to these days in Elijah’s life in 1. Kings 19 where he fasted 40 days after Yahweh spoke to him. Elijah had despaired that all was lost in Israel, but Yahweh gave him another 20 years of prophetic ministry throughout Israel before he was assumed into heaven. During Lent we repent, reflect and renew. Throughout this 40 days of preparation, Yahweh is strengthening us with His gifts. We gather together for worship, and we are encouraged. We are not alone. Yahweh is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34,18).

8. Saint Patrick’s prayer captures this quite well:

Christ with me,

Christ before me,

Christ behind me,

Christ in me,

Christ beneath me,

Christ above me,

Christ on my right,

Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down,

Christ when I sit down,

Christ when I arise. (St. Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer cf. lsb 604 Patrick 372-466)

This is most certainly true.

9. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippines 4,7). Amen.

10. Let us pray. O Almighty Father, Eternal God, for us You sent Your Son and let Him suffer the pain of the cross, so that He might drive away from us all the terror of the evil foe. Move us to joyfully give thanks for His suffering through which we have received forgiveness of sins and redemption from eternal death; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Die pommersche Kirchen-Ordnung und Agenda, 288.2; Stratman 35).

To God alone be the Glory

Gode ealdore sy se cyneþrymm

✠

Sunday, March 13, 2022

Matthew 26,36-46. Reminiscenze

Matthew 26,36-46 1722

Reminiscere 26

Euphrasia, Virgin in Egypt, ✠ 410

Ronald Feuerhahn, ✠ 2015

13. März 2022

1. ℣ Christ was wounded for our transgressions:

℟ And bruised for our iniquities (Isaiah 53,5).

O Merciful , Everlasting God, who did not spare Your own Son, but did deliver Him up for us all so that He might bear our sin upon the cross: Grant that our hearts may never be terrified or dismayed in this faith. Amen. (Luther 133).

2. »Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to His disciples: „Sit here, while I go over there and pray.“ And taking with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them: „My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with Me.“ And going a little farther He fell on His face and prayed, saying: „My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.“ And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And He said to Peter: „So, could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.“ Again, for the second time, He went away and prayed: „My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, Your will be done.“ And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, He went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. Then He came to the disciples and said to them: „Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, My betrayer is at hand.“«

3. Prayer is one of the disciplines Lent focuses our attention upon. It is true that we usually pray daily, but during Lent we make a concerted effort to pray more often. These last few years of Lent have indeed given us opportunities to pray more fervently. The past 2 years our prayers focused on doctors, nurses and the sick as we endured the Covid pandemic. This year our focus in on Ukrainians, Russians and world leaders.

4. In Matthew 26, Jesus’ soul is very sorrowful, for His impending Passion is nigh. He prays that if possible, this Passion shall pass from Him. Three times He prayed this, and three times He concluded His prayer with: O Heavenly Father, Your will be done. This is the very petition Jesus taught us to pray in the Lord’s Prayer. Luther writes of this petition the following: „The good and gracious will of God is done even without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also. God’s will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the Devil, the world and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God’s Name or let His kingdom come; and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die. This is His good and gracious will “ (Small Catechism).

5. How often in our prayers we are like the apostles in Matthew 26! Oh, we have good intentions, but fall asleep or even forget to pray. Even a simple prayer that would take 20-30 seconds of our time is not uttered because our fallen flesh is weak. We get distracted; we are tired; or we simply forget. We think there is plenty of time, and fail to realize the hour is close at hand. In Matthew 26, Jesus is just minutes away from betrayal and arrest, but His apostles are oblivious to what is about to befall Him. They had failed to lift Him up in their prayers. How many times, years later, did they chastise themselves for their failure to pray at the hour of Jesus’ greatest need?

6. In the 21. century people may have disregard for prayer, perhaps even sarcastically saying: What good is hope and prayer in this or that tragedy. Luther has a completely different opinion: „Such prayer, then, is to be our protection and defense now, is to repel and put down all that the devil, pope, bishops, tyrants and heretics can do against our gospel. Let them all rage and attempt their utmost, and deliberate and resolve how they may suppress and exterminate us, so that their will and counsel may prevail: over and against this one or two Christians with this petition alone shall be our wall against which they shall run and dash themselves to pieces. This consolation and confidence we have, that the will and purpose of the Devil and of all our enemies shall and must fail and come to naught, however proud, secure and powerful they know themselves to be. For if their will were not broken and hindered, then the kingdom of God could not abide on earth nor His Name be hallowed“ (Large Catechism III,69-70).

7. Hours before His betrayal and arrest, Jesus prayed for His apostles and disciples. He prayed that they remain firm in their faith, prayed for strength in the tribulations of the next couple of days and prayed that they remain united in their faith and love. Jesus succeeded in praying where His apostles failed. Now strengthened in body and soul, Jesus is ready to face the daunting crisis of His betrayal, arrest and condemnation. The Father and He are of the same will; the salvation of mankind will be achieved.

8. We often refer to Sunday worship as Gottesdienst (God’s Service) to us. God gives to us in the liturgy, the hymns, the Word and the Sacraments. He also gives to us in the prayers, and so our prayers are also Gottesdienst to us and to others. In Matthew 26, Jesus’ prayers were not just for Himself, but for His disciples and the entire world. He was about to save all men and women; His prayer served us. God takes the initiative, and we can only approach Him with empty hands to receive His gifts with joy.

9. Jesus told His disciples: »The Son of Man did not come to be served, but He has come to serve and give His life as a ransom for all people« (Matthew 20,28). He was tempted as we are tempted, and He overcame Satan. He suffered tribulations, and He did the will of His Heavenly Father with His suffering and death. When we struggle with temptations, Jesus supports us and carries us through. Then we falter in prayer, Jesus strengthens us. »Remember Yahweh’s tender mercies and loving-kindness: for they have been ever of old« (Psalm 25,6).

10. Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord;

Peace in our time, O send us!

For there is none on earth but You;

None other to defend us.

You only, Lord, can fight for us. Amen. (Grant Peace, We Pray, in Mercy, Lord lsb 777,1 Latin, c. 6. century; adapt. Martin Luther).

This is most certainly true.

12. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4,7). Amen.

13. Let us pray. O Almighty Father, Eternal God, for us You sent Your Son and let Him suffer the pain of the cross, so that He might drive away from us all the terror of the evil foe. Move us to joyfully give thanks for His suffering through which we have received forgiveness of sins and redemption from eternal death. Amen. (Die pommersche Kirchen-Ordnung und Agenda 288.2; Stratman 35).

To God alone be the Glory

Gode ealdore sy se cyneþrymm

✠

Thursday, March 10, 2022

2. Corinthians 6,1-10. Invocavit

2. Corinthians 6,1-10 1622

Invocavit 25

Fridolin, Abbot at St. Hilaire, France. ✠ 538

6. Marz 2022

1. ℣ He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will deliver him and honor him.

℟ With long life will I satisfy him: and show him My salvation (Psalm 91,15a.c.16).

O Lord Jesus Christ, with Your grace abide with us, so that henceforth the wicked enemy's cunning may not harm us. Amen. (Act bleb mit deiner Gnade gepreist elkg 276,1 2021 Josua Stegmann)

2. »Working together with Him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you. [Isaiah 49,8] Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, ⁵beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.«

3. In 1999 Daniel Reitz wrote the following in his article The Suffering Irish: „The Irish have suffered, as few other peoples have, from famine, civil war and occupation. You could even say that pain is the Irish way of life. They don't really need a reason to suffer, but they do have an explanation for why so many of them endure it: God. For Irish Catholics -- the fold that brought forth James Joyce, Edna O'Brien and Frank McCourt -- suffering has always been presented as something offered up to God, a sort of insurance policy to increase your likelihood of getting into heaven“ (Salon Tuesday 31. August 1999).

4. One only need watch the TV news or scroll through the Internet to find stories about Ukrainians suffering at the hands of Russian invasion and military attacks upon their cities. The close cultural connections that Ukraine and Russia historically share make the fighting even more painful as it is akin to brother fighting brother or cousin fighting cousin. The same sibling rivalry as old as Genesis 4 is being played out again in a 21. century adaptation of Cain and Abel.

5. Paul tells the Corinthians: »but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger.« Christian’s do indeed suffer in this earthly life. Our Gospel pericope reminds us today as we journey through the 1. week of Lent that even Jesus Himself, the holy Son of God, suffered and was tempted at the hands of Satan. In the middle of St. Matthew’s Gospel Jesus says: »A disciple is not above his teacher …. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher …. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. And whoever does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me« (Matthew 10,24-25.38). Trials and hardships are part and parcel for the Christian life.

6. Jesus came to this earth to take up His cross. He was born with human flesh and born under the law to put Him in our place complete with trials, hardships and tribulations. Jesus is the Son of God, but He was treated as an imposter and a blasphemer; He is the Word made flesh who dwelt among us, but He was not known as God by many people; Jesus is the Life of the world, but He was crucified, died and was buried; He brought the Heavenly Father’s pure grace and mercy into this fallen world, and yet Jesus’ spirit was sorrowful over the many who rejected the gospel; He is rich, yet Jesus became poor for our sakes; He has all the treasures of heaven, but He set them all aside for a time so as to come to this earth; Jesus was bruised for our iniquities and crushed for our transgressions.

7. Paul quotes in his Epistle the Prophet Isaiah: »In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you« (Isaiah 49,8). That’s Yahweh speaking through Isaiah. Yahweh heard, and He sent Jesus to help us, for Jesus had always been the Helper promised to us since Adam brought sin upon all mankind. Paul looked to Jesus in every tribulation he faced.

8. The Psalmist assures us that Yahweh will answer us and deliver us. Whatever cross we bear on behalf of Christ, we do not bear it alone — Jesus is with us. Paul says: »We are treated as imposters, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as nothing, yet possessing everything.« This is the promise of the gospel and the fruit of the gospel.

9. This gift is given to us in Christ Jesus our Savior. He was tempted as we are tempted, yet He did not sin. He suffered hardship, yet persevered. He bore our iniquities, and redeemed us back to God the Father. He died and was buried, then He rose from the grave. Christ is our Hope and our Helper, our Savior and our Salvation. We follow Him through tribulation; we trust Him in all things. We await His 2. advent.

10. Who trusts in God

A strong abode

In heav’n and earth possesses;

Who looks in love

To Christ above,

No fear the heart oppresses.

In You alone,

Dear Lord, we own

Sweet hope and consolation,

Our Shield from foes,

Our Balm for woes,

Our goal and sure Salvation. (Who Trusts in God a Strong Abode lsb 714,1 Joachim Magdeburg)

This is most certainly true.

11. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippines 4,7). Amen.

12. Let us pray. O Merciful, Eternal God, You did not spare Your own Son, but gave Him up for us all to bear our sins on the cross. Give our hearts such faith so that we may never be frightened or despair. Amen. (Die pommersche Kirchen-Ordnung und Agenda, 288.1; Stratman 35).

To God alone be the Glory

Gode ealdore sy se cyneþrymm

✠

Friday, March 4, 2022

Mark 8,31-38. Quinquagesima

Mark 8,31-38 1522

Quinquagesima 23

Gelasius, actor, Martyr 297

27. Februar 2022

1. ℣ Be Thou my Strong Rock: for an house to defense to save me.

℟ Thou art my Rock and my Fortress: therefore for Thy Name’s sake lead me and guide me (Psalm 31,2-3).

O Lord Jesus, the chosen Christ of Your Father; cover our sins, and kindle in us such love, so that by our good works we may please our neighbor, and in doing so we do as You do, O Son of God. Amen. (Ein wahrer Glaube Gotts Zorn stillt elkg 646,8 2021 A True Faith Quiets God’s Wrath).

2. »And Jesus began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And He said this plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But turning and seeing His disciples, Jesus rebuked Peter and said: „Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.“ And He called to Him the crowd with His disciples and said to them: „If anyone would go after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when He arrives in the Glory of His Father with the holy angels.“«

3. The Gospel according to Mark highlights the signs and miracles Jesus performed and has less of the lengthy teaching pericopes found in Matthew and Luke. So when Mark writes down something lengthy Jesus said, it is a case to stop and ponder those words. In the 8. Chapter he writes that Jesus plainly spoke of His Passion. He did not use a parable, a metaphor or symbolism, rather He told it to His disciples straight and true. He must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after 3 days rise again.

4. This plain speak was a teaching in response to a question He had just asked His disciples: Who do you say that I am (8,29). Answering for all the disciples, Peter confessed: You are the Christ (8,29).Jesus then informs them that the Christ must suffer, die and rise again.

5. This teaching surprised and shocked His disciples. There is no outright hostility to Jesus at this point in the Gospel, at least none that His disciples seem to be aware of. Yes, there has been disagreements between Jesus and the Pharisees over the interpretation of the law of Moses, but that was common among Pharisaical debates. Yes, the Nazarenes drove Jesus from their synagogue, but that could be expected as a prophet was rarely well-received in his hometown. The only extreme response thus far in Mark occurred in Chapter 3, where the Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against Him, how to destroy/kill Him (3,6). This was in response to a disagreement between Jesus and those Pharisees in regards to the Sabbath and work. But was this meeting between the Pharisees and the Herodians common knowledge or a secret known only by the Pharisees and the Herodians? Were the disciples aware of this meeting and its decision? Mark is silent here.

6. The Pharisees and the scribes controlled the synagogues and regulated the interpretation and teaching of the Torah. Their chief teaching was that a person is declared by God to be righteous based on their obedience to the Commandments, and they did not believe they were sinners in need of repentance because they were zealous in obeying those Commandments. The Herodians are only mentioned 3 times in the New Testament (Matthew 22,16; Mark 3,6; and 12,13-17). they were probably a faction that supported the policies and the government of the Herodian family, particularly Tetrarch (ruler of 0ne-quarter) Herod Antipas who ruled Galilee and Perea from 4 bc - ad 39. The machinations of the Pharisees and the Herodians culminated in the arrest, trial and condemnation of Jesus.

7. But Jesus’ disciples were shocked that the Pharisees and the Herodians would conspire against Jesus, for they saw Him as one who upheld the Torah, interpreted it rightly and was respectful to His king, Herod Antipas. Jesus, however, was not as naive as His disciples. He knew His messianic claim would threaten Herod Antipas, and He knew His proper interpretation of the Sinai covenant would offend many of the Pharisees. This confrontation could only end in suffering and death.

8. Jesus calls upon us to take up our cross and follow Him. We must be willing to suffer and be persecuted for our faith in Jesus. Those who are opposed to Jesus will oppose us too, and they will persecute us. Those who are ashamed of Jesus, of them will He also be ashamed. Those who are steadfast to Jesus, of them will He also be steadfast, and He is steadfast to those who believe in Him. By night or by day, in youth and in old age, drifting or doubting, in good times and in bad, Jesus is daily with us, beside and carrying us when need be.

9. Christ be my Savior in calm as in strife;

Death cannot hold me, for He is the life.

Nor darkness nor doubting nor sin and its stain

Can touch my salvation: with Jesus I reign (Christ Be My Leader lsb 861,3).

This is most certainly true.

12. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4,7). Amen.

13. Let us pray. O Lord God, Heavenly Father, since that evil spirit, the Devil, always prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking to devour us, You want to shield us by Your dear holy angels from all his cunning and terror, for Your dear Son’s sake. Through Your Holy Spirit, give us repentant hearts, so that we may serve You in all soberness and vigilance. Amen. (Die pommersche Kirchen-Ordnung und Agenda 287.2; Stratman 35).

To God alone be the Glory

Gode ealdore sy se cyneþrymm

✠

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Galatians 4,21-31. Laetare

Saturday, March 26, 2022

1. Kings 19,1-13a. Oculi

Sunday, March 13, 2022

Matthew 26,36-46. Reminiscenze

Thursday, March 10, 2022

2. Corinthians 6,1-10. Invocavit

Friday, March 4, 2022

Mark 8,31-38. Quinquagesima